Line of Fire

By KP Merriweather

Erik Hart’s continued search for answers about the mysterious Divinity Project only leads to more trouble. What should have been a routine investigation reveals a newfound threat that may have dire consequences for all involved...

When an unforeseen tragedy strikes, the madness Erik tries to keep in check transforms him into something far beyond normal, pushing him over the edge! Will his blind rage turn him back into the monster he thought he’d left behind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Majestik Multimedia
• Release date: Jun 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005082215

KP Merriweather

KP Merriweather enjoys drawing comics, playing and programming video games, and writing novels. She currently resides in St. Louis, MO.

Book preview

PART ONE

Malevolent Traces

ONE

The social outlook, the collective mentality, the human reality, so imperfectly separated from the world of things, would be altered incrementally until ultimately abolished. Pleasure, joy and happiness dispensed chemically; feelings, opinions, and ideas controlled; memories of the past removed, replaced with others and falsified...

Depersonalized by having an alien organ that is neither body nor soul, the chimera can never experience any emotion, behavior or belief associated with affection, protectiveness, warmth and respect for another conscious being.

***

Who are you really? a voice called to Erik in the darkness.

"I’m not sure about that…"

Are you really who you say you are, or are you what people tell you to be?

"What kind of question is that?"

Erik’s eyes snapped open and he stared into the brightest shade of blue he’d ever seen, almost as blue as the sky. At that moment, he felt nothing at all, knowing he was there and yet not there, trapped somewhere between existence and nonexistence.

You’re a disturbance to society, said the mysterious voice, a being that shouldn’t exist…

Erik tried to answer, finding it suddenly hard to speak. "If I’m not supposed to be here, he thought in annoyance. then why am I here? What reason would that be?"

The reason is whatever we want it to be, the mysterious voice continued. We created you. You are our property. We use you as we see fit. You answer to whatever name we give you.

"No better than a dog, is that it? Erik narrowed his eyes. I can run myself just fine, thanks."

You can leave anytime you like.

"That’s just another lie. Erik grimaced. If they already know my moves and put all the things in my head, then why bother existing at all?"

Gaining no response, he tried again and sat up, finding himself in a small bedroom, with a nightstand on his immediate left and an open window on his right, bringing in a soft breeze. A ceiling fan whirled overhead, giving off a soft hum and dull clanking of the pull chain above him.

Getting up, Erik approached the window and looked outside, spotting light traffic below with few cars passing in the early morning. A bus later rumbled by.

Erik groaned and ran his hands through his hair, overwhelmed and tired all at once. Leaving the window, he padded into the bathroom across the hall and tried the door, finding it locked.

"Is this another dream? he wondered. What if it’s just a simulation to get inside my head? He backed away from the door. What if it’s a memory I don’t want to face? The tightness in Erik’s chest worsened as he struggled for breath. I can’t open it… He backed away. I can’t do it."

Turning around, Erik immediately returned to the bedroom and reached his closet. He opened the doors, finding an array of suits, dresses, pressed jeans and polo shirts in his size. Erik sifted through the clothing, eventually taking a shirt and jeans, pulling into them.

Leaving the room as dread churned in his guts, Erik traversed the short corridor, leading into a parlor with scattered papers and photographs across the floor. A cordless phone rest aside on the black leather couch and he spotted a note taped to the front door.

Picking up a random paper, he scanned the title, ‘Physical Revelation Case Study: CO192-A, Third Edition, Fourth Revised’.

"What’s with this? he mused as he read the paper, finding the report signed ‘JGF’. Picking up another one, titled ‘Core Iron Study - Cybernetic Engineering and Nanotechnology Research Application’, Erik’s heart skipped a beat. This sounds too much like his style of writing..."

He set the papers aside and picked up the fallen photographs of a red-headed woman, blindfolded and bound in wires. The pain in his chest deepened as the photographs reveal more instances of torture and he dropped them, instantly nauseous.

The telephone on the couch rang and Erik reached the front door, taking the note off the door that simply read ‘the brightest star’.

He crumpled the note as he turned around, examining the messy room once his thoughts went into overdrive, worrying about the mysterious woman in the photographs. He returned to the locked bathroom door, breaking out in cold sweat.

