Post by The Greater Evil on Aug 31, 2009 23:06:44 GMT -5
Beep….
Beep…
Beep…
Beep…
The breathing is shallow but strong, methodical, even and rhythmic...in…out…in…out…in…out. As the breaths come and go the massive chest goes up and down, up and down…slowly but noticeably. The sound of the breathing seems even louder due to the almost overwhelming silence of the room. It’s the sort of silence that one would attribute to a crypt and it gives a sense of something utterly unnatural considering the man who lies on the abnormally large bed.
The body itself looks strong and invulnerable…the only thing that betrays that image are the massive bandages wrapped around the ribs and chest, the IV’s coming in and out of the massive wrists, the bruises about the arms and face, the stabilizing neck brace and most importantly the breathing tubes coming from the nose. Upon closer inspection the body is strapped to the bed by very thick wrist restraints, most likely to avoid any type of thrashing and to avoid pulling out the blood, oxygen and medicinal IV tubes. The room itself is clean and obviously a single occupancy. Other than the machine the only sound that can be heard is mournful breathing and very angered muttering. Finally that is interrupted by someone very loudly and rudely clearing his throat.
Man: Stop muttering to yourself Erik. You were duped. Raenius was duped…this was planned and executed very well. Now is not the time for anger…it is the time for revenge. We need Erik the Commando now…not Erik the friend.
The man’s voice is calm, even and almost melodic, exposing a degree of calm that sounds almost inhuman. Erik turns and faces the man, growling and glaring in anger. His voice comes out as a harsh snarl.
Erik: It is not your fault that this happened. It is mine. I am in charge of his security and I let him down. Do not tell me not to be angry.
The man gazes back at him, his expression irritatingly calm. He looks Erik evenly in the eyes for a moment before smacking him very hard across the face, the skin on skin contact echoing through the room with an almost deafening crack. Erik’s head snaps around and he stands that way for a moment, glaring at the floor and shaking with rage. The man, who is revealed to be Damarest, looks at him with a calm expression which for once isn’t at all patronizing or inflammatory. After a few moments two men walk into the room, flanking Carolyn. She steps into the room and freezes as her eyes land on her fallen husband. Her lower lip quivers momentarily before a look of steely determination comes across her face. The two men, both larger than Erik and Damarest, look over at Dirges’ body with concern before their faces also take on a look of dangerous determination. Carolyn walks up between Damarest and Erik, putting her hand to Erik’s face. Initially he refuses her, using his greater strength to force his head away.
Carolyn: Erik…please.
He stands silently for a few more moments before his shoulders finally sag and he turns to face her, his expression one of absolute anguish and self hatred. Carolyn runs her hands up the side of his face before pulling him down and kissing him on the cheek. She pulls away from him but keeps her hands to the side of his face, forcing his head down slightly.
Carolyn:Erik…this is not your fault. This was clearly an inside job in concert with Salem. You are not at fault for this.
Erik continues to look at her, his face anguished. Carolyn pulls him down so that his head is resting on her shoulder as she hugs him.
Carolyn: I need you to be strong right now Erik, not sad. My husband will be fine, he’s as strong and as stubborn…and as mean as a Tyrannosaurus.
She releases his head and he straightens up, his eyes burning with fury and determination. She looks up at him and smiles. Behind her the other two men walk into the room and walk around the bed, standing next to it. Both men are large and very clearly fighters of some nature. Both are clearly very confident in them and have been through a great deal. The taller of the two men is a gigantic man with short dark hair and steel gray eyes and a clean shaven face. The shorter of the two, standing about six foot five, was broader in build with close cut black hair and clear blue eyes. The two stride into the room and walk around the bed and look down at him. Their faces are calm and both men stand silently before each places a hand to his arm. The slightly shorter one speaks first.
M2: Don’t worry bud…we’ll find who did this.
The second man, the taller and more overtly dangerous looking of the two turns his head to one side and after a few moments he speaks as well. His voice is deep, even and subtly menacing.
