A New Day, The Other Me chapter 14

Two days till graduation and I’m just writing my last letter, the most important one really. Some will understand, some won’t, their thoughts on the matter don’t. Matter that is. The letters are in Roberta’s hands now, she has her tasks and even though she doubts my reward she is ready to do my bidding regardless.

Carlos: Months Earlier

Things are actually going good with Abby and me and it’s kinda weird really since Guy did it all and hasn’t done shit to wreck it. He’s actually helped me out more than once and now he’s back at school and I’m just waiting to see what he’s going to want when he decides to call in the debt, my debt. Speak of the devil.

“Hello Carlos, how are things today,” Guy greets me with a smile, a big fucking smile.

“Good man, things good with you,” I ask and pray shit hasn’t turned and he’s just fucking with me.

“Things are finally coming together and we’re going to settle your little debt this weekend,” Guy tells me still smiling,” and the good news is once you’re done we’ll be all squared and maybe even attempt to be friends.”

“Really? You’re seriously going to just bury everything after I do whatever I gotta do to square up with you,” I ask and he shrugs a little.

“Sure, why not,” he says it and adjusts his tie, he’s still wearing suits to school.

I watch him walk away and got to think about this a little. Guy wants to settle everything this weekend and then we’re all good but what does he want from me? I can’t really focus on my classes as I think about what I am going to have to do to pay the debt. He’s been nice, too nice really so what does that mean. He’s going to want me to hurt someone in my crew? Nah he’s not wasting time with that. Money? No he has money. I’m stuck all the way into the Union tattoo shop and realize that the Old Man has been talking to me.

“You gonna wake the fuck up and pay attention boy,” the Old Man asks laughing a little at me spacing out.

“Sorry, got some news and I’m trying to get my head around it,” I tell the Old Man and he nods for me to continue,” Remember when I made that deal with Guy and now I’m dating his sister? Well time to pay has come due and I’m just wondering what it is he wants.”

“He told you that you two are settling the debt but didn’t tell you what you had to do,” he asks and I shrug.

“Well he said it’s going to be this weekend so I cleared things so I’d be free to,” I start and the Old Man stops me.

“He’s setting you up,” he tells me very serious.

“I know but he’s not one to do anything so extreme that I can’t walk away from it. Humiliate me, maybe but seriously hurt me or kill me? Nah, that ain’t Guy,” I explain but think for a moment.

“He screwed with your boy Hector right? Knew things about him that he didn’t make public,” Jim asks and I nod a little,” And he’s been kicked around for years all the time watching and learning. Kid he’s going to come for blood, what happens when you get there and he takes too much?”

“He won’t, I’ve talked with his sister,” Abby and I have on more than one date, it’s a little off putting,” He’s a good person, he doesn’t want to hurt people he just wants to help them.”

“That was old Guy, the one you made a deal with has been tortured, stabbed and beaten seven ways to summer and is still kicking around. That boy is hate filled and ready to pop,” he explains and I shake my head,” I know this shit boy, I’ve seen it. Now here’s what you’re going to do.”

Guy Donnelly: Saturday Afternoon, The Weekend

Ever arrive to something early and just sit in pure anticipation? In one of the rare moments of my life I am not only genuinely excited for something and am pacing to pass the time. I made the call to Carlos just before lunch and told him the who, what, where and when so we can settle our deal. I made sure the building I’m in is clear thanks to a little watching from Roberta and now I pace and wait. I must be waiting for an hour when I hear an engine and smile. My suit is a simple two button blue suit with black shirt and red tie, I know classy. I can hear the door and my smile gets even bigger.

“Welcome,” I turn and do not see who I expected,” Mr. Mulligan? What brings you to my little party?”

“Just in the neighborhood and figured I’d keep the peace on your little shindig since you said you needed the space,” he did help arrange the spot for this party of mine,” Why a building on the east half of town?”

“It’s away from everything home turf for everyone and far enough out of the way that my party won’t be bothered easily,” I explain and he nods,” I didn’t quite invite you but you’re keeping up your end of ‘our’ agreement so sit back and relax.”

