Chapter 6 continues

     "Did you bring the Polaroid camera?" Serena asked as Mr.Pruce stepped out of his s.u.v.

     "Here you go,said you can keep it." he said handing it to her along with a fresh pack of film. "You'll have about twenty snapshots. Now where is he?" Mr.Pruce asked peering around in the dark past the headlights in the dark remote wooded area.

     "We have him in the trunk." Serena said pointing over to the long black sedan parked under the pine trees. Hays slid out from the passenger's seat a lit cigarette dangling from his lips.
     "How long has he been in there?" Mr.Pruce asked as went over looking in the trunk Hays opened for him.
     "About twelve hours, but he's been knocked out most of the day." Hays replied.
     "He's probably thirsty. You haven't given him any water? Have you?" Mr.Pruce inquired.
     "Oh, no." Serena informed him.
     "Good, this man needs to suffer for what he's done to our Leah." he said spitting down on the half-naked bound man, duct tape over his mouth, eyes closed, barely alive. Serena pointed the Polaroid camera at their victim and snapped a picture. The flash lit up the darkness and the bound man opened up his terrified eyes.
  

Chapter 6 begins

     "Charles." Leah said pushing the empty bowl away from her.
     "Yes?" Charles said wiping the counter.
     "I don't feel so good." she said rubbing her belly.
     "Do you need to vomit?"
     "No.., can you help me upstairs I feel extremely weak."
     Charles took her by the hand and she leaned up against him feeling light headed and dizzy. It was a struggle to put one foot in front of another and Charles had to scoop her up in his arms and carry her upstairs and he felt the lightness of her frail, weak body in his arms. It was as if he were carrying a bag of pillows in his arms, but her body was a bag of bones and skin. He laid her back down in the comfortable warm bed and pulled the covers up over her. She looked up in his eyes and she looked tense and uncertain.
     "What is it Leah, you can tell me."
     "Well," she paused speaking in a whisper. "When they took me.., I wasn't alone Charles." she said eyes darting back and forth with her nervousness.
     "And?" he asked.
     "There was a man, Slater, my boyfriend/dealer. I am afraid they might have taken him too, but I don't know what happened." she said her voice getting faster her eyes darting back and forth as she grabbed up at his shirt. "Do you think they took him Charles? Why would they do that, he has no idea who I am. He never knew Xation, why would they take him?" she asked frantically clutching at him.
     "Leah, Leah." Charles said taking her hands in his trying to calm her. "Just relax, let's not get worked up about something that we have no information about."
     "You don't know anything about it?" she asked tears welling up in her green eyes.
     "I can honestly tell you, I have no idea what they are up to." and this was the truth, well half of it, he thought.
   

End Chapter 5

     "Charles," Mr.Pruce said feeling rested and relaxed after his deep tissue massage. "Xation is driving me back over there to pick up my car, so he wants to know if you need anything from the store for his wife?"
     "Uh.., " he passed the phone to Leah, who took the receiver from him and spoke softly to Bengiman as she told him a laundry list of items: lady razors, facial cleanser, apricot scrub, toner, moisturizer, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, tampons, bananas, Frosted Flakes, three bottles of Concord grape juice, and two half-gallons of Blue-Bell ice cream, one strawberry, one rocky road. She thanked Bengiman, who was happy to oblige her, and Xation paid for everything, as always.
     About thirty minutes later at 5:35 p.m. Xation pulled up in his expensive black BMW as Mr.Pruce gathered all the bags from out of the back seat. He implored Xation to come inside and speak to Leah, but he declined saying it was much too difficult for him to see Leah in her wretched condition and Mr.Pruce understood.
     "Well that's alright mate. I totally understand, so one good thing about today." he said before he closed the side door.
     "And what might that be?" Xation asked wishing this day had never transpired.
     "It stopped raining." Mr.Pruce said grocery bags in hand as the clouds parted and the sunlight came streaming through far across to the west on the horizon shining on Bengiman's face warming his skin. Xation said nothing only driving away to tend to his business meetings and social functions.
      Charles opened up the door for him and helped him with the bags. As the two were in the kitchen Bengiman asked to see Leah but Charles informed him that she became ill again, freezing cold this time so she was in the steam shower of the master bathroom.
     "Yeah Charlie," Mr.Pruce said opening up the family size box of Frosted Flakes and pouring himself a bowl he spoke "she's gonna get really bad, but.., you used to be doctor so I don't have to tell you. I don't envy you Charlie," he said using a nickname Charles loathed. "but," he said mouth full of cereal "I do admire you." Charles said nothing, thinking his slight concussion made him a bit more kinder and not so loathsome, a nice change. "So listen." Mr.Pruce said a serious tone coming to his voice, a meanness in his eyes.
     "Yes?" Charles asked his pulse quickening.
     "Hays,Serena and myself will be taking care of a problem in few hours, when it's dark. I'm sure you know what I'm talking 'bout." he said looking Charles in the eyes, who shook his head yes. "Well then, Serena wants to know if you have a Polaroid camera? She wants to take pictures for some reason."
     "Yes, I think so." Charles said as he we went to his bedroom closet and retrieved it along with a fresh pack of film. When he returned to the kitchen he found Mr.Pruce slicing a banana into a bowl of cereal for Leah who sat at the table in her bathrobe and her wet hair wrapped in a towel. She was smiling and seemed to be feeling better as she rummaged through her bags of goodies she had asked for. "Feeling better?"
     "A little, not cold anymore, Bengi brought me breakfast for dinner." Leah smiled eating a spoonful of sweet corn flakes. "Thank you Bengi, and you too Charles.., I did miss you and I am glad to see you." she said smiling at her two friends who were happy to have her back.
     "Think nothing of it my love," Mr.Pruce said kissing her on top of her head "you're like the little sister I never had, and I want you to know that I would do anything required to keep you safe, Leah." Bengiman said looking down at her as she stared up intently into his dark small eyes. "from anyone that mean to do you harm.., past, or present."
      "Okay, I appreciate that." she replied a cold chill creeping up her spine.
      "Right then," he said taking the camera and film from Charles "Thanks mate, and you young lady I hope you feel better at noon tomorrow, Serena wants to take you to Nieman Marcus to buy some new clothes and make-up and what ever else you require my dear sweet lady." he said kissing her hand "and do what this man tells you, he may not look like much but he is very helpful." Bengiman laughed "and we will have you back to good as new in no time."
      "Great, I can't wait." Leah beamed standing to hug her huge British buddy.
      "Cheery bye." he said as he exited the kitchen and went out to his Range-Rover where he climbed in took a small bottle of Crown Royal whiskey out of the glove box and took three long sips before he called Serena and informed her he had secured a camera. She gave him instructions to drive east out into the country to a deserted old property deep in the Piny Woods, where she and Hays were waiting with their victim and Bengiman Pruce was about an hour away.

