Dual Minds: Deep Web

“Well I saw them on your porch….what did you want to do?” He replied giving a sincere smile despite the swollen lip. “Just glad you guys came when you did.” Word stared for what seemed like ages at her eyes.

Pretty eyes.

Was always hard to stop st- But Word's appreciation of her beauty was cut short as Anita was pulled away from him......by Fritz who simply shoved her aside and then turned to face her with a disgruntled look. "Word." He said emphasising the name. "Whatever kinda name that is, is fine."

Fritz grabbed the boy by his collar and hoisted him and shoved him once again into the car in Anita's driveway so he had something to rest against.

Fritz turned his attention to Anita. "The what's WITH this town is ME!" He growled with a smile. "I'm the with and when around here now. I know that sounds cheesy but I got here about a week ago.....after some unfortunate things back where I used to live I decided to come here."

He held up his hand in surrender. "I hear this place is pretty freaky and it didn't disappoint, those Fourth Reich morons were all I had to lead but now that I met some others who are much more suited to my needs I can get things going."

"Wha....what .....who....what the hell man?' The Word said clearly as confused as everyone else.

"Graves County has become a hot spot for crime over the last couple years and everyone within a couple miles is talking about that crash." He grinned. "And where there is crime and talk....there is a chance to be recognized."

The Word raised an eyebrow.

This guy really was a stranger.

"You do know this is a very bad place to live right?" He said. "I mean....even before Dove crashed there have been drug and gang violence all through town."

"Exactly." Friz said. "I have come here to make a new start and I'm going to need some loyal followers to do it but those racist idiots became useless." He clapped. "You kids are amazing though! I can't wait to start business."

"Help.....help .....you?" Word looked at Anita, Marie and Joe.

"Yes." Fritz replied. "With business."

"Business?"

"Yes." Fritz nodded. "The business of making ME famous ....or infamous which ever it doesn't matter just as long as my name is somewhere and of course I'll cut you all in to when we are done." He gave a thumbs up. "Okay, he's Word and how about the rest of you?"

 

"I'm gone." I said, I bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I only stopped to help, I don't know these guys that intimately and I don't know you that well either, and I'm expected back any minute now... besides, it'd probably be best if I don't stick around, after all, they take three people to attack a girl who may or may not be able to defend herself, I don't want to know how many they'd send against someone that they know can protect themselves, sorry... I just don't want to get anyone dragged into something I caused, but with any luck that ass will have too much pride to say that some random guy was able to beat him and'll make up some ridiculous story... maybe with drug dealing ninjas..." I said, putting my index finger to my chin and tilting my head to the side, then shaking my head, getting back to the point. "Besides, I'm not really interested in getting famous, have a nice day." I said, I turned and began walking away hoping that this wasn't going to escalate.

 

Anita brushes off the dirt off her cloths, glaring at Fritz she says. "No, not now, not ever. Word, come on lets go." Before she heads inside Anita looks off towards the boy who helped. Soon he finds her jogging up besides him.

"Hey, um... I don't remember your name, but who ever you are thank you."

She huffs, but drumming up the strength adds. "And you too Maria, you don't hit me anymore and I may consider you a friend yet."

 

‘THWACK!’

‘THWACK!’

In quick rapid succession Fritz delivered a karate chops to the backs of their head. “Hey!” He snapped. “I wasn’t done talking.” He said with a sigh. "What's with this town?" He said mimicking Anita's voice. "I save you all and you completely ignore me."

Word snorted his fist balling at Fritz. "You have a problem with violence to huh?"

"Martial arts." Fritz corrected. "Is not violence, it is a peaceful tool which I use to get my point across on occasion." The Word circled passed him standing with his three friends. "Just what exactly do you plan to do?"

"Simple." He said. "Who is the biggest, baddest, nastiest person around that you know?"

 

I looked over at Anita. "O-Oh, no need to thank me, I'm sure anyone else would have done the same." I said, I then rubbed the back of my head when I felt someone deliver a blow to the back of my head. I winced and rubbed the back of it, I turned around to see Fritz and sighed, I knew that it'd be faster if I just told him. "Hm... personally my father, but I guess he isn't the biggest person around, and it's more just one person he terrorizes... The worst person in town would then have to be Shep Nelson. He's a meth dealer and basically the town bully." I said.

 

Marie considered the question. A normal person would easily say that is Shep, but she wasn't a normal one. In fact she had more than once know worst people. Whatever this man was planning could be used at her advantage and thus would help her with that grudge.

"How about Tiffany Sugar?... actually called Trisha Sparkles. From what I've heard on these latest weeks she seems to bet just a bitch in sheep's clothing. And we actually tasted how dangerous she can be...."

 

“I see….”Fritz muttered. “So I have two obstacles which need to be dealt with and I’ll need the help of you all to overcome them." His smile returned. "You say there is some drug dealing bully and a bitch who dresses like a sheep."

He cracked his neck. "I, with the help of you all, the Fritz Four are gonna go and make run these jokers out of town." He looked around. "Any of you got a car?"

"Well um..." The Word was about to raise his hand but it didn't matter much as once again Fritz gripped his collar and began to drag him along. "I really hate bullies." Fritz snorted. "Ugh, smug bastards the lot of them so lets run this Shep guy out of town first and I'm sure I'll be in the news for saving the town from a guy like that."

 

Marie had a puzzled expression on her face and said to the others.

"I think we should be following him, I kinda fear for Word's health..."

 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Fritz but I have my own problems to deal with, and if you were smart you'd stay away from Trisha, I don't know what it is about her, but I've always had a horrible feeling in the pit of my gut about her. It'd be best if you just stay away from her, alright? I'm sorry, but I really must be going now." I said, I resumed walking at a faster pace.

