6 Days

By Steve Hemingsworth

6 Days is Steve Hemingsworth's thriller about a couple pushed into a surreal experience. John and Jennifer Reyner are successful business owners that are about to face a spiritual crisis when Jennifer is possessed by a powerful and ancient demon. After exhausting all options and feeling desperate, the guidance of Father Jacob is sought out, an experienced priest who enlists his new mentor to reclaim Jennifer's life as it hangs in the balance. But can these two stop the powerful creature who has possessed her and won’t let her go? And if they can, at what cost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Hemingsworth
• Release date: Nov 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311260628

Steve Hemingsworth

As a Toronto based author, I like to keep my books more contemporary if possible, that way it makes it easier for the readers to connect to them. For me, it's very important to write in different genres which allows me to explore many themes and concepts.Writing for me is a lifestyle that I want to share my work with other people and bring them into my world. I enjoy writing twists to keep the read surprised and interested in the story. Writing should be fun, quality over quantity is what I always believe.

Book preview

Prologue

An exorcism, thirty years ago

The priest had arrived at the house right on schedule. The weather was dark and gloomy, the air musty, and it looked like it had rained for days straight. He knocked on the door and was greeted by a woman, who was much shorter than he was and in her early fifties. She greeted him with a frightened look as her hand shook while she opened the door and closed it behind him. 

 Thank god you’re here she said in a shaky voice, he could sense a bit a relief in her as well from his presence at the house. He’s waiting for you she said pointing to the room upstairs at the farthest right.

How’s his condition? he asked handing her his coat as she put it away. He stepped further into the house, sensing a presence that he felt was very more powerful than before. Its power grows he told her.

It’s gotten worse she said in her thick European accent and offered him something to drink. He declined and pointed to the room.

No thank you, I think its best you take me to him right away he said with a quick tone in his voice. Does he know I am here? he asked as he buttoned up his collar and placed the holy water in his pocket.

Suddenly the door to the bedroom opened as the boy peeked out. This caught the attention of the priest and the old woman as the door slammed shut right afterwards.

Looks like he’s expecting me for sure the priest told the old woman as the door opened up again, this time all the way as the boy ran downstairs in inhuman speed and stopped steps away from the priest pointing at him as series of whispers filled the house.

Fear him. He’s alone. He’s the one. Fuck him. Fear me the words repeated and looped over as they circled around them. The boy didn’t speak them himself, his mouth only wide open and his body rigid in form continued to point at the priest who was not frightened one bit. He pulled out his holy water and sprayed the boy, who screamed and ran upstairs slamming the door behind him as the whispers stopped and the two begin to make their way towards the bedroom.

The priest entered, the air was foul and smelled like feces; and the room hadn’t been attended to in some time for sure. The odor almost made him gag as he moved further into the room. Maintaining his composure from the smell, he looked at the young boy who stood across from him.  The priest himself was a typical European male, tall, about thirty and his features were handsome. He had blue eyes, with thick brown hair styled to one side, holding the bible in his hand as he made his way towards the boy.

The young boy across from him had his head against the wall, still moaning in a trance, as blood ran from his mouth while he breathed heavily. His voice droned and carried itself across the room. He stood there, looking at the priest, not taking his eyes off of him. He could not be more than twelve years old, short, with a slim build. He had cuts all over his arms and legs. He was malnourished and looked tired. He smelled horrible, and his breath was foul, as the smell from his mouth reached the priest almost halfway across the room.

What is your name? the priest asked, at times reconsidering that he had entered the room because of the awful smell. But he had made a promise and he will keep it.

The boy just stood there unresponsive and smiled, as though he didn’t even acknowledge the presence of the priest.

I ask again, the priest said. What is your name?

The boy then looked at him while his body still slumped towards the wall. I don’t answer to you fucking whore the voice replied very softly from the boy.  The boy’s own natural voice was practically undistinguishable.

The priest stepped closer, as the boy’s eyes grew wide with fear, as though his territory was being intruded upon. The blood stopped pouring from his mouth and his head tilted up, while the moaning had stopped now. He looked straight at the priest directly and into his eyes.

I am here to help you, the priest said holding out his hand. Do you want my help? he offered.

Eat shit and die, the boy replied with laughter.

That’s not very nice the priest told him. I would rather we talk.

The boy snarled; he didn’t like the priest. I don’t like you priest. You’re filth he screamed.

Don’t you want my help? the priest asked again. He was insistent in his offering.

I want you to die and burn in hell! the boy yelled. He scurried over to the table, and grabbed a knife quickly, as though he had mapped out the movements ahead of time. He stared at the priest and brought the knife closer to his arm, who was concerned why there was a knife in the room to begin with.

Stop!  he yelled, knowing full well what was going to happen. I can help you if you let me. Please put the knife down he pleaded.

Nothing can help me now, the boy replied, unfazed by the remark. The knife began to inch closer to his arm, yet the smile on his face unchanged.

