A New Day, The Other Me Chapter 14 free porn video

Carlos: Months Earlier

Things are actually going good with Abby and me and it’s kinda weird really since Guy did it all and hasn’t done shit to wreck it. He’s actually helped me out more than once and now he’s back at school and I’m just waiting to see what he’s going to want when he decides to call in the debt, my debt. Speak of the devil.

“Hello Carlos, how are things today,” Guy greets me with a smile, a big fucking smile.

“Good man, things good with you,” I ask and pray shit hasn’t turned and he’s just fucking with me.

“Things are finally coming together and we’re going to settle your little debt this weekend,” Guy tells me still smiling,” and the good news is once you’re done we’ll be all squared and maybe even attempt to be friends.”

“Really? You’re seriously going to just bury everything after I do whatever I gotta do to square up with you,” I ask and he shrugs a little.

“Sure, why not,” he says it and adjusts his tie, he’s still wearing suits to school.

I watch him walk away and got to think about this a little. Guy wants to settle everything this weekend and then we’re all good but what does he want from me? I can’t really focus on my classes as I think about what I am going to have to do to pay the debt. He’s been nice, too nice really so what does that mean. He’s going to want me to hurt someone in my crew? Nah he’s not wasting time with that. Money? No he has money. I’m stuck all the way into the Union tattoo shop and realize that the Old Man has been talking to me.

“You gonna wake the fuck up and pay attention boy,” the Old Man asks laughing a little at me spacing out.

“Sorry, got some news and I’m trying to get my head around it,” I tell the Old Man and he nods for me to continue,” Remember when I made that deal with Guy and now I’m dating his sister? Well time to pay has come due and I’m just wondering what it is he wants.”

“He told you that you two are settling the debt but didn’t tell you what you had to do,” he asks and I shrug.

“Well he said it’s going to be this weekend so I cleared things so I’d be free to,” I start and the Old Man stops me.

“He’s setting you up,” he tells me very serious.

“I know but he’s not one to do anything so extreme that I can’t walk away from it. Humiliate me, maybe but seriously hurt me or kill me? Nah, that ain’t Guy,” I explain but think for a moment.

“He screwed with your boy Hector right? Knew things about him that he didn’t make public,” Jim asks and I nod a little,” And he’s been kicked around for years all the time watching and learning. Kid he’s going to come for blood, what happens when you get there and he takes too much?”

“He won’t, I’ve talked with his sister,” Abby and I have on more than one date, it’s a little off putting,” He’s a good person, he doesn’t want to hurt people he just wants to help them.”

“That was old Guy, the one you made a deal with has been tortured, stabbed and beaten seven ways to summer and is still kicking around. That boy is hate filled and ready to pop,” he explains and I shake my head,” I know this shit boy, I’ve seen it. Now here’s what you’re going to do.”

Guy Donnelly: Saturday Afternoon, The Weekend

Ever arrive to something early and just sit in pure anticipation? In one of the rare moments of my life I am not only genuinely excited for something and am pacing to pass the time. I made the call to Carlos just before lunch and told him the who, what, where and when so we can settle our deal. I made sure the building I’m in is clear thanks to a little watching from Roberta and now I pace and wait. I must be waiting for an hour when I hear an engine and smile. My suit is a simple two button blue suit with black shirt and red tie, I know classy. I can hear the door and my smile gets even bigger.

“Welcome,” I turn and do not see who I expected,” Mr. Mulligan? What brings you to my little party?”

“Just in the neighborhood and figured I’d keep the peace on your little shindig since you said you needed the space,” he did help arrange the spot for this party of mine,” Why a building on the east half of town?”

“It’s away from everything home turf for everyone and far enough out of the way that my party won’t be bothered easily,” I explain and he nods,” I didn’t quite invite you but you’re keeping up your end of ‘our’ agreement so sit back and relax.”

There isn’t much to sit on so the older Mr. Mulligan leans against a pillar and waits like me only less excitement and pacing. He’s just thinking to himself and I take care to note he’s dressed for the farm today, not a suit or anything formal, must have been passing through? Details that don’t concern my here and now. We continue to wait and the time begins to drag. Where are they? What is holding them up? I’m less anxious now and more frustrated as Mulligan just shifts his weight and leans against a support beam.

No.

He did not!

HE DID.

“You did something,” I ask Mr. Mulligan without looking at him.

“Yes I did,” he says it with no pride or humor.

“You know you’re stepping into my business,” I tell him as he steps towards me slowly.

“Kid you’ve been stepping into mine for too long. Those boys you wanted to play games with? They work for me. They were working for me before who you were became important and they’ll be working for me after yours and mine little discussion today,” the ranch owner informs me.

“You owe me, you said whatever I wanted and now you’re getting in the way. You’re breaking your word,” I tell him in a flat tone.

“Nope, what you really want is for me to not tell your parents and that head shrink you have what you had planned here today. That’s what you really want because the second I do you get locked up in a nice little padded cell and prodded so they can figure out what is wrong with you,” I hear him and I begin to feel my skin crawl.

“You are breaking our deal and your word,” I state again and I can see him shake his head a little.

“No kid I’m saving them and you. You don’t want this, having Carlos bring a gun and his two friends here so you can get whatever sick game in your head played. Once the game is done and someone is dead then what? You just go back like nothing ever happened,” Mulligan either asks or states, I can’t tell which.

“Yes… and maybe get some IHOP too,” I state and smile a little.

“Well it’s not going to happen boy,” and that irks me some,” you’re going to tell me that you want me to not tell everyone what you had planned here today and you’re done with Carlos and his people. They will never come back for you ever again.”

“No, I want Carlos, Hector and Romeo here as instructed,” I tell Mulligan a little angry.

“Not gonna happen, take my deal cause it’s the best you’re gonna get,” he informs me and I shrug,” I’m not playing around here.”

“And you think I am? You say I don’t take your deal and you’ll tell everyone,” I ask and he nods,” Fine, call them.”

“Excuse me,” Mulligan is a little shocked, I hand him my phone.

“You heard me, call them,” I load up my phone book and pull up my step father’s number,” Here is Mr. Delauter. Go ahead.”

“Boy don’t think that your games are going to work with me,” Mulligan looks annoyed but isn’t taking my phone.

