Glasgow Smile

By Jacob Asher

Greg Matthews lives day after day under the lash of inhuman guards. Doing pointless and back-breaking labor for no other purpose than to demean and oppress. Things take a turn for the even more cruel and usual as Jasper, the whimsical madman that lords himself over the community of damned souls, eyes Greg for a special project. Each year a tournament of death is held with the workers as competitors. The winner in the end is allowed to return to the life they lived before. Free. Jasper loves a rigged game and wants Greg to fight on his behalf. Make Greg do terrible things he never thought himself capable of. For his victory, Jasper would allow not only Greg, but all of his friends to leave with him. The catch being that should he fail, Greg and the lot will have to endure a new level of suffering beyond any of their imaginations. With more than just his own eternal soul in the balance, Greg must step up and become at least a fraction of the lunatic pulling his puppet strings.
Or lose it all trying...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781329922761

Book preview

Glasgow Smile

Glasgow Smile

By:

Jacob Asher

Copyright © 2015 Jacob Asher

Cover art by John Babb

All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-329-69574-0

For: Keith, Zack, Faith, Liz, John, my folks and everyone else who has in some way helped me with this, or at least told me I could do it. Your help was invaluable and I wouldn't have done this without you all.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Epilogue

Prologue

A tall, gaunt, man stood naked and barely aware of his consciousness in the center of a vast expanse. His eyes not used to the intense light, he could not make out his surroundings past that. An intense ringing pounded in his ears and a numbness tingled throughout his body. He had no idea how he'd come to be where he was, or why. All he was sure of was that it felt like he'd been heavily sedated and was now being dragged out of it all at once. The silence that filled the blurry void was short lived.

Please take a seat. thundered a thousand voices as if out of nowhere, and in perfect unison. He flinched at the command and stumbled slightly, coming out of his stupor. His eyes had begun to clear and he visually took inventory of his surroundings. It was no more than a massive white room. No, not a room. He thought.

There was only the reflective white floor and the gray metal chair standing upon it. As he looked around, it was like an illusion. The walls and ceiling appeared to not exist or to be far enough away that they were out of sight.

The man rubbed his eyes and stepped forward, his unease building, remembering The Voice’s order. He slowly crossed the distance to the small folding chair in front of him, his steps unbalanced but the sleek and cool floor was kind on his feet.

He grasped the smooth arch of the chair’s back and sat himself wearily down onto it; sharply taking in breath as the cold seat assaulted his bare flesh momentarily. He looked around in every possible direction, but could not see anyone.

Do you know where you are right now? inquired The Voice from its unknown location.

He jumped again at the sudden roar. No. he managed, still a bit hazy.

You are in the Hall of Judgment, David. It is time for our decision. replied The Voice.

The last piece fell into place and in a long fluid motion, his thoughts began to realign from their tangled and what felt like a drug induced jumble. Recent memory was unlocked to him once again and his life, or death as it were, was put back into perspective.

That was it, he was dead. Or, at least that is what the disembodied voice had told him some time ago. He wasn't certain how long ago it had been. It could have been a couple days, or it could have been a week.  All he could remember was being in a very small bleak room with no doors or windows since it happened. It was much like the room he was in now only on a significantly smaller scale. It was like the walls of that place had been pushed out for a hundred miles in every direction to make this one.

Some time after he had woken up in that cramped cell, this voice had told him plainly and simply that he had died and was awaiting judgment. He couldn't be sure what sort of judgment it was, but if he was a betting man he'd figure it was to decide if he got to go upstairs or down. If he was betting man, he'd also wager on the cellar.

The last memory he had from before this place was of lying in a hospital bed someplace in Arizona. He never did ask or really even care where it was. He was all alone and suffering greatly from  the final stages of his lung cancer. No one had come to visit him. There had been no one he cared about or that cared about him; and was certain there wasn't going to be. He had driven the last of his loved ones off more than two decades before and was just sitting helplessly, hooked up to all manner of machinery and watching his life fade away before his eyes.

Shortly before his loss of memory between then and now, that he assumed was the period involving some flat-lining noises on the EKG machine, a sharply dressed, but pudgy man had come to see him; much to his surprise. David didn't know the man, he'd never met him or even seen him in the hospital before.

He hadn't been able to make out a lot of what the guy was going on about, but managed to get that the man wanted him to sign his body over to him for something scientific or other after he was gone. It wasn’t like anyone cared enough to worry about burying him after he went. They'd probably just roll him into a ditch out back when it came to it if they could get away with it; and he definitely wasn’t going to need a body afterwords. At least this way some hungover medical student could go digging bits out of him and get a barely passable grade on it. What more could he ask for?

