TWILIGHT

Smoking in the damp glow of twilight mystifies the moonlight. The hope of a druggie is most often to grasp that nostalgic feeling. Ethereal and strange. Emotions brought on by memories you're unsure even exist. But then, can memories even be considered a part of one's being. The roaring engine of my classic black mustang disturbed these somewhat lonely streets, dirtied with garbage and pure filth. The reason being; cleaners and garbage collectors fear this part of the city. Neon light softly reflects my baby's sheen, angela- that silver angelic statue standing proudly at the head of the bonnet, vanguarding the way through this unfriendly district.

Marijuana laced with the purest of cocaine this side of the border permeates my already worn lungs. It all feels like a lucid dream, a dream of an unfamiliar life yet here I am at the center of it all. The soothing music of Maurice plays on the radio, telling of a man struggling to do right by his lover. One of his greatest hits in my opinion.

lazily, my hand rests on the shining leathery steering wheel. with no particular place to be I drive aimlessly.

The digital clock ticks up to two-fifty-nine as I deliberate over which of my cravings to satiate. Finally the visage of a plump black coquettish woman comes to mind. "chocolate" I mumbled to myself. Holding the cigarette in my mouth, I used the now free hand to fetch my phone. The dim light of the screen focuses my eyes. three numbers reside at the top of my call log. Chocolate being one of them, I call as usual. Food can wait.

Three droned rings later, a feminine voice answers familiarly " Tiger! baby, I was expecting you. it's been a long time you called for some chocolate"

An amused smirk crept across my face. As I recollect the past few months. " well. I'm calling now."

She chuckles at my words, I feel her hot breath through this cold phone. Patiently I waited for her reply which readily came on time " well. you know where to find me baby" She cancels the call, returning silence to this lonesome car.

Expectantly, I drove to her office- a street corner named Picman. Shortly I arrived. From a distance I could see her face pirk up upon hearing the hum of the engine. Standing around, her fellow trades women and business rivals wait for potential customers. I come to a slow stop in front of her. Although my mind is a bit muddled since I've started on these second cigarettes. I can still tell that she's had a busy night. Her exposed skin was sweaty and glistening in the street light. A slight scent emanates from her.

Cigarette smoke billows from my mouth as I stare at her in silent, unmoving. She smiles brightly and waddles up to the car. Her whitened teeth accentuated, diverting attention from her cold and tired eyes. " baby" She speaks with jubilation." long time." her eyes scrutinizes me, searching for change. Finding such a change in the form of a long partially healed scar stretching vertically along my cheek. She touches it gently as she caresses my face'' It's so dangerous out there baby.``

She waves goodbye to the other ladies and gets in the car without Instruction. Her scent is a bit bothersome but I ignore it.

we drive in silence and cigarette smoke through in the dark of early morning. Soon her curiosity peaks beyond her control " so, where have you been baby?, I missed you." I responded with a prolonged silent side-eye. She knows better than to question my personal life. Becoming reacquainted with her status she abandons her queries and sinks into the soft leather seat.

My baby purrs roughly as we speed through these streets, the longer we go the more blurred my eyes become. This is my fourth cigarette and it's barely been past an hour. A result, whenever I return home to this place, I can't control my limits.

Beside me, chocolate snorts neat lines of glistening white coak. She loves when I'm around to afford her the luxury of endurance. Her eyes glazed and that chubby smirking face giggling jubilantly as we increased in speed.

I take her to a motel in a quiet corner of the district. A filthy place where pretty pushers pedal second rate drugs and consume most of their own supply. Five stories tall and an un-refurbished cream colored paint. We've been here before, many times but not every time. Only when I'm low on cash.

" Wash up and we'll get started," I said to her as we walked into this moldy smelling room. Carpeted floors and ugly sheets decorate it unjustly.

She wastes no time in getting under the shower, the sound of running water echoes throughout the room. Coercing me to urinate. So I do, in a dirtied brown porcelain toilet bowl, old and stinking. I expected nothing less of this shithole.

After a while she comes out wrapped in a towel and partially wet. Her black skin radiant and plump, her red eyes menacing, and those un-naturally white teeth are slightly off-putting. But that white won't last long. Har chain smoking would see to that.

I prefer black women, well. The darker shades at least. Their charms are distinctly different. But regardless of all else, they're all pink inside.

"Baby, I'm all yours for as long as you like. let me show you how much Missed you" She whispers softly in my ear. Her hot breath tickles both skin and still heart. Her hands caress me from chest to head. Slowly she begins to grind on me. her weight is quite noticeable as she straddles my sitting self. But I enjoy every bit of it. Foreplay goes further as her hand reaches for my cock, grabbing my gears while undoing my pants. She tries for a kiss but I know better than to kiss a whore.

Forty-five minutes Is all that's needed to relieve weeks of pent up stress

NIGHTLIFE.

Waking to a setting sun tells me that I've been sleeping the entire day. Chocolate still lies there asleep naked on the bed with disturbed covers. I Stand here, peering through the window. That orange sunset irritates my eyes. Slowly the streets grow quiet as the sun leaves. It's time to go. After a bath I dress and prepare to leave. Chocolate yet still sleeps, undisturbed by my

movements. Having nothing to say, I don't wake her. After leaving her money on the small table I felt.

The temperature plummets in the absence of the sun, Leaving a chill to the open air. I leave as I came, with the pearing of my ride and an unpleasant scowl. There is a meeting I must attend which I've put off long enough. But first, lunch.

Before long I cut the engine. Leaving my baby parked on this slow street in front of Harvie's Cook house. A Quaint little restaurant. A diamond in the ruff. But his business will struggle so long as he remains in this district. No one wants to get mugged on a food run. It's a shame that sentiment can make a man suffer anything and he's far too sentimental to give up on this place.

That familiar old chime rings as I push open the door. In the open kitchen with a direct view of the entrance. An old man bald with baggy eyes and wrinkled freckled skin peeks over. Seeing me enter he smiles as he finishes his last order and places the food on the counter. A soft ring echoes through the modest lounge of one waiting customer.

" my boy, it's been a while since you've paid a visit to my shop, months. I was beginning to think that life finally caught up to you." He speaks jokingly.

Amused, I slightly shake my head with a sly smirk" not yet" I said, while placing my next cigarette in my mouth. This time it's purely Marijuana unspiked for a titillating finish. " I'll have whatever you're cooking," I said, uncaring of what I'd be fed. Never has he been disappointed.

The third person in here leaves the dimly lit lounge. Fat with a greedy face. His eyes dropped from exhaustion. Dirtied clothes of black grease stains and dust indicate his physically intensive profession. Perhaps mechanic, a dying breed propped up only by those with a taste for the vintage. He avoids eye contact as he takes his food and leaves. I'd guess he's middle aged living alone without children.

" so, how's it been, old man? What have you been up to" I asked friendly while reaching over and beneath the counter trying to fetch that familiar bottle of black Gin. He slides a glass over before heading into the kitchen. " Nothing much changed, it's all still the same"

A sizzling pot disseminates the salivatory scent of beef. I imagine its juicy texture steaming coolly. The burning pinch of Gin runs down my throat. The night drags. I'm already on my third drink and third cigarette. Night crawlers slowly crawl from their hiding spots to signal the arrival of night-life.

" Why watch that stupid thing? Television only ever tells stupid stories." Said the old man as he walked from the kitchen with my food in hand. " Yet you hang it on the wall for all to see. What else is a man to do while he waits. Besides, not all of it is bad. There are some interesting stories."

I gaze upon the food presented. Roast beef with sautéed vegetables. It looks as though it is lacking but I've long learned never to underestimate his cooking.

" It's not hard to impress young people. A little plot twist and you praise such drivel."

First bite and I'm once again impressed. I can't help but to smile. It's been months since I've eaten so well. " You're just angry you're getting old. I'm sure an old man said the same to you once... the old can never appreciate the changes of time."