More of Chapter 5

     Leah had felt well enough to join Charles downstairs all wrapped up in a long warm white terry cloth bath robe. The rain had not let up and Charles kept the fire going as Leah sat curled up in a wing chair beside the stone fireplace. She sipped slowly from the cup of warm, delicious soup staring into the flames watching as they danced listening to the hissing and popping from the burning wood. Charles sat in the chair across from her not saying anything, just waiting to listen if she chose to speak, but she did not it was calm and peaceful something she was not accustomed to, it was nice.
     A few minutes later she sipped the last drop of soup it warmed her belly and she wanted more. "This is wonderful Charles, thank you." Leah smiled handing him her empty cup.
     "Let me get you a little more." he said happily going to the kitchen returning with a fresh helping. Charles found Leah pulling a few sheets off the antique furniture he had crammed in the living room.
      "What's all this Charles?"
      "Well that is a Wooten desk it is very rare and worth a small fortune." Charles went on, as she sipped her soup, showing her an eighteenth century games table, a Tiffany lamp, six matching nineteenth century English Hepplewhite side chairs, two eighteenth century Louis XVI arm chairs along with a few large bronze sculptures etc...
      "Why do you have all this?"
      "Well, if anything happens, when something happens I have left instructions with an auction house to sell off everything and give all the proceeds to charity."
      "Are you expecting that to happen anytime soon?" she asked concerned.
      "Well, no." he lied.
      "Then put it in the garage. It looks bad out here covered in sheets."
      "Not with the harsh winters and blistering summers, no, not here in Texas, I'm sorry if it bothers you."
      "It's okay, I don't mind." she smiled sweetly touching his arm lightly.
      "It's just I've been alone here for so long now I guess I didn't notice." he sighed.
      "Charles.., don't you have a girlfriend?"
      Charles shook his head and only laughed.
      "Charles, you are far too handsome and far too intelligent to sit home all alone by yourself." Leah reminded him.
      "Yeah, and when they ask me what I do for a living.., how do I explain that."
      "You don't have to tell them the truth." Leah laughed but Charles did not, he felt very embarrassed and less like a man than ever, so he got up went to the kitchen and rinsed the dirty dishes and put them in dishwasher. Leah stood beside him her head resting on his arm as she put her arm around her lonely friend. Charles felt a warm spot growing in his heart and he was extremely happy to be in his kitchen with his long lost friend. Then the phone rang.

Chapter 5 cont's

     "Waiter!" Mr.Pruce called out taking the piece of now, warm raw meat off his head as the tuxedo clad waiter approached.
     "Yes sir?"
     "Here," Mr.Pruce said slapping the raw steak in the palm of the waiter's hand, who looked mortified "Take this back into the kitchen and cut it into little pieces then put it in a doggy bag."
     "A doggy bag sir?" the waiter sound indignant.
     "Yeah, for my dog.., stupid." Mr. Pruce added as the waiter rolled his eyes slightly as he returned to the kitchen.
     "Brutus will enjoy that." Xation said as he sat there trying not to think of his wretch of a wife, he felt ill to his stomach with a slight headache and he had meetings all the rest of the day. Xation was worried on many fronts, but it was nice to sit here with his best friend and chat and drink and eat and try to be merry.

     "I love that fucking dog, my old bulldog." Bengiman smiled finishing off his second plate of food. As he took his last bite he looked up as two older black gentlemen were seated at a table across from the two. "Oh my Christ!" Bengiman exclaimed his eyes lighting up as he stared at the taller of the two men. "Do you know who that it is?" he gawked and Xation did not he shook his head no.

     "That sir, is Mr.Charley Pride, sir." Bengiman said his eyes glistening as he explained "Me mum loved Country music and he was her favorite.., Oh God I want his autograph, please Xation let me go over, I won't embarrass you, promise."
      "Go on have a laugh." Xation said shaking his head slightly.
      So big, burly, bald Bengiman got up grabbed a cocktail napkin off the table and went over to Mr.Charley Pride and told him profusely how great a singer and song writer he was and what a credit he was to the Great State of Texas and may he please have an autograph for his dear departed mum; which he promised to frame with a picture of her. And Mr.Pride was delighted for the recognition of is work and talent from a fan from so far across the sea and was happy to know he still had fans in England. Bengiman shook his hand a little too long as he told Mr.Pride he was so proud to have met him. He then went back to his table beaming as if he had just met the Queen and Xation was very happy to see his friend enjoy the experience, it helped to cheer him up a bit. Then he paid the three hundred and twenty two dollar bill leaving five one hundred dollar bills in the black book and he and Mr.Pruce went on their way. Xation had problems back at the office and he had business to tend to, but before he dealt with those matters he dropped Bengiman off at the Spa at Crescent Court to get a massage and have steam while he set about tending to his appointments.

More Chapter 5

   "God Charles, I am so sorry!" Leah said wiping the vomit off her face as she looked down at the mess by the bed.
     "That's what tile floors are for, don't worry about it." Charles smiled taking her by the hand "Do you feel well enough to take a bath?"
     "Yeah." she said taking a whiff of her underarms "I seriously need to bathe!" she laughed as Charles helped her to the adjacent bathroom where Charles gave her a bathrobe to put on as he drew a nice hot bath for her; which he added a large amount of watermelon scented bubble bath to. He stepped out of the room as she got in the tub then he came back in and helped wash her hair as he was rinsing out the lather from her hair he looked down at her frail arms covered in sores and scratches he felt so sad to see what was once one of the most ravishing women he had ever known looking so beat down and weak and Charles vowed to not commit suicide until he nursed her back to health.
     "Charles," she sighed "I just want you to know I really appreciate your kindness." Leah looked up at him tears welling up in her eyes as she started to cry.
     "Shh, it's alright Leah, don't cry, I promise I won't let anything happen to you." he tried to reassure her.
     "But what about Xation?"
     "Don't worry about him right now, we need to focus on getting you strong and healthy. So I want you to relax in the tub and I will go downstairs and make you some hot soup, you need to eat something."
     "But I feel sick to my stomach." she moaned.
     "That's because you need nourishment, your vomit was thick, white and foamy."
     "You can tell what's wrong with someone by their vomit?"
     "Well of course, that and urine and feces."
     "Really?"
     "Yes, in fact see these cracks by the corner of your mouth?"
     "Yeah they hurt." she said rubbing them.
     "Well that tells me you are lacking B-12 and B-6 vitamins, and stick out your tongue, yeah you have cracks on the surface of your tongue and that tells me you lack zinc and you liver is polluted." Charles informed her.
"But wait 'til I do a full examination and then I will let you know everything that needs to be corrected. Mainly you need rest and proper nutrition that and..," he paused looking in her mouth "well, you need to see the dentist in a few days. You have some missing teeth and a few that look pretty dead, but as I said you are my patient, my only patient and you will receive the best care Xation's  money can buy. Okay, will you let me help you?"
     Leah looked up at her dear friend and she agreed, but she asked Charles that when she recovered if he would help her get away from Xation  he lied to her and said he would, but he would have said anything to get her to go along with the program. Charles stepped out of the bathroom and went down to his kitchen to prepare some homemade chicken soup for Leah. As he did so, he worried about Serena and Hays and the man they were going to kill. He knew they would wait until dark but he had to take his mind off of the terrible happenings, thanking God he did not have to kill anyone today.