M3: Hell will seem pleasant by comparison…it’ll be fun.
He utters the last phrase with an upward, jovial pitch to his voice. The other man looks up at him and smirks, shaking his head in amusement.
M2: You are one sick fuck Jim.
The larger man, who is clearly the same height as Dirge but of much leaner build, looks down at him and grins evilly.
James: I know Colin. That’s why everyone finds me so damned irresistible.
Colin shrugs and grins at the response before slapping a hand onto James’ back.
Colin: This is true my brother, this is true.
Damarest looks over at the two friends and rolls his eyes.
Damarest: You know…even I find the two of you to be a little creepy at times. It’s like you function off of the same brain.
Both of them shrug indifferently, although they are both clearly very entertained by the remark. Carolyn looks at the two of them and shakes her head, smiling.
Carolyn: Thanks for coming. I know he’d be happy to know that you’re here.
The two men smile and nod their heads at her and she nods back before looking to Erik, her face steely again.
Carolyn: He’ll recover and when he does, God help those sons of bitches who did this to him because they’re going to suffer like no one has ever suffered before. In the meantime we all need you to be what you’ve always been under that charming and protective exterior…
Erik looks down into her face and nods in understanding, although she never finishes the statement. It’s unnecessary for her to do so. Erik looks up and nods at Damarest, who nods back.
Damarest: We’ll get them Erik. You and Raenius handle Salem…Jim, Colin and I will handle the rest.
Erik’s eyes narrow at the mention of the Resident Evil, but he doesn’t say a word. Carolyn looks at him and shakes her head and as she speaks to him her voice is soothing and calm.
Carolyn: Raenius was duped just the rest of us were. Trust me Erik; he’s as angry over this as you are. I know you’ve always been leery of him…but he can be trusted. I looked in his eyes after you two were done beating on each other. He has his own revenge in mind.
Erik nods his head in understanding and turns to face the bed. He steps over and extends a hand, getting firm return handshakes and quick hugs from Colin and James. All three men turn to face Damarest and Carolyn. She nods at Damarest and he walks over to the door of the room and closes it silently before walking back over and standing next to Carolyn. After a few moments Colin speaks.
Colin: Before we start be assured Carolyn, your girls are safe and no one other than myself and James knows where they are. No one is getting to them.
She nods and looks over at her prone husband before looking back at Colin and James.
Carolyn: Thank you. I don’t want them involved in this at all.
The two men nod back and look at each other, their expressions confident and wolfish. Something seems to pass between them before they look back at her. Colin speaks first.
Colin: Speaking of things that can’t be found, where the hell are Grevane and Zane ?
Carolyn momentarily freezes before looking up at Colin, her face is highly suspicious.
Carolyn: It was Grevane who called me…
All four men look over at Dirge and then stare at her, suspicion written all over their faces.
Damarest: Really…
The remark was a statement and one that stated that Damarests’ mind was going, taking in and analyzing the information that he had been given to that point. As he did so Erik reached into his pocked at pulled out his PDA, punching in a number and lifting it to his ear.
Erik: Da…Ian…it’s Erik. I need to you pull all of the security video from last night, as well as all of the building access logs starting from the time I was called away at eight twenty. Collect them all and bring them to the hospital. Call me back when you are finished and I’ll send you the room number.
Erik pauses for a moment, presumably to listen to Ian on the other end of the phone. After a few moments he presses a button and slips it back into his pocket. He looks to all assembled in the room.
Erik: Ian will be here in the next couple of hours with the Security logs. Is the right place to start to figure out how Salem got into the building…as well as where Grevane and Zane were as well.
Damarest puts his hand to his chin thoughtfully as Colin and James speak to each other for a moment. As they do so Carolyn watches them curiously.
Carolyn: What are you two thinking ?
The two speak amongst themselves for a couple of more moments before they both look at the other three in the room. Colin speaks first.