So, he scribbled his signature down on the form the best he could manage and told the man to fuck off for a while so he could die in peace. Maybe six hours later, David recalled having a hell of a time breathing and guessed it was just downhill from there with organ failures and all that since he was hanging out in the waiting room for either heaven or hell. He had thought it was going to finally be over, maybe get some well desired rest and peace, only to awake again to this empty, white, confinement.

He ran his fingers through his brown, thinning hair. What decision?

After a few moments The Voice replied, The decision of where you will spend you eternity David. We will review your file here and ask you some questions.

One point for me, he thought as he looked around again. Where are you? he asked after scanning the abyss.

That is not of any importance David, but to satisfy your curiosity, we are all around you. said The Voice in a blank tone.

Then why can't I see you? he wearily inquired.

The entity responded almost instantly. You must really learn to be more open minded. Just because you cannot see us, does not mean we are not there. Now please, if we may begin.

David sighed and leaned back in the chair.

After a short pause The Voice continued. Williams, David. Born to Anne and George Williams on October 29th, 1973. Life ended on February 17th, 2017 at the age of forty-four years; Condemned to die by cancer of the lungs. The voices faded momentarily.

Now we will ask our questions.

David sat up and hunched over, resting his elbows on his knees. Go for it. he replied .

Do you feel that you lived an honest life in your time? inquired The Voices, still with an emotionless tone.

David rubbed his chin, hunched over in thought, only slightly offset by the question.

Sure. he said with a shrug after a while; he knew it was the furthest thing from the truth, but he was already not liking where the questions might be heading and just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible now.

We would like to believe that David... The Voice paused ...but you know as well as we that it is not the truth. it finished, showing a hint of emotion for the first time in the conversation.

He sat back up, his voice cold and a little defensive. What's that supposed to mean? he knew exactly what it meant though. He knew it was coming.

Do not act oblivious. We have every moment of your life to look upon and we have done so. We know of all the heinous crimes you have committed during your time.

David felt a small wave of panic wash over him, but it was stifled by a rise in anger. Only the second emotion showing through. Fuck that, you don't know me. he dismissed.

Oh yes, we certainly do. they continued. We’ve seen all those times you killed other men and women over some petty matter such as narcotics or currency. Most times though it was just for the sheer entertainment of it, for some dark longing you needed to satisfy wasn't it? All of those women you’ve taken advantage of, despite their pleading for you to stop.  All for your own selfish gain.

He sat there feeling the most vulnerable he could ever remember feeling as The Voice continued. Every word from them was calm and intelligent, yet they all rang true. Things that he thought would remain buried, that no one could hold him accountable for or throw in his face, were flowing freely from the unseen lips of something more powerful than he could understand. And he didn't know what he could do about it. There was nowhere to run or hide anymore.

Can you truthfully sit there and still tell us that you’ve lived an honest and good life?

The fear and anger inside him had been pushed back down deep and he recollected his thoughts. He kept silent for a couple minutes before he answered them. No. Guess I can’t. He plainly stated; his eyes fixed on his reflection in the floor.

That’s what we were hoping you would say. The truth is your best choice at this point. There was a brief pause. Now, do you believe these wrongs you’ve committed can be rectified David?

David had shifted his gaze from the floor and was looking off into the distance of the expanse. A condescending burst of laughter slipped out. Can't really go and un-rape or kill someone now can I? he replied with an air of sarcasm as he realized he didn't have much to lose at this juncture.

In more of a gentle tone, The Voice answered him. It may not be possible to undo these acts, but there is still hope for your soul, David. You must make us believe you're truly repentant for your sins and then work can begin on your path to the light.

David was hunched over again. He thought about all the sorts of things he had done with his life. Most of them were not particularly good-natured. The more he thought about it, the more and more he was amused to realize he didn’t actually regret doing them. Any of them. They were purely awful things he had done, but then again he was a purely awful beast posing as a man most days.

He had done what he wanted when he wanted, and when he needed. What he needed had been the greatest challenge he'd faced. The dark desires that built up in the back of his mind would reach capacity and start clawing for attention, and like any good slave, he would obey. An image of a blonde haired woman in a skimpy red outfit flashed though his mind and he was lost in the recollection.