"I need to see what’s behind that door," he surmised as he shoved his shoulder into the panel. Throwing his weight against it, it crashed open and he turned on the lights, finding a clean peach-lacquered tub on his right, matching toilet and sink against beige tiles. He looked at his pale scarred reflection with tired violet eyes and shaggy white hair. He opened the medicine cabinet, finding only antiseptic mouthwash, a tube of toothpaste, a pair of toothbrushes and several spools of dental floss.

Erik checked the cabinets and drawers, under the sink and behind the toilet, finding nothing. Entering the bedroom, he pulled through the chest and everything out the closets, even overturning the mattress. There were no other articles or artifacts that someone lived for a long period of time.

Returning to the kitchen, he found a bag of trail mix, instant oatmeal, and granola bars in the pantry, a coffee canister in the cabinet over the sink and a bottle of red wine in the refrigerator while the freezer only had ice.

Erik grew uneasy with the place as the telephone continued ringing. A flash of fear swept through him, knowing if he answered the call, his life would somehow end.

Once the telephone ceased its persistent chime, a knock resonated at the door, giving Erik pause. He clenched his teeth.

They were coming for him.

Erik entered the parlor and checked the shelves that had few books, primarily paperbacks containing hard-boiled detective mysteries, true crime and dark urban fantasy titles. He paused on a book about gaming and exponential mathematics.

"That’s weird," Erik realized as he returned to the couch and pulled out the cushions, coming across a single bloodied knife.

I know you’re not asleep, a male voice said on the other side of the door. "Why aren’t you answering your calls, hombre?"

Erik took up the knife and held it at ready as he faced the door where the stranger was still on the other side.

It’s useless fighting a war you can’t win. Every part of your personality we’ve created and can destroy at any time we wish.

Hey, Erik said, finding his voice. Tell me something.

"¿Qué quieres?"

If I gave it to you, will you finally leave me alone?

Your services to us will end, yes.

How do I know it’s not another lie?

It’s in the contract you signed. You have to do at least one mission and you’re done. It’s simple.

What if you’re using me to get the very thing you’re looking for and just saying anything to get me to act how you want? I’m sure you thought that far ahead – I’m not a damn idiot.

Your service to us is only how long you want it to be. It’s up to you, really. We have nothing but time.

How long can you wait? Forever?

You’re no better than a machine and machines don’t think, reason or understand! Just follow orders.

So what are you saying, if I can’t reason, think or feel and only take commands, then I could just kill you since I’m nothing but a heartless, brainless robot controlled by codes.

We are all controlled by something – addictions, religion, work… They all tie into our desires because we’re inherently selfish evil beings.

I’m not evil or selfish!

Another lie you tell yourself to sleep at night, am I right? When Erik gave no answer, the man continued. That’s how the world works and has always been that way. Anything else is just a false notion created by weak desperate animals.

But then I can leave any time I want.

Not by that logic.

So stop chasing me!

You keep working for us because we provide something you want – a sense of purpose and the drugs to keep you going.

That’s not true!

If so, you would’ve quit a long time ago, am I also right about that? Erik clenched the knife harder in his hand as he grew further uneasy. Those meaningless ideals you spout are just empty consolation to soothe your guilt! What’s the point in feeling guilty when it’s the means to your ends? Erik looked down at the knife in his trembling hand, cringing as the man went on. "You made that choice. No one else made it for you. No one forced you. Erik clutched his hands to his head as he doubled over, seething. Now you’re paying for your mistakes and created a false reality in which you can make things right to keep that guilt at bay. Though no matter how hard you try, you see the horrors you alone created. You had every chance to walk away and didn’t. Live with it. Own it. This is your life, your reality you created."

I need more time, Erik wailed. I’m not done yet. There’s one more thing I need to do.

Fierce pounding banged on the door as Erik took a breath and turned the blade on himself, jamming the knife in the guts. His legs buckled and he ground his teeth as he kept in his cry of pain as he struck the floor on his knees.

Don’t even think about it, the man roared. I’ll break down this door!

