The Coffee Wars

The Coffee Wars

A Story by Ronnie
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A trilogy of short stories all set around an independent coffee shop. Each story filled with numerous references from the one thing that opened my mind the world of creativity.

"
A New Blend Lucas fumbled with a napkin as he looked at his text message again from Jade. 'Meet me at the coffee shop at 4pm, I will be wearing a Star Wars t-shirt.x' He smiled as he read the last part, his inner geek cheered with joy. Lucas stirred his coffee a sixth time, the clinking sound aggravated the two guys sat with their laptops on the opposite table. The short one out of the two looked at Lucas with a friendly gesture of "please don't do that". Lucas apologized and fumbled with his phone to check the time. He typed a message to Jade. 'I am at the coffee shop, would you like me to get you a drink? x' The bell above the door rang as it opened, he looked up in excitement. But it was an old man with a long brown hooded coat who walked in and made his way towards the counter. Lucas checked his phone again still no message He looked around the shop to try and calm his nerves. George, the giant of a man with a thick woolly jumper in the corner let out the loudest yawn Lucas had ever heard, it startled everybody in the coffee shop. Even the owner behind the counter banged his head on the coffee machine, he grabbed the counter as he steadied himself. The old man removed his hood and peered over the counter at Mr Kessell. "Don't worry you will be alright, Bob." Said the old man. "Nothing like a good coffee machine, Ben, this is better than your franchised coffee shop rubbish." "That it is Bob, that it is, you bring balance to this crazy world we live in." Lucas looked at his phone it was 3.56pm. His palms became clammy at the thought of what might happen. He checked his phone when he heard a beep, but no message or call, he then saw the old man pull out his phone. He jumped up when he heard the bell again. All he saw was a man walk in dressed in a black suit, he placed his briefcase on the floor near the counter. As Lucas sat back down he heard the conversation unfold. "Welcome to Millennium. How can I help you?" "Hello, I am Vincent Adder here on behalf of the Empire Coffee, I have been tasked with the job of offering you a sizeable amount of money to bring you into the franchise." "Well tell that greed, son of.." "Bob." Cautioned the old man. "Sorry, Ben." "The offer is a great one it Mr Kessell, I would recommend you consider it." "No and that is my final decision Mr Adder, now can I ask you to kindly leave?" "We have ways and means of persuasion, Mr Kessell. We will be back." "My decision is final." Lucas heard some cups get slammed down on the worktop as Mr Adder left the shop. The doorbell rang again, Bob welcomed the customer to Millennium Coffee. "Please, can I have a Java with milk?" "I am really sorry but we're out of Java at the moment. Could I get you something else?" "A latte please, large." "Coming up." Lucas looked down at his phone, still nothing. In the corner of his screen, he saw the clock turn 4pm. His head dropped in disappointment, he just wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. The bell rang again, Lucas didn't move this time, he had a bad feeling that he had been stood up. "Welcome to Millennium, oh hey Jade what are you doing here?" "Who was that guy?" "He's from Empire Coffee." "I hope you told him where to go?" "I did, what are you doing here?" "I'm here to meet a friend?" "Is it one of your geeky friends." "It's a boy if you must know, Dad." Lucas heard the soft tone in the response, as he turned he saw her. She was average height with curves, dark brown hair, wearing Star Wars - A New Hope' t-shirt. He smiled and she smiled back then walked over to him. To be continued........ Empire likes it black no sugar. Lucas looked out of the coffee shop window, the hustle and bustle of the street flowed by him. He looked up when he heard the doorbell ring. Mr Baker walked in and moved in short strides to the same table he always sat at, he then removed his jacket and threw it on the chair. Lucas had seen this happen on a daily basis for the last month. "Good afternoon, Mr Baker." Lucas was shocked that he didn't get a response. With his slender frame, Mr Daniels moved around the tables like a reed in the wind. He stopped at the table Lucas occupied. "Good afternoon, Lucas. I want to apologize for Mr Baker's rudeness, he has something on his mind. How are you today?" "I'm good thanks. There's no need to apologize. Hope he solves the problem that troubles him." "I am sure he will figure it out. What are you doing here?" Lucas tapped a key so that his laptop didn't go into sleep mode, a word document appeared titled, Drexler Chronicles. "Just beginning my novel Mr Daniels, I have been thinking it over for the last few days." "What is it about? If you don't mind me asking." "Not at all it's