-----------------

He had seen her at the strip club she worked at, crawling around on the stage with a handful of crumpled singles she periodically tucked away in the few places she had to put anything; Ugly, balding men sat around her on purple velvet stools, whistling and hollering at her for any sort of personal attention.

David had sat in the back by the bar, just watching her like he had for the last few nights, in this dingy old shit hole called Lucy's. He knew she was the one he wanted from the moment he laid his eyes on her. Just his type; few people to miss her and not enough to care for too long after the fact.

He had waited until she left the stage and was presumably ending her shift for the night before he dipped out the back and waited by the dumpster. He sat lurking with his gloved hands in his pockets and face hidden by the hood he had up. After twenty minutes or so, the old metal door in the back screeched open and out she came; this time with a bit more clothing. It was going to be the night he satisfied the evil urges boiling up inside him. It had been too long since his last.

He had been hiding around the corner so she never noticed him when she came hurrying out; all the while digging around in her purse for her keys, her heels loudly clicking on the wet asphalt as they made a path to her car. He eased into action and began to silently close in on her as she fumbled around in her bag. When he was no more than arm’s length from her she heard a slight scuff of his shoe across the pavement and quickly spun around. With a scream she threw her hands up in fright and dropped her purse; the contents scattering out every which way across the pavement.

Oh shit, sorry about that! he apologized quickly with a laugh and bent down to collect her things. I was just going to ask you for a light, I didn’t mean to go and give you a heart attack or nothin'. he assured, trying to sound harmless.

She took her purse from his hands and pulled it tightly against her for a moment before opening it back up. Oh no it’s alright. She started, laughing a bit and exhaling deeply. I just didn’t see anybody back here when I came out is all. Scared the hell out of me.

David chuckled and looked around. Well it is pretty dark out here, I suppose it'd be easy to miss someone.

She rolled her eyes. Oh I know, tell me about it. I swear to god it'd take the city threatening to fine him for Roger to shell out money for a new goddamn light bulb or two once in a while. she said looking off towards the burned out light that hung over the back door. Her tone alone suggested that it had been a well argued issue at least a couple times before.

She smiled and fished around in her bag for a few moments to retrieve her lighter. David slid one of his cigarettes between his dry, cracked lips and leaned in, she did the same and clicked her cheap lighter; giving them both a light. He stared deeply into her chestnut eyes, his desires beginning to consume his thoughts. He needed to relieve the growing need inside him quickly, but he restrained himself for now.  They stood in the dark parking lot behind the club, just quietly having a smoke together for a couple minutes.

So I never did get your name stranger. she said in a slightly flirty way, just trying to keep the conversation going.

David smiled and took a quick drag before answering. Tom. Tom Smith. he replied, giving out his not so clever, but effective enough alias.

Cheryl. she said very chipper and held out her hand.

David shook it gently and continued with his smoke. Oh she will be perfect, he thought.

-----------------

He wandered back from his remembrance and looked up from the shining white floor. His thoughts returned to the matter at hand. A new attitude taking command within. A sort of childlike rebellion now hung in his mind.

This is just ridiculous. He thought.

I wish I could convince you. David said after a while. But, I must say that I don't really give a shit either way. I mean we both know that I don't care and ain't nothing gonna change who I am, so let's just get on with it. He held his head down, a smile of acceptance spreading across his face.

Now now, David. That’s not the attitude we want to see from you. said The Voice with a sincere graveness.

David's defiance kicked in full swing. Yeah? Well whoever you are, you can go fuck yourself. I'm done playing this game. He bounded up from the chair and knocked it over.

The Voice remained quiet, as if trying to process the situation. The silence only made David angrier.

Hey, I said I'm done with this bullshit! Now show me the door, or just fuck off already. I regret nothing, and I am just fine with that!

He began pacing back and forth angrily in front of the overturned chair. After a couple long minutes he got a reply. Very well David, as you wish. The door is now there. We hope you're happy with your choice. they said with the same grave tone of voice as before.

He turned around and saw a large steel door now standing about ten feet from the chair. What's in there? he questioned the open air. He walked over hesitantly and felt its oddly warm metal.

Hey, answer me! he shouted to The Voice, but it still remained quiet.

He turned and cautiously pressed his palm to the middle of the door, pushing it just hard enough to let the door swing open slowly. Inside he saw what looked like an underground tunnel; a wave of heat and stale air came to hit him. David had a very good idea of what this meant and where this tunnel would be taking him. It was his only route in this scenario and he recognized that fully. After a few moments he forced himself into movement.