He scoffs as he slowly pours himself a drink. " you youngsters will never understand." I chuckle" guessing you were told the same once"

He changes the channel to one that airs reruns of old movies. This one in particular tells the story of a boy, lost in an unforgiving world. A needless depiction of suffering in my opinion. It wreaks of pretentiousness.

" so, how's Mrs" I ask. Rarely is it to not see his wife tending to business alongside him. " she's... visiting her sister." He's obviously distressed, always had a terrible poker face but it's not my place to pry.

We let the television speak as I eat. Half of the movie later and the movie's end is bleatingly obvious. But I cannot stay to its conclusion. Finished with my meal, I rise. " Guess it's time for business," he smiles. I can see the pity in his eyes. Misplaced really. His concerns are of no concern to me.

" Yeah, see you around old man." I leave with a satisfied stomach. As I step outside, my world returns to that dreary gray and cold chill. Fourth cigarette.

My baby purrs as I once again drive through these streets. The further we go, lethargy grows. lifeless dark streets with the occasional sentinel observing in their conspicuous dark vehicles. This is my destination. A pseudo mention in the middle of bland and blocky apartment complexes.

I park in a visible spot in front so that all would know I have come. I take a minute adjusting my seat to retrieve a black envelope. A slight chill and frosty breath set in once I stepped outside. The nights are getting colder. Every year it comes sooner but it never snows, only an uncomfortable cold. My feet lightly pat the cold concrete. Sending a soft echo through the night. Grabbing the attentions of evil eyed sentinels, all dressed in black and cautious of movement and observation.

This walk gets shorter every time but its length never changes. Standard at the large double doors two men decked in black eye me with serious expressions. They recognize and enroll me inside. With a nod of the head they push open those steel doors engraved with demons. Surprisingly the doors didn't creek, obviously they must have been fixed. A welcomed surprise.

Confusing halls and frustratingly too many doors, dimly lit in all the right places. This place proves to be an intruders nightmare. My body temperature regulates in this insulated place. Eerie silence and stale air is its calling card. Every step is audible as though walking on hardwood floors. I can even hear my own breath.

Before long I arrive at my final destination. Envelope in hand I push open the moderately sized wooden door leading to a small room. Inside I see twelve men, seated as they talk calmly. A rectangular table separates six and five of them, the final one sits at the head. All dressed in black, their faces tell of many differing stories but their eyes scream of their common evil. I joined the side of five then slid the envelope on the table to the head without a word.

like the rest of them my eyes too gleam evilly. The sixth cigarette, this time laced for a different taste to waste the senses.

JUST BUSINESS

Smoke chokes the air, produced from eight lit cigarettes. I'm in the company of addicts too old to stop.

Boss places his glass of white rum to rest on the table. Freeing his hand to open the envelope. He likes what's inside. On his wrinkled old face blossoms a bright toothy smile. " graphic as always." he said while shuffling through the pictures of my work.

Satisfied he produces a lighter from his vest pocket and sets the pictures ablaze, places them bare on the table as they burn slowly, partially lighting this shadowy room. He resumes his drink and his smoke. It is often difficult to deduce what he's thinking and he loves it. From the darkness behind him comes Julia. Curvy body, perfect skin, loude tits and ass. Always dressed in a suit but that only accentuates her beauty. She walks to me with a familiar black card in hand. My salary with commission, each time deposited in an account with no paper trail and cannot be traced back to me.

She doesn't wear perfume. A precaution of the job, quite a shame on her part. I receive my payment with suggestively prolonged eye contact. I know she'd never bite but it never hurts to try. Returning to her darkness she utters not a word.

" Now that our little eastern problem is resolved we can begin moving in, I'll not allow heavy assets to flow through, remember that." The boss spoke and we listened. Other than that not much else is said in this meeting. It's just a formal gathering for cross communication and briefings.

The night grows, peaking at twelve. Communication is over and I'm far beyond too inebriated to drive but that's a small matter. " Hey man, you're gonna just leave like that. it's been six months and you're not even gonna catch up" a familiar raspy voice stopped me while walking to my car. " Yeah, I'm gonna leave just like that," I replied. " stop playing bro, let's go get a drink. I wanna

hear how u did it." accompanying the voice is a very familiar fucker. Bright eyed and sparkling white teeth.Hes in the thin side but his muscled are expertly defined. Don is his name and fuckery is his game. More than a friend and closer than a brother. " just get in," I said tiredly. The engine purrs once again as I lit my ninth cigarette. Each inhale gets me closer to that peak high. I'm slowly losing my faculties but that does not matter. Spindling through the streets we ride recklessly. Blurry eyes are terrible navigators.

We eventually stop in front of a liquor mart. upon our immediate stop Don rushes out of the car, clutching the sidewalk as he evacuates his stomach. Bile with chunks of food mixed with rum stain the sidewalk.

Ignoring him I walked to the entrance, passing a beggar huddled outside on my way in. His smell insulting to the ears, old and decrepit he weekly holds his hand out expectant of charity. I give him none.

Shelves and see through refrigerators line the walls of the store, all filled with liquor of many varieties. an uncomfortable cold with a spinning head I struggle to focus. Despite my interior, my

exterior is controlled and steady. A bottle of Gin is always the best choice. Years of indoctrination would make even the worst of things the best of things.

The young faced cashier gazes at me stupidly. His dead eyes speak of his disdain for the job. Using my black card to pay I looked into his eyes as I instructed him to get me a box of cigarettes behind himself. The pixi brand, green and flashy. they're not the best but they mesh well with other substances. I leave parting words as I exit the store " don't suffer yourself with what you hate, life is exciting by lively living" look at me, playing the wise, spouting second rate drivel.

" Get in the car, let's go" I said to the sitting Don. his eyes glazed as he speaks to his ultimate high while smoking what I can deduce to be some kind of exotic drug. He looks no better than the vagrant as he sits besides his vomit.

Back to swerving through quiet streets. The time on the dashboard calms to the first hour of the morning. The coldest time of night.

Going home is never easy despite what others say. There's no breath of relief or wave of comfort. There's only the sense of estrangement as though there is no home. This fucker beside me has resumed evacuating his stomach. Hurling bile and water from the window. I can already imagine the streak of puke lining the sides. " you know you're cleaning that," I said a bit irritated.

" What, bitch! you're driving like a madman. You can't blame me for his" he rebuttals. Instinctively I stare him down. He definitely does the same, And for this disdain I inch his side closer to the opposite side of the lane. Despite realizing this, his eyes remain firm. That ugly face of his scowls at me like a dog.

I smile uncontrollably. Games of chicken are my specialty.

Soon a moderately sized truck comes speeding towards us. I press hard on the excelerator, boosting the engine causing it to purr louder. Fourth gear is when this monster of an engine becomes violent.

Every second we inch closer to death, my survival is a bit higher but nevertheless we're both highly likely to die.

He knows I'm not joking, years of experience engraved that into his heart. So as expected, he acquiesced, screaming" Fine!, fine!, I'll clean the fucking car! crazier by the fucking year. shit!" I laugh amusingly as I swerve us fully jack to our lane. Narrowly missing the truck which seemed to be playing chicken with us as well.

In time we entered our neighborhood. Our rearing grounds. From birth to today we lived in this aged place rife with crime of every kind. old buildings and unkempt streets. The smell of piss and shit ever present.

Finally we arrived at my place. A mundane looking two story house jammed between two others. Well kept by the hired gardeners and housekeepers.

The hour is now four in the morning. We dull our senses with drink and crass banter. Repeatedly through the night he asks of my experiences during the long absence. I tell him little, speaking vaguely of unimportant Incidents. Unlike myself, I prefer not to speak of unsavory deaths. There is no pleasure in recounting such things.

Like this, darkness gives way to light. The dawn comes loudly with the bright sun and lively movements of people. It is time for me to retire for the day. I will not suffer myself from the sun and neither will Don it seems. He fell asleep an hour ago, leaving me to my thoughts in the noise of his snoring.

