Tearing The Shroud

by JM Bray

  Vincent felt something hot splash on his feet and jumped back. He had tipped out half of his cup of coffee. ‘Everything about you is perfect,’ he mumbled as he grabbed a rag. ‘There’s an understatement.’

  An Afternoon Outing

  ‘Vinni,’ Flea called, ‘time to hit the stores.’

  He looked out the office window to the ocean and sighed. I guess there’s no way around this.

 

  ‘On my way.’

  The day had passed peacefully, as if the events of the previous afternoon never existed. Vinni shook his head.

  Coleman said. Vincent nodded in agreement.

  ‘Let’s do it,’ Vinni said with a smile to his three friends. They piled into the car and rolled out of the garage. ‘I’m in your hands,’ he said. ‘Where to?’

  ‘The thrift store on Rosecrans first, then Rite-Aid, then the pet shop on Sports Arena — ’

  ‘A pet shop?’

  ‘Trust me.’ She smiled. ‘And the lingerie shop on Midway.’

  ‘The one next to the strip club?’ Knife asked.

  ‘You know about this, how?’ Flea looked at him.

  Knife ignored the question, making them all smile. ‘Nothing to see here; move along.’

  Jule giggled. ‘Yep, that’s the one, but only if I don’t find what we need before that.’

  ‘Just so we have one thing clear,’ Flea said, ‘I’m not wearing a G-string.’

  ‘Once was definitely enough,’ Vinni said.

  Jule stared at Flea in disbelief. ‘A G-string?’

  Knife started to snicker.

  ‘It’s a long story,’ Flea said. ‘You don’t want to hear it.’

  ‘Nah, go ahead, Flea. We’ve got plenty of time.’

  ‘I had ta vote for shopping,’ Flea sighed. ‘Ya see I was in this dance class...’

  They set the bags on the coffee table in the family room. It was nearly five o’clock.

  ‘How about we go grab some dinner then get ready?’ Jule asked.

  ‘You’re the costume queen,’ Flea said.

  ‘Oh. Do you all have black jeans? Or at least worn blue jeans?’ she asked.

  ‘Yep.’ Knife saluted.

  ‘Me, too,’ Flea said.

  ‘I have some, but they’re pretty tight,’ Vinni said.

  ‘Tight works for me.’ She winked.

  ‘Well, I’d rather have something on that I can move in.’

  She nodded. ‘The black cargos will be fine.’ She waved them on toward the hall. ‘Don’t just stand there, shoo!’

  ‘Vincent,’ Flea whined. ‘Your girlfriend hurt my feeeelings.’

  ‘Yeah, she’s being mean,’ Knife said.

  ‘I’ll give you mean,’ she said, trying to sound angry and failing miserably, then chased Flea down the hall.

  Chapter 38

  Herbs

  ‘Theodore, this is Frank Wood. I need an herbalist,’ Justus said into the handset. How he’d missed phones.

  ‘An herbalist?’ the lawyer asked.

  ‘Someone who deals in herbs and remedies,’ Justus said slowly.

  ‘Oh, like you see in Chinatown.’

  ‘Fine, is there one nearby?’

  ‘There’s an area in Clairemont Mesa that might be a good place to look.’

  ‘Here’s Sebastian; give him directions.’

  On Convoy Street, Sebastian parked in front of a small shop nestled between a Phô restaurant and a jeweler. A sign with Chinese writing hung above the window; below it was the word ‘Herbs.’ A boy peeked through the glass door, disappearing as they exited the car.

  ‘Remain here, Sebastian.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  Familiar scents filled the shop and a man with dark hair and angled, almond shaped eyes stood behind the counter. He wore a clean, white coat and bowed as Justus approached. Finally, a proper greeting.

  ‘How may I provide assistance, sir?’ the man said softly with a slight accent.

  ‘I need a selection of herbs,’ Justus said.

  ‘If I may suggest, usually it is best to describe your ailment, and I will suggest the herbs. Yes?’

  ‘I can see how that would apply to most clients, Mr...’

  ‘Yip.’ He bowed.

  Justus nodded. ‘Mr Yip, I’m well versed in herbs and wish to select my own.’

  ‘That is difficult, kind sir, as I have many.’ He gestured at the walls of small wooden drawers.

