Tandy Street: Finding the Truth Through Darkness

By Rick Gabriel

Cliff is afraid to go to school. He feels defenseless against Larry, a member of the varsity football team, who taunts him every day. Cliff’s motivation to attend school is Barbara, his Christian love interest. As a non-Christian, Cliff is only interested in Barbara’s caring and loyal nature.

His strong feelings for Barbara don’t stop Cliff from pursuing an older woman who lures him into an underground labyrinth where he meets a 77-year-old sorcerer, Max. Max invites him to become his apprentice. Cliff accepts as a means to defeat Larry, the bullying athlete.

When the stocky Larry notices Cliff’s new powers, he seeks out and finds the entrance to the labyrinth. The boys thirst for control sends them into a battle Cliff will never forget. Will he realize Barbara’s Christian beliefs are real and accept the Lord

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rick Gabriel
• Release date: May 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311093615

Rick Gabriel

Rick Gabriel's passion for writing began at an early age. Many writing professionals, including biblical scholars, encouraged him to pursue his dream of creating Christian fantasy. His love for fiction is inspired by authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Rick has written a screenplay as well as his first novel "Tandy Street." He has received several honorable mentions for fiction writing. Be on the lookout for the sequel in the upcoming months, as well as future titles. Rick lives in Florida with his loving wife and two beautiful children, who all enjoy the year round sunshine and warm climate.

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TANDY STREET: Finding the Truth through Darkness

Published by Rick Gabriel at Smashwords

Copyright 2006 Rick Gabriel

Cover Design by: Laura Shinn Designs

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book 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 recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1 - One Long Week

CHAPTER 2 - Amanda

CHAPTER 3 - Mind Over Matter

CHAPTER 4 - Resurrection

CHAPTER 5 - Fulfillment

CHAPTER 6 - Reunion

CHAPTER 7 - Quid Pro Quo

CHAPTER 8 - The Dark Side

CHAPTER 9 - Evil vs Evil

CHAPTER 10 - Aftermath

About the Author

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PROLOGUE

If I could just backtrack a little, none of this would have happened. Cliff pondered how things were before the sorcerer came into his life. He dropped to his knees in the middle of Tandy Street with his hands in his hair.

He didn’t want to look up again, as he knew the town’s destruction was his fault. There was a loud boom caused by another tree falling. It was only a few feet from Cliff’s body. Whoa! He rolled away, wanting to run, but knew he couldn’t escape.

It was worse than he could imagine. Black cloaked creatures roamed around Tandy Street, apparently with their sights on Cliff. He looked to the sky, as he was so fond of doing, If there is a God, now would be the time to help me.

A trickle of blood rolled down his face as he began to lose consciousness. I can’t give up now. Cliff knew he had to fix things, if for nothing else, Barbara, his Christian sweetheart. Even in his severely battered state, he knew he wasn’t done…he promised himself.

CHAPTER 1

One Long Week

The dance hall was dimly lit except for the stage. The ceiling was high and gloomy. Windows surrounded the two walls on either side of this large but oblong room. Cliff could see unrealistically still trees through the large panes of glass. Not a single leaf moved. Beyond the trees were hills, probably grassy but it was too dark to tell.

The huge room was filled with people dancing to the sound of the band. They played on a stage in the front. The stage was a couple of feet off the floor. It was smothered with bright lights; blinding yellowish light. Around the edge of the stage was a black banister that separated the wild looking musicians from the dancers.

The guitarist strummed coarsely at his instrument while he sang lead on most of what Cliff heard. The performer was a white man, probably in his twenties, with long brown hair and acne scars. Aside from love handles, he was thin and dressed in a black leather jacket and pants.

Behind and to the right of him was the bass player. It was difficult to see him. He was even further toward the rear of the stage, into the blinding light. It was possible, however, to see he was overweight with a long beard and short hair on his head. The man wore a partially unbuttoned shirt, as he played and jumped around to the music.

Directly behind the bass player sat the drummer. This one was the crazy-looking one in the bunch. His hair had to be at least three feet long. It was blonde and wrapped in a ponytail. He wore many multi-colored baggy clothes. It was more difficult to see what he looked like, because he sat behind the others. Even through the bright light, it was easy to see he had badly kept skin and clothes. He could have definitely used a bath occasionally (he probably smelled, too). The drum kit in front of him was pitch black and shone against the brightness. In spite of his appearance, he seemed to be enjoying himself. His ponytail leaped from one side to the other as he played.

