“Blaze!” Both girls covered their head with their pillow.
***
The slow bass beat of the song Your Heart is as Black as Night by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamessa set the atmosphere for the surgeon in his master cabin aboard the Sweet Melissa. Dr. Franklin hovered over the body of Miranda Halsey as she lay gagged by surgical gauze and bound by duct tape at her wrists and ankles. A grin of fiendish desire spread over his face as her eyes darted from side to side and her body spasmed. In some weird way, he found her spellbinding. “You’re so pure and innocent with the perfect pink tongue with a tinge of white coating. I don’t find a perfect tongue that often.”
He touched her warm pale skin. His ice cold finger started at her neck and worked to her feet; his touch gentle as if a feather.
Miranda sensed his evil soft touch and tried to move as she averted his gaze.
“I’m starving.” A thin devilish grin edged his lips. “I have news for you, you’re the main course.” He drew a deep audible breath as her body jerked.
She moaned as she bit harder on her gag, her eyes held a flash of shock.
He pushed his fingers through her hair. “You are perfect.” His warm breath fanned her skin. He used the red satin sheet to wipe her tears. “Now, now. It’ll be over soon.”
Dr. Franklin stepped to the closet and opened it. Without looking, he retrieved a syringe, the bottle of Special K and extracted the fluid. Oh, that’s enough. She’s small. He tapped the syringe and pushed the tip to extract the air bubbles. Details, details. Why do I care? He put the Ketamine vial back into the box, closed the closet door and danced his way back to Miranda. “It’s dinnertime.”
***
Debra’s efficiency apartment provided the space she desired. Her seventy inch big screen television covered the entire left wall across from her Murphy bed.
Debra, in a pink lace tank top and a pair of men’s plaid boxing shorts, adjusted the pillows behind her head. She read the novel A.D.A.M. by Dr. Melissa Caudle to keep her mind off her surgical lover. The song I Put a Spell on You sung by Bonnie Tyler played at a low comfortable volume throughout the room. She mumbled, “I wasn’t expecting that to happen. He morphs.”
She looked at the clock. Shit. I hope it’s not too late to text him. She texted her lover.
Debra waited for a response as she continued to read. Wow. How is Dr. Bradford going to get out of this one? This is a fantastic novel.
***
“Two by two here we go.” Halo led Suicide as they marched through the middle of Bourbon Street. Matthew strode briskly toward them.
“Two by two here we go.” Suicide marched proudly as if marching for the President of the United States.
“On our way to bring some woe.”
“On our way to bring some woe.”
“Sound off. Three. Four.”
“Sound off. Three. Four.”
Matthew passed through Halo and bumped into Suicide.
“If you bump me one more time, I gonna hit you where the sun don’t shine.” Halo popped his chest like a mad dog.
“I’m sorry dude.” Matthew scratched his upper lip.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m used to it.”
Suicide quickly stopped and faced Matthew. “You see and hear him, don’t you?”
“Well of course I do, he’s standing beside you.”
“Mister, you’ll think I’m one crazy ass dude; no one else can see him but you.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy. I have one of those myself.”
Suicide pointed to Livia who stood behind Matthew. “You mean, her?”
Matthew turned his head around.
“Seriously, dude, she’s right there.”
“You can see a girl behind me?” Matthew grabbed his phone and showed him the picture of Lorenzo and Blaze. “Is this the girl?”
“Sure is. Have you seen that guy?”
“You know him?” Matthew pointed to Lorenzo’s picture.
“Yes. Are you looking for him too?” Suicide marched away to his own inside tune. Two by two here we go. Plan on delivering you some woe.
“What did you say?” Matthew contemplated Suicide’s words. Jesus Christ. He saw Livia. “He’s a crack head.”
In cadence fashion, Suicide chanted. “It’s time for this guy to die. Sound off. One. Two. Three. Four.” He and Halo marched away.