Chapter 5 continues

     "Oh yeah this tastes great." Mr.Pruce said enthusiastically eating his steak as Xation sat across from the table not having much of an appetite. "You see this place is great they have all their meat brought in from Bosque county." he went on talking with his mouth full. "There's a family that came from Scotland back when Texas was it's own country, they have the oldest continuous line back to those original Angus they brought over on the boats. Mmmm fresh meat." Mr.Pruce smiled.
      "Well that explains the prices." Xation commented, not that prices mattered to him, Mr.Pruce laughed as he gulped down a glass of red wine. "So you are feeling better?"
     "Yeah, but the back of my head still hurts but I'll be alright when the swelling goes down."
     "Waiter," Xation beckoned the tuxedo clad young man whom he ordered another steak from.
     "How would you like that prepared?"
     "Raw." Xation said to the startled waiter.
     "Raw?" he asked confused by the request.
     "Yes, that is what I said now go bring me a raw steak from the kitchen." Xation instructed the waiter who did as he was told and returned in a moment with a thick beautiful cut of expensive beef. Xation took it off the plate and stood up walking over to Mr.Pruce and placed the meat on the swollen red bump on the back of his friends bald head. "There you are my friend, that should take the swelling down."
     Mr.Pruce adjusted the steak on his head so it would not slide off and he laughed saying "Look at me sitting in this fine restaurant with of fucking fifty dollar raw piece of meat on my head." he said quite amused.
     "Does your head feel better?" Xation asked
     "Well.., yeah actually it does, thanks mate." he smiled.
     "So what happened at Oliver's this morning?"
     "Oh my Christ, you should've been there." Mr.Pruce smiled recalling the events. "So when I came to the lady was kneeling down over me, her eyes all expressive with concern for my well being and Lord let me tell you this bird was fit! Long, tan ,well toned legs. Flowing strawberry blond hair, big green eyes, and she was wearing a short white skirt so as she knelt there I could just see up her skirt ever so slightly." Mr.Pruce said wide eyed as he told his story.
     "Who was she?" Xation asked intrigued.
     "Oliver's cousin, can't remember her name too busy lookin' at her tits." he laughed "Not to worry we got in and got out with the paintings she was too worried about me. So she hasn't a clue, but.., I think she gave Charles her number, not sure though I was pretty out of it." Mr.Pruce informed Xation as he finished his baked potato. "Xation, you've hardly touched your lunch, I know you are upset but you have to eat, you know keep up your strength."
     "Here." Xation said sliding his plate of fillet Mignon and asparagus over to his overweight friend "you eat this, everything tastes like bitter ashes to me." Xation sighed pouring himself another glass of wine.

Chapter 5 begins

     Charles went back into his house not sure if Serena and Hays were correct in taking the man from California and he felt very sorry for him. Leah was sitting up in the bed staring at Charles as he quietly walked into the bedroom. He looked at her as he sat on the end of the bed he wanted to cry but he smiled sweetly and spoke to her "Leah, I am sorry we had meet each other again like this, but I missed you so much I worried every day you were gone and I must admit I thought you were gone forever, but now we have you back and I hope you will allow me to help you." Charles said as he reached out to hold her hand.    
         
     Leah sat there as if frozen no emotions on her face, her eyes like two stagnant pools of grey as she looked at Charles as if he were not even there and he heard her whisper "Why do you care. Y'all should've left me for dead."
     "Leah, you are my friend, you and your sister I loved you both as if you were my family and as you well know, I don't have any friends and you are the only family I have left." he said sadly a pain in his heart as he squeezed her hand.
      "What about Xation?" she said his name tasting like bitter ashes in her mouth.
      "What about him?"
      "Your loyalty is to him not me." she said rolling over turning her back to Charles.
      Charles sighed gently rubbing her back not knowing what to say. Then Leah sat up half way coughing loudly. "Leah?" He said holding her hair back as she leaned over the bed and vomited all over the tile floor.

End Chapter 4

     "Well Charles, I'll tell you." Hays said sighing. "When I went to take Leah she wasn't alone." here Charles began to feel sick to his stomach as he stood there looking up at Hays who was at least half a foot taller than he. "I mean I had no idea, so we had to.., " Hays paused "just come out to the car and I will show you."
      Charles took an umbrella from the closet and he and Serena followed Hays out to the long black car and that is when Hays opened up the trunk showing Charles a man in his boxer shorts his hands bound with duct tape over his mouth. The man, Leah's boyfriend, was semi-conscious, still alive. "Charles we had no choice but to take him, he would have alerted the authorities, we could not take a chance." Serena explained a note of stress and tension in her voice.
     "Well what do you want me to do?" he asked dreading their answer.
     "We just need you to inject him with something so he will go to sleep." Hays informed him.
     "What do mean, like sleep forever?" he asked a little agitated.
     "No, no, nothing like that Charles." Serena smiled "We just need him to go to sleep until nightfall so we can take him out to the piny woods and get rid of him ourselves." Charles agreed and he went upstairs filling a hypodermic needle with two solutions to put the man to sleep for nine hours, he had thought about going ahead and giving him an overdose to save the doomed man for Hays and Serena who surely would torture the man that had been sleeping with Leah and giving her heroin. But Charles did not want to have another soul haunting his dreams, so he let Serena and Hays go on with the man they took from California after he promised not to tell Leah or Xation what he had witnessed. Charles watched as they drove off the property and as a loud roll of thunder shook the heavens Charles went back inside to check on Leah, whom he was very concerned with. Charles did not believe he could nurse her back to health in such a short time, but he would have to try, after all. her life was depending on him.

Chapter 4 cont's

     "Xation, you have to calm down." Hays implored him as he poured him a small glass of whiskey; which Xation drank then slammed the glass, smashing it against the fireplace. He tried to take a deep breath, he tried to calm down, but Xation blood was boiling and all the rage and frustration building inside him against his wife was too much to take.
   "Alright take it easy there my son." Mr.Pruce said standing close to Xation speaking in a whisper as he rubbed his back a little "It will all work out, just let it go." he said reassuringly trying to ease his friends pain. "What matters now is that we all have her back and she is safe." Mr.Pruce spoke nodding his head "And that's a good a thing, right Xation, this makes us happy. Yeah?" Xation sighed and began to nod his head in agreement and Charles was amazed how caring Bengiman Pruce could be and how quickly he calmed the enraged Xation down.
     "Yes," Xation said rubbing his furrowed brow "It is just all too much to take. I had no idea, no time to prepare myself, I thought she was gone forever, I.., " he spoke quickly winding himself back up.
     "Xation you don't have to explain I know, most of all .how much she means to you. You didn't mean to hurt her I, we all, know that." Mr.Pruce said glancing back at Hays and Charles who stood  by a little stunned by the recent proceedings. "So let's me and you get out of here, I have a great story for you about Oliver and these fucking paintings; which by the way are unfucking believable! Did you see?" Bengiman said taking Xation away from the fireplace and over to the paintings.
     "Yes, they are exquisite, well worth my time and money." Xation agreed.
     "So Charlie, wrap these back up Xation and me are outta here."
     "Yes." Charles replied hurrying to re-wrap the four paintings wanting Xation out of his house. Just as the two men departed Xation stared up the stairs then he walked over to Charles and he looked him dead in the eyes a cold feeling came over Charles and he wanted to look away, but he dared not break eye contact with the ruthless, much hated Latin man as he spoke.
     "Charles, three weeks from today my mother and father are bringing my son back to Texas and if my wife is not suitable to be reintroduced to her son, then I will have no choice but to make her disappear for good this time. So do your best Charles she has a lot riding on you." Xation said coldly and calmly and with that he and his best chum Mr.Pruce made their exist. Charles stood there for a moment in silence when Serena came downstairs crying informing him that Leah had hyperventilated and passed out stuck under the bed. Charles hurried back upstairs and found Leah back under the corner of the bed where the lamp had fallen and broken. He found a few cuts and scrapes on her as he pulled her out from under the bed. Charles put her back in the bed and went downstairs to get Serena and Hays out of his house, but before he could do that Serena and Hays had another disturbing surprise in store for him.