Cliff watched all this from the right of the stage. He stood at the bottom of the stairs as he looked around at the people dancing and having a good time. At the far side of the room, Cliff noticed a girl standing all alone. There were many people there, but this girl definitely stuck out. She had long blonde hair, the most beautiful and perfectly wavy hair he’d ever seen. Even from the rear view, it was easy to see that her heavenly groomed hair reached down to her waist. Through the weaving mass of people, he studied every inch of her slim body. Even though Cliff was far away, he could see it was the perfect hourglass figure.

She wouldn’t be interested in me. I’d only be fooling myself, he thought, but man, is she pretty. Disgusted with his futile infatuation, he decided to ignore her for sanity’s sake. Besides, he didn’t even know what her face looked like. She might look like a witch in her face. He turned his back to her, hoping to forget about the woman, only to find her going in and out of his mind. Gorgeous hair...I like that song...very slender...that’s one awesome bass player...sexy curves...what's wrong with me…? Man, What a figure!

A half an hour or so went by and he still found himself trying to erase her from his mind. It was impossible to resist her any longer; he felt her sensual presence at his back. Cliff couldn’t see her but he knew she was there; he could feel it. Should I talk to her? His heart started to pound rapidly. The temptation was overbearing. She’ll turn me down...She can only say no. I’ll make a fool of myself. Now was the time to go for it. He turned around about half way and stopped his progression. Okay, Cliff, don’t panic. He continued slowly and timidly...She wasn’t there.

***

The blaring sound of the clock radio’s alarm woke him up. He looked up at the red digital clock’s face to see 7:00 a.m. The voice of the deejay said, Good morning, everyone. This is Jim Jason at seven o’clock this Monday morning and it’s time to wake up and face the world. The traffic is... Cliff reached across to the severely marred table that he used as his nightstand. He slammed his fist down on the radio to turn it off. You liar, he said referring to the time. He wasn’t ready to get up yet.

Monday was always the worst day of the week. Five whole days of misery, life stinks. I’ve got to get up and go to that rat hole of a school and I have a test today. Maybe I should just stay in bed. He rolled over to fall back to sleep. He quickly got back into a comfortable position.

Cliff, you better get a move on, came from the voice of the only female he feared. The authoritative and agitated sound of Mom called from the opposite side of the bedroom door.

A bit startled, Cliff looked to the right side of his bed, at the bedroom door. On the back of the door was a collage of pornographic pictures all shapes and sizes. I’m coming, Mom, he yelled reluctantly. He really wanted to tell her to go take a long walk, starting on the roof. His eyes opened against his will for the second time that morning. Then he sat on the edge of the bed opposite the door. He stared at the wall while rubbing his eyes and stretching, trying to wake up. At eye level, there was a pizza stain on the otherwise white wall. It was a firm reminder of one horrible night.

***

It was one summer earlier in his small house. Cliff’s mother didn’t work at the time; the only source of income came from the government’s aide. The tattered furniture included a living room couch, two end tables, a coffee table, and a kitchen table and chairs, all made of wood. His father made all of these things before Cliff was born.

In the living room, a light brown sofa, torn in various places, sat underneath the widest window in the house. The window allowed a view of the black top driveway leading to the main road. A green lawn and trees that surrounded the property accompanied the approach. It also was possible to see the two concrete steps that led to the front door. The door was made of wood and looked like it was going to fall off the hinges anytime. It sat to the left of the sofa. Directly in front of the door was a dark brown reclining chair and outdated television. There was no carpeting on the floor, just hard wood flooring. It was marred from years of use.

The kitchen was to the left of the living room. No walls separated the two rooms; they were just one big living space. The floor was made of cracked and torn linoleum, plain brown, gray and off-white. A small refrigerator-freezer sat next to a sink that was full of dishes most of the time. Above the sink was a window leading to the back of the house. There was nothing to see through it but trees, bushes, and the rest of the forest. A few feet adjacent to an old, four burners, gas stove, was the back entrance. The appearance of that door was as unattractive as it was in the front.