about an intergalactic private investigator and the cases he works." "Well, I will leave you to it and good luck." "Thanks, have a good day Mr Daniels." Lucas began to type away on his laptop, occasionally he sipped his coffee. Something caused a big bang from the storage room that broke his concentration. As the door opened Jade appeared her uniform covered in what looked like blue milk. He watched Mr Kessell as he turned away from his coffee machine and looked at her. "What happened?" "Knocked into the shelf, smashed a milk carton and a jar of food colouring. Why do we even have food colouring? Dad." "You never know. Oh, Lucas is here." Lucas smiled at her, as she turned around. "You got some on your face still." She began to blush as she walked over, then she gave him a peck on the cheek and ruffled his blonde hair. He smiled at her as she turned and walked away. "Lucas." "Yes, Mr Kessell." Lucas turned and saw Bob point to the fresh coffee on the counter. As he walked over, he saw a man on his phone just outside the shop looking down the road. With his hot coffee, he sat back down and began to type up his story on the laptop. As his fingers clicked away he heard the doorbell go, but he didn't stop typing. He heard Jade humming to herself as she came from the storage room. ''Mr Kessell.'' "Yes, how can I help you?" "I am DCI Hutt, this is DCI Mayhew. We are here to shut you down, it has been brought to our attention that you have been money laundering. Please come with us willingly? We don't want to use force." "That's not true, that's impossible." "It is useless to resist, Mr Kessell." "I will be contacting my lawyers, this is a joke." Jade rushed towards the counter. "Dad!" Said Jade. "Everything will be okay, Jade." Lucas turned around when the words broke his concentration. The shock hit him when he saw who uttered the words. "Dad!!" "Lucas" Lucas stood up from his table. "DCI Mayhew is your dad? Lucas." "Yeah, why don't you have the same last name then? Your last name is Hamil." "My mum remarried, Jade, back when I was 7 and changed my last name then." Lucas walked up to his dad with a confused look at what was going on and a shocked look as he hadn't seen his dad for over a month. Jade stood beside her dad who winked at her. Lucas glanced at Jade, he could see she was upset, he then threw a look of anger towards his dad. "Why are you doing this dad?" "I am under orders. We have been given substantial evidence to prove this." "I have been coming here for weeks and haven't seen anything suspicious happen." "The evidence is conclusive, son, photos, detailed financial reports." "Please, can you do something, Dad?" "Sorry son, I am following the clues and evidence." "Yeah, you're a real hero, dad." Lucas walked passed Jade, his head dropped in disgust at his father's actions. He sat back down at the table. He watched as Mr Kessell turned to Jade and winked at her, she nodded and headed for the counter. The doorbell rang and in walked Mr Adder dressed in his black suit, he turned and held the door open, behind him was another man with a large frame who walked to the counter. Lucas watched as Mr Kessell pointed to his father and partner. He watched as chubby DCI Hutt stepped forward. "Hi, Mr Kessell, is this a bad time?" "Who the hell are you?" "My name is Evan Cornelius. I am here to offer you a deal personally. Are you willing to talk business? But first, could I trouble you for a coffee black no sugar." "As you can see I am little busy, with these officers, Mr Cornelius." "Never mind them, Mr Kessell, let me deal with them," Said, Mr Cornelius. Mr Cornelius turned towards DCI Hutt, he then whispered something, before the officers turned and left the coffee shop. Mr Adder closed the door behind them and then stood there silently. Mr Cornelius removed his gloves, hat and placed them both on the nearest table. Mr Kessell then began to pour a fresh coffee and placed it on the table before he sat down. "We would be honoured if you would join the family at Empire Coffee Store. If you join with us, we could become the most powerful Coffee franchise In the world." "Noooo!!" "Think of your daughter's future, because if you do not join with me I will destroy your business. What will your answer be, Mr Kessell?" Lucas heard the door rattle as the man in the woolly jumper banged his chest in frustration at not being allowed into the shop, Mr Adder stood firm and stayed silent. He turned when he heard Jade as she began to talk on the phone. "Oh Ben, you must help. You're his only hope." Lucas watched her smile as she put down the phone before she disappeared into the back of the store. He turned and watched his dad through the window as he argued with his partner. Lucas could feel the anger grow in his heart and he began to rise up from the table. But a voice from the table called out. "Let go of your anger, it only leads to suffering." Lucas turned to see Mr Baker stood behind him, he then sat back down. A crash