That’s a man that’s seen too much powder dust. Matthew flashed the picture of Lorenzo and Blaze to any local, tourist or cop as he made his path along Bourbon Street. “Seen this Guy?”
A local thug answered as he strode passed him. “Ain’t none of my business.”
Matthew showed the picture asking the same question as he headed for the Nest. “Have you seen these two?”
The barricade and the yellow crime scene tape marked the area. He arrived to the Next to chaos. He showed everyone the picture. “Have you seen this man?”
***
The golden street light seeped through the curtains illuminating Liz’s office as she reached for the light switch.
“Don’t. Sometimes it’s important to remain in the dark.” Commissioner Raymond swiveled the chair and faced Liz.
“How did you get in?”
“Now that’s the most idiotic question I’ve heard. How do you think I got in? You’re smarter than that.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to warn you, don’t trust anyone.”
“I’ll start by not trusting you. You have three seconds to vacate my office before I call the police.”
“Go ahead, I am the police. Now sit and listen, your life depends on it. I know who you are.”
“How profound, considering I introduced myself to you.”
“Ms. Lettenberg, you’ve been hiding all these years. Did you really think no one would know who you were? It’s not that complicated to figure out.”
“What do you want?”
“It’s not what I want, it’s what I need from you. Trust no one, people aren’t who they seem to be.”
“Are you talking about Matthew or yourself?”
***
A musician lightly tapped the piano keys and sang her acoustical version of Radiohead’s song Creep for the patrons who gathered at the Alley Cat.
Alex brought Matthew a shot of whiskey. “It’s on the house. I saw the news.”
“Thanks man.” Matthew pulled out his cell phone to show Alex the picture of Lorenzo, but he had already stepped away to another customer.
James entered from the side door, went to the bar and sat by Matthew. “How’s it going?” James patted his friend’s back. “Hey, you in there somewhere?”
Matthew showed James the picture of Lorenzo and Blaze. “You ever seen this guy?”
“He’s been in here before.”
Alex put a beer in front of James and Matthew showed him Lorenzo’s picture. “You ever seen this guy?”
“Yea, that’s Lorenzo. He and his crew come here all the time. You missed him by two hours. You could try the seedy motel he’s staying in.”
“What’s the name?”
Alex extended his palm. “If you want this guy, info doesn’t come cheap.”
Matthew pulled out his wallet and slapped twenty dollars onto the bar. “There’s more if you get me within three feet of this guy.”
“Try the Jester Motel on Tulane.”
Matthew slammed the remaining whiskey. “Call me when he shows his face.” His cell phone vibrated - another text from Kelly.
“James, I have a huge problem.” Matthew exhaled hoping to find courage to tell his secret.
“Fess up. What’s going on?”
“I’m conflicted.”
“Like that’s something new.”
“I have feelings for Kelly and for Liz.”
“Since when is that a problem. No worries play the field.”
“That’s easier said than done. There’s something you need to know about Kelly.”
“The
only things I need to know about her is that she’s stunning and smart. She’s worth putting a ring on it, if you get my drift.”
“If I did that, I’d be crossing a taboo threshold.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Kelly is transgender.”
“Oh, shit! That’s a problem for sure.”
I must be going crazy. What am I doing? He read Kelly’s last text again. He took a deep breath and exhaled. Oh, Fuck.
“Are you going to text her back?”
“I have to do it.”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2058
CHAPTER 45
Knock, Knock
Blaze, still awake at 2:43 AM, kept a watchful eye on Mag and Jenni as they slept peacefully. The rain pounded sideways against the window like stampeding horses. She thrashed from her back as she grabbed her pillow, flopped to the right, then rotated to her left. Nothing worked. She wilted to the end of the bed and stuffed a pillow between her knees. “That’s it, I’m getting up.”
Her friends didn’t budge.
How can they sleep at a time like this? She leaped to the floor and stomped to the living room. Sam followed; ears straight and attentive.