  ‘I imagine that they are categorized. May I walk near them?’

  Mr Yip’s eyebrows drew down, but he nodded politely and invited him behind the counter. Justus walked by, taking in the scents he passed, following the wall as it intersected the next. He dropped his smug smile before turning back to the herbalist. ‘Your categories are tree bark; spiny leaf; moss; slick leaf; dull leaf; bitter, sweet; and dried mushrooms.’ He smiled with a fake humbleness. ‘Am I about right?’

  ‘No,’ he paused then bowed. ‘You are precisely correct. It is an honor to meet such a Master. Please, let us find what you wish.’

  Over the next hour, Justus selected what he needed. Occasionally, Mr Yip would look concerned by his choices, and Justus realized he knew more than remedies. Justus also bought numerous small bottles and vials. ‘What do you use for your medium?’ he asked.

  ‘Sake.’ When Justus looked confused, he said, ‘Rice wine.’

  ‘Ah, do you have a supply?’

  ‘Certainly.’

  ‘Then a case of that as well.’

  Mr Yip sealed each herb in a handmade envelope and jotted the Chinese name on it, letting Justus label it as well. ‘So you know what characters to look for when you return.’

  ‘Convenient.’

  Mr Yip’s fingers flew over an abacus; he recorded the total and gave it to Justus with both hands, bowing once again.

  ‘Four hundred and fifteen dollars,’ Justus read. ‘Would you like that in cash or gold?’

  ‘Sebastian, did you grow up around here?’ Justus asked as they drove back to the house.

  ‘No sir, near L.A.’

  ‘Hmm, I need several men who are comfortable with violence. We have an errand to run tonight. Can you acquire them?’

  ‘I think so. I work,’ he glanced in the mirror, ‘or used to, as a bouncer on the nights I didn’t drive. Sir, so I get the right guys, what...levels of violence?’

  ‘All,’ Justus said lightly as he looked out the window. ‘Tonight, someone needs to learn a lesson.’

  They drove in silence for a while.

  ‘I know a couple, but I could get the rest through contacts. They might be pretty bad though, ex-cons or gang members.’

  ‘Arrange it.’

  ‘Will they need guns?’

  Though Justus had used guns when in these lands, he usually found them inelegant, lacking the artistry and personal touch he preferred. Tonight would be a dance of death unlike any other he’d directed — a masterpiece in the Master’s honor. He bubbled with anticipation, considering the potions he planned to concoct.

  ‘It will be a rather public setting, and we will be on foot, so that might not be wise. I’ll want those who can work using quieter methods.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘The pay is one thousand dollars apiece. Oh, and Sebastian, since you’re rather large, you might need a costume to blend in.’

  ‘A costume, sir?’

  He nodded, still looking out the window. ‘Yes, we’re going to Samedi Gras.’

  Chapter 39

  Dinner with the Gang

  Vinni settled at the table next to Jule in the cafeteria.

  ‘I’m going as a witch, and Mike’s a zombie,’ Emily said, her voice higher than usual.

  The cafeteria buzzed with excitement over the festival and Emily apparently had jumped in with both feet. Booths lined Caf Lane and a wrecker towed in an old car.

  ‘Wonder what that’s for?’ Mike asked.

 
; ‘Mike, I want to find out what they’re wearing,’ Emily hissed.

  ‘Oh, sorry.’

  ‘We’re coming as post-apocalyptic warriors,’ Jule said. ‘Wait till you see the outfits.’ Jule’s enthusiasm was unflagging.

  ‘I’d like that too,’ Flea said.

  ‘Hush, you.’ She slapped his arm lightly.

  ‘I bet the car is for the Smash-a-thon. You pay to beat on it with sledgehammers. I’m all over that,’ E.T. said.

  ‘Oh. Cool.’ Mike smiled.

  ‘When will you guys be here?’ Emily asked.

  Vinni shrugged. ‘Whenever the costumes get done.’ He was looking forward to getting out of the house, but the excitement of the night hadn’t infected him.

  Knife tapped a finger on his glass, looking out the window. It looked like his mind was on other things too.

  ‘We’ll be here at eight or a little after,’ Jule said. ‘I’m fast with the scissors. We should get going. I just need to grab some things from the room, and we’ll head…to...the...’