Fine, have it your way. I was done talking anyway! he shouted behind him while giving the finger and took a step inside. The steel door slammed behind him and disappeared as soon as he was in. The almost darkness enveloped him and a dry heat tackled him; his feet sinking a bit into the loose-packed dirt. All was dead quiet for a while until a shuffling noise broke the silence from somewhere down the path.

Hello? David called out to the darkness only to get no response. The sound of labored movement continued towards him at a steady pace.

David gave a long exhale and started making his way towards the source of the sound, definitely not in the mood to play around now but had a knot of unease in the pit of his stomach. Not long after, he came to a fork in the tunnel and saw a lit torch hanging from the wall in between the two paths in front of him. It's warm orange glow bathing the intersection in low light. His attention was captured from the torch as he saw something shadowed in the opening of the left path.

It appeared to be the figure of a very tall being, but an abnormally hairy one; almost gorilla-like. David's pulse instinctively quickened in the face of a beastly form. The figure reached out and grabbed the torch and revealed only his arm at first. This served to both capture David's curiosity and disturb him, for the thing's arm was about half a foot thick and fully covered by a fluffy, cotton candy resembling, pink hair.

The worry quickly overtook as the arm retracted the torch and gave illumination to the rest of the person. It was, what he assumed to be a man, that stood about six foot five and wearing a thick pink rabbit suit. Its open mouth displayed an assortment of dirty cloth teeth and a dust smeared red tongue. Patches of the fur on its head and body burned and singed away. The thing that unsettled him most though was the pair of big black glassy eyes that seemed to look straight into his soul; an image of fire being reflected in them.

What is this? David asked dryly. Giving the thing in front of him a hard stare. The rabbit man merely held out his right hand and beckoned for him to follow.

The Rabbit turned and stated off back down the path it came from, the light around David slowly inching away with him. Darkness flooded over him again and David grunted in frustration. He started off down the tunnel behind it, deciding it to be more productive than sitting in the dark for eternity. Plus, his curiosity was getting the better of him. It always did.

He closed the distance between himself and The Rabbit so that he was only a few steps behind him. They walked silently through the maze of seemingly man-made passages, a faint but noticeable scent of sulfur wafted through the air. Sulfur was never a sign of anything pleasant to come.

As they walked, David began to notice that The Rabbit didn’t move normally. Each step was a forced shuffle. Like his mind refused, but his legs were forced into movement anyway. Like some unseen figure was working his puppet strings as he pleased, and the man in the suit did what he could to stop him, though unsuccessfully.

The tunnels they walked through were extensive and unchanging; just the same brown and gray rock walls along the entire length with few breaks. It was starting to seem like there were very few destinations one could reach through these passages; just a direct route from where he'd entered to wherever he was going to end up. Neither the man nor the terrain gave any hints that they were about to reach their destination, so he let his mind wander and revisit the memory of the blonde.

-----------------

After talking her into it, through his crafted charm and kind, though misleading demeanor, he was sitting in the passenger seat of her car; heading to what she thought was his place. He'd convinced her to give him a lift home in exchange for some gas money; making her believe it was on the way to her apartment. Though, the destination he had in mind was in fact on her way home, he doubted very much that she'd like it.

He looked her over out of the corner of his eye. She was unusually beautiful for the kind of women he tended to pick. She was the kind of girl most men wouldn't turn down if they had the chance. He supposed that helped with her work quite a bit.

Her dirty blond hair was draped down across the right side of her face, covering most of her smooth pink cheeks. Her deep brown eyes attentively fixed on the rain soaked road disappearing in front of them. Some part of him admired the small town upbringing that had given her such a trusting attitude, but another pitied her for it at the moment. The urges were nagging at him once more and he'd be able to feed them soon.

It had been quite a long time since David had done this; at least a year and a half. His last one had been a bit sloppy admittedly and some heat came down on him for it. He'd managed to lie low and wait it out. He had been a little careless, but not stupid enough to leave anything substantial behind. Fleeing halfway across the country helped him to get back into his old habits once more and tonight was the first night.

He noted the mile marker they had just passed and rubbed the folded knife in his jacket pocket gently in anticipation. He turned and glanced at her, catching her gaze after a moment. They smiled at each other briefly and she turned her attention back to the road. The next mile marker passed and he took a deep breath and cleared his mind. Good a place as any. He hunched forward and started coughing hard and seemingly uncontrollably.