Do it and revive me, Erik rasped. You have the tech for that, don’t you?

You fool!

Erik’s heart skipped a beat as his skin grew numbingly cold. Abruptly his world dissolved and his body gave way as the blinding pain took out his world in a wash of white.

A fierce whack brought Erik back to his senses and he groaned as he peered through red haze. He squinted up at his captors, a trio of older men with a middle-aged woman in lab coats. His gaze fell upon a bald robust coffee-colored man with green eyes and wearing a tan turtleneck sweater, stonewashed jeans, and black patent leather shoes. Erik broke out in cold sweat when he noticed the white lab coat strained against his large broad shoulders and across his large hands were a pair of bloodied brass knuckles.

Stop playing games with us, the man grumbled in response.

Erik spat a globule of blood at his feet and grinned. Suck it, he replied. His head whipped back from another heavy punch and he stared glassy-eyed at the pale slender woman standing across from the large man, dressed in a violet skirt and blouse ensemble with sheer hosiery. She tucked a lock of wavy raven hair behind her ear as she approached Erik, smiling gently.

Hello, the woman greeted, I’m Doctor Morrow.

Erik stared deep into the woman’s hazel eyes and spat at her. Get out of my face, he hissed through gritted teeth.

I’m not leaving without answers, said Morrow firmly, wiping away the bloodied spittle off her cheek with the back of her hand. Sullivan, take care of it, please?

In a minute, answered the middle-aged man who had graying nape-length reddish-brown hair and brown eyes behind wire-framed glasses. He wore a dark navy suit beneath his lab coat and held a tablet computer in hand, tapping at data. Near him with a clipboard and pen paced an olive-skinned middle-aged man with long black hair braided down his back and aquamarine blue eyes, wearing a slate gray suit. Ferris, what’s the last reading?

The last reprogramming...

What’s this about reprogramming? Erik shrilled and shook against his restraints holding him to the chair. You’re not erasing me; you can forget trying!

You’re leaving one way or another... Either alive to perform as ordered or in a casket - I don’t care!

Forget it! Erik bashed his head against Morrow, knocking her rearwards into the large man then rose to his feet, swinging the chair around and crashed it into the technicians. The large man punched into the chair in retaliation, breaking the legs and Erik yanked against the loosened ties, slipping out of the binds.

He darted for the open door behind the group, pushing past other technicians and surprised guards as he neared the corridor’s end. Finding the exit with no handle and locked with three separate mechanisms – palm-reading device, thumbprint reader, and retina scanner – Erik whirled around, facing the specialists chasing him.

Don’t think I won’t kill you to get out of here, he roared. You want to die right now? Then try me.

You’re an enemy of the state, Morrow stated calmly. It matters not how fragile your mental state is. We can keep you alive long enough to get what we want from you.

Erik screamed when suddenly shocked by a powerful voltage bringing him to all fours. He looked up at the thin man with the clipboard wielding an electric handgun.

Good thinking, Ferris, Sullivan jeered. Now tell us, your last known address.

Erik yowled when shocked again and collapsed on his face. Chesterfield, he moaned. Fifty-one twenty-nine...

That’s a telephone number, Morrow said in annoyance.

You’d be scrambled too with a good enough beating upside your head, Ferris joked.

I’ll look it up, Sullivan volunteered. Bernardo, pick him up.

Erik groaned in agony as the large man hauled his body with ease over his shoulder and dumped him onto a hard surface.

He drifted in and out of consciousness, vaguely aware of someone else in the room with him as he struggled for shallow breath. Erik opened his eyes, wincing from the harsh cyan fluorescence shining through buzzing blue plate lights. Straining his sight, he only made out a white walled windowless room and a single reinforced door on the other side.

Trying to move proved to be a painful affair, finding his head and limbs arrested. The disorienting pain crept into his joints, spreading throughout his body in harsh signals. Erik squeezed shut his eyes, cringing when a low drone buzzed in his ears and the voice he grew to hate spoke to him again.

Everything hurts…

"I need to get with it, Erik thought. I can’t keep dreaming..."

The real world is too dangerous...

"The real world wants to erase me..."

Didn’t they destroy you already?

