Vengeance Is Mine

“What would the world be like if everyone was truly insane?”

Karmic Vengeance

By

A.L. Williams

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Deuteronomy 32:35

Chapter 1

Bobby Benteen

Kremlin City, August 7^th 4:30 PM

The swing shift started at 4 PM and he is already thirty minutes late. Tardiness is not common for him, but on this day, a break in the daily routine was necessary. Earlier, after getting out of the shower around 3:30 PM, the phone rang. It was a call he had been waiting for, ever since he realized that he wanted to marry her. When he picked up the phone and said hello, the gentleman’s voice on the other end of the line gave him the news he had been so eagerly anticipating for the last fifty-five days.

“Sir, your ring is ready.”

Once he hung up the telephone, he rushed to his bedroom and grabbed the first outfit that was in the vicinity. After getting his jeans on, he ran down the hallway, stumbling as he was putting on his socks. His white tee-shirt remained clinched between his teeth as he hopped on his left foot while trying to put a sneaker on his right. After accidentally knocking a pink coffee mug off of a counter and shattering it onto the kitchen floor, he managed to put on the other sneaker and ran with a great deal of speed out of the backdoor. Once he reached his 2002, Buick LaSabre, he became conscious that he had forgotten the keys. He removed the tee-shirt that he had between his teeth and put his head through the neck-hole. He then made his way to the backdoor only to come to another shocking revelation. The door was locked. Panic set in when he realized that the only way to get back into the house was to climb through the kitchen window. Luckily, that entryway was unlocked. He had to stack two empty milk crates and carefully step up onto them in order to reach the window. Once he opened the window, he pulled himself through fairly easy and began crawling in over the kitchen sink. Unfortunately, as he was about halfway inside, his hand slipped on a wet surface and he plummeted forward. As he fell, he suddenly felt a tug around his neck and his body did a front flip. He let out a loud gagging sound as his feet and hindquarter became the only part of his body to hit the floor. He found himself choking on his own tee-shirt which had gotten snagged on a water faucet. He frantically ripped the shirt as he removed it from his throat and staggered slightly as he made his way back to his feet. Not much time passed when he found a new black tee-shirt and put it on, but he was still unable to locate his car keys. He went to the dining table and began shuffling through a muddle of envelopes, silverware, unwashed dishes, and even knocked over the salt and pepper shakers, but still could not locate the keys.

“Oh great!” he said loudly as he became more aggravated “What the hell am I going to do now?”

Suddenly a single thought roamed through his mind. He shut his eyes for a moment and he began feeling like Elmer Fudd after Bugs Bunny had just been made a fool out of him. A cartoon melody, resembling a donkey echoed in his mind when he realized that the car keys were in his pocket. He quickly gathered his thoughts and again rushed to the backdoor. When he grabbed hold of the doorknob, it turned, but would not open. He struggled with it for a moment, then suddenly the doorknob comes undone and he ended up hitting himself in the stomach with it. As he stood there gasping for air, his eyes widened with disbelief as the door slowly creaked open.

“God,” he said as he looked upward “Are you trying to tell me something?”

He finally made it out of the house and into his car. He started the engine and began backing out into the street. He slammed on the breaks when he heard a loud thud from behind. Looking back, he could see that the neighbor’s mailbox had been knocked over and was lodged between his vehicle and another parked car.

“Oh you have got to be kidding me!” he said

At that very moment, the short heavyset neighbor stormed out of his house to find the source of the commotion. After putting on his glasses, the man’s eye’s turned from confusion and curiosity to anger and contempt when he realized that his mailbox and new car had been damaged.

“Bobby, what the hell are doing?” yelled the angry neighbor “I just bought that damn car yesterday!”

“I’m sorry sir.” Responded Bobby as he peered out of his car window “I’m in kind of a hurry. I promise, I’ll pay for the damages later.”

“You better you big fucker!”

Bobby listened to his neighbor shout obscenities as he put the car in drive and pried it from the mailbox. After properly aligning the vehicle, he then put it in reverse and backed slowly out into the street. He breathed a sigh of relief once he was finally on the road. Later, as he pulled up to a stop sign, he looked down to check his watch. It was 3:48 PM and he knew at this point that he would be late for work. He was not too concerned about that because he had never been late before. Sure, it would put a blemish on his perfect attendance record, but getting to the jewelry store was far more important to him. He continued onward pass the stop sign and headed toward the highway. After some time passed, he exited the highway down a short road that lead to the jewelry store. Once there, he parked his car and quickly got out. He ran inside at 4:10 PM and greeted the receptionist.

“Hello, my name is Bobby Benteen. I was told that my ring is ready.”

“Just a moment sir,” said the petite woman with large coke bottle glasses. “Let me check with the boss.”

Bobby stood there feeling antsy as he watched the woman head to an office in back of the store. At 4:15 PM, the manager stepped out of the office carrying a tiny bundle.

“Hello Mr. Benteen, here’s your ring.”

“Thank you so much.” said Bobby “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it sir.” Said the manager with a smile

“I sure hope so, I’ve been counting the days for this moment.” said Bobby as the manager hands over the bundle. “Well, thanks a lot, I gotta run.”

Bobby turned to walk away but froze in his tracks when the manager suddenly formed a look of confusion on his face.

“Is something wrong sir?” asked Bobby

“Well yes,” responded the manager “You still owe us $150.00. It’s you’re final payment. Did you forget Mr. Benteen?”

“Oh yeah, the last payment,” Said Bobby “I guess I did forget.”

That infamous cartoon donkey melody began playing in his head again when he realized that he had no money on him.

“I’ve got to get to work and pick up my paycheck,” said Bobby with frustration in his voice. “Can I pick the ring up later?”

“Yes you can, but we close at five, so you’ll have to come back tomorrow.”

Bobby checked his watch to see that it was 4:20 PM. The fact that the bank will also be closed at five came to mind for Bobby as well. A new level of excitement overwhelmed him as he handed the bundle back to the manager.

“I’ll be right back!” said Bobby as he turned and ran out of the jewelry store.

Now it is 4:30 PM and he is speeding down the I-25 highway to get to his job. When he spots the turn off point in the distance, he begins to slow down. As he turns off onto the exit, he wonders what kind of a tongue lashing he is going to receive from his boss once he arrives at work. He knows that once he walks in the door to his place of business, he is going have to waste precious time explaining why he is late and why he cannot stay. As he pulls into the “Shari’s Restaurant” parking lot, he anticipates the worse case scenario.

“I’m gonna get fired!” he thinks as he parks his car into the only available space.

He then shuts off the ignition and steps out of the vehicle. He rapidly runs into the restaurant and heads back to the kitchen area. Once there, he walks pass his dishwashing work station and into his boss’s office.

“Hi John.”

“Shit Bobby,” says the boss as he swivels his chair around to look at Bobby. “You scared the crap out of me!”

“I’m sorry John,” says Bobby “Look, I don’t have time to explain right now, but I have to get my check and get out of here. I’m sorry for being so late but…”

“Late for what?” interrupts John

Bobby develops a look of puzzlement on his face.

“Late for work.” Responds Bobby

“What the heck are talking about?” asks the boss “I don’t have you on schedule until tomorrow.”

Bobby rolls his eyes upward to the ceiling as he begins to hear the all too familiar donkey tune ringing loudly in his ears again.

“Ok,” says Bobby as he looks at his watch again “Can I just get my check then? I’ve got about twenty minutes before the bank closes.”

“Sure buddy, no problem.” Says John as he reaches for a stack of envelopes on his desk.

Bobby watches with impatience as his boss sorts through the mass of un-cashed checks trying to find the one that belongs to him.

“Ah Ha, here it is.” Says John as he hands it to Bobby.

Bobby quickly grabs the check from his boss and starts running out of the kitchen area.

“You’re welcome!” yells the boss in a sarcastic voice as he watches his employee leave.

When Bobby makes it back outside, a bombshell drops when he sees a policeman blocking his vehicle with a patrol car and the officer writing a citation.

“Umm, officer?” says Bobby “Why are giving me a ticket?”

“Because you’re parked in a handicapped space sir.” Responds the policeman

Bobby takes the palms of his hands and covers his eyes. He lets out a gentle moan that mimics an animal that he has grown to hate. He does not; however, realize that the officer can hear him.

“He haw, he haw, he haw.”

“What was that?” says the officer in a harsh voice “Are you trying to be a smart ass?”

Bobby rapidly removes his hands from his face and his eyes broaden as he peers at the bitter looking policeman.

“No sir, not at all, I’m just having a very strange day.”

“So what the hell are you making donkey noises for?” storms the officer “You trying to be funny?”

“No sir, I’m just… Umm, well, I just….

All of a sudden, a voice rings out on the patrolman’s radio. The officer gives Bobby a look of utter contempt as he rips the ticket loose from his pad and hands it over.

“You’re lucky I have to take off.” States the policeman “You better watch that attitude pal.”

Bobby stands silent holding his breath as he watches the officer walk off and get into his vehicle. When the policeman finally drives away, Bobby jumps into his car and starts the ignition. As he drives out of the parking lot, he again checks his watch and sees that it is 4:49 PM. Luckily, the bank is not very far from his place of business. A few minutes later, Bobby pulls into the bank parking lot and parks his car. After shutting off the ignition, he promptly gets out of his vehicle and runs into the establishment. Once inside, he steps up to a counter displaying credit card leaflets and begins removing his check, which is still sealed in an envelope. After getting the check out, he reaches for the pen laying close-by. When he picks it up, the pen is suddenly jerked out of his hand by the plastic chain it is linked to.

“Oops.” Says Bobby as he picks up the pen more carefully.

He swiftly signs the check and rushes to the bank personnel. When he hands the check over to the woman, she looks at it with a smile on her face, then turns her attention back to him.

“Do you have a photo ID sir?”

Bobby starts grinding his teeth as he forms a fake grin with his lips.

“I think I left it in the car,” Says Bobby in a low mono-toned voice. “I’ll be right back.”

He turns to head back to his car and again checks his watch. It is now 4:57 PM and it is impossible for him to make it back to the jewelry store. When he makes it to the vehicle, he gets inside and grabs up his wallet from the passenger’s seat. He starts to step out of his car again to head back into the bank.

“Hey there”

Bobby bumps his head on the car door as he gets out after being startled by the mysterious voice. He turns around after shutting the door and discovers that the voice belongs to the manager from the jewelry store.

“Ouch, I didn’t mean to make you bump your noggin sir.” says the man holding a large parcel.

“No problem,” responds Bobby as he rubs his head. “I guess I’ll be coming to see you tomorrow after all. There’s no way I’m gonna be able to get my ring today.”

“Well sir, you just might be in luck,” States the man “Our vault is pretty full at the store and when that happens, we always use the bank to help us hold the extra items.”

“What are saying?” asks Bobby “I can get my ring from you right now?”

“Sir,” says the manager “You’ve never been late on making your payments in the past two months, so I don’t mind helping you out. Just promise me that you won’t tell anybody because we’re not really supposed to do that.”

“You have my word.” Responds Bobby with a gleeful smile

August 7^th 5:15 PM

Bobby Benteen slowly parks his car into the space behind his home. He is extremely happy because not only did he accomplish his goal in retrieving the ring, but he can see his girlfriend Karma’s scooter leaning against the side of the house.

“She’s home!” he says excitedly

He rapidly makes his way to the backdoor and enters the house. He sees Karma standing in the kitchen with her arms folded. He has a smile on his face at first but it drops when he looks into the fuming eyes of his girlfriend.

“What’s wrong baby?” asks Bobby

“The neighbor came by today with an estimate,” says Karma angrily as she begins waving a piece of paper in her hand. “He says you owe him $350.00 for the damage to his car and he wants another $100.00 for his mailbox! And to make matters worse, somebody broke my favorite “Hello Kitty” coffee mug!”

Bobby just shuts his eyes, lowers his head, and listens to Karma’s voice rant and rave in collaboration with the infamous donkey tune echoing in his ears.

Chapter 2

Mark Stone

August 8^th 6:35 AM

In the near future, on a hot stormy morning in Kremlin City, a patrol car slowly comes to a stop. It parked behind a mini-van which sets in a no parking zone just west of a place called “Olde Abandoned Warehouse”.

“I don’t need this shit today,” said the slim, blonde haired officer as he stepped out of his vehicle into the rain, “I gotta get this over with quick.”

As the raincoat donning patrolman approached the 2004 Nissan Quest, he began writing out a citation for illegal parking. He stopped pacing and started copying the license plate number.

“JL59729” mumbled the officer.

As he wrote down the last few numbers, a faint hissing sound caught his attention. He saw steaming rising from the hood of the mini-van. After a brief inspection of the vehicle, he came to realize that something was wrong. He saw bullet holes and a damaged back window which caused the hair on his neck to stand up. His eyes widened after he noticed the back of a man’s head in the driver’s seat. Drawing his weapon, he gently stepped toward the driver’s side and saw that the window was opened. The patrolman knocked on the side of the vehicle, but detected no movement from his shirtless suspect.

“Sir, step out of the vehicle.”

The driver peered at him and tried to speak, but nothing came out.

“Sir, step out of the vehicle right now!”

The patrolman became more suspicious when something new caught his eye. He looked into the backseat and saw a young child clothed in an adult’s dress shirt, laying on her right side. There was blood on her left leg which put the officer in an even more state of readiness. He turned his attention back to the driver, pointing his weapon.

“Get out of the vehicle! Keep your hands where I can see em!”

Tears fell down the driver’s face as he tried desperately to communicate with the officer.

“Get out of the vehicle right now and put your hands where I can see em!”

The driver opened his mouth and was only able to force out one word.

“Help….”

The officer opened the door to the mini-van and noticed wounds the man was suffering from. He holstered his weapon and dashed for his patrol car.

“How could I be so stupid?” thought the officer.

The wounded man heard the cop on the radio, as he frantically called for help.

“This is officer Mark Stone, I need back up at the corner of Turner and Smith! I need an ambulance! I have a man with a gunshot wound to the leg, and a possible gunshot wound to the head! I also have a girl approximately ten to twelve years of age with possible gunshot wounds! She’s unconscious!”

The driver suddenly felt a sense of relief, then blacked out.

August 8^th 7:10 AM

Officer Mark Stone stands outside by his police car with three of his fellow patrolmen. He hugs himself to try and warm up his body while one of his peers holds an umbrella over his head. They all watch as the medical personnel load the wounded man and young girl onto separate ambulances.

“Hey Mark,” says one of the officers “Wasn’t that Pastor Conrad and his daughter?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“You know you’re gonna have to head back to the station and fill out a report.” says the officer holding the umbrella.

“No, not now,” responds Mark “I just pulled a double and I’m going home.”

“Cap’s gonna be pissed.”

“Well, if he’s got a problem with that, tell I said to pucker up and kiss my sweet ass.” Says Mark as he walks around to the driver’s side of his car. “Goodnight fellas.”

The other officers watch as Mark gets into his car and drives away. As he drives on, he looks at one of his hands as he grasps hold of the steering wheel. Without letting go of the wheel, he raises his fingers on his right hand and notices a slight tremble. He tries to ignore it by grasping at the wheel with an even firmer grip. After some time passes, he feels a sense of relief to finally be approaching his home. When he sees an unfamiliar car in his driveway, he is forced to park in the street in front of the house. He shuts off the ignition and steps out of the patrol car. He can hear loud music and people chattering incoherently coming from inside. Mark is able to recognize one of the voices.

“What the hell is he doing here?” thinks Mark “And who does he have in my house?”

Officer Stone becomes suspicious and draws his weapon. He treads carefully and quietly around to the back of the house. Once there, he removes a key from his pocket and uses it to enter the back door. He can hear the voices more clearly now that he is inside. With his weapon ready, Mark walks very slowly through the kitchen and heads toward the living room. He keeps his back to the wall as he steps closer to the people he hears laughing and talking loudly. Suddenly, he jumps out pointing his weapon and startles the three men he sees sitting in his living room. The two men sitting on a sofa put their hands into the air while the third man, resting with his feet up in a recliner, leans slightly to his right and turns off the stereo, while forming a smile on his face.

“That’s right assholes,” says Mark in a menacing voice as he peers mischievously at the two men on the couch “Keep those hands up!”

Mark stares deep into the beady eyes of the slender man with the long narrow face and crooked nose, then turns his attention to the more muscular individual with long black hair in a ponytail and sporting a goatee. Mark spots a large marijuana joint being held by one of the men.

“Ok, hand it over.” Says Mark as he holds the gun in his right hand and reaches out with his left.

“Yes sir, no problem.” Says the slender man

The two men look over at the person sitting in the recliner, trying to understand why he is smiling. Then their attention is drawn back to Mark when they hear a high pitched sucking noise. They both become astonished as they watch the policeman still in uniform, taking a hard hit from the marijuana joint. At that very moment, the man in the recliner, with his boyish looking face, and wearing a leather jacket, starts laughing loudly.

“Ok bro,” says the man as he sits up in his recliner and plants his feet onto the floor. “I think you’ve scared my friends enough.”

“Yeah Tommy,” says Mark as he holsters his weapon “I guess you’re right.”

Mark drops the joint into an ashtray that sets on a table in the center of the room, then walks over to his younger brother who stands up from the recliner. The two give each other a warm embrace while the two other men look on confusingly. After Mark and Tommy release one another, they both smile as they turn their attention to the two spooked individuals.

“You can put your hands down now fellas,” says Tommy “This is the guy I was telling you about.”

“You said you had connections on the force Tommy, but damn!” says the slender man as he slowly lowers his hands.

Mark’s smile disappears as he looks at the two men on the couch, then peers at his brother.

“Come on Tommy,” says Mark in a harsh voice “You can’t keep telling people about me!”

“Chill out bro,” responds Tommy still smiling “They both saw you take a hit from that joint, so it really doesn’t matter now does it?”

“I know but still…”

“Shut up Mark.”

“Hey, don’t you tell me to shut up.” Yells Mark with his index finger pointed at his brother’s face.

Tommy finally drops his smile as well and looks at the trembling hand of his older brother, then peers intensely into his eyes.

“Considering how bad your hand is shaking bro, I can tell you whatever the hell I want,” Says Tommy in a sinister voice. “Now sit down and shut the fuck up!”

If it were any other man standing before him, Mark would have unleashed an unspeakable rage that would have led to a pine box. But considering the fact that Tommy is the biggest drug dealer in Kremlin City and his only contact for the heroine he craves so badly, Mark lowers his shaky hand and sits down in the recliner. Tommy grins devilishly at his friends, showing them that he is in control of the situation.

“Ok guys,” says Tommy “This is my big brother Mark. He can help us out with that problem we’ve been having. Say hi.”

Mark sits quietly staring at the floor, not hearing any response from the two men. He jolts suddenly when he feels his little brother’s open hand make contact with the top of his head.

“I said say hi.”

“Oh, sorry Tommy,” responds Mark as he rubs his head with one hand. “I didn’t realize you were speaking to me.”

“Well, I was, now say hi before I pop you again.”

“Hi guys.” Says Mark as he lowers his eyes back to the floor.

Tommy peers over at the muscular man and whistles a tune reminiscent of an old Clint Eastwood western. The man, understanding what Tommy wants, reaches into his own pocket and pulls out a syringe. When Mark sees the hypodermic being chucked into the air toward Tommy, he develops a cold sweat on his forehead and his bottom lip quivers faintly.

“I got something real good for you bro.” says Tommy as he catches the needle

“Not in front of them man.” Pleads Mark

“Just shut up and take your shoes off.”

Mark looks up at his brother holding the syringe and displays a look of sorrow.

“Please Tommy,” says Mark “Let me keep what little dignity I have left.”

Tommy glares up at the ceiling and opens his mouth wide. He lets out a long sigh, then peers at the other two men.

“Brian and Terry, do me a favor and start bagging up that shit in the basement. My brother and I need to have a moment alone.”

The two men waste no time in following orders as they quickly stand up and leave the room.

“Happy now?” asks Tommy

“You know, you really should start treating me with respect.” Says Mark

Tommy lets out another loud sigh and rolls his eyes. He leans over Mark’s head and pushes back on the recliner, forcing his brother’s feet to kick up in the chair.

“I’m your big brother!” complains Mark “I know I’m a junkie, you know I’m a junkie, but does everybody in Kremlin City have to know about it?”

Tommy ignores Mark as he removes the shoes and socks from his feet. After wrapping a rubber like tube around his leg, he then begins swabbing Mark’s ankle with an alcohol pad he retrieves from his pocket.

“Are you even listening to me?” asks Mark “You don’t respect me like your supposed to respect an older brother! You treat me like I’m a joke!”

Tommy looks up at his brother in a way that makes Mark’s face expression change from anger to fear.

“You are a joke bro,” whispers Tommy “So just suck it up and deal with it.”

Mark’s eyes broaden as he takes in a quick breath of air and jolts slightly when he feels the needle pierce his skin. Tommy smiles evilly at his brother as he watches his brother’s eyelids get heavier and heavier.

“Now sleep tight bro, we got some business that needs to be handled when you wake up.” Says Tommy as he removes the rubber tube from around his brother’s leg.

“Okey dokey,” whispers Mark as his eyes roll back into his head.

Tommy stands up straight and chucks the paraphernalia into a small waste basket next to the recliner then reaches for a light switch on the wall. After turning off the lights, he closes the blinds around his brother’s head to darken the area. Tommy stands there for a moment watching his brother drift off into a deep slumber then walks out of the living room.

Mark manages to find enough strength to open one of his eyes just as his little brother makes his departure.

“You’ll respect me one day you little prick.” Whispers Mark as he finally passes out.

Chapter 3

Karma Travis

August 8^th 12:54 PM

She is a petite five foot three, one hundred ten pound female, with very long black hair that extends all the way to her hamstrings. She has sea green eyes, just slightly larger then normal that illuminate with glee every time she smiles. Her full, perky lips have a gentle shade of pink and her cheeks have a soft cherry glow which comes about naturally without the assistance of make-up. Her cute little button nose has a tiny mole just under her right nostril. These are only a few of the visually alluring details dwelling in Bobby’s mind while she takes her afternoon catnap. As she sleeps soundly on a sofa, wearing nothing more then an oversized tee-shirt, Bobby sits close by her feet on the floor and marvels at her flawlessness. When she maneuvers herself onto her back, his eyes broaden with excitement when her shirt ravels up, exposing everything from the navel down. His eyes travel up her very well-toned thighs and continue onward until they reach her abdomen. He lifts his right hand slowly and places his fingertips onto her belly. She inhales and exhales very small puffs of air through her nostrils in collaboration with her flexing stomach muscles as his fingertips grazes upon them.

“Teddy bear?” whispers Karma as she opens her eyes “What are you doing?”

“I’m giving you love-ins.” Responds Bobby in a soft voice

Karma looks deeply into Bobby’s eyes as he gets off of the floor and proceeds to get onto the couch. She lifts up both of her legs to give him enough room to sit. Once he became well-adjusted, she lowers her legs down onto his lap. Bobby covers her knees with the palms of his hands and begins caressing her skin gently with his thumbs. They gaze into each others eyes and form loving smiles on their faces.

“I love it when you wear those boxers,” Says Karma as she runs her eyes up and down his muscular chest. “But why don’t you take off that shirt.”

As quick as a flash, Bobby removes his black tee-shirt. Her smile brightens as she marvels at his well-defined physique. Bobby lowers his head and begins kissing her left knee while his fingers tips run softly and steadily up and down her thigh. She gently gnaws on her lower lip and her eyes become glassy as she quivers intimately from his tender touch. When he lowers his head even more, he starts kissing her belly and letting his fingers lightly run up the sides of her ribcage. Her eyes roll back into her head and her mouth opens wide as she feels a tingling sensation traveling up her spine. She holds her breath for a moment, then shudders as she exhales when the tenderness of his lips causes her stomach muscles to twitch again.

“Oooo, baaaaby,,” she sighs passionately

Suddenly, Bobby forcefully, but carefully, reaches under her and lifts her entire body off of the couch as he stands up. He holds her up high with his mouth still kissing and licking every inch of her tummy. She wraps her legs around him and grabs the back of his head to draw him in closer. She begins swiveling her hips when she feels his fingertips go up and down her spine as if he were playing a harp. He looks up at her to find that she is peering right back at him. He slowly lets her body slide down until her succulent lips make contact with his. Their lips press against each other, but they do not kiss, instead they close their eyes as they breathe each others air.

“I love you.” Says Bobby as he begins carrying her to the bedroom

“Oh my teddy bear,” she whispers as she creates an even firmer grip around his waist with her legs “I love you too..”

When they make it about halfway to their destination, Bobby swiftly turns to the right and leans her body against the wall. When they kiss, their tongues dance with a rhythmic sense of ecstasy. His fingers intimately squeeze and caress her bottom as he holds her up firmly. She can feel his manhood becoming stiffer as they continue with their loving embrace. She lifts up one of her legs and manages to slip her toes into the crease of his boxers. With one swift stroke, his underwear is removed with her toes and they drop to the floor. He steps back out of them, then turns toward the bedroom again. Their lips never break contact as they approach the unmade bed. When the bed is finally reached, he turns around and sits down so that she is straddling him. He can feel the warmth of her body as she presses up against him. His hands caress vigorously at her bottom as her hands push on his shoulders, intimately forcing him down onto his back.

“Do it.” She whispers as she gently pries away from their kiss.

She squints her eyes tightly and inhales deeply as his manhood penetrates up into her slowly. Once he is inside her, he maneuvers the both of them to the center of the bed.

“Do it!” She says panting loudly

He bends his knees and plants his feet onto the bed, then starts driving his manhood into her welcoming pleasure hole. She lets out a loud whelp when he begins thrusting up into her. She braces herself up, keeping the palms of her hands on the bed, allowing her succulent breast to hover above his face. He tilts his head slightly to the left to catch one of her perky nipples with his mouth. She moans passionately and grabs the back of his head, drawing him closer when she feels the suction from his lips. The sensation of his tongue making circles around her nipple sends shockwaves throughout her entire body. He keeps a moderate but potent velocity with every thrust, making thunderous slapping sounds as his pelvis collides with hers. She arches her back lifting her rear end high as he drives deeper into her. Her arms give out from under her and she collapses onto his hard body. His hands remain firm on her waist as he continuously pounds away with one vicious thrust after another. She keeps her eyes closed as she lifts her head up and lets out a soft whimper. She inhales deeply and holds her breath with her mouth wide open. He looks at her face and knows that she is already about to climax which makes him thrust into her pleasure hole harder and faster. Her hands grip the bed sheets and her body quivers as tears begin falling down her face. Suddenly, she cries out shrills of ecstasy as every muscle in her body develops uncontrollable spasms. He slows his rhythm but increases the potency of his thrust creating jolts of bliss to her tiny frame. She begins grinding her teeth, making a growling noise with her throat as his manhood heightens the moist friction of her love nest. She opens her mouth wide, inhaling deeply and her eye lids begin to flicker rapidly. She holds her breath for a moment, then lets out an eardrum shattering screech that seems to last an eternity. Veins protrude from her neck and her face develops a very bright cherry radiance when she feels his manhood drive even deeper into her opening.

“Stop…Stop…Stop!!” she screams as veins also protrude from her forehead.

He maintains a grip on her waist with his hands as he pushes himself into her as far as her pleasure hole will permit and holds it there. Their foreheads make a gentle connection when she finally lowers her face. He can feel the tears from her eyes drip onto his face as she pants loudly. His eyes roll back into his head as he feels her body developing a heavy tremor. The quivering sensation her pleasure hole creates around his manhood is all it takes to bring him to climax. She begins crying hysterically when she feels his love juices flowing into her. He groans deeply as his manhood continuously spews loads of fluid into her inviting love nest. He releases his grip from her waist when the climax finally comes to a halt and slides his hands slowly up her back. He can feel the sweat build-up on her skin as his hands make their way to her shoulders. She lifts her head as her crying becomes less fanatical when his hands touch her face. They look adoringly into each others eyes as he embraces her face with the palms of his hands. They mouth the words “I love you” as he wipes away her tears with his thumbs. They both close their eyes as she lowers her head, placing her lips onto his. They take turns breathing air into each others mouths as he lowers his arms and forms a tender hug around her tiny frame. When she finally releases her grip from the bed sheets, she inhales softly as the blood circulation returns to her hands causing her fingertips to ache. They lie so still that they can feel the sweat droplets make streaks down their bodies. They both drift off into a deep slumber as their heartbeats develop into a seemingly rhythmic collaboration.

August 8^th 3:55 PM

As Karma slowly begins to awaken from her slumber, she smiles gleefully when she feels a very familiar and wonderful sensation between her legs. She lay still on her back without looking down because she knows what is happening to her. She lowers her hands and places them onto the top of Bobby’s head as he makes gentle pecks with his lips on and around her love nest.

“For goodness sake teddy bear,” she says with a smile still on her face “Are you trying to kill me?”