There isn’t much to sit on so the older Mr. Mulligan leans against a pillar and waits like me only less excitement and pacing. He’s just thinking to himself and I take care to note he’s dressed for the farm today, not a suit or anything formal, must have been passing through? Details that don’t concern my here and now. We continue to wait and the time begins to drag. Where are they? What is holding them up? I’m less anxious now and more frustrated as Mulligan just shifts his weight and leans against a support beam.

No.

He did not!

HE DID.

“You did something,” I ask Mr. Mulligan without looking at him.

“Yes I did,” he says it with no pride or humor.

“You know you’re stepping into my business,” I tell him as he steps towards me slowly.

“Kid you’ve been stepping into mine for too long. Those boys you wanted to play games with? They work for me. They were working for me before who you were became important and they’ll be working for me after yours and mine little discussion today,” the ranch owner informs me.

“You owe me, you said whatever I wanted and now you’re getting in the way. You’re breaking your word,” I tell him in a flat tone.

“Nope, what you really want is for me to not tell your parents and that head shrink you have what you had planned here today. That’s what you really want because the second I do you get locked up in a nice little padded cell and prodded so they can figure out what is wrong with you,” I hear him and I begin to feel my skin crawl.

“You are breaking our deal and your word,” I state again and I can see him shake his head a little.

“No kid I’m saving them and you. You don’t want this, having Carlos bring a gun and his two friends here so you can get whatever sick game in your head played. Once the game is done and someone is dead then what? You just go back like nothing ever happened,” Mulligan either asks or states, I can’t tell which.

“Yes… and maybe get some IHOP too,” I state and smile a little.

“Well it’s not going to happen boy,” and that irks me some,” you’re going to tell me that you want me to not tell everyone what you had planned here today and you’re done with Carlos and his people. They will never come back for you ever again.”

“No, I want Carlos, Hector and Romeo here as instructed,” I tell Mulligan a little angry.

“Not gonna happen, take my deal cause it’s the best you’re gonna get,” he informs me and I shrug,” I’m not playing around here.”

“And you think I am? You say I don’t take your deal and you’ll tell everyone,” I ask and he nods,” Fine, call them.”

“Excuse me,” Mulligan is a little shocked, I hand him my phone.

“You heard me, call them,” I load up my phone book and pull up my step father’s number,” Here is Mr. Delauter. Go ahead.”

“Boy don’t think that your games are going to work with me,” Mulligan looks annoyed but isn’t taking my phone.

“You think this is a game? You think I’m playing? I’m very serious here Mr. Mulligan. Our deal was for whatever I wanted. I didn’t want this today, I need this. Want is something you can continue to exist without and I need to gain closure so either call my family and execute your threat or get the three down here,” I tell him and I’m angry but I’m smiling.

We’re at a stand off, I have the phone and am ready for him to make the call and he’s not taking it. He threatened to expose me and I’m calling his play. We stand awkwardly for a moment before he smirks.

“I don’t have to actually, they work for me, Carlos and his people. They won’t listen when you call anymore, they will be on standing orders not to deal with you. You’ll have to figure out how to get over it without your sick little games,” Mulligan is smiling and ruining everything.

“NO! You do not deny me this. I have suffered too much to let this end,” I state and he steps back.

“Kid it’s over, you’re done,” and he leaves.

We’re done.

LEAVE HIM, HE IS FINISHED.

We can still save this.

NO, HE HAS PLAYED THIS GAME TOO LONG. THEY WILL NOT COME FOR HIM. HE IS DONE WE LEAVE.

I can’t feel my feet, my hands, I can hear my heart beating in my chest. He’s leaving and he’s screwed me. I try to think of something to say something to do but I have nothing. I have to lose.

Mr. Henry Mulligan

I get out of the building and give it a moment. The kid was going to do more harm to my business and employees than I could allow and I had to put a stop to it. Jim was right to make sure shit was run through him and then by me. Yeah he’s all hurt that he didn’t get his chance for revenge but honestly the boy needs to learn that somethings in life you just don’t get. I see him in his suit with his head down finally come out of the building and take a look around, I don’t see that car of his anywhere.

“Hey kid, where are you going,” I ask as Danny, my driver brings the truck around.