My eyelids flip open as I wake violently. My heart was calm but the mind rattled. Violent awakenings tend to hurt unceremoniously. Glancing at the window tells me that night has long fallen. Tiredness and hunger plagues me. Thus I go to abate it... absentmindedly steering into an empty fridge humbles me to the fact that I must cook.

First cigarette. Rough on a dry throat. I leave to eat, I'm in no mood to lorde over a stove. So Harold's it is.

Dumplings soaking in meat sauce is the meal of the day. Not a fan of dumplings but it does the job nevertheless.

Back on the road again after the brief lunch. Harold and I as usual don't overly convers much. one of our many common traits.

The purr of the engine vibrates through my tired body. Cigarette smoke irritates the eyes.

I love driving in this cold twilight. It leaves a feeling of euphoria, sublime comfort and peace. Shame I can't drive forever. So I drove to my second most accustomed place. A whispered club, a den of many things. The signboard flashes with neon lights. Spending the name 'Hush-Hush'. I walk inside without obstacles. From dim moonlight to hard dark lights. Stripers and escorts, drug fiends and dealers, the innocent and guilty, the wealthy and needy, all and much more congregate within this place, in attendance like mass at temple. They are religiously frequent. As do I. It is a hub for the dark undercurrents after all.

" what can I get for you, stud" said a naked server. Her tits plump but don't seem cumbersome. She tries to speak over the music, loud enough for my ears but not so loud as to disturb other. Gray eyed and long haired she is a beauty. That stubble between her legs draws the eyes attention but doesn't not shout for it. She clearly knows her profession. Glittering skin with beads of sweat shows her work ethic.

" Get me some powder and a stress reliever, the oral kind." I replied.

She nods and leaves, avoiding the many moving customers and workers. I find myself in a booth in a dark corner overlooking the main floor, partially lit by a dim blue light. A crescent black sofa rests empty. Now it doesn't. I breathe out the stresses of the day as I sink comfortably into the couch. Fifth cigarette. Before long my server returns with a serving tray of the purest cocaine and drink. Some colorful pills mixed in as well. Clearly she knows her profession.

After placing the tray on the table she proceeds to get under it. Seductively she caresses my feed. Although they're protected under jeans I still feel every movement of he's clearly. She speaks sweetly " and as for your oral relief, I thought I'd see to it myself. you're eyes requested my personal service."

I smile, amused. Underestimating her was an oversight. Though young, she's clearly a professional.

with a well trained tongue she sucked my dick passionately, expertly pleasing my desires.

The tricky thing about drugs is knowing when to stop before an overdose. Like a child with candy I've already consumed the many pills alongside half of the one kilogram sack of coke. My eyes are dry with unreliable sight, at this point I can't trust these eyes.

Abruptly, someone sits adjacent to me, someone I know quite well. A plump fat man with such a crooked mouth you'd assume he has gingivitis. Without any pleasantries he speaks " I've got a job for you"

I briefly glance at him, unwilling to let my eyes leave my far away server as she busily tends to another man.

" And are you petitioning myself or my house." I ask perfunctory.

" Just you," he replies. I reluctantly looked at him. keeping eye contact. When conducting business one should give it their full attention. lest he greets failure.

Silently I wait for him to continue. " my credits are lacking but we can arrange other ways of compensation for the deficit." His nervous voice amuses me. A man so destitute that he cannot afford my services. It's wise to refuse such a circumstance. But wiser to accept.

Monetary gain is overvalued as it is. Pales in comparison to a favor owed by an official, a respected public figure, well connected. He may be beset by difficult times but I know his kind rebound like improperly dealt with cockroaches.

" What do you have to offer?" I ask, enquiring about the specifics.

He relaxes a little seeing that I did not immediately refuse.

" ten thousand, as well as any one favor you require so long as it doesn't endanger my life or career." He states sternly. They often grow bold when trying to haggle. Shame I'm not easily dealt with.

" the precious almighty career." I mused, certain of my menacing visage within his mind. A desperate man is a malleable man. I continued " keep the ten thousand. you reek of desperation and we both know you're no good without that career of yours. depending on the job you'll owe me your friendship. how does that sound."

Hearing this, he looks at me with unwillingness. I look back at him, " it's always good to have a friend like me." Another line reinvigorated the senses. Leaving an itchy sensation in my nose. " So what makes you so desperate."

That petite tight cherry ass sways in the distance as she grinds on her customer, her sensuality entices me even from afar.

A phone slides in front of me, on it displays pictures of a man, young and pleasing to the eye. " I want him to disappear, and all he owns along with him, most importantly. He has certain incriminating evidence that I need destroyed."

I study the photos carefully, etching to memory every available detail. I speak" so you want a magic trick... tell me, what is this incriminating evidence and what's his relation to you. I'll also need more information on him. his comings and goings, his height, his age, everything.`` He relaxes completely upon realizing that I'll take the job. Reclining I to the sopha he releases a listless sigh. I offer him some of my libations, wetting his throat and tickling his nose, his face morphs into one of bliss, " I'll have a dossier drafted by tomorrow, as for his relation to me... he's my wife's lover and now my blackmailer. The stupid bitch let him into my house, divulged my business. He's a greedy fuck, always asking for more. My accounts book is in his possession along with certain contracts between myself and my business associates. He's even started blackmailing my blackmailees. He's a fucking amateur and he'll get us both killed" An official with such career ending scandals is a rear sight. They normally clean up quite well. " I see," I give a placid response. already my attentions are diverted elsewhere. Giving him my contact information I advised" you should see your wife... I'll be expecting your call concerning the dossier. you should leave now" swiftly as he came, he left.

No harm in accepting a job before what's left of my vacation comes to an end. alone once again, I silently watch my eyes attract. Her petite body in the dim blue light of the club is exquisite. like this I stayed until I could no longer. Thus I got another server to summon her to me.

With a coquettish smile she struts before me. Her nipples pointed erect, clearly she's having some fun out there. " come with me" I said as I began to leave.

"sorry stud, but my shift doesn't end till morning." She refuses. An expected response really. " I'll pay you double what you'd earn for the rest of the night. Now follow." I made an offer she wouldn't refuse. Tending to one is always easier than tending to many.

she smiles seductively" lead the way, stud"

I smirk imperceptibly. Soon we find ourselves speeding down the dark streets. From how she acts it is clear that her mind is as inebriated as my own. " Tell me your name," I commanded. she looks at me mischievously " you'll have to work harder than that. A mere command won't get you very far."

She's going to be such fun.

GREEN.

Had a dream of lonesomeness and walking trees and winds careening down streams. Tame for a nightmare but eerie nonetheless.

I wake to Ruvena sleeping beside me. Her skin still glitters from decorations, Even in sleep she entices me. Looking at the time, the morning has gone, the hour twelve mid day. That familiar cigarette craving emerges so I satisfy it.

The mid-day sin plays upon my face as I bask in it. Been a while since I've enjoyed the sun. my cigarette already halved and I slowly became bored. there is never much to do in daylight. " you're different" came a familiar cool voice from behind.

" Is that so" I replied.

" Yeah, I've known many but you are unique. everything about you screams apathy. As though you're always ready to die, you're yearning to die" She Elaborated.

I turn to face her with a smirk," so morbid, is that what I seem" covered in a sheet she leans on the doorframe, the sun too hits her petite face, such chubby cheeks tempts one to carve them. " I see you follow the doctrine of never bringing nightly lovers home... am I not worth it" She randomly asks. Her playful smile displays intrigue.

" you're not," I bluntly replied. a wise man never brings a passing pussy home. I continued" don't you like this motel. its accommodations are better than most."

" And here I thought you liked me, you're quite confusing, especially those eyes." She steps close. Her unwashed mouth releasing bad breath.