Being an only child, Cliff spent many of his younger years without anyone his age. When he hit high school, he fought the loneliness by making friends to occupy his leisure time and he had plenty of them. On this particular night, he threw a party. The moon was full and the music was loudly playing in the living room. It was late in the evening and the event was in full swing.

Cliff’s many friends filled the small room. One couple was kissing and smoking in a corner. Three guys, in the middle of the couch, provided marijuana. They were all dressed in dark clothing and stuck closely together. One had bad acne on his face and long blown hair. He held a bag of weed ready for smoking. The second boy was overweight and had a goatee. His clothes fit him snugly and his shirt was partially unbuttoned. The third was tall and had a full beard. His hair was long and wrapped in a ponytail. He held a metal pipe that the boys used to smoke the marijuana. Many kids utilized a beer keg sitting inside the front door.

All Cliff’s friends weren’t into drugs and smoking. There was a young lady sitting on the couch with a boy. Both of them were dressed in nice looking blue jeans and button down shirts. They were talking to each other while they held hands. Both of them occasionally looked around and shook their heads at the drug users and drinkers.

Cliff was dancing with Jane, whom he was dating at the time. She was short with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes, nice shape, and an attractive complexion. She wore a black, knee length skirt that hugged her lower body. Below the skirt was sheer panty hose that wrapped around a pair of healthy looking legs. He wrapped his arms around her pink sweater as he danced with her.

Things were going well between them after several months of dating. One thing bothered him though; she didn’t express her feelings like he wanted her to and she didn’t show him much affection. Cliff couldn’t help but wonder what she felt for him. He wanted to talk to her about it but shied away at every chance. As they danced near the front door, he looked into her dark eyes (the spot he couldn’t resist) thinking of confessing his feelings. He let out a heavy sigh as he gathered his nerve.

She spoke first, breaking his train of thought. It was so nice of your mother to let you throw this party.

Cliff paused for a few seconds due to a lack of words, ...Oh...she’s cool, and looked away shyly into the crowded room.

She gave him a suspicious look, Cliff? The attempt to ignore her failed. Cliff, look at me, she said while grabbing his chin. Cliff wouldn’t look her in the eye and tell a lie. Their eyes met again...silence.

...Cliff is there something you’re not telling me?

Now I’m in trouble. Jane, my mom left town for the weekend.

What?

She doesn’t know I’m throwing the party.

She frowned. Cliff, why did you lie to me?

Jane.

Raising her voice, she continued, You’ve never lied to me before...that I know of. She shoved Cliff away from her.

Please listen to me.

Jane gave him a stern look. I’m listening.

The other guests focused on the argument. Cliff looked around the living room to see his friends staring at them. Embarrassed, he asked, Can we go in another room? and stepped backwards towards the hallway that led to his bedroom. He held her dainty hand and guided her into the hall. She pulled away at first but followed Cliff’s lead.

They walked through the crowd of people, most of who were still staring. Cliff looked at the floor from embarrassment as he walked with Jane through the house. When the couple reached the midway point of the hall, Jane stopped and pulled away again. Cliff was certain she was suspicious of his intentions. He looked at her from the darkened hallway, unable to see any expression on her face.

What’s wrong? Cliff asked. He pulled her arm to invite her into the bedroom. She accepted.

They went into the room, shutting the door behind them. So now that you have me back here, do you mind telling me why you lied? she demanded, still with an angry brow. He sat on the foot of the unmade bed and thought for a few moments while looking at the filthy clothes scattered around the floor. What am I gonna say to her? Will she believe me?

Okay, I’m sorry I lied to you, Cliff began.

I don’t want to hear how sorry you are.

Will you just listen to me? he interrupted. I thought that if I told you the truth you wouldn't come tonight.

She shifted her eyes to the ceiling, showing she wasn’t convinced. Why wouldn’t I come?

Well, you know...a guy invites a girl over to his house; no parents home. I didn’t want you to think I was expecting anything.

Her frown disappeared to reveal her cute face again. I want this to be a blast for everyone but more importantly, I wanted it to be special for me and you. He glanced down at her tiny feet and continued, I hope I didn’t spoil it for you. Her face lit up, he saw the sparkle in her eye, and she gave him a bit of a smile while she sat down on the bed beside him.

Cliff, you didn’t spoil anything for me. I just wish you hadn’t lied to me.