The kid doesn’t answer me, he just starts walking away. I turn to my driver and nod towards the kid. It takes Danny a moment to get out of the truck and catch up to the boy, Guy, I remember his name. He is talking to the kid but I don’t know what is being said back. Danny comes back to me shaking his head.

“He wouldn’t answer me, I tried to get him to turn around but he wouldn’t move,” my driver answers me and I stare at the kid.

It takes me a little bit to catch up to Guy as he continues to slowly walk with his head down. I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him but he keeps moving.

“Kid stop,” I have to use some actual strength to stop him from walking.

I have him standing and turn his face up to look at me but there is nothing there. No anger or shock like I was seeing not ten minutes before. Just a blank face and dead blue eyes looking at me with no thought behind them.

“Guy, do you need a ride home,” I ask him trying to figure out what the hell is going on with this kid.

The boy turns out of my grip slowly and continues his slow walk. My driver brings the truck up and gets the door for me.

“What do you want me to do,” Danny asks.

“Nothing, he’s not hurting anyone,” I tell my driver who nods slowly,” Kid’s got to figure it out himself.”

The drive home is routine and peaceful. Jim says that Carlos and his people were kept busy enough. Only issue is Carlos asking if everything is settled with Guy. I give them a yes and think about the difference. One minute happy and expecting then angry as to be expected but afterwards, just nothing in the kid. Being Saturday I settle in for a busy Sunday of work around the ranch which feels good really, it’s not profit but it helps. Monday comes and goes with no real concerns till Jim calls and informs me that Guy wasn’t at school and Carlos was concerned. I tell Jim I’ll do a little checking and call Delauter. He answers on the second ring.

“Mr. Mulligan,” no real sound of friendliness in his voice.

“Mr. Delauter, how is your Monday,” I ask trying to loosen things up.

“Not well but that is not your concern,” he’s quick to cut me out of the conversation.

“Anything I can help out with,” I ask it and hope to Christ I’m don’t know what is going on.

“No there is nothing you can help with here Mr. Mulligan. It’s a family concern not a business concern,” again cutting me out quick.

“Mark after everything that happened I would like to think we have an understanding. If there is something I can do just talk to me and we can work it out,” I offer and wait as I hope he is thinking.

“Well Henry, since you seem insistent to know my son Guy, you remember him,” he asks and I don’t get a chance to reply,” he came home in early on Monday morning a complete mess and he hasn’t said anything. He won’t speak to anyone, he doesn’t look at anyone. He just sits and doesn’t move, the doctor did a reflex test and says he is barely reacting to outside stimuli. Everyone tells me that he was supposed to meet up with my daughter’s boyfriend and they were going to bury the hatchet. When I ask my daughter what happened she doesn’t know and her boyfriend isn’t saying anything. Now is there something I should know about or is this just you attempting to be sociable when I really do not have the time or inclination to be sociable?”

“I was just checking in with my lawyer since I still have you as a lawyer thanks to that boy,” truth be told I didn’t keep my word but business sometimes means breaking deals.

“Well he’s not able to be appreciative now or anything for that matter. I have pressing matters to attend to Mr. Mulligan so I will have to go,” he hangs up his phone on me.

I have to stop and look at my phone for a minute, not really sure what to do here. Best bet, do nothing. Can’t fix the crazy and can’t fix the kid now that the crazy is gone.

Carlos: Wednesday after the ‘Meeting’

“So we have business this weekend since we were prepping the spots,” Romeo asks and I shrug,” Gotta give me something to work with here Carlos.”

“We ain’t got orders yet Rome so settle that shit. When we got orders Carlos will hand them out and then we go to work,” Hector answers for me.

Almost five days since I was supposed to meet with Guy and nothing from him. Abby keeps asking me why I wasn’t there if we were to settle things between us but I can’t tell her that the people I assist in moving firearms across borders didn’t want me to go in.

Now everyone thinks things are great except me cause my girl isn’t really enjoying me not answering her questions. End of the school day and I try to catch Abby but see someone a little more important, her Mom.

“Mrs. Delauter,” I greet her with a smile,” how are things with Guy?”

“No change, I was just getting my son graduated so at least he can have that behind him,” she is hurt but she’s not mad at me.

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to meet with him, I was busy and couldn’t get away,” it’s true mostly.