" such assumptions, overthinking is often a waste of energy" I replied. she chuckles" oh trust me, I don't overthink"

I smile as she smiles, from my pocket I produce my black card, " payment is due" I said to her. " I enjoy you too much to demand pay, come, let's play some more. stud" She seductively leads me back onto the room. Like a sheep I follow excitedly.

We entangle from day to night, only stopping when I'm interrupted by a call from a certain desperate official.

Pleasure is sweet but I'm a workaholic. Thus I left her with delivered lunch and my contact seeing that she plays quite well.

Always, I return to this purring engine. Through dimly lit streets and dark corners we lead. Soon I arrived at my destination. A secluded spot mostly covered in darkness, there I see a black car parked conspicuously. Fatal mistakes are often made like this. Slowly I rolled up beside it. The window winds down to reveal the chubby face of the official. He swiftly passes an envelope to me, black in color and plump with what I assume are documents. Instinctively I check its contents to be documents. I looked at him with a slight nod then drove off. Leaving him there in silent darkness. I find myself in another lonesome place, dark and secluded, Perfect for reading.

Sixth cigarette, untainted for concentration. Serious business requires a serious mind. Like this I stay, perusing through the dossier which tells of a man by the name kogen qenas, an interesting name. Average education, average height, slender, handsome with effeminate features, especially in the face. a gambling addiction which once racked up substantial debts. But from his current lifestyle I'm guessing he's paid them off with whatever he extorts from our official. few family members means few to investigate his disappearance. A grandmother, a brother and a father. As of late he's estranged from them all. loves a meal of mushroom soup, a bit strange but to each their own.

Three times a week he frequents the gentleman's parlor. gets a massage once every two weeks, likes to take a dip in the bay whenever he gets the chance. quit his job around the time his blackmailing enterprise began. I see he's been taking foreign trips for vacation even in the Andes, quite the taste.

Overall an average life, somewhat dull.

He seems to have moved into an apartment in Red River district fourteen ago, so he'll be missed but that's of minor significance.

Seems like I'm going to the Red river for a visit. " good place to end my vacation." It took me a while more to finish combing through the information but it wasn't overly tedious, there are actually some interesting things about him.

Eight cigarettes, I'm tired for the night so I'll head home for a proper rest, I've got a long drive and a lot of stalking to do come morning.

Welcomed by a messy house, the work of Don's drunken activities. He remembered to wash the car but not clean up after himself. Mother always said don't entertain messy friends, I obviously didn't listen. Too tired to bother, I immediately went to bed. Dinner can wait till morning.

I wake to silence and sunlight. In the air tiny dust particles float, illuminated by the bright morning.

A bath and food is all I need to get started. Cold water in the morning is best. It properly wakes the mind. Then to Harold's and I'm off.

Dumplings agen. A bit disappointed but it gets the job done. Eating in the car is messy but I prefer not to waste time getting to the Red River. The drive is already long. I should be there twelve hours later I hope. " ah shit," I curse at the fallen dumpling messing my clothes and car mat. Never a bright idea to eat in the fucking car but choices.

Driving down the highway is one of the most boring activities. already I've burned through five cigarettes. The radio played mediocre music with a very chatty host. This culminates into a lousy trip thus far. Here's to hoping there's some fun to be had when I arrive.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

I arrive at night, glaring highlights and high beams irritate my eyes. This place is quite lively at night. People walking boldly in the night streets, partying. A district of controlled crime this turned out to be.

fifty-Sixth Booker street. Tulip residence is where my drive ends. patiently I observe the neighborhood, waiting for kogen to show.

Night turns to day and day to night, it has been two days and I've seen many characters but not him. I'm on the verge of running out of cigarettes. Already he's causing me trouble. our meeting will not be pleasant. Forced to rashen, I smoke each cigarette in segments.

Another day passes, my cigarette supply has halved, and my mood is sour. Luckily he shows up early in the morning, fifteen minutes past nine. Should have packed more cigarettes.

Confirming his whereabouts, I leave for a while. Surely someone has noticed my presence to be strange. As of now I cannot leave the car, Best way to not make footprints is to abstain from walking. The less I'm seen the better. I've come unprepared but I'm accustomed to long periods of fasting and immobility. There's enough water to last a week. So I observe and wait.

Fourth day, I returned to the vicinity of the residence at night. Waiting for his movements. The hour is ten o clock, He strolls out of the apartment complex dressed neatly, His hair stiff and shining with jell, a simple green shirt and ankle length pants show his intentions of leisure. He drives off in his gray water powered car. Self driving I presume. It's body streamlined, soothing edges copied from old pseudo sci-fi styles, outdated to say the least but still aesthetically pleasing.

Patiently I follow far behind as he drives leisurely. we grow from resting streets to lively ones cornered by tall high rises and daunting skyscrapers. People rushing about, disturbing the night as artificial light drowns out the moonlight. It's merely relegated to a decoration in the sky. Unneeded and unappreciated.

True to the dossier, he attends the gentleman's club. I wait while he has fun. Patiently I watch the movements of many people. one inarticulate played like a drama movie. Two lovers quarreling over the man's infidelity. a bystander took it upon himself to intervene on the woman's behalf. Funnily enough, he did not win the fight in her favor.

In five hours I've seen twenty-eight enforcers. some walking the streets, others patrolling in vehicles. Such high security is bad for business.

Finally he comes out, his shirt stained with what I assume to be alcohol. with disunity he wobbles into his car. An upside to automation, a man is free to get drunk as he pleases. I followed him back to his apartment. Slowly he struggles to go home.

Seeing him finally enter, I leave for a secluded and distant spot to rest.

Morning comes and I'm fucking hungry, even grumpy from the lack of cigarettes. without options I called Don earlier than intended" I'm in the Red River, bringing food and cigarettes. I'm going to send a picture, get five men to impersonate the company. let them come two days after you" I immediately got to the point. In the background of the call I hear incoherent screams of a woman. Don responds" fuck!, bitch!, shut up or you'll join him. hey man, you disappear for four days then call me up like this, you're on a job aren't you?" I respond with a bland yes and urge him to be quick about it. After giving him a place and time to meet up I reminded him to move discreetly.

With that I wait. In the meantime I resumed my stalking. He hasn't been up to much for the day. Fancy dining and a visit to the park.

Don arrived late at midnight. He came like a shadow from the dark with life saving goods in hand. "this job must be something for you to be here. Fucking Red riverback water hicks. where the streets are always busy with enforcers... I got it from Harold's. left the old man having it out with the wife. he's finally leaving the bitch." good for hi..." I stare into the bag only to find a box of dumpling soup. I sigh tiredly" useless fuck. I've not eaten in days and you bring me fucking dumplings. Bitch!" I began to lose my temper. Anguish chokes my throat. " Calm down, geese, it's still food. at least show some gratitude."

"fuck you!" Without a choice, I eat the food begrudgingly.

" dick" clicking his tongue and shaking his head changes the topic. " so, what is this job?" "a magic trick" I said, holding back tears while eating this filth.

" Who's the target?" he enquired.

" you'll see... Dipcon called the hit. A pretty boy who was fucking his wife got more than just pussy." I answered.

" Dipcon, that fat fuck." He laughed " mister big shot minister finally got himself in trouble. the pay must be sweet"

" friends." I said

" you're seriously trying to rope him in. Dangerous business."

" he'd be a useful ally to have"

" more like a beacon. high profile connections are dangerous."

" not much different from our other connections."

" Guess you're right." I smell cigarette smoke, the kind synonymous with the pixi brand. I lift my head away from my food only to find him smoking one of my cigarettes. " you! fuck... give it to me!"

" fuck!. What's your problem." He protests as I snatched the lit cigarette from his mouth, putting it on the dashboard and putting it back into its box.

" Don't fuck with me Don, you brought them for me." I was reminded me.

He clicks his tongue and scoffs " greed bastard, didn't your mama Ann teach you how to share"

Mother never had such wholesome teachings.