 

Anita so...so so....BADLY! Wanted to follow Joe. But Damn...conscious....can't....leave.....Word.

"Fritz, look, I told you already we aren't interested." She says grabbing Words arm, she pulls as if it is a game of tug and war.
"We aren't soldiers, you want to take on gang lords you don't ask a bunch of minors to help, that's, that unforgivable and stupid beyond comprehensions."

Raising her voice she adds angrily. "And let go of WORD!"

 

Brice whistled a tune of his own as he gave light taps on Eliza’s door.

He was alone this time and this would make his third time coming here, but his first time coming alone.Eliza rarely came to the meetings that Shep set.

“Hello?” Brice asked.

In this case Brice had been sent to deliver Eliza her objectives.

Eliza looked up from her notes, and came up to the door quietly, peeking through the keyhole to see just Brice. She smiled and opened the door quickly,"Hi...Shep not here?"

She shivered, looking past him down the hall, feeling a little easier when she noted he wasn't around. She took a step back, to allow Brice entrance into her home. She figured Shep would be pissed that she missed some meetings but she couldn't get herself to leave. Anxiety filled her even thinking about it.

"Nope." Brice shrugged giving a bright smile. "Just me, Shep is off doing some psychotic shit or something."

"Oh..good. He raises my heart level..and my bruise level." She shut the door behind him, "So I assume you are here to give me the details I missed, from the meetings." Brice frowned. "Yeeeah....I'm not sure what that guy's problem is." He sighed. "Can't keep cool for even a second." He snorted. "A true asshole through and through but um yeah here to speak with you about what you'll be doing."

She smirked,"I have a few theories..stuffed up colon, and a small dick reaching the top of the list...." She moved to sit on her couch picking up her notepad and bringing her knees up to her chin,"I have been doing some recon about the train system and the security performance rate for certain crisis'. Anyway Details?" She blushed doodling a bit on her notepad.

"Shep was wondering if you had anyway of shutting down the train's security cameras and a way to like distract local law enforcement." Brice frowned. "He didn't specify how or nothing.....idiot, but I was thinking maybe you could set off some different alarms around the city or something? What do you think you can do to keep cops busy?"

Eliza shoved the pen between her teeth in thought,"Hmm...The security cameras are a piece of cake, I can rework the images to make it look like nothing is there, but alarms on the other hand...it all depends on location. The way to keep the cops off of our backs is misdirection. Make it look like a big heist is being pulled off elsewhere, when actually no one is trying to steal a damn thing. I.." She jumped up, hitting the coffeetable as she rushed to her bedroom, and then coming out with a map, "Marked off a couple of locations that could be suitable. I don't know where the head location is, but this makes it easier for me to do all my work here."

She handed him the map knowing damn well what Shep and the rest of them would demand. She would have to leave the building. The closest station was eight blocks away and she wasn't even sure if the computing system was of a high caliber to rework the security system. It looked as though she would have to leave the apartment for this job and that terrified her more then anything Shep would do to her, well maybe not that terrifying.

Brice shoved his hands into his pocket letting out an impressed whistle. “You really are into your work huh?” He sniffed. "You really think you can pull all this off?"

Eliza pushed her glasses up her nose,"I don't get out much..." She paused before continuing,"I've learned over the years that if people are smart enough to learn about the system, they are definitely smart enough to get through it. Only reason criminals break laws is to find easy ways out of tough situations. My ways are just more complicated."

She took a step back and turned on her computer,"How did you get messed up with a fucked up dude like Shep?"

"Oh." Brice chuckled. "Dexter."

Eliza raised an eyebrow playing with one of her braids,"Dexter?"

“Yeah.” Brice replied. “He’s part of our crew but last I heard he was in the hospital.” He smirked. “Guy is really a manipulative type but not sure why he’s working with Shep.” He took a seat on the sofa. "He owes me money and assured me this heist of ours would settle the debt."

"Was Shep the one who put him in the hospital?" She got up, never comfortable sitting in one place for long as she went to the fridge and poured some lemonade, before placing a glass in front of him. She sighed,"Millions of dollars worth of diamonds, as payment for calling a debt even. What did he specifically take from you? If...you don't mind my..nosiness."

"No, I don't think Shep did it. I barely know Shep actually." Brice replied. "Don't know who did it but whoever did used fire and as for the debt. Well actually doesn't owe me anywhere near that much or anything."

He leaned back. "He hired me to watch some people for a month and then kept ducking me every time I tried to get my money but......I don't wanna hurt him or nothing, so I'm considering this my pay plus a lot of extra."

She laughed,"A lot of extra. You do realize that this heist could mean years in jail right? I mean...I don't know you, or what you've done. You just don't strike me as the criminal type?"

Brice laughed. "I'll have you know I'm considered one of the finest and only working assassin in Cavendish on Prince Edward Island."

Eliza raised her hands, trying to hold back her laughs,"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle I cannot belief that I am meeting the head assassin of Cavendish. Didn't know the crime was so high in a town with a population of 8000 people. Wasn't aware that you killed people though. Can't say I pulled off any murders in my long list of crime."

"Heh...." Brice chuckled. "I didn't exactly get a lot of work there ....well as in none but it helps to bill yourself as something impressive when it comes to this criminal stuff."

"Understandable. Higher the credit, bigger the threat." She slumped down into a chair,"Did you ever think of doing something else before all this?"

"Oh...." Brice gave a shy chuckle. "I actually was in College." He ran a hand through his hair. "Journalism actually."