“Well nothing we can do about it now, it’s not like you were there and did something to cause this,” Mrs. D says it and for once I know my people didn’t do anything, also doesn’t sound like I’m being accused for a change.

I didn’t notice her at first and that’s kind of difficult when you realize that Jenna is the type of girl who can make you forget about true love and remember your best moves. Mrs. Delauter on the other hand does notice her.

“Hello Mrs. Delauter… Carlos,” happy greeting for her, cold as fuck for me.

“Hello Jenna, no there has been no change with Guy,” Mrs. Delauter is quick to answer a question that wasn’t asked.

“Well I’d like to come over, I think I can help or at least I’d like to try,” Jenna offers Mrs. Delauter.

“Well then come by before six this evening, just don’t do anything too off putting alright? I know you feel something towards my son and I don’t understand why he let you back in after the way you treated him,” Mrs. D is laying down the law.

“I completely understand but your son has helped me and I am better for it, the least I can do is try,” I listen to Jenna’s reasoning as to why she wants to help, Mrs. Delauter already agreed.

I wave good bye to Mrs. D as she heads back to her car and as soon as she’s gone I look at Jenna who went from heartfelt speaking to stone faced.

“It’s cool that you want to try to help Guy and his family,” I tell her and now she looks at me with cold hate.

“Silentium mis, mihi non loqueris medium cum veris,” I hear her say something and have no clue what it is.

“What was that,” I ask confused.

“Something I picked up from Guy,” she replies and then just walks away.

I heard Guy speaking something like that before but now Jenna? What the fuck is wrong with these people?

Roberta : A few hours later

“Okay Mrs. Delauter told me to help you while she’s out of the room but I’m pretty sure you’re not a doctor or a miracle worker,” I ask the insanely hot red head Mrs. Delauter introduced as Jenna.

“Listen to me Robbi, you were put here by him,” the hot girl Jenna says with authority pointing at Guy,” That means there were instructions. He has a plan, he always has a plan.”

“He didn’t tell me anything except that after that Saturday things would be different and I’d be rewarded. Now he’s a vegetable and I’m waiting for the charity to run out,” I explain keeping my voice down in case Mrs. Delauter comes back.

“Were there letters? Notes? Something on his computer? There is something here that he would have kept close so that in case something happened I could find it,” she explains looking around Guy’s room.

I wish there was something because as good to me as Guy has been I want out. Late night errands watching different spots that have gangbangers hanging out, checking on his girl Sydney aka the one I actually like, keeping track of people coming near him when they think he’s alone. It’s a lot to do and aside from a place to stay and some better clothes I haven’t been given jack shit.

“Where is his phone,” Jenna asks and I snap back to reality.

“What about his phone,” I ask a little confused as Jenna is going through Guy’s clothing from Saturday.

“His cellphone, Guy’s cell phone? It’s not in his clothes,” she is turning out his pockets on the suit.

“He didn’t take it with him, he said he didn’t need the distraction,” I tell her and take the phone out of his desk drawer.

I almost lose a finger as Jenna snatches the phone from my hand and I watch her get frustrated with the lock on it. He kept everything but the game console passworded, I tried to use the computer once and was locked out till he came back. Jenna is about to scream or throw the phone but she stops and a few taps on the screen and she smiles very big.

“Where is it…. where would you keep your back up….,” Jenna asks as she flips through his pictures and emails.

“Maybe it’s not a message,” I try to help and get the ice stare,” He didn’t like typing things out, he either wrote them or spoke to people in person.”

I don’t know what I said but Jenna goes through a few more screens, his phone is way better than any I’ve ever had, but she can’t find anything that helps. She’s frustrated and I’d kill, probably, for the chance to help her let off some steam but I have a very hetro vibe coming off of Jenna and she’s into Guy hard. The Sydney girl loves him but Jenna is like a demon possessed. I’m just puttering around feeling awkward as Jenna fumes over not being able to find anything and then I see the thought hit her. I’m not sure what it is but she goes through his phone again and puts it to her ear, I guess she’s making a call.