"I’m not dead, I’m still alive. As long as I remember..."

But you haven’t remembered yet!

"That’s why I need to wake up!"

The low drone became a high whine and Erik screamed.

TWO

There’s a decent chance that he isn’t simply acting randomly...

It seems that something else might be manipulating him...

Hey, a voice with a thick accent called to Erik from the shadows. "Hey, despierta. Erik heard a loud clap and his eyes snapped open. He squinted up at the shadowy figure standing before him. ¿Estás despierto?"

W-what...? Erik croaked. I don’t understand you...

I’ve been trying to get your attention for days...

Days...? Erik cleared his throat. What do you want?

"Why are you looking at me like that? Puedes verme?"

What are you saying?

Can you see me? Erik sucked in a shallow breath when he realized he could only see shadows. He heard the doctor approach and a penlight click on. The doctor gently grabbed Erik’s chin and shined the light in his eyes. Erik grunted when temporarily blinded. I think some connections may have loosened...

Connections...?

The doctor shut off his penlight and pocketed it. Can you tell me what happened? he pressed. You’re lucky I was on call that night. I was worried your heart may be damaged again after seeing the state you came in...

I don’t... I... I don’t think I can...

Do you think this is enough? The doctor went around, shutting off the monitoring machines. Have you paid enough for his sins?

Who...?

I just want to help you. But first you have to help me. The doctor then returned to Erik’s bedside and expertly withdrew the intravenous lines in his arm. He held Erik’s arm upright as he withdrew a wide bandage from his pocket, then taped it in place.

How...?

Tell me what happened. The doctor released his hold and Erik cringed as he gripped his sore arm.

I’m not sure...

How’s your family?

My family...?

Yes, you have a family, don’t you?

I... I’m not sure.

Well, someone claiming to be your cousin wants to see you. Do you want to see him?

Cousin? Erik shrugged. I guess...

Please rest.

The doctor left the room and moments later Erik heard a knock at the door. The door opened moments later, revealing a tall tanned athletic young man with frosted curly hair, wearing a dark green dress shirt, pleated khakis and brown boots. His shirt collar was opened, revealing a silver chain holding a single bullet.

I heard what happened, he announced as he entered, holding a large shopping bag in his hand. You can’t stay here.

They said you’re my cousin, Erik protested, sitting up. I’m not related to you!

"But I am related to Caelan Zeadeas, dummy, he snapped. You still have his wallet, or did you forget?"

Caelan...! Erik narrowed his eyes at the stranger standing across from him as he quickly put a name to a face. I look nothing like Raider! Erik fussed. You two could pass for brothers if you tried hard enough.

The young man snorted. What does it matter?

I don’t know who you are!

Zachary, moron. Besides, somebody had to be billed and it’s not like you’re insured with the State.

Erik groaned and ran his hands through his hair. The doctors don’t want me to leave, he griped. I can’t see worth a damn, if you hadn’t noticed!

Really now? Zachary peered closer and rapped his knuckles on Erik’s head.

Erik grunted when his vision flashed red. Stop hitting my head, he yowled.

You’re a target if you stay here, Zachary retorted. I already signed you out against orders, so get dressed.

I’m not leaving.

Don’t make me have to haul you out of here.

How did I end up in here?

I guess getting hit by that big ass van really scrambled you.

That van–! Erik gasped when everything came rushing back - the cryptic note given to him by the mysterious redhead, the code virus sabotaging crucial government programs regarding the Synthoids, meeting his coworkers at Kanbal Industries and the vicious attack in the alley by three powerful thugs nearly taking his life. Check my coat pockets, he grumbled. There’s something I need you to figure out for me.

Zachary dropped the bag on the bed and approached the shelves across the room, taking Erik’s clothing. He sifted through the pockets of his overcoat and found the folded sheet of paper.

What makes you think I can read that? Zachary muttered as he unfolded the paper and glanced at its contents.

You’re smart, aren’t you? Erik jibed, taking the bag of clothing. Only the best work at Kanbal, according to Orpheus.

Today, moron, Zachary said in irritation.

Why should I bother? Erik pushed the sheets aside and planted his feet on the floor, sitting on the bed’s edge while he set the bag on the floor between his knees. I’m only a danger to them.