"Journalism, huh? I assume if you ever go back you'll have quite a bit to write about." Her eyes turned down,"I would have probably liked to do web design if..well if life turned out differently. Maybe have a couple of kids, live normally."

She eyed the picture of her parents on top of her fireplace and her jaw set,"Shame..life doesn't workout most of the time."

"Nope." He said shaking his head. "But with as smart as you are you'd be a much better web designer then I was at that whole college thing." He sighed. "Big brain and all."

Eliza blushed, a wide smile coming to her lips,"That's very sweet of you Brice. A little self-deprecating on your part, but sweet." Suddenly a beep went off, and Eliza hopped up rushing to her computer, to view an upcoming message. She bit her lip as her fingers moved across the keys. She touched the screen a few times, before brushing her information to the side and turning back to Brice with an almost guilty expression,"Umm...are you hungry or something?"

"Thanks for the offer." He said standing. "But I should probably get going and get to doing some prep work, we've only got about ten days left before we come into a small fortune and all."

Eliza gave a small smile,"If you come up with the exact location. I need to know as soon as possible. See ya."

She watched him leave with apprehension, making sure he was gone before turning back to the screen, a smile working it's way up her cheeks,"Sorry Brice, but preparation really is the key. "

 

Woodrow unlocked the door to his apartment, a smile on his face. He was amazed at how much he enjoyed Anne's company. She understood him, for she'd been through the same pain. His smile was wiped as he found an intruder on his coach.
"ugh...I'd almost forgotten about him." He thought with a sigh, immediately going into the kitchen for a calming cup of tea.

A disgusting yawn escaped Dexter’s lips as he opened his reddish puffy eyes wiping the sleep from them. “Hey amigo.” He greeted lazily. “I’m done with the hospital.” He said….. “For now anyway.”

"Guess that means back to business, huh?" Woodrow replied with a sigh. "When is this heist supposed to go down anyway?"

"Within the next ten days." He groaned pushing himself up. "Still need some recovery time...." He raised an eyebrow at Woodrow. "What's with the look?"

"What look?" He replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Dexter blinked. "You....um...." His voice trailed off. "You look a bit disgruntled man. I don't think I did anything to like piss you off yet, did I?"

Woodrow set his cup down leaned against the counter. "Anne Reynolds. Name ring a bell?"

Dexter searched his database but didn't come up with much besides a few hookers who'd had the name and a few other people who he had a debt to. "Nope." He said simply. "Should I? I've kinda had a lot on my mind lately."

"Sixteen years ago. Great Barrington. Teamed up with a woman with some sort of criminal activity. There was an explosion...that ring a bell?"

"Wow, wow, wow...." Dexter held up his hand, something flashing in his icy eyes. "How the hell do you know about that?" He raised an eyebrow. "Oh no." He looked around the apartment. "That bitch isn't here to is she!?"

"So it is true...and no. She's not. And she certainly isn't a bitch either." Thomas growled. "So what the hell happened, huh?"

"If its who I'm thinking of then yes an explosion happened." Dexter shook his head. "But wait a minute, how the hell do you know that woman or...who the hell this Anne is? Also why are you defending her when I called her a bitch?"

"Because no woman, aside from people like Trisha, should be referred to as that. Its not proper...and rude. Not that I should expect you to know anything about propriety." He buried his face in another sip of tea.

"Oh my God." Dexter said carefully eyeing his 'friend'. "You slept with her."

Thomas almost choked and sprayed his tea on the counter. "No, Dexter. I can't believe you would even insinuate that. Unlike you, I don't sleep with random women out of marriage." He grabbed a rag and started wiping off the counter. "If you must know we've gone on a few dates and I care about her. Knowing you were in her past...worries me."

"Wait...." Dexter's mouth hung open slightly, giving Woodrow the most dumbfounded look he'd ever mustered at the man. "Oh Tom....oh....you....are you?"

"What? Trying to have a normal life? Is that so strange? God forbid I try and have a normal life while you're in it."

"You're a virgin aren't you?" Dexter said a sly grin forming on his face. "Please tell me you have, Thomas normal life or not.....you aren't a virgin are you? Jesus man, you're in your mid forties."

"Its not about age, Dexter. Its a choice. Sex is something special to be shared between one man and one woman, not something you do with multiple people. I'm sure you know, every time you do have sex with someone, you give a part of yourself away. I have chose to wait to give myself only to one person, the one I trust most. And I have yet to meet her."

"You know who talks like that?" Dexter said choking out another laughter. "Guys who can't get laid." He snickered. "Shit, no wonder why you're so stiff about everything and so conservative." Dexter snorted. "No sex before marrige, man and woman."

He rolled his eyes. "I've had a lot of fun in the bedroom.....most of all with Trish." A relaxed smile came upon his face. "Have you ever even tried any drugs when you were younger?"

Woodrow sighed, "Why would I want to destroy my body with that crap. Do your research, Dexter. Why are we even talking about this anyway?"

"Cause I'm finally starting to understand you better!" He threw his hands in the air. "Why you're always so damn bitter and down about everything.....you've never lived for yourself have you?" He shook his head. "Somebody has always been telling you what to do or taking care of you ....or you've been taking care of someone."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not saying you should go out and start fucking hookers, stealing cars and snorting coke but......live. You took care of your sister all those years and her daughter, then Abigail just had to take care of your ass right after and me? I made you my bitch now just like last time."

Dexter leaned in eyes meeting Woodrow's. "And that's you in a nutshell isn't it? You've never once been your own man."