More Chapter 4

     Charles and Serena followed Xation,who hurried up the stairs, his heart pounding thoughts racing as he went down the hall to bedroom where the noise had come from; and as he stood in the threshold of the door he stopped, staring at the sleeping woman who looked battered and beaten down by stress and grief. Xation recognized his wife instantly. He stood there for what seemed like an eternity Xation did not hear his sister or Charles speaking to him he only stood there a deep pain welling in his heart as a hard lump formed in his throat he could not speak. Xation slowly walked across the room where he sat next to Leah his hands folded in his lap,he did not touch her yet, he just sat there looking down at her and what he saw wanted to make him cry. His once beautiful wife now looked like a dried up piece of old fruit. She smelled like sweat and rotten garbage. Her once long silken strands of golden hair was now matted and greasy and brown. Her peaches and cream complexion now resembled sand paper. His heart ached to see his beloved in such a sad state of disrepair. Xation remained silent in his shock and sadness as Serena stood behind him trying to get her brother to listen to what she had to say.
     "Xation, I am so sorry for you to see her this way. We had only just arrived when you came in. Charles and I were going to make her more presentable for you that is why I did not want you to come upstairs." Serena said as she reached out taking his hand in hers.
     "Where did you find her?" Xation finally spoke never once taking his eyes off of Leah.
     "We tracked her down to a.., jail in Los Angeles." Serena explained choosing her words carefully.
    "Los Angeles? So that is why you needed my jet. I thought you were having another procedure done."
     "I am sorry my brother, I had to lie to you. We were not sure what we would  find out there, but we found her Xation, Leah has come back to you." Serena smiled a tear rolling down her pink cheek. Charles and Hays now stood in the room watching the tense situation play out.
     "Why was she in jail?" Xation asked a note of anger rising in his voice.
     "Well," Hays spoke up "Leah was busted with heroin, and as you can see she has become.., addicted to it." Hays informed Xation who had a terrible look of disgust come over his face. Xation stood up a complex mix of emotions raging in his heart and mind and then he opened his mouth and began screaming at his unconscious wife saying "You abandoned your son and our family to become a strung out junkie in California? How could you leave me and everything I have to offer!" Xation began to loose control of his senses and as he poured out his frustration he reached down with his strong hands wrapping his fingers tightly around Leah's throat and he squeezed hard.
     "Xation no!" Charles yelled trying to pull him off of Leah while Hays tried to pry his fingers off her throat Serena began screaming Mr.Pruce ran upstairs and it took him, Charles and Hays to get Xation off of Leah who by this time had awoken trying her best to get away from the enraged Xation she struggled to breathe as she pushed herself off of the bed; which she cowered under as Xation was forced back down stairs by the three men.Serena crouched on her hands and knees trying to coax the terrified woman out from under the bed.

Chapter 4 continues

     Xation entered the living room he saw no one, only endless sheets covering all the furniture crowded around the room. He called out for Charles and then he saw Bengiman,Hays, Charles and Serena all coming down the stairs together. They all were quiet and seemed very nervous. "Well how nice of you all to come and greet me." Xation smiled up at them. The four stood motionless neither of them knowing what to say. "Serena my darling sister, what is it that you are doing here this morning?" he asked extending his hand up to her as she came down the last steps. Serena looked up into her brother's black eyes trying not to burst into tears. "Oh Xation," She paused looking back up at Mr.Pruce "I was concerned, Bengiman has been injured." Serena said as she reached out to Mr.Pruce who winced in pain.
     "Bengiman what has happened?" Xation said with great concern as Mr.Pruce was his closest and dearest friend.
     "He has a slight concussion." Charles interjected as he stepped down off the staircase eye to eye with Xation.
     "Charles what have you done to him?" Xation said glaring at him.
     "I didn't do anything! He fell and hit his head this morning." Charles snapped back offended by his question.
     "Is this true?" Xation asked Mr.Pruce who went and sat back down in the chair by the fireplace as the storm raged outside.
     "Yeah, I'll be fine." Mr.Pruce answered with a sigh of embarrassment.
     "Xation why don't we get him out of here." Hays said finally speaking up.
     "That's a good idea." Charles went on "just make sure he doesn't lay down or go to sleep, he will be fine I have already examined him. And, if you want your paintings, they're right over here." Charles informed him. Xation and Hays went over to the wall where the paintings were. "Oh and the watch you gave Oliver." Charles said handing him the expensive item. Xation looked at it and slipped it in his pocket then stopped and stared down at the works of art.
     "Oliver painted these?" he asked in awe.
     "Yup." Charles said shaking his head yes.
     "Xation these are fucking amazing!" Hays exclaimed as he bent over to get a better look. Charles watched Hays as he looked at the artwork; he was tall, receding hairline, sharp, pointed features, long slender nose, over sized chin, deep set green eyes, which he squinted as he looked over the fine details of the brushstrokes. "These are the best I have seen." Hays said amazed the little drug addict could produce such masterworks. As they discussed the paintings the unconscious woman began to stir as she pulled her arm up she hit the lamp on the bedside table knocking it to the ground with a loud crash.
     "What was that?" Xation asked startled.
     "Nothing!" Serena yelled out going over to the bottom of the stairs standing there looking suspicious.
     "Serena, what is the matter with you?" her brother said knowing all too well his sister was trying to hide something from him.
     "Nothing." she said once again. Xation looked at Hays, then Charles, no one would look him in the eyes they all seemed on edge and afraid. Xation could always sense fear. "What are you hiding up there?" he asked them as he started up the staircase pushing his sister gently out of the way. "No Xation!" Serena implored "Please do not go up there!"

Chapter 4 begins

     It was nearly eight thirty that morning when Charles pulled into his driveway just ahead of an unexpected rainstorm. A strong wind had kicked up from the south and the trees began to sway overhead. Charles helped the injured Mr.Pruce into his home where he sat  him down in a comfortable leather arm chair and gave him a mild pain reliever and a glass of water. Charles examined his eyes with a pen light, his pupils were slightly dilated, he did not appear to have any double vision, complaining only of a headache and nausea, though he never did actually need to regurgitate. Charles started a small fire in the fireplace and left Mr.Pruce to rest there while he hurried to retrieve the paintings before the heavens opened up the rain came pouring down. As he shut his front door he heard his cell phone going off again and he still did not answer it. Who ever it was calling would just have to wait.
     Charles unwrapped the parcel of paintings to look at them once more and just as he stood back to take them in he heard a loud clap of thunder followed by the sound of his front door flying open with a crash. He and Mr.Pruce jumped, startled, they had thought it was the raging storm outside but there in the doorway stood Hays, Xation's right hand man, dripping wet carrying the body of an emaciated, unconscious woman whom Charles did not recognize. Then Xation's sister, Serena, came from behind Hays, who towered over the petite brunette, she was in a state of grief and panic she went over to Charles clutching up at the lapels of his jacket on the verge of tears. "Charles! I've been calling all morning, why haven't you answered?"
     "It's alright Serena, calm down, I am here for you now. What's going on, who is this?" he asked going over to Hays to check on the woman to see if she was still alive.
     "It is all so terrible! Charles you have to help us!" Serena implored with her big black eyes welling with tears. "I am afraid she is not going to make it!"
     "Who Serena? Who is she?" Charles asked in a harsh tone.
     "Charles, you do not recognize her?" she asked staring up into his eyes.
     Charles took the nearly dead,cold body in his arms looking down for any trace of a memory, there was none. Charles shook his head no and Serena began to weep a little. "Let me get her upstairs to bed." he said as Serena followed him with Hays and Mr.Pruce close behind. When Hays and Serena told him what they had done and who this emaciated shell of a woman was, he didn't know if he should be happy or terrified.
    "I can't believe it Serena, where did you find her?" Charles asked in shock all the color draining from his face as he suddenly felt ill.
     "We tracked her down in a jail outside of Los Angeles, we bailed her out, followed her home to her rat infested apartment and then Hays took her in the middle of the night. We gave her some Nembutal for the plane ride home and now she won't wake up. I am afraid when my brother finds out he will be very angry with me." Serena told him all honesty.
     "Are you absolutely positive this Leah, you didn't make a mistake." Charles asked unconvinced that Xation's once gorgeous wife could be the strung out junkie asleep in front of him.
    "I am not mistaken, this is Leah and we must help her before my brother finds her like this. It has been five years since we last saw her and you see the toll  our absence has taken on her. Now Charles," she said taking him by the hand and squeezing hard saying "you must promise to help her."
     "I promise." he replied kissing Serena on the cheek giving her a little hug, as Mr.Pruce sat on the bed next to his dear old friend stroking her hair as she slept, a tear rolling down his cheek when he thought of this beautiful golden angel that had been plucked up from the sewer. Mr.Pruce missed her and he knew he could not tell Xation about this until Charles had a chance to clean her up and nurse her back to health.
     "Listen no one can say a word about this to my brother, promise." Serena said and everyone gave their word the would keep quiet. Charles and the others stood around Leah's bedside for a moment as the storm raged outside, wind and rain battering the roof. They heard another loud clap of thunder followed by a bright flash of lightening, then they all heard a familiar, angry voice calling up from downstairs. It was Xation Day and he was yelling his sister's name. The sound of his voice set their hearts racing as they quickly exited the room and all went to the stairs to stop Xation from seeing his estranged wife.