“I’m giving you love-ins.” He responds softly

“Ok, hold it right there.” She says as she suddenly pulls herself away from him and sits up at the center of the bed. “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” says Bobby as he sits down by the foot of the bed.

“What do I mean?” she responds with an expression of shock on her face. “You’ve been making love to me non-stop since you came home yesterday.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” says Bobby with a soft voice.

“I never said it was Bobby,” she continues “It’s just that the last time you initiated sex was the night of our first date.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Says Bobby as he lowers his head and smiles bashfully “That was a sweet night.”

“Yes it was, but I’ve been the dominate one ever since.”

Bobby drops his smile as he peers to his left and looks at her. She looks at him and into his eyes realizing that she may have hurt his feelings. He is a self-proclaimed momma’s boy which is a term he uses figuratively and she loves that about him. For her, it’s always been a turn-on that such a massively large sized man could be so sensitive. When he drops his eyes to the floor and folds his hands, she smiles gleefully, knowing that he completely got the wrong idea about her previous statement. She takes a moment to glare at him, with his six foot four, two hundred-sixty pound frame and reminisces about the night she first saw him.

“Did I hurt your feelings?” she asks as she scoots over to him

“No,” he responds in a deep pouty voice.

“Yes I did.” She says in a gentle sounding voice as she wraps her legs around him.

She runs her right hand up and down his back slowly while placing the palm of her other hand to the side of his face.

“Look at me,” she says as she caresses his cheek.

Her hand stops moving but it remains on his face as he turns his head to look at her. She gently clinches her bottom lip with her teeth in an attempt not to smile as she glares up at him. She keeps a sympathetic look on her face as she peers up at his big baby-face and places her chin on his arm.

“I didn’t mean that the way you think.” She says in a nurturing voice “I was just pointing out that something was different about you and I was trying to find out why.”

“Oh, my bad,” he says as a timid smirk forms on his face “I thought you meant….”

“I know what you think I meant,” She interrupts “I’m not like her and you know I would never treat you the way she did.”

He again drops his eyes toward the floor but she passively forces him to look back into her eyes with the hand she never took away from his cheek.

“Do you remember how we met?” she asks

“Yeah, at the hospital.” He responds

“Just remember why we were there and how lucky we are to have found each other, ok?”

“Alright baby.” Says Bobby

“Oh my Teddy Bear…” she whispers softly “Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah sweetie, I’m fine..”

“You’re so sensitive.” She says as her chin continues to rest on his arm “Can you answer a question for me?”

“Yes?”

“Is something on you’re mind?”

He begins to turn his head away again but she pushes on his cheek once more to keep him focused on her. She stops her right hand from rubbing on his back and grabs him by the side of his neck.

“Talk to me.” She says

He shuts his eyes and takes in a deep breath. As he begins exhaling slowly through his nostrils, she takes her hand from his neck and places it on his other cheek. She cradles his face with her hands and tenderly pushes up on his eyebrows with her thumbs. When he opens his eyes she grazes his cheeks with her palms then maneuvers her hands so that she can lace her fingers behind his neck.

“Talk to meee..” her voice stresses softly as she sighs and gives his head a gentle shake.

“Why do you think something’s on my mind?” he asks

“Because I’ve been watching my teddy bear turn into a grizzly bear.”

Bobby peers into her eyes knowing that she would sit there with him for hours if that is what it takes for him to open up to her. She is the only one to accept the qualities in him that most women would consider flaws. In his mind, most women would turn their noses up at the fact that he has such a sensitive persona. Karma on the other hand, loves the sweet little traits that omit from his personality. Like the way he stopped eating veal because it made him sad when he found out that it was meat from a “baby” cow. Or how he would simply get quiet with teary eyes whenever she displayed anger towards him. She loves to pamper him like the big baby that he is. In return, he gives her the kind of love that puts her in a position she likes to be in. Protective, generous, and loving are the three most important qualities that she always wanted in a man and she had no problem with nurturing the one who possesses all three.

“I got you a new coffee mug..” he says bashfully

“Really?” she responds with a gleeful smile “When did you have time to do that?”

“I went out this morning while you were still asleep on the couch.”

“Oh Wow!” she says excitedly as she bounces playfully on the bed without letting him go. “I wanna see, I wanna see!”

“Can I carry you?” asks Bobby

Without hesitation, Karma straddles her man and he immediately stands up. Her teeth glisten with her smile as he carries her to the kitchen. Once there, he reaches up into a cabinet and pulls out a brand new pink coffee mug with a “Hello Kitty” logo on the side. After handing it to her, he walks with her over to a nearby counter and sets her down.

“Teddy Bear,” she says with delight “Thank you.”

Bobby starts to back away from her but she uses her legs to keep him in place.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asks playfully

“I wasn’t going anywhere; I just wanted to show you something else.”

“Another surprise?”

“Something like that.”

When her legs release him, he suddenly lowers himself down onto the floor. She develops a look of confusion at first, then her eyes widen when he braces himself on one knee.

“Baby,” she whispers “What are you doing?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking,” he says as his eyes begin to fill with tears “These past seven years have been the most blissful years of my life and aahh…”

Bobby gets a lump in his throat as a single tear falls down Karma’s cheek. His hands develop a slight tremor as he tries to clear his throat.

“Oh, let me just get to the point,” he says as his voice begins to shudder “Two months ago, I came up with this crazy idea that I could make you very happy and aahh…”

Karma grips the cup firmly as she eagerly awaits for those special words she has been longing to hear for a very long time.

“Oh for crying out loud,” says Bobby sighing loudly “Just look in the cup.”

Their eyes meet for a brief moment then she peers down into the mug to discover a small gold ring with a tiny blue stone.

“Will you marry me?”

She scoots down off of the counter and onto the floor with him. He shifts himself down onto his hindquarter as she straddles him again. Their eyes are both filled with tears as they glare lovingly at each other. She takes the ring out of the coffee mug and gives it to him then holds out her left hand.

“I’ve waited for this moment since the first time I saw you. Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”

Bobby places the ring onto Karma’s finger then they give each other a passionate embrace. As they hold one another, their hearts again beat with a rhythmic collaboration. Their faces press up against each other as their lips begin to exchange gentle kisses and their hands perform soft caresses to their naked bodies. The enchanting moment goes on for a very long period of time until suddenly, she gently pries out of the embrace.

“Teddy Bear?”

“What’s wrong sweetie?” asks Bobby with a look of confusion on his face.

“I have something to tell you….”

Chapter 4

Tommy Stone

August 9^th 10:02 AM

Albacore Alley is known to be one of the most poverty stricken areas in Kremlin City. There are a series of two story apartment buildings that are parallel to one another on both sides of a dead end street. The street itself leads to a circular shaped parking lot holding many beaten down vehicles that serve as shelter for the homeless. The buildings have no exits that lead outside to this street, so people would have to hike down one of the long narrow walkways along the sides of these establishments to locate their place of residence. The prostitutes work this street twenty-four hours a day un-intimidated by the occasional visits from the patrolling KCPD units making their usual rounds. The petty drug dealers prefer to use the alleyways to do their business and to avoid police detection. Normally, a person would never park a vehicle in or around this crime-infested neighborhood because of possible car-jackings or theft. As for the brand new shiny black 2006 Jaguar now entering this area, not only is it safe, it is a death trap to anyone who dares to cross the line of its current owner.

“Are you sure about this Mark?” asks Tommy as he slowly applies the brakes bringing his vehicle to a stop.

“Absolutely positive bro,” responds Mark as he raises his left hand “The deal’s going down at ten tonight in the alley between those two buildings. You see that guy there?”

“Put your arm down man!” says Tommy harshly as he swats away at Mark’s pointed finger.

“Will you relax?” asks Mark “Nobody can see us through the tinted glass.”

“I’m not worried about that.” Says Tommy “Your funky armpits would just fog up my windows anyway, so please keep your arms down.”

Tommy shuts off the ignition as he turns his head away in disgust and peers to his left. Mark lowers his head and tries to hold his arms close to his body in a dismal attempt to not annoy his brother any further. Tommy focuses to the left and peers down the alleyway Mark had pointed out. He watches an exchange of some kind going down between one of the prostitutes and a bald-headed man wearing a trench coat. Just as the man puts something into her hand, a stench hits Tommy’s nose again.

“For the love of soap Mark,” says Tommy as he turns to his brother “You could have at least changed out of that uniform.”

“I got the weekend off so I decided to just chill.”

“What does the hell does that mean? You don’t think you have to wash your ass on your days off?”

“Fine bro,” says Mark in frustration as he opens the passenger side door “I’ll just pay a visit to one of my favorite honeys. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Oh that’s a pleasant thought.” Says Tommy sarcastically as he watches his brother depart from the vehicle “Your funk mixed with a hooker that reeks of tuna fish. Why don’t you fuck her in the dumpster? You’ll both feel right at home.”

Mark slams the car door behind him and storms down an alley to his right. Tommy slightly lowers the window on his side and sees that the prostitute and bald man have disappeared. He looks to his right to see his brother in the distance smiling as he speaks to another one of the working girls.

“Dingy bastard,” says Tommy “At least you can still get it up.”

Tommy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cell phone then starts pushing in a numbered sequence. He then sets the phone down on the dashboard and again peers down the alleyway to his left. After a few minutes go by, the phone rings and Tommy quickly picks it up.

“Peek-a-boo”

“Hey Tommy, it’s me.”

“Well hello CT, how’s life?”

“Not bad, how are you?”

“Oh I’m fine, just thought I’d beep you and give you a sweet tip.”

“When and where?”

“Tonight around ten at Baldy’s place, my brother says there’s a deal going down.”

“In the alley huh? Is that where you are now?”

“Yup.”

“You gonna do some fishing while you’re there?”

“You know I got better smelling honeys then the ones in this shit hole CT.”

“Yeah, I know, I was just kidding. Hey, are you gonna have what I need?”

“I got it, plus I’ll throw in a bonus.”

“No shit?”

“No kidding CT, you can have my car. I’ll call you to let you know where you can pick it up. You’ll find what you need in the glove box.

“Well thank you very much. It’s always a pleasure doing business with you.”

“You’re very welcome. Talk to you later.”

Tommy clicks off from the conversation and begins dialing another number. After the sequence is complete, he puts the phone back to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Peek-a-boo.”

“Hey boss, what’s up?”

“I got good news Brian. My brother just gave me a tip that will get rid of the last of our competition.”

“You mean we’re finally gonna get rid of baldy?”

“That’s right partner.”

“Boss, you are the man!”

“Hey now, you don’t have to call me boss anymore. After this move, me, you and Terry are partners, ok?”

“Whatever you say Tommy.”

“Good, and since you guys stuck by me for long, I’m gonna throw in a nice bonus.”

“Oh yeah?”

“That’s right. You guys come by my brother’s place tomorrow and get that stuff out of the basement. Consider it yours to do with as you please.”

“No shit? Thanks man, that’s a heck of a bonus! The only problem is how we’re gonna get it out of there without anybody seeing us.”

“Brian my friend, that’s not the bonus. Just take it out the same way we brought it in.”

“What, you mean with your car?”

“Yeah. I’ll leave it the garage for you with the keys still in it. Just load it up and keep the car as well, ok?”

“You’re giving us your Jag! Holy shit man!”

“Hey, you guys deserve it. Look, I gotta take off. See you tomorrow partner.”

“Alright man, thanks again!”

“You bet.”

Tommy closes his flip phone and smiles evilly as he puts it back into his pocket.

“Checkmate.” He says as he peers to his right down an alleyway and sees a prostitute performing fellatio on his brother.

He lets out a slight chuckle and shakes his head in disbelief. He then turns the ignition and gently steps on the gas.

“I gotta hand it to you bro,” he says as he starts to drive away. “You’re the only cop I know that can walk into a place like this and get a blowjob still in uniform.”

August 10^th 9:19 AM

Tommy sits alone at a table in a restaurant enjoying his favorite fast food breakfast. Before his arrival, he made two phone calls, one of which was to the men he now refers to as partners. As he breaks away pieces from his hash brown, he snickers as he recalls how happy they sounded when he invited them to join him for breakfast. Just outside of the window behind where he sits is another man watching him eat from afar. The heavyset stranger with a big bushy mustache sits in a Chevy Blazer along with three other men. They all peer at Tommy when he stands up and begins walking toward the front counter. A fast food worker stands in front of her register and gleefully prepares to take his order.

“Can I get another cup of coffee please?” asks Tommy

“Yes sir, coming right up.”

As Tommy waits for the hot beverage to be served, he is unaware that his new partners are pulling into the parking lot. When the car finds a space, two men jump out with huge smiles on their faces. Their smiles drop suddenly when the heavy set man and his three companions jump out of their vehicle with guns drawn. The fast food worker returns holding the cup of coffee and beaming as she approaches Tommy.

“Here you are sir. That will be….” pauses the girl as she develops a look of shock on her face. “One dollar?”

“You don’t sound to sure about the price sweetie.” Says Tommy

“I’m sorry sir but I was distracted,” responds the girl as she points to the scene outside. “I think there’s some kind of bust going down. Look there.”

“Really?” says Tommy as he turns around with a phony expression of bewilderment.

Tommy watches as his now former partners are being restrained into a patrol car that he did not realize had arrived. Afterward, as the police car leaves the scene, the heavyset man begins shaking hands with one of his three companions, while the other two remove a large amount of cocaine from the Jaguar’s trunk. Tommy returns his attention to the girl and pays for his coffee. He then walks back over to the table where his breakfast awaits. Just as he sits down, the heavyset man looks into the establishment and notices the back of Tommy’s head. The big man makes a gesture to his companions that he is going into the restaurant then parts company with them. The three individuals get back into the Chevy Blazer and wait patiently. Tommy consumes the remainder of his hash brown as he watches the heavyset man enter the establishment and approaches the girl at the counter.

“Four coffees to go please.” Says the man

“Yes sir right away.” Responds the girl

The big man looks over at Tommy and glares at him while he puts several packets of cream into his coffee.

“Here you go sir, that’ll be four dollars please.”

Tommy takes a spoon and stirs up his coffee as the large individual makes his purchase. The man picks up his tray of coffee and begins walking over to Tommy’s table. Tommy develops a sneaky smirk as he watches the gentleman make his approach.

“Good morning Tommy”

“Good morning yourself CT.”

“You mind if I sit with you for a minute?”

“Of course I don’t mind. How did things go last night?”

“Oh man,” says CT excitedly as he takes his seat “We seized about 35 keys of coke last night. Can you believe it?”

“Sounds like that’s the biggest bust my brother ever provided for you.”

“Yeah…your brother…” sighs CT

“Something wrong?” asks Tommy

CT briefly shuts his eyes and lets out another sigh then forms a look on concern on his face.

“It’s your brother.”

“What about him?” asks Tommy

“I can’t keep covering for him you know. Do you have any idea how many excuses I’ve had to pull out of my ass to convince people that he’s not a junkie?”

“Well, you’ve got a pretty big ass, so I suggest that you reach in there a little deeper and find some more excuses.” Responds Tommy sarcastically

“Come on Tommy, this is ridiculous. I can’t keep…”

“You can and you will.” Interrupts Tommy in a low menacing voice

“Tommy, please listen to me. It’s not that simple anymore…”

“No, you shut up and listen to me!” says Tommy in a soft yet demanding tone.

Tommy looks around the restaurant to see if there are any onlookers. When none are found, he returns his attention to CT.

“Now let’s get something straight,” says Tommy “The fact that my brother is a cop keeps you in business. The fact that he’s a junkie keeps me in business. The fact that he just happens to be both keeps us in being able to do business with each other. It’s all about the business.” Continues Tommy as he pokes at the table with his index finger. “When he drops dead, you and I will make new arrangements, until then, you keep that badge on him any way you can. Do I make myself clear?”

CT lowers his eyes to the table with a blank expression on his face and remains silent.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Says Tommy “You’ll find what you need in the glove compartment; now get the hell out of my face!”

Without saying a word, CT stands up and takes hold of his beverages. He turns to walk away when his attention is suddenly drawn back to Tommy.

“By the way,” says Tommy with a mischievous smile “Tell the judge I said I hope he has a happy birthday.”

Chapter 5

Cindy Benteen

Albacore Alley April 5^th 1999

“You ain’t shit! You ain’t worth shit, and you ain’t never gonna amount to shit! You ain’t nothin but a big overgrown piece of shit!”

Words like this always echoes through Bobby’s mind, especially when it is time for him to come home from school. The woman reverberating those words is right about one thing. At six foot one and three hundred ten pounds, the twelve year old boy is very much overgrown. The teachers at his school love him because he is a mild mannered gentle giant who never raises his voice and always address’s them as “Mrs.” or “Sir.” Some of the students tend to bully him on occasion, but the adult staff does not allow it to last for very long. There is only one bully that he confronts everyday who cannot be avoided. As he walks into his neighborhood, he dreads to even hear her voice. Sure, she is only about half the size of her son, but to Young Bobby, she is the most vicious human being on this entire planet. Her name is Cindy Benteen.

“Hey Bobby!”

Young Bobby turns his head to the right to see who is calling out to him. He spots one of his former school mates running toward him. Steven Walsh was one of the most gifted young students ever to set foot in Kremlin City middle school. Unfortunately, after making a few of the wrong kind of friends, he is now well known for being the youngest drug dealer in Albacore Alley. He earned the nickname “Baldy” because of the fact that he demands all of his young dope runners to shave their heads like him. That way the customers always know where the product comes from.

“Hi Baldy.” Says Bobby

“What’s up Andre?” says Baldy as he begins a trot along side Bobby

“Dude, don’t call me that.”

“Well why not? Asks baldy “You’re just as big as he is.”

“Andre the giant is 7 foot 5 and well over 400 pounds. I’m not quite that big.”

“You may as well be.” Says Baldy with a goofy smile on his face “What the hell does you’re mom feed you anyway?”

“She doesn’t.”

“She doesn’t what?”

“Feed me,” Responds Bobby “I feed myself.”

“Yeah whatever.”

Bobby tries to speed up as he continues onward to his apartment. He looks straight ahead trying not to notice Baldy as he hops and skips along side him.

“Hey aahh.., about you’re mom..”

“Dude please,” says Bobby as he begins to feel reserved

“Come on man,” says Baldy “It’s not like it’s a big secret right?”

“Please man, I am not in the mood to do this with you right now.”

“Will you just chill out you big bastard,” says baldy as he nudges Bobby’s arm gently with his fist. “Look, my dad says she’s the best and I wanna find out for myself. Man, my dad says she can suck the meanest….”

“Will you please leave me alone!” shouts Bobby as he suddenly stops walking and peers angrily at Baldy.

“Whoa,” says Baldy without dropping his smile “Does the big man actually think he has balls?”

Bobby quickly drops his eyes to the ground and turns his head. Baldy’s smile disappears as he puts an index finger in Bobby’s chest and steps closer to him.

“Let’s get something straight you fucking gorilla,” says Baldy in a low voice “It took me a long time to earn the respect I have around here. People do what I say or they get dealt with.”

Bobby continues to stare at the ground but is still able to see his short lanky former classmate out of the corner of his eye. His body is filled with an enormous amount of suppressed rage that he wants to unleash. Instead, his hands develop a slight tremor as he stands his ground and waits for Baldy to finish his monologue.

“You’re mom and I will do business sooner or later, whether you like it or not,”

Bobby’s eyes become wide with tension when he is suddenly slapped in the face by Baldy.

“And if you ever yell at me again,” says baldy in a loud voice “I’ll snap you’re fucking neck!”

The tremors in Bobby’s hands begin traveling throughout his entire body as Baldy suddenly does an about-face and walks away. He stands there clenching his fist as he pants rapidly and angry tears start to fill his eyes. He does not know how much time passes, until he leers to his right to see Baldy in the distance speaking to one of his young associates. He hates that his old classmate has become a hardened thirteen year old drug dealer who turns kids much younger then him into pushers themselves. It angers him to know that one of his childhood friends could have turned into such a hoodlum. His anger turns to sadness when he decides to turn away after seeing Baldy supply his young cohorts with a bundle of crack-cocaine. Bobby continues walking with his head lowered until he finally reaches the alleyway where his apartment is located. Once there, he takes in a deep breath as he opens the door. He lets out a loud sigh as he steps inside and heads up a flight of steps. When he is about halfway up the stairs, he stops when he is distracted by a strange noise. He leans over the side and looks down discovering his mother performing fellatio on Baldy’s father. Bobby rolls his eyes as they become narrow and forms a look on his face as if he could smell something awful. He swallows hard in disgust as he turns away and continues up the stairway. When he reaches his door, he pulls out a key to unlock it while shaking his head in an attempt to block out the appalling image from his thoughts. Just as he put the key into the lock, he shuts his eyes and develops a look of repulsion on his face when he hears Baldy’s father making grunting noises in collaboration with the loud slurping sounds coming from his mother.

“Oh mom.” He thinks as he finally gets the door open and steps inside.

He walks over to a couch and flops down, causing roaches to scatter all around him. He quickly gets to his feet and begins swatting away the insects that managed to end up on his shirt. At that very moment, his mother walks into the apartment and slams the door behind her.

“Oh great,” says Cindy as she makes gargling sounds and spits on the floor “It’s you.”

Without saying a word, Bobby sits back down onto the couch and stares off into space. A single roach crawls over his stomach and onto the arm of the couch without him noticing it. Cindy walks over to her son and stands across from him.

“Can’t you at least say hi?” says his mother as she places her hands onto her hips.

“Hi mom.”

The scrawny four foot eleven female develops a look of disdain on her face as she peers down at her son. Bobby looks at her and sees fresh wounds on her arms then he stares down at the floor.

“How the hell did I ever get stuck with you?” she says “The only reason I didn’t abort your stupid ass is because I found out too late that I was even pregnant.”

Bobby begins to feel heat building up in his face and his eyes become narrow.

“Oh poor baby,” she says in a cynical way “Did I hurt your feelings?”

Bobby sits quietly as his mother walks over to him and begins poking one of her knees into his arm.

“Are you even listening to me?” she says “Stand up.”

Bobby looks up into his mother’s eyes and keeps a blank expression on his face. A sense of negative anticipation overwhelms him as he reluctantly stands up. Even though his massive frame towers over hers, he still is unable to look his mother in the eye for very long. His chin presses against the top part of his chest as he focuses his eyes to the floor.

“What’s that red mark on you’re face?” she asks

“What red mark?”

“That red mark!” says Cindy loudly as she slaps him in the face

It takes everything in Bobby not to raise his hands in anger towards his mother, so he keeps his arms at his sides. He remains silent and closes his eyes with his chin still pressing against his chest.

“You’re a big dumb pussy, you know that?” she says “I wish somebody would adopt you, but I don’t think anybody’s gonna want a big fat ugly loser like you.”

Bobby squints his eyes tighter as he continues to listen to the hurtful words coming out of his mother’s mouth. He begins clenching his fist and tremors fill his entire body.

“Oh what, you gonna hit me or something?” mocks his mother as she begins poking her index finger into his belly “Well what are you waiting for? Go ahead, hit me!”

Bobby starts backing away from her as she continuously jabs him in the torso and ribcage with her index finger.

“Come on you fucking sissy,” she yells “Hit me already!”

Her poking turns into forcefully shoving him with both of her hands. Bobby stays silent as he tries desperately to control his rage. Suddenly, she slaps him in the face with her left hand then delivers another with her right. Bobby stands there still with his eyes closed, still with his chin pressing against his chest, and still clenching his fists. A single tear falls down his cheek as he pants loudly through his nostrils. When he finally opens his eyes, he finds himself backed into a wall and his mother standing in front of him with a look of contempt on her face. She stands with her hands on her hips and an Elvis crook on her top lip.

“You’re as big a loser as your father!”

For the first time ever, Bobby unleashes just a fraction of the rage that was suppressed for so many years by simply asking one question.

“And who might that be?”

His mother stands dumbfounded, unsure of how to react to the shocking question asked by her son. Bobby’s head quivers from left to right, very gently, as if he were shaking his head “no”, and stares deeply into her eyes with a look so evil, that it scares her enough to back away from him. She keeps an expression of astonishment on her face as she walks backward and notices the tremors omitting from Bobby’s body. She quickly does an about-face and storms out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.

Present Day - August 10^th 11:42 AM

Now at the age of twenty-six, Bobby stands shirtless in his bathroom looking at himself in the mirror. He is leaning over and his hands grasp the sides of the sink in front of him.

“I said who might that be? Asks Bobby forgetting to lower his voice

His body trembles slightly as he recollects how he acquired the blotchy looking scars on his right shoulder and stomach. A look of rage fills the reflection in the mirror.

“You fucking cunt!” growls Bobby with angry tears in his eyes

Unexpectedly, a knock at the door gets Bobby’s attention. He hurriedly comes out of his fury filled trance and wipes away his tears.

“Teddy bear?” says Karma through the door “Who are talking to in there?”

“No one sweetie,” he says as he opens the door “I guess I was thinking out loud or something.”

Karma folds her arms and peers into Bobby’s eyes and gives him a look that lets him know that she is not fooled by his answer. She glares down at his hands then peers back up at him.

“You’ve been thinking about her again haven’t you?” she asks

Bobby starts to give her an answer but takes in a quick breath knowing that he cannot lie to her. He briefly lowers his head and lets out a sigh then looks back up at her.

“Yes baby, I was.” He responds

“You’re hands are shaking,” she says “That’s how I knew you were lying to me.”

Bobby develops a look of panic on his face and he begins making gestures with his hands as if he were frightened.

“No baby wait, you got me all wrong!” says Bobby excitedly “I was thinking out loud, you know, about her!”

“Ok ok, calm down.” She says “So were you cussing at the mirror again?”

Bobby drops his hands to his sides but keeps a look of worry on his face.

“Uummm, yes” says Bobby as he frets about upsetting her.

Karma forms a gentle smile on her face as she walks slowly over to Bobby. She loves it when he gets paranoid because she knows it is his childish way to avoid hurting her feelings. When she gets to him, she wraps her arms around his waist and they form a tender embrace. She presses her chin into his chest as she looks up into his big doughy eyes. She marvels to the fact that his eyes appear almost black but are actually an extremely dark brown. He looks down at her beautiful face and forms a soft smile of his own when she starts to playfully bat her eyelids.

“That’s the look I love to see on my Teddy bear’s face.” She says in a sweet nurturing voice. “Are you going to be ok if I leave?”

“You’re leaving?” asks Bobby as his smile drops and he forms a look of worry on his face again.

“Yeah silly,” she says in a charming voice “I told you I was going to go have lunch with my father.”

“Oh yeah, my bad.” He says “I’ll be fine. Please don’t worry.”

They give each other a tender kiss then gently pry away from their loving embrace.

“Are you sure you’ll be ok?” she asks as walks over to the bed and grabs up her purse.

“Yeah, sweetie, I’ll be fine.”

“Alright then,” she says as she starts out of the bedroom “I’ll be home in a couple of hours, ok?”

“Ok baby, see you later.”

Bobby still standing in the bathroom, listens to the footsteps of Karma as she walks through the living room and out of the front door. He can hear the keys jingling in her hands as she locks the door behind her. He then looks to his left and again peers into the mirror. His eyes become narrow as he slightly tilts his head and glares at himself. Something that feels like electricity starts to pulsate throughout his body causing him to develop a faint twitch. Quick puffs of air exhale from his nostrils in alliance with each jolt his body makes. Just as his eyes were starting to become filled with rage again, he clamps them shut. He stands in place and tries to regulate his breathing while blindly trying to locate the light switch on the wall. Without opening his eyes, he finds the switch and shuts it off as he walks out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Chapter 6

Captain Travis

August 10^th 12:02 PM

Karma sits in a “Shari’s” restaurant holding a menu with one hand while sipping on a cup of coffee with the other. She becomes distracted when she looks out of the window and sees a black Jaguar pulling into the parking lot.

“Sweet ride.” She thought

Her eyes widen when she realizes that that man now getting out of the vehicle is her father. She keeps a look of puzzlement as she watches him enter the restaurant and walk up to her table.

“Hello sweetheart.” Says CT as he leans over and kisses the top of his daughter’s head.

“Hello yourself big guy.” Responds Karma

“What wrong?” asks CT as he notices her face expression and sits down.

“How did you end up with a Jag dad?”

“Oh that. It’s no big deal.” Says CT “Me and the boys seized it this morning. I gotta take it to the impound lot after we have lunch.”

“Why didn’t you just take it in after it was seized?” ask Karma

“And miss out on the chance to drive a sweet ride like that?” chuckles CT

Karma looks into her father’s eyes knowing that he is not telling the truth. When she was growing up, Karma learned much from a very reliable source how to read a person’s face expression and body language, especially from one who is lying.

“You know,” says CT “That’s the same look your mother used to give me when she thought I was trying to bullshit her about something.”

“That’s because she had the same kind of “cop’s eyes” as you do dad.”

“Your mother didn’t have cop’s eyes. She only thought she did.”