"I was my own man, Dexter!" Thomas shouted at him angrily. "I was living! Your definition of being a man is living for your own selfish gain, but that's not what it should be about. I was a teacher, and I was happy! I was helping students. Changing lives, guiding them to better futures. But then you showed up. And everything went to hell! Everything I was trying to accomplish with my students, burned to the ground. Their futures corrupted, even destroyed, because of what I let them go through. Roxy, Joe, Leon, Kubi, Tina, Stella, Nick, Cole, Peter and Haleigh...all of them! Children I was supposed to protect but ended up having their lives wrecked and some even killed because of the choice I made to go against Vector Corp!"

A tear rolled down Thomas' cheek and he sighed deeply, putting a hand to his head. "Its taken years to come to the point where I could almost forgive myself, allow myself to live again, but suddenly its begun again. And now another child, YOUR child, is on the brink of having their life destroyed as well. Or rather having it destroyed more than it is already in this case."

Dexter gritted his teeth his fist balling at Woodrow’s, both their rants hitting each other with the force of a bullet meant to destroy. He swallowed. "Yeah....you're right." He said standing with a painful grimace. He sniffed.

Turning his back to Woodrow and wiping at his eyes with his sleeve.

"I am selfish." He said. "Have been for a long time." Dexter let out a breath and turned back. "I'll make sure Harley is safe before anything else." A sad smile formed on his face. "As for what happened in Great Barrington......first rule you learn is that living for yourself is the only thing that won't hurt anyone else."

He chuckled. "Its because when your opinion of yourself lowers to the bottom, then you don't have to worry about people expecting much from you." Dexter's fist relaxed. "I'll be outside."

 

Fritz fixed his sunglasses and continued tugging at The Word. “Sure I can if it’s for the greater good, Like fame!” He snapped.

“Ummmm heeey!” The Word said his voice strained as Anita and Fritz pulled back and forth. “Besides you guys owe me anyway for saving you all.” He replied with confidence. "Besides your friend agrees you should come with me." He pointed at Marie.

"Come on we will make a way better team then me and the Nazis."

 

"Thank you for saving us. But, NO! I hate men who are pushy, take Maria and go if she wants to we are staying here. And if you don't leave I am going to call the police and make you leave." Anita says more animated.

"We want nothing more to do with this understand? Now fuck off!"

 

"Is Marie, not Maria, second time you have it wrong. Didn't Allah taught you how to properly speak?" said Marie.

"Also, whatever this Fritz guy wants to do is not relevant, as I said, I'm more concerned about what he may do to Word".

 

"Fine!" Fritz snapped releasing The Word. “Jeez!” Word yelled shrugging Anita’s hand off his shoulder. “Would you guys freaking step off?” He sighed.

He took a step back from both of them. “I’m not going with you Anita.”

Fritz smirked.

“Or you um….” Word’s voice trailed off as he gave Fritz the once over. “guy.”

“It’s Fritz dammit.” He snarled.

"I've got to get to my garage." Word said. "Before anymore of the Fourth Reich shows up." He sighed. "I've never been involved in a gang beating, they'll come back. I'm bolt myself in there for awhile and go back to being as my parents say a 'hermit'."

"Exactly!" Fritz said. "You'll need me for protection and Marie here obviously can't resist the Fritz man." He gave a shark smile. "Besides once Ava finishes up the work I gave and gets here this city will be all about us and you guys."

 

I walked all the way back to the hotel and back to my room. I sat down on my bed and lied back and looked at my hands. "...I actually beat that guy up... it was like nothing... like I'd done it a hundred times..." I thought, I sighed deeply. "I hope that this Fritz guy won't be any further trouble... I'd prefer not to get too close to people here... I mean... when Jess leaves... I hope I can go with her, there's nothing left for me here..." I thought, I sat up sighing. "I've really been putting off grabbing my crap from the trailer... I know I have to do it soon... or else I'll never do it, and I'll always use that excuse as to not press charges... but every time I think about going there... it's like my blood turns to ice and all the oxygen in the room just disappears." I thought.

 

"That won't be necessary. Anita says to both of them. "Word, hiding in your house isn't going to stop them from breaking down your door. They did come to mine after all. Look, we'll just call the police, we have witnesses they'll get arrested and we can get on with our miserable lives. besides if you walk home there is a chance they will be waiting for you, come inside I'll get Zyra to drive you home later when we know it's safe."

 

"I'm more trouble then you?" Anita steps back right put off. "Who's idea was it to go stalk Trish again? If anything I'm keeping you out of trouble."

"Yeah." His shoulders slumped. "Sorry about that but come on Anita think for a minute, why in the world would guys like be here? Sure they're Nazis but I think they were sent here." Word took a step closer to her.

"Did you know some people believe that Nazis secretly rule the country?" Anita rolls her eyes, not this again."Considering the millions of dollars in aid and weapons they we send to Israel every year I highly doubt it Word."

"That could be just what they want you to think." Word said looking around. "And either way it doesn't change anything. Trisha could of sent them here."

"Trisha doesn't need to send anyone, she perfectly capable of taking us out on her own. Besides she wouldn't want to hurt (Harleies friends.) And no, that's not what they want me to think that is fact. I've been to Israel Word, trust me, America and Israel are great chums...until recently. Course I don't expect you to know much about real world issues."

She suddenly smiles. "But if your making ridiculous claims about reality then, maybe you are feeling better already?"

"You....dammit." He muttered. "Why are you always such a damn B word. I'm saying you could be a danger."

"Truths a bitch." She responds curtly. "But as for me being in danger, that's why we're calling the police no? You worry too much Word, relax. When the world ends, then we'll panic." She pats him on the back encouragingly.