I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.

She looked down to his chest; he lifted her chin up to make eye contact with those beautiful brown eyes. Cliff began his confession; I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. Jane frowned again, and then took his hand. It comforted him a bit, although much afraid of the conversation he had avoided for so long. I...I like you a lot…and...uh...I don’t want to do anything to hurt you...I think about you all the time...I think about you so much that I planned a weekend for us. I hope you’ll accept my invitation. It would mean a lot to me...sweetheart, please say yes. There was no sign of emotion on her face; she only batted her eyes a couple of times. What is she thinking? Will she laugh at me? Will she accept?

You never called me that before, she said, and it’s about time your feelings came out. I knew they were there...somewhere...hiding. The little smile she had before widened.

Still in shock from Cliff’s confession, she shook her head. What did you have in mind for us?

Well, at least she asked. Is it a sign? Is it a good one? With all these thoughts, he was more than hesitant to say what was on his mind. He had already started, so it was time to spill it. Tomorrow I want to take you to the beach to spend the rest of the weekend. I’ve already reserved a place to stay. It’s not much, but we’ll be alone. I hope you like walking on the beach. I also planned to walk along the sand as the sun goes down.

As Cliff explained his plans, Jane’s face lit up like never before. Her eyes sparkled again and she smiled even wider. So what do you say? Will you go? I know that I should have talked to you about all this before making plans, but will you go? Continuing to shake her head, she said nothing. Cliff lowered his head in disappointment, assuming rejection.

She grabbed his head somewhat violently. Cliff, I can’t believe you did that for me.

Then you’ll go?

Yes, I’ll go, she answered eagerly. Let’s leave tonight, and started to kiss him aggressively.

He was nervous and shaking by her interest. Realizing the possibility of being intimate that night put one thought in his head, This is a new experience for me. He was sure she had been with other partners. What if she finds out? Will she laugh and not want to go on with it? Will she tell everyone she knows? Maybe she won’t care. Maybe I worry too much. After all, she may not want to go all the way. Then again, maybe she will. With all these puzzling thoughts, he still was able to enjoy the attention.

There was no turning back as the couple began bonding. She looked deeply into his brown eyes and whispered the big lie the devil puts in our head about sex, It’s okay…I love you. Those words made him desire her even more.

His hands shook nervously as she held him. Relax. Cliff could feel the tension build even further.

There was a knock at the bedroom door. What’re you guys doin’ in there...you all right? It startled Cliff and he looked to the door when Jane put two fingers on his lips.

Shhhh, don’t answer, she sighed.

Cliff asked, What if they try to get in? She smiled and shook her head, but said nothing.

About an hour later, more guests arrived at the front door, making a boisterous entrance, swinging the door open rapidly. Standing in the doorway were two muscular guys, and one thin, short girl. The guy that entered first, Roger, had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and an unusually smooth looking face. He wore a striped long sleeve flannel shirt with blue slacks. His clothes fit tightly, probably to attract the girls. The other, Larry, with long blonde hair and blue eyes, came in behind Roger. He was quite muscular but didn’t like to flaunt himself like Roger (probably because he wasn’t quite as muscular). He wore a pair of worn blue jeans and a plain yellow tee shirt, covered mainly by the black leather jacket. The short girl that accompanied them was Sherry, who stood behind them. She possessed curly, shoulder length brown hair that complimented her blue eyes.

Roger, what’s up? one voice said from the mob of people on the living room dance floor. It was from a thin red headed girl with bad acne. Her unappealing complexion was full of big red freckles. She wore a short skirt and low cut blouse, showing her thick legs and healthy body.

Hey girl, I was thinking about you all the way up here, he said teasingly and grabbed her, putting his arms around her waist. She giggled.

Yeah, right...you didn’t even know I was here... Who’d ya bring?

Larry and Sherry and we got pizza for everyone. Larry and Sherry put several pizzas on the kitchen table as people began to gorge themselves.

The couple danced and kissed as they mingled with the other guests. What’s up, Sally? Roger asked a passing visitor as he let go of his dance partner long enough to say hello.

Not much, she answered as she gave the unattractive red head a foul look. His dance partner stared back with a huge smile. Hoping to incite jealously, she grabbed Roger’s arm and pulled him close again. She kissed him, making sure the other girl could see.