“Oh what the hell is that supposed to mean?” says Karma as she angrily plants her coffee down, allowing some of it spill onto the table. “You saying she was a bad cop?”

“Now take it easy,” he says “That’s not what I’m saying at all. She was a great cop. It’s just that she should have taken a desk job instead of requesting active duty. If she had just listened to me, she would still be alive.”

“Come on dad!” she says slightly raising her voice “She wasn’t even on duty when she was killed!”

“She should have never gone after that guy!” says CT raising his voice as well

“She was doing her job!” she says loudly

“She could have got you killed!” roars CT while pointing a finger at his daughter

The father and daughter stare intensively into each others eyes as they become silent.

“Here,” she says as she chucks the menu in CT’s direction “I already know what I want.”

She looks away from him rolling her eyes as she picks up her cup of coffee. CT develops an apologetic look on his face. He never picks up the menu because he knows what he is going to order as well. He also knows that it is pointless to try to continue with this conversation, especially since their voices have drawn the attention of many of the other customers.

“How’s Bobby” he asks in a bleak attempt to change the subject

“He’s fine dad, just fine” she responds still looking away

“You can do so much better you know.”

“Oh you just love pushing my buttons don’t you?” she says peering heatedly at her father

“Look, just hold on a second. “says CT making a gesture with his hand to keep her calm “I’m you’re father and I just want what’s best for my little girl.”

“He’s the best thing to happen to me since mom died.”

“Well that’s good to know that he seems to fill some kind of void for you sweetheart, but he’s a dishwasher.” He continues “I just want you to be with someone that can take of you.”

“Dad come on,” she says “It’s not like he’s living off welfare. I make more then enough money at the bank for us to live comfortably.”

“Yeah well, he should be taking care you, not the other way around.”

“I don’t need to taken care of dad.”

Both CT and Karma make sighs of frustration as they both look away from each other.

“You’re as stubborn as you’re mother was.” Says CT in a low-toned voice

At this point, Karma, with instincts similar to her father, knows when it is useless to try and continue with a conversation like this. Unlike CT; however, her attempt to change the tone of the discussion will not be so dismal.

“You remember what mom used to say?” asks Karma as she looks back in her father’s direction “If I put my arms around a man and can lace my fingers behind him, then he’s too damn scrawny.” She quotes “You remember how she used to say that dad?”

“I remember,” he says as he looks back at her “Is that why you love him so much, because you can’t get you fingers to lace up behind him?”

“That’s part of the physical attraction,” she continues “Mom and I have the same taste in men.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Dad please,” she says as she develops a smile “Why do you think she found you so attractive in the first place?”

CT releases a heavy chuckle which causes his big belly to form a jolly bounce. At that very moment, the waitress finally comes up to them ready to take their orders.

“I am so sorry to keep you folks waiting,” says the girl “I got hung up in the smoker’s section.”

“It’s quite alright.” Says CT as he and Karma look up at the nervous waitress

“Ok then, what can I get for you?” asks the girl as she gives a nod of thanks and smiles gleefully.

“Steak and Eggs.” Answers the father and daughter in collaboration

Karma and CT glare into each others eyes and develop playful giggles as the waitress writes down the order.

August 10^th 2:19 PM

CT drives steadily off of a highway and down a long back road leading to a place called Gemini Estate. It is a ten acre mansion that is owned by a man named Parker Townsend, who after being a cop for ten years, later became the most feared prosecutor in Kremlin City. Now he is a judge who is scheduled to make a decision on a case that could put a trio of drug dealers in prison before their nineteenth birthdays. If the judge decides to convict these young criminals, they will get a minimum of twenty-five years without the possibility of parole. Today is Judge Townsend’s 60^th birthday and he is about to receive a very special gift.

“Ok, here we go.” Says CT as he pulls up to a large gate.

CT rolls down the window and reaches out to push a button located on an intercom. After doing so, he draws back into his seat and waits.

“Hello” says a voice on the communicator

“Yes, this is Captain Travis; I need to see the judge right away.”

Within moments, the large gate doors open and he is able to drive onward. When he reaches the front of mansion, he is greeted by a valet.

“Hello there.” Says Travis as he steps out of the vehicle holding two envelopes.

“Good Afternoon sir,” says the valet “Welcome back to Gemini Estate.”

After he hands over his keys to the valet, Captain Travis walks up a short flight of steps leading to the front door of the mansion. Just as he gets to the door, it opens and a man dressed in a tuxedo comes forward.

“Captain Travis,” says the man “This is an unexpected surprise. The judge will be pleased that you are here. Please come in.”

“Thank you.”

The well dressed man guides Travis down a long hallway that leads to a kitchen. Once there, he spots the judge standing near a counter dicing up a variety of vegetables on a cutting board.

“Hello Judge.” Says Travis

“Hey Captain, how you doing?” says the judge as he makes a hand gesture to dismiss the servant. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“I’m sorry to show up unannounced like this sir, but there’s something I need to speak with you about.”

“Oh really?” says the judge as he quickly dices up a carrot “What is it this time?”

Travis walks close by to where the judge is standing and places the smaller of the two envelopes onto the counter. The judge glares down at it then peers at Travis with a sinful smile.

“What do you have there?” asks the judge

“Someone needs you to look the other way, you know the usual.”

“Ha,” laughs the judge “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”

“Well, it might be.”

“Yeah, why’s that?”

“It has to do with the “Tri-Pods.”

Judge Townsend suddenly stabs the knife down into the cutting board then turns to give the Captain an angry glare.

“You better be kidding me!” he says heatedly

“No sir, I wish I was.”

“That case has been pending for almost a year!” continues the judge in a loud voice “I will not let any of those little punks walk!”

“I understand sir, it’s just that…”

“No, you don’t understand!” yells the judge “You tell that little shit that I am not about to grab my ankles on this one! I don’t give a damn how much money he throws at me!”

Captain Travis lowers his head and peers down at the larger envelope in his hand. He lets out a sigh as he taps his finger on the packet.

“Are you sure you don’t need time to at least think this over?” asks Travis without lifting his head.

“There’s nothing to think about!” raged the judge “Now you get the hell out of my house before I have you put out! Get out!”

Travis looks up into the judge’s fury filled eyes and reluctantly places the large envelope onto the counter.

“Another present from Tommy Stone sir,” says the Captain “I suggest you take a look at it.”

Townsend irritably grabs up the knife and forcefully jams it into the packet.

“I’m not interested in looking at jack shit!” says the judge in a low threatening voice “Now I have a suggestion for you! Turn around and walk away without saying another word!”

Travis shakes his head in frustration as he grabs up the smaller envelope then starts to walk out of the kitchen. When he is about halfway out, he stops pacing when he sees the servant approaching him holding a pistol in his hand.

“Let me show you to the door sir.” Says the well-dressed man with a polite tone of voice

As quick as a flash, Travis grabs the man by his gun toting hand and twists it at the wrist until it pops. As the pistol falls to the floor, Travis grabs the man by his throat, lifting him off of his feet and slams him hard against a wall. The servant gasps for air as Travis holds him up firmly.

“Hey, let go of him!” yells the judge

“Yes sir!” grunts Travis as he brings his knee up into the man’s crotch

Travis lets go of the man’s throat and allows him to slide down the wall onto the floor holding his groin. Without turning to look at the judge, Travis begins walking calmly out of the kitchen.

“Oh by the your honor, how’s you’re granddaughter doing these days?” asks the Captain.

Townsend’s eyes broaden as he watches Travis leave his home. He stares down at the envelope with the knife still stuck in it and becomes frozen in horror. He knows that if his suspicions are true about the contents of the envelope, it could mean the end of his career and the deconstruction of his family. He does not touch the packet as he begins to walk over to his servant whom is still on the floor. The servant looks on curiously and quietly as the judge bends over to pick up the pistol. Townsend becomes lost in thought as he stands there holding the gun in his hand. He thinks about his daughter whom has just graduated from high school with top honors. He begins to weep as he dwells about his son, who after receiving a degree in journalism, decided to go overseas and report the ongoing poverty in other countries. He becomes overwhelmed with grief as he recalls how after losing his wife of twenty years to cancer, made him go temporarily insane and do something he never thought he was capable of doing to his only grandchild. Captain Travis makes it back outside and sees that the car is already waiting for him.

“The gate’s open sir,” says the valet “Have a nice day.”

Just as the valet chucks the keys into the air, he becomes startled when he hears a gun shot coming from inside the mansion. Travis catches the keys and expresses no emotion as the valet frantically runs into the house. He can hear the other servants crying out in terror as he gets into his vehicle.

“Happy Birthday Judge.” Says Travis as he starts the engine and peels away.

Chapter 7

Susan Travis

Albacore Alley June 12^th 2006

For the first time in his life, Bobby Benteen is intoxicated. After graduating a year late from high school, he accepted Baldy’s invitation to go out drinking along with many of the other associates. Afterward, he went home and was pleasantly surprised that to see that his mother was not there. He slumped down onto his couch and easily drifted off to sleep at about 11:30 PM that night. Now around 4:39 AM, he becomes startled out of his intoxicated slumber when he hears a commotion of some kind coming from the stairway just outside the front door.

“What the hell?” slurs Bobby as he staggers trying to get up from the sofa.

As Bobby makes his way to his feet, the front door suddenly flings open. He witnesses Baldy’s father shoving his mother through the door with his hands around her neck. Cindy falls to the floor, while the man straddles her still holding a firm clutch. She coughs and gags for air as the man increases his grip around her throat. Without hesitation, Bobby lunges forward and grabs the man from behind and puts him in a sleeper hold. Baldy’s father is a very thin and frail man, making it easy for Bobby to restrain him. The man struggles to break away from Bobby’s monstrous clutch as he is pulled out through the open door. Even though the man thrashes violently with his arms, he is unable to stop Bobby from forcing him out onto the stairway. Bobby changes his grip by grabbing the man by his throat with one hand while grasping the back of his head with the other.

“Fucking prick!” growls Bobby as he lifts the man off of his feet

The thin man lashes violently at Bobby, throwing punches at his face, clawing at his arms, and kicking at his legs, but it does no good. Bobby takes every shot thrown by the frail man as if he does not feel it. Unexpectedly, Bobby releases his grip from the man when he feels a sharp pain entering his back. The thin man drops to his knees as Bobby turns around to discover that his mother had stabbed him in the back with a knife.

“What are doing?” asks Bobby with a look of confusion of his face.

His mother stands there with the knife in her hand and glares at Bobby evilly

“You need to mind your fucking business!” she screams

“He was choking you mom!” Yells Bobby “What’s wrong with you?”

All of a sudden, Bobby cringes in pain when he feels the thin man sinking his teeth into his ankle. The man is kicked like a soccer ball causing him to fall down the flight of steps. He then spins around to see his mother again coming at him with the knife.

“You son of a bitch!” she hollers as she propels forward with the blade high in the air.

“Moooom!” screams Bobby just he manages to seize of her knife brandishing arm before the weapon was able to plunge into his body again.

With very little effort, Bobby takes hold of her wrist and bends it, making her drop the knife. When he releases his grip from her wrist, she fiercely starts clawing and scratching at his face with her hands. His mother lets out piercing shrieks as she wildly flails her hands putting cuts and scrapes onto her son’s face with her jagged finger nails.

“Stop it mom! Stop it please!” Yells Bobby as he tries to defend himself with his arms.

“You never know when to mind your business!” she screams as she continues to thrash at Bobby “You’re just as nosy as your father was!”

Cindy Benteen abruptly halts her assault as she becomes frozen in terror when she finds herself forced up onto her tiptoes with her son’s hand gripping at her throat. She begins clawing at his arm in a feeble attempt to free herself.

“And who might that be?” he says in a deep menacing tone as he stares horrifically into the panic filled eyes of his mother.

Without warning, he releases his grip from her neck when a loud gunshot suddenly rings out. Cindy and Bobby look into each others eyes with dumbfounded expressions. When Bobby turns to his right, he can see that the thin man is aiming a smoking 22 caliber pistol at him. A sense of panic kicks in for Bobby when he finds blood seeping out of the bullet wound in his right shoulder. His attention is suddenly drawn back to the man when he hears the weapon being cocked.

“You big fucker!” yells the frail man as he pulls back on the trigger

The bullet enters Bobby’s stomach causing him to stumble back into a wall. He slides down onto his hindquarter and tries to stop the blood from spewing out of his belly.

“Mom?” he says as he peers up at Cindy who is now standing close-by

Bobby becomes terrified when he turns his attention back to Baldy’s father who is walking calmly up the steps.

“That’s what you get for sticking your nose in where it doesn’t belong.” Says his mother as she and the man give each other a hug. “Let’s go baby.”

“You’re lucky I’m in a hurry you fat stupid fuck!” yells the man as he points the gun at Bobby again

“Come on baby, let’s go.” She says as she begins to gently kiss him on the neck

“Yeah, let’s go! Let him bleed for a while!” he says angrily as he tucks the gun into the back of his pants.

Bobby watches as his junkie mother and her scrawny gun carrying lover turn away and start walking down the stairs. He begins to weep as he struggles to maintain pressure on his gaping wound. He frantically tries to get to his feet by using the banister for balance. His mother and her companion do not notice that he was able to stand as they make their way out of the complex. As steady as he can, Bobby embarks on the agonizing journey down the steps. He can see that the door at the bottom of the stairs was left open, but it does not matter. He knows that no one will come to his aid because the people in this neighborhood are too accustomed to hearing gunshots. Beads of sweat form on his forehead as he pants loudly. When he makes it to the bottom step, he stumbles and almost falls over, but is able to take hold of the open door and braces himself up. He staggers out of the door into the alley and heads slowly toward the street. His eyes go in and out of focus as he desperately makes his way out of the walkway. When he finally makes it to the street, he drops down to his knees as he still tries to stop the flowing blood from escaping. He looks down and drops tears onto his blood drenched pants and whispers a silent prayer. An extremely heavy dizzy spell overwhelms him and he falls to his side. As he lay on the cold ground, drool oozes out from his mouth as tears drip onto the concrete. His eyes are open widely and his breath is frantic. In his state of shock, he is unaware that a police car is entering the area on its normal routine patrol through Albacore Alley. He blacks out just as he hears the sound of brakes being applied from an approaching vehicle. Moments later, he regains his focus and peers into the sea green eyes of a female cop.

“Stay with me, come on, stay with me, help’s on the way!” says the lady officer.

Just before he loses consciousness again, he is able to center in on her name tag.

It read: “Travis”

JoAnn’s Antique Shop - June 20^th 2006 2:10 PM

“What’s his name?” asks the eighteen year old Karma

“Bobby something, I can’t remember.” Responds her mother

“So you saved his life?”

“Can you believe it?” Says mom as they both walk slowly around the gift shop browsing the antiques “Eighteen months on the job and I managed to save a life.”

“Oh mom, I’m so proud of you!” says Karma excitedly “What does he look like?”

“He’s a great big giant teddy bear just like your father.”

“Eew wee, I wanna meet him.” Says Karma in a playful voice

“Oh, you’re so silly.”

“No, I’m serious.” Giggles Karma

“Don’t joke like that.”

“What makes you think I’m joking?” asks Karma as she trots along side her mother.

“Ok, look,” says mom as she suddenly stops walking and peers into her daughter’s eyes “I really hope you’re joking dear, because I don’t want you anywhere near a guy like him.”

“Mom, take it easy.” Says Karma as she glares at the concerned expression on her mother’s face.

“We found him with two bullets in him baby, you don’t know what kind of craziness he or people like him could get you into.”

“Mom, I was just kidding. Take it easy.” Says Karma “Let’s just find daddy a present.”

Karma’s mom simply turns around and starts peering at the many possible gifts for her husband. Karma rolls her eyes and turns your nose up at the fact that her mother always takes things too seriously. Before her mom became a cop, she would speak with her daughter like a best friend. Now the relationship has changed into a series of overprotective and pampering lectures that seem to interrupt every conversation they have.

“Oh, you’re father would love this.” Says mom as she peers at an old Colt 45, reminiscent of the so-called Wild West days

“Yeah, I’m sure he will.” Whispers Karma in a sarcastic manner

“What was that dear?” she asks

“I said, let’s get it.” Responds Karma

At that very moment, a loud gunshot rings out, startling both women.

“What was that?” asks Karma alarmingly

“There’s somebody shooting dear! I better check it out!”

“No wait!” says Karma as she grabs her mother’s arm to prevent her from leaving “You don’t even have a gun!”

“I do have one! It’s in the glove compartment, now let go of me!” says the mother as she pulls away from her daughter

“Mom, please don’t!” yells Karma as she watches her mother running out of the antique shop.

As quickly as she can, Karma darts out of the store as well. By the time she makes it outside, she realizes just how fast her mother is when she spots the car door hanging wide open. Karma then notices her mother running at top speed across the street to a near-by gas station.

“Mom!” she yells as she begins running toward that area as well

As she runs, she can see her mother in the distance entering the establishment.

“Moooom!!” she screams when she hears a hailstorm of gunfire from inside the gas station.

Finally, she makes it to the entryway but is startled when she sees a man wearing a ski-mask staggering out. She has a look of terror on her face as she steps back from the man who is grasping at a wound in his throat.

“Oh God!” says Karma as the man collapses onto the ground with blood spewing between his fingers “Mom?” she says as she turns around to enter the establishment.

Once she is inside, she spots her mother laying face up on the floor with blood near her abdomen.

“Oh God, Mom!” she screams as she runs over to her.

Karma kneels down next to her mother and can see that she is still breathing.

“Mom? Mom?” says Karma frantically as she gently slaps the side of her face “Open your eyes mom, please!”

At that very moment, loud police sirens approaching from afar.

“Mom, help is on the way; just hang in there, ok!”

Kremlin City Hospital June 20^th 2006 3:39 PM

Captain Travis had made a name for himself because he managed to take down one of Kremlin City’s most vicious killers. Because of his notoriety, he now has to fend off the press who appeared at the hospital after getting the news of his wife’s shooting. Meanwhile, Karma sits in a chair down a long hallway, waiting for the doctors to bring news about her mother. Not far from where she is, a man watches her as she weeps hysterically. As he heads toward her in a wheelchair being pushed by a nurse, he cannot help but feel a slight sense of familiarity, especially when he is close enough to see her eyes. When she peers up at him, she takes in a breath when she begins having that very same feeling.

“Nurse?” asks Bobby “Would you mind stopping here for a second?”

“No problem” Says the nurse “I wanna see what’s going on outside. I’ll be back in a minute.”

After the nurse makes her departure, Karma and Bobby look into each others eyes without saying a word. She wipes her face and whimpers softly as she peers at the bandage on his right shoulder. He looks deeply into her sea green eyes and knows that he has seen them before. For reasons they cannot completely understand, they extend one hand out to each other and lace their fingers together.

Present Day - August 11^th 7:17 PM

Karma and Bobby lay in bed together holding one another while gazing into each others eyes. There is no talk, just remembrance. They have never spoken single a word to each other about the events that lead them together for reasons they still do not understand. Even though they are both sad about the sacrifice that was made, they are thankful to the individual responsible for their union. Her name was: Susan Travis.

Chapter 8

Mark’s Mayhem

August 12^th 9:10 AM

“How fucking stupid are you to be drunk this early?” asks Tommy as he peers angrily at his brother.

“I got it all worked out bro,” slurs Mark as he sits in a recliner holding a large bottle of rum “I’ll be sober before I have to go to work today.”

“You’re on at five dick head!”

“Will you just chill out?” says Mark “I know how booze effects my body. It’ll be out of my system by three, ok?”

“Look,” says Tommy as he shakes his head in frustration “I have to go and pick up the three stooges. I don’t have time for your crap today.”

Tommy turns to walk out of the living room but stops in his tracks.

“Can you at least take a shower?” asks Tommy with a look of disgust on his face

“Yeah, Yeah, I’ll get right on it bro.”

As Tommy makes his departure, Mark sits up in the recliner and places the bottle on the floor.

“I better do it now before I get too fucked up.” Says Mark as he staggers out of the living room and heads toward the bathroom.

About halfway to his destination, he enters his bedroom and picks up a police scanner from the dresser. He turns it on and sets it as loud as he can, then again heads to the bathroom.

August 13^th 9:30 AM

Adrenaline junkies get their rush in a number of ways. Some like to sky-dive or go snowboarding. Others are a little more reckless by playing games like Russian Rolette. As for the three young triplets who call themselves “The Tri-Pods”, the idea of committing a crime on the very day of being released from prison, will prove to be a bigger rush then even they can handle. They sit in a car parked outside of a bank loading their handguns and covering their identities with ski-masks. The driver peers at a woman as she enters the establishment.

“We shouldn’t be doing this.” Says the man in the back seat “Tommy’s gonna wonder where we are.”

“Shut up!” says the driver “If we don’t get the cash we need, he’s gonna have us killed anyway! Now let’s get going!”

9:31 AM

“Good morning Karma.”

“Good morning Jerry,” she responds as she walks in pass the security guard

“How’s Bobby doing?”

“Oh, he’s fine,” says Karma as she heads toward her teller station “Look at this.”

“You’re getting married?” asks the guard excitedly as he looks at the ring on her finger “You’re dad must be really happy.”

“Oh I haven’t told him yet.” Says Karma as she reaches the front counter and stands near a small door. “Can you buzz me in Betty?”

“Sure thing sweetie.” Responds another bank teller

The security guard forms a look on confusion but he is not the type of person that pries into someone’s business.

“Well, I guess you have your reasons.” He says

9:40 AM

“Damn it!” says Tommy “I told those guys to wait for me! I wonder where they are!”

“News to me bro,” slurs Mark as he flops down into the recliner “Hey, can you move away from the T.V. Unsolved Mysteries is about to come on.”

Tommy rolls his eyes as he turns around to walk away when an unpleasant odor gets his attention.

“Are you kidding me or what?” asks Tommy as he peers at his brother with an expression of repulsion “I thought I told you to take a shower.”

“I did,” says Mark “My hair’s wet. Can’t you tell?”

“What did you do, put on the same funky uniform?” asks Tommy

“So what?” says Mark as he leans back in his seat and lets out a slight chuckle.

At that very moment, a voice on the police scanner gets Mark’s attention

“Bzzzzz- calling all available units….bzzzz….bank robbery in progress…..Kremlin City National Bank at the corner of 5^th and Cross street…..bzzzz”

“Oh wow!” yells Mark “Did you hear that bro?”

“Yeah, but you can’t go!”

“Why not?” asks Mark as he picks up his gun and puts it into his holster “The bank’s only five blocks from here! I can get there before the others!”

“Dude, you’re drunk out of your mind!”

“Shut up Tommy,” slurs Mark as he stumbles out of the doorway “I know what I’m doing!”

“Hold on man!” yells Tommy

“NO! You hold on man!” hollers Mark as he quickly draws his weapon and aims it at his brother “Don’t disrespect me bro!”

Tommy stands dumbfounded as he watches Mark holster his gun and runs outside to his patrol car. Mark is entirely too drunk to be behind the wheel of a car, but that does not stop him from peeling away toward the crime in progress. He turns on the flashing lights and sirens as he propels forward at an incredible speed.

“Yeee Haaaa!” yells Mark as he approaches the scene

Very few minutes go by as Mark approaches his destination. As he speeds in the direction of the bank, he can see two of the robbers in the distance trading gunfire with someone still inside the establishment. When one of the robbers falls to the ground, the other quickly jumps into the parked vehicle where the driver is waiting. The Mazda Protégé screeches its tires as it makes its getaway.

“I got you now!!” yells Mark as he manages to catch up with the robber’s car.

9:43 AM

When the bank robbery was called in, Captain Travis wasted no time in jumping into his vehicle so that he could get to the crime in progress. Now he speeds toward the bank with many patrol cars trailing close behind.

“Captain?.....bzzzz

“Yeah, what’s up?” he shouts into his communicator

“We got a serious problem sir!.....bzzzz”

“What problem!?”

“The security guard managed to take down one of the robbers…..bzzzz…but he said the others got away with a hostage!”

Before Travis has time to react to what he just heard, he spots the robber’s vehicle pass by in the distance with a patrol car in hot pursuit. After making a sharp turn to the left, he begins to wonder why the cop car in front of him is swerving from side to side. As he gets closer, he is able to spot the numbers on the side of the disoriented vehicle.

“Oh dear Lord!” says Travis when he recognizes that it is Mark in front of him

The other officers maintain pursuit behind the Captain as they watch in awe when Mark tries to ram the robber’s car from behind.

“Ok, we’ll do it the hard way!” Yells Mark as he takes out a 9mm Berretta from his holster.

The drunken policeman begins firing rounds at the criminal’s vehicle. He was so into his intoxicated hero-mode that he almost did not realize that a voice on the CB communicator was frantically trying to get his attention.

“Bzzzz….Mark!....bzzzz….what the hell are you doing?”

“Hey!” hollers Mark as he places the gun on his lap and picks up the communicator “What’s up Captain? I knew I could count on you to back me up! Over?”

“Bzzzz…Have you lost your mind?......bzzzz…..Stop shooting at that car!.....bzzzz….You’re gonna get somebody killed!”

“Ahhh shut up!” yells Mark as he tosses the communicator aside and picks up his gun “I know what I’m doing!”

As he positions himself out of the driver’s side window, Mark steers the vehicle with one hand while trying to take careful aim with the other. He chaotically fires three rounds, but only succeeds in shattering the back windshield.

“Holy shit dude!” yells the man in the back seat of the getaway car “That cop is shooting at us!”

“No shit Sherlock!” says the driver “I’ll get us out of this! You just keep a hold of her!”

As the driver maintains his focus on the road, the woman sits terrified in the passenger’s seat as the man behind her uses his right arm to hold a firm grip around her throat. She wants to cry out for help but stays silent when she feels a pistol being pressed against the left side of her face. A reflection of light gleams from the gun barrel as she tearfully peers out of the corner of her eye. She clamps her eyes shut as water drops down from her face and onto the man’s forearm. A silent prayer forms on her lips as she feels the car accelerate.

“Bzzzz….Why don’t you try to ram his car sir!” shouts a voice on the CB

“What the hell do you think I’m trying to do?!” responds the Captain

“Aahh! You guys are pissing me off!” yells Mark as he speeds up

After officer Stone maneuvers his vehicle ahead of the other squad cars, he again leans out of the window and fires a single bullet which enters one of the back tires of the robber’s automobile. The getaway car begins to swerve out of control and propels wildly into a very busy cross section. Mark laughs excitedly as he unconsciously turns his steering wheel to the right. His expression of amusement suddenly changes to horror when he sees the criminal’s car slam into a moving van. Officer Stone takes in a loud breath just before he is rendered unconscious when his own vehicle wraps itself around a telephone poll. Captain Travis and the other patrolmen all stomp on their brakes and try not to crash into each other as their vehicles inadvertently create a barricade. The officers step out of their cars and watch helplessly as a 4x4 truck tries to steer away from the onslaught only to collide with another moving vehicle. At that very moment, the driver of a small city bus carrying five passengers turns the steering wheel enough to avoid the demolished automobiles, but in doing so, he is unable to prevent the massive vehicle from falling over. The passengers scream chaotically as the bus slides on its side and heads straight for the series of cop cars. The officers quickly scurry out of the way as the bus burrows its way through the police barricade like a bowling ball making a strike. The large vehicle continues to slide for several yards but starts to slow down as it makes its way toward a famous Kremlin City landmark. The massive Lenin statue shifts slightly when the bus finally comes to a halt at the base of the structure. The police officers scramble in all directions as they listen to the many hysterical cries for help reverberating from the victims. The Captain sweats profusely as he quickly makes it to the closet squad car so that he can call for medical assistance. He has to pry open the door to the damaged vehicle in order to get to the CB.

9:50 AM

Mark awakens and finds that he has to peel his face away from the steering wheel. Blood seeps out of a small gaping wound on his forehead and makes a path down the bridge of his nose. A droplet of blood falls from the tip of his nose and makes a soft landing on his torso. He dizzily looks down and can see a long, thin, metallic rod protruding out of one of his knees.

“What the hell?” he thinks when he realizes that he feels no pain

He looks up at the front of his wrecked vehicle and wonders how he managed to survive. To his left, he spots much of the carnage spread around the area, but has little time to react to it. His neck pops when a fist comes out of nowhere and makes contact with his jaw. Mark slumps slightly to his right and shakes his head in an attempt to keep himself from passing out. Even though he suddenly develops a loud ringing sound in his ears, he is still able to recognize the voice shouting obscenities nearby. His body begins to tremor as he again peers to his left. His eyes go in and out of focus as he glares at the Captain being restrained by several other officers. Just before Mark loses consciousness, he hears a terrible statement come out of the Captain’s mouth. No one realizes that this moment is the beginning of a reign of chaos that will rock everyone involved in a way they could not possibly imagine.

“You son of a bitch!” yells Captain Travis “You killed my daughter!”

Chapter 9

Bobby’s Big Bang

August 13^th 3:49 PM

“She’s not home yet?” wonders Bobby as he parks behind his home.