He reclines the seat, learning to relax himself. " Roger, Marv and those other two shitheads will be here in at least three days." He informs me leisurely.

disappointed, I replied" didn't I say two days."

" come in, they have other shit to do. can't fault them. you're the one who called without notice." I said nothing and resumed my lunch.

Day came with us having slept in the car. Kogen goes about his day. We follow patiently. This time he visits a lady friend. A skinny young thing, pale with the visage of a classic addict. " So this is our extortionist, quite unprotected. he's confident." Don stated as he observed. " or stupid," I added." we'll have a chance to collect him tomorrow. His weekly dip is overdue, Gives his neighbour some time to miss him."

Like wolves we wait from day to night. Finally he leaves with satisfaction in his walk. " Have you seen Drace since you got back?" Don abruptly asks, breaking the silence. "no," I replied.

" You should make the time, with the way he worships you, don't be cruel." " Yeah" I replied.

" so, you're going to tell me exactly what happened for all those months?"Don inquired about the details of the past six months. Details I'm not inclined to share. " no, the rats are dealt with, my vacation went well. that's all there is to it."

He's not convinced, that look of suspicion lingers on me for a while. But he accepts my guardedness in time.

Kogen has arrived home, not much activity from him tonight. We assume he's gone to bed.

Morning comes before too long. The orange hue of the shining sky irritates the tired eyed. Bright mornings are often uncomfortable.

He stays in for the morning, only leaving at mid-day wearing light clothes. A breezy shirt and soft short pants. We follow him patiently to the bay.

Third cigarette, droopy eyes morph my face onto an apathetic expression. Parked under the nearby bridge, we watch and wait as he bathes. swimming laps back and forth.

Don changed his attire to mimic one of going for a leisurely dip as he waits for kogen to walk back to his vehicle. In a while kogen finishes and proceeds to walk back. Don leaves the car, his shit on his head, covering most of his face, he walks barefoot with a jovial smile.

I watched silently, the cigarette nearly burned to a bud. Kogen and Don draw closer until they meet, face to face I see Don produce an object from his trousers. Kogen reacts with shock. His head darts around looking for help. Sadly for him there are no witnesses. It's a delegated side street after all. Not people going to the bay would take this road. Perhaps those who want free and readily available parking would take the change to come here where the horrible graffiti passes for art. where garbage is blowing in the wind and there's a musky stench of piss and shit.

He is coerced into the driver's seat. Don sits behind him. They are yet to drive off after a few moments. Through the car's back glass I see Kogen presumably drying to dissuade Don. But with a blow to his head he swiftly drives off. I follow a distance away.

At sunset we arrive at an abandoned factory district at the outskirts of the district. Smelling of sut and salt, this place has clearly become a dumping ground for unwanted chemicals. Kogen and Don leaves the car and enter a large warehouse. I follow after dawning a black mask.

" you're boss wouldn't want this, trust me." I hear embolden warnings.

I see Don watching him silently, his face partially covered. A black pistol in hand. His presence is menacing, scaring the life out of the poor fellow.

My footsteps echo through the place. kogen abruptly looks in my direction. From the dark I came like a shadow. My face hidden, my movements slow. I arrive before him, tears flowing from his terrified eyes. " thi..." I silence him with my finger. " don't... I couldn't care less about that fat fuck. We don't need those documents but we want them. Do you understand. " I said amicably.

His demeanor portrays surprise soon changing to fear. His leverage has disappeared. understanding my meaning he promptly betrays himself. Telling us of where he hides the minister's things.

Disappointingly, it is in the hands of his brother which lives far, two districts away. He tells us that in the event he fails to make his daily check in with him, all the documents are to be released to the press. Strange that he would involve his estranged brother so I enquired. Turns out he had hired his brother knowing that he'd not be suspected on account that they'd not spoken in years and hated one another.

Thus we set out for his brother's place. After he made his daily check in of course. Following behind them as we leave the district. I call the 'moving crew'. Giving the green light. For a long drive I played some Maurice. His album playing over the radio tells the stories of his adventurous youth, young love and anticipated betrayals. Some of it makes me want to cry.

We leave the Red River behind as we drive down the highway stretching through seemingly endless fields of tall yellow grass and uninterrupted nature. It'd take us nearly two weeks to arrive in Picallow. I'm hoping there's enough cigarettes for this.

Rain fell to earth on the third day. Giving a chance for kogens car to refuel. The concept is outdated but the engineering is nevertheless extraordinary. You tend to appreciate the work when you know the world before it.

The rain didn't stop as it beat upon my car for the following two days. Spreading darkness and rustling the grassy field. such a sound reminiscent of horror movies. There had been no adverse weather report recently. This weather came at a shock but the weather has always been unpredictable. regardless of technological advancement. like an unfettered dress it ebbs and flows as it pleases.

My mind drifts as I stare at the water droplets falling upon the bonnet, the headlights dimmed drastically under the cover of continuous rain.

Fifth cigarette for the day. My thoughts run on what's being said on the radio. A new provost regurgitating what's already been said five hundred years ago. Screaming about the imminent genesis. Warning of the dangers of not supporting 'the lord'. I can't help but wonder who he's trying to convert. There's no one alive that doesn't know the truth about history. Tired of the spewing shit, I turn off the radio. Leaving myself to ride in the ambient sounds of this raining nature.

'It's gonna be a long drive.'

Sixth cigarette.

I DEAL IN…

A week has passed on these roads. long has the natural scenery faded behind us. We've arrived in Jhorden. The playground of the rich and affluent. Where dealings that often affect the entire city are conducted behind the closed doors of penthouse sweets and gambling dens. People call it the place where gold comes to disappear, rightfully so in my opinion. It's a cesspool of debauchery and excess but a beautiful one with towering high-rises standing next to the lush greenery of far reaching parks and well kept waterways. Shame I'm merely passing through.

I can't help but silently gawk at the high pedigree escorts. The kind that'd leave you bankrupt and satisfied. It took us four days to finally leave the reach of the district behind us. Once again we're on the open highway. This time there's nothing In sight but a rocky expanse. A sharp contrast from the yellow fields. The smell of sutt permeates the air. slightly burning the nose and irritating the lungs, even with the window up the scent is still so thick. I distract myself with music, my bare back resting upon the leathery seat, sweating in an attempt to tolerate the heat. Maurice plays on the radio, this time singing of his obsession with the open road and the freedom it brings, I sympathize.

Another week passes with an additional four days in change. We've finally arrived at our destination, potluck. A mostly dull district where not much happens. Only the boring choose to reside here.

Eventually we stop in front of a quaint little house constructed of wood painted white. its roof of curvy bricks along with its wooden fence painted green. As always we come in darkness. the wide suburban streets lit by tall streetlights.

Not much is happening, barely even a sound is heard from so many houses. I've lost count of how many cigarettes I've had for the day, doesn't matter either way. Kogen leads the way, Don follows behind leisurely. our faces obscured but not entirely indiscernible. Three knocks later a man with shaggy hair peeks through the curtain, Don and I stand out of view while kogen makes himself known. A few clicks later the door opens and all three of us step inside. Don leads the way as he forces himself in front of Kogen and the door. The man's face morphs in surprise and panic. Before things escalated I said to him" calm down. don't make a fuss. You can guess what'd happen if u do." He smartly listens. backing off to the side as he observes us with a nervous face. The door closes and I ask" is anyone home with you?"

" n...no" he shakily replies. I can't help but think that his purple shirt and yellow jeans are a terrible combination of colors. Clearly he can't dress himself.

" good, you know why we're here, so don't waste our time. no harm will come to you once we get what we want." I said while trying to reassure him. Our covered faces working to establish such a false statement, why cover your face If it's the last thing they'd see. " Ok... it..it's in the pantry." He replied. an interesting hiding place, I signal him to lead the way. slowly we walk to the pantry, my footsteps echo softly behind him. From his shoulders I can see his slight trembles.