came from the storage room and as the door opened, in hobbled Ben, who began to shout. "It's a trap, don't do it." "Aargh. We meet again old man." "I recognised your handy work, Evan. You're a fool to think you can succeed." "So who is more foolish; the fool, or the fool who follows the fool. Mr Kessell or you." "Don't underestimate me, Evan, I am changing the deal." Lucas watched Ben as he placed his hand on Mr Kessell's shoulder who turned and looked towards Jade as she stepped forward. "I love you" Mr Kessell looked down at her his daughter. "I know." Jade wrapped her arms around her father before he was escorted away by Hutt and Mayhew. Mr Cornelius and Mr Adder followed behind them Lucas walked over to Jade, she tapped Ben on the shoulder. "This is your plan?" "It'll all work out." "Really...coz I've got a bad feeling about this." "Now Jade I find your lack of faith disturbing." Jade walked off into the back of the store. To be continued... Return of the Java Lucas held Jade in his arms, he moved her hair and placed his hand on her face. He smiled at her and her smile beamed back. They both turned when they heard a tap on the window. A slim face squashed against the glass, as it pulled away it became clear who it was, a soaked Mr Daniels. As he approached the door, he looked down and could see that Mr Baker was eager to get inside as he tapped his foot and checked his phone. Mr Daniels took hold of the drenched umbrella and shook the rain off as Mr Baker stepped through the door. "Hello Mr Baker, how are you doing today?" "Very busy, very busy." Lucas watched him walk to his favourite table against the far wall, Mr Baker then opened his laptop and began to type with ferocity. As Mr Daniels placed the umbrella in the bucket near the counter, the door swung open, in walked George in his brown woolly jumper. Behind him was Mr Adder dressed in his black suit. Lucas wondered if he wore anything else, he looked out of the window to see if Mr Cornelius was behind him. "Can somebody get this walking rug out of my way!" George turned and growled something that Lucas couldn't understand, Mr Adder did not flinch and he just sat down and stared out of the window. Jade walked from the counter and placed a fresh cup of coffee in front of George before she headed for the storage room. Lucas picked up his phone as it beeped, another message appeared on the screen. 'Please, can we talk son.' He hit delete and placed the phone into his pocket, then the phone behind the counter rang. Lucas ran to the storage room and pushed the door open. "Jade, it's for you." The phone was snatched from his hand, as he turned away from the door Mr Daniels called him over. He walked to the table. "Can I help with anything, Mr Daniels." "Yes, please could we have two fresh cups of Coffee?" "Sure not a problem, how hard can it be to make a coffee." "The froth is strong in you." Mr Daniels began to laugh, even Mr Baker chuckled, but he didn't do for long. Lucas couldn't control himself and he busts out into a cackle. "I'm sorry young Lucas, I couldn't resist." "It was a brilliant, Mr Daniels, that will tickle me for days." "It will for me too. How are you doing?" "I am good thanks. I have been meaning to ask, Mr Daniels, what do you and Mr Baker do for a living?" "We both run a company called ILM. We assess businesses, sounds flash but it's not it's all binary really." "Sounds interesting, if you need anything else just give me a shout." "That we will. Thanks, Lucas." Lucas watched as Mr Baker on his laptop as he punched the keys with purpose. He heard Jade on the phone as she reappeared from the storage room, as the call ended she punched the air. "Why you so happy?" "We have an order of Java coming in at some point today." Lucas held the tray by his side and looked at Jade, she tilted her head at him and smiled. "You don't have to help out to impress me?" "I know I don't, but you were busy, I thought the retailers were out of stock." "Well, luck has it that they have been able to get hold of replacement blend of the Java we originally ordered." "That's great news. Heard anything about your dad?" "No, not yet." "You will. I can feel it." The doorbell rang and a man walked in with a plastic box under his arm, he walked directly over to the table occupied by, Mr Baker and Mr Daniels. Lucas and Jade looked at the man as he passed by them, his slight round figure wobbled with each step. In his plastic tub were what looked like muffins. Mr Daniels and Mr Baker greeted the muffin man with a handshake before he set next to them. Lucas watched them as they whispered and pointed to the laptops. Jade looked over towards Mr Adder, she picked up an order form and walked over to him. "Mr Adder could I get you anything?" "No that won't be necessary, Mr Cornelius will be here shortly to give you the final offer, you hold the key to your father's life." "Why? My Dad told you we won't be selling...ever... isn't that clear enough?" "Everybody has a