Her scooter is not in its usual spot which makes him very curious. Her shift normally ends before his. It does not take him long to go from his car and enter his home. Once inside, he immediately heads for the answering machine to check for messages. When none are found, he walks over to the couch and sits down. He rests his elbows onto his knees and folds his hands. Bobby starts to twirl his thumbs as he dwells on the fact that in the past seven years, Karma has never broken routine and neither has he. He clamps his eyes shut and takes in a few deep breaths in an attempt not to panic.

“She’s probably on her way home.” Thinks Bobby as he suddenly stands up and paces over to the telephone.

He picks it up and dials her cell number.

“The number you have reached is no longer in service.”

Bobby slams the phone down and quickly walks back over to the couch.

“Ok, ok, take it easy,” says Bobby as he sits down and begins to slightly rock back and forth. “I’m sure there’s a good explanation for this.”

He reaches for the remote control that is setting on a small table in front of him and picks it up. Once the television set in turned on, his nightmare begins.

This Program Was Recorded Earlier

“This is Stephanie Jackson reporting live for channel 8’s morning news. Carl is on vacation. I am now at the scene of a horrific accident that took place about twenty minutes ago. The details are sketchy, but this is what we have so far. We know that there was a bank robbery and that one of the criminals was killed by a security guard as he was making his escape. The other robbers did manage to take a hostage and cover a bit of ground while being pursued by police, but their car was forced into very heavy traffic where it crashed into another vehicle. That collision started a chain reaction of destruction with the other vehicles which can be seen here. As you can see, the chaos covers most of the area here at the Peak/Porter cross section. We know that there were at least eleven people injured and two more that died, including one of the other robbers. We also know that there may have been a third person killed, but that has yet to be confirmed…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..” “This just in, there was in fact a third victim. It has just been confirmed that Karma Travis, a bank employee and daughter of police Captain Paul Travis, was the hostage who was taken at gunpoint and was unfortunately killed when the robber’s car crashed. We also have a report that an officer was severely injured when his vehicle collided with a telephone poll. His name has not been released to us yet, but that’s him being loaded onto an ambulance now. We’ll bring you more when we have it. For channel 8 news, this is Stephanie Jackson.”

3:51 PM

Ding Dong….Ding Dong…

“Hey Bobby!” yells the angry nieghbor as he opens the backdoor and rudely enters the house. “You owe me some money you big bastard!”

The man makes his way through the kitchen and heads toward the living room. He frowns as he scans at the ransacked area. The television moniter has been caved in, the table had been broken in half as if it were a wishbone, the couch looks like it had been cut to shreds with a knife, large holes were kicked into the walls, and all the windows in the area were smashed out.

“What the hell happened here?” wonders the nosy nieghbor

Suddenly, the short heavyset man takes a punch to the back of the neck. His head jerks back and his eyeglasses fly straight up into the air. He blacks out as his body collapses, but then wakes up the moment he hits the floor. As he regains his focus, he slowly brings himself up to his knees. He then turns his body around and lifts his head looking up to see Bobby standing close by.

“Bobby?” asks the confused nieghbor “What the hell did you do that for?”

Bobby stares straight ahead without reacting to the man on the floor. The nieghbor peers to his left to see what Bobby is looking at.

“What do you want from me!” shouts Bobby

The man looks back at Bobby and wonders why he is shouting at someone that is not there.

“I said what the fuck do you want from me!” yells Bobby

“Ok, this is too strange for me.” whispers the man as he makes his way back up to his feet.

The nieghbor slowly begins to tread slowly, when suddenly, Bobby advances forward, shoving the man out of the way and comes to a halt, facing a wall. The nieghbor stands dumbfounded as he watches confusingly at Bobby.

“You fucking cunt!” growls Bobby “Everyday, same shit! Why can’t you just go away! Why can’t you just die!”

At this point, the terrified neighbor does an about face and quickly walks toward the backdoor. Once there, he opens the door and starts to step outside. Just as his foot was planted on the ground, Bobby comes up from behind and grabs the back of the man’s shirt. After the neighbor is violently jerked back indoors, he begins gasping for air when he feels Bobby’s left hand making a firm grip around his throat while his right palms the back of his head. The short heavyset man panics and starts flailing his arms when he feels himself being lifted off of his feet. He even manages to kick Bobby several times in the groin, but it has no effect whatsoever.

“No..Please!…No…No…” gags the neighbor as he uses his fist like an anvil and desperately pounds away at Bobby’s forearm.

The man never has time to comprehend the words coming from Bobby’s mouth because it would be the last thing that he would ever hear.

“And Who Might That Be?” Says Bobby as he snaps the man’s neck.

August 14^th 5:15 PM

When Bobby opens his eyes, he realizes that he had passed out on the kitchen floor. He quickly picks himself up, stumbling slightly after feeling a dizzy spell. He manages to shake the spell off promptly and starts to walk toward the open backdoor. After taking only a few steps, Bobby gets tripped by something on the floor.

“Oh my God!” says Bobby when he peers down at the deceased nieghbor

As his eyes become wide with fear and confusion, Bobby’s head shakes gently from left to right. Slowly and steadily, his eyes become narrower, changing from fright to insensible and a blank expression develops on his face. His head stops shaking after his attention shifts from the deceased man and to the open backdoor.

“Oh….you.” says Bobby in a mono-toned voice as he steps over the dead body and walks outside.

Once there, Bobby stomps toward the neighbor’s home with a military like march. When he gets to the damaged mailbox, he squats down and grabs the wooden post by the base with both hands. With very little effort, he is able to pull the mailbox out from its foundation. Bobby lifts it up above his head then brings it down with tremdous force causing the mailbox to break off from the wooden post. He stands there for moment, peering evilly at his new weapon, then turns and walks away.

Albacore Alley 7:11 PM

“Steven, hey Steven, wake your ass up already!” yells the thin man as he plucks his son on the nose.

“Come on Dad, knock it off,” he says “And could you please stop calling me Steven. My name is Baldy.”

“I didn’t mind calling you that when you were hot shit around here,” says Dad “But after you ran and hid like a little bitch while all your friends were getting busted by Captain Travis, you lost your right to have that name.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” shouts Baldy as he stands up abruptly.

“It means that you no longer have credibility in Albacore Alley!” Yells Dad as he puts his index finger into his son’s chest. “You took off and let your people go down for you!”

“Bullshit!” shouts Baldy as he angrily swats away his father’s hand.

“Oh bullshit nothing,” he scoffs “You saw the cops coming before anyone else! You said so yourself!”

Baldy’s eyes droop as he peers downward and lets out a soft sigh.

“Don’t you get it boy?” asks Dad lowering his voice “Nobody will ever work for you again because you decided to grab your little bag of goodies and take off running without at least giving them a warning.”

Baldy shuts his eyes and shakes his head in disgust.

“So Steven,” scoffs Dad “How long do you think I’m going to let you hide here?”

Baldy twitches slightly when his Dad plucks him on the nose again. He leers at his father evilly and breaths hard through his nose.

“How about I pick up my little bag of goodies and leave right now?” says Baldy as he turns and walks away.

“That’s the smartest thing you’ve said in a very long time Steven.”

Baldy turns for a moment to look irritatingly at his father, then starts walking towards the bathroom.

“Oh what, you don’t like being called Steven?” mocks Dad “Well, I am so sorry about that Steven. I’m gonna miss you so much once your gone Steven.”

When Baldy gets to the bathroom, he forcefully shoves the shower curtain aside and picks up a large gym bag that he had previously stashed in the bathtub. He shakes his head in frustration as his father continues to mock him.

“Hey Steven, can you hear me talking to you Steven?”

“Dad!” Yells Baldy “Would you please shut the fuck up?”

Unexpectedly, a thunderous sound startles Baldy out of his anger. His eyes widen as he gradually steps out of the bathroom.

“Hey Dad,” says Baldy “What was that noise?”

“Steven!!!!! Help!!! Help Meee!!!” Screams Dad

The bloodcurdling cries for help along with the sound of his father being bludgeoned to death causes Baldy to quickly back himself into the bathroom. He weeps hysterically as he gets into the bathtub and closes the shower curtain. He rocks back and forth, hugging the gym bag close to his body. His entire body trembles and his heart pounds hard as he keeps his face pressed against the bag. His sobbing becomes almost silent as his eyes broaden in terror at the sound of heavy footsteps coming closer and closer to his location. He abruptly holds his breath when the door is forcefully kicked in. The door comes off its hinges and collapes onto the floor. Baldy keeps his lips clamped and tears run down his face as he fearfully listens to someone snarling loudly. He can hear the mysterious person make hissing sounds with each inhale, then exhaling deep-toned grunting noises like a bull ready to charge.

“Please, oh please,” He thinks “Please don’t look in here!”

For a brief moment, Baldy can hear the heavy breathing getting louder and seemingly closer, then as swiftly as it began, it stops. Baldy finally takes in a quiet breath which makes him a little dizzy. He develops a look of confusion on his face as he heeds for any sign of trouble. Several minutes go by before he is able to build up enough courage to sneak a quick look around. He leans his body back a tad and rest his head on the wall. He can only leer pass the shower curtain with his left eye, which he uses to scan the area. When he does not see anyone, he breaths a loud sigh of relief. Baldy then stands up in the tub as quietly as he can and draws open the shower curtain.

“Oh come on man!!” sobs Baldy as he drops his bag and his body develops a heavy tremor while looking into the fury filled eyes of Bobby Benteen.

Bobby stands at the entryway shaking his head gently from left to right. Then, as quick as a flash, Bobby’s eyes change from rage to happiness and he forms a greetful smile.

“Well hey Baldy,” says Bobby as he walks over to the bathtub. “How are you doing? It’s been way too long old friend.”

Baldy does not say a word as Bobby extends one of his bloody hands.

“What are you doing in there, hiding from the boogy man?” asks Bobby with a gleeful smile.

Baldy stands flabbergasted while his eyes stay broadened, but does not except Bobby’s invitation for a handshake.

“Well, I can at least help you with your luggage.” says Bobby as he drops his extended hand and picks up the bag.

When Bobby turns around and walks out of the bathroom, he is unaware that a small weapon had dropped from the gym bag. Baldy stumbles slightly as he steps out of the bathtub and speedily scoops up the 38 caliber snub nose pistol. He swiftly checks to make sure it is loaded.

“I can’t believe I forgot about this.” says Baldy

“Forgot about what?” asks Bobby without turning around

“Nothing.” responds Baldy as he rapidly hides the gun near his hindquater

“Hey, how about I put this bag in here with your Dad?” asks Bobby as he walks toward the living room.

“Yeah man, that’s fine.” says Baldy as he quickly follows him to that area.

Once the living room is reached, Bobby drops the gym bag next to the bloody body of Baldy’s father.

“Hey Baldy,” says Bobby as he forms a Ronald McDonald like smile and does an about face. “Looks like your Dad is taking a little nap.”

Baldy’s eyes fill with tears as he peers around at the gory surroundings. His father’s forhead is crushed inward and one of his eyes dangles from its socket. To the left of the body, he spots the a large piece of 4-by-4 wood covered with blood and realizes that to be the murder weapon. As Baldy raises right his arm to aim the pistol in Bobby’s direction, he wipes away his tears with his left hand.

“My Dad’s name is Steven Walsh Sr.,” says Baldy with a shaky voice “And my name is Steven Walsh Jr. you son of a bitch!!”

Bobby’s head again develops the shakes as he drops his smile and lundges toward Baldy. When the trigger is pulled, Baldy takes in a loud breath when he realizes too late that the safety was on. All that Baldy was able to see before he was rendered unconscious was a bright flash of light when Bobby’s fist made contact with the bridge of his nose.

Chapter 10

Travesty Etched In Stone

In the year 1965, a man named Henry Oliver Peak became a hero in a very strange way. Even though he was born out of wedlock, it was alleged that he was actually the granson of the late Joseph Stalin. It was also alleged that because of this rumor, his parents were executed by firing squad. He was only five years old at the time. In 1957, the twelve year old Henry was smuggled out of Russia by a diplomat named Andrew Stone and taken to the United States. At the age of nineteen, he legally changed his last name to Stone as a way to honor his adoptive father whom had died of natural causes that same year. Eight years later, he made a fatal mistake by taking a job as stocker at the “Olde Abandoned Warehouse.” He was unaware that this place of business was really a front for an illegal underground teenage prostitution ring. When the establishment was raided, the twenty-two year old Henry Stone was killed in a cross fire between local police and the pedophilic criminals. Once it was realized that he was accidentally shot by one of the officers, a cover up came into play. The police invented a story claiming that Henry was the informat that led them to the warehouse. There was also a claim that he bravely took the bullet that would have killed one of the teenage girls. The cover up worked well, in fact, it worked too well. News of the young hero spread all the way back to his native country which led an to amazing chain of events. Government officials from Russia and the United States came together at the city where Henry Stone had died and accepted the demands of the community. Jericho City was renamed Kremlin City because Henry was born a mere four blocks from the real Kremlin and the police academy was named after the hero himself. The saddest part of this unusual travesty was that Henry Stone died without ever knowing that he was about to become a father. Exactly nine months after his death, his eighteen year old girlfriend Jenny gave birth to a healthy 7lb, 6oz baby boy whom she named after his late father.

Albacore Alley 1980 8:56 PM

A patrol car pulls into the area occupied by two off duty police officers. Behind the wheel is a ten year veteran of the force, and he has a personal vendetta with the Stone family. His partner graduated early from high school at the age of seventeen. He later became the youngest cadet to complete the difficult training at HOS Police Academy.

“Ok rookie,” says Parker Townsend “This is it. Are you ready?”

“Yes sir,” responds the 18 year old Paul Travis

“Good, now listen, I don’t care how young this guy is. He’s killed 7 women in the last 6 months and he’s going down tonight.”

“I understand sir, but why are we doing this without backup?”

Parker suddenly stomps on the brake causing young Travis to jolt forward in his seat.

“I told you before!” says Parker in a menacing voice “We’re working off roster, which means nobody knows about this but me and you, got it?”

“Look, I get it sir,” responds Travis “It’s just that this place is hell on earth. There has to be more guys on the force that wouldn’t mind helping us out.”

“Fuck the guys,” says Parker as he peers angrily at his partner “This is personal!”

Parker shuts his eyes and turns away, while Travis displays a look of curiosity.

“Is there something you’re not telling me sir?”

The veteran officer wipes the sweat from his forhead and lets out a gentle sigh.

“Victims 8 and 9.” says Parker

“What?” asks Travis as his eyes broaden with disbelief “Are there two more dead bodies?

“They aren’t dead,” says Parker as he looks over at his partner

“Sir?”

“I came home early one night and found my wife unconscious and tied to a chair.”

Young Travis takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly as he listens intensly while his mentor tells him a horrific tale.

“That little fucking rodent was on his way out the backdoor when I walked in.” says Parker “I knew it was him because of that jacked up hairdo of his. Do you remember how it looks?”

“Yes sir,” responds Travis “He was spotted by the nieghbor of victim number 7. The guy said that he saw someone with long hair that was pulled straight up with a clip or something. He said it looked like water spouting out the top of the suspect’s head.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” says Parker “Like something out of “I Dream of Genie.”

“So what did you do sir?”

“I gave chase, but only as far as the backdoor. I took some shots at him as he made it over my fence, but then I went back to my wife. I untied her, called for an ambulance, and that’s all there is to it.”

“What about victim number 9?” asks Travis

Parker takes the gun from his holster and holds it close to his forehead. He shuts his eyes as he maintains a firm grip on it with both hands and whispers a silent prayer.

“Sir?” asks Travis

Parker leers at his rookie partner and places his finger on the trigger.

“My wife was 3 months pregnant at the time. Now she survived and gave birth to my son 6 months later, but the doctors say that he may have brain damage.”

“Oh dear lord sir,” says Travis “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry kid, just remember that I’m the one that helped you with the written exams at the academy, so you owe me one, right?”

“Yes sir?” says Travis as he eagerly takes out his gun.

“Good, then let’s get moving.”

9:29 PM

A woman trying to ease the pain in her back, sits in a recliner with her feet up. About two hours ago, her fifteen year old son was kind enough to put two pillows under her legs to elevate her feet a little higher. He also covered her up with a warm blanket before finally making his departure. For the first hour, she was resting comfortably, during the second however, she began to feel uneasy. Not about her son, but for the male child she carries in her womb. She is eight months pregnant and her unborn child is being a lot more active then usual. She becomes impatient knowing that her son is the only person that can give her what she needs to calm the vigorous bundle of joy. Her anxiousness comes to an end when the front door suddenly swings open.

“Hi Mom.” Says Henry Jr.

“Oh sweetie, you’re back!” Responds Jenny Stone “Please tell me you were able get it. My baby and I need it.”

“Don’t worry Mom, I got it.” says Henry Jr. as he retrieves a pipe from his shirt pocket.

He loads the pipe with crack-cocaine and hands it to his mother. As she was about to place it into her mouth, she notices blood on her son’s shirt.

“What happened?” asks Jenny as she points toward Henry’s torso “Did you get hurt?”

“It’s not my blood.” He says as he pulls a cigerette lighter from his pant pocket. “Dealer gave me a little static, so I bashed his head in.”

“Oh, ok.” she responds

Jenny puts the pipe into her mouth and her son leans forward with lighter.

“That’s it,” says Henry as the flame from the lighter hit’s the drug “Take a nice big hit.”

After taking a fair amount into her lungs, she withdraws and rest her head back in her seat. She can feel her body becoming more relaxed, especially when her baby settles down.

“I’m worried about you honey,” says Jenny as she exhales a tiny mist

“About what Mom?”

“You should never have gone after that cop’s wife.”

“Oh come on Mom,” Says Henry “Let’s not get into this again.”

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you dear.”

“Mom please don’t worry. You know as well as I do that this city will not let anything happen to either of us. We are untouchable Mom. I’ve proven that to you time and time again, right?”

“Yeah, I guess you did.” she responds

“Well, alright then,” says Henry “Look Mom, if that cop’s wife hadn’t seen what we were doing that day, then I never would have had to go after her.

“Fine, fine,” she says “You’ve made your point. I’m sure you’ll take care of her later. Now why don’t you come over here and give your son a kiss.”

Henry Jr. and Jenny Stone look into each others eyes and smile gleefully. He leans forward and gently caresses his mother’s belly.

“So how’s my little Mark doing today?”

“You named him Mark sweetie?” asks Jenny

“Yeah,” responds Henry as he undoes two buttons from her blouse and exposes the navel. “You like that name Mom?”

“Yes, it’s a very good choice dear.” says Jenny as she watches Henry lower his head and give three tender pecks on her belly button.

He then moves up further avoiding her belly and plants a long slow kiss to his mother’s lips. There passionate moment comes to a startling end when the front door is forcefully kicked open. Henry turns around to see a rookie police officer aiming a gun in his direction.

“What kind of sick shit is this?” Says Young Travis with a look of repulsion on his face.

“Hey, you have no business barging in here like this!” yells Henry as he stands his ground between Travis and his lover. “Do you know who I am? Your people won’t touch me, but they’ll hang you! You are making a big fucking mistake!

“I wouldn’t put money on that geyser head!” says Parker Townsend as he makes his way inside.

Henry and his mother are shocked and confused when Parker enters the apartment holding another man hostage. Parker maintains a firm grip on the man’s shirt collar while pressing a gun to his head. The hostage is a tall lanky young man with buck teeth and a gaping wound seeping blood from the top of his head which is making a path down the bridge of his nose. He does not say a word, but pants loudly as he dreadfully anticipates his fate.

“You remember this guy don’t you Henry?” asks Parker with a devilish smile on his face “This is the dealer who’s head you tried to bash in and stole his drugs for your momma! My partner and I got a good laugh out of watching you work this guy over!”

“Yeah, whatever,” says Henry “You assholes still can’t touch me!”

“Oh you are so wrong about that!” Growls Parker

“You know what I mean to this city,” says Henry with a voice sounding more and more desperate. “Both of you guys….you don’t….I mean….Your lives as you know them will be over….” stammers Henry as his eyes widen with distress “Can’t you see that?”

“Well, that may have been true when you were just raping and killing prostitutes,” says Parker in a low menacing voice “But then you made the mistake of attacking my wife!”

“You were raping them too Henry!” Says Jenny as tears start to fill her eyes.

“Mom, shut up and let me handle this!”

“Well look at that rookie,” says Parker with a heavy chuckle “This murdering/rapist piece of shit still manages to have the heart of a hero. What do you think about that?”

“Pretty fucking weird sir.” says Young Travis as he continues to take careful aim with his gun.

“You got that right!” says Parker “Ok, this charade has gone on long enough. Tell him the good news rookie.”

“You see this gun I have Henry?” asks Travis

When Henry focuses on the gun the young officer has aimed at him, he comes to a startling revelation. His body develops a heavy shudder and he begins to weep uncontrollably because at this moment, he realizes that both Parker and Travis are wearing latex gloves.

“I guess you do recognize your own gun.” says Travis sarcastically “My mentor was nice enough to hold onto it for you after you left it behind.”

“That’s right dickhead,” continues Parker “You may have made it over that fence, but your gun sure didn’t.”

Unknown to both of the officers, Jenny is reaching for a tiny five shot automatic pistol stashed in between the two pillows that her legs are resting on. Without removing the weapon, she takes aim and places her finger on the trigger.

“Wait a minute guys,” pleads Henry “Can’t we work this out?”

“I will not give you another chance at mt wife!” Hollers Parker

“Sorry Henry,” says Travis “but it’s time for you to become a hero like your Dad.”

Without warning, feathers fly up into the air as a bullet rips its way through Jenny’s pillow, travels between the legs of the hostage and burys itself into Parker’s left knee. Travis shifts his aim to Jenny, but Henry manages to lunge forward and they begin grappling violently for the gun. As Parker collapses onto his hindquater, the hostage does an about face and tries to run out of the apartment. Jenny pulls the gun out of its hiding spot and was about to aim at Parker again, but with his quick draw and perfect targeting, he is able to fire his wepon first. Jenny’s gun was shot clean out of her hand before she was able to pull the trigger. In that same instant, as both Travis and Henry fall downward to the floor, the gun they fight over goes off, putting a bullet into the back of the hostage’s head. Once they make a hard landing, Travis delivers a massive head-butt to Henry’s nose which helps him regain control of the weapon.

“Get on your feet rookie, now!” yells Parker as he keeps his gun aimed at Jenny

“Yes sir!” says Travis as he staggers into a standing postion.

Henry cowers on the floor holding his nose with both hands in a dismal attempt to stop the blood flow.

“Ok, we have to go with plan B,” says Parker “Here, switch guns with me, hurry up!”

Without hesitation, Young Travis does as he is told.

“Ok rookie, you know what to do right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Do it then!”

“Alright Ms. Jenny,” says Travis as he walks over and takes hold of her arm. “On your feet!”

“What are doing?” she says in hysterics “Let go of me!”

Travis manages to get Jenny up from the recliner and onto her feet. Henry releases his nose when he sees his mother struggling to get away from the young officer as he shoves her toward the back bedroom.

“Let go of her!” screams Henry

“Don’t you move boy!” orders Parker as he targets his pistol “I will blow what’s left of your nose off your fucking face if you don’t keep still!”

“What is he gonna do with my Mom?” sobs Henry

“You brought this on yourself,” says Parker “That’s all you need to know!”

Henry’s entire body becomes stiff with tension when he hears his mother let out a horrendous scream which is quickly silenced by two loud gunshots. Henry’s eyes become droopy and he develops a blank expression on his face. His body slumps inward by the torso and his arms go limp.

“Well now,“ says Parker cynically “that’s what I call bad fucking karma!”

Parker Townsend laughs for a moment, then stops when Henry looks up at him. The pair glare into each others eyes for a few minutes, then amazingly, Parker tosses the gun into the air and watches as it lands on Henry’s lap. As quick as a flash, Henry picks up the weapon and fires a single round into his own mouth.

“You can bring her out now rookie,” yells Parker “It’s done!”

Jenny no longer struggles as Travis walks her back into the living room with his hand covering her mouth.

“Take a seat.” demands Travis as he helps lower her back into the recliner. “That was a hell of a gamble sir. How did you know he wouldn’t shoot you?”

“Oh please,” responds Parker “Cold blood killers are the biggest cowards on the planet. The real gamble was you rookie.”

“What do you mean sir?”

“Are you kidding?” asks Parker “I kept waiting for you to punk out on me, but you didn’t. You got ice in your veins kid. You did me proud.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Alright, let’s finish up. I’m bleeding like a stuck pig here. You take care of the bodies while Jenny and I have a little chat.”

“Yes sir.”

While Travis begins re-postioning one of the two dead bodies, Parker scoots on his hinquater towards Jenny. Once there, he picks up the pipe and loads it with small pieces of crack-cocaine he finds scattered on the floor. He then takes a cigerette lighter from his own pocket and hands them both to Jenny.

“Ok, little lady,” says Parker “If you want that baby of yours to have a future, then I suggest you play along.”

Chapter 11

The Oedipus Reversal

Present Day - August 15^th 2 AM

Jericho Retirement Home

For the past ten years, a man named Jimmy Potter was a security guard at the local old folks home in Kremlin City. The octogenarians at this establishment gave him the nickname “High Tower”, because he was 6 foot 5 and weighed almost 300 lbs. He wore oversized coke bottle glasses, displayed a large hairy mole under his left ear, and he had enormous buck teeth which made it impossible for him to close his mouth. When he walked, he did so with a hunch-back, knock-knees, and pigion-toes. His awkward appearance never bothered any of the elderly people that housed here, because his kind heartedness and respectfulness always made them feel safe. Jimmy’s job was never difficult, with the exception of the long hours. Because of his 2 PM to Midnight shifts, and the fact that he had never missed a day of work his entire duration, the work staff allowed him special privileges. One of these privileges was that he was permitted to clean himself up in the shower room after his shift ended. On this day however, it would be the last shower he would ever take.

“Hello,” says a concerned looking woman

“Hey Judy,” responds the male nurse “What brings you by at this hour?

“I’m looking for my husband.” says Judy

“You mean Jimmy hasn’t come home yet?”

“No, and he always calls if he’s going to be late! What’s going on?”

“Alright Mrs. Potter,” says the nurse “Just calm down. I’m sure he’s fine. Look, here comes Jake, maybe he can help.”

The male nurse and worried wife watch as Jake the janitor makes his way down the hall and into the dark lobby.

“Hey Jake,” says the nurse “Have you seen hightower by any chance?

When the janitor does not answer, the duo look at each other dumbfounded, then they return their focus to him. The nurse steps from around his workstation and stands next to Judy.

“Are you ok Jake?” asks the nurse “What wrong?”

When the janitor staggers and falls to the floor, they both run quickly over to him. The nurse goes down to one knee and checks for vital signs.

“Is he alright?” asks Mrs. Potter

“Oh no,” says the nurse as he draws his hand back and discovers blood “He’s dead!”

“My God!” yells Judy as she starts for the hallway “Jimmy! Jimmy!”

“Mrs. Potter, Please!!” He barks as he stands up and forcefully restrains her. “Let me call the police first! Don’t just run off like that!”

“Let gof of me!!” she screams as she claws at his face.

The nurse has no choice but to let go after he receives a hard knee to the groin. As he cowers in pain, other residents of the establishment timidly peek out of their rooms and can see judy frantically sprinting down the hall. The nusre stumbles slightly as he makes his way back over to his workstation. Once there, he picks up the telephone and rapidily dials 911.

“I need the police right away!!”

2:12 AM

The eighth floor of the Jericho Retirement Home is a very sad but nessacary place. It houses the patients whom are suffering from a number of chronic ailments. There are only ten rooms on this floor, each door labeled with the last name of each patient. In one of these rooms, a woman is trying to rest comfortably as she listens to the repetitive weezing sounds that omit from the oxygen equipment. As she lay in a meditative state, she is unaware that a man wearing a security guard uniform is standing at the foot of her bed. He holds a 9mm Beretta in his right hand, briskly tapping his index finger on and off the trigger. He weeps silently as he follows the long plastic tube with his eyes from the oxygen tank to her nostrils. Her eyes appear to be clamped shut as she struggles to pant with her mouth wide open. His weeping becomes louder when he closes his eyes and suddenly brings up his left hand to cover his face. At that very moment, she opens her eyes.

“Is…..That….. You…….Jimmy?”

Albacore Alley - September 10, 1995 - 6:14 AM

“Didn’t I tell you to get the fuck out out of that bed!?” Yells Cindy Benteen as she chaotically pulls the blankets off of her sleeping son. “Today is the first day of school and all you wanna do is sleep!”

“Mom, wait!” says the 8 year old Bobby

“Don’t tell me to wait you little fucker!” she growls as she grabs her son by the throat. “You do what I tell you!”

