The Rise of the House of Butler: Billy 6

By Timothy Lee

Abraham Adoni is gone and Billy Butler is not dealing with his lover's death well. Fortunately, Billy has fallen head over heels for Paul Winfield, the vice president of a local bank, and that is helping take his mind off his terrible loss. When Paul gets transferred to Seattle, Washington, Billy dutifully follows along... only he is soon to discover that Paul is not all he seems to be. One afternoon Billy finds his new lover in bed with another man and with this truth Billy leaves the condo to go back home to his sister, Mirna Chen, and her husband, Wei, in California. Immediately Billy's troubles intensify when he is mugged, leaving him to fend for himself in the streets of Seattle without a penny to his name, no friends, and no way of getting back home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Timothy Lee
• Release date: Jul 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476225159

Timothy Lee

Timothy Lee was born in Concord, California, and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. Eventually he migrated northward and finally settled down in Olympia, Washington, where he now resides with his two cats, Kodora and Koji. Timothy takes his yearly vacation to the Disneyland Resort where he is allowed to wear silly mouse ears hats and act like a 10 year old.

Book preview

The Rise of the House of Butler

Billy 6

Timothy Lee

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Timothy Lee

Published by Smashwords

[e-mail]

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

About the Author

Other Titles

Chapter 1

A semi-thick fog hung in the sea air disguising the waves being heard to Billy Butler's left. The moist air rolling in off the California ocean brought with it a bit of a chill and he dug his toes into the sand as he walked, relishing the remaining warmth of the day. Dressed in only long denim jeans and a t-shirt, he was ill-equipped to take temperatures much cooler, and yet after the hot day he was finding the coolness to actually feel good.

Several times had he heard the cry of seagulls, mostly overhead, although in the murky air they could not be seen. That was fine but for one thing; Billy was a bit concerned about being bombed from above and the last thing that he wanted was to have to go back to the motel and wash his hair. Still, even that would have been a minor inconvenience in light of the deep sorrows that he was harboring right now.

Abraham Adoni was gone. This was an inconceivable truth and one that Billy continued to disbelieve after having been Abraham's friend, companion and lover for four years, and although the last year of their relationship had been rocky, Billy still carried that special torch for the man.

Digging in his back pocket, Billy withdrew Abraham's last letter to him before the bloody murder. The news of this crime just would not register in Billy's mind and as such he continued to disbelieve it on one level. He knew that Abraham was dead; he had attended the funeral, it was just that a larger part of him refused to accept this, thereby keeping Abraham alive, at least in Billy's mind.

He zipped open the protective sandwich bag in which he was keeping the note and withdrew it, then he gingerly unfolded the paper and read its content for what had to have been the 20 or 30th time.

Dear Bill,

This is not easy for me to say, which is why I could not say it today when we spoke in person. It must be said, though, so I will write it down and mail it to you.

By the time you read this I will be on my way to Vegas and will probably never see you again, and that is my biggest failure. For what I have done to you, the one true love in my life, I should be thrown in jail. It has taken me this long to realize what I have done and how I had driven you away and I know that I will regret it for the remainder of my days on this Earth.

I have already apologized to you so I will not continue to do so, although I feel as though I could apologize to you from now until the day I die and not realize a sense of rest within my soul, for even though you have accepted my apology, I cannot accept forgiveness for what I have done.

In driving you away I lost the very essence of the spark that was me and now I feel hollow inside. Bill, you were my whole life and my one and only true love, and I would take you back without question or hesitation if I were given the chance. The love I have for you is boundless and that will never change, no matter how far apart we are or who you are with.

Please forgive my grave mistake of losing you. I was so wrong and I shall have to live with the devastating consequences of my actions forever. I love you as I have no other. I love you as I will no other. I love you, Bill, and I will never forget you. Please think kindly of me.

Abe

These words continued to bring tears to Billy's eyes as the hurt in his heart was still too much to bear, and as he carefully folded up the page he had to wipe his eyes with one hand in order to see what he was doing. Abraham's note was again slipped into the plastic baggy and then carefully zipped closed before being yet again gently remanded to Billy's back pocket. Following this, Billy merely stared into the foggy mass before him.

There you are, Billy, his sister, Mirna Chen, said as she approached holding two paper coffee cups with lids. How is anybody supposed to find anybody in this damned fog? I could have run into a beached aircraft carrier without seeing it first, she complained, handing him one of the cups.