The priest took a step closer, holding out his hands to the boy, ushering him to give the knife up or to put it down.

Drop the knife or give it to me the priest pleaded again. It doesn’t have to be this way.

The boy stood there, and brought the knife closer as the priest looked at him with a dreadful face. But he didn’t listen, and drove the knife across his upper arm and began cutting it. The priest acted quickly and jumped the boy as he rushed him as their bodies collided. The impact caused the knife to fell to the floor and the woman who was observing by the door ran in and grabbed it. The priest grabbed the boy’s arm and looked at it; the cut was deep, but not too long. The boy screamed and howled to get away, but the priest kept his grip firm, though the stench of the boy’s breath almost overwhelmed him.

Let me go! a shrill voice shouted. The demon had finally made his appearance and the priest knew he was no longer dealing with a twelve year old boy when he first entered the room.

I will not let go, the priest barked back as the two of them struggled. I am here to help this boy. Let him be free he demanded.

The demon laughed hysterically as his head fell back. His laugh got louder and louder, as though he found all of this quite amusing.

Laugh all you want demon, but I will not fail this young boy the priest threatened him.

The demon looked squarely into the priest’s face. You fucking cocksucker, do you think you have what it takes to defeat me?

I can, and I will.

The demon laughed even harder, as the boy’s face contorted into an evil, sunken shape. Dark circles ran around his eyes, as they gleamed golden in the light. His teeth had become yellow, stained from the blood, his black hair dirty, and the stench from his mouth grew stronger. The demon had taken full control of the boy.

As the demon tried to stand up, the priest splashed holy water at him, causing him to fall back down on the bed.  The demon squirmed around violently as it reacted to it, the water burned his skin.

It burns, it burns! it cried out.

The priest splashed more, and as he did, he looked over to the women standing at the door with her hand over her mouth as she watched in horror.

Please help him! she screamed. I beg of you. Help my son.

I can help him, but you need to step out for a while and let me take care of this. This is not for you to see anymore ma’am, the priest replied. She left the room and closed the door behind her.

The priest looked back at the boy. His fight with evil had just begun.  He then asked the demon its name, but it would not give him one, at least not right away. It played games with him and toyed with him. The priest however did not stand back and give in. Like a middle-aged man who had reached his peak in life he knew this wasn’t going to be easy. But what could he do? Walk away and let this thing inside this young boy kill him or make a stand and save his life.

The priest took out his bible and began reading verses. The demon thrashed on the bed and beckoned for him to stop, but he didn’t. Not knowing whether or not his words meant something he continued as he didn’t want to take any chances at this point. He swore to himself that on this day, he would help this boy and it looked like now was as good a time as any to keep his promise.

The demon however fought back; it didn’t sit there idle or nor did want to let this priest get the best of it. To this old and ancient creature, the priest was an asshole on a mission to stop it. Their fight continued, cursing on one end, shouting on the other. Like a David and Goliath battle, neither stepped back but instead held their ground. It was only a matter of time to see who would give up first.

Their words filled the house with horror as the mother of the boy sat outside, hearing the commotion that was happening in the bedroom. She did however not dare open the door as it could have cost many repercussions that they didn’t want. All she could do was listen helplessly as her young boy was ravaged by something from the beyond and their only hope was this young priest in the bedroom with him.

***************

The woman had arrived home, tired of the daily business lifestyle that consumed her. Her only desire now as a hot bath and possibly some television time to herself if she could afford it. It was early in the afternoon; she took a half day at the office of her company that she ran. But it seemed to take all her energy today just to get out of bed, let alone make it to work, as though she could have been coming down with some type of cold.

Her energy drained she approached her house in the nick of time and grabbed the doorknob while inserting the key. As she unlocked and opened the door it snapped back shut, scaring the wits out of her as she jumped back a bit.

Stupid wind she said to herself feeling silly. A draft must have come through and forced the door closed.

She grabbed the handle, and pushed again, the door slammed shut once more only this time her hand felt like it was stuck to the doorknob by some unknown force and she couldn’t get free. She tried pulling back with all her might to release the grip, but her hand wouldn’t budge as panic seemed to overcome her. Calming down, she stopped and tried to think rationally about what is happening until her hand finally let go on its own as she stared in confusion.

But then she hears something from the door as is slowly creaks open and as she is about to investigate a pale hand grabs her face and forces her into the house, and the door slamming shut behind her.

Distressed, the woman is surrounded by darkness but is unable to see anything. Fearing some sort of abduction against her will, she calls out.

Hello she yells desperately. Is anyone there?

No answer.

Why can’t I see anything she holds out her hand for guidance only to have them slapped away by unknown force. Oh my god she screamed out loud as she jumped back. Who’s there she demanded but got no answer. It seemed almost certain someone was with her in here but she couldn’t see anything. For the love of god just turn on the lights. Who are you and why are you doing this?