“You think this is a game? You think I’m playing? I’m very serious here Mr. Mulligan. Our deal was for whatever I wanted. I didn’t want this today, I need this. Want is something you can continue to exist without and I need to gain closure so either call my family and execute your threat or get the three down here,” I tell him and I’m angry but I’m smiling.

We’re at a stand off, I have the phone and am ready for him to make the call and he’s not taking it. He threatened to expose me and I’m calling his play. We stand awkwardly for a moment before he smirks.

“I don’t have to actually, they work for me, Carlos and his people. They won’t listen when you call anymore, they will be on standing orders not to deal with you. You’ll have to figure out how to get over it without your sick little games,” Mulligan is smiling and ruining everything.

“NO! You do not deny me this. I have suffered too much to let this end,” I state and he steps back.

“Kid it’s over, you’re done,” and he leaves.

We’re done.

LEAVE HIM, HE IS FINISHED.

We can still save this.

NO, HE HAS PLAYED THIS GAME TOO LONG. THEY WILL NOT COME FOR HIM. HE IS DONE WE LEAVE.

I can’t feel my feet, my hands, I can hear my heart beating in my chest. He’s leaving and he’s screwed me. I try to think of something to say something to do but I have nothing. I have to lose.

Mr. Henry Mulligan

I get out of the building and give it a moment. The kid was going to do more harm to my business and employees than I could allow and I had to put a stop to it. Jim was right to make sure shit was run through him and then by me. Yeah he’s all hurt that he didn’t get his chance for revenge but honestly the boy needs to learn that somethings in life you just don’t get. I see him in his suit with his head down finally come out of the building and take a look around, I don’t see that car of his anywhere.

“Hey kid, where are you going,” I ask as Danny, my driver brings the truck around.

The kid doesn’t answer me, he just starts walking away. I turn to my driver and nod towards the kid. It takes Danny a moment to get out of the truck and catch up to the boy, Guy, I remember his name. He is talking to the kid but I don’t know what is being said back. Danny comes back to me shaking his head.

“He wouldn’t answer me, I tried to get him to turn around but he wouldn’t move,” my driver answers me and I stare at the kid.

It takes me a little bit to catch up to Guy as he continues to slowly walk with his head down. I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him but he keeps moving.

“Kid stop,” I have to use some actual strength to stop him from walking.

I have him standing and turn his face up to look at me but there is nothing there. No anger or shock like I was seeing not ten minutes before. Just a blank face and dead blue eyes looking at me with no thought behind them.

“Guy, do you need a ride home,” I ask him trying to figure out what the hell is going on with this kid.

The boy turns out of my grip slowly and continues his slow walk. My driver brings the truck up and gets the door for me.

“What do you want me to do,” Danny asks.

“Nothing, he’s not hurting anyone,” I tell my driver who nods slowly,” Kid’s got to figure it out himself.”

The drive home is routine and peaceful. Jim says that Carlos and his people were kept busy enough. Only issue is Carlos asking if everything is settled with Guy. I give them a yes and think about the difference. One minute happy and expecting then angry as to be expected but afterwards, just nothing in the kid. Being Saturday I settle in for a busy Sunday of work around the ranch which feels good really, it’s not profit but it helps. Monday comes and goes with no real concerns till Jim calls and informs me that Guy wasn’t at school and Carlos was concerned. I tell Jim I’ll do a little checking and call Delauter. He answers on the second ring.

“Mr. Mulligan,” no real sound of friendliness in his voice.

“Mr. Delauter, how is your Monday,” I ask trying to loosen things up.

“Not well but that is not your concern,” he’s quick to cut me out of the conversation.

“Anything I can help out with,” I ask it and hope to Christ I’m don’t know what is going on.

“No there is nothing you can help with here Mr. Mulligan. It’s a family concern not a business concern,” again cutting me out quick.

“Mark after everything that happened I would like to think we have an understanding. If there is something I can do just talk to me and we can work it out,” I offer and wait as I hope he is thinking.

“Well Henry, since you seem insistent to know my son Guy, you remember him,” he asks and I don’t get a chance to reply,” he came home in early on Monday morning a complete mess and he hasn’t said anything. He won’t speak to anyone, he doesn’t look at anyone. He just sits and doesn’t move, the doctor did a reflex test and says he is barely reacting to outside stimuli. Everyone tells me that he was supposed to meet up with my daughter’s boyfriend and they were going to bury the hatchet. When I ask my daughter what happened she doesn’t know and her boyfriend isn’t saying anything. Now is there something I should know about or is this just you attempting to be sociable when I really do not have the time or inclination to be sociable?”

“I was just checking in with my lawyer since I still have you as a lawyer thanks to that boy,” truth be told I didn’t keep my word but business sometimes means breaking deals.

“Well he’s not able to be appreciative now or anything for that matter. I have pressing matters to attend to Mr. Mulligan so I will have to go,” he hangs up his phone on me.

I have to stop and look at my phone for a minute, not really sure what to do here. Best bet, do nothing. Can’t fix the crazy and can’t fix the kid now that the crazy is gone.

Carlos: Wednesday after the ‘Meeting’

“So we have business this weekend since we were prepping the spots,” Romeo asks and I shrug,” Gotta give me something to work with here Carlos.”

“We ain’t got orders yet Rome so settle that shit. When we got orders Carlos will hand them out and then we go to work,” Hector answers for me.

Almost five days since I was supposed to meet with Guy and nothing from him. Abby keeps asking me why I wasn’t there if we were to settle things between us but I can’t tell her that the people I assist in moving firearms across borders didn’t want me to go in.

Now everyone thinks things are great except me cause my girl isn’t really enjoying me not answering her questions. End of the school day and I try to catch Abby but see someone a little more important, her Mom.

“Mrs. Delauter,” I greet her with a smile,” how are things with Guy?”

“No change, I was just getting my son graduated so at least he can have that behind him,” she is hurt but she’s not mad at me.

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to meet with him, I was busy and couldn’t get away,” it’s true mostly.

“Well nothing we can do about it now, it’s not like you were there and did something to cause this,” Mrs. D says it and for once I know my people didn’t do anything, also doesn’t sound like I’m being accused for a change.