“Hello, who am I speaking to…. No you tell me right now who am I speaking to…. Listen to me very carefully, get the one in charge and put him on the phone right now or I’ll show you what fear truly is,” Jenna went from talking to threats in a matter of seconds,” Ask your friend if is face is running and then get the one in charge… Hello sir… you know the number I’m calling from… that’s good because we have a problem and I need you here soon…. Sooner than that…. I’ll be waiting and I’ll take care of introductions.”

I watch her end the call and set the phone down on Guy’s desk. She is thinking but she’s smiling and I don’t put the two together as a good thing. I don’t know how long she stands there thinking but whatever had her attention it’s now all on me and I’d normally like a hot girl looking at me, just not like this.

“Roberta, Robbi for short. He likes you, thinks you have potential. Soon a man will come for him, you’ll know the man when you see him. You will bring him to Guy,” Jenna is giving me instructions.

“Okay but how will I really know if it’s the right person,” I ask and she laughs a little.

“Trust me, you’ll know,” she says then picks up her purse and leaves Guy’s room.

Loretta Delauter: a couple days later

Rosa is in the doorway letting me know that there is a visitor here to see my son, there have been well wishers but nobody outside of a few girls from school have actually come to the house. I head downstairs to see a priest standing in my foyer. He’s not tall but he’s… a little hefty with a very big beard. Along with the standard priest black and white collar he has a simple broad hat in his hands, Rosa is watching quietly from the kitchen.

“I’m Loretta Delauter, Guy’s mother… You are,” I ask curious.

“You’re Guy’s mother,” he smiles big and very friendly,” I’m sorry but a striking woman such as yourself is not what I expected. Pardon me ma’am, I’m Gabriel… Father Gabriel of Church of the Morning Glory in Louisiana.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Father but I’m not sure how my son knows a man of the cloth from Louisiana,” I ask and he just smiles.

“Well I was coming through a few months back on some cross country mission work and we happened to cross paths. We spoke of many things, family and forgiveness more than anything really,” he says and I think about the time.

“You were advising my son to forgive his family,” I ask and still with the smile.

“Family is important, to your son it is a crucial part of who he is. All I did was help him see that and let him move himself back to safe shores… so to speak,” Gabriel replies and I feel a little better with the odd priest, not much.

“Well I’m glad that you were able to help him but I think now we’re at the ‘God’s hands’ point,” I state and he steps forward.

“I’d like to pray with your son, if that’s alright Mrs. Delauter. The boy is special and while I may not be as flashy as some of the good old boy preachers with their snakes and what not I am a man of faith,” Gabriel offers and I nod, not like he can make Guy worse.

I lead Gabriel to Guy’s room and once the door is open he can see my son and I hear him catch his breath a little in surprise.

“He’s been like this for a week now,” I start but Gabriel stops me.

“Ma’am this I cannot abide, the boy needs help,” Gabriel enters the room and moves to the bed next to my son.

I hear him whispering to himself as he takes a small prayer book out of his coat pocket and finally turns to me.

“Mrs. Delauter… Loretta,” he asks to use my first name and I nod,” Loretta I would like to pray with Guy alone if that is all right?”

“Just for a while, I don’t like to be away from him for too long,” I can but something is odd and I can’t put my finger on it.

I close the door and step away from Guy’s room to find Roberta, my son’s project standing at the top of the stairs staring at me. I smile a little to her and she smiles back, she’s not an unattractive girl and I know Guy is not interested in her so I let this go but if things don’t change soon for my son we will have to figure out her next steps out the door. I make my way down stairs and see Rosa looking upstairs before settling on me with an interested/concerned expression.

“Rosa are you well,” I ask my very good and well paid housekeeper.

“Si Mrs. Delauter… that man… something is wrong about him,” she answers and I nod a little.

“He did seem a little different than our gun carrying Texas pastors,” I joke and she chuckles a little.

“Si Mrs. Delauter, he didn’t carry any snakes with him. Those ones have that Voodoo they love in Louisiana,” Rosa explains a little and I settle in for what could be a long wait.

The girls make it home from school and I explain the van out front and who is visiting with Guy, both girls look at each other with a healthy level of disbelief before returning to their rooms. Hours pass before there is any signs of life but that is what I get in the form of screaming. I race to Guy’s room as the screaming stops and rip the door open to see my son standing and limping a little.

“What did you do to my son,” I almost yell at Father Gabriel.