price, Miss Kessell. Everything is happening as it has been foreseen." "We'll never join you!" "Search your feelings you know this is the only choice." "Why you... womp rat!" Lucas stepped passed Jade as she stormed away, he could see she was hiding the anger and tears. She grabbed his hand and stopped him, her grip tightened. He watches as the emotionless face of Mr Adder returned to the window and the world as it passed by. The phone rang and Jade answered the phone, Lucas watched her face light up. "Is your dad on his way?" "He has been released and cleared of all charges. He is a few minutes away." "Brilliant news." They both looked, at Mr Adder as he opened his jacket and removed his phone. A look of panic filled his face, Jade smiled along with Lucas. In the corner, another phone rang and Mr Daniels reached across the table and answered the call, as Mr Baker carried on a conversation with the muffin man. Lucas watched, Mr Adder as he stood and walked to the front of the shop, just as a car pulled up. He opened the door for the arrival of Evan Cornelius. He carried a briefcase as he was escorted to the table Mr Adder had occupied. Mr Cornelius opened the briefcase and placed it on the table, along with a pen. The door swung open to the storage room and out walked Bob. He gave Jade a hug, a peck on the cheek, then winked at her. She had a confused look on her face. "What's going on dad?" "I have just made a deal that will keep Empire Coffee Store out of here forever." "I am confused, dad." "I will explain." Lucas stood by the counter and watched it all unfold. Everybody gathered around the table in the centre of the shop, except George who stayed in his seat. Bob sat down and faced the confident looking Evan Cornelius. "Mr Kessell over the years I have been bringing shops into the fold of the Empire brand, you will no different. Everybody has a price." "I think I am going to say no thanks, Mr Cornelius." "Your thoughts betray you. Search your feelings. If you join the circle will be complete." "The answer is still no." Bob stood up and walked away from the table but paused when he Mr Adder stood in front of him. Mr Cornelius placed his flat cap on his head and fastened his jacket. "Please think about the deal, Mr Kessell, it would be a mistake to walk away." "I think you will find that it is you who are mistaken..about a number of things." "This is the only deal available to you." "No, it's not, there is another. You have my decision and that's final, now please will both leave my coffee stop." Lucas could see the anger in Mr Adder and Mr Cornelius as they exited the shop. Before they left, Mr Cornelius turned and tipped his hat. "Don't underestimate the power of the Empire brand." As the door closed Bob turned and saw Jade stood confused. He smiled at her and held his arms open. Jade hugged her father and looked up at him. "Who have you made a deal with?" "My new silent partner." As Lucas and Jade turned, Ben stepped out from the storage room with a smile on his face. Mr Kessell shook Ben's hand again. "Thanks again, Ben." "One more thing, can I introduce Mani Boffin, of Mani Boffin Muffins." Lucas turned and saw the round figure of Mani step from behind Mr Daniels and Mr Baker. He had a big smile across his face as he approached Bob. "Nice to finally meet you, your shop is cosy and friendly, I am looking forward to our alliance. Only if you want to Mr Kessell." "Ben?" "This deal will help you both. Join forces and fight against the franchise of the Empire." Bob and Mani looked at each other and then shook hands. Jade grabbed the hand of Lucas and walked him outside the store. The rain had turned to drizzle now but it was cool on the skin. Jade turned to Lucas and pulled him close and kissed him, they held each other. A white van pulled up beside them. Jade looked at the side of the van, in a large black font it said, T16 Trading, she turned to Lucas. "Jade, what is it?" Then the window lowered and a voice called out. "I have a delivery, will I be ok parking here?" "Yeah, I will just go and get my father. Lucas do you mind giving him a hand." "Yeah sure." As the driver exited the van Lucas saw that he had a false right hand. To be continued........(Maybe)

© 2019 Ronnie


Author's Note

Ronnie
This was just a bit of fun. A reference filled fest, all taken from my all time favourite set of films.
Bet you can guess which ones?

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Love the SW references, some subtle, some obvious :)

Posted 9 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


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Added on November 4, 2013
Last Updated on February 24, 2019
Tags: coffee, wars, franchise, love, takeover, buyout, latte, java, empire, millennium, lucas, jade, nob, ben.

Author

Ronnie
Ronnie

Lancashire , United Kingdom



About
I enjoy creating , that is pretty much it. I will write in any genre. more..

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