I didn’t notice her at first and that’s kind of difficult when you realize that Jenna is the type of girl who can make you forget about true love and remember your best moves. Mrs. Delauter on the other hand does notice her.

“Hello Mrs. Delauter… Carlos,” happy greeting for her, cold as fuck for me.

“Hello Jenna, no there has been no change with Guy,” Mrs. Delauter is quick to answer a question that wasn’t asked.

“Well I’d like to come over, I think I can help or at least I’d like to try,” Jenna offers Mrs. Delauter.

“Well then come by before six this evening, just don’t do anything too off putting alright? I know you feel something towards my son and I don’t understand why he let you back in after the way you treated him,” Mrs. D is laying down the law.

“I completely understand but your son has helped me and I am better for it, the least I can do is try,” I listen to Jenna’s reasoning as to why she wants to help, Mrs. Delauter already agreed.

I wave good bye to Mrs. D as she heads back to her car and as soon as she’s gone I look at Jenna who went from heartfelt speaking to stone faced.

“It’s cool that you want to try to help Guy and his family,” I tell her and now she looks at me with cold hate.

“Silentium mis, mihi non loqueris medium cum veris,” I hear her say something and have no clue what it is.

“What was that,” I ask confused.

“Something I picked up from Guy,” she replies and then just walks away.

I heard Guy speaking something like that before but now Jenna? What the fuck is wrong with these people?

Roberta : A few hours later

“Okay Mrs. Delauter told me to help you while she’s out of the room but I’m pretty sure you’re not a doctor or a miracle worker,” I ask the insanely hot red head Mrs. Delauter introduced as Jenna.

“Listen to me Robbi, you were put here by him,” the hot girl Jenna says with authority pointing at Guy,” That means there were instructions. He has a plan, he always has a plan.”

“He didn’t tell me anything except that after that Saturday things would be different and I’d be rewarded. Now he’s a vegetable and I’m waiting for the charity to run out,” I explain keeping my voice down in case Mrs. Delauter comes back.

“Were there letters? Notes? Something on his computer? There is something here that he would have kept close so that in case something happened I could find it,” she explains looking around Guy’s room.

I wish there was something because as good to me as Guy has been I want out. Late night errands watching different spots that have gangbangers hanging out, checking on his girl Sydney aka the one I actually like, keeping track of people coming near him when they think he’s alone. It’s a lot to do and aside from a place to stay and some better clothes I haven’t been given jack shit.

“Where is his phone,” Jenna asks and I snap back to reality.

“What about his phone,” I ask a little confused as Jenna is going through Guy’s clothing from Saturday.

“His cellphone, Guy’s cell phone? It’s not in his clothes,” she is turning out his pockets on the suit.

“He didn’t take it with him, he said he didn’t need the distraction,” I tell her and take the phone out of his desk drawer.

I almost lose a finger as Jenna snatches the phone from my hand and I watch her get frustrated with the lock on it. He kept everything but the game console passworded, I tried to use the computer once and was locked out till he came back. Jenna is about to scream or throw the phone but she stops and a few taps on the screen and she smiles very big.

“Where is it…. where would you keep your back up….,” Jenna asks as she flips through his pictures and emails.

“Maybe it’s not a message,” I try to help and get the ice stare,” He didn’t like typing things out, he either wrote them or spoke to people in person.”

I don’t know what I said but Jenna goes through a few more screens, his phone is way better than any I’ve ever had, but she can’t find anything that helps. She’s frustrated and I’d kill, probably, for the chance to help her let off some steam but I have a very hetro vibe coming off of Jenna and she’s into Guy hard. The Sydney girl loves him but Jenna is like a demon possessed. I’m just puttering around feeling awkward as Jenna fumes over not being able to find anything and then I see the thought hit her. I’m not sure what it is but she goes through his phone again and puts it to her ear, I guess she’s making a call.

“Hello, who am I speaking to…. No you tell me right now who am I speaking to…. Listen to me very carefully, get the one in charge and put him on the phone right now or I’ll show you what fear truly is,” Jenna went from talking to threats in a matter of seconds,” Ask your friend if is face is running and then get the one in charge… Hello sir… you know the number I’m calling from… that’s good because we have a problem and I need you here soon…. Sooner than that…. I’ll be waiting and I’ll take care of introductions.”

I watch her end the call and set the phone down on Guy’s desk. She is thinking but she’s smiling and I don’t put the two together as a good thing. I don’t know how long she stands there thinking but whatever had her attention it’s now all on me and I’d normally like a hot girl looking at me, just not like this.

“Roberta, Robbi for short. He likes you, thinks you have potential. Soon a man will come for him, you’ll know the man when you see him. You will bring him to Guy,” Jenna is giving me instructions.

“Okay but how will I really know if it’s the right person,” I ask and she laughs a little.

“Trust me, you’ll know,” she says then picks up her purse and leaves Guy’s room.

Loretta Delauter: a couple days later

Rosa is in the doorway letting me know that there is a visitor here to see my son, there have been well wishers but nobody outside of a few girls from school have actually come to the house. I head downstairs to see a priest standing in my foyer. He’s not tall but he’s… a little hefty with a very big beard. Along with the standard priest black and white collar he has a simple broad hat in his hands, Rosa is watching quietly from the kitchen.

“I’m Loretta Delauter, Guy’s mother… You are,” I ask curious.

“You’re Guy’s mother,” he smiles big and very friendly,” I’m sorry but a striking woman such as yourself is not what I expected. Pardon me ma’am, I’m Gabriel… Father Gabriel of Church of the Morning Glory in Louisiana.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Father but I’m not sure how my son knows a man of the cloth from Louisiana,” I ask and he just smiles.

“Well I was coming through a few months back on some cross country mission work and we happened to cross paths. We spoke of many things, family and forgiveness more than anything really,” he says and I think about the time.

“You were advising my son to forgive his family,” I ask and still with the smile.

“Family is important, to your son it is a crucial part of who he is. All I did was help him see that and let him move himself back to safe shores… so to speak,” Gabriel replies and I feel a little better with the odd priest, not much.

“Well I’m glad that you were able to help him but I think now we’re at the ‘God’s hands’ point,” I state and he steps forward.

“I’d like to pray with your son, if that’s alright Mrs. Delauter. The boy is special and while I may not be as flashy as some of the good old boy preachers with their snakes and what not I am a man of faith,” Gabriel offers and I nod, not like he can make Guy worse.

