by L Johnson
“Appreciate that Cal,” He snickered.
“I didn't know she left you.”
“We took a break Mark.”
“I mean; I didn't like her honestly. I think that you can find someone a little bit better… a little less attitude.” Lucas added. “She was always staring at me like a monster.”
“I wonder why?” Asher tilted his head. “I get it you didn't like her and that's fine. Change the subject.”
“Testy this morning little brother...”
“Luke, I'm older than you.” Asher rolled his eyes.
Mark burst into laughter, “Dear Jesus, do you two have to argue every morning.”
“It wouldn't be normal if we hugged.”
“Baby,” I snapped at Lucas. “Please be nice.”
“He's fine, you guys. He doesn't bother me. I overlook half of what he says. I know it's his form of love.” Asher calmed the table. “Though I appreciate you all jumping to my defense.”
“Well, I'll be taking him off of your hands for a while today. We are going to go hit some old spots up in Belfast. I want to show him how everything has changed.”
“I would love to see Belfast.” Mark said.
“Um, maybe later this week Mark. I really just wanted to spend some time with my cousin here. We haven't had the proper chance to catch up in ages. And I know it's important to him. He can ask me to be his best man and everything.” Callum winked. “And I know Holly wanted to take the ladies to some places.”
“We could sight-see.” Mark said to Asher.
“Perhaps.”
Lucas nodded his head. “Then we can all meet at our grandmother's house around 6ish?”
Lucas had obviously made these plans without me. “So, I have to spend a whole day alone?”
“With Holly, Cypress it's not the whole day. We just really want to have some man bonding time alone.”
“Fine,” I smiled at Holly as she walked down the steps holding Nina in her arms. “I hear we are having a girls’ day.”
“Oh yeah, And I have some places to take you lovely ladies.”
Lucas
Callum drove like a bat out of hell. This part of him I hadn’t missed. I held on for my dear life as we traveled the curvy dirt road. “Why you look so nervous there Luke? How can you kill someone and fear death?”
“How can I not? You drive like a mad man. I’ll be driving home.” I shook my head. “So have you talked to this teacher?”
“I haven't… I have another to kill too. It's for half a million. Are you down?”
“I mean I guess.” I looked out at the scenery that surrounded me.
“What do you mean you guess?” Callum looked over at me. “Why are you so quiet? Liven up! When was the last time you killed someone?”
“Too long… my dear friend Luther in the states.”
“You'll do good. Have you thought about a career here? I mean for when you move?”
“I don't know.” I knew what the entire family was over there. I remember the power my father and uncles had by just looking at someone. Though the power was an adrenaline rush I doubted Cypress wanted to put through the drama that comes with it.
“Think about it, you have to have a way to support your family. The money that you have won't last forever. I can get you a job with me. I have some people under me. I could make you my second in charge.” Callum ranted about his business that was doing more than well and how he would want me to step in a run some things but organized crime was not for me. I was not a tough guy. I was just a thrill seeking killer there was a complete difference.
“I know what I have Callum and I don’t bloody want it.”
“Don't get snappy.” He grimaced. “When are you getting married?”
“I don't know. I told her to plan everything and give me a date and I would be there.”
“Smart.”
“Why won't you marry Holly? You two have been together since forever.”
“I know.” Callum groaned. “Everything is fine and there is no ring. Rings make things so difficult. I just want to be with her and love her. I don't need to stand before the church and confess me love for her. She knows I love her and that's all I want.”
“Women don't think like that Cal.”
“So, I think like that.”
“Alright, anyhow… I don't have my knife. I had to leave it back home.”
“You use a knife?”
“What do you use?”
“Whatever is at my disposal, what knife?”
“The knife my father gave me.”
“The engraved knife, that's sweet. Are you ready to see him?”
“No, the bloody bastard has some major explaining to do.”
“Be nice,” we finally pulled into the small town and parked. “He lives in that house.” He pointed to a small cottage. “Remember it?”
“Yeah, I remember you telling me about it. What do you plan on doing?”
“Getting in unnoticed… Killing him slowly in the damned dungeon that he raped kids in. And then cutting his dick off and shoving it in his mouth. After that… I get to eat good and fuck my girlfriend senseless, so she can forget about that damned ring.”
“You are such a gentleman.”
“I know mate.”
My instincts kicked in as we watched him water his flowers and talk to the local neighborhood kids. Callum twiddled with his knife in his pocket. He occasionally tapped the steering wheel humming some Irish tune under his breath.
“What are you the most afraid of Luke?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do you fear?”
“Death, the freaking electric chair.”
“Don't fear it.” Callum rested his head against his seat with his eyes closed. “When you fear something you become reckless. When you are fearless you become dangerous. I don't fear death. I don't fear the police. I don't fear anything.”
“Well, lucky you.” I mumbled.
“Asher said he worries that you are getting reckless.”
“I did for a moment.”
“That moment could have ruined your life.”
“You talk to Asher about me?”
“Barely, he's a quiet guy. I like him.”
“Yeah, he's different.” I rolled my eyes.