She jumped in surprise and looked over. Oh my god, are you alright? she asked, clearly startled.

Pull over please. David managed in-between coughs.

The car screeched to a quick halt on the side of the road and he jerked the door open; sliding out onto his hands and knees. He continued his forced fit and waited for her response. After a moment, she came running around the back of the car and knelt next to him. He felt a hand on his shoulder. His urges were in control now, and the anger they invoked was extremely potent. He slowed his coughing down and stifled it away, looking up at her. He half smiled and made it look like he was catching his breath.

Jesus, what was that all about? You alright? she asked quietly, her lovely eyes wide with concern.

Nothing, nothing. he said slowly hoisting himself up. I’m alright now.

As soon as he was standing straight he swiftly produced the knife from his pocket, springing the blade from it's handle, and thrust it into her stomach with a quick movement. He saw her mouth open in a mix of surprise and pain, the only sound she could offer in return was a dry, gasping and heaving one. Her eyes staring into his, begging him to stop. Warm liquid quickly began to stream over the black leather of his gloved hand. He grabbed her and flung her so that she was pinned against the car and then covered her mouth with his free hand.

He pulled out the blade and repeated his initial motion over and over until the life was drained from her face and her chest no longer took in air. He let go of her and watched as she slowly slid down the side of her car and fell onto her back. He felt his hands shaking a bit in the rush of pleasure he was feeling. David watched the blood start dripping down to the cold, black ground as it ran in-between his fingers. The decent sheet of rain that fell began to wash it away.

He chuckled to himself and smiled at her face, which was far too pale now to be alive. Her vacant chestnut eyes stared off into nothingness now. A small river of blood ran up her neck and began pooling before running off the side in either direction. He grabbed her by the arms and dragged her around back of the little powder blue Honda and popped the trunk, promptly loading her body into it.

Once she was inside he carefully moved to the driver's side, taking it out of park and pushed the car off of the deserted road and into the ditch on the side of it. He trudged back through the brush and took one last look at his latest prey, her lifeless gaze still retaining the horror of her own death. David smiled; satisfied. The urges had crawled back into their hiding place and were quiet once more. He slammed the trunk closed and locked it, tossing the keys into the dark treeline of the woods before him. He exhaled and held out his hands, letting the steadily growing amount of rain coming down rinse his hands clean of the blood as he started down the bleak, dark country road, making his way back home.

-----------------

He let the memory go once again after they had walked for what seemed like a half hour; smiling in fond remembrance. They eventually came out onto a narrow path overlooking a vast cavern. The room was lit by the enormous pools of fire and molten rock around which people scurried back and forth in tattered clothing pushing carts of rocks and tools. Some looked at him with a mournful look on their face. The most sincere display of despair he'd ever seen was but a stone toss away.

The smell of sulfur was now heavy in the air, the rotten smell gagging him and the heat from the lava pools was unforgiving on his naked body. Well, sure seems like hell. he thought. On a list of surprising things, this moment was nowhere to be found. It is where everyone used to say he’d end up, and he had. And, by those people's standards, he deserved whatever was to come next.

They left the short, steep-edged, path and entered what was a sort of cellar-type room off to the right; tucked into the rock face and down a small flight of stone steps. The walls, floor and ceiling were made of the same rock as the cave outside, but were flat and incredibly warm to the touch. They came to an old and worn, wooden plank door at the back of the small room and the rabbit man placed the torch in a holder on the left side it, moving to serve as a silent guard on the right. On either side of the door were two short benches, each empty and in poor condition. It seemed like he was in another waiting room of some kind.

David stood back near the doorway they had come through, unsure of what was expected of him. He had no idea what was in this next room, or whom. The rabbit man raised his arm slowly and gave another direction, this time telling him to go through the door.

David eyed The Rabbit. What's in there? the man in the suit did nothing in response. He just stood and stared almost right through him. David sighed in frustration and grabbed the door handle. Not much fuckin' use are you, mute?

As he started to pull the rickety old door open, he took a good look at The Rabbit. A great cloud of despair hung over this damned shell of a man. It was almost palpable. If David had the capacity to do so, he was sure he would feel pity for this unwilling slave. But he didn't, so he couldn't be bothered to.

The man in the suit had obviously made a wrong move in the game of life and was having to live with the consequences. David didn't pretend to be any better at the game, everyone eventually makes that one fatal move that puts them on the chopping block in one fashion or another. Whether it be death, or forced servitude in a big pink rabbit suit.