He accepted the coffee with his thanks and took a cautious sip through the small molded hole in the cap. Other than the fact that it tasted a little sweeter than he would have preferred, it was nevertheless welcomed for its warmth was enjoyed as it slid down his throat.

So, how are you doing? she asked.

Not so well, he admitted sadly.

You've been reading that letter again, haven't you? she asked, receiving a silent nod. Billy, I miss Abraham, too, but moping over his death is not going to bring him back. It's been a month now; time to move on.

Somehow, a month did not seem long enough to grieve over a loss this significant. No, this level of grief and anguish would require a lifetime to overcome. In spite of the fact that the two men had been traversing the rough waters of an impending separation for six months prior to their inevitable breakup, Billy still loved the man. Abraham's letter of admission to his sorrow over losing Billy the day before his murder was a glaring testimonial that the deep feelings were shared, and that admission only made the loss more painful.

I know, Billy replied as the two resumed their walk together; this having been interrupted earlier by Mirna's desire for something hot to warm her up.

You've got somebody new, now, she said, reminding him of Paul Winfield, the man with whom Billy was engaged and about to share a house. Let go of the past and concentrate on the future.

He cast her a quick glare. God, you're cold, Mirna. How can you stand there and act like Abe never mattered to you? You two were best friends, he said angrily, still feeling the need to vent over the loss.

What? she asked in surprise. Who said I didn't think Abraham mattered? Of course he mattered and I miss the hell out of him, but I can't put my life on hold because of his death. Look, Billy, I know you're still grieving his loss; I'm not denying you that but don't you think it's time to move beyond it?

I will move beyond it when I'm ready to move beyond it, he told her with some impatience.

Yeah, she said with an audible sigh. I guess we all grieve differently. I just don't want to see you jeopardizing your new relationship over memories of your past relationship, that's all. By the way, have you heard anything new about the court sentencing? she asked, referring to the man who had pulled the trigger and unloaded two bullets into Abraham's skull.

Billy's thoughts immediately sprang to Denton Fontana, Abraham's new boyfriend who had confessed to the murder days after his arrest, claiming that he had learned of Abraham's letter to Billy and had gone off in a jealous rage. The man was trouble right from the start, in Billy's eyes, for not only had he stolen Abraham away, he had also been responsible for breaking out all the windows in Billy's car. The CD player was taken as well, although upon interrogation Denton denied his part in the theft, thereby leaving Billy to wonder if perhaps the broken windows had made the deck a little too tempting for a passing thief.

The one and only silver lining in this darkest of clouds was that Abraham's murderer was facing a sentence of 50 years to life in prison for his deeds. Jealousy was the motive but was there any justice severe enough for this crime of passion? Billy did not think so. In fact, he knew so. That man had taken the life of somebody so gentle and dear and Abraham did not deserve to die that way. Actions most definitely carry consequences and, unfortunately, the consequence of Abraham's death was Billy's deep loss.

No, Billy admitted, answering Mirna's question. The last I heard was that it could take up to a year for the sentencing. I guess the courts are really backed up. At least he was denied bail while he waits.

Mirna was quiet for awhile before saying, Not to change the subject, but do you remember the last time we came here to Santa Cruz and you ended up wearing my beer?

How could I forget? he asked, recalling his sister dousing him with her glass after his relentless teasing.

Ah, good times, she said with a sigh.

For some of us, he replied.

And by that you mean me, right? Well, after all, Billy, I am all that matters. You should know that by now.

Was there ever any doubt? he asked sarcastically.

By the way, how's the arm and leg feeling? she asked, referring to the healing of his broken left arm and the right leg with the torn tendon following his motorcycle accident.

My leg is kind of tired from all the walking, he admitted, but it's so good to have the cast off my arm and the boot off my leg.

Yeah, I'll bet it is. How much longer do you have to go to physical therapy?

Another couple visits. Billy took another sip off his coffee. Exactly how much sugar did you put in this thing, anyway?

I put in exactly 12 packets of sugar, 17 Sweet And Low's, and 8 Equals. Why? Not sweet enough?

What, you forgot the honey? he asked sardonically.

Yeah, sorry. Couldn't find a beehive.

Lucky me, he moaned.

Relax, I only put in two sugars, just like you asked, she informed him.

Tastes sweeter than that.

And dare I ask about the healing of your mutilation?

