Black Friday

         Black Friday is the most dangerous event of the year besides Christmas. People died in these legal raids, hence overflowing law officials at 4AM. Best friends Shaylnn, Clara, and Demy prepared for war.
         Shaylnn saw the dangerous glances people threw at each other, the predatory way desires were snatched from hooks and shelves. Everything from Nikes to Jimmy Choos prowled the halls, but Shaylnn made a plan to get in and out with the most success. At a bench in the extravagant mall’s center, they took turns guarding their growing bounty.
         Hours later, Shaylnn gladly took the chance to rest. “Wow, you could clothe a small country with all that.” a young male voice was suddenly behind her and she whipped around to see a guy sitting in the bench abut to hers.
         Glancing from the handsome brunette’s friendly emerald eyes to the three towering mounds, she admitted, “I guess so.” then added after noticing his Wal-Mart special clothing and lack of merchandise, “Why are you here?”
         “Ah, ‘m just here for the show… And maybe an opportunity.” At her questioning look he added, “Sometimes, one of these people will be nice enough to give me something I can’t get myself.”
         They fell silent for a while, Shaylnn not knowing what else to say. Glancing back at him, she noticed him hurriedly look away. Great, now this guy was going to hit on her. Sighing, she brushed her auburn locks away from her face and checked her watch. “So, did you hit your goal?” he asked.
         “Yeah, but my friends are still shopping. It’s kind of a tradition.” she said, shrugging, and then he offered his hand.
         “I’m Peter, by the way.” His eyes almost glittered. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”
         “Shaylnn.” She hesitantly took his hand and they shared a smile. He opened his mouth, probably to propose a date, when her friends finally returned.
         “Okay girl, we’re almost done!” Demy announced as she dropped her load of bags into her pile.
         Their eyes landed on Peter as he stood to greet them. “This is Peter. Peter, this is Clara and Demy.” Shaylnn introduced them as they shook hands.
         “Nice to meet you.” he smiled radiantly.
         “Hi.” they chorused. As Clara blushed slightly and Demy flipped her long obsidian hair, all Shaylnn could do was smile and roll her eyes.
         “Okay, I’ll be right back.” Throwing her friends an amused smile, she crossed the walkway to the long deserted hall for the restrooms.
         Later police reports confirmed Shaylnn talking with a young male approximately mid- twenties in plain clothing with no apparent labels. Friends Demy Marshall and Clara Bevin met the suspect and then witnessed him leave in the direction Shaylnn had gone. An inspection of the hall found a discarded purse, no wallet, and an ether doused rag.
         Later that day, the suspect was ID-ed as Peter Downs, leader of an activist group sending stolen goods, and people, to third world countries.