Deviant Fixation

by Valencia Carmelita

  I blink my eyes open to only be accosted by Serge's concerned face. I let out a grateful cry of relief.

  "Miss Kashani, it's me ! You're safe now!" He assures hurriedly. "Are you hurt anywhere ?!"

  The only answer from me is the excessive sobs of anguish as my eyes flicker over the dead bodies.

  Swiftly, in despair I bring up my hands, concealing my face. I didn't want to see them, I didn't want to be here.

  "Shhh you're safe now.." Serge drapes an arm around my shoulder and swivels me out of the room with haste.

  ◆◆◆

  .Glossary:

  . 'Jinn' is the Arabic term for supernatural beings created of smokeless fire.

  Chapter 12

  "F-Five years!" Quavering sobs escape Rachael's mouth as she disrupts the bleak quietude. "Five years, h-he gained my trust!" She slumps forward dejectedly, concealing her anguished face with her palms. "only for his betrayal!"

  My mind replays continual flashbacks of the macabre scene from 3 hours ago. My grip slackens over the 3rd moist towelette I was given by Serge to scrub my face free of Harry's blood stains. Albeit this towelette was cleaner than the first two discarded ones, I refused glancing down at the slight tinge of blood.

  My gaze adjusted through the limo window at the places whizzing past. Eyes long depleted of anymore tears.

  "Betrayal!!" She resumes. "Betrayal of the worst kind!!"

  "Why is mummy crying?" Arielle vocalizes timidly. "Mummy? Why are you crying?"

  "Come'on Ray.." I hear Serge plead. "Just try to forget-"

  "Forget?!" Rachael snaps through his sentence. "It's a meaningless fracas to you !!?"

  Her furious voice underlining disbelief, only compels me to face her and the rest of everyone else currently occupying the limo. She's wedged between both of her children along with me on the left of Arielle.

  Across facing us, reclines an indifferent Vladimir between Huxley and Serge.

  "Is it ?!" She presses derisively.

  Head lowered in perceivable shame, Serge declines a response.

  "Collect yourself..Rachael." Vladimir's voice smooth and disturbingly calm, without glancing her way from his phone.

  His fingers skim over the screen in slow gradual strokes. No evidence of trauma on his chiseled features. He appears unaffected by the past hours of violence. I notice the absence of his top hat, polished cane, and overcoat. He's dressed in a simple business ensemble.

  "And why should I?!" Rachael demands, narrowing her eyes at him.

  He leisurely studies his phone screen for what seems like many seconds. Until he directs that piercing sapphire gaze on her.

  "In the presence and wellbeing of the children, it is most certainly expected of you." He serenely rebukes.

  Her brows crease and she shakes her head in apparent vexation at him. Folding her arms across her chest, she stammers seethingly "A bloodbath at my very residence and you dare tell me what's expected of me ?!"

  Fresh tears pour down her reddened face as she continues.

  "T-Taking someone's life is such a light issue for you is it ?!"

  As quick in passion as that last question departs her mouth, his gaze darkens sinisterly. With a dangerously lowered voice, he responds. "Melee of the most gruesome sort.."

  He starts languidly inching forward as he proceeds. "..It was not.."

  A maniacal glint flickers in his eyes and he breaths. "For you have no conception..of what carnage entails a..bloodbath..."

  Rachael's face pales in horror from his words made apparent of his experience.

  Then he eases back against his seat casually without breaking eye contact with her.

  "And for me.." He drawls as the corners of his mouth lilt into a slight smirk of satisfied vindication. "A light issue indeed."

  Rachael blinks at him in perceivable shock as I do.

  This guy is disturbing!

  Right in that very second his eyes happen to settle on me. Instantly, his features contort into a most resentful expression.

  In fear, I rapidly avert my face towards the window as goosebumps resurface upon my skin. Instinctively my lips part in a strong gulp for air. I had been holding my breath the entirety of the unpleasant vocal exchange between them.

  "It's time that you should know." Speaks up Huxley in an austere manner. "Personally we've been keeping a closer watch over your home since the fire incidence."

  At the corner of my eyes, I can sense Vladimir's searing gaze is still fixed upon me.

  Stop staring at me !

  I wish I could muster the courage to vocalize those words as heat swells up inside me, spilling red over my cheeks.

  Finally he seems to divert his attention away.

  "How long have you been spying on me ?" Rachael hurls a chilly question.