Suddenly amidst the confusion was a ray of hope as she heard a voice, like someone talking in the distance to themselves. It sounded like she was in a large room and not far away was voice speaking something, she couldn’t make out the words, but she could hear them distinctly. With effort, she tried her chance to run towards the person but with no light at all she had to rely on her hearing senses.

I can hear you, can you hear me she breathed deeply as she ran, her ears kept picking up the voice but it never seemed to get closer. After some time, if felt as though she was running nonstop as the voice got louder and louder while it echoed in the darkness, like some sort of incantation. To her dismay, it the voice began to died down as she stopped dead in her tracks.

Don’t go she yelled out. I can hear you. Can’t you hear me? she asked.

Yet again silence as she wandered around aimlessly. Why is this happening to me? she cried out.

Then something else grabbed her attention as sweat began to pour down all over her body. She shook violently as a low, horrifying demonic moan filled the air around her. It came from everywhere, loud and ear piercing as it engulfed her. She tried to drown it out by plugging her ears, but it didn’t work as the moaning circled her nonstop as though it was searching for a target.

Stop it she screamed but it only caused the moaning to get even louder. She tried to frantically to pin point its location but couldn’t. The moaning was blood curdling, it made her heart race as she panicked and took deep breaths.  The darkness never let up, and no matter where she stepped it seemed like the moaning was following her as she tensed up and screamed one last time.

STOP IT!

And it did, for a mere few seconds she was relieved until out in the distance she saw something. Light, it was light. Finally there was a direction for her to go to as she ran towards it only to stop few inches away. It wasn`t light at all but worse. Gripped in fear she stood while within the darkness two has emerged and stared back at her. Intense and terrifying, the pupils within the eyes were yellow as the sun and a white, pale, ghoulish face formed around them. It`s cheeks sunken, it`s nose thin, the face stared at her emotionless with no body to speak of. And then it spoke, revealing it`s sharp, yellow crooked teeth with its blood soaked red gums while the woman gasped at the apparition in front of her.

Mirabile Dictu (Latin for wonderful to relate) it said and disappeared.

Though she didn’t understand the woman only stood there, still, and unable to move at all. Frozen from her experience, it was the last thing she remembered as the white hands came from behind her and wrapped around her mouth and body, and dragged her away in the darkness.

*****************

Chapter 01

The Present Day

Lambert Pearson was exhausted, and so was the hooker he had been having sex with for the last two hours, who was sprawled on the couch in his personal office sleeping soundly and steadily. He lay back in his chair and poured a small glass of wine for himself, and took a sip of it. Rubbing his eyes, he could feel the sweat getting into them and burning them as he looked around the room for a bit and yawned. Fucking hookers he said to himself. They’re all the same, money grubbing whores.  

The owner of a successful company, and a rich yuppie, Lambert was your typical wealthy snob. All money, and no care, by twenty two, his earnings were in the hundreds of thousands; by his early thirties, they were in the millions. As the single whole owner of Pearson Boxes, Lambert had transformed his dad’s little company from a small time business to something larger. He had it all, or so he always claimed he did.

Beyond that, he had his addiction for his hookers and mistresses, and his love for sex that became a disease for him. For Lambert, it wasn’t about something steady with one girl, but with many. He always felt that he had to splurge his money in some way, and his calling was to fulfill his sexual desires. Why? Because he had money, and money made him powerful. To some Lambert was an asshole and vain person. But to himself, he was someone who did something with his life. But now he had succumbed to new lows, using his wealth to fill a void he was missing at home. His wife knew, but he didn’t give a shit. In fact, he even told her once that if she hated it she could either move on or put up with it.

He stood up and walked over to the prostitute, pulled out her jacket and put it on her so she didn’t catch a cold. It was funny, he most likely had more respect for this person than he did for his own family, but that pretty much was Lambert. Go where the money was, and if it brought in women like this to him, then they got his attention.

He walked over to the window and looked out, while he viewed the city scenery in the night. A cold draft hit him and he realized his pants were still off and he was in his underwear. Ah fuck it, he thought, get some air down there for a while, plus no one is watching. He smiled to himself, what a vain person I am.

Suddenly, a sound caught his attention as he turned around; it was the prostitute, she was moaning in her sleep. He looked at her for a second or two, and the moaning stopped; he had worn her out good. He took another yawn when another noise broke the silence and nearly caused him a heart attack. It was his office phone. Fuck me shit! he yelled to himself as he ran over and over and picked it up.

Yes, he replied in a short low voice, not wanting to wake up the prostitute. He was practically out of breath. The sex had tired him out.

The person on the other end spoke loudly, piercing his ear.

Keep your fucking voice down, I can hear ya. I am not deaf he told them.

The voice continued talking as the expression on Lambert’s face grew more and more concerned from what he heard.

I told you to never contact me over the phone, and we are not to mention anything about this either. We have no clue who’s listening in he informed the other person.

I know, the voice replied. But I wanna make sure we proceed.