I lead Gabriel to Guy’s room and once the door is open he can see my son and I hear him catch his breath a little in surprise.

“He’s been like this for a week now,” I start but Gabriel stops me.

“Ma’am this I cannot abide, the boy needs help,” Gabriel enters the room and moves to the bed next to my son.

I hear him whispering to himself as he takes a small prayer book out of his coat pocket and finally turns to me.

“Mrs. Delauter… Loretta,” he asks to use my first name and I nod,” Loretta I would like to pray with Guy alone if that is all right?”

“Just for a while, I don’t like to be away from him for too long,” I can but something is odd and I can’t put my finger on it.

I close the door and step away from Guy’s room to find Roberta, my son’s project standing at the top of the stairs staring at me. I smile a little to her and she smiles back, she’s not an unattractive girl and I know Guy is not interested in her so I let this go but if things don’t change soon for my son we will have to figure out her next steps out the door. I make my way down stairs and see Rosa looking upstairs before settling on me with an interested/concerned expression.

“Rosa are you well,” I ask my very good and well paid housekeeper.

“Si Mrs. Delauter… that man… something is wrong about him,” she answers and I nod a little.

“He did seem a little different than our gun carrying Texas pastors,” I joke and she chuckles a little.

“Si Mrs. Delauter, he didn’t carry any snakes with him. Those ones have that Voodoo they love in Louisiana,” Rosa explains a little and I settle in for what could be a long wait.

The girls make it home from school and I explain the van out front and who is visiting with Guy, both girls look at each other with a healthy level of disbelief before returning to their rooms. Hours pass before there is any signs of life but that is what I get in the form of screaming. I race to Guy’s room as the screaming stops and rip the door open to see my son standing and limping a little.

“What did you do to my son,” I almost yell at Father Gabriel.

“My feet were asleep and I stood on them too fast,” Guy answers me and that actually makes sense as the Father chuckles a little.

“I tried to warn the boy that he should take it slow,” the Father jokes as I can see my son a little angry but moving and speaking for the first time in almost a week,” Now I’ll be in the area Guy if you need to talk again but I have a few things to attend to in town.”

“Father Gabriel thank you and thank the lord for what he did for my boy,” I offer praise, I don’t do that often.

“Think nothing of it Ma’am, it was just a little prayer and a good long talk about walking back into the world and doing what needs to be done,” Father Gabriel says exiting Guy’s room.

I help my son steady himself and after a few minutes he’s upright and I have questions. I do however hold onto them and walk my son down the stairs to get some dinner. We get through two full meals worth of food before I open my mouth to speak and Guy begins talking.

“Gabriel left to take care of things, I feel bad I didn’t walk him out,” my son is being thoughtful, this is the boy I know.

“He helped you,” I state and my son nods,” What happened?”

“I was on the wrong side, the wrong team. I tried and when I failed I just couldn’t figure out how someone could just break their word so easily,” it’s vague but I think I know a little about what is going on.

“I know that Carlos was supposed to meet you but he said work got in the way,” I offer what little I know and watch my son’s face darken for just a moment.

“Yeah, I tried to manipulate the situation and he decided that bowing out to his boss and leaving me hang would be alright because he was working,” Guy says it like he’s had these conversations but he was laid up and hasn’t spoken to Carlos.

“So you know what happened with Carlos but Guy… what did they do to you,” I ask and he shakes his head a little and chuckles lightly.

“Physically nothing, they broke their word and like everything else they expect hollow apologies and unsympathies to matter when I was tired of losing the war,” my son is speaking but leaving out details.

“What war,” I have to ask.

“The one for my self respect, my honor, my sanity… that’s what they took from me all these years. I got back a family, I got back a father and a new sister but they….,” Guy points off in a direction and just shakes his arm and head,” They took from me what is mine and I wanted it back so badly I didn’t expect them to break the rules.”

“So Carlos broke the rules,” I ask and he shakes his head.

“Carlos broke his word, he allowed others to intervene and they broke the rules,” Guy is very cold in his tone before leaning his head back and I see his shoulders relax,” After days in bed you’d think I wouldn’t be tired.”

“Well get some sleep, no more high school for my boy,” I tell him and he looks at me confused,” I had your credits applied to graduation and aside from the ceremony if you choose to attend you don’t have to set foot in that school again.”

My son smiles and we’re joined after a while by the rest of the family. We sit and talk, Guy even calls Neal to let him and Gwen know that he is feeling better. A couple hours later Guy is sleeping and I’m watching him. Before it was just him sitting there eyes open but now it’s rest and I don’t know what miracle this Father Gabriel worked but my son is back. And I need to have a talk soon to Abby about her boyfriend.

Father Gabriel: That Friday Evening

“Gabriel,” one of my people asks for attention.

“Yes,” I answer leaning my head in his direction.

“We came and we’ve been waiting, where is he,” he asks and I look at him.

“Doubting Thomas now? He will come as he said he would,” I hear him doubting in his mind.

I can feel him arrive, it’s like a cool breeze on a hot day in the swamp. The car engine stops and I watch as the Devil himself makes his way through my people. They know him, they know what I know but not all believe like I do and they’ve been waiting for a sign.

“This is all of them,” the one says, he doesn’t ask.

“All are here and waiting,” I answer and he nods.

He’s wearing just a simple t shirt and those athletic pants I see people running in with some sneakers but it’s the bag he’s carrying that I feel drawn to, this is getting fun. My people watch and wait with me as he takes out a single piece of paper and holds it out to me, it’s a list.

“Take it, make teams and spread out. Gather your tools, arm yourselves and be ready,” Guy begins but ‘Thomas’ is out of place stepping forward.

“Why do we listen to you, we came here for Gabriel, not some kid in a flashy car,” ‘Thomas’ asks Guy.

“See this face,” he motions at his own,” This is the face of desire. When people desire something they come to it and they make deals. The deal was not honored and now I summoned beings who can handle what must be done next.”

“Again why listen to a kid with a list,” ‘Thomas’ asks again and I can feel things change around me.