On a shelf with jarred stuff I presume to be pickles and home made wines he stretches to reach for a black box hidden behind such things.

with it in his hand we walk back to Don and his brother.

After confirming that they're the minister's things, I peruse the house, making sure that no one else is here. It has a standard layout. A boring dining room, kitchen, leisure room. upstairs two bedrooms with horrid red carpets.

Now it's time to settle this.

Kogen has to die and so does his brother. But the problem arises if both of them disappear. It'd be obvious to deduce foul play. But not many other options are available. All I can do at this

point is to make sure one is perceived as an accident. Easily seen through but it's a shame it can't be done cleaner.

I leave the two with Don as I head to my car. In the glove compartment are a few miscellaneous things, the most used among them are the many medications. One in particular is a notoriously difficult to detect sleeping agent.

Without wasting time I injected both of them, the brother got enough to send him into a coma with failing organs. I then carry him to his bed.

I started a fire in the small metal paper bin and toppled it over on the carpet. In time the carpet ignites, leaving the room in Flames and darkening smoke. Don and I together carry the sleeping kogen to the car before the rest of the house catches fire. In silence we leave as we came, two cars in darkness. The brother is likely to burn alive before help comes but there is always the possibility he'll survive. A minor risk for a well done job I suppose.

Back on the road we go. This time I take the lead, driving at high speeds down this seemingly endless highway which few others seem to frequent this time of year. Like a roaring lion the engine makes itself known. The heavy breeze beats upon my hand hanging from the door. Fourth cigarette. I'm in quite the good mood, jovial even. We drive for miles on this highway, and it's time to be rid of the final piece. So I decided to end this job with kogens permanent stay in this barren rocky place. The heavy scent of sutt hangs in the air, thickening as we head further off the path, leaving the highway behind.

Kogen has long since awoken, as expected he panicked and we had to stop for a while and tie him up. All the way balling and crying.

Far off in this place of hot rocks and sutt, we stop. He pleads for his life, screaming of injustice and mercy. Trying to bargen his way out. yet before the pleading ended. His brain matter along with blood splatters on the many rocks, partially evaporating under the heat. A gaping hole is left in his head as he falls to the ground with dead eyes. " finally. fucking bitch" Don kicks his corpse. Still angry from the blow he received in kogens escape attempt. He rubs the back of his head while saying" let's get out of this fucking place."

I doused the body in lighter fluid then set it ablaze. This place will ensure it burns to ash, its native scent too will mask the scent.

Finally, the job is done and so we leave this place behind.

Twelve days later we arrived in jhorden. The bustling streets and dazzling scenery successfully tempt me with the help of Don's coercion. Some fun wouldn't hurt and this is the best place to play. Especially with the moon fall festival commencing in a day. I just got paid so it's about time I had some real fun.

Lastly Don gets rid of kogens car in a much unrequited way. With that, all the evidence has been dealt with.

" Damn, the air here is always sweeter." Don said while admiring the scenery. His head stretched up as he analyzed his finitude compared to the grand scale of this place.

Skyscrapers gleam of gold paint, indiscernible from what it replicates. Ridiculously wide streets stretch far, winding and segmenting everything. Despite its size, cars still filled a wide berth. All of high end designs and construction.

The district of gold that never sleeps. Countless people walk the streets, decked in the finer things. Excitement for the festival looms overhead. The party has already begun. Sixth cigarette, This time with a pinch of coak.

It really gets me energized.

The night sky hangs high above bright streetlights. Twinkling stars dancing in the sky, unshy and embolden. My mind floats in euphoria, joyful, content, calm even. But this wouldn't last. it never does. Nothing ever does.

First we found a hotel to stay in. A nice place, with all the parts for fun. We find it in the loveless hotel. A penthouse suite high above, overlooking the street, All around glass provides an impressive view.

I call for some psychedelics with some coak. Before too long we were high and inebriated. We prowler the streets looking for fun, and sure enough we found it, a lot of it. Perhaps too much of it.

My memory starts to blur. Like wild children we first found a club, lively with many exotic characters and flavored things, especially the peacock dancers colorfully displaying their assets in choreographed dancing to excitingly fast paced music. They flutter all about the place. Naked as they shake from side to side. Don managed to get one's fancy and proceeded to fuck her then and there. Like a stallion he performed with the cheers of the crowd. I myself find a quiet corner to enjoy the place, Drink in hand while I wait for him to tire himself out. We eventually leave for a bustling fight club famous for its gory events. Making bets on who dies like an animal. I bet on a man by the name of the choker, he fought tenaciously but the fucker still got his neck snapped, the crowd's excited cheers at the pleading of a terrified man is sobering. Quite the shame I lost the bet, five thousand credits down the fucking drain. He was a pussy not worth a shit.

late into the night we ended up in a quiet bar sipping potent rum and eating hot wings. Sitting at the center table of the bar, surrounded by dark corners. We recuperate. The lively sounds of partying creep in from outside. I imagine the streets are full at this point, lively with perhaps hundreds of thousands of celebrating people.

" I really missed you... man, it's been awhile since we partied like this' ' Don said to me, his words slightly slurred but I can understand him.

" Yeah," I replied. It's quite an enjoyable night.

From the door suddenly came a gaggle of ladies. tipsy and scantily dressed. Their voices loud and feet wobbly, clearly drunk. Glitter dust sticks to their skin alongside streamers and body paint.

Their speech is colorfully vulgar.

With all of us being the only ones here we inevitably mingle. Promiscuous girls looking for fun in dark corners, We're inclined to oblige. Despite their sweaty skin, their fragrant scents disseminates in the air strongly.

" what brought you boys down here." asks a bubbly blond, her silver eyes hypnotic. Her bra's floral stitching prints through her tight light green tank-top. An imprint of sweat lines her cleavage. " Here for the greatest show ever, the festival of lights." I replied. Our gaze locked for a moment. The passion of desire is evident In our eyes. She comes to sit on my lap, her arm hugging me close." it's lovely isn't it. The dreariness of life just fades away for a little while." Her soft voice tickles my ear. " life seems like it's so much more." I replied. my eyes swimming over her tight long legs left bare by those short shorts.

She knows the trail of my eyes and teasingly helps me to get a better view. Her heavy breasts leans upon my chest, a coquettish smile accompanied by slow yet seductive motions holds my attention. Her three friends are smiling and chuckling at the side. Tormenting the spent Don with lustful temptation.

" One moment can make it all seem worth it." She continues" one moment for an eternity." " doesn't sound like a good trade." I add.

" only if you don't know that an eternity and a moment are one in the same." She whispers.

One of her friends suddenly asks "So where are you boys from? Bright eyes and slender. Her demeanor is reserved unlike her friends. " We're from the dog's ass. where dreams go to die." Don answered. Slowly giving in to their charms. "...oh, so you're from Juniper. I've been there once. The streets were so filthy."

" It has its charms, the place grows on you" Don replies while shaking his empty glass. " hey! bar keep, a bottle for the table." Shouted the one on my lap. " Let's turn this in a notch." We become rowdy with rum and good music in our systems. The bar keep joins us in time. He too letting go of his inhibitions. outside the festival grows livelier, soundings through the thick insulated walls. Bottle after bottle we empty. Our minds hazy. I peek at the busy bartkeep fucking one of the girls in a corner, They do not try to discrete about it.

Like animals we mess up the place, breaking the table at some point. Surprisingly couldn't take the weight of two wildly dancing women despite how sturdy it looked.

" come on, let's go. the party sounds better out there" Screamed silver eyes. Her words cutely slurred.

" Yeah, let's get this party moving." Don shouts back. His words too are slurred. like that we all 'excluding the two busy ones in the corner' leave the bar and join the partying streets.

The night sky lit colorfully, endlessly bombarded by the never ending fireworks forming intricate outlines. The light show too fights back the twilight of night.