Cindy rough-houses young Bobby into a standing position and shakes him vigorously. The grip she maintains on his neck is firm, but not enough to make him choke. His body stiffens and his eyes broaden as his mother abruptly halts her assualt. He can feel her fingernails digging into his flesh as she wickedly glares into his eyes.

“Mom, please stop,” cries Bobby “It hurts..”

“What hurts?” asks Cindy as she cruelly burrows her nails deeper “You mean this?”

Bobby grits his teeth and cringes in anguish as he drops to his knees. Without warning, his mother palms the back of his head with one hand and cups him under the chin with the other.

“Get the fuck off the floor you wimp!” she says maliciously as she forces her son back onto his feet.

Cindy grips his head firmly as she strongholds her son out of his bedroom. When they reach the bathroom, she kicks open the door.

“Now get in that bathroom as wash you smelly ass!” she hollers as she flings her son in the direction of the tub.

As he propels forward, he tries to brace himself for the impact by bringing his arms up. Bobby is rendered unconscious when his head meets violently with the side of the tiolet. His body goes limp and shows no further signs of life.

“Oh, what the fuck are you trying to pull now?” she asks uncaringly “You trying to get out of going to school today, or what?”

When Bobby gives no response, she storms over and kicks him on the leg. She peers down at him closer and can see that a small amount of blood oozes from his skull.

“Looks like this is a lucky day for both of us.” she says sarcastically

She turns to walk away, then suddenly pauses in her tracks. Cindy glares down at her son again and forms a devilish smirk.

“Don’t worry you little shit, I‘ll call you a doctor” she says “As long as your going to be at the hospital, you don’t have to go to school. At least I’ll have you out of my hair for a while.”

When she finally walks away, she goes into the living room and picks up the phone. A single tear finds a path down Bobby’s cheek as he is able to regain conciousness. Just before he passes out again, he manages to hear what his mother says.

“Hello,….yeah ahhh….I’m gonna need an ambulance….my son fell and busted his head open.”

Present Day - 2:13 AM

“Is…..That…..You…..Jimmy?” asks the terminally ill Cindy Benteen as she tries to focus on the large man standing at the foot of her bed.

At first, she wondered why he was crying, but when he looked up, she realized that the man before her was not Jimmy at all.

“Bobby?” asks Cindy with a surprised look on her face “Is that you?”

Bobby does not say a word as he wipes away his tears with his left hand while still briskly tapping his index finger on and off the trigger to the 9mm beretta he holds in his right.

“Bobby, what are you doing here?” she asks “I haven’t seen you in seven years.”

Bobby looks deeply into his mother’s eyes, but finds that he is still unable to speak. Instead, he simply glares at her and tries to remember something, if anything, that he loves about her.

“Bobby, say something, please?”

He shuts his eyes as he lowers his chin to his chest while breathing loudly through his nostrils. Cindy’s eyes begin to fill with water when she comes to a painfully obvious conclusion. She takes a moment to reminisce about how she almost did not give him a chance at life. A droplet of water streams down her face as she recalls twenty-six years ago, she had passed out while getting drunk with a duo of so-called friends and woke up later with no clothing. It filled her with anger when she was told by police investigators that they were unable to find a match in their records to any of the DNA samples that were collected for the rape-kit. The rage consumed her everyday of her life and everyday of her son’s life. She hated not knowing who Bobby’s father was so much that eventually she started hating him. She hated him, until that very moment, because now, in her mind, she has a way to make things up to him.

“It’s called the Oedipus complex Bobby.” says Cindy “In reverse.”

“I don’t want to have sex with you Mom.“ responds Bobby as he looks up at her with a repulsed expression and a goofy smile.

“I said, in reverse.” she repeats “You have to kill me Bobby.”

“Oh Mom,” says Bobby with sadness in his eyes and confusion on his face. “Why would I ever want to kill you?”

“Because you can’t kill him,” responds Cindy “So you have to kill me.”

“Mom, what are you talking about?” asks Bobby “Can’t kill who?”

Cindy Benteen knows that by answering this question, it will trigger a response that will most likely send her into the next life. She shut her eyes for a moment and whispers a silent prayer. When she opens her eyes, she smiles at her son thinking that she is about to give him some kind of satisfaction. In reality however, his vengeance runs much deeper then even he can comprehend.

“Mom,” repeats Bobby “Can’t kill who?”

“Your Father…”

Bobby’s head again develops the shakes and his eyes quickly change from sadness to absolute rage.

“And who might that be?” snarls Bobby as he raises the gun and aims it at his mother

2:16 AM

Officers are now crowding this establishment and are putting up police tape in two areas. First around the deceased janitor in the lobby, then around Jimmy Potter’s naked corpse in the laundry room. Judy, the wife of the security guard, is in hysterics as she is being loaded into an ambulance, while the male nurse tries to answer questions for police. It is at this moment, that Captain Travis makes his entrance. He walks onto the chaotic environment showing no emotion, whatsoever.

“Sir?” asks a nearby polieman when he sees his superior officer walking in “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be….”

“Don’t you say another fucking word!” snaps the Captain as he halts and puts an index finger in the policeman’s face.

The officer was about to apologize when suddenly, three loud gunshots ring out. Captain Travis and other officers on the scene, all draw their weapons.

“Where did that come from?” yells the Captain as he runs up to the nurse.

“Sounds like upstairs, but I can’t tell which floor!”

The policeman all begin to follow the Captain’s lead for the nearest stairwell, when unexpectedly, a thunderous crashing sound comes from outside. Everyone startlingly freezes in their tracks and their eyes broaden with tension.

“What the fuck is it now?” yells Travis

Travis turns to two of the officers near the exit door and points his finger at them.

“You and you, get over there, now!” orders the Captain

It does not take long for the policemen to discover the source of the noise polution. One of them immediately comes back inside.

“Sir,” says the officer “There’s a dead body on your car!”

“What?” shouts The Captian “Alright, you two stay out there! The rest of you get upstairs and check every floor! Let’s go, move it!”

As several officers scramble to their duties, Travis grabs the nurse by his arm.

“Sir, come with me,” orders the Captain as he pulls the man to safety “You need to be outside!”

Once outdoors, Travis looks on confusingly at the body that has sunk into his Jaguar.

“Can either of you identify her?” asks the Captain

“No sir.” responds the two officers in collaboration

“Oh my God!” says the nurse “That’s Mrs. Benteen!”

Travis turns and looks shockingly at the nurse.

“Did you just say Benteen?” asks the Captain

“Yes sir.”

Travis peers upward and can see the broken window that Cindy Benteen was forced out of. He then glances over at her body and easily spots the three gunshot wounds, two in her chest, one in her forehead.

“Secure the building!” orders the Captain “We’re gonna need a lot more backup!”

2:31 AM

“Let’s go,” orders Travis “These bodies should have been out of here by now!”

The Captain watches as the coroners load the janitor and security guard into a van, then walks over to a nearby patrol car. After opening the passenger side door, he gets into the vehicle and picks up a walkie-talkie.

“You guys see anybody up there yet?”

“No sir bzzz,” responds a voice on the communicator “We found some clothing….bzzz….over by the laundry shoot…bzzz…but no sign of any people….bzzzzz…other then then patients sir…..bzzz….over?”

Travis angrily drops the walkie-talkie and picks up a bullhorn, then gets out of the vehicle. He peers around at all of the officers now surrounding the area with their weapons aimed and ready. He then holds the bullhorn up to his face.

“Bobby Benteen!” reverberates the Captain “Come out right now with your hands up!”

All of a sudden, Travis realizes that something is wrong. A frown develops wrinkles on his forehead as he tilts his head slightly to the right. He returns to the patrol car and again picks up the walkie-talkie.

“Hey ahh,,where did you say you found the clothing?” asks The Captain

“Bzzzzzz…..near the laundry shoot sir….bzzzzz…over?”

“Oh no!” says Travis in frustration.

2:36 AM

After he finishes shoving the two unconscious coroners out of the van, a now naked Bobby steps around the deceased janitor, gets behind the wheel and begins driving. He gives little thought to the nude security guard whose body he stashed away under a large bundle of unwashed towels. Intead, all that is on his mind is getting back home. He takes a moment to try and understand why he somehow is able look through his eyes, but not be in control of his body. He expresses no emotion on his face, but feelings in his mind spin around like memories being liquefied in a blender. The only thing he can comprehend now, is that in the meantime, he is in control of his body. Bobby also knows that once he is home, it will only be a matter of time before the police show up at his doorstep. This does not deter him in any way because other then a need for fresh clothing, there is a small item that he holds dear to his heart. The retrieval of this item is the only real focus he has left.

Chapter 12

The Family Business

Present Day - August 15^th 7 AM

Kremlin City Hospital

Mark Stone’s three day stupor has finally come to an end. Much has happened in that short amount of time. A brief investigation and a sanctioned ruling easily took away his badge. The forty-five minute trial that convicted Mark on five counts of murder, was the quickest ever recorded in the city’s history. All of the individuals in charge of his prosecution definitely agree on one thing. He must be in very good physical condition and have an even better sense of awareness, so that he will be present during the sentencing. For the moment, he lays handcuffed to the railing of his hospital bed, struggling to regain consciousness. His forehead creates wrinkles as he tries to work away the crust keeping his eyelids from opening.

“So let me see if I can get this straight,” says Tommy as he speaks into a cell phone “Are you telling me that this guy has killed five people in less then forty-eight hours and you didn’t catch him yet? Who the fuck is this guy?”

Mark is finally able to open his eyes and can see his brother pacing back and forth by the foot of the hospital bed.

“Oh really?” asks Tommy with a devilish grin on his face as he continues his phone conversation. “No, I don’t have a problem with that at all.”

Mark’s vision becomes blurry and his eyes develop a slight leakadge. He squints his eyes and lets out a gentle grunt when he sighs. Tommy turns his attention to his brother and quickly drops his smile.

“Hey, I think he’s waking up.” says Tommy “Let me call you back, ok?”

As Mark regains his focus and peers at his brother, tears form streaks down the side of his face making paths to each of his ears. The duo have a brief moment of eye contact as the phone conversation continues.

“Look asshole!” says Tommy forcefully “I won’t know if he will go through with it until I can get off this fucking cell, now shut up and let me go, or the deals off!”

Tommy clamps the flip phone shut and places it into his pocket.

“Well hello big brother,” says Tommy as he redevelops his devilish smile “I was afraid you were gonna sleep for a month. How are you feeling?”

“I…I,” says Mark before clamping his lips shut and swallows hard

“Dry throat huh?” asks Tommy “Then don’t talk bro, just listen.”

Mark peers at his brother and maintains an expression of confusion of his face.

“You have a choice to make bro,” says Tommy “Your gonna go to jail either way, so I suggest you choose wisely.”

Tommy again drops his smile as he watches his brother turn his head away and close his eyes.

“You don’t have to look at me bro,” continues Tommy “That’s fine, just pay attention: I have it in good faith that you will be looked after while you are in prison. A couple of guys in there owe me favors. If you want to be protected, then you’re going to have to change your name.”

“To what?” asks Mark without altering his position

“How about Henry?” responds Tommy with a slight chuckle

When Tommy receives no response from his brother, he develops a frown on his face.

“Ok, look bro,” says Tommy in an aggravated voice “You either want my protection or you don’t. If you do, then you have to change your name. It’s really that simple.”

“I don’t want anything from you Tommy,” says Mark still laying motionless “Except your departure from my life.”

“Are you nuts?” asks a surprised Tommy “You won’t last a week in that place!”

“Get out of here and let me be!” snaps Mark as he finally lifts his head and peers angrily at his brother.

“Mark, why are you doing this?”

“Because if I had the guts or the stupidity, I would have killed you a long time ago! Storms Mark “You’re the reason I got strung out! You and that fucked up father of yours! Now your standing here wanting to help me? FUCK YOU!!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” asks Tommy “If not for me getting Doctor Sanders to hook you up, you would have been shaking like a leaf while you were detoxifying these past three days! I’m trying to help you because we’re family!”

“Oh bullshit!!” yells Mark “When there’s someone in the family who has an addiction, there’s two ways to deal with it! You can either intervene or you can turn your fucking back! What you don’t do is exploit that addiction just to line your own pockets! Now would you please get out of my fucking face!”

Tommy stands dumbfounded, realizing that his brother is no longer the lushful pushover he always took him to for. Instead, he glares into the raged filled eyes of Mark Stone and feels something that he never had before: Intimidation. Without saying another word, Tommy simply does an about face and leaves the hospital room. Mark suddenly develops a dizzy spell and his eyes go in and out of focus. He pants loudly for a moment then briskly passes out.

Albacore Alley - October 19^th, 1992 - 4: 21 PM

“Hello Thomas, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since the day you were born.”

Ten year old Tommy peers up at the well dressed man standing before him. Earlier that morning, Jenny Stone abruptly grabbed up her car keys and left her two sons to fend for themselves for breakfast. Twelve year old Mark was satisfied with a bowl of oatmeal, but Tommy lost his appetite when he realized he was not going to get the vegetarian omlet that his mother usally prepared for him every morning. After breakfast, both boys went to school and maintained their perfect attendence. Tommy kept up his grades and was exceptional with physical education. Mark struggled with dyslexia, but still managed to sustain a C+ grade point average. After school let out at 3 PM, both boys went to endulge themselves in the one thing they had in common: baseball practice. Unfortunately, Tommy’s practice was cut short when his coach informed him that his mother wanted him to come home right away. It only took him about twenty minutes to reach his destination, and once there, he received the biggest shock of his life.

“Tommy, don’t be rude,” says Jenny “Say hello to your father.”

“My what?” asks a bewildered Tommy

“You heard me,” she says “Look, just come over here and sit at the table with us and we’ll explain everything.”

Tommy walks over to the kitchen table and pulls out a chair. Jenny stands up and lets the well dressed man take her seat, then she sits on his lap. Tommy watches as his mother and the man develop a tender embrace and gaze into each others eyes.

“I missed you,” says Jenny as she caresses his face

“I really missed you too baby cakes.” responds the man

After their moment passes, they peer over at a dumfounded Tommy and chuckle slightly at his wide-eyed expression.

“Ok Tommy,” says Jenny “Do you remember what I told you about your brother’s dad?”

“Umm, yeah,” responds Tommy “You said he was killed by a mugger that was trying to rob both of you.”

“That’s right,” she says “I never thought I would be able to recover from that, but that’s when I met your dad.”

“My name’s Daniel Pike by the way.” he says “I met your mom about a year and a half after your stepfather died.”

“Yeah,” she says “I was looking for my medicine that day.”

“You mean that special medicine mommy?” asks Tommy

Daniel forms a frown on his face and peers shockingly at Jenny. She looks back at him and winks her left eye, then they both return their attention to Tommy.

“Yes Tommy,” she responds “And your dad here, is the man that helped me find some.”

“Really? Cool!” says Tommy as he gleefully peers at his father. “Mommy cries a lot when she doesn’t have her medicine. Do you have some for her now?”

Daniel develops a surpised look on his face accompanied with a glowful smile. He glances over at Jenny who has formed a grin of her own.

“I told you so.” says Jenny as she playfully bats her eyelids.

“Wow!” says Daniel as he peers at his son with a delighted expression “Your mother was right about you.”

“So you’ll help him then?” asks Jenny

“Yeah,” responds Daniel still gazing at his son “I think I will.”

“Help me with what? Asks Tommy

Daniel and Jenny look at each other with wide grins and let out loud chuckles. Tommy watches confusingly at the duo as their laughter slowly comes to an end. They both peer at him again with gleaming eyes and happy expressions.

“Well son,” says Daniel “How would you like to learn about the family business?”

Albacore Alley - June 10, 1998 - 6 :37 PM

“This is a very special day!” says Jenny “I think it’s wonderful that my son graduated from high school on his birthday! I’m so proud of you Mark!”

“Thanks Mom,” responds Mark

Young Mark takes in a large amount of air into his lungs, then leans forward to blow out the eighteen candles on his cake which is setting on the kitchen table. After doing so, he sits down and rest his palms flat on the table in front of him while peering gleefully around at his family. To his right, his stepfather reaches over and pats him on the shoulder. Mark returns the kind gesture with a slight nod and mouths the words: “Thank You”. Ever since Daniel married his mother six years prior, Mark has considered him a nice addition to the family. Jenny Stone applauds while the now sixteen year old Tommy hands over a knife to his big brother so that he can cut the cake. After retrieving the blade, Mark suddenly stood up. His family sit around the table and look up at him with dumbfounded expressions on their faces.

“I have an announcement to make.” says Mark

Tommy, Daniel, and Jenny become silent and eagerly await Mark’s big news. Mark simply smiles glowfully as he glares around at his family.

“Don’t keep us in suspense bro.” says Tommy

“Well, ok,” responds Mark “I have been doing a lot of thinking and I finally made up my mind.”

“About what dear?” asks Jenny

“I have decided to become a cop.”

Jenny’s smile drops while Daniel and Tommy peer at each other with devilish grins on their faces. Mark’s smile turns into a confused frown as he stays focused on his mother.

“What wrong Mom?” asks Mark

“What the hell do you mean, what’s wrong?” yells Jenny as she suddenly stands up and inadvertenly causes her chair to fall over. “There is no way I’m going to let you become a cop!”

“Ok Mom, take it easy,” says Mark

As Mark and his mother continue with their debate, niether of them notice as Tommy and Daniel glare at each other with sheepish smirks. Tommy’s eyes are wide as he folds his arms and places his left over his mouth in an attempt to prevent himself from laughing. Daniel folds his arms in the same manner, but puts his right index finger to his lips, signaling his son to stay silent. When Daniel gives a quick wink, Tommy shuts his eyes, lowers his head, and takes in a deep breath. He then forces himself to maintain a straight face as he exhales gently and again peers at his father.

“Don’t tell me to take it easy Mark!” storms Jenny

“Mom please,” says Mark “Why are you making such a big deal out of this? Can’t you just be happy for me?”

“Oh, is that supposed to be funny?” she hollers “Your Grandfather and Dad were both killed by bullets, and now I’m supposed to be happy about one of my children putting himself in the line of fire! Is that what you expect me to do?”

Mark shakes his head in disbelief and roles his eyes.

“I’m not letting you do this Mark!” she says angrily

“Well, no offense Mom,” responds Mark as his eyes become narrow “But it’s not up to you!”

“It is up to me!” she sreams as her face becomes blood red.

“No Mom, It’s not!” yells Mark “It’s because of what happened to Dad and Grandpa that made me decide to become a cop in the first place! Now you can either stand by my choice or not, but please don’t tell me that it’s not my choice! I’m eighteen years old now and there is nothing you or anyone else can do to stop me!”

Jenny’s eyes fill with tears as she suddenly does an about face and storms out of the kitchen toward her bedroom.

“Mom wait,” says Mark sympathetically as his voice becomes soft.

“Let her go Mark,” says Daniel as he stands up and places his hand on Mark’s shoulder “Just give her some time alone and she’ll be ok.”

“Yeah,” says Tommy as he also stands up “And for whatever it’s worth, I think you’re going to make a great cop.

Mark responds to his brother’s compliment with a bashful smile, but still has sadness in his eyes.

“I agree with your brother,” says Daniel “I bet you would make the perfect undercover narc.”

“Really?” asks Mark as he looks shockingly at his stepfather.

“Oh yeah,” responds Daniel “All you would have to do to maintain your cover is convince people that you’re a junkie. That’s not so difficult is it?”

“I suppose not,” says Mark “but I’ve never done drugs in my life.”

“Trust me my boy,” says Daniel “If you start building up your immune system now, you’ll be ready to become a detective in just a couple of years.”

Under normal circumstances, any other human being would be able to see right through the nonsense being spewed from Daniel’s mouth. Unfortunately, since Mark was born into this world under bizarre conditions, his fragile mind comprehends Daniel’s deviant words as good thinking. Mark is completely unaware to what his little brother and stepfather have in store for him. Not even his mother has all the details about what Daniel refers to as: “The Family Business”. As a junkie herself, she chose to go along with her husband’s decision many years ago, not to inform Mark about his drug dealing, but as a mother, she would not be able to except what Daniel and Tommy plan to do with Mark. In their minds, having a cop in their back pocket will be a great benefit to their business.

“Ok,” says Mark “So how do I go about getting some drugs?”

“I’ll tell you what,” says Daniel “How about you get through your training at the police academy first, then your brother and I will help you from there. Will that be ok with you?”

“Well yeah,” chuckles Mark

“Ok then,” says Daniel “Oh, but there is one thing you have to promise us.”

“What’s that sir?” asks Mark

“One needs friends, even in the most difficult situations.” says Daniel “So you have to promise never to tell your mother about us helping you.”

“Yeah,” continues Tommy “If she knew we were helping you out, she would be just as mad at us as she is at you.”

“Don’t worry guys,” says Mark “I won’t say a word.”

Chapter 13

Karmic Reunion

Present Day - August 15^th - 10:20 AM

“Are you sure about this sir?” asks the young officer

“I’m sure.” responds Travis

“I don’t know about this sir, something doesn’t feel right.”

“Look kid, I know what I’m doing.“ says Travis “Now do what I said before. Just wait out here with the others. If he comes out alone, blow his ass away, got it?”

“Yes sir.”

Captain Travis opens the driver’s side door and steps out of the vehicle. After shutting the door, he takes a moment to peer around at the other police cars surrounding the home of Bobby Benteen. Like the Captain’s young partner, all of the other policemen were told to stay in their vehicles. When Travis turns around and begins walking toward the house, his partner shakes his head in disbelief. He keeps an expression of concern on his face as he watches his boss enter through the backdoor of the house. Suddenly, a loud buzzing omits from the CB communicator, startling the young officer.

“Hey Kyle….Bzzzz….”

“Yeah, what’s up?” asks the young officer after picking up the communicator and holds it to his face.

“Why the hell does the Captain want us to wait out here?….Bzzzz…..There’s twenty of us all together…..Bzzzz…..We should be able to take this guy down easy!”

“Hey man,” responds Kyle “I don’t like this anymore then you do. Cap says he has history with this guy. I guess he figures he can get the dude to turn himself in.”

“Even after that crazy bastard killed his own mother?…..Bzzzz….There’s no way I would take a chance like that…..Bzzzz…..We should go in anyway!”

“That’s not a good idea,” says Kyle “Besides, you know as well as I do that the Captain would fire us on the spot. Let’s just wait this one out and see what happens, ok?”

“Ok…..Bzzz….Over and out.”

Kyle jolts slightly when he suddenly feels the vibration of the cell phone he has tuck away in his pant pocket. He quickly retrieves it, flips it open and places it to his ear.

“Hello?……well peekaboo to you to sir. What can I do you for?”

10:22 AM

After entering the house through the backdoor, Captain Travis draws his 9mm beretta, and holds it close to his side. His eyes grow wide and he develops an even more state of readiness when he notices the deceased nieghbor on the kitchen floor. He grasps the gun with both hands, pointing it forward at a downward angle. Travis gets a lump in his throat as he forms a squeamish smirk on his face when he sees the distorted condition of the dead body. Even though the corpse lies flat on its back, the face of this individual remains pressed to the floor. Travis swallows hard and lets out a loud exhale from his nostrils. He then changes his focus toward the livingroom when he hears a faint tapping sound. He inadvertently steps over the dead man as he makes his way closer to the rhythmic pattering. Once there, Travis takes aim with his weapon, targeting Bobby as he sits on the floor in the center of the livingroom.

“You won’t be needing that sir.” says Bobby in a calm voice as he continues tapping what appears to be a white pencil on the wood floor. “You won’t get any problems from me.”

“You really think I’m gonna believe that?” asks Travis with his eyes wide with anticipation “Lots of people are dead because of you.”

“I know that sir,” says Bobby “But there’s nobody left to kill. Now I’m ready to pay for my crimes.”

“That’s good of you to take responsibility for your actions,” responds Travis with the gun still aimed “But I have to know one thing before I bring you in.”

“What’s that sir?” asks Bobby

“You say there’s no one left to kill,” says Travis as he slowly lowers his weapon “But you’re wrong.”

“What do you mean sir?”

“What about the man that killed Karma?” asks Travis

Unexpectedly, Bobby swiftly makes his way to his feet and his head develops the shakes. Even though the Captain is startled, he rapidly raises his gun again. Bobby’s fury filled eyes stare un-intimidated at the gun Travis has pointed at him.

“Now you just take it easy Bobby!” says Travis in a firm tone of voice. “She was my daughter and I loved her to.”

Bobby stands his ground without saying a word. He continues to maintain an evil expression on his face, but his head no longer has the shakes.

“I want revenge to Bobby. I can’t get to him,” says Travis “But you can.”

Bobby shuts his eyes and lowers his head.

“How?” asks Bobby without changing his position

“He‘ll be in prison soon,” responds Travis “If you want to get him, all you have to do is let me arrest you. It’s as simple as that”

“What’s his name sir?” asks Bobby

“Mark,” says Travis “Mark Stone. If you can deal with him, then I will take down his brother Tommy. As far as I’m concerned, both of them are responsible for my daughter’s death.”

Bobby lifts his head and faces the Captain with a look of sorrow in his eyes.

“Ok sir,” says Bobby “But would you mind holding on to this for me?”

Travis withdraws his weapon and reaches for the item that Bobby is handing to him. After he takes the item from Bobby’s hand, his legs become weak at the knees, causing him to stumble back slightly.

“Is this what I think it is?” asks Travis as tears fill his eyes.

“Yes sir, it is,” responds Bobby “I want you to give that to this…….Mark person if anything happens to me, ok?”

Travis swiftly wipes away his tears and places the item into his jacket pocket.

“You got yourself a deal Bobby.” says the Captain with a low but menicing voice “But you have to promise me that you will do whatever it takes to get that son of a bitch! Do you understand me?”

“Yes sir, I do.” responds Bobby as he raises both of his arms and anticipates the handcuffs that Travis has for him.

“Good,” says Travis “then let’s get moving!”

August 15^th 3:32 PM

Mark Stone shakes his head vigorously in a dismal attempt to stop the reacurring dizzy spells which he has been suffering from ever since he was checked out of the hospital. Now he sits in a wheelchair being pushed into a courtroom by his defense attorney. As he makes his entrance, Mark can sense a great deal of tension in the overcrowded courtroom, especially when they all turn and look directly at him. Many of the onlookers are family members of the innocent victims who suffered at the hands of Mark’s actions. Some of the fortunate survivors of this ordeal now wait impatiently for the sentencing to begin. The courtroom was very quiet, until Veteran Judge Avery Brandice, breaks the silence.

“Come on, hurry up!” says the judge angrily “We all have better things to do then wait on this disgrace of a man!”

The lawyer wheels Mark up to the defendant’s table, then takes a seat next to him.

“Your honor?” says the prosecutor as she gets up from her chair “With permission, I would like to go over this list before sentencing is passed.”

“Proceed.” responds the judge

“Thank you your honor,” says the prosecutor as she walks to the center of the room “Ok, so let’s review.”

Setting at the midpoint of the room, is a medium sized chalkboard with many names written on it. Connie Simmons, a very well-dressed prosecutor is highly recognized for her grandstanding, which is something the judge normally would not tolerate. He mentally decides to make an exception in this case, and instead, watches as she approaches the chalboard with a type of stylized walk usually seen with models during a fashion show. After picking up a long wooden stick with a metal tip, she whips her head around to the right, causing her long blonde hair to sway over her shoulder. She poses with her right leg straight while her left leg is slightly bent at the knee. She arches her back in a seductive manner and tilts her head softly to the left making herself look even more visually alluring.

You see these names Mr. Stone?” asks the lady prosecutor as she taps the left side of the chalkboard three times with the stick “The names on this side are the lucky survivors of the accident you caused that day. Are you able to read these names from where you are sitting? Just give me a nod.”

Mark squints his eyes at first, then shakes his head no.

“Very well,” she says “Then I shall read them for you. There names are, Jackie Rose, Connie Parsons, Ben Harper, Glenn Davidson, Pete Sanders, Melissa Torres, Russell Wilson, and Jake Taylor. A few of these people were able-bodied enough to be here for these proceedings.”

Mark’s eyes begin to fill with tears and his lower lip develops a slight quiver.

“As for the last two, Russell Wilson and Jake Taylor, well, they couldn’t be here today. Would you like to know why Mr. Stone?”

The lady prosecutor places the stick on her right shoulder and walks with it like a soldier carrying a rifle. She stands in front of the table where Mark sits and leans forward coming face to face with him. She deliberately exposes her cleavage and keeps her back at an arch, which makes the judge and other onlookers develop heavy chuckles.

“Objection your honor.” says the defense attorney as he suddenly stands up “Is this showboating really necessary?”

“Sustained” says the judge as he tries to hold back his laughter “Alright Mrs. Simmons, tone down your antics a bit and get to the point.”

“Yes your honor, I apologize to the court.” she states as she straightens out her posture “As I was saying Mr. Stone, you caused a great deal of harm to a lot of people. Mr. Wilson for example, no longer has the use of his legs, and Mr. Taylor lost 40% of his vision in his right eye while his left has gone completely blind.”