He is fast, the Devil is, and he is on ‘Thomas’ like hellfire on a sinner. The beating is savage, raw and without mercy. ‘Thomas’ begins to move to his feet when the Devil latches on to the side of his head with his teeth. There is a scream, ‘Thomas’ is the one screaming and with beautiful violence the Devil’s head pulls away from ‘Thomas’s head and blood flies a few feet and spills to the ground. The Devil paces around ‘Thomas’ as my people watch, hopeful and doubtful have turned into anxious and eager, I smile because I can see how much fun we’re going to have. The Devil spits out a chunk of flesh from ‘Thomas’s head and I do believe I see an ear. As ‘Thomas’ lays in agony and in his blood the Devil looks to my flock.

“It’s been a while since some of you saw the original, that was the face of desire,” the Devil has the lower half of his face covered in blood,” This is the original face of fear. Now get your tools and get ready because hell is coming to earth.”

My people move with a possessed speed and I’m happier now than I have been in years. I follow Guy to my van and present his request.

“It isn’t bright and beautiful but…,” I begin showing it off to him but he stops me.

“It’s perfect, you’ve done well. After this you’ll fall asleep to the sound of your father burning for a month,” he promises me but I’ve been hearing that for years.

I watch him load his new toy into his bag, I see the clothing in there and almost ask. I remember myself and know that if he needs me he will call. A few of my people are attending ‘Thomas’ and trying to figure out how to patch him up when the Devil speaks to them.

“Burn the wound,” he tells them and I actually didn’t think of that.

“What about my ear…. Sir,” ‘Thomas’ asks and the Devil turns his head to the other side.

“I left you with one, use it more and your mouth less and you’ll probably keep it longer than your other ear,” the Devil walks past the ear on the ground and looks at it for a moment,” It’d be a shame to waste this though, feed it to the dogs.”

“We didn’t bring the dogs with us,” my giant answers Guy, he’s been missing the beautiful girl and was hoping to see her.

“You know what, you are good with faces,” Guy offers picking up the ear and handing it to him,” You reattach it Chucklez.”

Nobody has called him that in a long time but his old name brings a smile to Chucklez face and I watch Guy leave our gathering. I brought sixty with me, more than enough for a few nights of work.

Carlos: Saturday Night

Races and partying are in full effect at the airfield and while the Union are in their side business I’m hanging back and relaxing since we don’t have anything to move till mid week. Romeo and Juanita are doing good by the looks of it. Hector is still mad because Guy got the better of him with Lupe and she ditched his ass and I’m spending part of my time watching my people and texting Abby who says that Guy is doing well but won’t see me or speak with me at all. I am not asking her to step in since I can’t fully explain why I didn’t show up and who showed up in my place. I get pulled aside for a quick chat with the Old Man and he’s happy that we have things ready ahead of schedule for the next shipment of his merchandise. My phone goes off and I don’t see Abby messaging me and when I open the phone everything freezes. The Old Man asks me what I see but I’m not sure it’s real.

Father Gomez: an hour earlier

My humble house of worship has an open door policy, people can come and go as they please as long as they respect the house of our lord as they would respect their own. Personally I think a few respect God’s house a little more than their own but I’m not one to judge. I’m reading the verse for the gospel tomorrow when I hear… singing?

Michael row your boat ashore… Hallelujah

I know the song but not the singer. I leave my book and my study to find a person, I assume it’s a man, standing in the middle of the aisle in the nave. ‘He’ isn’t over tall but a bit overweight and wearing all black and looking at the front entry of the church.

“May I help you friend,” I ask as the man turns to face me.

“I don’t think so friend,” the man is smiling, not normal happy smiling and has a very large brown/black beard and wears a traditional black cassock.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know I’d have another priest visiting or I’d have coffee made,” I offer to be polite.

“No troubles Father Gomez,” he knows my name,” my congregation and I are here to do his work and then we will depart.”

“Your congregation,” I ask and then I see movement.

There are three of them in masks, animal masks, are surrounding me. I hold my hands up in a surrender and to keep them at arm’s length. The other ‘priest’ laughs a little.

“Oh brother we bring the light of the dawn with us,” he says as the three rush me.

I fought a little when I was younger, I wasn’t great at it but I fight back for about two punches before I’m pushed onto my face and my hands are bound behind my back. They pull me up to my knees and I see someone else behind the priest. A brown long coat in need of some repair, heavy thick cargo pants, boots and those plated gloves you see police wear. The last two things I pay the most attention to are the mask, a hard metal lower half with animal teeth painted on it and a visor on top so nobody can see the eyes of the wearer. The other is a hammer, hammer with a large metal head and a spike on the back. It’s got a handle long enough for both hands but the figure in the clothes is using one to hold it. The fake priest sees me looking behind him.

“That is the beast, he follows me around. Now you aren’t as civil as I thought with your fighting back and that just might save you because today is a special day. Today we test your faith, first pray,” the priest says and I bow my head,” Not those regular prayers, pray from your soul.”

I have no clue what he expects but I pray for everyone and everything. I hit all the points you hit when you are trying to show someone what compassion and selflessness looks like. I don’t look up until I say ‘Amen’ and when I do I see the priest on his knees praying. He says ‘Amen’ and looks up at me.

“That was beautiful, I’d almost swear you are without stain on your soul without testing you after that,” he says with no smile,” However the beast needs proof.”

“What kind of proof would the beast know to be true,” it’s a good question considering they’re crazy and playing along might save my life.

“A simple choice has to be made by you and then one of two things will happen. You pick the one you want and it happens… and this is not a negotiation Gomez,” he says and I nod,” two options, first in the containers that my congregation have more than enough homemade napalm to burn this church for an entire day. Everything inside will burn and it will not be saved by every fireman the city can manage to get here.”

“You’d burn down a house of the lord,” I ask and he smiles.

“No Father, you would by your choice. The other option is simple, the beast is going to beat you with that hammer,” I can hear the masked ‘Beast’ breathing behind the metal,” he is going to beat you then we’re going to take down Jesus and he’s gonna nail you to the cross so your congregation can see what a real sacrifice is.”

I can’t think because both options are horrifying in their own right but the ‘Beast’ is pacing and I can smell the fuel they are going to burn the church down with, the decision isn’t difficult.

“Burn the church,” I tell him and stands up quicker than I thought he could looks down on me very serious.