I told you, the money is coming from Geneva. It’s being deposited anonymously. It’s not that hard. Now get with the program and do what we agreed on

And how much is coming in? the voice asked.

A hundred grand, non traceable whatsoever like we agreed Lambert informed.

What’s the name on the money gram?

I don’t know let’s make one up he said and thought if over for a second. How about Smithee, Alan Smithee.

Ok, it’s an odd name but it will do the person told him.

Lambert grew impatient. I fucking told you not to call me about this, I gave you direct instructions he scolded the person.

I just wanna make sure there aren’t any unforeseen issues. A hundred grand is too much to be accountable for if anything goes wrong.

Well I am glad for your concern Lambert said. Just make sure you don’t call me again ok?

Yes I understand.

You better, cause I am not gonna sit here and keep telling you this over and over.

Is there anything else?

Lambert actually thought for a second, just in case. He didn’t want to waste time on another phone conversation. No, he said very defiantly and slammed the phone and then his fist on the table. This was the last thing he wanted. Everything he had planned out was going well, and now this fuck head had to call him over the phone and talk to him revealing the details of his plan.

He put his pants on and took a deep breath. Ok ok, he thought to himself, no need to get paranoid. Everything is going as planned and it’s gonna only skyrocket from here. He walked over to the prostitute and shook her to wake her up. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

It’s time for you to go home sweetie, he said as he threw a shirt at her. I am gonna call you a cab ok he replied and pulled out his cell phone.

Are you sure? It’s still early she replied rubbing her eyes.

Lambert nodded and dialed for a cab, and escorted the girl out. Security was pretty much all that was here at this point in the night. When the cab came and got her, he quickly walked back to his office and closed the door. He took a couple more deep breaths, and over-reacted as usual. He made his way to his liqueur cabinet and poured himself some wine. As he sat down at his desk to take a sip of his wine a vibration in his pants caught his attention. He pulled out his cell phone are read the text message.

Money deposited. Thank you for doing business with our branch.

Lambert smiled for a second, as though all of his worries had gone away. The next step had begun, and he knew that he wouldn’t look like a fool again. Fucking bitch, she’ll regret the day she said no to me he said to himself with a feeling of satisfaction. He made his way down the elevator and into his car and drove off.

Chapter 02

The air was cool as the car parked in the large driveway and John tossed his cigarette out the car window.  He stepped out and took a couple of steps towards the house and stopped to look at his watch. It was nine o’clock, way past the time he had promised that he would be home. The contemplation of starting up another cigarette crossed his mind and since Jen didn’t like him smoking in the house he might as well take advantage.

He pulled out the pack and tapped it against his hand, making sure it wasn’t empty. It sounded full. Good, he thought to himself and lit one up. As he puffed on the smoke, he looked up at the sky. The moon was full, and the hot heat had died down as a cool breeze had begun flowing through the air and he could feel it coursing through his suit. Sensing the urge to finish quickly, he took more drags and tossed the smoke to the ground. He then used the heel of his shoe to kick it into the garden and cover it with some sand as Jen hated finding cigarette butts on the floor.

As he approached his new home John recollected on his current situation. Being half the owner of shipping and receiving company that he and his wife had inherited from her father, he had become a very rich person in his home city of Summerside. But what he was proud of was the fact that he and Jennifer had taken her dad’s company and in ten years, made it into a multimillion-dollar empire. Not bad John thought, considering Walter had brought them on board as president and vice president originally. Since John had worked for years for Walter and gained his trust, his position in the company was simple.  He got forty nine percent controlling power over the company while Jen powered the remaining fifty one percent. Walter acted as chairman and oversaw all operations until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Just before he died he transferred full power to John and his daughter so they could completely control the company. However, Jen kept one promise to her father: no mergers. Doing so would take away power from the company, which was the last thing she wanted. To her, the company meant more than just money and wealth. It was a sacrifice her family had made to ensure a better life for her and her family. So, for the last ten years or so under her control, the company stayed private despite many attempts at mergers and buyouts.

It was a good life John thought as he rang the door bell, only to realize that he already had keys in his hand. What the hell was I thinking? he muttered to himself and he put his briefcase down.  He fumbled around with the keys trying to find the right one but it was too late as the door had already been opened for him.

 Forget your keys? Jennifer said with a smile. She stood there with her keys on her fingers, mockingly spinning them around and teasing John. Her tall tanned legs looked nice in the shorts she was wearing with the white top.

Maybe, or maybe I enjoy seeing you open the door, John said sarcastically as he placed the keys in his pocket and grabbed his suitcase. 

Jen started laughing as she closed the door behind him and walked into the house. If that’s your sense of chivalry, you just failed big time, she said to him. Anyways it’s getting cold out there so I thought it was the humane thing to do and open the door for you she told him.

Ha ha, you’re so kind he said as he followed her in and walked towards the living room. Placing his pack of smokes and his keys on the table, he felt the urge for a can of soda. The house was clean and spotless as usual as he opened the fridge door. This of course was a credit to Beverly, their housekeeper, who had been with them for well over five years.