  Flea smoothly interjected, ‘The car’s near your dorm; we’ll go together.’

  Jule smiled at him gratefully and stood. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘See you guys tonight,’ Emily said. ‘I bet the event will be just full of surprises.’

  ‘What was that about?’ Flea asked as they exited the building.

  ‘With Emily, who knows,’ Knife said, shaking his head.

  Costumes

  After figuring out how their costumes went, Vinni, Knife, and Flea looked each other over. The assortment of ripped t-shirts, long fingerless gloves, glam rock wigs and chains did the trick. Vinni adjusted the dog collar around his neck and checked his blade harness.

  ‘I think I’ll wear the trench coat with mine, if you don’t need it, Vinni,’ Flea said.

  ‘That’s cool,’ he said. ‘I have to admit, these outfits work. I never thought I’d see you in a dress though, Knife.’

  ‘Hey, these legs are sexy,’ Knife said, modeling his makeshift kilt.

  They jostled each other and laughed until Flea’s died out. His mouth dropped open, as did Knife’s, as they looked past Vinni.

  ‘What?’ His word sounded in the silent room. Then he turned around. Jule appeared transformed. She’d always been cute and sexy but in a playful, girl-next-door way. If this girl had lived next door, all of them would have stayed home for college.

 

  She leaned against the doorframe, wearing a white, men’s tank top so tight her black bra showed through clearly. The leather knife harness lined the blades along her ribs, accentuating her hourglass figure and giving her a dangerous appeal. The shirt tucked into a short, black, cheerleader’s skirt, and chains wrapped around her waist, draping to one side. She had rolled the red and black stockings so they ended a few inches above her knees. Sheaths strapped along the outside of her thighs above them, disappearing under the little skirt, holding the blades inverted. Drawing one required an easy flip of the strap that secured it. Dark red combat boots covered her feet, and a little crucifix dangled from the black studded dog collar encircling her neck. Her tousled hair looked like she’d enjoyed a romp in bed; blood red lips and heavy black eye shadow gave her an exotic look.

  Vinni was speechless and none of the guys were saying much.

  ‘Careful, boys. You might get some of that drool on yourselves,’ she said.

  ‘I...’

  ‘Ummm...’

  Vinni asked softly, ‘Will you marry me?’

  She grinned. ‘Yes, but not now, and I expect a better proposal at some point.’

  Had he just said what he thought he said?

 

  Did she — ?

 

  ‘Before anyone has a coronary, I have on the bikini bottoms I wore all summer.’ She strolled in and turned a quick pirouette. The cheer skirt spun up showing her rounded bottom covered in maroon Lycra.

  Flea said, ‘If you say so, but with that outfit it looks wonderfully...ummm...’

  ‘I think naughty is the word you’re lookin’ for there, bud,’ Knife said with a grin.

  ‘Yeah, that would be it.’ Flea nodded. ‘Good naughty, not bad naughty. You know...wicked...cheerleader naugh...just...oh...good costume.’

  Vinni stood, silently smiling at her. ‘You guys might want to look away,’ he said as he took her in his arms.

  ‘Gahhh,’ Flea said, turning.

  ‘Roger,’ Knife said.

 

  She tilted her head up, and they kissed with abandon, enjoying the feel of one another, their tongues darting and entwining sensuously. The touch of their bodies against each other sent tingling sensations through him. It felt like each curve or muscle of one fitted perfectly to the other. Reluctantly, they drew apart, and Vincent gave her firm rear a gentle squeeze under her skirt before they separated, bringing a sultry smile to her lips.

  She whispered in his ear, her breath hot on his neck. ‘Mmm, I like that.’

  ‘Me too,’ he said softly, pulling gently away again.

  ‘So, you guys ready for your makeup?’ she asked to their backs.

  ‘Can we look now?’ Knife asked.

  ‘Do you have your clothes back on?’ Flea asked.

  ‘Almost,’ Jule said, and laughed when their heads whipped around.

  ‘Everyone on a chair at the counter, and I’ll get your makeup and nails done in a jiffy.’

  A short time later, they walked out the front door armed with bats and blades. Their nails were black and their faces looked like a cross between a metal band and Native American Warriors.