“Why the church, he wants to know,” the ‘priest’ asks waving his hand back to the ‘Beast’.

“A church can be rebuilt, God forgives and a merciful God values all life,” I explain and he smiles.

“Pack up, we’re leaving,” he tells his people who take the containers and exit out of the nave.

I watch and hear them leave, they even cut my hands free but they don’t spread the fuel around. Was it all a test? Was he just trying to see what I’d say? Then I see the Beast, he’s right in front of me and he still has his hammer.

“You don’t have to do this, all are forgiven in the eyes of the lord,” I tell him and feel the flat of the hammer gently touch my chin.

“God’s eyes… not mine,” the voice that comes out is like ice.

“You don’t have to do this,” I tell him as he lifts the hammer.

“I already have…,” the voice growls,” It’s almost a new day of hell on earth.”

The man, I can only assume it is a man turns and exits the church out the front while I remain on my knees for a moment and realize the worst is over. I get my feet under me and begin to walk when I see light out of the church windows. I hurry outside and I see a fire several blocks away… then another… I stop counting at six and realize that this church isn’t on the list. I say a quick prayer and wait to see who needs help.

Imelda: a few minutes later

Holy shit the town is burning. There gotta be a dozen fires and I was fucking late getting out to the meets but now I rush back and make sure Momma and the house are alright. Doubling back full throttle has me home and all is quiet save for the burning and sirens in the distance. I head into town to see what the damage is. I check the shop first and it’s fine so I can sleep and I’m still employed tomorrow so that’s a plus. I drive around a little and see few bikes I don’t recognize with riders I’m sure are organized heading away from one of the fires. I’m on my baby and she is fast so when heavy bikes move down the road she is a hell of a lot quicker and I catch up to them just in time to slam the brakes and stoppie but it’s too little too late as they are turning around and I recognize the lead bikes rider, fucking Chucklez of the Faces of Fear. I turn to spin out and ride off but a hand grabs my jacket and I’m pulled back while my baby lunges forward then falls down. I’m on my face with a knee on my back and I feel my knife being taken out of my sheath at the small of my back.

“Fucking get the fuck off of me Chucklez,” I yell at the big black clown looking asshole.

He doesn’t, he holds me down and after a moment I’m dragged off to a van that’s pulling up. I see a few more of Chucklez friends getting out and when I see the bag I start to fight and then one who looks like he had his ear reattached to his head and not by a doctor gets close.

“HEY! Listen very carefully, the bag goes on the head. Say it back,” he tells me and I spit at him.

“Put the bag on your own head asshole,” I snarl and he frowns.

“The bag goes on the head or the chain goes around the wrists,” he says again and I see the chain they are beginning to tie to the bumper of the van,” Say it.”

“The bag goes on the head,” I don’t like giving up but I can’t win.

He doesn’t smile as he puts the bag over my head and my hands are cuffed behind my back before I’m shown into the van a lot more politely than I would have expected. The van starts and I hear motorcycles not my own and then feel the van begin to move. I am shaking a little because when the Faces of Fear take someone they don’t come back whole if they come back at all. I hear big metal doors open and close behind us before the van is opened and I’m guided/pulled from my spot on the floor of the van. I have to climb stairs with a blind fold which has me trip more than once before I’m put on my knees on the floor and I wait. I hear them mumbling, laughing, planning before I hear another engine and everything goes quiet with the freaks. I hear more people come up the stairs and one moves closer to me before all others seem to head down the stairs.

“What is the face you expect to see when I pull that bag off,” the voice in front of me asks and I shrug,” Do you want me to take the bag off?”

“Please,” I ask and feel the bag loosen from around my neck and come off.

It’s not bright but there is enough light that I can see the person in front of me. Tall, maybe six foot, ratty brown coat, thick gloves with plate for protection, shin guards on his cargo pants and a medival fucking hammer about three foot long with a flat side and a spike on the other. I see my knife in his other hand then I look for a face but see a mask, pieces of a mask. One half metal with painted teeth and the other a one way visor to protect the eyes. The man thing sits down in front of me and sets my knife down in between us.

“We know you…,” it asks and I shrug,” You wanted to see the fires?”

“I was worried for other people… I just wanted to know what was happening,” I tell it and it shrugs.

It reaches forward and unzips my white racing jacket and pulls out my phone, not any damage from what I can see as it places the phone next to my knife.

“You saw the fires, you saw what I brought to your world. Now I need you to help me send a message,” it tells me and I back up a little,” I said send a message, not become a message.”

“Who am I telling and what,” I might as well help because if the Faces of Fear are answering to this thing and not Gabriel then we’re all sorts of fucked without a compass.

“First a little show and tell,” it tells me getting up from in front of me.

I watch him step around behind me and then the cuffs come off, first reaction is grab my knife. Second I turn around and stand up quickly bringing the blade straight at it’s stomach when I feel a hand on my wrist blocking my stab. My hand is being pulled up away from the stomach and up to the chest of this freaking monster and now I’m struggling to get back but with one hand on my wrist and the other on my hand the blade is going into the ugly grey sweater. I try to pull back or drop my knife but I feel the pressure give and two inches of blade goes right in and now there is blood.

“You don’t know what pain is… I am pain. You don’t know suffering… my existence defines suffering. I will not stop until I am satisfied. There will be no negotiation, there will be no promises save for this,” it tells me holding my hand that holds the blade in it’s now bleeding chest,” I will burn it all till there is nothing left but ash. I will feed them the ash till their blood turns black. I will bleed their black blood onto the earth and turn this whole city into hell on Earth. I will be satisfied or all will suffer.”

“You’re bleeding,” I can’t think of anything else to say.

“Tell your family… tell him what I said, tell the one who controls him and then have the both of them tell the one who controls it all will lose more until I’m satisfied. All sins answered for… Do you understand,” it asks me and I nod.

It lets my hands go and release my knife and back up only to see the knife still in it’s chest and with all the care of a person killing a mosquito it pulls my knife out of it’s fucking chest and drips blood on the ground. There is blood going down the front of it and I watch as it calmly steps forward and hands me back my knife before stepping aside and with a wave of it’s hand motions to the wooden stairs. I run, I don’t look back at all, I just run down stairs and past whatever is the dark on the first floor of wherever I am and out the nearest door. I get about ten feet when I see my bike sitting at the curb waiting for me. I shake as I get the engine turned over and I’m flying down the road. Get to the meets, got to get to the meets. I don’t have my helmet, lost it in the melee with Chucklez but right now I need to get to Carlos and tell him shit has officially gone nuclear.