Beverly originally hailed from England where she was a nanny for many years. When she came to the states, she saw an ad John had posted in the paper for a housekeeper. Jen interviewed her and practically fell in love with her right on the spot. She could tell that Beverly had character and most importantly, involved herself with the family she worked with to build a sense of relationship. So they hired her immediately and gave her residence in their house as well.

John made his way out of the kitchen he saw her sitting on the couch watching TV. She was engulfed in her evening soaps as usual. Stuff John could never really get into.  As he walked by her she caught a glimpse of him and waived hello to him.

Oh hey John how was your day at work? she asked.

Tiring he replied as he began to unbutton his shirt and take off his tie. You’re more than welcome to take my place anytime Beverly he jokingly offered her.

No thanks she said with a snicker and turned her attention back to the TV. Dinner’s on the table she informed him.

After changing, John walked to the dinner table hungry as hell, and the smell of the food only made it worse. He sat down at the table famished and took a fork to the lasagna which smelled good, very good. If Beverly was known for one thing, it was her great cooking. He could taste the pasta and the meat with every bite. My god he thought, Beverly has done it again.

Just then she walked into and began picking up some dirty dishes. How’s the dinner? she inquired, turning on the faucet.

Fantastic he said, with his mouth practically full. I should be paying you extra for all this fine cooking he replied as he pressed the fork into the lasagna and pulled out another piece.

Well thanks but if I excel at too many things in my job and you keep complimenting me your wife might start to get suspicious, she replied with her British humor.

John smiled and motioned her to sit down with him. Enjoy some of this he said and pulled out a clean fork for her.

Oh no thank you I had some earlier so I am full. I think I am going to call it a night anyways. Unless of course you need anything from me? she asked. The look on Beverley’s face was that of tiredness and fatigue. John knew that he didn’t need anything else so he didn’t keep her waiting.

No thank you, have a good night and we’ll see you in the morning he said and waved good night to her.

Realizing that she forgot to wash the dishes she came back and turned on the faucet again, but John told her he’d handle it. Don’t worry he said motioning her away from the sink, I’ll take care of this."

I completely forgot she said apologetically.

John smiled and he assured her it was fine. He washed the dishes and went upstairs to his bedroom, one of eight in his new mansion that he had just purchased. There was the guest room, the master bedroom for him and Jen, a second guest room where Beverly lived in, a baby’s room as he would like to call it, and four other bedrooms that were completely empty. His five thousand square foot house had what you would expect in terms of luxury. Downstairs there were four bathrooms, a full kitchen, two large living rooms and a dining room. Two of the bedrooms were also downstairs and the other six were upstairs. There was a large swimming pool in the back and a massive yard that surrounded it. There was also a downstairs basement which John pretty much had transformed into a large private recreation room (complete with a pool table and bar).

As John made his way upstairs and straight for the bathroom, he decided he needed a hot shower. Jen had finished her nightly routine and was sitting in bed reading a book while he made his way into the bathroom. He was lucky, she started reading one of those romance novels, crap John had little interest in, so it would keep her attention long enough for him to shower.

Once he was finishes, he made his way to the bed and pulled out a Cuban, it tasted good in his mouth even before he lit it up. He had actually purchased boxes of them and kept them in his basement. He usually had one to go along with his one pack of cigarettes that he smoked a day. While Jen hated smoking in the house, for some reason she was much more tolerant when it came to his cigars. But John knew that he had to make a plan as quit both as they became an unhealthy habit and expensive.

Please puff that thing away from my face she ordered him from behind her book as she lightly pressed his face with her hand and pushed away from her direction. I might tolerate it but don’t want it in my face babes.

John obliged as he turned his head slightly to make sure the smoke from the cigar didn’t hit Jen directly in the face. I just can’t see how women can read those books, he said in regards to her romance novel. They’re so fake, and they always end with so happily, just like the damn movies.

And I can’t see how you still chomp on those nasty cigars, she replied waving the smoke away from her face. Please puff away from me she reminded him.

John shrugged. He loved his cigars and made sure he took long drags from his with a smile on his face. He turned his face a bit more to be respectful and not puff in her direction again. 

Sensing his sarcasm about the book, Jen took it and tried to shove it into his face. Since I put up with your cigar, you can put up with a chapter of my book she told him. You might even enjoy it.

John immediately pushed the book back towards her. The hell I am. You know what would happen if one of the guys catches me reading this? I’d never be invited over to their place ever again.

Jen scoffed, and slapped John on the chest and went back to her book. At least do me a favor and turn your head the other way when you smoke John. I don’t want second hand lung cancer. She waived more the smoke away as John turned his whole body this time towards the TV to catch the late night news. All he really wanted to see was the daily dollar value and the stock market. John had recently made some investments and was interested to see where he stood. These investments were to ensure financial stability for him in the future just in case.

