Bystanders

by Phillip Murrell

  Power continues. “At least they’re good pack mules. I was kind of surprised that they helped.”

  Sean just shrugs it off. “You didn’t need me. I would’ve just got in the way. I had to holla at old girl. You remember, the one with the big ass titties?”

  A smile crosses Power’s face. “Yeah, I remember her. Yo, I can’t hate, but only because you just got out of the hospital. How were you able to perform?”

  “About the same as I did with your mom last night.”

  “Damn. Yo, don’t be talking about my moms like that.”

  “I’m just messing with you, but the spot look good, for real.”

  A television plays in the background. Claire Kennedy tells her story about a meeting with two boys. The footage that the boys captured is played. Power hears the sirens on the recording. He quickly draws his gun.

  Sean steps back. “You a bit jumpy, Power?”

  Power sweats, but he realizes his mistake. “Shouldn’t you be jumpy, too? Cops and superheroes tend to show up too much around me. I can’t be taking chances.”

  “You seem a little too nervous. You been hitting your product?”

  “No. You know I don’t mess around with that shit. I prefer to keep my mind free. I’m not going to be a slave to a chemical.”

  “I hear that shit.”

  “But, I damn sure will use it to make money,” Power adds.

  “Hell yeah.”

  The two bump fists again.

  “Now that you’re here, give me a hand with this. The bitches will be showing up in an hour.”

  Sean helps Power put on the finishing touches.

  Keith and Kyle sit in the former’s bedroom and stare at Keith’s tablet.

  “Refresh it again,” Kyle eagerly suggests.

  Keith complies. They get excited as they see the number of followers jump to 994.

  “Come on, we’re so close to one thousand,” Keith states. “Just a few more.”

  “Refresh again.”

  The boys cheer. They reached their goal of one thousand followers.

  “Hell yeah!” Keith exclaims.

  “Yes!” Kyle shouts.

  The boys embrace each other in their excitement.

  “That reporter came through,” Kyle says.

  “Hell yeah she did,” Keith agrees. “Claire not only put us on the map, but she highlighted us for everyone else. I don’t even care about the fireworks anymore.”

  “Who does? I could just hit refresh for hours and be happy. Has anyone added any comments about our footage?”

  “That seems to be the most popular.”

  Keith begins to read off comments. “Damn, son, you two are brave as hell. Those shots are epic.”

  He moves to a second comment. “Is that First Line in a new armor? Did Claire Kennedy introduce you to him?”

  Kyle slightly frowns. “I need people to use our name. What does the competition show?”

  Keith scrolls over to the “Name the Vigilante” section of their website. “So far, most people stick to First Line. I guess the news takes away any original thought from people.”

  “What’s next?” Kyle asks.

  Keith is happier with this result. “I’m proud to say that Beatdown is in second place. I don’t know if it’ll overtake First Line, though.”

  Keith continues to scroll down. “After that, a few of the other names from other news stations, like Brutal. A few others like that.”

  “So, who’s bringing up the bottom?” Kyle asks.

  Keith looks. “One name gets a single hit; Votary. What the hell does that mean?”

  “I don’t know,” Kyle admits. “Maybe the guy just made up something that he thought sounded cool. What about the origin story competition?”

  Keith shifts his attention. “It’s mostly variations of alien. Next, is robot. Then, we have billionaire.”

  Kyle rolls his eyes.

  Keith continues. “Next, is military experiment and finally, people from the future.”

  The boys continue to scroll through comments.

  The party is now in full swing. Power entertains his guests, with the goons following closely.

  Power shakes his head. “Damn, can’t you two give it a rest? It’s a party; enjoy yourselves.”

  Goon One and Goon Two just stand there with hands folded in front of their waists.

  Power gives up. “Suit yourselves.”

  Some party goers start to shoot off store-bought fireworks.

  The pops of firecrackers startle Power.

  Power pulls out his pistol. “What the hell was that?”

  He frantically waves his weapon around and searches for a threat that isn’t there.