You’re a danger because of what you know. We keep you alive for a reason.

Erik glanced up at Zachary standing offside with his arms folded across his chest. It doesn’t help that everyone around me is getting knocked off because of what I know, he groused, or what I think I know... I’m really not sure anymore.

So get it together and help us. I can’t keep protecting you forever. Time is essential.

So stop protecting me. Zachary stormed over and slapped Erik hard across the face. Erik’s murky vision flickered into green tint and he glared back, rubbing at his sore cheek. The hell? Erik squawked.

You done bitching? Zachary remarked. Let’s go. Your friends are waiting for you.

Fine.

Zachary stalked out the room and Erik took off his hospital gown, changing into a hooded sweatshirt, jeans and loafers left for him. Rising to his feet, Erik noticed cryptic green text appearing faintly before an invisible screen. He reached forward, trying to grab it, only to have binary information manifest when his hand came into view.

I don’t understand it, Erik grumbled and jarred his head, flashing the text and dimming his vision. He growled under his breath and tilted his chin until the bones in his neck popped. The invisible screen lightened slightly, though the text refused to disappear. I just want to see!

Blowing a heavy sigh, Erik slowly made his way across the room and grabbed his coat. He dug into the pockets, finding his cellular phone and his wallet. Opening the leather holder, he found a new identification card with his picture stating his name was ‘Carter Zeadeas’.

New information scrolled on the screen before his eyes and a low tone registered in his ears. Erik grunted, rubbing his palm against his ear.

What’s going on? he muttered and pocketed the wallet then stepped out the room. His vision cleared once he entered the brightly-lit hallway, making the characters vanish. He nodded to Zachary who waited outside the door and pulled into his overcoat.

Zachary led the way down the corridor and they reached the elevators. Erik stayed silent as Zachary pushed the button and the doors opened. They got on and the doors hushed closed, then the cable car descended into the lower levels.

Exiting onto the first floor, Zachary left Erik’s side, taking a different route while Erik headed down the corridor into the waiting room. He spotted Francisca dressed in an oversized gray sweatshirt, stonewashed jeans, and black riding boots holding a magazine in her hands, lazily turning pages. She sat next to Raider who wore his black leather jacket over a navy dress shirt, black slacks, and brown work boots while typing a message with his phone. On Raider’s other side sat the red-headed man named Taeo wearing a black wool coat, penciling in a newspaper crossword puzzle.

Francisca paused when Erik approached and ran a hand through her ear-length sandy hair. She looked up and he smiled faintly. What are you doing here? she demanded.

Zachary signed me out, Erik responded. Where’s Hana and Orpheus?

She’s still diggin’ ‘round to who was near yer place, Raider answered, and he said he wanted to help. It’s takin’ ‘em longer than they thought.

Did you turn in the hard drives?

We did, Francisca replied. We were successful in implementing the plan.

The plan... Erik looked over at Taeo who continued doing the crossword puzzle in silence. What is today?

Friday, Taeo answered nonchalantly. You were in here three weeks, however.

Basically you needed me out the way because I always screw up, right?

I’d call that divine intervention. Anyone else would’ve died.

Erik growled and stormed over to Taeo, grabbing his lapels, forcing the man to drop his paper and pencil once yanked to his feet. If you hurt Clairese, Erik growled, I will hurt you in ways you don’t want to think about!

She’ll only hurt herself, Taeo answered and grinned as he grasped Erik’s wrists. Seriously, what are you doing? You have nothing to be worried about - we returned the drives safe and sound and your former boss was able to submit her data in time. Taeo yanked Erik’s arms away. You’ll have to obey our orders from now on, otherwise you’ll die.

Maybe it’s better if I did, Erik grumbled.

So which house is he going to? Francisca inquired. He needs a place to sleep.

Erik shoved Taeo away and turned toward Francisca. Why can’t I stay with you? he complained.

Because, Mister Gallagher’s returned from his tour of duty. Francisca held up her left hand, showing off her diamond ring. I can’t let a strange man stay in my house, you know. People will talk.