  ‘Jule,’ Knife said. ‘I didn’t think you could do it, but we really look like the guys from Mad Max.’

  ‘This is gonna be one heck of a party,’ Flea said as he locked the gate.

  Unease ran through Vinni, and he nearly called the whole thing off. He checked his blades and the motion helped settle his nerves. He hoped tonight didn’t end up like the movie.

  Chapter 40

  Contract Labor

  It was nearly six o’clock, and Justus had spent the day assembling primed potions, poisons, and irritants from the herbs. Some needed only a simple word to trigger, while others activated when consumed. He’d stored one of the latter in a hip flask.

  He was in the garden by the house, turning over the soft soil with a shovel. It always relaxed him, but it had been years since he’d been physically able.

  ‘Sir?’ Sebastian called from the corner of the house; a small group of men stood beyond him. ‘I have the men you wanted.’

  ‘Bring them over.’

  Sebastian motioned, and they followed him into the secluded side yard, assembling themselves into two groups. Justus walked around them as Sebastian spoke. They looked to be a hard crew of men, fit to the task Justus had in mind.

  ‘The two big guys played ball with me in college,’ Sebastian’s deep voice rumbled. A barrel-chested one had the flattened nose and cauliflower ears of a brawler. The second was shorter but had muscles that stretched his shirt, and scarred hands; he carried a large knife sheathed at his back.

  ‘These others come recommended by a trusted source.’ The second group included two tattooed Hispanics, a white muscular cowboy, and a stout Asian who reminded Justus of a stack of blocks.

  ‘Thank you for coming,’ he said, pulling the hip flask from his pocket. ‘I’m a civilized man, so let’s start off with a drink.’ The flask made its way around the new group, coming at last to the cowboy.

  He looked at the Hispanic holding it and shook his head. ‘I ain’t drinking after no spick.’

  ‘Very well.’ Justus took the flask and handed the shovel to the Hispanic man. ‘Hold this while I seal our drink.’

  ‘I have very few requirements: do what I ask without question, and no vulgarities.’

  ‘No what?’ the cowboy asked.

  ‘No cussing,’ Sebastian said.

  ‘I don’t care who you are; no one’s tel
lin’ me how to talk. No fu — ’

  Justus gestured and the gang member cracked the cowboy across the face with the shovel. He crumpled to the ground. Another gesture locked the others in place, unable to speak. Justus pointed at the fallen man and a grimace buried the gang member’s tattooed tear as he found himself unable to resist. He hit the cowboy’s head three more times with the back of the garden tool, each blow punctuated by a resounding ‘tong’, then backed away.

  Justus examined his servant’s work as the man gurgled his last few breaths. The cowboy’s head had taken on a decidedly flattened shape. ‘Exquisite. That’s the exact impression of the shovel.’ He smiled and looked up. ‘A surprise rehearsal for tonight — what a delight. The rest of you simply must relax and do as I require.’ Their faces grew calm and they nodded. ‘That wasn’t so difficult, now was it? You may speak, if it pertains to our tasks. See to it that my garden gets fertilized.’ The Hispanic walked to the center of the plants and started to dig as the other four picked up the corpse.

  ‘Sir?’ Cauliflower Ear asked.

  Justus stopped and turned. ‘Yes?’

  ‘Do you have more shovels?’

  ‘Sebastian, they’re in the garage.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘I’m going to shower and change for the party.’ He smiled and walked toward the house whistling brightly.

  ‘Turn left,’ Justus said. During their circuit of the campus earlier, he’d noticed another entrance, completely unguarded. Such trusting fools. ‘Park near the corner.’ He twiddled his fingers in anticipation. Tonight would be a delight.

  Sebastian pulled the car over.

  ‘Here, Sebastian, drink this.’ He handed the man a tiny bottle.

  ‘Sir?’

  ‘It’s completely harmless, but it will alter your perception, allowing you to see things you might miss otherwise. Cheers.’ He toasted as they both drank. ‘You won’t feel a thing; don’t worry. Let’s be off.’

  Sebastian stepped out of the car and opened the door for him. Justus was dressed in Jimmy’s rocker outfit, complete with the waistcoat, eyeliner, and disarrayed hair. Once in costume, he understood why Jimmy chose it; he looked great.