Roger said, Who’s all here tonight? quickly changing the subject. He attempted to break away from the tension by pushing away from the red head.

What’s the matter, Sally? Can’t you stand to see me with him? the red head said in spite of Roger continuing to push away.

You wish, you little...

Look, I can’t help it if you’re jealous, deal with it.

Sally frowned at Roger. You want to know who’s here?

He looked around in curiosity. Who? he asked.

Jane’s here, she said spitefully. She put on a big smile and glared into the redhead’s eyes.

Roger asked, while continuing to look around for Jane, Where?

In the bedroom with Cliff. She smiled as she answered.

Roger clenched his fist and raised his voice, What? He moved smartly towards the bedroom, shoving guests out of his way. If she’s messin’ with him I’m gonna kill both of them. I know he’s always wanted her.

A loud knocking at the bedroom door interrupted Cliff and Jane. She jumped away from Cliff and sat next to him on the bed, pressing her body against him. What’s going on in there? an angry voice screamed. Not knowing who it was or why this person was banging on the door, Cliff kept quiet. The only thing he could think to do was hold Jane in protection as he scooted toward the headboard.

Roger, Jane whispered. Cliff felt Jane’s body shake.

The more the perpetrator banged, the further she tensed up. Cliff could feel Jane’s body tremors increase, so he held her more firmly. She struggled to get out of Cliff's arms. Let go, she demanded, then leaped from his arms and into one of the many piles of clothes on the floor. Jane hid behind the bed and frantically threw on her clothes.

Who’s there? Cliff asked while remaining against the headboard.

Open the door. The voice was unfamiliar to him.

Who are you?

Open it or I’ll break it down.

Cliff pulled up the bedding as he thought it would help him hide. I know she’s in there, open the door. No response. A few seconds elapsed before there was another bang, but much louder. On this attempt, Cliff saw the door creep inward along with a cracking sound; the lock was starting to break. There was still no answer by Cliff or Jane.

A few moments of silence deadened the house except for the music. Just as Cliff thought the mysterious knocker might have given up, one final bang swung it open. Jane immediately scooted herself to the far wall, inching her way as far from the situation as she could. At the entrance of the bedroom was Roger’s furious face. His eyes stood out like torches. Veins swelled from his neck as if they wanted to burst. Roger’s two biceps bulged along with his chest that bulked against a tight shirt. He had a pair of legs that stood out like two tree trunks.

He only stared at first, apparently in shock. Then he charged at Cliff, screaming with anger. He grabbed Cliff by the hair as he tried to get out of harm’s way. Roger wedged his head against the headboard. Where is she? I swear, I’ll kill you.

Still quite puzzled, Cliff asked, Who?

You know who I’m talking about. Where’s my girl.

Still confused, Cliff shook his head. Further frustrated, Roger tightened his grip of hair and slammed Cliff’s head down on the headboard once again.

Jane moaned in fear. Roger turned and saw her sitting on the floor underneath the only window in the room, furthest from the entrance. She scooted towards the nearest corner, away from his pursuit. Roger grabbed her by an ankle. I warned you not to cheat on me. He kneeled down to where she was, forcing her further to the floor. He looked at her and gnashed his teeth. You didn’t.

No, please don’t hurt me, she pleaded softly. He laughed and rubbed his thumb across her ankle. She pounded on his muscular chest and arms, trying to pry him off. Cliff stayed put, remaining under the bedding. He wasn’t about to jump Roger from behind and make him more mad. Jane kicked Roger in the groin with a free leg. It was enough to make him let her go. He cringed and rolled to his side as she ran for the bedroom door.

She ran into the living room. The few guests that remained in the house stared at Jane as she tried to make her way to the front entrance. She made it to the kitchen table where she met up with Larry. He snatched her by the hair and forced her back towards the bedroom. Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Roger continued attacking Cliff.

A group of a dozen or so partygoers (drunk or high, only the pot and cocaine they used can explain the fascination) were standing around laughing while making comments. Sherry looked out the window and said, Hey guys? We better get out of here.

An anonymous voice said from the diminished crowd, I’m enjoying this.

No, Sherry continued, throwing her hands in the air, someone’s gonna call the cops and I’m not hangin’ around, and she smartly walked out the front door. The majority of the people followed and slowly cleared the vicinity.