I thought he wasn’t coming back ‘til the end of the month, Raider piped.

Plans change, Francisca murmured and sighed. It’s inevitable.

But who cares what others say? Erik protested. I’m your friend!

I’ll reveal nothing and deny everything with counter arguments, Francisca declared. He’s a jealous man and I don’t want any headaches.

I’ll lecture you later, Taeo said, picking up his fallen paper. Please let me know how it ends.

Will do, Francisca murmured, returning to her magazine.

Erik watched the redhead walk away, leaving through the glass doors. So that’s it, just like that? he griped. You just orchestrated an effort to wipe the drives on purpose and resend it with altered code and no one notices after a few weeks?

The paperwork’s already been destroyed and the new algorithm’s been set, Francisca said plainly. Hana said they ran it through the debugger and everything checks out fine. With over a million lines, there’s no way to find that snippet we put in.

I can’t go home.

You can hang with me, Zachary said as he entered the waiting room. The couch is lumpy, though.

Be safe, Francisca murmured and reached up. Erik took her hand, giving a gentle squeeze. Now get out of here before the doctors find you’re not in bed.

Thanks, Erik said softly and let go.

Zachary waved at him. Let’s go, he called.

One last thing, Erik said and approached Raider.

’Sup? Raider greeted as he continued texting on his phone.

Did you get your wallet back?

Yeah, Doc Cardenas gave it to me.

Cardenas? Erik frowned. Anyway, if I’m now Carter Zeadeas, then who are you supposed to be?

I’m still Caelan Zeadeas, Raider answered, grinning. Yer dad’s my uncle Sully. You was that one son of his he shipped off to the farm somewhere to be forgotten about.

Spare me, Erik moaned and Raider chortled.

Catch ya later, man.

Erik sighed then followed Zachary outdoors. Is Gina okay? he asked as they crossed the lot and approached the green micro van.

I don’t know, Zachary answered. We lost communication with her the day I picked you up.

So she might be Terminated?

Quite possibly.

Erik said nothing as he entered the van and buckled in. He held his head in his hands as he hunched forward, fighting the urge to cry.

Hey, Zachary said as he climbed into the driver’s side. Gina knew this might happen, but don’t think she didn’t go down fighting.

What are you trying to say? Erik grumbled.

She knew she was being targeted. They all knew. So they came prepared.

Prepared how?

The woman was crazy prepared. Always paranoid and with good reason. Zachary started the van and the engine sputtered before grinding to a halt. Damn it, he muttered and reached over, pulling the hood release. Look, take a nap in the back or something. This might take awhile.

Why is it you drive such an old ride? Erik complained, coming out of his seat belt.

So they won’t track us, stupid, Zachary snapped as he opened the door and clambered out.

Erik gasped and sat up alarmed when the idea suddenly hit him. "The people who took her also drove an older model van, he realized. They knew about the tracking from the computers in modern cars."

Erik glanced out the window, watching Francisca and Raider walking the lot, heading for their respective vehicles. He noticed their autos were over forty years old.

Hearing a digital ring, Erik reached in his coat pockets, withdrawing his cellular phone. He picked up the call when he found Hanalei’s number on the screen.

How are you? Erik greeted.

I’m fine, Hanalei answered. Welcome back.

What, are you hacking my hospital records now?

Hanalei giggled. Franny’s throwing a welcome home party for her husband at the Grand Hotel, she said instead.

Are you inviting me? Erik asked. She didn’t seem too happy that he’s coming back. She made a note to mention he’s jealous, even referred to him as ‘Mister’. Erik glanced out the window, spotting Raider and Francisca arguing in the lot near her pickup truck.

I personally think it’s a marriage of convenience, but that’s none of my business.

So she ran away with the first guy who paid her any attention that wasn’t abusive? Erik snorted. I thought she was better than that.

Don’t be mean! Hanalei reprimanded. She was waiting for you - we all were - but you were gone for ten years without a trace.

Without a trace? Erik blew a raspberry. I never left anywhere. I was still here... More or less, doing things...

Right, Hanalei said sarcastically, doing things.