  "Ah..Gratitude very well presented, my dear sister." Vladimir's tone filled with amused sarcasm before swiftly turning stern. "Think not me a fool nor this a jest of a stratagem by you, for indeed it was an erroneous one on your part. All along I knew too well..after all, had you not been forewarned by me?"

  Silence on Rachael's part, so he proceeds. "Pierre's men await your moves on every turn. Your foolish dislocation presented the given opportunity for him and a near unfortunate one for us."

  "Vladimir's most definitely correct." Huxley affirms. "Thank heavens, we had been keeping close guard ourselves, had we not ..young Charlie would have be-"

  "Enough!" Rachael hollers furiously at them and I flinch yet remain staring out the window.

  She resumes lividly. "Not one more word about what could have occurred! Not one more at all!"

  ◆◆◆

  The remaining drive to Vladimir's manor is shrouded in heavily crestfallen silence.

  Apprehension floods my thoughts as I anxiously twiddle with my fingers over the hem of my cardigan.

  How do I get out of this predicament ?

  Not over three days ago, I had narrowly escaped Imran and his gang affiliates. What was it all for when I'm not even certain where I'm headed towards next ?

  How can Mister Mirza ensure my safety in Rachael's hands when she herself is not entirely safe?

  I needed to get in touch with him and explain the horrendous events of today and the dire situation I was now placed under.

  My nerve-wracking thoughts are obstructed by the sudden halt of the limo. I shift in my seat, fully focusing my attention through the window.

  Ahead a set of immense and splendidly carved Mediterranean wrought iron gates are sliding open inwards.

  Over the gates, in golden inscription reads Nielsen Manor And Estates.

  Right before the gate stood guard four men dressed in dark old-fashion overcoats, with their hair sleekly styled to the side in that of the 1940's.

  It appears they had exited the double 10 story watch tower posts built on either side of the gates. The gates are bordered by triple back to back very well secured electrical fences about a 100 feet in height, stretching on either side impressively as far as the eye could see. The estate's picturesque scenery consists of a tropical green countryside.

  What is this ?

  The opening to a stylishly fancy prison..

  The first questions to prick my befuddled mind as the limo enters through the gates. The drive continues down a gravel road lined with rows of flowery tropical trees.

  It could have been within a span of twenty minutes passing when the limo swerves a corner. The trail of trees give way to an even more beautiful and picturesque scene.

  I'm beyond amazed at the sight of the vibrant Mediterranean Gardens embellished with rows and rows of fountains spraying water out through the mouths of winged cherub statues.

  Ahead of the gardens, is a magnificent manor I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in my entire life.

  Very grand and homely yet modern and classy mixture of a Mediterranean style residence. Brightly illuminated, airy verandas and balconies lined the exterior. A lovely aquamarine pool snaked around before it.

&
nbsp; I strive to keep my mouth closed from gawking in awe. The limo pulls near the further right side of the manor, revealing three garage compartments.It arrives to a full stop before one of the garage entrances.

  Within a matter of minutes, the door to Rachael's right is opened by a well dressed steward. The door on my side is pulled open and I'm greeted by that familiar chubby chauffeur. The one I met a month ago during my brief captivity by Vladimir and his Mafia members.

  His smile nearly falters as his eyes distend in alarmed recognition of me. Yet he swiftly recovers his composure. He bows his head while awaiting me to step out of the vehicle he drives as his profession.

  I turn to spot Rachael and the children departing through the other door. In the process, I glimpse Vladimir's disdainful eyes regarding me anew.

  It only serves to further increase my dread as I awkwardly slide out of the limo. My shoes tapping softly upon making contact against the polished brickwork below.

  "Thank you." Timidly, I express my gratitude towards the chauffeur.

  Again his eyes widen confounded, right before a brilliant smile graces his lips. He nods once in acknowledgment. "You're welcome, Miss."

  "This here is Miss Kashani." Introduces Serge as he steps out and straightens himself while offering me a grin. "And Miss Kashani, this is Duffield, the family's trusty and dearest chauffeur."

  "Not only a chauffeur.." Chimes in Huxley while exiting the limo behind Serge. "..also an adopted member of this wonderful family."

  I peer at the young blushing chauffeur and mirror a smile in return. "Nice to meet you Mister Duffield."

  "Pleasant to make your acquaintance as well Miss Kashani." He slightly bows in second acknowledgment. "Just refer to me as Duffield."

  Before I can further cordially respond to Duffield, from behind-Vladimir's cold and clipped words intrude. There upon shattering the light and brief moment.

  "It is most certainly beneath the lot of you to chitchat freely with a Muslim vermin." An acrid tone leaks his voice, prompting me to swivel around in utter dismay to face him.