Carlos: At the meets with Jim

I’ve got my phone out and I’m looking at the screen with the text from Imelda. The monster thing that was kicking the shit out of my people a while back has come out of hiding and fuck if it ain’t worse the Faces of Fear are in town and they answer to him. I let Jim know and he is not happy.

“That greasy fuck Gabriel is un-fucking-welcome in this city and he fucking knows it,” the Old Man’s son Smitty spits.

“Regardless of that we can trust his cousin,” the Old Man says it, doesn’t ask me if we can,” so what is the Faces of Fear doing here?”

“Imelda said that the one who spoke to her said that he would burn it all,” I repeat the message for them.

We only wait for a minute or two before the pictures come in of buildings on fire from Imelda. She says there are more, a lot more and that the fire departments are having trouble with too many fires and not enough firemen. Romeo heads over to check and when he sees the picture from my phone he is first to bring up what we are missing.

“That’s one of the storehouses,” Romeo says just loud enough for only us to hear.

“Say that again kid,” the Old Man asks.

“The building, I recognize it as one of the store houses,” he basically repeats and now I see the Old Man mad.

“Carlos you take your people, you go to every single spot we store merchandise and you check it. When it’s all done you report back to me at the parlor and I don’t care what time it is or what else you feel you need to do you get back to me in person fast,” he orders and I’m off.

Pulling my people away from the party isn’t a good thing but when it’s business they don’t give me any pissing and moaning. Every car is off heading back into town and to the storage buildings we manage for the Union, except mine. I head to the tattoo parlor and wait there for the Old Man and his people. My updates go from not good to bad to apocalyptic in a matter of an hour and when Jim shows up he can see things aren’t good by my face.

“How much did we lose,” he asks from the passenger side of the van he’s in.

“No merchandise was stored but all sixteen spots are burnt out or still burning,” I tell him and I can see him getting angry.

“I am going to call Mulligan and advise him of the new situation while the rest of my boys circle the wagons and keep an eye out for Gabriel and his roving band of nutcases,” he explains before looking at me,” You and your people are going to act normal, sit back and keep your mouths shut.”

I nod, no point in offering to help when he doesn’t want it. I get back in my car and head towards home. Mom and Dad are still sleeping, Marta must be as well because her door is locked and as far as I know she had no plans. I try to settle down and get some rest but it’s a little difficult with the state of things.

Guy: Midnight, same night

Back home and feeling a little bit relaxed is a good thing when you’ve been driving around. I see Mom is up and wide awake watching the news and when she sees me she’s up off the couch and hugs me tight.

“Mom what’s going on,” I ask hugging her back.

“Honey weren’t you in town,” she asks and I nod,” there have been fires popping up all over the city. News says it’s the worst fires the state has seen in decades.”

“Wow, is anyone hurt,” I ask looking at the TV.

“Not that they are saying, the family is all here except you and I tried to call you but you were ignoring me,” Mom is a little upset with me.

“Mom my phone died and I didn’t have the cable to charge it. All I was doing was driving around a little and trying to figure out a few things for myself,” I explain as she folds her arms.

“What could be so important that you stay out till midnight and don’t notice half the city on fire,” she asks and is seriously not happy.

“Colleges, mostly where I want to go and what I want to study,” I answer her and she gives me a negative look.

“You were out in town and didn’t see any of the fires you were just thinking and driving,” Mom questions me and I’m beginning to wonder if I did something wrong.

“Yeah, I saw a fire truck go past me but I figured best thing to do is head the opposite direction,” I explain the fire truck I actually did see,” I figured with my luck it’s better to get away from it now then wait and hope something doesn’t happen to me.”

“So you were being safe, no playing around with me on this Guy,” Mom questions again and I don’t feel angry at her accusations.

“Mom, I was avoiding trouble. I’ve had enough trouble this year alone to last me a decade. God you make me want to be a hobo and skip college altogether,” I end with a joke and a smirk.

She laughs a little, thank god. I thought she was getting mad at me and that is the last thing I need now that I’m able to spend my days doing what I want. I get a hug and head up to bed but not before sending a text out to Syd and making sure she’s alright. She doesn’t respond quickly but as my head hits the pillow I see my phone go off and read the message ‘I was sleeping, now I’m not alright’. I apologize and promise to see her soon. Morning comes quick and after my workout followed by a shower I settle in on my computer to get through some of these online college courses that I’ve been working on mostly at the high school but now that I am graduated, minus walking that is, I can work privately. I spend hours on the assignments and blast through the reading when I figure I need to take a break and get some serious advice. I dress normally, no suit for me today and head down stairs with some music on my phone and I grab my charging cable this time just in case.

Henry Mulligan: One in the afternoon, same day

Every single building that got hit according to Jim and Carlos was one of ours and they were the only spots that were burned out. Only thing good about it is that they are insured up the ass and I have all the spots run through other people’s names which leaves me free and clear. So why am I in town at my legal beagle’s office? Just dotting the ‘i’s’ and crossing the ‘t’s’. I make it past the door and my driver David is with me as we head up the elevator and get off where the big offices are. I can see a few suits working but more than a few are clustered around I hear laughing as I approach.

“Seriously if you are going for a law degree the market is flooded with Harvard law degree holders. Go to Stanford or Yale, they aren’t the popular choice but their courses are of a higher standard,” one of the female suits tells the center of attention.

“What about that voice we heard so much about, take that and make millions. You could pay for anything after that including the law degree,” another jokes and there is laughter.

I know where Delauter’s office is but passing the crowd I see his step son talking and laughing. Not what I expected after he turned into a vegetable a few weeks ago. I broke the deal, in his mind at least, but he was going to be bad for business and I couldn’t allow him to finish his little game. I hear the boy speak up.

“It’s been good talking with you all, I gotta see the boss about some financing,” Guy says stepping out of the crowd and past me.

Not a word, not even a look at me. The boy just walks right on by and into his Step Daddy’s office. I follow, might as well and I’m stopped briefly by the old lady he has as a secretary.