What’s with that tone? Erik squawked, appalled. I never thought she liked me like that anyway. With the way she slaps me around... Hearing the rear doors open, he looked over his shoulder, spotting Zachary grumbling curses as he withdrew a tool box.

Not that way! Hanalei protested. We promised to help you disappear and you know how she’s always about keeping her promises.

I’ll be your plus one to the party, Erik said as he opened the door and stepped out the van. So are you going to help me suit up?

Of course! We have to look good when we show up.

Erik approached Zachary who had his head under the hood, using a wrench to loosen a bolt. I guess this will take awhile? he asked.

Yeah, Zachary muttered. I told you to take a nap somewhere.

I called because I found out where the pings came from, Hanalei declared. The car’s registered to Nolan Gallagher, SatCom Specialist.

You okay? Zachary asked when Erik dropped his phone in shock. Hey!

Erik left Zachary’s side, approaching where Francisca and Raider were having their shouting match.

I didn’t ask for your help, asshole! Francisca thundered. You’re the one who muscled his way in!

Don’t give me that shit, Raider hollered back. That assclown’s using you!

Don’t you dare blame me!

I busted my ass to help and you just kick me to the curb like that? Not cool, man!

Get the fuck outta here!

What are you two fighting about? Erik asked as Raider stormed off, stewing.

It’s nothing important, Francisca said bitterly and sighed.

We’re friends, aren’t we? Erik pleaded. Please tell me?

Raider never liked Gallagher, Francisca explained. He thought he was shady from the start when we first met in the Defense Forces.

So why did you bother with him for so long?

He claims it was love at first sight and I put up with him. I was young and naïve then, okay? Francisca waved at Erik to enter the truck with her and he went around, getting in the front passenger seat. After getting smacked around by Collin for so long, anyone who didn’t I’d be grateful about, Francisca said as she entered.

But it’s your life to do what you want. Why bother listening to Raider?

He’s a good friend and put up with me when I took off to hide from Collin all those times, so of course he’s going to worry when some new guy comes onto the scene. Francisca shrugged. Gallagher doesn’t like him much either.

I’m sorry you’re having all this guy trouble, Erik murmured.

When Gallagher offered to pay for my schooling, I went along with it, Francisca went on. He didn’t want children, which was a plus in my book, so I thought I could suffer in silence and just be a trophy wife.

Why suffer in silence and not go with someone you like?

Because of the money, Francisca pressed. His family writes huge checks for Rockman Military Institute and they get mad paid from the contracts in return. Erik paled and looked out the window at the cold lot filled with parked cars.

"The more I hear about this guy, I don’t like him either, he mused. Why is he coming back now, of all times?" Erik inquired instead.

"He’s a Lifer, so his retirement’s coming up anyway. I have to throw this big welcome home party."

Don’t you think it’s strange he’s retiring now right after you get canned from your job?

Coincidence, is all. We can live okay off his pension.

What did you say to Raider?

None of your damn business.

But wouldn’t you be bored at home?

Francisca glowered in return and Erik shrugged his shoulders. What kind of stupid question is that? she snapped.

Erik blew a sigh, holding his chin in his hand. Drop me off at Raider’s place, please? he requested.

Not going with Zachary?

I need time alone to think and I want to talk to Raider.

Fine, but don’t be nosy, please? Erik let out a whimper when Francisca leaned over and put him in a headlock. This is already complicated enough and I don’t need your meddling! she snarled in his ear.

Alright, alright, I won’t say anything! Erik cried. I’m talking to him about something completely different!

Good.

Francisca released him and Erik groaned, rubbing his neck.

THREE

Francisca pulled to a stop behind a compact metallic golden-green sedan before an old brownstone complex consisting of a four family flat that had a barred front door. Erik stepped out the truck and waved at Francisca, then headed for the steps. He noticed the second floor right-hand mailbox labeled ‘Zeadeas’ and pushed the buzzer next to it.

Ay, Raider’s voice called moments later. Erik looked up, spotting Raider poking his head out the window on the second floor. Come ‘round back. It’s open.

Alright, Erik called back and made his way around the building’s side. Finding the rear entrance unlocked, he stepped inside and ascended the steep staircase, reaching the second floor.