He kept watching the marketing news and puffed his cigar until 10:30. Time to call it a night and put out his cigar as he crushed it into an ashtray.

You calling it a night? he asked Jen who had closed her book.

Ya I am she said. I feel really tired today and unenergetic.

When is your vacation over so you can help me out in the office he asked her.

Whenever I feel like it she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek and bid him good night. I am the company president she said with a hint of pride as she passed out.

Chapter 03

Detective Bronson entered his office and placed the file folder on the table. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it up as he sat down in his chair, browsing over the file papers in front of him.  A Five year veteran of the Summerside police department, his talents and hard work had earned him the name ‘Chief’ amongst his peers. He was a hard nose, never play by the rules type of person. In fact Bronson never played by the rules as he felt they always kept him back. Plus, it was his determination to his duty that saw him catch his suspects and bring them to justice pretty much when he took up a case. Seen somewhat as an outlaw or even a rebel, in terms of his work behaviour, he always achieved his goals by putting the needs of others ahead of him.

And today was going to be one of those days. Today was the day Bronson was going to bring an end to Melissa Chambers, or as she was known on the streets as La Mariposa: a two-bit drug dealer that had gained quite a bit of notoriety for selling big on the streets and killing lots of innocent people. She had pretty much begun dealing with everybody, from the triads to the Columbians. And her drug empire grew rapidly and no one seemed to wanna stop her. Not because they couldn’t but because they were afraid o her.

Bronson on the other hand had been following her for 3 years now, gathering information about her from all sources.  After she murdered his previous partner with a shotgun, he had made it his personal mission to bring her down no matter the cost.

He sat down in his chair to gather his mind, with the folder still open in front of him he browsed it a more. Just then a knock on the door caught his attention and he looked up, it was have his new partner Samantha who popped her head into the office.

Hey, she said. How you feeling?

Not too bad he replied. Just looking over those notes before we go ahead with this bust.

Samantha walked over and began pulling on his arm lightly. Come on chief; let’s hit the shooting range, let’s let out some aggression. You’ve been cooped up in your office all week.

Bronson looked up. I’d love to but I gotta look over these notes. We’re due to move out in four hours he told her, even though the shooting range did sound tempting right now.

Oh come on, she said pulling his arm a bit tighter We have lots of time for going over that stuff.

Can’t hurt Bronson thought as he closed the folder half way and thought it over more, hesitating a bit. I don’t know. You go without me and have fun.

Samantha did not give up, and she grabbed his arm and yanked him up. Screw that. Come on, let’s head to the shooting range and vent a bit. It will clear our minds before this bust.

And I thought I was the only gun happy person here? Bronson remarked as he followed. He closed the folder completely and they stepped out of the room towards the range. Today was the day, Bronson thought to himself. It was the day that the big drug bust was going to go down and bring Mariposa to justice. That’s all Bronson could think of. And no matter what he did he could not get his head around it. Yet Samantha was right. A little bit of target practice is always good before something like this.

The two of them walked down a corridor and entered the shooting range which wasn’t too far from his office. As they approached it he could hear rounds being fired off as it echoed the hallways. The noise of the gunfire engulfed the room even louder as they entered, with Omaley firing of a couple of rounds in a booth all alone. Bronson looked around for a free aisle and noticed the one next to Omaley was completely free.

The two of them walked up to registration and produced their IDs and placed it on the table. 

What we shooting with today? the police officer in charge asked as he keyed them into the computer.

Samantha and Bronson briefly exchanged glances.

I guess I am just gonna use my standard issued weapon Bronson replied as he pulled out his service pistol and had it scanned in.

Same here, Samantha replied and did the same thing.

Booths two and three are open for you guys whenever you’re ready the officer said and pointed at them. As Bronson grabbed his gun the officer looked up at him and smiled. And you make sure you get that son a bitch today he told him.

Bronson nodded. You got it.

They walked towards designated booths and stood there. The shooting targets went up and Bronson raised his gun. Head shots, he thought to himself. That’s all that matters. He squeezed off his gun and it hit the target in the shoulder. Damn it, he thought to himself as he shook his head around a bit to get his concentration going. He squeezed off two more shots, both hit the lower jaw. Jesus Christ, he thought to himself. My aim is off today.

How you doing over there? Samantha shouted at him as she fired her gun.

Bronson shook his head.

That bad huh? she joked.

He smirked and fired off two more, both in the chest but no where near the heart. He was nervous about the big bust later today and it was affecting his shooting. Not giving up, he pressed the button and a new target sheet came up. He took a deep breath and stood there. Raising his gun, he fired off a shot. This one almost landed in the forehead, closer to where he wanted it. Not bad, he thought to himself, this is much better. Two more shots, both close to the right eye. Ok, he thought to himself. He fired off one more, in the nose. Not bad, but he just wanted one dead center. He fired one more, and completely missed the head, hitting the top outer ridge of the left ear. He lowered his head and gathered his thoughts. He hoped he wasn’t going to shoot this bad later today.