“I want you to live, to grow old. I want you to see your grandchildren. And I think you need to leave America permanently to do it.”
“I've thought about it and it's what I need to do. I get it.” Callum always wanted to pick brains on a kill. “Why are you so nosy?”
“Why are you so content living within a place that doesn't want you there anymore?”
“You do every time.”
“Do what Luke?”
“Pick my brain, make me angry and I get out of control.”
“Great! Yes, you need to be ruthless. Do you still talk to the bastards?”
“What?”
“I remember you talking Lucas. You like to taunt. Kill them and leave.”
“Shut up.” I snapped. “Look, he's in his house. We could go around the back.”
“Yeah, I see him. I'll go to the front door and you can sneak around back.”
“You'll be seen.”
“I have protection through the IRA. I can do whatever I want. Just go to the back door and I will let you in. Keep your hat on and glasses as well and we can go ahead and make a move.” He slid his black gloves on and walked to the front door. I made my way around to the back door.
The backyard was a huge garden, completely covered by the plants and the giant trees. I walked quietly over the stones and fountains and stood on the stone steps of his backyard. I could hear Callum talking in the house.
“I know it has been forever. I heard you retired from the boarding school?”
“Yeah a few weeks back. I just want to focus on my garden and maybe travel a wee bit. Would you like some tea?”
“Oh no thank you… I hate the stuff.”
“Okay, well
what brings you by?”
“Just some things I wanted to get off of my chest...”
“Go ahead.” The teacher said completely lost on what was about to happen.
I knocked lightly on the back door and it opened. “Mr.… How have you been?”
A loud clang from behind him and he dropped to the floor. “Come on inmate.” Callum drug him to the stairs and kicked him down. The thud of his head hitting the floor made me reassured he was out like a light. Callum was nothing like me on a kill. I was quiet. I stalked and waited for an opportunity. He made opportunities occur. The house had pictures of cats everywhere. The smell of burning onions filled the air and I turned to the stove. “We interrupted his dinner. How rude?” I laughed.
“I know. He was always a good cook.” Callum broke the wooden chair into pieces and handed me a leg of it. He has something that he hangs little boys up with. I figure it is best we go ahead and string him up… lend me a hand?”
“My pleasure.” He was a hefty man. We lifted him up and tied his hands together and hung him by his hands on the hook that hung from the ceiling. Then Callum stripped him down to his underwear and walked around him like he had won a trophy. He stared and wiped the sweat off of his face.
“I want this fucker up!” He growled. Callum hit the man's face several times, sending the sound ringing through the room. “Wake up!”
His eyes flickered and he struggled to pull against the ropes. A yell came from his mouth and I shoved a sock in it. “Not time to yell yet. Calm yourself… a struggle is just gonna make this ugly. I want your death to beautiful…. Understood?”
Callum shook with anger. “Do you remember?”
He shook his head, his fat neck turned red and then it was there. The fear. He squirmed and a tear fell from his face. “Shall we remind him?”
“Definitely,” Callum stripped him of his underwear. “You tried to fuck me. I was fifteen years old. You cold hearted manipulative bastard! How many have you fucked!” Callum drew back slapped his back with the wooden stick shattering it in pieces as the blood ran down the man's back. “How many!”
Callum's face had grown red as well. His anger had boiled over to a point of no control. I stepped back and watched him as he retrieved the knife from his pocket. The knife clicked open and Callum walked towards him.
“I should cut your eyes out.” He whispered. “I should pay someone to fuck you relentlessly. But instead… I'm going to make you bleed out slowly... Lucas… here.”
I held my hand out for the knife and walked towards him. “I’m a talker. I kind of want to know you. Tell me about yourself. When did you start fucking little boys for leisure?”
Callum leaned against the wall. His eyes watched everything that I have done.
“No words...” I sliced into his stomach watching the blood pool on the ground. My heart raged
and finally I had this feeling again. “How does that feel?” I smiled. “I felt it and I cannot lie. It feels like heaven. You are a good kill. Ugh shit, damn it. I mean… are there other rapists like you?”
I chuckled. “I mean of course, there are… I'll find the fuckers… Callum you like this project?”
“I do.” Callum nodded.
“Good, we have a new hobby...” My knife traced his face and then I applied a little more pressure and he finally started to bleed. A muffled scream filled the air and my hand slapped the sides of his face. “Shut up. Did those boys scream? How does it feel?!” I couldn't even recognize my own voice. “You sick fuck!” The growl escaped as I pushed the knife into his arms. The blood raced past his face.
“Kill him,.” Callum said.
“My fucking pleasure… open those eyes.” I pushed the knife into his heart and could feel the rhythm as it faded and the mess of blood splattered on the floor.
“Still a fucking messy killer.” Callum laughed.
“What, I like the look of blood.” I stared at his empty eyes and turned to face Callum. “How would you have done it?”
“Gun to the dome?” He snickered.
“You are a lazy killer. What's the point if you are not going to enjoy it?”
“Trust me, I do enjoy every moment of it. Let's get the fuck out of here.”