Blaze plopped onto the couch. She settled as Sam rested his head on her chest. He scooted his nose beneath her hand and whined. “I’m glad we gave you a bath. What is it?” She scratched his forehead. “I’m glad you’re here to protect me even though you belonged to a serial killer.” A double knock on the door startled her. Sam barked once and galloped to it. Blaze grabbed a candlestick from the side table.
Another double knock. “Blaze open the door. It’s me, Lorenzo.”
Blaze acted as if she lived in a scary film and expected Freddy Krueger lurking in the hall. She tiptoed to the door and flicked the light switch. She squinted her left eye and peered through the peep hole as she held the candlestick high in the air. “How do I know it’s you?”
“Silly, I don’t have a twin. It’s me.”
Blaze opened the door ready to hit anyone.
“Whoa! Put that thing down.” Lorenzo seized the weapon and placed it on the table. Sam’s back hair raised as he took a stance in protection mode. “You got a dog?”
“He belonged to Roth, he showed up at my door.”
Sam didn’t take his eyes from him.
Lorenzo scanned the room, dashed to the bedroom door and peeped in as Jenni rolled over. “Nice, a sleepover.” He headed to the kitchen.
“What are you looking for? Why the unwarranted search?”
“I came to warn you. Milo is looking for me which means he’s looking for you. He knows about your bracelet, that’s what he’s after.”
“I’ve had about all the serial killers I can handle for a day.” Chills trickled along her spine. She stomped her foot.
“Are you listening? He’s after your bracelet.”
“You know this, how?”
“You know the grapevine around here. I received a call from a very old friend. Milo asked her if she knew where to find me and if she had seen your bracelet. Damn it. He showed her your fucking picture.”
“What does he want with it?”
“That’s the million dollar question. You tell me why it’s important.”
“Don’t get cozy, you’re not staying. Please leave.”
“It’s probably better that way. Be careful.” Lorenzo snatched the picture of Blaze, Mag and Jenni from the coffee table.
“Put it back!”
“Your friends need to be careful too. Milo won’t stop until he gets what he wants.”
“Trust me, I know. My father taught him that. Now put it back.” Blaze’s eyes flushed; and she sniffled.
Lorenzo carefully replaced the picture. “Come here Blaze. You need a hug, we both do. You know I love you.”
Blaze sniffled and pouted as she slowly dragged her feet toward him. They embraced, she rubbed her face against his shoulder and wiped her snot and tears on his shirt. “Do you still have my bracelet?”
“Yes, but for your safety I’m not telling you where it is. That way your father will never get his hands on it. Ask me for it when you want it back.”
“I want it back.”
***
Judas nodded his head. “Oh, how sweet. The lovers are kissing and making up. I’m intrigued.” He touched the monitor directly on Lorenzo’s head and pretended to push it toward Blaze. Lorenzo kissed her on the forehead and left. “I bet your daddy is proud of your choice in men.”
Judas lit his cigarette as he observed monitor nine where Liz and Commissioner Raymond engaged in conversation and appeared to be in a standoff. “I can barely contain myself watching this. No need for D-Satellite TV.”
While on monitor three, Kelly lay in Matthew’s bed, propped as she texted several of her friends out of boredom. What a lonely woman.
“Deedra.”
“Don’t ask Judas. My patience is growing thin. The Pegasus is not online.”
CHAPTER 46
Fast and Furious
Matthew parked his Ford Taurus in a remote corner of the seedy Jester Motel lot. He turned the engine and headlights off before he rolled the car’s window down. The heat took his breath as his cell phone vibrated. “Not now, I’m working.”
He grabbed his camera from the passenger’s side floorboard and kept a keen eye targeted for Lorenzo. The door opened to Room 210 and Matthew snapped rapid pictures of the couple as they kissed. “You’re a bad boy. Now, who is she?” The woman blew kisses to the Congressman.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Matthew recognized the fabulous Ima Star. Will she be the next to die? Confused, he didn’t expect to witness the Congressman in another tryst.