He then turned around somewhat startled to see Samantha standing behind him, observing his target sheet.

Nice shots, she complimented. Though the one by the ear is a bit far off.

Bronson smirked. Thanks for pointing out the obvious, he said. This set was better than the first one.

Let’s see it Samantha replied asking for the first target sheet.

Bronson pressed a button and the first sheet came up. Samantha just looked at the sheet, but didn’t say a word.

Ya you don’t need to say anything. I know I did really bad he remarked reviewing the target sheet. He was way off target on many of the shots he took.

Samantha shrugged. Hey, they’re deadly shots chief she tried to compliment him. She could sense he was a bit nervous and off because of the big bust and lost his concentration over it.

Bronson on the other hand ripped the sheet and tossed it into the trash can.Ya ya. Let’s see yours he said motioning her with his hand to pass it over.

The two of them walked over to her booth and he began to look over her sheet. The first one had most of the bullets in chest. All of them close to the heart or right on it. That was one dead target Bronson thought. The second sheet came up and it stunned Bronson. All the shots were over the forehead close to the ridge where the hairline starts. In other words, head shots he thought to himself. Samantha had pulled it off, with most of the bullets in the same area. Man, my shooting was way off today Bronson thought to himself when he compared his sheet to Samantha’s.

He looked at her and gave a thumbs up. Nice shots. Dead on. I especially like the forehead ones. Have you been practicing those a lot?

She smirked but didn’t say anything. He took it as a yes.

Good job he told her and patted her on the shoulder.

Ya thanks chief. Though yours were good too she remarked.

Bronson didn’t feel he did that well. Nah that set was no good. Wanna go again? he asked her as he cocked his gun in his hand. I know I can do better.

Hell ya! Samantha shouted enthusiastically. The two of them walked back to their stations and lifted their guns. Just then, Bronson heard his name being called. He turned around to see it was the officer in the booth.

What’s up? he said as he walked over.

That, the officer said as he pointed and he turned his body around again.

Bronson turned in a quick motion to see Mariposa standing there, with a gun pointed straight at him. He stood frozen in his spot as his heart pounded rapidly. How on earth did she get in here he thought to himself.

He tried to reach for his gun, but his body wouldn’t move as he tried to mouth the words ‘help’. Frozen in his place, he watched her keep the gun steadily pointed at his forehead and the trigger was pulled. There was a white flash as he heard a loud big bang rattle his ears and his head slam backwards. The bullet entered into his forehead as he could feel it spin in place bore deeper into his head.

There was a second shot from the gun towards his chest, and this one startled him out of his sleep. It was a dream he said to himself as he felt sweat drop down the side of his face and neck. Just a fucking dream. He quickly raised his head and looked up from his desk to see that he had fallen asleep on his files. His coffee cup had fallen into the garbage can and part of the folder had imprinted on his face. He was a bit disoriented, and it took him a second to realize where he was. He turned his head and saw Samantha standing close to him, calling his name.

You ok chief? she asked. I’ve been calling your name for like 30 seconds now.

Sorry, he said rubbing his head and eyes. I must have dozed off or something.

Well whatever you were dreaming about sure did wake you up fast.

Ya it did.

Are you sure you’re ok?

Bronson nodded rubbing the sweat off his for forehead. Ya I am fine he replied.

He stood up and closed the file folder and his hand ran across his face to as he rubbed it. He looked up at the clock, 1:30 pm it read. Another two hours before he needs to get ready. He stood there and looked around a bit more, and Samantha just stood there staring at him.

Are you really ok chief? she asked. Bronson came across as being somewhat pale and nervous.

Ya I am fine girl he said and regained his thoughts. He took a look behind him, looking for his coffee but couldn’t find it. Where the hell is my coffee? he asked searching the desk. He took a look around a bit more, and noticed the cup was in the trash. His arm must have hit it when he was frightened out of his sleep.

He shook his head from seeing that wasted coffee cup in the trash. Crap, gonna need a new cup of coffee.

I’ll join ya, Samantha offered.

The two of them walked into the kitchen, with other cops seated watching TV or eating lunch. It was packed, as most of the precinct was getting ready for the big bust later. Bronson still had the whole thing on his mind planned out.

Hey chief, you gonna nail that bitch today? a cop shouted from one end of the room. The voice startled him a slight bit as his body jolted towards the person who was calling him.

You know it, he replied with a smile and pointed at the cop.

One for the team eh, another cop remarked.

All hail chief Bronson, the man who is gonna nail Mariposa! another cop remarked.

Bronson raised his fresh coffee cup and acknowledged the comment. Yet he felt like he didn’t want to be in the kitchen. This wasn’t the kind of vibe he wanted to be around hours before a big bust. Overconfidence always concerned him since anything can happen, even in the next two hours.

Another cop walked over towards him. So what you think chief? How many shots before you take her down? We gotta pool going for ya. The odds are in your favor of 6 to 1.