“Mr. Delauter is in a meeting right now Mr. Mulligan, you’ll have to wait out here,” the woman, Marge, informs me.

“Yeah he’s with his son and I’m like family, I’ll be fine,” I tell her opening the door.

“So east coast or west coast is the question Guy,” I hear Delauter ask as I enter,” Pardon us Mr. Mulligan we’re in the middle of something important.”

“Oh I’m not going to interrupt,” I joke but don’t leave,” Besides I’ll probably be paying for a percentage of his college anyway.”

“Honestly I was thinking West, probably California,” Guy says not even looking at me.

“Sunshine, blonde girls and the ocean,” I step up almost behind Guy and move to put my hand on his shoulder.

“Touch me and it’s assault,” he says without looking at me and I stop my hand.

“Easy kid, we’re all friends here,” I tell him and he turns to talk to me.

“What made you think we were friends? What possibly happened to convince you that we were friendly towards each other,” he asks quickly and very hostile, not like when I saw him in the warehouse.

“Mr. Mulligan he did say that he would call it assault if you touched him, as your legal counsel I have to advise you to maintain a safe distance from my son or I won’t be able to represent you in the case as I’d be a witness,” Delauter is quick with legal advice and I listen, for now.

“Fair enough, I’m just glad to see the boy is doing better. After we spoke I was a little worried about him,” I tell Delauter but Guy does not stop burning a hole in me,” You feeling alright son?”

“I was, not anymore now. I’ll see you later Mr. D,” he tells his Step Dad and walks past me, my driver and right out the door.

“Grumpy lil cuss ain’t he,” I mutter before turning my attention to Delauter,” I’m curious about my fire insurance.”

I go over the basics and my questions, mostly about multiple locations and rebuild or compensation options that most aka my providers have. Delauter is thorough with answers, even calls in a lawyer who specializes in insurance just to be safe. It’s honestly the best meeting we’ve had in a while considering everything involving his step son. It’s just the three of us in the office again but Danny isn’t talking so I figure I’ll ask.

“How is the boy, really? I mean you said things were bad when we spoke on the phone a while back,” I get the question out and the mood changes in my lawyer.

“He was fine till you arrived and then you saw the result,” Delauter is being short with me, I don’t like it.

“Easy, I’m just concerned is all. If I’m paying money to someone I like knowing that things are going good for them on all fronts,” I explain and he doesn’t relax at it.

“Call it what you want but he obviously doesn’t like you Mr. Mulligan and lets not bring my family into the conversation if were talking about hypotheticals for insurance,” Delauter brings it back to my original point for visiting.

“Fair enough but you answered everything I had for today, just a bit concerned with all those fires last night,” I explain standing up.

“Not a problem Mr. Mulligan, have a good day,” Delauter says but doesn’t stand or offer to shake my hand.

I leave the Law Firm without an escort this time and get back to my truck. David gets the door for me and I’m about to head back home when I see the boy, Delauter’s step son, in his muscle car driving down the road. I tell David to follow and he does, he’s paid to, and we drive around for about thirty minutes until the boy stops and gets out at a gas station and parks. David pulls in and parks a bit away from the kid’s car and he both head inside. It doesn’t take me too long to find him looking at soda in those big refridgerators they store everything in. David moves around to the other side of the boy and I walk up.

“So you’re feeling a bit more talkative than the last time we spoke,” I ask and he doesn’t answer,” Kid I’m not going anywhere.”

He says nothing, just opens the door and picks up a bottle of soda, a glass one that is like the old days and looks at it. I don’t normally take to being ignored and this ain’t an exception and David knows it.

“Hey kid, the man is talking to you,” David informs the boy and takes his shoulder.

“Easy David, boy is still upset about what he’s been through,” I tell David who takes his hands off the boy,” You going to talk to me son? Try to even treat me with a little respect after everything?”

“I’m sorry, were you talking,” Guy turns and looks at me confused, then his expression changes,” because if you were I didn’t hear anything.”

“Kid I’m just trying to be straight with you,” I tell him and he laughs a little.

“You wouldn’t know how if someone gave you an instruction book with pictures and big bold print,” he replies with an insult, David isn’t amused.

“Watch your tone kid,” my driver warns.

“Or what, he’ll break his word? Send his lackeys after me? Threaten me,” Guy asks but doesn’t look at David, just at me.

“Kid you may not see it but I did that to save everyone from something they couldn’t fix, that includes you,” I start but he cuts me off, it’s a bit annoying.

“No, you took away what would have fixed me. You did it to save your people from something you didn’t understand,” he steps up to me and most times I’d punch someone for getting in my face,” You didn’t care then what you were doing to me and you don’t care now what you and your boys did to me so don’t think that for one minute that I respect you or believe that you actually give a shit about how I am doing. You are worried that I’ll make sure my Step Father drops you from his firm, that’s all you care about when it comes to me, right?”

“It’s one thing, we had a deal and I did what was best for everyone. You didn’t get what you think you needed but what you got is what is best for everyone,” I try to explain but again he cuts me off.

“Best for them, best for you… not me. You are a liar, you broke your word. All I hear now is what I smell,” he is in a rage but he’s really quiet,” pig shit.”

I put a hand on the boy’s chest and back him up, he’s two steps from a good cuff upside the head but that isn’t for here and now. He stays back from me and I feel like this isn’t going anywhere so I nod to the boy and turn around and exit the gas station store. I’m back in the truck with David and he is angry, wants to put the kid in his place but he’s there already and doesn’t like it. Someday maybe the kid will listen, no point in dwelling on it now.

Carlos: One week later

Fires everywhere and Faces of Fear are in the city uninvited but nothing now for a bit and even though my people got places to store Union hardware the Old Man has all hands on deck keeping things under control and after six hours we have everything on lock in our blocks. I send my people home and head over to meet Jim at the tattoo parlor. I get there first since I was closer and see the business is still open but Smitty and the Old Man aren’t there yet. I head inside and don’t see Vicki, Smitty’s daughter, behind the counter as usual. I don’t see her anywhere actually and even check the back for her when I hear the door to the front open and the Old Man call out.

“Vicki? Where are you girl,” he calls as I step out of the back,” Where is my grandda