The defense attorney pats Mark on his back as he re-takes his seat.Mark holds back from crying as he peers deeply into the eyes of the lady proceutor. She glares back at him for a moment without saying a word, then turns away to walk toward the chalkbord. Once there, she again taps the board three times with wooden stick, this time pointing out the few names on the right side.

“You see these names here Mr. Stone?” she asks “These are the three people that also survived that day. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay alive for very long.”

Mark turns his head to the left with a look of bewilderment on his face. He opens his mouth and begins to pant softly and his body generates a massive shiver.

“Oh, so you were not informed of their demise?” she scoffs “Then let me bring you up to speed. Dana Carlson and Alex Mayweather died at the hospital due to severe head injuries, and Bruce Johnson was in a coma. He, unfortunately, was pronounced dead this morning after suffering a stroke.”

Mark closes his eyes and lowers his head in shame. He covers his face with both of his hands and weeps hysterically.

“Oh please,” scoffs The lady prosecutor “Those sissy tears aren’t going to help you at all.”

“Objection your honor!” yells the defense lawyer as he abruptly stands up

“Overruled!” responds the judge in a firm tone of voice “Now lower your voice and sit down right now!”

“Your honor, please,”

“I said sit down and shut your mouth!” snaps the judge “And you Mr. Stone, quit with the crying and pay attention! I’m not going to allow you to miss any details, so knock it off!”

Mark inhales a large amount of air into his lungs and holds it for a moment, then lets it out slowly, while his attorney sits back down.

“It doesn’t end there Mr. Stone.” she states “Not only did you manage to kill one of he robbers that day, but you also stole the life of your own Captain’s daughter.”

Up until this very moment, Mark thought that the voice reverberating a repetitive phrase in his mind was just a side effect from the head injury he had suffered at the accident.

“You son of a bitch!” echoes the voice of Captain Travis “You killed my daughter!”

“No!” whimpers Mark as he grasps his head with the palms of his hands and rocks back and forth “It can’t be!”

“To sum it all up for you Mr. Stone, you are responsible for the death of five people, not to mention the pain and suffering that their families must endure.” Says the lady prosceutor as she prances around while still holding the wooden stick to her right shoulder “The families of the innocent victims and most of the survivors are here today for one reason and one reason only. And that is to see you brought to justice.”

“Your honor, please,” says the defense lawyer in frustration as he again stands up “Is all of this posturing from the prosecution necessary?”

“What’s necessary Mr. Lee, is that your client understands the severity of his actions!” responds the judge “I’ve been a judge for thirty-two years and never in all that time have I ever been confronted with such an irresponsible act of stupidity by a police officer! You’re a disgrace Mr. Stone!” continues the judge after turning his attention to Mark “A disgrace to the KCPD, to your family name, and to society in general! I just wish that the death penalty had not been abolished in this state four years ago! Otherwise, I would throw the switch on your sorry ass myself!”

Mark’s face develops a blank expression as he stops rocking and removes his hands from his head. He wipes away his tears as he peers up at the judge, looking him directly in the eye. This is the moment Mark has been waiting for since waking up at the hospital. Even though his guilty conscience overwhelms his every thought, he feels more then ready to face up to his mistake.

“Mark Stone,” says the judge “I hearby order you to serve one hundred-eighty years in the Cherry Hills Maximum Security Prison! That’s twenty years for each of the five victims that were killed and ten years for each of the injured survivors! Guards, take this garbage out of my sight!”

After the judge brings down his mallet, two uniformed officers begin walking toward the defendant‘s table. The defense lawyer puts his right arm around Mark in a sympathetic manner.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do more for you,” says the lawyer as he whispers in Mark’s ear “But I did manage to get ahold of your brother.”

Mark leers at his attorney with a look of disdain on his face.

“Look, I am aware that you didn’t want his protection,” continues the lawyer “But it’s all you have left that’s going for you. Just remember that once you get into that place, keep your mouth shut, understand?”

Mark holds the same expression on his face as one of the guards comes up from behind and pulls the wheelchair away from the table. He keeps his eyes fixated on his attorney as the other guard places him in handcuffs. Mark lowers his head and closes his eyes as he is guided out of the courtroom, while the defense lawyer retrieves a cell phone from his briefcase. After his client makes his depature, he presses the redial button and places the phone to his ear.

“Hello Tommy,” says Mr. Lee “It’s done.”

Chapter 14

Pledge Mates

Present Day - August 16^th - 7:00 AM

Cherry Hills Maximum Security Prison

After a two and a half hour bus ride, the twelve new inmates feel a slight sense of relief when the vehicle turns onto a dirt road that leads to the penitentiary. They all sit silently wearing bright red prison issued clothing and shackles around their ankles and wrists. As the bus slows to a halt in front of the massive establishment, a heavyset man in a suit and necktie wearing large coke-bottle glasses, comes out of the front entrance followed by many men in uniforms carrying assault rilfes. After the bus driver shuts off the ignition, he stands up and turns around to face his passengers.

“Alright you jerk offs,” yells the driver in a very thick Texan accent “Get on your feet and form a line single-file! Let’s go, move it!”

The well-dressed man smiles as the inmates do as they are told and begin to follow the driver off of the bus one at a time.

“Place your feet on the yellow line!” says the driver as he points out markings on the ground “All of you, turn and face the warden!”

Some of the men find it difficult to maneuver because of the shackles, but they all still manage to plant their feet on the designated area. The uniformed guards stand their ground in a military style formation, as the warden steps forward.

“Good morning felons,” says the heavyset man as he begins to prance back an forth in front of the inmates “My name is Warden Jack Findley. Welcome to your new place of residence. From now on, you are no longer allowed to refer to yourselves or each other by your first names. In fact, you no longer have first names.”

The warden can see the look of confusion on many of the inmates faces.

“Wow,” says Findley “You fuckheads are as dumb as you look.”

The prison gaurds all chuckle in collaboration, but they are quickly silenced when the warden raises up his right hand and snaps his fingers.

“Ok, here’s how it works.” continues Findley as he lowers his hand and returns his attention to the inmates. “From now on you are only allowed to use your last names follwed by your given number. For example: You there,” he says as he points out one of the prisoners “Step forward.”

The large baby-faced man hesitates for a split second, then does as he is told.

“From now on, your name is Benteen 12” states the warden “Get back in line!”

After Bobby steps back into his prior position, Findley then turns his attention to the tall, slim blonde haired man to his left and walks over to him. The warden stands in front of the man and looks him in the eyes

“From now on, your name is Peak 31.” says Findley

“But sir,” responds the inmate “My last name is….”

Without warning, the warden backhands Mark Stone in the face.

“Your name is what I say it is,” says Findley in a calm but menacing voice “Don’t you ever try to correct me again.”

Mark does not say another word as he tries to ignore the stinging sensation on his cheekbone and keeps his eyes lowered to the ground.

“Captain?” says the warden as he peers at the bus driver “Get these men cleaned up and into their cells.”

“Yes sir.”

August 16^th - 7:35 AM

The twelve inmates now stand naked in a circle in the center of a very large shower room, without shackles and facing away from each other. There are shower heads mounted on the walls and a long table with folded clothing on it. Above them, they can see that they are surrounded by many guards standing on platforms aiming assault rifles in their direction. Other guards stand at attention, holding weapons to their chest in a port-arm formation. This is the place where the captain of the guards ordered his men to secure the inmates until he was able to change into proper attire. Now he enters the room, coming down a set of stairs, dressed more like a military drill sergeant then a prison guard. He carries a long black cattle prod in his left hand. Once he reaches the bottom step, he peers up at the men above and makes a gesture with his hand, signaling them to stop aiming their weapons. Once they do, the captain turns his attention to the prisoners.

“Ok you jerk offs,” says the Texan in a mellow voice as he begins circling the inmates “The name’s Bronx, Captain Bronx.”

The prisoners all keep their eyes fixated on the floor and their hands folded in front of them. As Bronx passes by, he examines each one of them to make sure they are doing just that.

“I know you think the warden is hot stuff,” continues Bronx “But trust me, when it all comes down to it, I run shit around here.”

The captain suddenly comes to a halt in front of one of the inmates, a short portly man with thinning brown hair. His hands remain folded, but when he realizes that the captian has stopped pacing and is now standing in front of him, he looks up. Bronx waste no time in raising the cattle prod between the man’s legs, pressing it to his crotch and giving him a zap.

“Ahhhh!” screams the man as he drops to his knees grasping his groin.

“Now you see what happens when you fuck with me?” says a smiling Bronx as he watches the inmate cower in pain “This is what will happen to you jerk offs as well if you think you’re man enough to look me in the eye.”

The captain slowly loses his smile as he watches the man’s body continue to jolt and twitch.

“On your feet dickhead!” snaps Bronx as he swiftly kicks the inmate in the face

The short portly man covers his nose with his right hand and staggers to get to his feet. After picking himself off of the floor, he steps back into the circle with the rest of the inmates. The captain smirks as the man again carreses his groin with his left hand while blood from his nose seeps through the fingers of his right.

“Take this ass wipe to the infirmary!” orders Bronx

A large uniformed man, quickly comes forward and grabs the wounded man by the arm. Bronx re-forms his devilish smile as he watches the inmate being forced up the stairwell and toward an exit at the top left corner of the area.

“Ok, jerk offs!” yells Bronx as he returns his attention to the other prisoners “Now all of you, turn your asses around!”

Without hesitation, the inmates do an about face, but still keep their eyes fixated on the floor.

“Take a look at the man standing in front of you,” orders Bronx “Do it!”

All of the men lift up their heads and peer at each other. A strange moment of tension develops between a large baby-faced man and a tall, slim blonde haired man when they glare into each others eyes.

“You all better get used to seeing the faces that you’re staring at right now,” says Bronx “Because that’s whose going to be your cellmate.”

The captain walks forward and steps into the circle of inmates where the short portly man once stood. He again drops his smile and glares evilly at the prisoner standing across from him. The pony-tailed inmate’s body develops a shiver and his eyes broaden when he realizes that Bronx is staring straight at him.

“Why do you look so scared?” asks Bronx “What’s your name jerk off?”

“Peterson 27 sir.” responds the pony-tailed man without looking the captain in the eye

“Well Peterson 27,” says Bronx as he leisurely strolls toward the inmate “You don’t seem to have a cellmate. What are we going to do about this dilemma?”

Peterson’s eyes broaden even more once the captain halts directly in front of him.

“Look at me.” orders Bronx as he presses the cattle prod against the inmate’s crotch “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

The moment Peterson’s eyes meet with the captain’s, he begins cringing in pain when he feels the electric jolts flowing through his testicles.

“Eehhhh!“ voices the pony-tailed man as he grits his teeth and drops to his knees holding his groin.

The captain grabs the inmate by the back of his head and brings a knee up, crushing Peterson’s nose.

“Another ass wipe for the infirmary!” storms Bronx as he watches the prisoner collapse onto his back with blood spewing from his nostrils. “Make sure he’s well acquainted with his cellmate!”

Two more guards quickly grab the pony-tailed man by his arms and force him to his feet. Peterson’s legs wobble as the two guards push and shove him to and eventually up the set of stairs.

“Ok, show’s over!” yells the captain as he prances around in front of the inmates, this time on the inner part of the circle “Like I said before, I run shit around here! If any of you jerk offs ever look me in the eye, I fry your fucking nuts!”

Unknown to the grandstanding captain, there are only two men who are not intimidated by his cattle prod. The baby-faced man and tall, thin blonde haired man keep blank expressions on their faces as they glare deeper and deeper into each others eyes. Niether man understands why there is a great deal of tension between them. All they know is that they are going to be cellmates as soon as Bronx finishes his monologue.

“Ever since this prison was rebuilt in the late 90’s, I have been captain of the guards!” continues Bronx “Nobody fucks with me! Not the other inmates, not the other guards, not the warden, and certainly not you jerk offs!”

Bronx shoves two of the inmates out of the way and walks over to the bottom of the stairwell. He starts walking up the stairs, but stops suddenly when he is about halfway.

“Do it.” orders Bronx as he points to a bald-headed guard who is standing near a water valve.

The uniformed man hands his weapon over to another guard, then activates the showers by twisting the valve to the left.

“I want these men washed and in their cells in fifteen minutes, understand?” orders Bronx as he starts up the stairs again

“Yes sir.” responds a guard as he watches Bronx make his departure “Alright gentlemen, you heard the man. After your done washing your funky asses, pair up with your assigned cellmate and pick up your cloths from that table over there.”

Most of the inmates break away from the circle and begin cleaning themselves at the showers. Two of the men stand motionless and continue staring at one another. The bald guard walks away from the water valve and over to the two prisoners standing in the center of the room.

“So what do we have here?” asks the guard “Do you guys have a problem?”

The baby-faced man and tall, thin blonde haired man ignore the guard completely as they continue eye-balling each other.

“I guess I’m going to have to get Captain Bronx back in here to deal with you two.” he says calmly

The duo finally break eye contact and look down at the floor.

“What are your names?” asks the bald-headed guard

“Benteen 12 sir” responds the baby-faced man.

“St….aaa..” stammers the tall, thin blonde haired man “I mean…..Peak 31 sir.”

“Ok gentlemen,” says the guard “I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but whatever it is, I suggest you knock it off. You guys are going to be cellmates on my floor so I will be keeping an eye on the both of you. I’m a nice guy and I’m fair, but if you force my hand, I will report you to the captain. Is that understood gentlemen?”

“Yes sir.” responds the duo in collaboration

“Good,” says the bald man “Now get cleaned up.”

August 16^th - 2:27 PM - Cell Block X

The Cherry Hills Maximum Security Prison is a very large establishment, approximately the size a football stadium in ratio. It is fifteen stories high and has an additional eleven floors that are underground. Each of the floors in this prison are known as “Cell Blocks, labeled with letters from the alphabet instead of numbers. The top floor for example, is called “Cell Block A.” The levels the prisoners are taken to depends on the severity of their crimes. The bottom three floors houses the most dangerous criminals Kremlin City has to offer. There were only two murderers brought to prison on this day and now they share a 10x10 cell with two cots and one toilet bowl. The two new inmates sit on the cots across from one another gazing into each others eyes. They have been doing this for quite some time, with blank expressions, and not making a sound other then heavy breathing. The silence is finally broken when one of them decides to speak.

“How long are we going to keep this up?” asks Mark Stone

“I don’t know.” responds Bobby Benteen

“There’s something strange going on here, don‘t you think?.”

“I don‘t know.”

“What do you suggest we do about it?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh for crying out loud,” says Mark in frustration “Is that the only thing you know how to say?”

“Look man,” says Bobby as tension begins to fill his body “I don’t understand this bullshit any more then you do. All I know is that there is something about you that makes me a little nervous.”

“Yeah, me too.” says Mark “So your last name is Benteen?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your first name?”

“Bobby,………and you?”

“And me what?”

“I heard you say earlier that your last name is Peak, right?”

“Yeah, so?”

“So what’s your first name?” asks Bobby

Mark lowers his head and peers down at the floor. He takes a moment to recall the talk he had with his brother at the hospital. Then he dwells on the last words spoken by his lawyer after he was sentenced. When the remberence of the warden slapping him in the face crosses his mind, Mark comes to an obvious revelation. It would seem that even though his crimes are quite notorious on the outside, his brother Tommy managed to use his connections to hide the truth from the prison population. Mark shuts his eyes for a moment, then opens them as he lifts his head and focuses on his cellmate.

“My name is Henry.” says Mark “Henry Peak.”

“Well Henry, I’m glad to meet you.”

“You’re glad to meet me?”

“Look dude,” says Bobby “I’m going to be here for the rest of my life and I really don’t want to make any more enemies then I have to. What do you say, we just get rid of this weirdness between us and start fresh.”

“What are you saying?” asked Mark “You want us to be friends?”

“We have the rest of the inmates to contend with, right?“ asked Bobby

“Yeah, I guess.”

“It seems to me that we are all we have left in the world.”

“You know what?” says Mark with a slight chuckle “You have a point.”

“Well there you have it.” says Bobby with a gentle smile “I’ll tell you what, how about you and I make a pledge?”

“What kind of pledge?”

“From now on, I promise to watch your back and you do the same for me.” says Bobby as he extends his right hand to Mark “What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

Mark develops a wide smile as he reaches out and takes Bobby’s hand.

“Why the hell not?” responds Mark as the pair shake hands “I can’t see life getting anymore crazy then this. I guess there’s no point in us being at each others throats, right?”

“I totally agree.” says Bobby as they both withdraw from the handshake

The duo share a moment of laughter that is loud enough for some of the other prisoners to hear.

“Hey come on new guys,” says an elderly inmate across the hall from them “I’m trying to take a nap over here!”

Bobby and Mark peer over at the old man as he fumbles with his pillow, trying to make himself more comfortable, then they return their attention to each other. The pair develop very wide smiles and again begin laughing, even louder then before. Just as the elderly man was becoming aggravated again, the bald-headed guard who Mark and Bobby had met earlier makes his presence known.

“Ok gentlemen,” says the guard “Bronson 99 is trying to get some sleep, so knock it off.”

“99 huh?” asks Mark sarcastically as he looks up at the guard “Why do you call him that? Is that how old he is?”

“Ouch.” responds Bobby before trying to hold back his laughter by covering his mouth with his hands.

“I said knock it off,” says the bald guard as he removes a walkie-talkie from his waist “Or should I call the captain?”

Mark puts his hands into the air keeping them level with his head.

“Ok boss,” says Mark softly “It won’t happen again.”

“Yeah boss,” says Bobby still chuckling slightly “We’ll behave.”

Bobby and Mark both fold their hands and sit quietly as the guard walks away from their cell. The duo look, as the bald-headed man speaks with the elderly man across the way, then they turn their attention back to each other. Mark scoots on his hindquarter to the edge of his cot and places his elbows onto his knees. He then makes a gesture to Bobby letting him know to come closer to him. When Bobby does so, Mark leans forward and begins to whisper something in his ear.

“You know what our situation reminds me of?” whispers Mark

“What’s that?” asks Bobby

“One needs friends, even in the most difficult situations,” responds Mark “That’s what my step-father once told me. Words to live by, right?”

“Your what told you?” asks Bobby as his head develops the shakes and his eyes broaden.

Mark leans back and forms a look of confusion on his face as he watches Bobby’s eyes fill with rage.

“Nevermind dude,” says Mark “Are you alright?”

Bobby clamps his eyes shut and covers his face with both of his hands. Slowly and steadily, he regulates his breathing and his head gradually stops shaking.

“Why were you moving your head like that dude?” asks Mark “Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” responds Bobby as he drops his hands to his lap and focuses on his cellmate.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s nothing, I promise.”

Chapter 15

The Stone Gathering

Present Day - August 20^th - 9:35 PM

Olde Abandoned Warehouse

In the early 1700’s, before Jericho City became Kremlin City, a woman by the name of Karen Eve Olde became one of the wealthiest individuals in Wyoming history. The only thing she did to obtain her riches was be fortunate enough to be born with a good last name. Her mother, Patricia Mathews, worked as a seamstress until she was sixteen years old. One day, on her way home from work, Patricia was attacked by an intoxicated sailor and savagely raped. She survived, but the ordeal left her with an unwanted pregnancy. She was too ashamed to face her family and feared ridicule from the church because of her strict religious upbringing. Running away was almost an option, but a kind hearted nun managed to perseude her father into allowing Patricia to go on a cross-country pilgrimage for the church. He, as well as the rest of her family, were so overwhelmed and honored that she was chosen for such a task, they let her go. After spending only a year in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Patricia’s family welcomed her home with open arms. The nun, Sister Alicia, agreed to care for her daughter Karen, but only if she promised to return and claim her someday. Patricia did not keep that promise, instead she married a man by the name of Arnold Odessa Olde, the son of the most powerful land baron in Wyoming. She received the biggest shock of her life when she met her fiancé’s younger brother/best man at the wedding. From that day on, there were two secrets that Patricia felt she had to keep from her husband, One: the truth about having a child, Two: the fact the man whom had raped her turned out to be Arnold’s very own brother David. She almost succeeded in taking those secrets to her grave when she died of pneumonia in 1710, but when her nineteen year old son Jason found a diary tucked away in her personal belongings, the truth came out. Jason was so fascinated when he realized he had an older sister, that he began a relentless pursuit to track her down. After having a brief discussion with one of his seven aunts, it did not take Jason long to locate his sister, whom was still living in Canada. A year after his mother’s death, he journeyed to Halifax, Nova Scotia and met with Karen for the first time. Karen felt reserved at first about taking on her family name, but her brother’s persistence prevailed. By the year 1712, Karen and Jason Olde had become the two most powerful tycoons in the history of Jericho City. Over the next fifty years, the siblings owned every business from cattle ranches to food markets to clothing factories. One of those clothing factories just happened to be the same place her mother worked in as a seamstress. In the year 1713, on the anniversary of Patricia’s death, Karen’s father/uncle David, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a warehouse used for food storage. Ever since then, that very place become known as the “Olde Abandoned Warehouse”. Today, the warehouse is owned by the most powerful man in Kremlin City and he has ordered a group of individuals to come together for a meeting inside this very establishment.

“Hello Everyone,” says Tommy Stone with a big tacky smirk on his face “I’m glad you could all make it.”

“That’s funny boss,” says Jack Findley “If we hadn’t showed up, you would have had us all killed, right?”

“Jack,” responds Tommy keeping his trademark smile, but with his eyes becoming devilishly narrow “When people get on my bad side, they stay on it. Well, for a while anyway. For the moment, you’re on my good side. I suggest you remain there, ok?”

The warden simply nods his head “yes” and lowers his eyes to the floor.

“Why is everyone standing?” asks Tommy “Please, take a load off.”

Tommy Stone stands behind a peculiar looking man with bandages cloaking his identity, seated in a wheelchair and watches as all of the individuals find a spot around a large dining-table. The out-of-place piece of furniture is set up with enough seats to hold at least fifteen people.

“Excuse me boss, I don’t wanna get on your bad side, or anything,” says Bronx “But I was wondering, why on God’s green earth would you put such a fine dining table in this dust-ball of a warehouse?”

“Because I’m eccentric,” responds Tommy “Now are there anymore questions, dumb or otherwise?”

“Yes sir, I do,” says Mr. Lee

“And what’s that Alex?” asks Tommy

“You told us once, that if your brother ever screwed up too badly, that you would have no problem with him being put down.”

“Yeah, so what’s your question?”

Defense Lawyer Alex Lee starts feeling nervous about asking his question, especially after the warden was quickly put in his place. He shuts his eyes and takes in a deep breath, then lets it out loudly through his nostrils.

“Mark messed up pretty bad sir,” says Lee as he opens his eyes to focus on his boss “I was just wondering why he hasn’t been dealt with yet.”

“That’s one of the reasons we’re all here today Alex.” responds Tommy “That little incident has created some very interesting business opportunities.”

Everyone, with the exception of Captain Travis, all begin looking at one another with confused expressions. Travis sits quietly with his head tilted toward the table, showing no emotion, and an eerie blank stare in his eyes.

“For starters,” continues Tommy “I already have a cop who will be my brother’s replacement on the street.”

“Oh yeah?” responds Judge Avery Brandice “Whose that?”

“His name‘s Kyle, the guy that had a hand in helping our beloved Captain Travis catch that psycho who took out Baldy. Don’t concern yourself with him right now though. I’ve got something else I need you to focus on judge, and if you do this, consider yourself a new candidate for Mayor.”

“Really?” responds the judge with a gleaming smile on his face

“Oh yeah,” says Tommy with a glowful smile of his own “It’s the least I can do since you were nice enough to let my sweetie pie do her thing at my brother’s sentencing.”

“I had so much fun,” says Connie Simmons in a seductive voice “Much obliged judgie poo.”

“Well, thank you very much sir,” says the judge “So what can I do for you?”

“Look the other way for my buddy Orlando here,” responds Tommy as he gently pats on the top of the bandaged man’s head

“Oh, look at the poor thing,” says Connie enticingly arching her back as she slowly stands up.

Eugene Sanders, a psychiatric doctor who also works with methadone patients at Kremlin City hospital, holds his breath for a moment, then lets it out leisurely as he watches Connie strut her way towards the man in the wheelchair.

“Check your pulse Doc.” says Bronx as he makes his eye brows go up and down

“Whatever,” responds Sanders as he turns his blushing face away from her

“Hey you,” she says in a enchanting voice as she leans over to expose her cleavage and gently tugs on the bandage around his mouth “You want me to nurse you back to health?”

“I don’t think his plumbling works to well right now sweetie.” says Tommy with a slight chuckle

“Oh we’ll see about that.” she says as she smoothly slides her hand down his torso toward his crotch

“Mmfff…” muffles the man as his eyes become wide with a look of excitement

“Connie,” says Tommy as he playfully bats his eyes and grins sheepishly “Knock it off.”

“You jealous?” she asks as she withdraws from the man and begins heading back to her seat.

“Business first, ok?” responds Tommy as he watches her sit back down “Like I said this guy’s name is Orlando and with your help judge, he will become my new head dealer on the street.”

“It won’t be a problem,” says Brandice “I’ll help out any way I can.”

“How’d he get so jacked up in the first place?” asks Bronx

“I think I’ll let Doc Sanders answer that.” says Tommy “Doc?”

“Well, Orlando here is the only surviving member of the “Tri Pod” gang. I’m sure you’ve all heard of them.”

The gathering begin nodding their heads and chattering in collaboration when they realize who this man is.

“His brother Derrick was shot and killed by a security guard at the bank,” continues Sanders “And his other brother Phil was driving the getaway car. We all know what happened there, but Orlando was lucky enough to survive, probably because he was in the back seat.”

Captain Travis moves only his eyes and glares evilly at Orlando for just a moment, then re-develops his blank expression.

“Oh, how late am I?” says Warden Findley as his eyes broaden slightly and snaps the fingers on his right hand “They were triplets named Phil, Orlando, and Derrick. As in POD, the Tri Pods…I get it now. I always wondered why they called themselves that.”

“You’re not too fucking bright are you warden?” asks Bronx sarcastically

“Fuck you!”

“No, fuck you!!”

“Enough!!!” snaps Tommy “This guy lost his brothers because they were trying to repay a dept to me! Now as far as I’m concerned, that dept is paid in full and then some! So please, gentlmen, show some respect!”

Bronx and Findley roll their eyes as they look away from one another, while Orlando’s eyes begin filling with water.

“Oh Tommy,” says Connie in a sympathetic voice “He’s crying.”

“Ok, take it easy bud,” says Tommy as he puts his right arm around Orlando and pats him on the chest “Hey Connie, do me a favor will you?”

“Name it.” she says

“I’ve changed my mind. Take Orlando around the corner over there and give some head or something.” request Tommy “That ought to cheer him up.”

“Eew wee,” she says in a low passionate voice as she quickly stands up “It would be my pleasure.”

Sanders closes his eyes and gently gnaws on his lower lip while Bronx shakes his head and mouths the word “Damn.”

“So anyway guys,” says Tommy as he steps aside, allowing Connie to begin pushing the wheelchair away from the table “With a new cop on the payroll and Orlando helping us out, I think we got the street business pretty much covered, don’t you think?”

Again, with the exception of Captain Travis, they all respond by saying yes or by nodding their heads.

“Ok, then I expect all of you to continue to look after my people on the street. You know the routine,” continues Tommy “Make sure they stay untouchable at all cost, understand?”

“Sir, I’m still a little confused,” says Warden Findley

“Oh that’s a big fucking surprise.” says Bronx sarcastically

“As I was saying boss,” says Findley angrily as he tries to ignore Bronx “What does any of this have to do with your brother?”

“Well warden,” responds Tommy “That’s where you and Bronx come in. Mark doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to be in charge of my operations on the inside.”

“Won’t that be difficult considering the fact that he helped put so many dealers away while he was still a cop?” asks Alex Lee

“It would be if his identity were ever realized by the prison population.”

“Ok, but what if he was ever exposed?” asks Bronx

“Then he’s a dead man, but I promise you gentlemen,” says Tommy as he points out Bronx and Findley “If that ever happens, he will not die alone.”

The warden and captain of the guards peer at each other with fear in their eyes.

“Look guys,” says Tommy as he views the anxiety on their faces “Don’t punk out on me, besides you’ll have some back up.”

“Really?” asks Bronx “What kind?”

“My parents will be paying him a surprise visit. They’ll make sure he’s brought up to speed.”

“That’s good news.” says Bronx “But just out of curiosity, what if your brother refuses to work with us?”

Tommy’s eyes droop as he realizes for the first time in his life that he really does love his brother Mark. His concern for his sibling has always been genuine, just not in a normal sense. He expresses his concern in a very unconventional way in order to answer Bronx’s question.

“Then I’m going to count on you to make sure my brother doesn’t suffer when he dies.” says Tommy as he looks deep into the eyes of Bronx “Do you understand me Mr. Bronx?”