My Prince Albert is all but healed now, he informed her of his penis piercing, and I wish you would stop referring to it as a mutilation. Besides, how can you call it that when you've been nagging Wei incessantly to have himself pierced?

Because it gets your goat, she admitted with a smirk. So, what's the timeframe with you and Paul and your new living arrangement?

I guess we'll be moving in together right after my birthday next week.

You don't sound very enthusiastic about it, she said with a hard look into his face.

Billy considered his feelings a moment before answering. No, I guess I'm really not.

Second thoughts about moving in with him? I thought you loved him.

I do love him, but maybe not enough, he replied. I don't know... ever since Abe's death I just haven't felt the same about him.

That would be Mr. Grief knocking at your door, Billy. Give it time, it will get better.

I hope so because Paul really is a wonderful man, Billy admitted.

And he thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced bread. I said it before and I'll say it again; there's just no accounting for taste.

Nice, he said, casting her another glare.

Wow, you've managed to lose what little sense of humor you had left, she told him. I thought you wanted to come here for the weekend to get away and have fun? So? Have fun, damn it.

Believe me, I would if I could. I lost somebody very dear to me and I'm having a great deal of difficulty getting over it.

Mirna was quiet for a few moments before responding. It really was a beautiful funeral.

This statement brought Billy's thoughts back to the gathering where he again met up with Abraham's family for a tearful reunion filled with remembrances of the past. It was a bittersweet meeting that left all with soaked tissues and empty spots in their hearts. Yes, it was, Billy agreed while experiencing the onslaught of more tears. Aisha was sure a mess... come to think of it, London wasn't doing much better.

Well, what would you expect of Abraham's parents, anyway? That they would be throwing a party?

It was just an observation, Billy said, tiring of his sister's sarcasm.

Yeah, okay. Sorry. Actually, now that I think about it, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Man, that Denton must have really been unhinged, Mirna said. I guess we're lucky that he didn't come gunning for you.

Billy had considered this possibility over the past month and reached the same conclusion. If the man was crazy enough to take the life of his lover, it was any wonder why he had not come after Billy, although it was entirely possible that he had been the second intended victim. Luckily, the police had caught up with him before that happened. This was just something that Billy might never know, and maybe it was better that way.

I wonder how Wei is doing? Mirna mused aloud, speaking of her husband.

He might be back from his nap by now, Billy surmised with a glance to his watch. It's been almost three hours.

God, I married a weenie, Mirna said with a chuckle. I could go on that coaster all day and not get sick, she said, referring to the Giant Dipper roller coaster on the boardwalk that both she and Billy always enjoyed when they would come to Santa Cruz.

Yeah, me, too, but I guess he's one of those who can't take it. I'm actually kind of surprised that you were able to coax him on the thing in the first place.

I guess even he didn't know that it would make him as sick as it did. Well, he knows now, Mirna said with a sigh while sporting a rather smug look. What time were we supposed to meet him for dinner?

How can you think about dinner after everything you've eaten today? Billy asked. His sister's appetite never ceased to amaze him, and yet she somehow always managed to control her weight. You just polished off a funnel cake, two ears of corn and the coffee... and that was after lunch. You have the appetite of an elephant.

I wasn't thinking about dinner, Billy, I was just asking a simple question. And there is nothing wrong with my appetite; I just have a weird metabolism, that’s all.

We're supposed to catch up with him in front of the pirate ship ride at seven, Billy reminded his sister.

Mirna lifted her arm, checking her watch. It's five till. We'd probably better head back. Oh, and, by the way, dinner's on you.

Why me? he asked with a turn.

Because you're the rich one here, not me.

I'm not that rich, Billy complained, though knowing better.

Brother, dear, might I remind you about the reading of Abraham's will?

So he left me a couple dollars. So what? Billy said with a large shrug.

A couple dollars, Mirna groaned. Billy, you are now the richest man on the face of the planet.

Oh, stop exaggerating, Billy complained.

Billy, if I had the moolah Abraham left you, I would be in New York right now... no, in Paris dining in the finest restaurants and schmoozing with the Mr. and Mrs. Gottrocks' of the world. Oh, and did I mention that I would be dripping with diamonds?

He only left me $17,000 a month, Billy said rather sheepishly.

Only $17,000 a month. You poor thing. You going down to apply for food stamps when we get home? Mirna replied sarcastically.

It's all about money with you, isn't it? he asked his sister.

Is there anything better?

