An unpleasant surprise

You're sitting on the porch of your house prison, rocking on a gift chair from Alessa when they arrive. Alessa herself had left a few hours back, this being one of the days she had to report in, and informed you on the way out that she would try to get those records unsealed. You'd smiled and wished her good luck, then proceeded to drink two cups of coffee and while the day away with reading and studying. You may have been suspended from school, but that didn't mean you could afford to slack off. Now that you had hope of a favorable verdict, the future you'd always envisioned didn't seem like such an impossibility.

You should've known that would be too easy.

You try not to stare as they exit their nondescript sedan and approach the house. Big, burly, with drab, forgettable clothes and faces that are equally so. Your instincts flare up big time as you slowly rise to your feet and paste on a friendly smile.

"Howdy," you call when they close to about twelve feet, their aim too clear to mistake.

They keep coming, unfazed, and stop about six feet away from you, hands in their pockets.

You arch an eyebrow partway before catching yourself and forcing on an amicable air. "What brings you fine gentlemen out to suburbia on a day like this? Can't be for the sightseeing." You wave to indicate the grayed-out skies.

Their expressions remain grim, and you sigh internally, your complacent mask finally slipping.

"What the hell do you want?"

The smaller (though not by much) man opens his mouth to reply, eyes cold. "Little birdy told us another birdy's been digging around your case, cuttin' into things they shouldn't be."

"Why? Because they were supposed to have been paid not to?"

The other man's eyes flash. "Everyone has their role to play. We're just here to make sure you play yours."

"Or what?" you snarl.

They exchange a look. "Or we make you."

A grin slowly spreads over your features as your voice unconsciously takes on a superior air. "Tell me, what could you boys possibly do that would be worse than what'll happen to me in jail, huh?" You take a step toward them, one step down off the porch. "See, I figure, I take the beating now, and then I trash your employers in court." You smile with teeth. "I think that particular form of **** should provide more than enough balm to make up for the whipping."

"Assuming you're the one taking the whipping."

And immediately, your smile vanishes as cold dread fills you to the brim.

The smaller man gets a sinister glint in his eyes. "See, we were told to ensure your cooperation by any means necessary, and I've always wanted to give voice lessons to a birdy. Wonder how far I'll get before she gives out." He smirks. "Either way, I think we'll enjoy ourselves, don't you?"