Cypress
His grandmother's home was a castle. It was a literal stone castle in the middle of a plateau that had a view of the Irish Sea. This was unbelievable. I sat on the park bench by myself and stared at the view. I wanted to stay here forever. There was no such peace that could be found at home.
“Beautiful, huh?” The tall man sat beside me. His curls blowing away from his face.
“It is.” I said.
“No accent, eh? Where you from?”
“America actually?”
“There is no beauty like this there.” He sighed. He bit into his apple and smiled. “What brings you here?”
I looked at him. His eyes stark gray and eerie. “Who are you?”
“Just passing by,” He said. “I haven't been here since I was a wee lad. My mum usually visits me.”
“I asked who you were?” I looked at him. Why did he look so familiar? The way he avoided answering and the way smirked whenever I was irritated reminded me of Luke.
“Feisty, just how Luke always liked them.” He tossed the remainder of the apple to the ground. “Declan Elledge… they call me, Declan Reid now. Do you know who I am?”
“Declan Elledge is dead.”
“Exactly,” He chuckled. “What is my mom cooking there? I smell potatoes and cabbage I just hope it's not any of that steak she does. Can I walk back in there with you? And is Lucas in there?”
“How dare you talk to me like this conversation is normal? All of your sons are in there. Every last one of them and you have some explaining to do.”
“I know. It's why I came to dinner. I want to meet them and talk to them.”
“Lucas might kill you.”
“I might kill Lucas.” he smirked. “Come on. Argue with me later, and congrats on the baby and apparent marriage. When did you get married?” He pointed to my ring.
“Dear Jesus, you are just like him. Get up and go in there right now. And don't walk in with me. You wait and then you come. I don't want him to think that I had anything to do with this.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
The shit was about to hit the fan and I would have to deal with it. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I opened the front door to the house and smiled. “Lucas!”
“Hey babe.” Lucas kissed me and placed his hand on the nape of my back. “You like the view out there.”
“I love it.” I grabbed his hand and smiled at him.
“You okay? You seem quiet.”
“I'm fine baby. Your grandmother is so sweet.”
“She is a character.” Lucas' arms wrapped around my waist and ran up my stomach. “How has he been?”
“The baby… is fine. Kicked the entire time we walked and continues to dance on my bladder.”
“Oh good boy… I see football in his future. And I mean real football not American.”
“Don't be mean.”
“I'm not, love. I am just saying there are some fundamental values that are different. And I don't mind it, but we are actually going to be a European family...”
“Knock, knock.” My heart pounded at the sound of his voice again. What was about to happen?
Lucas turned and his mouth fell open. “What the hell?” He growled.
“Uncle Declan, it’s about time you showed your face...” Callum walked into the kitchen.
“Declan?” Asher said as he stood to his feet. “Declan is dead.”
“I'm alive.” Declan smiled. His arrogance infuriated me. “I can explain it all over dinner. Hi mom!”
Nadine waved from the kitchen. She too must have known. Holly never looked up and Mark just sat with his lips in a pressed line.
“We can see that.” Mark stood up. “Okay, so what the fuck happened to you. And oh by the way, I'm your first born s
on you threw away.” His eyes were red. “I mean what the fuck? Do you think that you can stroll in here and we just love you? I don't want shit to do with you.”
“Take a seat.” His voice roared and echoed through the house.
Lucas stepped back and there was something that had never been there, fear. “Dad, don't yell at him like that.” He shook with his fist clenched. “You don't even know them and they have every right to be mad.”
“I can explain.” Declan's voice was still loud but it was angry. “I will explain to you all.”
Asher nodded his head in frustration. His brow creased and the annoyance was written all over his face. “For us it starts with more than just your death. You gave us up. I had no one but a mom that worked too much. I wanted a father. I wanted a real father and you couldn't do it.”
“Please sit down.” Declan said.
“No,” Asher said. “I’ll just step out while you fill their heads with whatever elaborate story you can conjure up. There is nothing that you can say that will change how I feel. You’re a coward.” He stood up and made his way passed Declan into the kitchen.
I glanced at Lucas. His eyebrows rose in shock and smirked. He was proud of Asher. Mark stared at Declan. “You better not say shit to him.”
“I won't.” Declan sat down on the couch. “Lucas I left so you could have a better life.” He twiddled with his fingers. “And I know that it's not a good enough...”
“You're right.” He interrupted. His voice was wavering and weak. “I could have been a better person had you been there for me. I was alone.” He gripped my hand. “I lost my mum. The only woman who knew me better than I knew me. All I wanted was a father that could be there for me. But you didn't even stay the whole funeral!”
“I know.”
“You don't know!” I could feel the agony as it bled through in his voice. “You will never know what it was like watching her die. I have done that! I watched her wither away to nothing!” The tears streamed down his face like rain. And his voice grew louder. “You’re a coward. You are...”
“I am your father and I know I fucked up, but I want to change things. Life is short.”
“You will never be my father,” Mark cut his eyes over to Callum. “Did you know?”