It just doesn't seem important to me, he admitted, taking a sip off the sweetened coffee. I mean, without Abe it all seems senseless.

Are you going ahead with the sale of the house, now that you were willed Abraham's half in it?

I couldn't live there, if that's what you mean, Billy told his sister. Too many memories. And with that being the place where he was murdered and all...

No, I mean that you could rent it and have a steady income, she said.

Too much trouble. Besides, that would continue to tie me to the place and I really need to break the ties. I was actually considering giving his parents the proceeds from the sale of the place.

Billy, he gave his parents a lot of money. The house he gave to you for a reason; because he still loved you. How do you think he would feel if you gave away something that he wanted you to have?

She was right; Abraham had put pen to paper and specifically left his portion of the house to him to do with as he pleased, but considering the memories involved Billy thought it best to just sell the place and be done with it. Besides, he could not even bring himself to go into the house and clean out the blood from the upstairs bedroom after the police and forensics teams were through with their investigation; he had to hire a cleaning service to do that for him.

Any idea which way the Boardwalk is? Mirna asked, breaking Billy out of his thoughts.

This was a pretty good question since Billy had no idea exactly how far they had walked in the thickening fog. Occasionally there could be heard a scream from one of the rides and the low roar of the roller coaster, but for the most part the ocean and fog were drowning out and absorbing all directional indicators. Let's just head up the beach. We're bound to either hit the Boardwalk or a road that leads to it.

Yeah, with my luck we'll be walking for days and end up back home again, Mirna complained.

Well, think of the gas you'll save, he told her, sarcastically.

You know, you haven't had a good old fashioned dunking in awhile, she said while donning that mischievous gleam in her eye that Billy knew all too well.

You pour hot coffee on me and I'll have you arrested for assault, Billy replied.

Oh, please, you actually think I would waste good coffee on you? I'm talking about your impending trip into the ocean.

Mirna, I am in no mood to be dunked in the ocean, he demanded, knowing through experience that she was more than capable of following through with her threats.

You? It's all about you, isn't it? Think about poor me, for a change. I'll probably get my feet wet throwing you in the drink.

Billy stopped and stared at his sister a moment in disbelief. Exactly what did they put in that coffee? LSD? You're obviously tripping out on something.

Mirna suddenly set her cup down and grabbed her brother's arm. I'm not tripping, but you're about to be.

Mirna, don't even think about it, Billy warned sternly.

Too late, she replied with an evil smile as she began tugging at him.

Billy dug his heels into the sand in defiance. Mirna, stop it. I told you that I'm not in the mood for your stupid games.

She tugged even harder, this time with both hands, breaking him free of his stand. I'm sorry, Billy, but you need to lighten up and this is the only way.

Realizing the pain of her iron grip, Billy said, Mirna, let go. You're hurting me.

Then stop resisting, she replied while continuing to drag him through the fog toward the sound of the waves.

Stop it, Mirna, he said, dropping his cup so that he could attempt to pry her hands loose from his arm. Where the hell did you get so damned strong? Let go of me.

Are you going to lighten up?

What the hell are you talking about?

You have been nothing but a downer on this trip. You need to lighten up, she told him, her grip being maintained with remarkable strength, as was her continuing pull.

Billy tried to again dig his heels in but the force pulling him was too strong. I swear, Mirna, if you get anywhere near the water I'll scream 'rape'.

Go ahead. Who'll hear you? she told him.

Billy continued to protest, even more so when he felt the cool water roll in over his feet. At that point his struggling increased, although he may have just as well given up altogether and accepted the inevitable, considering the fact that she was physically stronger. Another wave rolled in, this one coming up to his knees. Losing on the contest of strength, Billy then began bellowing out a string of expletives that he figured would be heard around the globe, while at the same time now claiming a stronghold on her arm as well. If he was going in, she would be going in, too.

In the end, his protestations were all in vain. Ten minutes later he and his sister stepped upon the Boardwalk, both cold, both soaked to the bone, both laughing. Billy would never give his sister the satisfaction of admitting it, but Mirna was right: he did need the dunking for it took his mind off of the loss of Abraham and placed the focus back on the present.

My wallet is probably ruined, Billy complained while attempting to stifle a grin.

Oh, quit bitching. It's replaceable, she countered.

At least my shoes will be dry, he said, having left them with Wei while he and his sister roamed about on the beach. I hope he remembered to bring them back with him.

No, probably not. I asked Wei to dunk them in a vat of chocolate while we were gone.