“My feet were asleep and I stood on them too fast,” Guy answers me and that actually makes sense as the Father chuckles a little.

“I tried to warn the boy that he should take it slow,” the Father jokes as I can see my son a little angry but moving and speaking for the first time in almost a week,” Now I’ll be in the area Guy if you need to talk again but I have a few things to attend to in town.”

“Father Gabriel thank you and thank the lord for what he did for my boy,” I offer praise, I don’t do that often.

“Think nothing of it Ma’am, it was just a little prayer and a good long talk about walking back into the world and doing what needs to be done,” Father Gabriel says exiting Guy’s room.

I help my son steady himself and after a few minutes he’s upright and I have questions. I do however hold onto them and walk my son down the stairs to get some dinner. We get through two full meals worth of food before I open my mouth to speak and Guy begins talking.

“Gabriel left to take care of things, I feel bad I didn’t walk him out,” my son is being thoughtful, this is the boy I know.

“He helped you,” I state and my son nods,” What happened?”

“I was on the wrong side, the wrong team. I tried and when I failed I just couldn’t figure out how someone could just break their word so easily,” it’s vague but I think I know a little about what is going on.

“I know that Carlos was supposed to meet you but he said work got in the way,” I offer what little I know and watch my son’s face darken for just a moment.

“Yeah, I tried to manipulate the situation and he decided that bowing out to his boss and leaving me hang would be alright because he was working,” Guy says it like he’s had these conversations but he was laid up and hasn’t spoken to Carlos.

“So you know what happened with Carlos but Guy… what did they do to you,” I ask and he shakes his head a little and chuckles lightly.

“Physically nothing, they broke their word and like everything else they expect hollow apologies and unsympathies to matter when I was tired of losing the war,” my son is speaking but leaving out details.

“What war,” I have to ask.

“The one for my self respect, my honor, my sanity… that’s what they took from me all these years. I got back a family, I got back a father and a new sister but they….,” Guy points off in a direction and just shakes his arm and head,” They took from me what is mine and I wanted it back so badly I didn’t expect them to break the rules.”

“So Carlos broke the rules,” I ask and he shakes his head.

“Carlos broke his word, he allowed others to intervene and they broke the rules,” Guy is very cold in his tone before leaning his head back and I see his shoulders relax,” After days in bed you’d think I wouldn’t be tired.”

“Well get some sleep, no more high school for my boy,” I tell him and he looks at me confused,” I had your credits applied to graduation and aside from the ceremony if you choose to attend you don’t have to set foot in that school again.”

My son smiles and we’re joined after a while by the rest of the family. We sit and talk, Guy even calls Neal to let him and Gwen know that he is feeling better. A couple hours later Guy is sleeping and I’m watching him. Before it was just him sitting there eyes open but now it’s rest and I don’t know what miracle this Father Gabriel worked but my son is back. And I need to have a talk soon to Abby about her boyfriend.

Father Gabriel: That Friday Evening

“Gabriel,” one of my people asks for attention.

“Yes,” I answer leaning my head in his direction.

“We came and we’ve been waiting, where is he,” he asks and I look at him.

“Doubting Thomas now? He will come as he said he would,” I hear him doubting in his mind.

I can feel him arrive, it’s like a cool breeze on a hot day in the swamp. The car engine stops and I watch as the Devil himself makes his way through my people. They know him, they know what I know but not all believe like I do and they’ve been waiting for a sign.

“This is all of them,” the one says, he doesn’t ask.

“All are here and waiting,” I answer and he nods.

He’s wearing just a simple t shirt and those athletic pants I see people running in with some sneakers but it’s the bag he’s carrying that I feel drawn to, this is getting fun. My people watch and wait with me as he takes out a single piece of paper and holds it out to me, it’s a list.

“Take it, make teams and spread out. Gather your tools, arm yourselves and be ready,” Guy begins but ‘Thomas’ is out of place stepping forward.

“Why do we listen to you, we came here for Gabriel, not some kid in a flashy car,” ‘Thomas’ asks Guy.

“See this face,” he motions at his own,” This is the face of desire. When people desire something they come to it and they make deals. The deal was not honored and now I summoned beings who can handle what must be done next.”