  He's standing formidably tall over the rest of us. Left hand concealed casually in his blazer pocket and right hand clenched over his phone.

  Right in that instance, my gaze locks with his unwavering icy one. An intense expression of malice etches deeper into his features.

  Incomprehensibly, I'm unable to hold the stare by more than a split second for the intensity of his eyes is too much to bare.

  So helplessly, I re-avert my attention on the other three men sidled near me.

  "Ah com'on !" Serge huffs in agitation while shaking his head. "Not this again Vlad..." He ends up trailing off weakly as Vladimir's frigid gaze only serves to quieten him.

  Besides Serge, Duffield has gone redder than a ripe tomato. Embarrassedly, he keeps eyes downcast. His arms tucked at his back respectfully.

  At once, Huxley shifts into deep solemnity while he musters a step in Vladimir's direction. He admonishes. "After all that we know of her and yet you still continue to throw barrage of insults at her. You know better than this, Vladimir."

  Without so much as directing his piercing gaze away from me, Vladimir's brows slightly crease, affronted. "It most certainly does not change the least bit of what a Muslim is..a vermin."

  My mind blazes with prickling red hot anger as I risk another glimpse of him.

  What was his problem !!?

  Why can't he quit this disparaging treatment of me?

  Abruptly, I feel a hand encase over my shoulder. Breaking my eye contact with the jerk , I glance up to spot Rachael hovering next to me. Her eyes shone furiously as she trained them ahead on her spiteful brother.

  "Don't you dare utter another vile increment!" She hurls in an astringent tone, causing his lips to set in a thin line of agitation as he levels his eyes on her.

  "She is my honoured guest! She will be remaining here for as long as i see it fit to her safety and well being!" She equips in an iron stance.

  An immediate rancorous sneer engulfs Vladimir's expression as he replies to her in that familiar low and clipped voice. "Unlike you, I concern over the cleanliness of my residence.."

  A brief pause ensues as he pins his icy gaze upon me followed by clear repugnance contorting his features. "For certainly vile is the infestation of pestilence standing before me."

  My heart palpitates inside my chest as my stomach churns with displeasure at his words. Deigning to provide him a remark, I whip my head in Rachael's direction and address her earnestly. "I don't want to stay in such a hostile environment, I would be grateful if you could get in touch with Mister Mirza and have him pick me up please."

  Why should I stand here and be subjected to such horrid humiliation by that arrogant and spitefully imbecile brother of hers?

  Rachael aligns her gaze with mine and rapid concern washes over her face as shakes her head in denial. "I'm afraid I can't do that, his phone is out of service and it's not safe for you to return to your former home. You must stay here."

  Out of service !?

  "What?!" This jarring news only serves to increase my anxiety as I sputter a refusal. "B-But I can't! I-"

  "I'm sorry, I will not allow you to return, it's for your own good and safety." She extends her hand and reaches upto palm my face gently. "Don't worry, no harm will come to you here."

  Then directing her gaze in Vladimir's direction, her voice falls to a firm notch. "Sanam will be remaining here for the time being and NO ONE will object to it any further..NO ONE at all."

  My eyes flicker nervously over Vladimir, noticing the way his shapely jaw tightens in complete ire. Without meeting Rachael's gaze, he aimlessly stares in the distance.

  Then a split second later-with brisk indignant strides, he moves past us in the direction of the manors entrance. The intoxicating scent of his cologne trailing behind.

  "Excuse me ladies." Huxley states with a bitter face before strolling rapidly after him.

  Taking ahold of both Arielle and Charlie's hands, Serge offers us a sheepish smile as he falls in tow after Huxley. They disappear through the towering doors of the manor.

  In dire exasperation I pivot on my heel towards Rachael. "Please, I can't stay here! Your brother is extremely hateful towards me when I have personally done him no wrong!"

  "No you don't understand it's just-" she starts.

  But I cut her off in desperation. "Who would want to reside in the presence of someone so hateful towards them anyway?"

  I shake my head in frightened denial, suddenly my mind is wracked with images of the ghastly deeds he carried out by his hands right before my very eyes. "I can't stay here! I will not stay in his home!"

  Swiftly she takes ahold of my shoulders in a firm grip as she peers down at me with worry. "This property is as much as mine as it is his and Katie's. On my behalf you are welcomed and no harm would be inflicted on you, NONE at all so help me God!"

  I shake my head vehemently and protest. " I just want to be sent home, just send me home to my baba."