“Well yes sir I do, but why do I have to be the one that does that?” asks Bronx

“Because I said so.” responds Tommy in a low mono-toned voice “And one more thing. Doc Sanders here will oversee the autopsy if necessary, and if he reports to me that my brother suffered in any way, I will cut your dick off, shove it in your mouth, sew your lips shut, and bury you alive. Are we clear on that Mr. Bronx?”

Bronx’s body develops an extremely heavy shudder and his mouth hangs open. His eyes fill with water as he holds his breath and develops cotton mouth. Findley starts to form a smirk, but drops it quickly when he sees Tommy glaring narrowly at him.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” says Tommy as he returns his focus to Bronx

Tommy Stone pulls a handkerchief from his inner jacket pocket and loudly blows his nose.

“Keep my people safe and secure at all times, do you all understand me?”

Everyone silently agrees by simply nodding their heads, except of course, Captain Travis.

“Good, then everybody go home.” orders Tommy before becoming distracted by grunting noises in the distance. “You about done over there Connie?”

“I sure am sweetie sweetie,” responds Connie as she picks herself up and off of her knees. “You want me to help the doc take Orlando back to the hospital?”

“That’s fine, and make sure he takes his pain meds or he won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

“No problem sweetie, goodnight.”

After everyone makes their departure from the warehouse, Tommy finds himself standing alone, wondering why Captain Travis has not yet moved from the table.

“Was there something you wanted to add Travis?”

Tommy becomes confused when he receives no response.

“Look captain,” says Tommy “I’m not going to bullshit you. I’m still trying to figure out why you’re even here. Considering what you lost, I don’t understa…

“You mean ‘who’ I lost,” interrupts Travis without altering his blank expression and eerie glare.

“Yeah, ‘who’ you lost. Responds Tommy

As quick as a flash, Captain Travis forcefully stands up, causing his chair to fall over. He then turns away from Tommy and begins walking with heavy steps toward the exit.

“I have my reasons..” says Travis in a loud voice as he makes his way through the doorway.

Tommy shakes his head and sighs loudly because of the decision that he has just made. He takes out his cell phone and flips it open. After punching in a numbered sequence, he places the phone to his ear.

“Peekaboo. Yeah Kyle, it’s me. Hey, I was wondering, How would you feel about being promoted to Captain?”

Kremlin City Hospital - 12:29 AM

Orlando lies in bed sleeping soundly in a VIP room designed just for him. He has everything from food servants, to massage therapist, to ladies fulfilling his sexual desires provided for him. In the evening, he has his own personal policeman as a bodygaurd whom would normally never leave his side under any circumstances. On this night however, the bodyguard was more then happy to leave his post once his commanding officer gave him permisson to go home to his wife and children. In his place, stands a man who has absolutely no intentions of keeping Orlando safe.

“Wake up you little prick.” says Captain Travis in a eerie but calm voice as he nudges Orlando under his chin with the barrel of a shotgun

Because of being heavily sedated, the man who kept hold of Karma Travis while she was a hostage in the Tri Pod getaway car, does not respond at all. This does not deter the captain from completing the first part of his own personal mission of……..vengeance.

“Fine, don’t wake up……ever..” says Travis before pulling the trigger

Chapter 16

Diagnosed & Discharged

Cherry Hills Maximum Security Prison

August 20^th - 7:05 AM

“Oh mom,” says Mark as he sits in a chair, holding a phone to his ear “I really hope you two aren’t serious.”

Jenny and her husband Daniel sit across from Mark in a small booth with a pane of glass between them. Her eyes droop slightly and her voice is stressful as she tells her son things that she really does not approve of. Daniel remains quiet as his eyes move slowly back and forth while listening to the tennis match style conversation between mother and son.

“Please Mark,” says Jenny as her hand shivers while holding the phone

“Mom!” snaps Mark as he tries not to raise his voice and quickly scans the area for eavesdroppers “I told you, don’t call me that!” he says angrily as he returns focus to his mother “Are you trying to get me killed?”

“I’m sorry baby,” she responds cringing slightly “It won’t happen again.”

Daniel continues to remain silent but rolls his eyes upward, easily spotting the security camera. He then briefly shuts his eyes and lets out a gentle sigh before refocusing on them.

“Look dear,” she continues “I don’t like this any more then you do, but you’re going to be stuck here for the rest of your life. You may as well make the best of things.”

“Oh this is bullshit,” says Mark “I expect this kinda stuff from your husband or Tommy, but I never thought I would hear this from you.”

“Don’t get me wrong sweetie. The only reason I’m coming to you with this, is because Tommy promised me that you would be looked after.”

“Mom, I’m not interested in Tommy’s protection plan. Don’t you think it’s about time I take control of my own life?”

The sixty-seven year old woman places the phone on her right shoulder and holds it there as she looks deeply into the eyes of her son. She reflects on the fact that she made that same type of decision herself years ago on the very day Mark decided to become a cop. Doctor Sanders became well acquinted with the Stone Family when he helped Jenny beat her addictions to crack-cocaine and heroine.

“Come on Mom,” says Mark as he taps on the glass with the receiver before placing it back to his ear

“I failed you as a mother, didn’t I son?” she says into the phone as tears fill her eyes

“Don’t think like that. We all created our own paths in life, right?”

“Yeah, I suppose.” she responds as she wipes away the moisture from her face

“If you feel a need for redemtion, then I have an idea for you.” says Mark as he raises one of his hands up to cover his mouth.

“Really?” she says as she switches the phone to her other ear, away from her husband

Daniel develops a look of confusion on his face as he watches the mother and son act suspiciously. Up until now, he was able to read the lips of Mark Stone and piece together the conversation he was having with Jenny. His eyes grow wide with anticipation and his curiosity gradually starts to become aggravation.

“Ok, son, I can do that.”

Daniel glares intensely at Mark but is unable to make out what he is saying to his mother.

“I know just how to handle it.” she says with a smile “I love you too dear. Goodbye.”

Mark hangs up the phone and places the palm of his right hand on the pane of glass. Jenny smiles with streaks of water streaming down her face as she puts her hand up against her son’s and holds it there. Daniel sits dumbfounded as he watches his wife and step-son continue with their tender moment. A guard enters the room from a door behind Mark and informs him that his visiting time is over. After standing up from his seat, Mark peers lovingly into his mother’s eyes as the guard restrains him with handcuffs and shackles. Jenny gets up from her seat as well and watches as Mark is escorted out of the visitation room.

“What the hell is going on with you two?” asks Daniel as he grabs his wife’s arm forcefully

“Let go of me!” she responds agrily as she jerks her arm from his grip.

“What were you two talking about?” asked Daniel as he quickly stands up

“None of your business!”

Daniel looks into the fury filled eyes of his wife and feels unsure of how to react. He has never seen Jenny like this before. He mentally makes a decision to alter the topic instead of pressuring her to reveal anything about their conversation.

“So why didn’t you tell him about your illness?” asks Daniel

“I have my reasons,” she responds as her eyes become less infuriated “Can we go now?”

“I don’t understand….”

“It’s not for you to understand, at least not now. So, can we go now please?” she repeats

August 20^th - 7:05 AM

Psychiatric Ward

“Hello Benteen 12, My name is Doctor Sanders. Please, come in and have a seat.”

A prison guard leads Bobby into a large office decorated with African style art. After sitting him down in front of the doctor‘s desk, the guard cuffs Bobby to the arm rest of the chair, then uses shackles to bind his feet in place.

“Would you like me to stay sir?” asks the guard

“No,” responds Doc Sanders as he focuses sympathetically on Bobby’s nervous demenure and wandering eyes “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“This is a really nice room,” says Bobby in a childlike voice “I like the pretty pictures.”

“Well thank you very much.” responds Sanders with a smile before turning his focus to the prison guard “Is there a reason you’re still here?”

The tall lanky man in uniform faces the doctor as he stands in the doorway of the office. Sanders sighs loudly as he makes a gesture shooing the guard to go away after seeing him point an index finger to his own head and twirls it around in a circle.

“So tell me something about yourself Bobby.” says Sanders as he returns his attention to his new patient

“I thought we weren’t allowed to have first names.” says Bobby with a firm tone of voice as his eyes suddenly stop wandering around the room and lock onto the doctor.

“That rule doesn’t apply during my sessions because it would be too difficult to get to know my patients on a personal level.”

“So we’re going to get personal?”

“If you don’t mind.”

“Fine,” says Bobby “Then tell me something about you.”

“What do you want to know?” asks Sanders

“What kind of doctor are you?”

“Well, I am what’s commonly known as a shrink.”

“So you work with crazy people?”

“No. None of my patients are crazy. Sometimes people suffer under tramatic circumstances and they lose touch with reality. It’s my job to help them find their way back.”

“And I suppose that’s how you’re going to help me?”

“I won’t be sure how to help you until I find out a few things about you.”

“Like what?”

“Can you tell me why you killed all those people?”

Bobby’s head slowly begins to develop the shakes as he firmly plants his chin to the upper part of his chest. Doc Sanders peers curiously at his patient but does not say a word. Instead, he decides to wait anxiously for Bobby to reply.

“He wouldn’t stop picking on me!” says Bobby in a babyish voice as he starts to sob hysterically

“Who picked on you Bobby?”

“Baldy,” cries Bobby “Him and his daddy! They were mean to me!”

Doc Sanders picks up a clip board from his desk and glares at his patient’s records. He then retrieves an ink pen from his shirt pocket and places check marks next to two of the names listed as Bobby’s victims.

“Ok Bobby, try to calm down.” says Sanders “Tell me about your neighbor, Hector.”

Bobby abruptly stops sobbing and stares deeply into the doctor’s eyes.

“Was that his name?” asks Bobby in a deep mono-toned voice and a blank expression on his face

“Yes,” responds Doc Sanders “Hector Valdez. He was your nieghbor for two years. How could you not have known his name?”

“I never asked, plus he was always complaining. I didn’t like him very much.”

“Is that why you killed him, because you didn’t like him?”

“I don’t remember killing him, I just remember him being dead and not caring.”

“Ok, so why didn’t you care that he was dead?”

“I didn’t have time to worry about that. I had to get out of there.”

“Why were you in such a hurry?” asked Sanders as he places a check mark next to the name Hector.

“What’s with all these fucking questions?!” snaps Bobby with severe rage in his eyes and a heavy tremor omitting from his body

Doc Sanders body stiffens as he glares down at the shackles and cuffs keeping his patient confined. Luckily, the chair Bobby sits in is made of sturdy reinforced steel and is firmly bolted to the floor.

“I’m just trying to help you Bobby. I don’t mean to get you upset.”

Bobby’s eyes quickly lose the wrath and droop idlely as he again lowers his head, pressing his chin to his chest. After seeing enough of Bobby’s emotional transformations, Doc Sanders rapidly comes to an evident revelation. He anxiously develops a mental theory and decides to test it out.

“Would you like some candy?” asked Sanders as he points out a bowl of mints setting on his desk

“Candy? Oh wow!” responds Bobby with gleaming eyes and a cheesy smile as he bounces in his seat excitedly “Ok, ok, yeah, please?”

Doc picks up one mint from the bowl and removes the wrapper.

“Open wide.” said Sanders as he forms his arms as if he were playng basketball.

“Ok,” said Bobby as he opens his mouth large enough to fit his entire fist.

With one clean shot, the candy is tossed into the air and lands perfectly on Bobby’s tongue.

“Yum,” exclaims Bobby as he chews up the mint loudly “I want more!”

“I will, but first, I need to go over a few things with you. I promise to give you all of this candy if you help me out, ok?”

“Ok, ok, ok, ok,” repeats Bobby as he continues to bounce up and down in his seat

“Can you tell me why you killed those people inside the nursing home?”

Bobby eerily drops his smile and his forehead develops wrinkles as his eyes grow dark and threatening. He begins twirling his tongue around in his mouth, creating loud slushing noises, then suddenly spits a small chuck of the mint, bouncing it off of the doctor’s nose. Sanders forms an expression of repulsion and his eyes become narrow as he glares with annoyance at his patient.

“What people?” asked Bobby in a very loud voice

The prison guard who had previously brought Bobby to this office suddenly reappears when he hears the yelling. He stops in his tracks about halfway through the door when he sees Doc Sanders giving him a signal to not enter the room.

“You know what people Bobby,” responds Sanders as he gently shakes his head ’no’ at the guard whom is now backing out of the office “I’m talking about Jimmy Potter the security guard and Jake the janitor. They worked at the nursing home. You do remember them, don’t you?”

“You mean my mom’s so-called friends?” asked Bobby as he steadily lowers his voice

“Friends?” asked Sanders confusingly “What makes you think they were friends of your mother?”

Bobby shuts his eyes, folds his hands in front of him, and his body suddenly develops a stiff yet perfect posture. Doc Sanders continues to feel confused and wonders if his patient is having a moment of prayer.

“Well doc,” says Bobby in a eerie mono-toned voice and without changing anything about his demeanor “Let’s talk about that.”

Albacore Alley - March 10^th - 1990

“Dude, he doesn’t look a thing like me.” giggled Jake with a child-like voice

“Well, he sure as shit doesn’t look like me!” snapped Jimmy Potter

The two men sit on a couch inside the apartment of Cindy Benteen and stare at the inactive three year old boy seated close-by in a high chair. Cindy herself, lies naked and unconscious on the floor in front of the two men.

“This kid is really fucking weird!” growls Jimmy “Why is he just sitting there with that dead look on his face?”

“I don’t know.” responds Jake in a babyish voice “I think he’s kinda cute.”

“Yeah, well fuck that!”

“Dude, why are you always so damn harsh?” asked Jake with a cheesy grin on his face as he playfully bounces in his seat. “You need to loosen up man.”

“Oh, is that so?” asked Jimmy in a sarcastic manner “How’s about you tell me why you always act like a little fucking kid?”

“I’m a happy go-lucky-guy.”

“You’re a prick!”

Jake suddenly drops his smile and develops a blank expression. Jimmy rolls his eyes and gives a look showing that he is un-intimidated by his companion’s mood change.

“You gonna do something or just sit there looking at me like a bitch?” asked Jimmy in a low mono-toned voice

“How’s about we just get down to business?” asked Jake as he points out Cindy on the floor

Jimmy looks down at her and begins to feel aroused. Jake re-develops his cheesy grin as he watches the expression on Jimmy’s face start to change.

“We’ve been doing this stupid bitch for years,” states Jimmy as he returns his attention to Jake “Why hasn’t she figured us out yet?”

“Your answer to that question lies within the question itself.” responds Jake

“What?”

“You said it yourself, she’s a stupid bitch.”

The two men chuckle with devilish smiles on their faces as they both begin to remove their clothing. Jimmy is suddenly startled when he hears Cindy moaning as if she were about to wake up.

“Yeah, she’s stupid alright,” says Jimmy as he reaches for a syringe that had been resting on the arm of the couch “And lucky for us, she’s a junkie too.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” chuckles Jake as he watches Jimmy recklessly jam the heroine filled needle into her hip area.

“Hey, what do you say we turn the kid around this time?” asked Jimmy as he finishes doping up Cindy and chucks the syringe across the room

“Aaww, how come?” asked Jake in his trade-mark childish voice “He could learn a thing or two from us.”

“Well, I don’t like the way the little fucker is staring at us!” snaps Jimmy

“Are you scared big Jim?” asked Jake

Under normal circumstances, a question like that would have angered him to the point of no return. On this day however, the eerie, dead-like, unblinking stare held firm by infant Bobby sends chills up the spine of Jimmy Potter.

“I don’t know why,” says Jimmy “But I have the strangest feeling this kid is gonna to be the death of me.”

“Oh come on man,” responds Jake as he slowly climbs on top of a sprawled Cindy “I think you just have a little performance anxiety. It’s all good. It’s my turn to go first anyways. Heh heh heh.”

Jimmy drowns out the grunting noises being made by Jake as he glares frightfully at young Bobby. The infant does not make a sound or make any type of movement at all. Instead, he just sits there in his high chair expressing no emotion but with a dead-calm glare in his eyes.

Present Day - August 20^th - 7:41 AM

Psychiatric Ward

After re-awakening from his black out spell, Bobby Benteen now stands covered in blood over the two bludgeoned/broken-neck bodies of Doc Sanders and the prison guard. He cannot seem to remember how he was able to get out of his handcuffs and leg shackles. He also does not recall how the office came to be in such disarray. The one thing he was able to remember before waking up to this chaotic environment, is what the doctor had asked him just before he blacked out.

“You mean, one of those two guys was your real father?”

Beyond that, Bobby’s mind is jumbled with confusing thoughts that continuesly spin around in his head like a whirlwind.

“I can’t stay here.” whispers Bobby as he frantically starts removing the cloths from the deceased prison guard

Cell Block X - 8:11 AM

Earlier, after his mother’s visit, Mark Stone was forced into solitary confindment by two prison guards. When he tired to ask them why he was being put into this room, the two guards repeatedly beat on him with their clubs until he was unconscious. Now, after a brief stupor, he awakens to find that he is now laying flat on his back, strapped down to a table of sorts. The room is dark but with a glint of light coming from under a door above Mark’s head. The darkness is overpowered by heavy illumination causing Mark to clamp his eyes shut when the door suddenly swings open.

“Hello jerk off,” says Bronx as he enters the room followed by two prison guards “I was hoping to be the one to wake you up, but I guess I don’t have to.”

One of the guards stands at the entryway of the door while the other holds a position above Mark’s head.

“You should have taken the job your brother wanted you to have Mr. Stone.” says Bronx as he comes to a halt next to Mark “That’s right, I know who you are.”

Mark slowly begins to open his eyes, then suddenly clamps them shut when he feels Bronx’s infamous cattle prod being placed at his crotch.

“Look at me,” demands Bronx “Don’t make me tell you twice.”

Mark opens his eyes and turns his head toward Bronx, but wisely peers at the man’s collar bone.

“Smart man Mr. Stone,” says Bronx “Unfortunately for you, looking me in the eye isn’t necessary this time.”

Mark lets out an extremely loud bloodcurdling scream when jolts of electricity pulsates throughtout his nether region. The guard by Mark’s head smiles evilly, then turns around to discover that his partner has apparently vacated the room.

“Sir?” asked the guard

“What, jerk off!!” yells Bronx as he halts his assualt on Mark “Can’t you see I’m busy here?”

“I’m sorry sir, it’s just that Eric is gone.”

“Go find him then!” Orders Bronx “And tell him if he leaves his post again, I’ll fry his fucking nuts!”

As the prison guard makes his departure, Bronx returns his attention to Mark. He develops a smug grin as he watches his victim convulse wildly.

“Hurts don’t it?” asked Bronx “You know what Mr. Stone, when the warden first approached me about working for your brother, I actually liked the idea. Well, in the beginning anyway.”

As Mark’s body steadily begins to decline from its convulsive state, he tries to focus on what Bronx is saying. Not because he has interest in what is being said, but because it helps him to somewhat block out the tremendous pain he still feels between his legs.

“Then your brother made one really fucked up mistake!” said Bronx “He should never have threatened me, and now just for the fuck of it, I’m gonna make you suffer! I’m gonna make you scream like a little bitch!”

Bronx was so into his angry monologue, that he did not realize a large prison guard is now entering the room.

“Nobody threatens me, especially a jerk off like Tommy Stone, and let me tell you something else…………”

Bronx’s harsh ramblings were suddenly cut short by a massive punch he received to the back of his head, rendering him unconscious. Mark becomes terrified as he watches the captain of the guards collapsing to the floor. His fear turns into confusion as he peers at the guard removing the straps from one of his arms.

“Bobby, is that you?” asked Mark

“Yeah Henry, it’s me.” whispers Bobby “Try to keep your voice down, ok? I think I may have a way for us to get out of here.”

“How?” asked Mark excitedly as he uses his free left arm to undo the straps on his right while Bobby begins removing the binding from his ankles

“Have you ever seen that movie about the Count?” asked Bobby

Mark forms a smile so wide that he inadvertently makes himself look like the animated version of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

“No,” responds Mark “But I did read the book.”

“Then you know what I have in mind don’t you?”

“Oh yeah,” responds Mark as he gets down from the table and staggers slightly when he plants his feet on the floor. “Let’s roll partner!”

Chapter 17

The New Travesty

Kremlin City Hospital

This Program Was Recorded Earlier

“This is Stephanie Jackson reporting to you live for channel 8’s morning news. Carl is still on vacation. I am now standing outside of the Kremlin City hospital where a brutal double homicide happened just last night. Orlando Davidson, the last remaining member of the Tri-Pod gang, was a patient here under close watch by the local police. He was found dead this morning in his hospital bed by a nurse who described to police, that it was like walking into a very bloody nightmare. According to medical examiners, the victim was apparently shot in the head close range by a large caliber weapon, probably a shotgun. Captain Paul Travis had this to say about the grisly event.”

“Orlando Davidson was due to testify against a very high profile drug dealer by the name of Tommy Stone. My guess is that someone from Mr. Stone’s organization is responsible for this death as well as the death of one of my fellow officers.”

“The officer Captain Travis mentioned, was killed in the hospital parking lot by a bomb that was implanted in his car. The Captain has requested that we do not reveal the name of the officer due to the fact that it may put the man’s wife and children in danger, but when asked how this death is related to the death of Orlando Davidson, he had this to say.”

“It’s quite simple,” says Travis “The officer was assigned to guard duty and was supposed to be posted outside the room of Orlando Davidson. He was on his way to perfoming that task when he was killed. We believe the bomb that killed him was meant to go off at his home the moment he got into his car there, but for whatever reason, that didn’t happen until he was here in the hospital parking lot. The fact that the bomb was planted in his car at his home, is the reason we do not want his name released to the public and also why we had to move his family from that location and put them under police protection.”

“What has the police baffled more then anything, is how the killer or killers were able to infiltrate their witness protection program and perform these grisly murders in the first place. Captain Travis has suspicions that he hopes are untrue.”

“Well, the only way the perpetrators could have found out the whereabouts of Orlando Davidson and the location of the slain officer’s home, is that someone from Tommy Stone’s organization must have gotten to a member of our very own police force.” states Travis “I have already spoken with Internal Affairs about this matter and they are desperately trying to find answers to this mystery.”

“That’s all we have for now. When we have more, we will let you know. For channel 8’s morning news, this is Stephanie Jackson.”

Olde Abandoned Warehouse

August 20^th - 2:18 PM

“Tommy please don’t do this!” cried Bronx as he struggles to free himself from the ropes keeping him confined to a chair. “I’m sorry man, please, I’m sorry!”

Tommy Stone stands silently in front of the now former prison guard captain and glares st him evilly. Warden Jack Findley also stands close by holding a cattle prod with a sheepish grin on his face and anxiously anticipates the punishment his boss will soon be dishing out on Bronx.

“Shut the fuck up!” yells Tommy as he gives Bronx a vicious backhand

“Ok, sir, I’m sorry…” weeps Bronx as tears stream down his face

“I suppose you’re wondering why you’re tied to that chair, well I’ll tell you.” says Tommy as he extends his hand to the right and retrieves the cattle prod from Findley “The warden here was nice enough to install a video camera inside of your little torture chamber at the prison.”

When Bronx begins to lower his head in shame, Tommy lunges forward and cups him under the chin with his left hand and forces him to lift his head. Tommy then places the cattle prod to Bronx’s face and caresses him with it.

“Oh no no no,” whispers Tommy eerily as he stares deeply into Bronx‘s fear filled eyes “You’re gonna pay very close attention to what I have to say. I don’t want you to miss a damn thing.”

The warden lets out a slight chuckle which is silenced quickly when Tommy suddenly releases Bronx and storms over to him. Findley’s eyes broaden frightfully as his boss comes face to face with him.

“You stand there and keep your damn mouth shut!” snaps Tommy as little bits of spit spray Findley’s face “Do you understand me you fucking brown noser?”

“Yes sir.” responds Findley as he forms a repulsed look on his face

The warden wipes his face with both hands as Tommy turns around and walks back over to Bronx. Bronx clamps his eyes shut and squints tightly when he feels Tommy pressing the cattle prod to his forehead.

“Not only were you and your boys stupid enough to allow that Benteen guy put an ass whoopin on all three of you punks, you let him break my brother out of prison!” hollers Tommy as he gives Bronx a quick jolt with the prod causing his head to snap back in a whiplash fashion. “What kind of security does that prison have anyway? One fucking guy kills the doc, kills one your guards, beats down two more guards, and knocks you out with one punch, and then he gets away! You obviously can’t handle shit!”

Tommy releases the cattle prod, allowing to fall to the floor, then reaches for the 9mm berretta he has tucked in the front of his pants.

“Oh God, please don’t kill me, please!” begs Bronx as Tommy aims the gun to his forehead

“You can’t seem to handle shit either warden.” says Tommy with his voice becoming eerily low, almost whispering as he unexpectedly targets Findley. “This is for allowing my brother to get tortured! Goodbye dickhead!”

The warden only had enough time to broaden his eyes before the trigger was pulled. The bullet enters at the bridge of his nose causing the back of his head to explode. Bloody chunks of brain matter and bone fragments spray in many directions as the warden’s body collapses to the floor. At that very moment, a police officer enters the establishment with his gun drawn. Tommy rapidly turns around and points his gun at the intruder.

“Whoa, hold on boss,” says Kyle as he lowers his weapon “Sorry about the interruption, I heard a gunshot just as I was about to come in. I thought something was going down, that’s all.”

“Dude, this is really bad timing,” says Tommy as he lowers his gun as well and watches Kyle walk slowly towards him “This had better be important.”

“It is sir,” says Kyle as he comes to a halt behind the chair Bronx sits in and glares nervously at Tommy

“Make it quick.” Orders Tommy

“Orlando is dead, as well as the cop that was supposed to be watching him.” says Kyle with a look of worry on his face “Captain Travis went on the news this morning saying that you were responsible.”

Tommy’s eyes fill with rage and his mouth hangs open. It is at this moment, he realizes that his power in Kremlin City is fading. He knows that his family travesty has come to an end and that it is only a matter of time before his empire crumbles.

“Nooooo!” screams Tommy as he hastily lifts his gun and pulls the trigger

The bullet shreds skin as it makes a path, parting the hair on the top of Bronx’s head and burrows its way into Kyle’s torso area. Bronx screams chaotically thinking that he has just been shot and violently thrashes around in his seat causing the chair and himself to fall over. At that same instance, Kyle drops down to one knee holding his stomach while pulling out his gun with the other. Tommy wildly discharges two more rounds but misses completely, instead he ends up taking a bullet to the shoulder when Kyle returns fire. Tommy frantically sprints for the exit while both he and Kyle continue spraying a hailstorm of gunfire at one another. Tommy manages make it outside of the warehouse without being hit, but Kyle takes another bullet to his right hip.

“Oh that cocksucking son of a bitch!” yells Kyle as he collapes onto his side behind Bronx

“Hey dude,” says Bronx “If you can untie me, I’ll get you to a hospital!”

“I’ve been shot before. I can get myself to a hospital!” responds Kyle as he graps at his stomach in an attempt to stop the blood flow “Why should I help you?”

“Don’t you think we both deserve some payback?” asked Bronx

When delirium starts to set in with Kyle, he begins to frantically remove the ropes from Bronx.

“I can’t wait to fry that motherfucker’s nuts the way I did his brother!” said Bronx

Hunch Back Bridge

August 20^th - 4:29 PM

The officals who run the Cherry Hills Maximum State Prison, keep a dark secret from most of the inhabitants of Kremlin City. Even though the death penalty is abolished in this state, summary excuctions still take place here. Not because criminals are being punished for the crimes they have committed, but for financial and medical purposes. For the right price, prison officals will see to it that human organs are given to those who need them or that cadavers are provided for young med students. After the inmates receive a lethal injection disguised as a vaccination shot, the deceased are tranferred out of the prison in a large dump truck. The driver and his companion are given one thousand dollars apiece to take the dead bodies to where they are needed. Once their task is completed, the two men park under the Hunch Back Bridge to snack on pre-packed lunches. On this day however, they would never get the opportunity to enjoy their meals because of being tied up and gagged, and laying naked in the back of their own dump truck, struggling to get free. As for their lunch, the roast beef and Swiss-cheese sandwiches are now being consumed by two stowaway/escapees whom are grateful to the hogtied individuals for providing them with fresh clothing and food.

“The Count of Monte Cristo,” says Bobby as his sits behind the wheel inside of the truck brushing bread crumbs off of his shirt. “I really loved that movie.”

“The book was probably better,” says Mark “But then again, that’s what they always say.”

The two men scarf down their sandwiches without saying another word. Instead, they gaze outward at the unusually cloudy sky and begin to feel a sense of peace niether of them have ever experienced. After their dining is complete, they each wash down their lunch with bottled water they find stashed in a small cooler nearby. The peaceful silence between them is interrupted when one of them decides to ask a question.

“Bobby, there’s something that I’ve gotta know.”

“What’s that Henry?”