  Goon One mocks him. “You know, there are going to be a lot of loud noises tonight. You sure you don’t need to take something to calm down?”

  Goon Two adds to the insult. He uses a baby talk voice. “Don’t worry, we’ll save you from the scary people.”

  Power hates these two. “Man, screw both of you. I don’t have to take this shit.”

  Goon Two grins. “Actually, yes, you do. I’m sure you don’t want us to tell The Speaker that you aren’t playing nice.”

  Power tucks his gun into his waistband. “I’m sick of this shit. Why don’t you guys just do what you plan on doing?”

  Goon One grabs a random woman walking by on the arm and pulls her toward Power. She’s extremely attractive and provocatively dressed.

  Goon One forces an introduction. “Power, let me introduce you to Random Ho. Random Ho, take this man into a bedroom or something and calm him down.”

  The woman doesn’t object. “Sure. Come with me, Power, and show me how you live up to your name.”

  Power grins widely. “Tell Sean to run things while I’m occupied.”

  The goons smile.

  “I think your friend is doing alright by himself,” Goon Two says.

  Goon Two points and Power looks in that direction. Sean is some distance away, but he dances closely to a woman with a rocking body.

  “I guess he is,” Power says before turning his attention to his current lady. “Lead the way.”

  Power is taken by the hand and led to another room.

  Sean stares longingly at Julie, his dance partner. “Damn, baby, I think everyone’s got you misunderstood.”

  Julie is all smiles. “Indeed. Would you care to follow me to a quiet place?”

  Sean seems beyond aroused. “You serious?”

  Julie shrugs, yet makes it seductive. “I like to go slumming from time to time. As long as you’re okay with being used once and thrown away.”

  Sean doesn’t seem to have a problem with this. “Just call me Captain Booty Call.”

  Julie leads Sean into a secluded room. The two goons follow discretely.

  Julie continues to entice Sean as she walks seductively to the middle of the room. It’s mostly empty, and dark, except for a single chair in the center. The chair looks like it used to serve as the electric chair. The music from the party thumps behind them.

  Sean lets a hand fall to Julie’s butt. “This is kind of kinky.”

  Julie allows the offense, but she gives the goons a silent instruction. Sean starts to take off his shirt. The moment it’s over his head, the goons grab him and throw him to the ground.

  “What the hell, man!” he exclaims.

  The sound of the loud party masks Sean’s screams. The two goons grab him and force him into the chair. They clasp his hands and feet, securing him to the chair.

  Julie relishes Sean’s perplexed look.

  “What the hell? What’s going on?” Sean asks again.

  Julie drops her “willing partner” routine. “Do you really think that I’d go slumming? Do you?”

  Sean’s eyes go wide with apparent realization. “What are you going to do?”

  Yuri’s voice responds from behind Sean. “She isn’t going to do anything. I believe you need to be more concerned with what I’m going to do.”


  The lights go on in the room, and Yuri steps in front of Sean with several armed guards.

  Julie smiles because Sean clearly doesn’t realize the full danger he’s in. “Who the hell are you?”

  Julie scoffs. “You can’t possibly be this stupid.”

  Julie’s smile broadens as she sees Sean finally grasp the full danger. His eyes are full of absolute terror. “Mr. Chairman, I don’t know what you think I did, but I didn’t do it.”

  Several guards step forward and start to spray Sean with a white powder. He coughs as some gets into his mouth.

  “What the hell? What is this shit?”

  Yuri seems happy to answer. “I’m a very patient man, but I’m also a busy one. I don’t have the time or taste for extended torture.”

  Sean keeps his mouth shut. He is probably trying to keep his bladder the same.

  Yuri continues. “At least you’re smart enough to remain silent. I do hate it when I have to gag my employees. Do you know why you’re here with me?”

  Sean shakes his head.

  Yuri proceeds with his villainous monologue. “Does the name Officer William Smith mean anything to you?”

  Sean begins to openly weep. “I didn’t tell him anything. I never give him anything good.”

  Julie slaps Sean across the face, and he starts to bawl.