***
After Lorenzo left, Blaze locked the front door and double checked the living room window. There was a clap of thunder and the rain pelted harder as if marbles struck the glass. We must be under a flash flood warning. She jumped as cold chills gushed throughout her body and goosebumps formed. “This is not happening.”
She powered her stereo and poured a glass of red wine to relax. Blaze sipped her plum and blackberry-based wine as she listened to the song Caught in the Rain by Beth Hart.
Sam sat at her feet, his tail wagged although he had a frown across his adorable face. “Okay.” She succumbed to Sam’s teary eyes. “I can’t take that poor pitiful look you’re giving me. Come on up.” She patted the cushion beside her.
Sam jumped onto the couch and rested his head in her lap. His tail wagged. Her wine glass slid across the coffee table. I did not see that. Yes, I did. No, I didn’t. Sam’s ears stiffened toward the ceiling and he whined.
Blaze glanced around. She powered off the music using the remote. “Anyone out there? Meow Mix?… That you?” Her face tightened as she swallowed. Her heart raced, and moisture surfaced on her brow. She chewed her nails. “Tiger Lily?” What the hell? She shuddered, looking left and right, her heart pounding as she repeated her action. I’m so scared. She snatched the candlestick and clutched it tightly as her knuckles turned white.
Tiger Lily scampered from the kitchen hissing; her fur fluffed.
“I’m sorry, Blaze.” Roth’s apparition touched the picture of Blaze, Mag and Jenni; his hand passed through it. He tried five more times. Roth’s red eyebrows lowered, and he clenched his jaw. On the sixth attempt, the picture fell over onto the coffee table.
Sam jumped from the couch, leaped through Roth and continued to bark as he turned in circles trying to alert Blaze to Roth’s presence.
“Sam! Quiet. Lay down.” Sam followed her stern directive.
“Blaze, can you hear me?” Roth’s words broke and faded. “Blaze.”
Blaze looked around and tiptoed to the bedroom where the girls slept soundly. “Hello.” A pit formed in her stomach. Her fretful heartbeat thrummed merciless against her ribcage.
“Can you see me?” Roth’s breathy and unintelligible words pushed through the air. He waved his arms above his head back and forth as if he direc
ted an airplane on a runway to the gate.
A cool breeze brushed through her hair. “I'm not alone! Go away.”
A blue glow permeated briefly from Blaze’s bedroom. Meow Mix scurried into the living room and hissed at Sam.
“Hello. Can you hear me?” Roth’s struggled as his words broke into a faint murmur which couldn’t break the dimensional barrier. He continued to force his words from the beyond. “Blaze.”
Blaze placed the candlestick back where it belonged, dashed to the kitchen and grabbed a butcher knife. She hurried back to the couch through Roth stabbing him.
“Blaze, can you see me?” He touched her arm. “I know you felt that.”
Blaze rubbed her arm while she panicked, her breaths short. Chills flowed down her spine. She leaned her face and body against Sam’s back, stroked his fur using her left hand and clutched the knife in the other.
The rain intensified against the window as lightening flashed and thunder claps followed. “I’m helpless.”
“Blaze try to see me.” Roth fought to maintain visibility. He slid the picture across the table onto the floor.
“Not happening.” Blaze buried her face into Sam.
***
As Matthew slept behind the wheel of his Taurus, rain fell against the windshield. The Jester Motel neon light reflected off it. The cell phone ring interrupted Matthew’s slumber. He instinctively grabbed his gun as he fumbled for his phone and answered it. “Talk to me… Repeat that… It’s hard to hear you because of the rain… Are you sure?... Don’t let him leave. I’m on my way.”
Matthew started the engine and sped away.
The rain pounded like hail against the windshield which made it difficult for him to see. The wiper blades scraped across the windshield. Just like his refrigerator and most things in his life, they were less than functional.
The car squealed into the parking lot of the Alley Cat bar. Matthew slammed the brakes as the car hydroplaned to a stop close to the entrance. Matthew bolted from his car and entered the bar.
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