“How did you know where Bronx had taken me?” asked Mark

“I followed you.” responds Bobby

“From where?

“I saw you being shoved around by those guards as I was coming out of that shrink’s office.”

“Oh that’s right,” says Mark as he snaps his fingers “I remember seeing the sign on the door as I was being brought to the visitors chamber. A doctor named Sanders right?”

“Yeah, he was nice,” says Bobby as he joyfully bounces in his seat “He gave me candy.”

Mark peers at the goofy expression on Bobby’s face and cannot help but feel a bit perplexed by his sudden childlike persona. After a slight chuckle, Mark decides to simply shrug off the awkward moment and ask another question.

“How did you get all that blood on you though?”

Bobby’s eyes abruptly go from broadened to narrow as he looks confusingly at Mark.

“You know what Henry, I’ve thought about that,” responds Bobby as he scratches the side of his head “I honestly don’t remember.”

“Maybe you got it when you put the smackdown on those guards?” wondered Mark

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Oh well, It doesn’t really matter now anyway.” says Mark “You certainly opened up a can of whoop ass on those guys.”

“Ha ha,” chuckles Bobby “I get the strangest feeling you’re a big wrestling fan Henry.”

“What gave me away?”

The duo begin laughing loudly and give each other a high-five. Once the humorous moment passes, Bobby forms a confused expression and drops his smile.

“So Henry,” says Bobby “How the hell did you end up in prison in the first place?”

Mark swallows hard as his smile fades and develops a worrisome frown on his face. He peers at Bobby and wonders why he has such an aura of trust that cannot explained or even understood. Mark has only known this man for a very short amount of time, but he has never felt more comfortable with anyone else in his life. He wants to pour his heart out to Bobby and tell him everything, but he cannot bring himself to do so. Instead, he gives his new friend an answer that he hopes will be satisfying.

“Bobby, it’s just too difficult to talk about.”

“It’s alright,” says Bobby with a sentimental look in his eyes as he affectionately pats Mark on the shoulder “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, ok?”

“Thanks man.”

Bobby likes the fact that because for some strange reason, his mind does not become overloaded with thoughts of anger or revenge when he is in Mark‘s presence. He looks deeply into his new friend’s eyes and can see the pain behind them. Bobby understands the pain because he has seen it before in his own eyes whenever he gazed into a mirror. Perhaps that is the reasoning behind the level of comfort he feels for Mark. Bobby also believes that he can trust this man with something that is very important to him.

“Henry my friend,” says Bobby “I have a huge favor to ask of you.”

“What’s that partner?” says mark as he eagerly turns his body towards Bobby

“You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I want you to help me find this dude before I go back to prison.”

“Oh my God!” says Mark with a look of shock on his face “You want to go back? Why?”

“Well not right away,” continues Bobby “I have to find this guy and kill him first, then I’ll just turn myself in.”

“You want me to help you kill a guy?” asked Mark with an expression of disbelief

“No no, not that,” says Bobby “Just help me find him.”

At first, Mark felt uncertain about whether he should help his new friend with this task. After taking a moment to dwell about all the misery he once had in his life, he rapidly makes the decision to help the one person who has ever shown him kindness.

“Ok partner,” says Mark with a smile “I’ll help you out.”

“Oh man!” says Bobby excitedly “You have no idea what this means to me!”

“No problem at all,” says Mark as he gives Bobby a thumbs up “So what’s the name of the guy you’re looking for?”

“Well, I heard that dude Bronx mention a name to you just before I knocked him on his ass.” said Bobby

“What name?” asked Mark as he folds his hands

“Tommy Stone,” responds Bobby “Have you ever heard of him?”

Mark holds his breath for a moment and his eyes broaden. Bobby develops a smirk of delight as he raises his eyebrows.

“Considering that look on your face Henry, I guess I can take that as a yes?” asked Bobby with excitement in his voice

“Why do you want to kill him?” asked Mark as he lets out a loud sigh

“Because he’s the only person who can help me find the guy I’m really looking for.” responds Bobby “It’s like this Henry: I was so hell bent on getting you out of that place that I forgot my original agenda. I was told that I would be able to find the man who killed my fiance in prison, but now that I’m no longer there, I’m gonna have to go after his brother Tommy instead. I figure if I deal with that guy, then I‘ll be able to get to the dude I really want dead once I’m back in prison.”

Mark sits quietly and dumbfounded as a tremdous sense of panic overwhelms his entire being. He has no idea how to react to the fact that the closest thing he ever had to a true friend actually wants him dead. Mark turns his body toward the dashboard and leans forward, placing his elbows onto his knees. He keeps his hands folded in front of him as he gently rocks back and forth. Bobby’s anxiousness turns to confusion as he watches his friend’s drastic mood change.

“Is something wrong Henry?” asked Bobby

At that very moment, scuffling can be heard coming from the back of the truck. Bobby hears this and turns his head to look to the rearview mirror.

“Oh shit!!” yells Bobby as he spots the two naked men making there escape “They got loose dude!! Come on, let’s get em!!”

Bobby opens the driver’s side door and makes his departure so quickly, that he does not realize that his new friend has absolutely no intensions of following him. Mark breathes a sigh of relief as he steps out of the passenger’s side of the truck and peers at Bobby running at a lightning fast pace after the nude individuals.

“Talk about a lucky break.” thinks Mark

Chapter 18

Collaboration

August 21^st - 9:19 AM

Stone Family Residence

It is a large two story, five bedroom house, green in color. It has two bathrooms, a very big basement, a two car garage, and a kitchen reminiscent of the classic cooking show, Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals. This home was purchased in 1957 by the late Andrew Stone, where he lived with his adopted son Henry for the rest of his life. The two main reasons Henry devotedly maintained the home was out of respect for his father and because it was the only residence within a ten mile radius. About two years after Henry Sr.’s death, Jenny Stone lost the house to the government because of tax problems. Today, the house is owned by two men, one is an escaped convict, the other, a recently fallen drug kingpin. Long before becoming criminals on the run, they removed their mother from the hardship she once faced while living in the poverty stricken Albacore Alley, and placed her back into the family home. Now, after getting a frantic call from one of her son‘s, she sits outside in a car parked out in front of the house along with her husband. Daniel sits quietly in the passenger’s side with a perplexed look on his face while Jenny Stone glares lovingly at her home, taking the time to reminisce because she knows this will be the last time she will ever lay eyes on the Stone Family Residence.

“If you’re so anxious to pick up your son, then why did you stop the car in front of the house?” Asked Daniel “Come on, let’s go already.”

“Just hold on a second.” responds Jenny

“Look Jenny,” says Daniel with frustration in his voice “If we don’t get to Albacore Alley and find Mark, the cops are going to get to him first! Let’s go already!”

Jenny ignores her husband, instead deciding to dwell on her past. She begins having a vision of her first son, Henry Jr. when he was just a toddler. Tears trickle down her face as she forms a gentle smile.

“If I hadn’t lost this place, my boys would have grown up here instead of in that shithole.” she wimpers “Then maybe they would be better people today.”

“Oh for crying out loud Jenny!” storms Daniel “We don’t have time for this shit!”

Without further hesitation, Jenny softly steps on the gas peddle and begins to drive away. Police sirens can be heard in the distance which puts Daniel in a state of anxiety. Just as the vehicle approaches the stop sign at the end of the street, Jenny is suddenly forced to jam on the brakes and watch as police cars seemingly come out of nowhere. When a barricade is created in front of them, Daniel’s eyes widen as he peers out the back window and can see more cop cars coming up from behind.

“Oh what the hell is this shit?” yells Daniel

Jenny lowers her eyes and shakes her head in disbelief but forms a strange smile on her face. Daniel peers at her with a look of confusion and his mouth hangs open.

“Are you smiling?” Asked Daniel with panic in his voice as he frantically glares around at the officers stepping out of their vehicles and begin drawing a variety of guns. “How the fuck can you be smiling?”

“I was hoping to save this for later,” responds Jenny as she looks at her husband with tears in her eyes “But I guess now is as good a time as any.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Daniel

Jenny and Daniel become startled when they hear a loud voice omitting from a bullhorn in the distance.

“Jenny Stone and Daniel Pike!” amplifies Captain Travis “Step out of the car right now, or we will open fire!”

“Oh shit man!” yells Daniel “Their gonna kill us!”

“We’re already dead,” says Jenny in a low eerie voice as she reaches into the purse laying on her lap “You just don’t know it yet.”

“What? What are you saying?” hollers Daniel “Look, I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but I am not about to get myself killed by these cops! Let’s just get out of the damn car and do what they say!”

“You’re not going anywhere!” storms Jenny

“Bullshit!” says Daniel as he opens the passenger side door

As quick as a flash, Jenny pulls out a set of handcuffs and confines Daniel’s left arm to the steering wheel.

“What the fuck are you doing!?” yells Daniel as he grabs at Jenny with his free hand

She manages to fend him off by clawing at his face and hurridly gets out of the car.

“I was too much of a weakling to stop you from corrupting my boys!” she says as she glares evilly at her husband “I think now’s the time for redemption! Goodbye Daniel!”

Daniel thrashes around inside the vehicle yelling incoherent obscenities while Jenny removes a device from her purse that looks similar to a televison remote. She chucks the purse into the car and shuts the door, then raises her hands into the air. Captain Travis watches as Jenny begins walking over in his direction and can easily spot something in her right hand.

“Mrs. Stone!” says Travis with the bullhorn “I suggest you drop whatever that is before you take another step!”

Jenny Stone ignores the captain’s orders and continues moving forward. As she walks, she thinks about the last conversation she had with her son Mark. He had informed her about an assortment of weapons that both he and Tommy kept in the basement for safe keeping. Mark had told her that if she felt the need to redeem herself, that she could choose what she wanted to use in order to rid herself of the corruptive ball and chain known as Daniel Pike. Killing herself along with her husband inside of the car she had previously loaded with explosives, was her original intentions. But now that much of the police force have her surrounded with guns drawn, she alters her plan by simply lowering her right hand toward Captain Travis.

“She has a gun!” screams Travis into the bullhorn “Open fire!”

Jenny Stone makes loud grunting sounds as she takes an onslaught of gunfire causing her to drop to her knees. Daniel cowers inside the vehicle in an attempt to avoid being shot while still trying to free himself from the handcuffs.

“Hold your fire! Hold your fire!” yells Travis as he watches Jenny collapse onto her back. “Move in fast! Let’s go!”

Captain Travis drops the bullhorn and advances forward with his gun drawn while the other officers begin closing in on Jenny who is surprisingly still alive. Daniel’s eyes fill with tears watching helplessly as the policemen surround his dying wife.

“It didn’t have to come to this Jenny.” says Travis as he holsters his weapon and peers down uncaringly at the blood-soaked female “I just wanted to find your boys.”

“It’s been great seeing you again Captain,” pants Jenny as she struggles to raise her right hand “But I think it’s time you leave my family alone.”

Captain Travis’s eyes widen when he realizes what Jenny has in her hand.

“Get back!” yells Travis as he quickly does an about face and darts away from her.

The other policemen begin scattering as fast as they can while Daniel scoots over into the driver’s side seat wondering why they are panicking. His curiosity does not last long, especially when he spots the detonator in his wife’s hand. Daniel simply shuts his eyes and mumbles a prayer which he was unable to complete. When Jenny finally pushes the button, her car explodes with enough force to lift many of the scattering policemen off of their feet. Some of them take in their last breathe before their bodies even hit the ground. Captain Travis himself was knocked down as he was running by one of his fellow officers whom had taken the blast full force.

“Son of a bitch!” stammers Travis as he struggles to roll the deceased man off of him “Crazy Bitch!”

Albacore Alley

August 21^st - 9:25 AM

Inside one of the many beaten down vehicles at the end of a dead-end street, is a man trying not to allow his presence to be discovered. It is a place he really does not want to hide because the cobwebs and thick heavy dust tends to overwhelm his allergies. The rusty rain-damaged hole in the ceiling does provide his airways with some relief. He waits anxiously for his mother and stepfather to arrive, hoping they can bestow a more appropriate sanctuary. He is startled out of his impatience when a tremendous amount of noise pollution reverberates in the distance.

“What the hell was that?” wondered Mark as he staggers to get out of the vehicle

After stepping out the car, Mark peers into the direction of the explosion and can see a cloud of smoke.

“Mark? Is that you?”

Mark’s neck makes a popping sound when he turns around to discover the source of the feminine voice calling out to him. He breathes a sigh of relief when it turns out to be what he referes to as: ‘one of his favorite honeys’. The petite red-head smiles gleefully, exposing the tiny gap between her top front teeth.

“Candice, my little angel.” says Mark as gives the prostitute a warm embrace “Its been too long.”

“Yes it has.” she says excitedly “I heard you were going to be in prison for life.”

“I would have been, if not for a very an unlikely ally.” says Mark “Look, I’ll tell you all about that later. Right now, I need some help.”

“What do you need sweetie?”

“I need a place to hide.” said Mark “Can I hang at your place for a while?”

“Ok, but on one condition.” she says in a seductive voice “I was afraid I would never get to feel that cock of yours in me again.”

“Honey, if you let me hide out at your place, I promise, I will fuck you upside down and sideways.”

“Eeeww Weee!!” she says excitedly “Then why the hell are we still standing here?”

Hunch Back Bridge

August 21^st - 9:25 AM

Inside the back of a dump truck sits a naked man with his hands tied behind him and a piece of duct tape covering his mouth. He cannot comprehend how he managed to end up back into this situation again. A heavy amount of water streams out of his eyes, making a path down his cheeks, over the tape until it drips off of his chin. He weeps because after being re-captured, he was forced to watch while a large baby-faced man strangled his companion to death. Now, he is in hysterics as he awaits his fate wondering where the murderer has gone and frets about what may happen when he returns. His pondering does not last for very long.

“Where is he? What did you do with him!!” screams Bobby as he climbs into the back with the terrified man “I’ll kill you!! I’ll kill you!!”

The horrified individual manages to scoot backwards on his hindquarter as Bobby is storming over to him. The short stocky man is suddenly forced up onto his feet when Bobby grabs him by the throat and lifts him up.

“You fucking little prick!! Where’s Henry? Tell me now!!” Growls Bobby as he glares evilly into the petrified eyes of his potential next victim

Bobby suddenly releases his grip from the man’s throat, allowing him to drop back down onto his hindquarter when a loud explosion gets his attention.

“What the hell was that?” asked Bobby as he begins to climb back out of the dump truck

The prisoner keeps his eyes broadened as watches his captor leave him behind. Once the short stocky man is alone, he laces his fingers tightly together and begins to free himself the way he had before. As he lifts his hands high, without unlacing his fingers, he is able to dislocate and relocate his arms at the shoulders. With his hands now in front of him, his fear and loathing for Bobby slowly turns into thoughts of vengeful reimbursement. He also knows that once he is free from his restraints, it will take less then a minute to call for help using the cell phone he has stored away in the glove compartment. Meanwhile, Bobby himself runs as fast as he can toward the cloud of smoke he can see in the distance.

“I’m coming Henry!!” yells Bobby as he sprints manically in that direction “Hang in there!!”

Connie Simmons Residence

August 21^st - 9:25 AM

“Thanks for patching me up baby cakes.” says Tommy as he sits on a couch sipping on a cup of coffee.

“No problem sugar.” responds Connie after tossing away used medical gauze, then puts the finishing touch onto the new bandages for Tommy’s shoulder “So where are they now?”

“Bronx and Kyle?” scoffs Tommy as he peers at Connie “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Their conversation is suddenly cut short when they hear a thunderous boom just down the street.

“What the hell was that?” asked Tommy as he quickly stands up

“I don’t know!” she responds “You think we should go check it out?”

“Yeah, come on, let’s go!”

Kremlin City Hospital

August 21^st - 9:25 AM

“How are you holding up bud?” asked Bronx as he enters a hopital room

“Not bad considering.” responds Kyle as he braces himself up with a walking stick “The doctors say my wounds weren’t as bad as they looked. They say both bullets made clean exits. How’s that for luck?”

“Are you certain you want to leave the hospital?” asked Bronx

“I don’t have a chose.” says Kyle “If I stay here long enough, I’m either going to get killed by Tommy or Captain Travis.”

“You have a point. But since you brought it up, maybe we should just kick back for a while and let Travis take on the Stone family. You know, let those bastards kill each other.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” says Kyle “I still need to get out of here though.”

Before any more words are exchanged, both men become startled by a deafening blast that makes the entire hospital shake.

“What the hell was that?” asked kyle with wide eyes

“I’m not sure I want to know,” responds Bronx as he pulls a vibrating cell phone out of his jacket pocket “Hold that thought bud, let me take this call!”

Kyle wobbles as he staggers over to a nearby window and spots a cloud of smoke in the distance, while Bronx opens the flip phone and places it to his ear.

“Hello?……What?……..A baby-face?…..Ok?…..Blonde hair?….Ok…Look, just stay put and I’ll be there as soon as I can!”

“Hey Bronx,” says Kyle as he continues to look out the window “Maybe it’s just me, but I swear that cloud of smoke looks like it’s coming from Tommy’s house!”

“Maybe, but there’s no time to worry about that anyway!” says Bronx as he closes the flip phone and places it back into his pocket. “I just got a call from a friend of mine! He said there was a couple of crazy guys that jumped him and his cousin. Based on the descriptions he gave me, it sounded like they came across Mark Stone and his new friend!”

“No shit?” says Kyle excitedly as he turns his body to look at Bronx “Where?”

“At the Hunch Back Bridge! Are you with me?”

“Let’s go!” responds Kyle

Chapter 19

What Goes Around….

August 21^st - 10:45 AM

Captain Travis loses track of time as he desperately tries to maintain a sense of order amongst his men within the suicidal aftermath created by Jenny Stone. Police tape is placed all around the immediate area with the exception of the northern section so that other vehicles can be allowed to enter. Along with the police officers, fire trucks, ambulances, and mortuary workers have crowded the area. The firefighters frantically try to put out the flames that are still engulfing the vehicle holding the chard remains of Daniel Pike. Wounded police officers are receiving treatment from medical personel, while other unfortunates are being loaded into body bags. Everyone inside of this chaotic environment are unaware that a man is watching from a safe distance. He managed to find a hiding place inside one of the unoccupied squad cars, which is carelessly on the other side of the police tape. He was confused and frightened at first, but after spotting a sign posted on the lawn in front of the only house in this region, his head begins to develop the shakes.

“Stone Family Residence?!” growls Bobby “I’m coming for you Tommy!”

Bobby steadily makes his way out of the driver’s side of the cop car, then begins cowering as he heads toward the house. Once there, he lowers himself to the ground and starts crawling on his hands and knees toward the back yard while keeping his eyes peeled for possible onlookers. When the backdoor is finally reached, he breathes a sigh of relief. With very little effort, he kicks open the door, almost removing it from its hinges.

“Ok Tommy,” Says Bobby “Where the fuck are you?”

Just as Bobby was about to walk through the kitchen toward the living room, he becomes slightly startled when he hears a creaking sound. He turns his head to see that a draft coming from the basement is blowing the door ajar. Bobby’s eyes become narrow as curiosity draws him over to the door. Once there, he peers down the stairway into total darkness. After finding a lightswitch on the wall, he quickly makes his way down into the basement. At the bottom of the steps, Bobby is able to increase the illumination by pulling on the string dangling in front of him.

“Holy shit!” says Bobby as his eyes broaden while peering at the huge arsenal of weaponry that adorn the entire basement. “What the heck is all this?”

At the center of the room, Bobby notices a shrine of sorts, decorated with a huge mirror with a bear skin for its border, and an assortments of photographs. As he walks closer, he glares at the photos of people on hunting expeditions and the variety of animals that have been put through the taxidermy process.

“I wonder which of these guys is Tommy.” He thought as he comes to a halt in front of the monument

Bobby removes a picture from the mirror that features a man posing with dead rabbits, one in each hand, with a huge smile on his face.

“Brian Garner - September 19^th, 2011.” says Bobby as he reads the back of the photo “That’s not him.”

He chucks the picture aside and quickly grabs up another one. This time, it is of a man holding a dead doe, gripping it in a headlock as if he were wrestling with it. Bobby develops an ugly frown as he peers at the clown-like face expression the individual is making in the photo.

“Terry Parks - December 8^th, 2011,” says Bobby as he looks at the back “Nope, that’s not the guy either.”

At the very top of the mirror, the bearskin still has its head and it is mounted with small wooden sticks that prevent it from dangling. The mouth and eyes are designed in a way that the deceased creature still appears ferocious. Dangling from one of the bottom teeth is a small purple pouch with the words ’Crown Royale’ written on it.

“What do we have here?” wonders Bobby as he picks up the sack.

After loosening the string, Bobby peers inside the pouch to discover several packets of cigarette rolling papers, a small bundle of marijuana, and two pocket sized photographs. He pulls them both out at the same time, but inadvertently drops one to the floor.

“Jackpot!” says Bobby excitedly as he reads the name on the back

The photo he glares at now is of Tommy posing with a large mouth bass. Bobby gleams evilly at the image knowing that he is one step closer to completing his mission of vengeance. He turns to walk away when suddenly, something strange catches his attention. He tilts his head slightly to the left as he focuses on the other photo on the floor.

“Henry?” asks Bobby as he squats down

Bobby stares confusingly at the image without picking it up and tries to understand why his good friend is smiling while standing next to Tommy Stone.

“He never told me he was a friend to this guy,”

When Bobby finally takes up the photo and reads the names on the back, his eyes widen and his head develops the shakes. He begins to pant loudly and his body builds up a heavy tremor.

“Mark!……….. Mark!……….. Mark!” growls Bobby as he begins foaming at the mouth and his eyes fill with an incredible rage

Bobby crushes the photo in his hand and lets out an extremely loud outcry as he lifts himself back up to a standing position.

10:47 AM

Just as Captain Travis had finally managed to settle things down, one of his patrolmen runs up to him with panic in his eyes.

“Sir!” You’re not going to believe this!” says the officer

“Oh for fucks sake!” responds Travis “What it is now?”

“Somebody just took off in one of our patrol cars!”

Hunch Back Bridge

10:51 AM

Only moments ago, a Ford Bronco pulled into the area with two occupants. After driving through the campsite, they parked under the bridge behind a large dump truck where they saw a short stocky man ranting, raving and flailing his arms. When the two men finally stepped out of the Bronco, they walked up to the upset individual anxious to hear his tale of woe.

“Ok Sonny,” says Bronx “I know you’re upset, but I need you to calm down.”

“How the fuck am I supposed to stay calm?” he says “He choked Larry to death right in front of me!”

“So where did he go?” asked Kyle

“He took off towards that big explosion!”

“What about the other guy?” asked Bronx “The blonde-haired guy?”

“How the fuck should I know?” yells Sonny “All I remember was being tackled from behind, then waking up in the back of the dump truck just in time to see Larry getting murdered!”

“Look Sonny, let’s just get out of here.” says Bronx

“Fine!” says Sonny “Just let me have a gun! I want to jam up that big bastard’s ass!”

“No problem,” says Bronx “Kyle and I have a small arsenal in the back of the Bronco.”

“Well, let’s go and…..wait a second…” says Sonny as his demeanor suddenly changes and a look of confusion forms on his face. “That sounds just like….”

“Sounds like what Sonny?” asked Bronx

Sonny peers upward trying to see what type of vehicle is now crossing the bridge. He cannot make out the model, but the sound it makes is un-mistakable.

“That’s my wife Connie’s Benz going by up there.” says Sonny “I know that bad muffler sound anywhere.”

“Connie?” asked Kyle

“Yeah, Connie Simmons.” responds Sonny

Bronx and Kyle look at each other with shocked expressions.

“She’s a heavyweight prosecutor and she….” says Sonny as he realizes the looks on their faces “Whoa, what the hell is wrong with you guys?”

“We should go after her.” says Kyle

“Then you know what I know about her?” asked Bronx

“Oh yeah,” responds Kyle “Let’s go.”

Sonny’s face turns blood red as he listens to these two men speak about his wife.

“Hold on a fucking minute you guys!” storms Sonny “Stop talking about my wife like I’m not even fucking standing here and tell me what’s going on!”

“Hop in the Bronco Sonny and we’ll explain everything on the way.” says Bronx

Route 33

11:00 AM

“Tommy, maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” says Connie as she drives up to a red stop light “I mean, I understand why we had to take the long way around to get to your house, but I still don’t think you should be out in the open like this.”

“I know what I’m doing Connie.” says Tommy “I just need to see if my brother is at home ok? If he’s not there, we’ll go back to your place.”

“And if he is there?” she says as the street light turns yellow “Then what?”

Before Tommy has a chance to answer Connie’s question, a large Ford Bronco speedily passes on the right side, then does a 180 degree spin.

“What the heck are these guys doing?” asked Connie

“Let’s go, move it Connie…Move it!” Yells Tommy

“Oh my God!” screams Connie as she tries to shift the gear to reverse

The Bronco peels out as it accelerates toward the frightened duo.

Albacore Alley

11: 47 PM

“Oh boy, I really needed that…” sighs Mark as he lies in a bed, flat on his back and glares up at the sweat glistening off of Candice’s breast. “Baby, please stop grinding. I can’t take anymore.”

“But I don’t want to stop,” says Candice in a seductive voice as she continues to straddle his manhood and swivel her hips as if she were using a hula-hoop. “I’ll slow down for you though. How’s that?”

Mark clamps his eyes shut and makes a wheezing sound with his mouth as he sucks in his lower lip. Candice looks down at him with a sheepish smile on her face as she caresses his chest with both hands.

“I don’t know how much more I can take baby cakes.” says Mark without opening his eyes

“It’s all good lover,” she says as she lowers herself down completely and comes face to face with him.

Candice will not allow his manhood to become flaccid as she continuously rotates her hips in slow-motion. Mark’s body shutters slightly as she intimately runs her fingers through the hair on top of his head while licking and sucking on his neck.

“Are you trying to kill me?” he says when she begins slurping on his earlobe

“Not yet…” she whispers as one of her hands slides under a nearby pillow

Still with his eyes closed, he forms a gentle smile as she slithers her left hand down the side of his face and presses a thumb to his chin. He keeps a grin on his face as he nibbles on his bottom lip while she begins nawing intimately on his chin.

“What do you mean not yet baby-cakes?” he asks

(LET MARK EXPRESS FEELINGS OF REGRET TO CANDICE BEFORE SHE TRIES TO KILL HIM)

Mark is so into the sexual bliss of Candice’s silky smooth body and tender touch, that he does not realize that a 22 caliber handgun is being held firm in her right hand. She keeps her finger on the trigger as she lifts her head to look him in the eyes.

“Look at me..” she says as she places her left hand near his neck

“Ok..” he responds with a sheepish grin

“Did I ever tell you that I had a sister?” she asks

“What?”

As quick as a flash, Candice sits up, points the gun to Mark’s forehead and develops a firm grip around his throat.

“Her name was Dana Carlson!” she says as she cocks the weapon “And you killed her you son of a bitch!”

“What the fuck?” yells Mark with wide eyes

“Don’t fucking move!” she demands

As Mark peers up at the fury filled eyes of Candice, a sense of panic begins to overwhelm him.

“Spread your arms!” she says forcefully “Sideways motherfucker, like Jesus!”

Mark does as he is told as he watches angry tears stream down her face. Candice’s hand develops a heavy tremor and her teeth chatter as she tries to grit them. When Mark realizes that pulling the trigger is clearly very difficult for her, a feels a sense of calm.

“Baby-cakes?”

“Don’t call me that!” she weeps

“Ok…ok!” he says in a mellow voice “I never meant to kill anyone. Please believe me.”

“What difference does it make?” she cries

“It makes all the difference in the world.” he responds “You don’t want to do this. It won’t bring her back. Please don’t do this.”

Just as Candice began to weep hysterically, Mark swats away the weapon with his left hand, then lands a tremendous right hook to her jaw causing her to fall out of the bed and onto the floor. Without hesitation, Mark quickly gets up from the bed and stands over. He reaches down and grabs her by the arms, then forces her to stand up. He gives her a vigorous shake as she struggles to regain her focus from the dizzy spell brought on the massive punch.

“You fucking cunt!” says Mark “I’m sorry about your sister, but what the hell kind of way is this to get back at me? Why did you let me fuck you first instead of just killing me right from the start?”

“Because I didn’t have the gun on me when I saw you outside!” she responds “Besides, I wanted you to see it coming!”

Out of nowhere, Candice starts screaming for help and clawing at Mark. He receives several scratches on his face and chest before he finally shoves her away as hard as he could.

“Knock it off dumb bitch!” he yells as he watches her tumble

Mark’s eyes change from anger to fright when Candice’s head makes contact with an end-table.

“Oh…dear….lord…..” stammers Mark as his eyes broaden

He walks over to her and squats, then reaches down to check for a pulse. A sense of panic kicks in for Mark when none is found causing him to stagger as he stands back up.

“Oh my God!” he says as he grasp his head with both hands “What have I done?”