End Chapter 3

     "If you two wouldn't mind helping me get him down to the car I know a doctor I can take him to." Charles said.
     "Yes of course we will help you." Melissa said instructing her cousin to put her dog up in the bedroom. As she spoke to Oliver. "Now you come with us, we are going to take you to the elevator and get you back downstairs." she explained in her sweet southern voice that did Bengiman Pruce's heart good to hear.
     "Thank you Miss, you are very nice to me." Mr.Pruce said in a voice that was sweet and kind. Charles had never heard him interact with a  female so civilized before and this worried Charles who thought some-
thing was terribly wrong with him.
     "Oliver grab the paintings, and be careful. please." Charles instructed Oliver who was still wearing his bathrobe and slippers. He did as he was asked and Melissa and Charles helped Mr.Pruce up and out of the filthy, smelly apartment and the four slowly made their way down the hall. As they waited for the elevator Melissa insisted on receiving a bill for Mr.Pruce's medical care, to which Charles refused profusely. There was a bit of tension in the air on the elevator and Mr.Pruce looked down at the soft, strong, tall woman he had his arm around and smiling asked her "Have you ever had an egg dropped in a hot, strong cup of coffee pretty lady?"
     Melissa looked up at him smiled and said "No, I sure haven't."
     "Oh," he sighed "You should try it sometime, the heat cooks the egg..," he trailed off, lost in a memory. Charles began to worry about him again. "Yeah." Mr.Pruce went on "Me mum used to make that for me when I was a little boy, when I wasn't feeling well." Charles had never, in all the years he had known Mr.Pruce, ever heard him speak one word about his mother. He had assumed with Mr.Pruce's severe lack of all charm,style and sophistication he had been raised on the streets of London. Charles knew Bengiman had suffered a concussion, but to what degree he could not be sure until he took him back to his house.
      When the little group made it down to the busy street they were greeted with a few stares as the two helped Mr.Pruce into the passenger's seat and Oliver, in his robe and slippers, placed the large wrapped parcel of paintings in the back seat; where he lovingly placed the seat belt around them and said goodbye to his creations. All while Melissa slipped Charles her private telephone number insisting he call her and let her know how Mr.Pruce was doing. Charles took her number and placed in his wallet as he slid his wallet back in his pocket she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek saying she hoped to see him again, real soon, and she wished him well. Charles embraced her tightly holding on a little too long, but he had not touched a woman, in any way, shape, or form, in several months and he thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasure of a hug from a beautiful, sincere woman. She smelled of jasmine and gardenias and the scent of her made his pulse quicken. Charles promised he would call Melissa and as he pulled away from the curb he stared at her long, well toned, tanned legs in the rear view mirror nearly running a red light in doing so.
 
                                                            

Chapter 3 begins

                                                           

     "My head hurts mummzie." the fat little boy complained from his bed.
     "But darling, mummzie must get you ready for school." the round pinked cheek woman said sitting beside her son on his tiny child- size bed.
     "No I don't want to go to school today." he pleaded "I have an awful headache." he whined to his kind, over protective mother.
     "Alright love, you stay in bed and mummy will bring you a nice steaming strong cup of coffee." she smiled gently stroking his hair. " I'll even drop an egg in it for you." she said kissing him on the forehead. He closed his eyes and when his mother asked if he wanted any toast with his egg and coffee he opened his eyes and instead of his mother he saw a beautiful, big blue eyed, terrified woman kneeling beside him her long soft hair sweeping down around her graceful neck and soft supple skin.
     "Oh my God!" Melissa Christian shouted as Mr.Pruce looked into her eyes. 'He's still alive!"
     "Keep your voice down." Mr.Pruce winced in pain. "My fucking head."
     Charles went over to Bengiman disappointed he was still breathing. "It's alright, you fell and hit your head." Charles told him as he tried to help the large hurt man to the sofa. Melissa stood there next to Oliver who stood there looking shocked  as he held Cairo's leash in his hand. "What are you doing here Melissa?"
     "I came to check on you, and this guy had a gun pointed at me, Cario attacked him, he fell, I thought he was dead." Melissa said in exasperation. "Who are these people?" she asked her voice cracking under the stress.
     "I am so sorry." Charles said in all sincerity as he left Mr.Pruce on the couch and walked across the room extending his hand out to her; which she took and he gently rubbed her hand as he apologized profusely.
     "We just came by to pick up these wonderful paintings your.., husband painted." Charles guessed.
     "Oh no, no." she smiled as Oliver laughed "He's my, we're just cousins, no I'm single." Melissa corrected him much to his delight, for these two attractive, lonely people were quite taken with each other. She made Charles smile; which made him feel a little better about himself.
     "Oh, my mistake." he beamed a little embarrassed as he went on. "We were just about to leave, again my friend is a little high strung, he's harmless. Isn't that right?" Charles said over to Mr.Pruce who agreed and apologized to the pretty lady.
      "I need to go Charles, I don't feel well." Mr.Pruce said lying on his side in discomfort and pain Charles had never seen him hurt like this before.
     "No, don't lay down we will get you down stairs." Charles said as he went over to him.
     "Shouldn't we call an ambulance?" Melissa asked concerned
     