"Welllll." Fritz cut in. "I'm going to defeat Shep and once I do I hope you both realize I'm the real." He smirked. "You're missing out on seeing history."

"I'll be sure to visit your funeral." She scoffs. "Thanks anyway though. For helping us."

“I didn’t help you.” Fritz responded turning back to them giving the most confident swaggerlicous stride they’d ever seen. “I did it for me.” He spoke one last time. “Come on Marie, if you’re coming.”

"I wouldn't follow him anymore." Word said to Marie as he walked towards Anita's porch. "Fine, I'll come in for a little bit."

"Marie...are you coming? Or let me guess, you're afraid I'll blow up my own house?" Anita smirks, "Well what ever." She opens the door and signals for word to come in.

 

"I have nothing better to do anyway." Replied the girl, entering the house.

" 'MURICA IS HERE BITCHES!!!!" Exclaimed as soon as she did.

 

Unexpected Call ​

You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh see that girl, watch that scene
Diggin' the dancing queen

Trisha’s ringtone blasted from her coat pocket. While navigating through a grocery store aisle, she pulled it out and peered down at the caller ID. 'Unknown'...odd.

Slowing her pace, she cleared her throat before she answered. "Hello, you've reached Tiffany Sugar! Please leave a message after the beep. BEEEP!"

"Do you answer all phone calls like that?" A man asked with a hint of a Mexican accent or....possibly South American? "Are you still there, Miss Sugar?"

"Yes I do and yes I am! Who is this?"

"Call me Armando." He said. "Armando Vega, I've heard from an associate in the states that it was you who murdered some of my people and kidnapped his enforcer." There was an edge to his tone. "Be honest."

Trisha sighed as she grabbed a loaf of bread and put it in her shopping cart. "No I don't want to take your survey or answer political questions."

"Don't play coy you bitch." He huffed. "Those two sisters were money makers for me." There was a snort. "Money you make from the operation you have to pull, that's right I know about that." He scoffed. "I've been told by my associate, you will be handing over your half to me as an act of good faith."

"Oh, really?" Trisha said sarcastically. "Who's the associate you're speaking of?"

"Mr. Shep's employer and my business partner." He replied simply. "He said your lover would be civil about this agreement but you would have some reservations. I was hoping I could convince you."

Trisha's cheeks flushed at the mention of Dexter. They were seen as a couple by others? Since when? She pondered the question as she continued down the aisle, her voice taking a steady drop. "It's not my fault that your boys got in my way. And I don't see your reason for taking Dexter's half. Why?"

"Neither did I but my partner said it was for the best." He grunted. "More money for me no matter what his line of thinking is and I don't have to waste any resources in cutting off your head."

"Well if you want the money, you'll have to jump the border and come get it yourself." Trisha muttered, throwing a box of cookies in the cart. "Hard work equals pay, not sitting on your butt making threatening phone calls."

Trisha's phone buzzed.....she was getting another call.

"You fucking bitch!" He snapped. "I wil-"

Trisha removed the phone from her ear and squinted at the number on the call waiting. Woodrow, Thomas. Without a second thought, she switched over and answered.

"Hello, you've reached Trisha Sparkles! Please leave a message after the beep. BEEEP!"

"Still up to that, huh?" Dexter's tired voice sounded. "Cute."

CUTE?

"Ahh!" Trisha cried as she crashed the cart into a wall, sending numerous canned foods onto the ground. Ignoring all the stares she received, she struggled to speak. "Oh...sorry about that...Dexter! Hi!"

"Ummmm....." Dexter's voice trailed off. "Is this a bad time? I can call back."

"Nope! There couldn't be a more perfect time!" Trisha said, stepping over an exploded can of corn. "How are you feeling?"

Dexter sighed. "Welllll." He groaned. "This is awkward but....um....Trisha, I was wondering if I could sleep in your car for awhile."

Trisha's heart skipped, processing his words. "Did something happen?"

"Yes." Dexter said quietly. "Me and um Woodrow are....or.....well we got into a bit of a fight." Dexter swallowed. "I was just wondering if I could stay in your car for awhile, I won't be there a lot just at night to sleep."

"Aw Dexter, I'm so sorry to hear that." Trisha blatantly lied. She never thought she'd see the day that she wanted to scream, THANK YOU WOODROW!
"Sure, you can sleep in the car!" She grinned to herself. "But...you're welcome to stay in our trailer. We have plenty of room!"

"I'll take my chances with the car." He replied dryly. "And Trisha...."

"Yes?"

"I don't want Harley knowing I'm around." His voice serious. "Please."

"Okay, I promise I won't tell her." Trisha said. "But being around a little would be great for her Dexter. And for you too!"

"No." Dexter said. "It wouldn't." And he hung up on her.

 

Fall of Shep

Geez. Wonder why Shep doesn't just get a different meth house. This place is a dump.' Mikkish thought, looking around at the ruined building 'The place used to look so nice' Of course, the place was never exactly "nice." It had been abandoned for years, and in one of the lower class and high crime parts of Graves County. Of course, Mikkish always had a hard time telling trashy from classy, so he really meant what he thought.

Suddenly, a loud rapping sounded from the tattered door of the meth house.

"Shep and Mikkish Crystal lab. How can I help?" Mikkish announced happily as he opened the door.

A fist smashed into Mikkish’s nose sending the boy on his back. “Is that the best you could do Shep!?” A boot was placed on his chest and Mikkish found his eyes staring into the black reflection of sunglasses. "I didn't expect you to be so young." He sighed.