Roger threw Cliff on the floor by his hair and kicked him in the face, chest and back repeatedly. Roger wore big, heavy boots, which left major welts over Cliff’s body. Severely bruised and bloody, Roger allowed Cliff to try to stand up for a second. This ended with a kick in the groin, sending him to the carpet and piles of dirty clothes again, this time to stay.

Just outside the bedroom door, Larry continued to hold Jane. She squirmed to try to get free as he laughed at her futile effort. He whispered in her ear, What’s the matter, you scared? You should have thought twice before messin’ with the wrong guy. At this, she was angered and found the strength to squirm out of Larry’s control. Then she turned around and kicked him in the stomach, letting out a screech. He fell to his knees with a wail, cradling his stomach.

Before she could react, a huge hand covered her mouth and another went around her throat. She felt a stocky chest against her back as her aggressor attempted to squeeze the breath out of her. Again, she tried to get away but it was useless. Roger had thrown her on the floor just outside Cliff’s room to keep her from retreating. You thought you could get away? he said and punched her across the cheekbone. Sleeping with that pipsqueak, Roger said, then slapped around on her torso and kicked her in the legs.

Just as she rolled to the floor, sirens along with bright blue lights flashed through the living room window. Larry said, Man, we better go.

Oh no, Roger screamed, I aint worried ‘bout no cops. and insanely continued his onslaught. Larry looked down at Jane’s heavily battered body and headed toward the front door.

Hey, where are you going? Roger asked.

Larry answered, Look man, I’m not hanging around here for no cops, and ran out the door.

By this time, the other guests scattered from the police. The only ones remaining were the three engaged in battle. The blaring music continued through the fight. After Roger applied fist and foot blows, he put his hands around Jane’s throat again and squeezed with horrible looks of hatred on his face. He bared his teeth, frowned as veins stood out in his neck.

Larry steadily looked on from the big window in the front. Thinking about going back inside, he saw the blue lights getting closer. So he continued away from the premises by running towards the back of the house. Roger continued choking Jane, increasing his grip with every second. He further taunted her by chanting, You backstabber, I told you not to mess around on me…I don’t like the sound of that. Now you’re gonna die. Was it worth it? and he tightened his grip.

Cliff looked through his bedroom doorway to see what was happening. He wanted desperately to help her but was in too much pain to get up and deathly afraid of Roger. I have to help her, he thought, knowing he couldn’t bear to see her manhandled any longer. He’s going to kill her, Cliff said aloud as he looked on, I have to do something? Despite his injuries, he struggled to make it to his feet.

Holding on to the wall for balance, he cringed in agony. The farthest he made it was to one knee. Immediately, the pain in his head was throbbing and his ears rang loudly. The blows to his chest made him want to throw up. Cliff fell to the floor again. A small tear ran down his face as he watched Roger proceed with his assault. What am I going to do?

This time he wasn’t going to let the pain or anything else stop him. Cliff could see the anguish in Jane’s face. She was lying there with her eyes bulging out and her face turning blue from lack of oxygen. She was going to die if Cliff didn't do something. Still, he was very much afraid.

Nevertheless, he got up. Just as before, the pain in his chest and head was unbearable; but he proceeded. Taking two or three steps toward the entrance of the room was as far as determination could take him. He fell to his knees bruised and dizzy.

At the sound of the toppling, Roger stopped what he was doing to attend to Cliff. Jane lay on her side gasping for breath. Laughing at Cliff, Roger said with a sinister smile, Having a good time? I’ve enjoyed your hospitality. He went back down the hall. Then he turned to the kitchen table where the guests knocked the pizza partially on the floor as they raced for the exit. Roger picked up a handful of stringy leftovers, How about some pizza...lover-boy! The pizza, still hot, oozed through his fingers as he walked back towards the bedroom.

Cliff made it completely to his feet by the time Roger had returned. He threw the piping hot food into Cliff's face. The gooey cheese slid across one side of Cliff’s face as the remainder splattered onto the wall behind him. Cheese and sauce oozed down, leaving long streaks leading to the floor. Cliff toppled over.

It made him mad enough to force himself to his feet once again in spite of his fear. Now he had the strength to carry on, regardless of any pain. Larry could see the intensity in Cliff’s eyes. "Come on; show me what you’ve got.