End Chapter 2

     Charles remained perfectly still in silence as he studied the images in oil in front of him. To the far left was 'Sir Galahad', a dark grey and silver stallion, then Mr.Whiskey, a strong muscular copper colored gelding, next was Mr.Friday, a massive black thoroughbred with a blaze of white down its long nose, then, the most magnificent horse of all, Iguazu, a young white Andalusian stallion; which Oliver had painted with the beautiful waterfall in northern Argentina, the horses namesake, in the background. So perfectly executed were these paintings, the image looked like a photograph, Oliver putt G.W.Stubbs to shame. The range of color and play of light and shadow to the glossy coats of the animals left Charles and Mr.Pruce thoroughly impressed.
     "I can't believe you painted these." Charles said amazed.
     "Well, I am kinda famous for doing this, you know."
     "Yes but with all your various addictions, I assumed your talent had dried up, but I can see now I was wrong to think that about you Oliver, and  for that I am sorry." Charles said in all sincerity. "You can not know how lucky you are that God has blessed you with such talent." Charles smiled knowing he would not have to kill for Xation today and this filled him with a little joy.
     "Thank you.., sorry I didn't get your name." Oliver smiled reaching out his hand to Charles who would not shake hands with him. He merely stared down at Oliver's extended palm.
     "Yes, that is correct, now bring a clean sheet or drop cloth so I can wrap this up and take it." Charles instructed him. Oliver did not like this handsome stranger so Oliver said nothing, he went to his room put on a robe and brought Charles a clean sheet from the closet.
     "I have to ask, have we met before?" Oliver asked Charles who laughed a little.
     "Actually we have met before, you probably don't remember, you were quite drunk at the time." Charles said as he carefully placed the paintings one at a time covering each unframed piece with the sheet.
     Oliver did not remember. Mr.Pruce looked at Oliver and laughed "Oh yeah Ollie, that reminds me." he said as he took a picture out of his wallet and showed it to Oliver "Xation wanted you to have this." Oliver looked at the tiny photo in his hand it was of a newborn baby. He wondered why on earth he gave it to him. "Whose baby is this?" he asked Mr.Pruce who smiled wide and said "That baby, is your baby."
     "What?" he asked as a feeling of sickness pooled in his stomach.
     "Oh I'm sure you remember little Marina, you know the young girl Charles saw you rolling around in the hay loft with."
     "Yes, I remember." he said sheepishly staring at his feet "But how can you be sure I'm the father?"
     "Because Oliver, you seduced a sixteen year old virgin, you jack of clubs!" Mr.Pruce said smacking him hard on the back of the head. "Now where is the watch Xation gave you?"
     "What?"
     "The watch Xation gave you, he wants it back." Mr.Pruce informed him and when Oliver did not responded quick enough Mr.Pruce slapped him hard in the face with the back of his hand "Bring it to me!"
     "Okay, okay I'll get it." he said rubbing his swollen red cheek.
     "You know Oliver Xation really liked you, he thought you and he could be friends but you come into his house and cause so much needless drama, now bring me the Rolex and we will leave you in peace."
     Charles sighed went back to securing the paintings for easy transport when he and Mr.Pruce heard a noise at the front door. Someone was unlocking it. Mr.Pruce pulled out his concealed hand gun and hopped up the two little stairs to the foyer to stop whom ever it was from coming in, and before he put a hand on the door a woman walked in with a large dog on a leash she screamed when she saw the gun and her dog leapt up to protect her. Mr.Pruce yelled out as the dog clamped down on his wrist, he dropped the weapon, took three steps back where he teetered on the edge of the foyer and fell back hitting his head hard on the marble tile. Crack! The fat, bald man lay motionless on the floor.
     "Oh my God! Call 911!" the beautiful long haired woman screamed up at Charles "I think I just killed this poor man!" she cried out her big blue eyes welling up with tears as her long strawberry blond hair cascaded around her face. Charles stood there in shock staring down at the beautiful screaming woman.
.
                                                                

Chapter 2 continues

     Mr.Pruce pulled a concealed weapon from his shoulder holster and crept down the hall to extricate Oliver from his hot shower. Charles went to the blinds and pulled them open so he could better see what he was looking for, the four paintings. After glancing around the room he eyed four canvases along the dining room wall. As he came closer he stopped in his tracks his jaw dropped "Oh my God!" Charles exclaimed.
     Meanwhile in the bathroom Oliver sat back in his tub relaxing when he suddenly had the strange feeling he was being watched. He opened up his eyes to make sure no one was there and he screamed in terror when he saw Bengiman Pruce standing above him with a gun in his hand.
     "Mornin' Ollie," Mr.Pruce said dead casual "How are you this morning? Hung over?" he smiled pulling him up out of tub.
     "How did you get in here?" Oliver said in panic as he grabbed for a towel to cover himself.
     "Xation sent me to see you, it seems you are late on your delivery. Now wrap up that little Vienna sausage of a dick of yours and get your ass out here." Mr.Pruce said ushering him out of the hallway and out to meet Charles, who they found staring at the completed paintings.
     "Well," Mr.Pruce said to Charles as Oliver stood there dripping wet, wrapped in a dirty towel
     "What's the verdict?" he asked as Charles remained silent for a moment.
     Oliver did not know who this handsome, dark eyed, stranger was but he was immaculately dressed and looked like a man of great wealth and taste, so Oliver stepped up behind Charles looking over his shoulder and asked him "Do you like my work?"
     Charles did not realize Oliver was standing behind him, so close to him, this made Charles very uncomfortable and he took two steps away from the half-naked, wet, man.
     "Jesus Christ." Mr.Pruce shouted as he looked down at the paintings of Xation's favorite polo ponies. "Unfucking believable," he said "You did this Oliver?"
     "Yes." Oliver replied waiting to hear what the man in the Italian suit had to say.

Chapter 2 begins

                                                                 
     Oliver Gibson stood in front of his bathroom sink dry heaving, painfully gagging and coughing for a few moments before splashing a handful of cold water on his face trying to soothe his fevered brow. Wiping his mouth with a filthy towel he sat on the toilet seat as he reached over to the counter where a still smoldering joint sat perfectly balanced on the edge of the counter. He picked it up inhaling deeply off the sweet pungent marijuana cigarette as the acrid smoke expanded in his lungs Oliver coughed hard as his eyes throbbed, bloodshot, and glazed. Oliver wished he did not drink so much tequila last night, he also wished that he had some more cocaine, but he had snorted it all up a few hours ago.
     "Stupid bastard!" he cursed himself as he ran a paint splattered hand through his short, dirty, greasy brown hair. Oliver took a few more tokes off the joint before flushing it down the toilet. Oliver may have been out of tequila and cocaine, but this was Texas, and he always had plenty of weed.
     He turned on the shower and brushed his teeth as he waited for the water to heat up. As he looked at his reflection he noted to himself the terrible toll drugs and alcohol had taken on his once boyish good looks. All the endless, sleepless nights left him with sand paper for skin, dark circles and bags under his eyes. 'My God,' he thought 'I'm only twenty seven!' He looked like a man of forty and he felt like he was fifty. Finding no comfort in the mirror Oliver got into the hot shower to clean himself up.
     Downstairs Mr.Pruce and Charles were on their way up on the elevator of the high-rise off Hall and McKinney. It was still very early in the morning and most of the residents were either at work or still sleeping. The two men made their way to Oliver's apartment #2838 the door was, of course, locked but our Mr.Pruce had been a very skilled locksmith back in his day and he, with the help of a little metal tool, opened up the door with ease and quickness. Charles thought that this was about all the man was good for. The two men entered the darkened apartment when they were both hit the face with the disgusting odor of rotten milk, mold, oil paint, turpentine and something, they were not sure could be, that was coming from the kitchen off to their right. The living room was covered with trash, clothes, paint splattered drop cloths; which were covering the furniture that was pushed up against the far wall. They could hear the sound of running water coming from the shower.
     "He's in the loo." Mr.Pruce said covering his mouth with his handkerchief.
     "Go and get him." Charles said calmly in a hushed tone.

