Three Gruff G.O.A.T.s

Three brothers arrived in the parking lot of the event through all the glitz, glam and camera flashes. There were luxury cars parked all over. The car door opened and three men stepped out. The first was young, just starting his career as a small-time DJ with big dreams. The second was a well respected mid-career journalist known for his integrity. The third was a big-time world famous actor whose charisma commanded attention.

“It’s the brother’s Gruff” shouts one news reporter.

The cameras all turn to the three men. Reporters from big new channels to little local papers all rushed forward to the Gruff brothers. The Gruffs noticed that there seemed to be more people here in the parking lot than on the other side of the river where the event was to be held. There was a bridge over to the event with a man sitting in a chair next to the bridge entrance. The bridge was ornate, with a red carpet that ran down its center.

“What’s going on?” asked the young Gruff.

The closest reporter answered, “The security guard isn’t letting people into the event.”

The Gruffs looked beyond the group of cameras to where the bridge to the event was and could see the guard sitting there. The younger Gruff nodded and looked to his brothers.

“It’s ok,” he said, “I’ll go see what’s up. The cameras want you two more anyway.”

As the young Gruff walked off, the older two drew the attention of the crowd. The security guard swelled with anticipation as he saw the young Gruff walking over. He stood tall with his clipboard, cell phone card reader, and security uniform.

“Who approaches my bridge?” the guard called out as the young Gruff came closer.

“Yo, It’s me, small DJ Gruff, heading into the event to drop some beats.”

“Not so fast,” stated the guard, “I can’t let you pass if you can’t pay the toll.”

“Man, I’m broke. I’m sure my brother can pay you more than I could.” replied the young Gruff. “He will be along shortly, but if you let me in I can give you a shout out over the loudspeakers.”

The guard looked over to the group of reporters. The thought of a shout out and a bigger payout from the next brother sounded good to him, so he let the young Gruff in.

Seeing their younger brother cross the bridge, the older brothers nodded. The big-time actor told his middle brother to go on ahead.

So, the middle brother Gruff backed away from the reporters and headed over to the guard. Again, the guard rose and swelled with pride at his position.

“Who approaches my bridge?” he called out as the medium brother walked closer.

“It’s just me, middle journalist Gruff.”

“Ah, the small DJ said you could pay his way,” the guard said, “I’m going to need one thousand dollars to cross the bridge.”

“Did he say that,” questioned the middle Gruff as he started to feel his coat pockets for his wallet. “Just a moment.”

“I have all night,” said the guard preparing the card reader.

After a few moments, the middle Gruff said, “It would seem that I left my wallet at home, but I can assure you, my big brother over there will be along in a few moments. He is a famous actor and will be able to pay you. I’ll give you a good write up in tomorrow’s paper if you let me in.”

The guard looked over to see that indeed, one more individual was holding the attention of all the reporters in a way that no person of small or medium fame could do. This individual would pay a handsome toll for sure.

The guard nodded, “If you’re with the big one, then I’ll wait for him and you can go in.”

The middle Gruff smiled as he walked past the guard and crossed the bridge.

Seeing his brothers both having entered the event, the big Gruff shooed the reporters away so he could approach the guard. He pulled out his phone and began live streaming.

“Who approaches my bridge?” called out the guard, as he prepared the card reader, for this man for sure would not be crossing the bridge without paying.

“It’s me, big actor Gruff,” he said, “me and about a thousand of my fans watching me walk into this event.”

“I need you to pay a toll to cross my bridge,” stated the guard, “and you have to cover your brothers.”

“Is that so?” asked big Gruff.

“Yes, one hundred thousand dollars.”

The big Gruff shook his head, his sharp eye catching details that others would miss.

“That’s a bit much for such an event, especially for a troll bridge guard,” the big Gruff said pointing at the extra letter on the guard’s badge. He looked back at the phone, “It seems this guard shouldn’t be here. Can one of you confirm with the event if they even have a guard?”

The troll guard paled in fear. It was true, he was not hired for the event. His small start-up was failing and he was desperate for money to keep it running. He figured something this big, no one would notice.

Suddenly cheers went up from people in the parking lot. Big Gruff smiles as he sees several comments on his live stream. It seems that several of those watching called the police. He turns back to the troll guard.

“I believe those are for you.”

“What do you mean, why would they be cheering for me?” ask the troll guard.

Before the big Gruff could respond, some of the reporters separated and allowed police to come though.

“I’m sorry, but you are going to need to come with me,” the officer said to the troll guard.

The guard looked around, but the other reporters were crowding near, there was no place to run. His shoulders slumped, and he hung his head.

Big Gruff nodded to the officer and the reporters, then he took his live-streaming phone and crossed the bridge. Before entering the event, all three Gruffs watched as the police officer put cuffs on the troll guard. All the others in the parking lot that the troll guard had been keeping out cheered and began filing across the bridge.

Many speaking to the cameras on the way through, thanking the Gruffs and calling them G.O.A.T.s for finding the fraudster. They also thanked the police for taking the troll away. The rest of the night went by in a blur of fun, food and great music. The brothers Gruff enjoyed their time at the event, small DJ got his turn at the turn tables and gave a shout out to the troll guard as he said he would. Middle journalist got a great story for the paper and stayed true to his word by including the troll guard. Big actor got his reputation boosted and all the attention for his deeds in helping uncover the troll guard.