Very funny. What makes you think he wouldn't dunk yours in chocolate, too?

Because he likes me better than you, she replied smugly.

Only because he's scared to death of you.

Fear is a good quality in a man, she told him. Keeps him under control.

Through the fog Billy could make out the various nearby attractions, restaurants and gift shops, although, not being all that familiar with the layout, he was uncertain as to how far they had yet to go to reach Mirna's husband. His shirt and pants hung heavily upon his skinny frame and the wood beneath his feet felt cold and hard and this made for a pretty uncomfortable situation. Still, he had no choice but to take this setback like a man and not complain. After all, his sister was every bit as wet and she was not complaining so the least he could do would be to match her strength of character.

I wish Paul was here, Billy said as he and his sister weeded through a group of teenagers. He would have stopped you from dragging me into the damned ocean. What is it with you and water, anyway? And why is it I always end up getting wet around you?

Hello? she said with a quick glance down to her wet clothing.

Have you considered anger management classes? he asked.

Have you considered grouch management classes? Mirna replied.

I'm not a grouch, he said childishly. I'm just sick and tired of being wet around you.

Hey, don't blame me for your bladder control problem.

Oh, you're a million laughs, he told her sarcastically. There he is, he then added, spotting the man standing beside the Pirate Ship ride entrance - looking nice and dry and warm.

What happened to you two? Wei asked of the siblings who now resembled drowned rats.

Oh, as usual, Billy peed on himself and then overshot and got me, too, Mirna declared, looking to be disgusted.

You lie like a rug, Billy complained. She dragged me into the ocean.

Wei studied the two a moment while rubbing his jaw contemplatively. Somehow, I'm more inclined to believe your brother, he finally told his wife.

Oh sure, you always take Billy's side. Well, then, you can just have sex with him tonight, she demanded in a pseudo-huff.

Wei chuckled while handing both their dry shoes. Aren't you two freezing?

Getting there, Billy admitted. He slipped his shoes on, relishing in the warmth that began emanating from within. How are you feeling?

Better. I took a little nap and that helped clear my head some. So, are you guys ready for dinner?

Starved, Mirna replied, tying her own shoes.

Again Billy turned to her in amazement. Starved? Where the hell do you put all the food you eat?

In my vagina, she replied sardonically.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised, Billy told her, stifling a laugh.

Questioning the choice of restaurants, Billy then suggested a particular establishment on the pier. Knowing that the place in question would be hesitant to serve drowned rats, the three made their way back to the motel so that Billy and Mirna could change into clean, dry clothes before venturing back out again. It was either that or dunk Wei in the ocean so that they would at least be a matching set.

* * *

Billy dialed the cell phone as he lay upon his bed with a full stomach - almost too full. Had he stopped eating after the steak dinner (replete with baked potato, rolls, salad and steamed vegetables) he would have been comfortably full. Unfortunately, his stomach had not registered as being full until after the dessert of hot apple cobbler with ice cream so now he was paying the price of overeating.

Pulling the phone to his ear, he listened to the ringing with the hope that his lover would not be otherwise occupied with work or at one of his many compulsory dinner meetings. In spite of Abraham's loss, Billy really did miss Paul and now wished that he had been able to break away from his toils as vice president of the bank in which he worked and joined in on the Santa Cruz weekend.

Paul answered on the third ring, sounding as if to have been awakened from a sound sleep; his voice groggy.

I'm sorry, Billy apologized immediately. Did I wake you? He quickly glanced to his watch, finding it to be only nine-thirty.

Hi, Billy. I laid down on the couch to watch a little television and I guess I fell asleep. How's the weekend going?

It would be better if I was with you, he confessed, experiencing a tugging at his heart. I really miss you.

I miss you, too. The place seems empty here without you. Mirna and Wei having fun?

Yeah, they're fine.

Good, good. What all did you do today?

Billy chuckled. Do you want to know what I did before or after Mirna dumped me in the ocean?

She what? Why'd she do that?

Because she's Mirna, Billy replied simply. She can't help herself. In all fairness, though, it really isn't her fault. A lot of the wires in her brain are soldered to the wrong terminals - the doctors are still trying to sort it out although they only give it about a 30% chance of success. Unfortunately, I'm her brother and that comes with certain risks.

The risks just got higher, Mirna said from the bed beside her brother's.

I thought you were asleep, Billy told her with a glance over to the two figures beneath the covers, Mirna's being the farthest one.