Moving bands on trucks surrounded by thousands of wildly dancing people, some in colorful costumes, most naked and others dressed in common attire. All in some way conforming to the

theme of the fabled black witch ritual. A woman painted with coal and tied to a pyre represents the witch and the naked represent the ritual items.

The one night of the year when the law takes a break and enforcers join the chaos.

Silver eyes pull my hand while excitedly leading us into the moving crowd. All around blatant debauchery and wanton violence. Naked, they bathe in the blood of recently slain animals, throwing the bleed dry carcasses onto the moving pyre waiting to spontaneously combust at the festival's apex.

Sweaty, salty, loud and hot. We grind on one another, mingling scents giving way to baser instincts.

I look up at the sky once again. This time the dull darkness of twilight has entirely been replaced by a blood red hue emanating from the enlarged red moon slowly dipping below the horizon. Morning won't come, at least for a few days. This we all know, when the moon falls black in the east, the sun hides until it rises gray from the west.

Mixed psychedelic herbs burning in pots disseminating into the air forming a thick mist. I can't tell what's real anymore. I don't understand what I feel anymore. I can barely breath for long. The banging music riles up the crowd, we're barking like dogs, screaming like pleasured whores. Nothing makes sense in our fading world. I imagine we look at a pit of wryling snake's from above.

Silver eyes return to me, I don't even know when she left. Or when the others left for that matter. It all feels so ethereal, 'eery, unreal.'

" come on!, dance with me!, fuck with me. let's be free!" She shouts, her bare breasts jumping along with her. Everything before my eyes glitters and shines. Like a belly dancer she moves her waists with fervor, keeping my eyes and mind. I in kind dance to her rhythm, I surrender to her motions. I may be falling in love.

Suddenly, she accosted some random guy for his blue canister with an oxygen mask. He seemed upset at first but changed his tune when silver eyes pointed at me. With an unassuming smile he lets her have the canister and even hands her a small bag of blue pills. " No need to be so ruff, ask next time, enjoy!" he says before dancing off into the distance. " jackpot. The hardest shit this side of the city. here, have some" She holds a pill with her teeth then forces it down my throat with a sloppy tongue filled kiss. Immediately after she fastened the mask properly upon my face and released what's inside the canister. A cool refreshing sensation assaults my nose then lungs.

I cough uncontrollably, my head becoming lighter with every gasp for breath. In the corner of my eye I see her doing the same. Her face flushed with a euphoric smile of absolute joy. I can feel my heart beat, it's drumming in my ears. My fingers tingle as though touching live electrical wire. I feel a cool sensation spreading. My hands, my face, my head, my feet, my heart. Even my fucking teeth. oh fuck, fuck. I shouldn't have let her drug me with fucking venom. "shit" my eyes begin to blur. All I see becomes double, my hands, the people, the buildings, everything. Worst thing to do on a high is panic but I cannot help it this time. The world begins to morph around me. Silver eye's figure distorts. Her laughing face shifts and twists. I'm hot and

cold. Time has become strange along with space, I don't know what's happening or how long it's been like this. People phazing in and out of strange forms. I don't know what's real anymore. Damn my face feels sore, have I been laughing?

Who's this plump bodied woman grinding on me? Her naked flesh drips with blood and sweat. A somewhat listful deranged smile stuck in her face. Yes I grind back harder than her. But our little little play gets interrupted with a kick to the face by silver eyes. She's quite feisty. " I'm not sharing today bitch." she growls then proceeds to straddle me.

My face is sticky, wet with the smell of iron. No, blood. My eyes open to find me on the floor. half naked in blood that isn't mine. An aching body in this place is a sign that I've been stepped on. Suddenly my place goes silent. I look around to see everyone staring into one direction. My gaze follows to be greeted by the half fallen moon turned pitch black emanating a blood red hue.

A banshee's scream suddenly echoes through the place coming from the spontaneously engined fire. The sacrificial woman burns in a flame of interchanging colors, her wails of pain and struggle. Revitalizes the masses. All returning to their wanton ways.

From red to black, gray and black again the Flames burn passionately. Licking her flesh to char and ash. The heat emanated throughout the place.

Where silver eyes. No, where am I? " there you are! here" huh!? oh, when did you get behind me. I'm fucking confused. Ugh! agen she forces a pill and that gass down my throat. Immediately my world starts to spin, from hot to cold my body change. " you disappeared for a while here. I've been looking all over for you" I don't remember leaving her " well, here I am." I can't help but chuckle. did I black out?. where the fuck is Don? " have u seen the others" I ask. my words broken, stuttering at points. " they're back there somewhere... let's go somewhere private" so she's not an exhibitionist. Surprisingly a private lover. " Yeah," I can't help my smile, we've been nursing this tension all night. But I'm not gonna bother running around looking for privacy.

Right here, right now baby. She's topless so less work. I pulled down her Jean shorts. She expectedly struggles but her struggle proves futile." no, hey come on! not like this, not here!" She murmurs to me. Her hands tightly resisting the pull of her shorts. " Yes, here." I chuckle. while forcing my way. Her shorts rip with a tearing sound. A panicked expression dawned upon her face. " no, fuck no, damn it. shit!"

Her resistance excites me. Entices me. She lacks the strength to resist. I bend her over. Those moderately sized breasts sway wildly under my rough handling. I spy her crotch to find lips so pump they'd leave an immaculate imprint on a rightly thin pants.

She tries to sit on the ground in an attempt to resist. " that won't work." With a soft whisper in her ear I lift her up, spreading her legs in the air. Her shaven crotch is bare for all to see. " no, fuck! I trusted you, please not like this." She struggles harder but doesn't hit me. Perhaps she

fears my retaliation or she's inwardly wants it's like this. I don't care for the difference. with one hand I undo my pants, releasing my hard cock. If she's dry I'll just use spit, Regardless she's going to get fucked. I pinned her to the ground, her legs high in the air. Like an animal I force my way into her. Although lubricated with spit there was still some minor discomfort. " Please." she's

crying. "That's a good look for you." I know there's a menacing smile on my face. Fuck chafing, you'll get wet eventually. Faster, faster, fuck, yes. Damn, you're so fucking tight. Her back grates on the hard Street. Her face contorted in pain with pleasure hidden deep within. She fights to keep it hidden from me. But I see. I see it all. Her throat in my hand I squeeze forcefully. Tears runs from her eyes, her pleading yet moaning voice breaks and grats. Such soft wails are melodious to my ears. No one pays us any mind. They too are busy in their own indulgence. She can't escape me. she doesn't want to escape me. I finally lose myself. All semblance of the world fades to mist. I hear her groans, her pain under my violent handling.

" YOU!!!," a sudden shout reaches me, sobering my mind. I swiftly look to where the voice came from and in this moment I realized that the rest of my night is fucked. The party is over.

Interupted by this flaming mother fucking. Not of the flesh, His flaming head is the second brightest thing in this place. A body of charcoal encasing and fueling violent orange yellow Flames.

I just know I've got a stupid look on my face. He looks like he's about to explode. The rage in his Flames obvious to see. Those who thread too close get burned. Strange cloth highly resistant to fire cloth his body. light Smoke emanating from him.

" YOU PIECE OF SHIT! IM GONNA KILL YOU BASTARD" The fucker is livid. His dancing Flames broil like his words.

I throw what's her name aside and speed off into the crowd bur naked, my dick and balls swinging violently.

Fuck! damn. There's a scorching heat licking my back, threatening to scorch my body to ash. I may die here. In fire and vengeance. in my periphery people in place of me are caught in the plums of fire he throws at me. Pained screams contribute to my panicking heart. " YOU'LL NOT GET AWAY THIS TIME YOU PIECE OF SHIT." He's gaining ground on me. the heat on my back intensifies, this fucker definitely gave me second degree burns. Boring and weaving using nearby people as shields I evade cooking. " DON, DON, WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, DONN!!!" I sound like a bitch screaming for help out here.