"Who knew that my greatest rival of the last half hour was a child?"

"Hey what the fuck, man? I'm not even Shep!" Mikkish said, quickly pulling out his brass knuckles clad on his fists, but all he could do was frantically punch his assailant's leg which was stepping on his chest. Sunglasses lift his foot up stomping it down on Mikkish's five quick times and then booted the boy in the jaw.

Before Mikkish could mount a defense he was hoisted up his aimed at the flimsy wall.

"A kid your age dealing drugs and scaring people, huh!?" He snapped. "Shep the kid!" Mikkish found himself torpedo straight through the wall crashing into the various meth cooking supplies on the other side.

"Nobody deals fucking drugs in my new neighborhood unless its me." He snorted. "I want your ass gone Shep."

His head bleeding, and covered in various items weighing down on him, Mikkish retained his consciousness. "Uuhhhh" Mikkish moaned "I am NOT! FUCKING SH-" But he was cut off by his attacker whom stomped up to him and once again brought down his boot, this on Mikkish's fingers.

The sound of a belt being removed was all Mikkish heard for agonizing six seconds and then…….BAP! Sunglasses’ belt came down hard on the ass of Mikkish.

"Boy where are your parents!?" He snapped. "Letting you run a massive drug empire at your age, I was an orphan and even I know kids shouldn't be in charge of shit." He said bringing the belt down again.

Mikkish mouth dropped and his face twisted in horror at what was happening. He was getting the belt. It was so shameful, he ignored the pain of his fractured hand.

"Aww come on. Leave me alone. What am I gonna get grounded now? Sent to my room?" Mikkish complained as he lay helpless.

All that was heard was a growl.....and then

---

Mikkish went through two more walls and was given two black eyes which would no doubt give him the appearance of a racoon. "I'm surprised this town has had so much trouble with you." Mikkish's attacker said.

"You were a real weakling." He shoved his hands in his pocket. "I want you and your cronies out of my city or I'll be back to finish the job kid." And with that the man left.

---

One hour later the door to base smashed open and the all too familiar voice of Sheep sounded throughout the house. “Mikkish!” He yelled walking in looking at the damages. “What the hell happened to the walls!?”

"Oh. Uh..." Mikkish started to say as he walked over to Shep "Well this guy with sunglasses came in and thought I was you. He started banging up the place so I beat him up. Must have been some failed dealer on his own supply." Mikkish forgot that he had black eyes and was bleeding from getting beat up so bad "Anyway, he says he is gonna kill me, I mean you...well...kind of you, if we don't leave Graves County."

Shep scowled."You look like shit." He looked around. "And my meth house looks even worse then before and my fucking lab is all broken.....you....you....you...." Shep gritted his teeth and balled his fist. "First you let those people shoot it up and now this!?"

Shep undid his pants and dropped them, exposing himself fully. "You owe me!" He snarled

"What?!" Mikkish yelled "Aw HELL nah! Put that shit away! That shits GAY!" Mikkish backed away. There was no way in hell, especially after what just happened to him. Shep's fist collided with Mikkish's jaw knocking the boy into a daze and soon enough in his clouded vision he saw Shep lording over him.

"You fucking suck!" He snapped pulling up his pants. "Were you raised in a barn!? Get the fuck up and clean my meth house and it better be done when I get back." And with that Shep stormed off.

And....

And that was the day Mikkish was KOed by an egotistical short man with sunglasses and his half naked methed out boss.

 

Confessions​

"No! Worthless! Completely WORTHLESS!" Max yelled in a rage as he threw a blue vial against a wall.

"Failed, all of it! This research...useless!" He wiped the contents of a counter completely onto the floor, breaking beakers, spilling liquid that hissed and smoked, throwing papers in the air that fell like snow. Had it not been so late and his scientists at home with their families, they would have had yet another reason to call him Mad Max.

“Um...Maxy? It’s me Kubi, I know you don’t like to be disturbed but. Are you okay?” Her voice is more timid than before, his angry burst may have startled her as she approached the door. Boots tap on the floor as she tip toes through the door peeking, her jet black hair let down a long yellow coat and scarf draped around her short frame.

"NO!" He yelled angerly. "I...years of work! They're nothing! Worthless! It was supposed...*gasp*...to work...*gasp*." Max fell against a nearby counter, clutching the front of his shirt while he struggled for breath.

“Max?” She swings the door fully open, it bangs against the wall. her eyes go wide. “MAX!”

She runs over to him sliding to he downed posture, She grabs his hand unsure of what else she could do. Her eyes shake with panic and confusion, so much confusion. She had never seen him like this.

“I...I’m going to call the hospital. H-hold on!” She says in her strongest voice.

"No...Inhaler...top drawer." He gasps, pointing to a shaking hand to the desk on the other side of the room.

Kubi rushes towards the top draw, rips it upon hurling anything and everything that was not what was needed, papers and pencils rain on the floor. She suddenly rushes back a L shaped piece of plastic in her hand. Dropping to his level, she grabs the back of his head and puts it in his mouth like a mother would a babe.

Max breathes the serum in. Its several minutes before his breathing evens out to an almost imperceptible wheeze. "I'm sorry , Kubi. So sorry. You weren't ever supposed to see that..." He says in a near whisper brushing her hair out of her face.

Kubi is breathing just as hard as he , shakily she gets up. “Max, what...what happened? You looked like you where...are in really bad shape. I think we should, call the hospital just to make sure everythings fine.” She seems to have difficulty getting the words out, every pause a mental question. Had this happened before? Since when had he gotten so bad? since when has he needed an inhaler? And most damning, why didn’t I notice it?