  Yuri shrugs. “I guess we’ll need the ball gag after all.”

  The goons force the red ball into Sean’s mouth. He’s a trembling mess.

  Yuri begins again. “I don’t need you to confirm my statements. I have people everywhere. I know that you’ve been informing him on transactions. I’m guessing that you’re the reason that Power keeps having unfortunate run-ins with The Opposition.”

  Sean shakes his head feverishly to each side.

  Yuri scoffs. “Sean, die with dignity. I know you talk to him. I know you’re a rat. Rats need to be exterminated.”

  Sean hangs his head in acceptance. His body shakes as he weeps.

  “Now, I believe you asked a question. This ‘shit’ is flash powder. It’s used in fireworks for celebrations like the one we have tonight. Usually the stuff is very sensitive and could ignite from limited friction. Thankfully, I’m extremely rich, and I got my chemists to make a more stable variety. Yet, it still burns just as quickly and intense.”

  Sean keeps his face pointed at the floor. His tears continue to flow down his face.

  “I’m going to light you on fire if you don’t tell me the truth.” Yuri pauses to let this fact sink in with Sean. “I’m going to have them remove the gag. I’m hoping that you’re finished being a child and are ready to take it like a man again. I have one last question. If you answer truthfully, I’ll let you have the bullet, instead of the match.”

  Yuri nods, and Goon One removes the gag. Sean takes in a few deep breaths. He appears to try and calm his racing heart, but he coughs from inhaling some of the flash powder.

  “Do you have anything to say to me?” Yuri asks.

  Sean breathes some more.

  Yuri visibly grows impatient. “Please remember what I said about being busy and not having the time for this.”

  Sean finally looks up to stare at Yuri.

  Yuri presses him. “What I want to know is, do the police know the identity of The Opposition?”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Sean answers.

  Julie senses his honesty.

  “Do you know him?” Yuri asks.

  “Absolutely not!”

  Yuri looks at Sean for a moment. He crosses the room, stepping into the errant flash powder. He gets right in his face and stares deeply into his eyes.

  “I’m telling the truth!” Sean reasserts. “Please, you don’t have to do this.”

  Yuri looks at both goons and Julie. Julie knows he wants some sort of confirmation. All three look back at him, but they keep their opinions to themselves.

  Yuri speaks. “I doubted the police had The Opposition in their pocket, and I knew you didn’t have anything to do with him.”

  Sean slightly relaxes his shoulders. He looks back up at Yuri. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

  The chairman steps back. He gets out of the loose powder on the floor. He slips off his expensive shoes and throws them at Sean.

  Sean jolts when the shoes bounce off his chest. “What?”

  “How about a last cigarette?” Yuri suggests.

  Sean begins to cry again. “You said I could get a bullet.”

  Yuri appears to be all business. “I can’t be certain that you’re telling the truth, and I definitely have to send a message. Goodbye.”

  Yuri receives a new pair of expensive shoes from a guard.

  He puts them on and leaves out a back door with his entourage. Only Julie and the goons remain.

  “Where’s he going?” Sean asks.

  Julie is at once both deadly and playful. “The Chairman is a kind soul. He doesn’t like to see the actual torture. We don’t have the same problem.”

  Sean begins to beg. “Please, please, just shoot me.”

  The goons leer at Sean.

  Julie teases him more. “How about we play a game? If you win, you get to walk out of here with a one day head start. If you lose, well, you’ll burn to death in this room.”

  Sean clearly doesn’t like his chances. “What do I have to do?”

  Julie nods, and Goon Two steps forward. He pulls out a pack of cigarettes. He slaps the pack a few times, taunting Sean, and selects one.

  “Open up,” he commands.

  Sean opens his mouth, and Goon Two slides a cigarette between trembling lips. Goon Two then unlocks the clasp on Sean’s right hand.

  Julie continues to taunt. “I assume you’re right-handed. My friend is going to give you a lighter. You’re going to light that cigarette and smoke it. If you can finish it without it setting you ablaze, well then you would be the first.”