“Again why listen to a kid with a list,” ‘Thomas’ asks again and I can feel things change around me.

He is fast, the Devil is, and he is on ‘Thomas’ like hellfire on a sinner. The beating is savage, raw and without mercy. ‘Thomas’ begins to move to his feet when the Devil latches on to the side of his head with his teeth. There is a scream, ‘Thomas’ is the one screaming and with beautiful violence the Devil’s head pulls away from ‘Thomas’s head and blood flies a few feet and spills to the ground. The Devil paces around ‘Thomas’ as my people watch, hopeful and doubtful have turned into anxious and eager, I smile because I can see how much fun we’re going to have. The Devil spits out a chunk of flesh from ‘Thomas’s head and I do believe I see an ear. As ‘Thomas’ lays in agony and in his blood the Devil looks to my flock.

“It’s been a while since some of you saw the original, that was the face of desire,” the Devil has the lower half of his face covered in blood,” This is the original face of fear. Now get your tools and get ready because hell is coming to earth.”

My people move with a possessed speed and I’m happier now than I have been in years. I follow Guy to my van and present his request.

“It isn’t bright and beautiful but…,” I begin showing it off to him but he stops me.

“It’s perfect, you’ve done well. After this you’ll fall asleep to the sound of your father burning for a month,” he promises me but I’ve been hearing that for years.

I watch him load his new toy into his bag, I see the clothing in there and almost ask. I remember myself and know that if he needs me he will call. A few of my people are attending ‘Thomas’ and trying to figure out how to patch him up when the Devil speaks to them.

“Burn the wound,” he tells them and I actually didn’t think of that.

“What about my ear…. Sir,” ‘Thomas’ asks and the Devil turns his head to the other side.

“I left you with one, use it more and your mouth less and you’ll probably keep it longer than your other ear,” the Devil walks past the ear on the ground and looks at it for a moment,” It’d be a shame to waste this though, feed it to the dogs.”

“We didn’t bring the dogs with us,” my giant answers Guy, he’s been missing the beautiful girl and was hoping to see her.

“You know what, you are good with faces,” Guy offers picking up the ear and handing it to him,” You reattach it Chucklez.”

Nobody has called him that in a long time but his old name brings a smile to Chucklez face and I watch Guy leave our gathering. I brought sixty with me, more than enough for a few nights of work.

Carlos: Saturday Night

Races and partying are in full effect at the airfield and while the Union are in their side business I’m hanging back and relaxing since we don’t have anything to move till mid week. Romeo and Juanita are doing good by the looks of it. Hector is still mad because Guy got the better of him with Lupe and she ditched his ass and I’m spending part of my time watching my people and texting Abby who says that Guy is doing well but won’t see me or speak with me at all. I am not asking her to step in since I can’t fully explain why I didn’t show up and who showed up in my place. I get pulled aside for a quick chat with the Old Man and he’s happy that we have things ready ahead of schedule for the next shipment of his merchandise. My phone goes off and I don’t see Abby messaging me and when I open the phone everything freezes. The Old Man asks me what I see but I’m not sure it’s real.

Father Gomez: an hour earlier

My humble house of worship has an open door policy, people can come and go as they please as long as they respect the house of our lord as they would respect their own. Personally I think a few respect God’s house a little more than their own but I’m not one to judge. I’m reading the verse for the gospel tomorrow when I hear… singing?

Michael row your boat ashore… Hallelujah

I know the song but not the singer. I leave my book and my study to find a person, I assume it’s a man, standing in the middle of the aisle in the nave. ‘He’ isn’t over tall but a bit overweight and wearing all black and looking at the front entry of the church.

“May I help you friend,” I ask as the man turns to face me.

“I don’t think so friend,” the man is smiling, not normal happy smiling and has a very large brown/black beard and wears a traditional black cassock.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know I’d have another priest visiting or I’d have coffee made,” I offer to be polite.

“No troubles Father Gomez,” he knows my name,” my congregation and I are here to do his work and then we will depart.”

“Your congregation,” I ask and then I see movement.

There are three of them in masks, animal masks, are surrounding me. I hold my hands up in a surrender and to keep them at arm’s length. The other ‘priest’ laughs a little.