The way she looked at him, with worry with fright, her head slightly tilted as if studying him a new gave away the whirling thoughts of her mind.

“Are, you sure you’re okay?” She says slowly.

Max almost said yes without a thought. I'm fine. His default answer. But he wasn't. And time was running out. Did he really want to spend his last days lying to the woman he loved with all his heart, continually shoving away his kids; Only to have his death sneak up on them and devastate her even more than it might if he gave her a chance to come to terms with it?

On one hand he wanted to protect her. She'd been through so much already. But on the other he risked her wrath by not telling the truth and possibly ending up hurting her more. This last experiment...it was supposed to have been the one. It was supposed to have worked. All the numbers pointed to it working. But human trials had failed. All the participants had died within 12 hours of taking the trial serum.

He was back to square one. And he couldn't imagine there being enough time to finish a working cure. If there even was one to be found. He was nearly resigned to his fate. She needed to be prepared as well.

Max pushed himself to his feet and reached out a hand to his little asian princess. "Let's take a walk."

Kubi said nothing, his answer couldn’t mean anything good. But she freezes all thought, all speculation, and just nods her head and takes his rough hands into hers. All her energy and attention were now trained on him.


Max takes her outside, away from the lab, away from the noise of the streets. The park was pretty this time of night, the moon just peaking over the city. He would know, he spent many nights walking through here on his way home, thinking, running formulas. Too many of those nights wasted, fighting the inevitable. No more.

"Do remember how we first met?" He asked with a small smile.

“Um…” She frowns in concentration. “Tina took me in, and at her house I met you...um…wow.” She facepalms in frustration.

“Iy’ya! I don’t remember, how is that even possible? Truly I am a terrible wife.” She says jokingly.

Max chuckles warmly. A sound neither of them had heard in several months. Maybe longer. "Never. You're the best wife a man could ask for." He tightened his grip on her hand. "We met in the hallway at school. Tina was hauling you around like a lost puppy. You...were the prettiest, funniest girl around.

Then, Tina brought you home. If there is one thing I'm grateful to her for...its that. That one act of selflessness. I remember loving everything about you. From your weird quirks, to your funny accent, to hugs you'd give us both just because you were so happy."

He sighed deeply which was followed by a shallow couch. He avoided her gaze, knowing he wouldn't be able to continue if he looked into her sad eyes. "After everything that happened in Great Barrington, I swore to make you happy. No matter what it was, I wanted you to be happy." God, I've hated Tina so long for hurting her back then, and now...I'm about to do the same damn thing. "I've...kept that promise as long as I could...but now...I can't." He sat her down on a nearby bench and sat beside her.

Taking both of her hands in his, he looked into her face. The sorrowful, terrified expression nearly killed him right then and there. Most any courage he had to say anything fell to the pit of his gut. "Princess...my body...is shutting down. I've done everything I know to preserve myself for as long as possible. I've spent all these nights away from home researching, experimenting...trying to find a way to reverse the damage." He looks down at his lap. "I found out tonight that my last hope for a workable serum turned out to be only poison."

He looks up at her pained by the tears that were already forming in her eyes. "I'm dying, Kubi. And I can't lie to you anymore. I need you to be ready."

Her silence was unnerving. She just sat there staring at her lap for minutes, tears dripping from puffy eyes. “Max I.” she starts then swallows.

She wipes her eyes, in a fruitless effort to stem the tears. “I can’t do it. I can’t live with out you. I’m not strong enough, oh god the kids! How will I manage? You can’t die. YOU CAN’T!”

She grabs his shoulders and shakes him vigorously. “There must be another way! I’ll help you I’ll do anything, I’ll sleep at the lab if I have to-” her sobs begin to choke her words, before it falls to nothing she cries.

“Just don’t leave me here alone.”

She puts her arms around him and holds him tight, holds him like she’s tethering him from the pull of death itself, squeezes like he is the last good dream in an unending nightmare. Sobbing and heaving into his chest, shivering and shaking her head in zealous protest.

A tear trickles down Max's cheeks and he holds her tightly. He wanted to stay as much as she did. But there seemed to be no hope left for him. "I'm not giving up, Princess. Not yet. If there is a way, I'll find it." He said, as much to reassure himself as to reassure her. "Please, don't cry." He kissed her head, begging whatever god was out there to be kind.

It was touching the amount of power his words seemed to have on her. Instantly the shivering and sobbing began to calm though never stopping entirely. They sit there in an embrace for what seemed like hours, finally and through an obvious amount of effort Kubi asks.

“How long?”

"I...don't know. Judging by how bad my symptoms are getting...a year? Maybe less." He exhales a tired sigh.

“A year. So soon?” She says breathlessly, and instinctively clings to him tighter.

“If, if thats true, can you stay here with me. just a little longer? Before...before you have to go back to work?”

Max strokes her cheek. "I'm done for the night. Tina can watch the kids. We can stay here as long as we like."

It doesn’t fix the crisis, or the pain inflicted. But there is, no matter how tear drenched; a smile on Kubi’s face as she closes her eyes, and listens to the music that was max’s still beating heart. And she doesn’t let go of him until exhaustion forces her arms to go limp, and she falls asleep in his bosom.

 

The police were contacted soon after and Maia and Adler were being scouted for, yet they didn’t turn up but the police assured Anita and the others they had strong leads. Other than that the day carried on normal with both Word and Marie eventually departing her house.

Word giving one last speech of how danger was on the loose and Anita dismissing him happened of course. But they'd made up at least or made us as much as two stubborn people could.

Car Chatting/Night

Dexter blew smoke into the night air, his eyes locked on the half moon.