  Goon One offers some encouragement. “I’m rooting for you. I love a long shot bet with a great return.”

  The goons and Julie make sure they’re not near any flash powder. Once they’re sure they’re clear, Goon Two throws the lighter onto Sean’s lap.

  Sean picks up the lighter and tries to ignite it. He fumbles through his task with shaking hands. He’s unsuccessful for multiple attempts.

  “The more you mess around with that spark, the better the odds you don’t get a single puff,” Julie taunts.

  Sean appears to calm himself enough for the task at hand. He’s finally able to get the flame to ignite and lights his cigarette.

  “There you go,” Julie states. “I sure hope you’re a smoker. Coughing isn’t advised right now.”

  Sean takes long slow drags. He attempts to burn through the cigarette as fast as he can. The ash grows long and looks like it’s about to fall.

  Goon Two addresses his partner. “Moment of truth.”

  “Shut up,” Goon One retorts. “Let him concentrate.”

  Sean leans his head back to try and balance the ash. Of course, this doesn’t work and the ash falls. Sean screams, so the whole cigarette drops from his mouth.

  The cigarette lands in a pile of flash powder on his lap. Sean explodes in intense burning flames. He screams an unearthly sound.

  Goon Two mocks his friend. “It just isn’t your day.”

  Goon One hands over a handful of money. “Just once I’d like them to get past the ash problem.”

  Julie gives the order. “Let’s go. Don’t forget to hit the fire alarm on the way out. We don’t need that many casualties tonight.”

  The three walk out the same door that Yuri took with his detail. As they pass the door, Goon One pulls the fire alarm.

  It blares as Sean continues to scream.

  Chapter 5

  Several emergency personnel stand in front of the warehouse from the party the night before. It’s a smoldering ruin with nothing left. News reporters take dramatic shots in front of the wreckage for their various stories, most that will focus on the vi
gilante.

  Power was able to get home after the fire. He paces in the bedroom of his apartment and is extremely paranoid. He has a pump action shotgun in his hands. He’s in the middle of the room in boxer shorts and a white tank top. A smoking crack pipe next to a pile of drugs lays on his end table. The stress of Night Terror has finally pushed Power into using the chemicals that he denounced.

  Power mumbles to himself. “I know he’s coming for me. That Night Terror burned my party to the ground.”

  The attractive woman whom Power left the party with is curled up in the corner in bra and panties. She cries pitifully.

  “Power, please just let me go. I haven’t done anything.”

  Power ignores her and continues his delirious rant. “He must have got Sean. He would have checked in by now.”

  “Please! Let me go.”

  Power continues to ignore her. He’s in a paranoid trance. “At least he killed the goons. I ain’t seen those busters for a while.”

  The woman screams at Power, “Let me go!”

  Power doesn’t even register that she’s talking. The woman makes a futile run for the door. This alerts Power, and he violently butt strokes her in the back.

  “You can’t go, bitch. It ain’t safe out there. We got to stick together.”

  Power’s brutal attack paralyzes the woman.

  “Aww! I can’t move! Help! Help!” she screams.

  Power leaves the room and soon comes back with duct tape.

  “I’m doing this for your own good,” he informs her in his drugged-out stupor.

  Power roughly manhandles the woman as he wraps her face with tape. The rush job injures her broken back even more. The woman is permanently paralyzed.

  “That’s better,” Power states. “Now I can hear myself think.”

  The woman sobs as she lies crumpled on the floor.

  “I need to take the edge off. Bitch, get me something to drink.”

  The woman just lies there. Power looks over to her.

  “Stop being so dramatic. You don’t need to speak to get a drink.”

  She doesn’t move. Power stands over her.

  “Get the hell up!”

  He starts to kick her legs. She doesn’t react.

  “Oh, we’re gonna play two-year-old games?”

  Power grabs her by her hair and pulls her up. The woman produces a muffled scream into the tape, but her legs hang limp. She sobs uncontrollably. Power lets go of her hair, and she collapses to the floor.