End Chapter 1

     Charles leered at Mr.Pruce from behind his sunglasses he tried to calm down, but with Mr.Pruce present that was not easily accomplished so early in the morning. Charles climbed up into the s.u.v. fastened his seat belt and tuned the radio to the classical station as Mr.Pruce drove off heading west. The two men proceeded towards downtown Dallas discussing the matter at hand.
     "Now this poor bastard Oliver, did you ever meet him?"
     "Well, sort of."
     "Wha'd'ya' mean, sort of?" Mr.Pruce asked.
     "It was getting late one night and Serena and I had just come back from a ride as we were putting the horses up we came across Oliver and one of Xation's maids rolling around in the hay." Charles explained.
     "How long did you watch?" Mr.Pruce asked eyes wide like a sexual fiend.
     "Shut, up." Charles sneered disgusted by the mere suggestion.
     "Well Oliver," Mr.Pruce went on as he took out a pair of black sunglasses that were identical to Charles' which annoyed Charles for he had once again copied his style. "he was supposed to deliver four paintings to Xation, that was three months ago."
     "Has Xation already paid him?"
     "Of course, so we have to go and look at these paintings and if they are any good than he can live, but if they are terrible, as Xation fears, then we, sorry, I mean you have to put him down."
     Charles said nothing he only thought about what he knew of Oliver. He was a renowned, gifted artist, but that was a few years ago, before fame,drugs and gambling went to his head. Charles feared the art would be bad.
     "What are the paintings of?" he asked quietly.
     "Xation's polo ponies, his favorite, Mr.Whiskey, his first most beloved, than Iguazu, Mr.Friday, and one other I can't recall, but you will be the one to decide if they are any good, Xation is a little more trusting in your taste than mine, but then again I think all art is crap." Mr.Pruce said yawning a little as they headed down the highway, Charles was left with a deep sinking feeling that he would, indeed ,be killing another human being for Xation again today.Poor unfortunate bastard had no idea who he was getting mixed up with by doing business with Xation.
     "Will Xaton let him buy his way out?"
     "No fucking way." Mr.Pruce said dead calm.
     "Why?"
     "Because Charles, Xation hates him. A lot of shit went down last summer at the ranch in Argentina, no need for you to be bothered with, but this little prick is lucky were not going to kill him even if the paintings are good." Mr.Pruce said becoming agitated by speaking about Oliver and what ever it was that happened.
     "Oh really," Charles said a little shocked.
     "Yup, See this boy got on Xation's wrong side, and you always want to be on his good side, you know what I mean." Mr.Pruce smiled.
     "I did not realize Xation had a good side." Charles answered as the skyline of Dallas came into view, the tall glass and steel structures shining in the bright early morning sunlight

                                                       

Chapter 1 cont's

     The screeching of  tires was audible as the green s.u.v. barreled down the quiet country lane. Mr.Pruce was speeding in a new Range Rover along the gravel road, turning sharply to the left, he nearly flipped the gas guzzling behemoth over as he tried to make the turn to the driveway. The massive automobile went up on the lawn Charles watched as the tires gripped into the St.Augustine green grass, gouging out long black tracks in the sod. He stood and watched, mouth hanging open, as the s.u.v. spun around back the way it came speeding towards the mailbox; which was struck hard sending it, and its contents, sailing through the air. Charles clearly
heard the song 'Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap' by AC DC and the sound of Mr.Pruce laughing from inside the vehicle.
     Charles shook his head trying not to become enraged as Mr.Pruce hopped out of his car reeking of expensive whiskey and cheap whore's perfume. "Sorry 'bout that Charlie." the barrel-chested, bald British bastard said still laughing a little as he eyed the destruction on the lawn.
     "What the hell is the matter with you? You drunken son of a prick!" Charles yelled "Just look at what you've done now." he continued as he began picking up the pieces of mail out of the bushes "Every time you come here, I swear."
     "Look mate.., it was accident."
     "Well so was your birth!" Charles snapped. Bengiman began laughing he thought his remark was funny.
"And what is so amusing." he asked shoving the mail back in the mailbox; which he found under an cottonwood tree.
     "Sorry, it's just that was a really good comeback, you were always so clever." Mr.Pruce took the mailbox he destroyed from him and tossing it in a Nandina bush said "Forget about this Charlie, we have work to tend to." he smiled a little evil smile beckoning Charles to climb in the s.u.v. "Get in I'll tell you what's going on."

More From Chapter 1

     Charles wanted a stack of pancakes, eggs Benedict with a huge side of crisp bacon and a gallon of milk, but he did what was right for his body and ate, instead, one banana sliced over yogurt topped with granola and almonds and honey. He washed this light meal down with a tall glass of cold grape juice. Rinsing his dishes and placing them in the dishwasher he turned off the kitchen light and went into the living room; which once was spacious but now was over crowded with the antique furniture Charles had purchased over the past year. He made his way past the collection of tables, paintings, objet d'art all covered by white sheets wondering how he collected so much stuff so quickly. He knew it would all one day be worth a fortune as for now he went upstairs to get the items he would need for his 'appointment'.
     He went down to the last room on the right and unlocking it Charles flipped on the light and went in. Sitting behind a long metal and glass desk Charles thought for a moment about what would be best to put Oliver down. He spun his desk chair around to the large medical supply cabinet behind him. "Let me see," he said taking out three small vials of deadly poison: tetra dioxin, succinylcholine and potassium chloride. He then took four syringes out and filled each with certain various amounts of the liquids. He placed these in a small black zippered bag used by diabetics and slipped the slim pouch in his inside breast pocket. Charles took a pair of surgical gloves from the cabinet filled with drugs, bandages, medicines etc... and put them in his pants pocket. Charles stood up, locked the door and went back downstairs. Mr.Pruce would soon arrive and Charles wanted to be outside waiting for him, he didn't like Bengiman in house not after what happened last time. Charles grabbed his keys and sunglasses opened up his front door and stepped outside into the full fresh fragrant morning. He took in a deep refreshing breath and looked around at the pure perfect morning. The sun hung low over the eastern horizon casting long cool shadows over the emerald green, perfectly manicured lawn as the sickly-sweet scent of the dogwood trees permeated the air. Birds began stirring in their nests waiting for the warmth of the sun to awaken their insect prey, softly chirping waiting for the day to begin. Nature was just about the only thing Charles valued. All was serene and calm until, off in the distance, Charles heard the thump, thump of a car stereo turned up way too loud, heralding the arrival of Mr.Pruce.

More Chapter 1

     Putting his self hatred and loathing at the back of his troubled mind Charles brushed his teeth before getting into a steaming shower. He was too weak to stand so he settled himself down on the tiled floor as hot water pulsated over his aching muscles as the pain in his head abated momentarily. "Ah," Charles said as he exhaled deeply while the thermodynamic properties of the hot water helped to expand the veins and capillaries of his cranium. He found relief under the water so he sat there for as long as he could before he had to get up and get ready for another horrible day to begin.
     After his headache subsided he climbed up out of the shower hurrying to shave and comb his hair. Wrapped in a thick white robe Charles went into his walk-in closet emerging five minutes later dressed immaculately in an expensive hand tailored Italian merino wool suit, black like his short,slicked back hair. He adjusted his Armani silk tie that matched his Prussian blue french cuffed shirt. Charles looked at his reflection in the full length mahogany mirror. Charles was pleased, he could still pull off the G.Q. look. Even though he felt horrible about every aspect of how his life turned out, he still looked like a movie star. He thought how nice he would look in his coffin in this suit. He thought he would be a fine specimen for the old boys at the mortuary. Then he laughed to himself a little knowing full well he would not be so lucky as to have a funeral. There would be no friends or family to bury him. As good looking as he was, it would never really matter when he ends up in a small bag of ashes, and bits of bone and teeth, in a box, on a shelf, in the basement of some funeral home. Charles exhaled turned off the light then went to the kitchen to eat something before Mr.Pruce arrived in twenty minutes.

Chapter 1 Continues

     As Charles arose out of bed every muscle and joint in his body ached he felt more like a man of sixty then forty. He felt old, broken and alone. Charles slowly made his way to the open window as the curtains softly billowed up gently brushing against his right hand as he reached out to close the window. When there he saw a black mass moving behind the curtains on the window ledge as he slowly moved the curtain back he jumped with a startled scream as a massive black cat hissed up at him lashing out with a huge paw, white fangs bared, slashing the back of his right hand, tearing four long crimson gashes, with all the pain and precision of a surgeon's scalpel. "Jesus Christ!" Charles shrieked as the startled cat leapt from the window sill down out to the lawn where it disappeared behind a long row of lilac bushes. Blood spurted from the wound as he slammed the window shut, with so much force it nearly shattered. Frightened and in sudden agony he stepped back as he saw fresh red stains on the white drapes Charles stumbled to the bathroom to clean and disinfect the wound.
     Fumbling to turn on the light he went to the sink and ran cold water over the scratches though it caused him great pain to do so. As the water flowed he looked up at his reflection in the mirror. His dark blue eyes were bloodshot and glazed, his short black hair was greasy and disheveled. Charles noticed his blond roots were beginning to show and he would have to dye his hair again soon, but he hadn't the time this morning. He had not shaved in many days, nor brushed his teeth, he felt a thick coating of plaque and bacteria on his tounge like a blanket of algea. He looked into his cold dead eyes and wondered if he had any remnants of a soul remaining after all the things he had done. Shaking his head Charles let out a heavy sigh feeling more alone and isolated than ever before.