Ending up here was a good indication that he had made a few bad moves himself and he had a feeling it was about to turn into checkmate for him. He pulled the door open and took a few small steps into the semi-darkness and came to see that this new room was much like the one he had just been in, only a lot bigger. The main difference being that it was pitch black in the room, save for a single bare-bulb lamp hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room, creating a tight radius of illumination.

He snapped his focus across the room as he heard a man speak up from the opposite side in the darkness. He had a thick English accent which was a little difficult to understand, his voice sounded sort of youthful as well. Come into the light would you please David?

He tried to pinpoint an owner to the voice, but couldn't find it. So, he did as he was told to see if that would draw him out. The harsh light from the lamp did no favors to his already overheated flesh.

Ah that’s better. said The Man. Not as tall as I was expecting. The Man paused briefly and chuckled quietly. You know Davie boy; you should have shown The Examiners a bit more respect back there I should say. They seemed to be quite pissed at you.

David scanned the darkness; not amused. Who are you?

Right to it then eh? Fair enough. Well, I suppose you can say I’m the man who can either help you here, or make your stay the highest degree of hell that you can possibly imagine. replied the hidden man, with a bit of a playful tone.

Still David looked around trying to catch a glimpse of him. Nothing but the mocking blackness of the room stared back.

I suppose I could say that, but that's not the damn question I asked. Can I least see who I'm talking to? he asked with a dry annoyance.

David heard the scuff of shoes from somewhere in the darkness along with a sigh.

Bold and direct, I can appreciate that.

He saw a spotlight snap on in the back of the room and in it's warm radius was a man clad in a fine black suit and he began to walk towards David. He skillfully tucked his polished black cane underneath his right arm and went into a slow, deep bow after stopping about fifteen feet away.

After a moment he stood himself back up. Howdy mate. he said plainly, grinning almost innocently.

David couldn’t help but stare at him for a few moments. He wanted nothing more than to walk over and introduce his fist to that pompous smile on his face.

So, there's you. Now can you tell me where the hell am I? he asked with an ounce of agitation.

Ha! That's sort of a pun if you think about it! But, um, I guess you could call this here my office, and you’re the cheery, bright faced, new employee I’m meeting with.

He got a better look at The Man's face and David saw a pair of cold, lifeless gray eyes looking straight back at him.

David took a pause before speaking, You don't care much for giving me straight answers do you?

You could say that...oop, there I go again! But really, David, did you not consider the possibility that maybe you don't really want to hear them?

He had, he just didn't care all that much. We both know that this meeting isn't exactly going to go well for me, so how about we cut the shit and just get to it already. The Man sagged his shoulders and through out his arm in annoyed concession.

Just gotta be like that huh?! No appreciation for drama and suspense these days! Ugh, fine. Whatever. Just ask any questions you have and then we'll 'just get to it'.

David internally rolled his eyes. Good. So, how about that name pretty boy?

Well those happy souls you saw out there working call me Jasper, and that's the last time I want to hear you mock me by the way. Understood?

David grunted in self-satisfaction from that reaction.Fine. So, Jasper... he started What is it you want from me?

Jasper started strutting toward him, the spotlight flawlessly following his movements.

Well it's not exactly a matter of what I want from you, it's more of a 'what I'm going to make you do' sort of thing.

Jasper closed the distance between them further. He was close enough now that David could feel his stale breath hitting his face. He looked closely at his face. His long, styled hair was a bright blonde color, but also had a lifeless gray glow to it. His face bore few wrinkles and he had the dark shadow of a recent shave around his mouth.

And what would that be?

Why, you'll be joining that lovely bunch outside. Jasper smiled and pointed back towards the door.

David tightened his face. That's great and all, but what makes you think I'll be doing anything you want me to? Don't see much motivation.

Jasper grunted quietly in amusement. Because mate, you don’t really have much of a choice in the matter. You see, down here you are really no less human than you were when you were alive. You breathe, bleed, lose, and learn. But, when and if I let you die here, that's it. Nothing exists beyond this. If I so choose, I can wipe you clean out of existence. Not a trace remains. No more pain or suffering. he paused "And, that's if you truly make me like you and I allow it. If you piss me off, I'll send you back to the Oblivion Room for the rest of eternity; that quaint little holding area you've been in for the last few days. Wouldn't be too bad at first, but just imagine how you'd feel after about a month? A year? Ten? Quickly starts to lose any appeal it might have. But trust me when I say, that is the least of the terrible things I can put