Nearing the door, Erik heard rock music blaring and smelled pungent smoke. Trying the handle, the door came open easily and Erik entered the kitchen, spotting a small table in the corner next to a small refrigerator and a gas stove against the wall near the door.

What are you burning? Erik called as he entered and shut the door behind him.

Put the bar down, Raider called from the next room. Erik turned and found a large barricade bar crafted of heavy redwood leaning against the wall. He picked it up and put it between the slots on the doorframe. I’m up front. Grab some booze if you want.

Erik entered the kitchen and approached the refrigerator. Opening it, he found a bottle of cheap wine and took it out. Toeing the door shut, he crossed the small corridor, passing another room and water closet on his left, and a large hall closet on his right before exiting into the living room.

Raider sat in a plush leather chair before a large oak writing desk, with one leg hanging over the chair’s arm as he leaned back, smoking from a glass pipe. His long hair graced his shoulders and he wore a black sleeveless T-shirt, navy basketball shorts, and black-leather thong sandals.

On the desk rest a digital scale, a metal grinder, and an empty mid-sized glass jar. Behind Raider were large cubical shelves full of records and a small table that had a turntable playing a record from the stack. In the corners of the room facing the door were tall speakers blaring the music.

Erik looked around, finding another plush desk chair before a small television on a cart across from the record player. You okay? he asked as he set the bottle of wine on the floor and pulled out of his coat then draped it on the chair.

Yeah, I’m good, Raider answered. He handed the pipe and a butane lighter over to Erik. So everything’s cool with you?

Erik nodded, taking the pipe and lighter. He lit the pipe, taking a deep drag before letting out the smoke through his nose. Erik grunted when he immediately grew numb and plopped into the empty chair, crossing his legs at the knee. I didn’t know you liked such cheap booze, he murmured, handing the pipe back to Raider.

I like to get fucked up at home, Raider commented and Erik snorted, picking up the bottle.

Seems like a good idea. Erik opened the bottle and passed it to Raider. Raider shook his head and Erik shrugged, then took a gulp.

Why’d you come over? Raider asked. You never came over.

Franny dropped me off, Erik answered. I asked her to.

Yeah?

Erik nodded and pointed in his friend’s direction. You look like you got a lot on your mind right now.

Yeah, and so do you.

Why don’t you like Mister Gallagher?

Raider puffed from his pipe before answering. It ain’t nothin’, man...

Obviously you’re concerned, Erik pressed. From the way Francisca tells it, you’re jealous.

The fuck, man? Raider squawked. He turned away, his cheeks burning red. I ain’t jealous. It’s her goddamn life - not mine.

She told me how you were there for her when she had to deal with that piece of work of a sperm donor, Erik said gently. You care about her, obviously.

She don’t see me like that none, Raider grumbled. I never could ask her anyway - it’d be crossin’ the line.

What about Gallagher don’t you like?

He’s a fake ass piece of shit, that’s what, Raider spat bitterly. Flashing his fancy cars and his money and shit. Like that’s supposed to impress anybody!

Francisca’s no fool, Erik protested. She married him for the money, sure, but for convenience.

Yeah, I know. She keeps it one-hundred, sure.

Then why are you mad?

I wished his shallow bitch ass died during Service. At least that way Franny’d get survivor benefits and don’t hafta put up with his jerkass shit. Raider turned his chair back toward Erik, facing the wall. If you came over here to convince me goin’ to that damn party, fuck that - I ain’t. I’m gonna be here, drinkin’ by myself, holdin’ it down.

What a passionate, crude, mean thing to say, Erik murmured and giggled. How sweet.

Shut up, Raider spat and puffed hard on his pipe.

Please show up, Erik begged. Hanalei’s making me wear another one of those damn suits. It’s too uncomfortable.

Nope.

Fine, I tried. Erik continued drinking in silence while Raider smoked.

Hey, Raider murmured moments later.

Yeah?

Ever found out who trashed your place?

No, but Hana picked up on Gallagher’s car over there that day.

Raider whirled his chair around, astonished. No shit? he cried.

That doesn’t necessarily mean anything, Erik protested. "Someone else could’ve