You never know, she replied softly.

Go back to sleep so I can continue to talk about you, he told her.

Paul chuckled. Are you okay?

Oh yeah, fine, Billy assured him. I dragged her in as well so I wasn't the only one that got soaked.

You will lose an appendage for that. You are aware of that, aren't you? Mirna asked without moving.

Did Mirna just say something? Paul asked.

I have no idea, Billy said into the phone. I rarely listen when she talks.

Two appendages, she informed him, raising her head briefly before laying it back down on the pillow.

Ignoring his sister, Billy asked, So, how did your luncheon go?

Fine, but something came up that I need to discuss with you.

Immediately Billy was consumed with a peculiar sense of impending doom and he sat for a moment in silence, wondering if he really wanted to ask the inevitable question. Oh? What's going on?

It's nothing bad, Paul assured him with a slight chuckle, apparently having tuned into Billy's apprehension. We'll talk it over when you get back home tomorrow. I can't wait to see you again.

Paul's words of assurance were not enough for Billy who continued to experience a deep-down dread. He had no earthly reason to be feeling this way and quickly determined that this was being brought upon by his lingering grief over Abraham's loss. I can't wait to see you, too, Billy confessed.

By the way, something came for you today, Paul said.

Billy's mood instantly elevated. The bike came? he asked with great expectation.

I swear to God, Billy, Mirna moaned, if I lose another minute of sleep because of your racket I will personally drag you out into the street, strip you naked, cover you in souvenirs and let the tourists devour you alive.

Hopping off the bed, Billy headed into the bathroom, closed the door behind him and took a seat on the side of the tub. So, when did the bike get there? he asked excitedly.

Delivered it around three o'clock this afternoon, Paul confirmed.

Having been expecting the new motorcycle that he had ordered to be arriving weeks from now, Billy was astounded at the dealer's efficiency. How's it look? Is it locked? Did they put the security system on it like they were supposed to?

It looks fine and I'm assuming that they put the security system on it. When they dropped the keys off with me each set had a clicker with them.

Damn, I wanted to be there when they delivered it. Now I'm a million miles away.

Paul chuckled. Last I looked it was only about 32 miles, but I know how you feel. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it until you get back home tomorrow.

Ever since the accident on the freeway that had claimed his other motorcycle, Billy had been waiting with great anticipation the healing of his bones so that he could order his new bike and get back in the saddle. The time had come at last, only he was out of town, and although knowing that it would be waiting for him when he arrived, tomorrow could not come soon enough. The good part was that he would not be having to wait weeks, merely hours.

Those hours, it turned out, were relentless. After hanging up with Paul, Billy spent a long sleepless night tossing and turning, watching each gut-wrenching hour drag slowly by on the digital clock beside the bed. The same held true for the 45 minute drive back home the following morning, for, despite Billy's urging Wei to 'floor it', his brother-in-law maintained the posted speed limit, thereby prolonging Billy's agonizing anticipation.

Once finally pulling into the parking lot of Mirna and Wei's apartment where he had been staying during his convalescence, Billy was not the least bit unnerved at not finding the blue motorcycle parked beside his car. That space was empty and immediately he felt a rush of heat invade his body. His brand new toy had not been in its new home for even 24 hours before being stolen.

It was Mirna who pointed it out to him as having been delivered before Paul's door and at that point Billy let out a deep breath of relief. His eyes became glued to it as Wei drove past and into his own parking stall, and once the car came to a halt Billy jumped out and beat a hasty retreat across the lot to the motorcycle that seemed to almost sparkle in the early afternoon sunlight.

To say that the vehicle was beautiful would have been an understatement for Billy who was unable to take his eyes off of his brand new blue and white beauty. It possessed a personality that seemed wholly unique from that of his other bike and this one seemed to be drawing Billy onto the seat - only, with the burglary system, he dared not succumb to its call. The very last thing that he wanted at the moment was to draw the attentions of the entire complex and be accused of stealing his own motorcycle.

So, that's it, huh? Mirna asked as she and her husband rallied around the bike.

Yep, Billy replied proudly, hoping that she would not breathe too heavily and steam it up.

Fine, you get another chance to kill yourself, she then said, once more letting her dislike of motorcycles be known.

It's very beautiful, Wei told him.

Ignoring his sister's caustic remark, Billy thanked his brother-in-law and slowly circled the bike, taking in every detail. Basically, it