Half was good.

That meant no werewolves would be out on the prowl. He smirked to himself, just the vampires.

Dexter sighed leaning against the front of the red bug which had been parked down the street from the trailer park upon his request.

Speaking of the vampires? Where the hell was she? He'd specified 12:00 midnight sharp and not a second later. If that psycho had another date and forgot about-

"I'm here!" Came Trisha's cheerful voice behind him. "Sorry I'm late, I had to grab a few things."

Dexter flicked his cigarette into the street. “Suuuuure you did.” He said. “Out on another date?”

"Not this time, I was too busy." Trisha walked to his shadowed figure and held up a backpack. "And I really did bring you stuff!"

"Thanks." Taking the bag, he quickly opened it up viewing the contents inside. Not much but enough to get him through the night, pillow and a blanket. He flashed her smile. "So how have you been today?"

Trisha instantly smiled back. "Good! Big day too, I had to go work at the school, we're already preparing for the new year. Then I was at the library for a few hours, and came back home to my Mother throwing a fit about God knows what." She breathed a heavy sigh and leaned onto the car beside him. "There was a reason why I moved out early."

"You moved out early?" He chuckled. "How old?" Dexter asked as he opened the door and took a seat, motioning for her to get in on the passenger's side.

"The day after my seventeenth birthday." Trisha said, sliding inside the car. "But only lived in that apartment with my best friend until college."

Dexter frowned. “Whoa you really wanted out of there.” He said. “Then again based on what I know about your mother she sounds like one nasty biddy.” He leaned back in his seat. "Still didn't beat my record though."

"Yeah? How old were you?" Trisha asked.

"Oh." He forced a smile. "Eleven."

Trisha's expression softened. "Wow...that's...extremely young. Where did you end up living?"

"Yeah it was young....and I went into the system, ya know? I drifted around orphanages for awhile. No big deal." He let out a tired yawn. "By the way we've got a meeting regarding the train robbery tomorrow at Woodrow's at 3:00 PM."

Trisha groaned. "Another one? You all sure take your sweet old time to plan."

"Patience is key darlin." Dexter said doing his best to mimic a southern accent. "Anyway we are gonna be discussing our specific tasks while executing it."
He looked out the window of the car. "You might wanna get back inside before any of them suspect something."

"Don't worry. Teanna is no fun and goes to bed early, my mother is too busy eating a late night snack to notice, and Harley is doing whatever she does." Trisha said while twirling a strand of her hair. "So, will Woodrow be at the meeting? I thought you didn't want to be near him?"

"Well I have to use his house." Dexter replied. "That's our base we all agreed to use and being near him isn't so bad, just can't live with the man. He's a nag."

"At least living with a nag is better than living with a complaining overweight woman." Trisha rolled her eyes. "And a know-it-all author who does everything 'just so'."

"Oh YEAH!!!" Dexter's head snapped up. "Your sister!" He slapped his forehead. "But um.....look....I'm not racist or anything but um.........is she?"

"Adopted? No." Trisha said bluntly. "My mother had an affair. I was three when she was born."

What sort of psychotic men would want to stick it in that rolling waffle house? Dexter swallowed, those are some thoughts that needed repressing.

Badly.

"Well um...." Dexter rubbed the back of his head. "At least you got a sibling out of the deal." He forced an awkward smile. "Before you go I have some funny gossip that might cheer you up."

She inched closer to him. "Gossip, huh? About who?"

"Woodrow." Dexter said cracking a grin at Trisha seeps of laughter slipping through his teeth. "He's a virgin." He cackled. "Then lectured me about why he is." Dexter put his head against the wheel in a fit of giggles. "Its like that one movie." He snorted. "Forty year old virgin, I was thinking I should buy him like a gift or somet- hahahhahahahahahah!"

Watching Dexter completely lose it was even funnier than what he'd announced. Trisha joined in, laughing so hard she had to wipe away tears. "Poor Anne." She said once she caught her breath. "How will she manage with someone as hopeless as that janitor?"

"Hey, hey,....hey." Dexter wheezed. "Maybe they should call him Woodblock!"

"I blame the ties." Trisha added her face red from laughter.

"Yeah." Dexter breathed. "That's some woman repellent there." Dexter said pretending to spray Trisha with a bottle of this 'Woman repellen' his tongue making hissing sound of a can. "Just steers the honies the other way."

And there the two say immaturely laughing at the man's who's life they'd ruined.

It wasn't pretty.

But they needed it.

Both knew in their hearts that laughter would probably soon be scarce.

Final Meeting

“Woodman!” Shep snapped his boots on Woodrow’s coffee table. “Got any fucking beer?” Brice sat tiredly across from Shep and to the drug dealer’s right a battered faced Mikkish. Eliza was once again not present but The Vampire as usual graced them with her presence as did Malcolm.

Dexter and Trisha were there as well.

Dexter having not spoken a word to Woodrow or anybody for that matter since he walked in and Trisha was busy making idle conversation with everyone.

"Come on man." Shep said. "How we supposed to work without some cold ones?"

 

Malcom sighed quietly looking everyone in the meeting annoyed shuffling some cards as he sat down just keeping his hands busy. He hadn't really done much before the meeting just conning a few men out of their money.
"you know we have to keep professional about this having some dutch courage won't help you in this situation." Malcom sighed quietly. "it makes you lose focus shows more facial experessions and makes you more liekely to be found out when you're lying or bluffing... as A Card player you learn that quite easily to get someone drunk before you play then it's obvious when they've got a good hand or a bad hand." Malcom laughed quietly sighing.