" DIE!!" I'm caught. unable to evade, cornered on all sides by people and buildings. Defenseless.

" hey, bitch!" Don jumps out from some corner of the crowd I couldn't see. A metal pipe in hand. he swings at the solid body parts of charcoal. They both stagger and fall to the ground. A chance. I jump in. Stupidly trading bare handed blows with the likes of a flaming djin, I'm beginning to get my ass kicked. But we rattle him for a moment and take the opportunity to escape.

" didn't you bring a pistol? where the fuck is it?" Don asks frustratedly." no! it's in the fucking car. " One naked and the other wearing only a shirt, we look comical racing through the street. " Bitch! why the fuck is it in the car"

I don't answer, only focusing on getting to the car. Behind us the sound of stopping feet and heat of licking Flames slowly close the distance.

" I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY THIS TIME!!" That hateful shout comes once again chasing us far.

Sweating from exhaustion, beaten and scarred. " shit man, f-"

" YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME" Another rage filled shout echoes from behind, Interrupting Don and reigniting our vigor to run. More bobbing and weaving through crowd's and over cars and branches we finally arrived at our hotel. Immediately we headed down to the underground car park mere feet away. My baby waits in the dark, It's glass-like sheen for glistens in the shadow. " DIE" another angry shout came from behind, But this time it was far closer, Right next to the ear.

The temperature boils, nothing but dry heat, scorching. I felt death. " ANGELA!ON! OPEN DOORS" I shouted, panicked. Beside me Don suffers as well. Gripping Flames scratch at his back. All is illuminated under the fiery yellow Flames. But we receive grace and our salvation. Immediately we dived into the car and shut the doors behind us. Through the glass we saw Flames bathe across the car. Angry, hateful.

I turn on the car using a biometric scanner. A contingency for such situations where I don't have my keys.

" Where's the pistol?" Don asks,his back bleeding and burnt.

" In the glove compartment." I replied. The engine tears as I turn it on. The car vibrates like a growling dog.

" sanctified bullets?" Don asks.

" There's five." I replied.

" just five!" Don looks at me incredulously. I look back at him placidly. " Those bullets are expensive." I replied. With speed we drive off. leaving the Flames behind. Don looks to me and asks" why the fuck is a son of the alnaar after you. What the fuck did you do to piss of a fire djinn?"

Weaving through traffic I navigate us to the freeway out of the city.

I take a cigarette from the stash box. The pain on my back is pinching. The seat was wet with blood.

Don first cleaned his wounds and bandages himself. Then he did the same for me. A bit awkward to do while driving but the pain is unbearable. I directed him to the vile of morphine in the glove compartment. It works wonders for the pain.

I answered his earlier enquiry" he's just from an offshoot branch. "

" You leave for six months and get a djinn on your ass. what the fuck did you do?"

" I fucked his business and killed his daughter." I answer.

Don freezes. a look of shock on his face. " w-'' A sudden loud sound interrupts us. In the rear view I see a, FUCKING DRAGONFLY! rapidly flying towards us. Its clear cockpit window shows the pilot to be the djinn.

" bitch! lying through your teeth. this mother fucker is clearly not from an off shoot branch!" Don shouts in shock. A dragonfly isn't something an ordinary person can get their hands on. " We can't get away, the bitch going to gun us down." Don said, panicked. The dragonfly shortens the distance with every moment. With no recourse I flip the black switch hidden beneath the steering. Like a puzzle box the car morphs slowly into something different,

something stronger. From the final gear the stick locks. The doors seal, An artificial display replaces the view in the windshield, mimicking the path with a powerful AI. I press harder on x. We go faster and faster. As we increase in speed four counter control boosters reveal themselves on each side of the front.

Despite our increased speed the Dragonfly feels up. Already there's streaks of lightning reflecting off the chassis of the car. The engine bellows, screaming for more, yearning to go faster.

We've long left the city, peeling down the highway back to Juniper. Back to friendly territory. Piercing pullets trace us all the while.

" so this is what you've been spending your money on." Don exclaimed. Well what else am I to do? my masterpiece. Cost a fortune but worth it.

" so what the fuck are we gonna do!?" Don cursed nervously.

" calm down, '' I said. My eyes are not daring to avert from the fast pacing road. I flipped the switch for the automated weapons system. From the bonnet came a volley of missiles, all targeting the Dragonfly. Yet it evaded all attempts. I've been ignorant to think that my hardware can compete with military grade Machines.

" shit, you're a sharp shot. take the manual controls and shit the fucker down" I shouted to Don. " what!?bitch! I don't know how to operate that shit." Don protests.

" its just like a game interface. fuck! get it done or we're gonna die." I reply while engaging the excelerator. Faster every second, with a far greater risk of losing control. Don does ss I say and manually took over the controls.

He misses repeatedly as our window of survival closes. every moment that passes the Dragonfly's weapons system increases with accuracy.

" got you bitch!!" Don shouts, immediately after I see the dragonfly's left propulsion engine explode. Blown out by Don.

Like a leaf the dragonfly sways and plummets to the sandy desert on this stretch of the highway. 'yes' the fucker goes down. Sensing the opportunity I drive off the highway and into the harsh desert, chasing the wreckage of the dragonfly.

Broken and burning, the wreckage of the dragonfly rests. Struggling to get away from it, the Injured djin crawls.

I bring the car to a violent hault. The g force riveting. Disengaging the atom drive I take the pistol from Don, fully loaded and ready. Slowly I walk to the crawling fire djin. His once vibrant Flames are now weak and docile. He looks up to me from the sandy ground. " you will pay, the house will avenge me!" he screams. I shot three into his chest. The bullets glowed gold. 'Sanctified by the highest powers' the scum of the earth.

The djin's body crackles and soon turns into stone, then broken into dust. I head back to the car. it's entire chassis steams as it cools.

Don standing beside the car asks " problem solved?"

" Yeah, problem solved." I answer. wasting no time I started the engine and peoceed to get as far away from this place as possible. Don asks no question and gets in. we swiftly and quietly driving miles away in a short time.

Took us a week to get back, the familiar dirty streets and silent ambiance greets me homely. First I went home. A long shower refocused the mind. cleaning wounds and business attire I leave the house in a nicely pressed black suit.

walking to the car I called our chubby official. two rings later he answers placidly. I state by business briefly " it is done, I'll tell you when to send the compensation." I ended the call and left the place. Heading for the Boss's office.

PUSSYFOOT.

Weathered men drinking and staining their lungs for entertainment. Joking about trivial shit while simultaneously discussing business. I too partake. Smoke fills the room and dulls the eyes. As of today I'm back running with the black dogs. Criminally enclines, often answering problems with violence. I enjoyed the vacation but I missed this lifestyle.

Three lines of coak and I feel invincible for the moment. I feel the eyes of Julia staring at us from the corner. She never partakes, merely observes in darkness. A strange woman and the sweetest of forbidden fruits that I wish to taste.

Black jack plays on the table, all thirteen of us participates with stakes of trivial things and precarious territories.

I'm merely playing for fun, I've got too much responsibility on my plate already. Drifis on the other hand plays to win. Hungry for new territory and power. An ambitious fuck, but effective and loyal.

" shit!" Don spills his drink on the floor. Distract by something unseen by me. He swiftly refills his glass and wipes his shoe clean.

" Kids shouldn't play at the big boys table. look at you, can't even hold a glass" " Ha,ha, feather D, get to bed. Maybe Julia will tuck the little baby boy in." "ah, fuck the two of you. Just play, I'll show you who's the kid!"

Don is heckled and rebuttals. All the while barely avoiding another spill with the glass in his restless hand.

Boss deals agen, his mischievous smile unwavering. clearly amused by the flow of things. like this we played through the night. Only stopping when the boss dozes off mid game.