More of Chapter 1

     "Hello." Charles answered softly.
     "Good morning." came Xation's deep Latin voice.
     "What time is it?" he yawned.
     "It is time for you to get up and go to work." Xation informed Charles as he sat up in bed dreading hearing those words come out of Xation's mouth. Saying nothing Charles wished, more so than ever, he had managed to build up enough courage to swallow those damn pills. Too late to kill myself now he thought as Xation continued "Do you remember the artist I had visit me last summer, at my ranch in Argentina?"
     "Vaguely." he replied "Why do you ask?"
     "I need you to go and pay him a visit this morning, Bengiman will pick you up in an hour. He can tell you more. Oh, and Charles, be prepared, you may have to kill this one." Xation said a little distracted.
     "How?" Charles asked upset by the news.
     "However." he said calmly "So get up out of your lonely bed and get cleaned up, make yourself presentable." Xation hung up the phone.
     Charles set his phone back down just as the grandfather clock down the hall softly chimed five times. Shivering slightly Charles sat up taking the little bottle of pills in his hand he threw it against the wall; which it bounced off of falling to the floor, then it rolled along the hardwood floor gently bumping against his big toe. Charles bent down picked up the bottle and set it back on the nightstand. He would just have to try again tonight.

Continuing Chapter 1

     So it was with much gentleness and great care the old man led the doomed, unfortunate soul slowly down the long corridor. Making their way through the tunnel the rattling of the chains echoed down the hall then back again. Furiously his heart beat against his chest, feeling as if it would surely burst as a rush of blood pulsated in his brain. He walked with much difficulty in great pain and not a word was uttered between the two men as they came to a door. It was a massive, twenty feet high, double wooden door with a large X carved into it, from top to bottom. The old man pushed it opened as it creaked and moaned under its own weight. There they stood on the threshold of a brightly lit chamber and the horror that awaited. Gazing up the chained man's eyes widened then watered,his heart sank as he beheld the sight of the shining, sharp, gleaming guillotine.
     The little man's eyes lit up like a boy at Christmastime as he smiled with a glow about his face as he stared at the newly fashioned, ultra-modern, finely crafted, killing machine. The prisoner grew very dizzy, nearly fainting and the old man had trouble steadying him on his feet. Carefully he led the condemned man over to the long metal platform where his body would lie. There the happy little fellow lay his prisoner face down, with no thoughts of releasing him from his chains, although he begged to be released if only to kneel and pray. His last request was refused with a laugh. His heart raced as he felt the cold metal brace slide down over his neck, this was to prevent his head from thrashing about, so the cut would be nice and clean. A frigidness crept up through his body to his bones as he felt the old man stroking his hair as is if to provide some last bit of human comfort. Then he whispered something softly in his ear in a language he did not recognize.
     He began to panic as he caught sight of the basket on the floor in front of him, it was just large enough to accommodate a human head. The old man positioned himself behind a long metal handle protruding from the device. A paralytic fear gripped the prisoner as he struggled to breathe, an uncontrollable trembling caused his chains to move and shake, a little. The old man shook his head placing his hat over his heart as he reached out resting his hand on the lever controlling the forty pound, razor-sharp blade. With a click the terrified, poor, unfortunate man heard the sudden rush as he cried out "Sauve moi!"
     Clutching his throat Charles awoke choking as he shot up in bed his heart racing, body aching. It was the terrible dream haunting him once again. On the verge of hyperventilating Charles did his best to catch his breath and calm down, all while a vein on the side of his skull pulsated painfully with every rush of blood from his heart, he thought surely it would burst. Drenched in sweat the silk sheets clung to his muscular thighs as he tried kicking them off with no success. Breathing in slowly he stared up at the ceiling, he was freezing. Charles looked around his dim bedroom seeing the softly billowing curtains of the window he had neglected to close last night. It was a cold Spring night here in North Texas and very early in the morning a pale blue light from the slowly brightening sky filled his room. Charles was alone. He lay there a moment longer ,fixated by the blowing of the curtains; which gently blew in the breeze causing his tension to cease. His heart calmed the pain subsided as he breathed in deeply with ease.
     "God help me." he said into thin air as he glanced over at the nightstand, where the small, still full bottle of vicodon sat next to a glass of water; which he had placed there with the full intent of swallowing the entire contents of the bottle. However, yet again, Charles had lacked the courage of his conviction and had fallen asleep whilst contemplating the dread deed. He let out a heavy sigh growing more depressed and disgusted with himself than ever before. Then the telephone rang startling him a little. He knew there was only one person it could be calling him so early.

Chapter 1 contiues

     Click,click getting closer. One step, two steps, getting closer. With each dreadful footfall the helpless man's heart and mind filled with morbid fears of a variety, heretofore, unknown to him. If only he could free himself, he would scurry away out into the empty city streets and disappear forever, but there would be no escape. Still he struggled trying to move but the heavy weight of his chains kept him always in one place. Then he closed his eyes and gave up hope as he felt the presence of someone standing over him.
"Look up." came a raspy voice in a whisper as tense as wire.
Lifting his head slowly the terrified man opened up his eyes where, to his surprise, stood a small, frail, elderly gentleman dressed in a dark suit with a wide-brimmed hat pulled down over his eyes. His complexion was as pale as a bottle of milk, with deep grooves and wrinkles etched into his face. A strange pale blue light seemed to emanate from him. His eyes were black as coal. He gave a little wink to the bound man as he stared down at him with a look of disgust mixed with pity. He smiled a wide, toothless grin as he beckoned for his prisoner to stand, but stand he could not.
The little man bent down slightly grasping him by the elbow. Smelling like Lilly's he proceeded to lift the chained naked man to his feet. This tiny old man had a huge well of strength in him as he lifted the condemned prisoner up, as easily as if he were merely plucking a weed from a garden. Now standing upright the chained man towered over his captor, and if were not for his chains he could have easily choked the life out of the odd looking little fellow, who smiled up at his prisoner with a laugh as if sensing his murderous thoughts.

Chapter 1 begins

     In the darkness of a long dank tunnel a naked man, in chains, leans against the cold stone wall. His hands are tightly bound behind his back, his head hangs low, eyes closed as water drips down beside him while a violent storm rages. Breathing is difficult as the frigid air cuts deep into his lungs like tiny shards of glass. Every muscle in his body ached from the heavy weight of his chains; which bit into the flesh of his ankles and wrists causing him to bleed slightly. The poor confused, frightened man could not recall how it was he came to be trapped down in this terrible place, with no hope of escape. When suddenly out of the blackness a loud banging of a door being slammed shut echoed down the corridor, followed by the click,click, of footsteps getting closer to his position. Panicking he stumbled forward blindly falling on his knees with a crack! An excruciating painful sensation shot up through his knees to his legs to his groin, finally settling in the pit of his belly; which churned up a bitter bile into his throat tasting of blood and sulphur as it spewed out onto the floor splashing back on his face and chest.