“Oh brother we bring the light of the dawn with us,” he says as the three rush me.

I fought a little when I was younger, I wasn’t great at it but I fight back for about two punches before I’m pushed onto my face and my hands are bound behind my back. They pull me up to my knees and I see someone else behind the priest. A brown long coat in need of some repair, heavy thick cargo pants, boots and those plated gloves you see police wear. The last two things I pay the most attention to are the mask, a hard metal lower half with animal teeth painted on it and a visor on top so nobody can see the eyes of the wearer. The other is a hammer, hammer with a large metal head and a spike on the back. It’s got a handle long enough for both hands but the figure in the clothes is using one to hold it. The fake priest sees me looking behind him.

“That is the beast, he follows me around. Now you aren’t as civil as I thought with your fighting back and that just might save you because today is a special day. Today we test your faith, first pray,” the priest says and I bow my head,” Not those regular prayers, pray from your soul.”

I have no clue what he expects but I pray for everyone and everything. I hit all the points you hit when you are trying to show someone what compassion and selflessness looks like. I don’t look up until I say ‘Amen’ and when I do I see the priest on his knees praying. He says ‘Amen’ and looks up at me.

“That was beautiful, I’d almost swear you are without stain on your soul without testing you after that,” he says with no smile,” However the beast needs proof.”

“What kind of proof would the beast know to be true,” it’s a good question considering they’re crazy and playing along might save my life.

“A simple choice has to be made by you and then one of two things will happen. You pick the one you want and it happens… and this is not a negotiation Gomez,” he says and I nod,” two options, first in the containers that my congregation have more than enough homemade napalm to burn this church for an entire day. Everything inside will burn and it will not be saved by every fireman the city can manage to get here.”

“You’d burn down a house of the lord,” I ask and he smiles.

“No Father, you would by your choice. The other option is simple, the beast is going to beat you with that hammer,” I can hear the masked ‘Beast’ breathing behind the metal,” he is going to beat you then we’re going to take down Jesus and he’s gonna nail you to the cross so your congregation can see what a real sacrifice is.”

I can’t think because both options are horrifying in their own right but the ‘Beast’ is pacing and I can smell the fuel they are going to burn the church down with, the decision isn’t difficult.

“Burn the church,” I tell him and stands up quicker than I thought he could looks down on me very serious.

“Why the church, he wants to know,” the ‘priest’ asks waving his hand back to the ‘Beast’.

“A church can be rebuilt, God forgives and a merciful God values all life,” I explain and he smiles.

“Pack up, we’re leaving,” he tells his people who take the containers and exit out of the nave.

I watch and hear them leave, they even cut my hands free but they don’t spread the fuel around. Was it all a test? Was he just trying to see what I’d say? Then I see the Beast, he’s right in front of me and he still has his hammer.

“You don’t have to do this, all are forgiven in the eyes of the lord,” I tell him and feel the flat of the hammer gently touch my chin.

“God’s eyes… not mine,” the voice that comes out is like ice.

“You don’t have to do this,” I tell him as he lifts the hammer.

“I already have…,” the voice growls,” It’s almost a new day of hell on earth.”

The man, I can only assume it is a man turns and exits the church out the front while I remain on my knees for a moment and realize the worst is over. I get my feet under me and begin to walk when I see light out of the church windows. I hurry outside and I see a fire several blocks away… then another… I stop counting at six and realize that this church isn’t on the list. I say a quick prayer and wait to see who needs help.

Imelda: a few minutes later

Holy shit the town is burning. There gotta be a dozen fires and I was fucking late getting out to the meets but now I rush back and make sure Momma and the house are alright. Doubling back full throttle has me home and all is quiet save for the burning and sirens in the distance. I head into town to see what the damage is. I check the shop first and it’s fine so I can sleep and I’m still employed tomorrow so that’s a plus. I drive around a little and see few bikes I don’t recognize with riders I’m sure are organized heading away from one of the fires. I’m on my baby and she is fast so when heavy bikes move down the road she is a hell of a lot quicker and I catch up to them just in time to slam the brakes and stoppie but it’s too little too late as they are turning around and I recognize the lead bikes rider, fucking Chucklez of the Faces of Fear.