Really? That high? he asked. He knew he could do better.

Ya, but we know you’re gonna nail that crack head in one shot. So you’ll make your money no matter what.

Bronson frowned. He really hated this cockiness and it seemed like all the cops were relying on him to make the kill today. He felt uneasy and didn’t want to disappoint, yet he wanted to be as realistic as possible. The bust hadn’t gone down yet and he wasn’t sure how it was gonna go. He didn’t want any bad luck to ruin it since so much depended on it.

He leaned over and spoke quietly to Samantha. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be here. Let’s go he said motioning towards the door with his head.

Ya I agree. I know what you mean she clicked in on the overconfident atmosphere.

The two of them began walking out of the kitchen as the other cops began cheering and clapping for him. He raised his cup in the air again to acknowledge their support, but the bust still had to go down before he felt like he wanted to celebrate. The two of them made their way back to his office and they sat down, just staring at each other for a couple of seconds.

Samantha decided to break the silence. You’re nervous aren’t you? she asked.

Ya I am, he said, his hand slightly shaking.

Why? she asked.

Bronson let out a big deep breath. Well, I am responsible for over forty men for this specific bust. And I have no idea what Mariposa is gonna do. I don’t want to have anyone die on my watch.

But I thought you guys have a plan to take her down. And good solid info on her to track her moves.

I know her moves Samantha. I don’t know her. She’s a drug addict and unpredictable. God knows what goes through her head when she shoots that shit up.

She’s a bloody wacko if you want my onion.

And if she shoots up she’s even worse Bronson told her.

But still a wacko if you ask me Samantha replied back.

Bronson let out a small chuckle. Ya a wacko, with a career in selling drugs and doing great at it.

Is she that good?

Ya she is. When it comes to drug deals, she makes her money. That’s for sure.

So then why haven’t you guys busted her before?

She moves around too much. We just never had a chance to pinpoint her position. Every time she makes a move, we only know about it only after it’s happens.

Then what makes today any different?

Bronson smiled. Well, the tip we have today is concrete. My sources say it comes from within her group.

No way? Someone actually ratted her out? Samantha replied in disbelief. Who was it?

Not sure, but let’s just say we had a major breakthrough with this tip. But keep that on the down low he warned her.

Why? don’t want everyone to find out?

Bronson nodded. The commissioner vouched for the tip, so I am presuming it’s gotta be good. But it came at a price from what he told me.

And how does he know that it’s a good tip? she asked him, not entirely convinced.

Bronson sighed. I don’t know Samantha. I’ve been trying to nail this girl for three years now. No luck. She’s been ahead of us for a long time. At this point, any tip, valid or not, is too good get her. I have to trust the people I work with.

And do the rest of your colleagues think the same way?

Ya they do. They’re in the same boat as me.

She nodded. Fair enough. So tell me, what happened? Why are you after her? she wanted to know. She sensed a lot of history between Mariposa and him.

Wow, good question Bronson thought. In fact, come to think of it, no one had asked him that in quite some time. About four years ago, a partner of mine was coming home from work he began his story. From what he told us before he died was that he went to the gas station to fill up his car. A woman approached him and asked him for a ride, but he didn’t offer her one because she looked like she was drugged out of her mind. When he refused her a second time she shot him in the chest and took off. A cruiser in the area heard the shot and came to see what happened. They found two guys in an alley not far away, who were both dead, but they couldn’t find her. What we pieced together was that they were drug dealers and that she had double crossed them and stolen their money. Most likely she wanted to high tail it out of there and that’s why she wanted my partner’s car. He died in the hospital the next day; the bullet had already punctured his kidney hours earlier and there wasn’t much to do for him. He left behind a wife and daughter.

I am so sorry, Samantha replied shocked after hearing that. I didn’t know it went that far.

Well, that’s my first partner I lost to Mariposa. So far I’ve lost four. Yet I am still alive he replied knocking on the wall with two fingers.

I hope to god we nail her she said encouragingly.

Me too Bronson agreed. I owe to my dead partners. His tone then became more serious. But off the record Bronson asked. Aren’t you a bit concerned that my previous partners have died because of this person?

I am. But I am tough too. And trust me; I’ve lost fellow comrades too. This is not new to me.

Bronson walked over to Samantha and grabbed her hands, feeling uneasy about her coming along. He didn’t feel fully confident about this whole thing. Listen, go home. You don’t need to come to this bust. I don’t want to risk it he offered her.

Samantha smiled and withdrew her hands. She supported him all the way. I’ll be ok she assured him.

It’s just I don’t want to lose another partner.

Don’t worry chief, I am tough, and can take care of myself.

I implore you to go Samantha. I won’t hold this against you he offered again.

Samantha gave him a kiss on the cheek. Thanks chief, but my mind’s made up. I wanna come out for this and support you guys she told him. You’re officially stuck with me until we solve this case.

Tough little Samantha,