Colin: Do either of you guys know if Grevane or Zane were on assignment the night of the attack ?
Almost to the second both Erik and Damarest take on the same expression of curiosity and suspicion.
Erik: Nyet. As far as I know they were both in the building the entire night. Do you know any differently David ?
Damarest shakes his head “no” before he frowns in thought.
Damarest: No. As far as I know they were both there. With that said, I was on assignment for The Boss that night trying to hunt down that stolen prototype, so I wasn’t in the building myself. If those two were there, it begs the question of how Salem even got into the building. Speaking of that, as it stands now we have to re-evaluate the entire Security Department…they got manhandled.
Erik stands silently for a moment before shaking his head in agreement.
Erik: Da. Most disappointing. That will be dealt with as well. In the meantime we must look into every detail and be most sure that Dirge is secure. I want him moved from this facility as soon as we know he is stable enough to travel.
Once again James turns his head to one side as a crooked and dangerous grin spreads across his face. Carolyn looks at him and smiles.
Carolyn: What are you thinking James ?
James looks at Carolyn and laughs to himself before looking at Colin, who grins as well and nods his head in understanding, even though no words were exchanged. Carolyn looks at the two of them in confusion as Erik smiles and Damarest just shakes his head.
Damarest: Seriously guys…that really is sort of creepy how the two of you do that. James didn’t even say anything to you.
Colin looks at Damarest with a sideways smirk on his face before nodding his head in amusement and slapping James on the back.
Colin: He didn’t have to. I know what he’s thinking. I was going to suggest the same thing.
The normally unflappable Damarest looks from Colin to James and back to Colin before throwing his hands up.
Damarest: Ok guys…I give up. Where do you want to take him ?
Both men grin at the same time before Colin answers.
Colin: Later. For now the most important thing is to figure out what role Grevane and Scott play in this entire affair. We have no proof that either was involved, but it seems awfully convenient to me that both men were in the building but neither was to be found when the big man was being attacked.
Carolyn looks at Colin with a pained look while James and Erik both shake their heads in thoughtful agreement. Damarest leans against the wall and folds his arms across his chest but doesn’t initially say anything.
Erik: Now that I think about it, when I watched the video of it later the two with Salem did match the size of Grevane and Scott…one of them definitely moved like Grevane too…
Damarest steps away from the wall and walks up to the end of the bed, placing his hands in his jacket pockets.
Damarest: Betrayal wouldn’t surprise me at all from Grevane, he’s stupid and easily led. If he’s involved, and I think there’s at least a good chance of it, then there’s someone else pulling his strings along with Salem…because Grevane just isn’t that smart on his own.
James paces around in front of the window for a few moments and finally speaks without turning around to look at anyone else in the room. As he looks out the window into the pitch black night it’s clear that his thoughts are just as dark.
James: Even stupid men are capable of being dangerous. I presume you’ve heard the axiom of “Beware the power of stupid people in large groups”…Grevane doesn’t need a large group in order to be dangerous. You’ve often likened him to a Pit Bull; and all a Pit Bull needs in order to maul something is the order to attack. After that, all you have to do is stand back and await the outcome. Whoever these men were they were smart enough to get by Security, strong enough to beat the hell out of the in house Security Force and vicious enough to toss our boy out of a second story window. Make no mistake about it Damarest…even stupid men don’t need detailed instructions in order to throw straight.
Colin and Erik both nod their heads in agreement as Carolyn walks around the bed and sits down next to Dirge in the large and out of place expensive chair that’s sitting next to it. After a moment of looking at him quietly, her face covered with a mask of strongly asserted self control, she takes his mammoth hand with both of hers and squeezes it before putting it up to her face and resting it against her mouth after kissing it. Colin is the first to break the silence and looks right at Erik and Damarest.
Colin: For now David, it is up to you and Ian to follow the electronic trail wherever it leads to. James and I will move him and make sure that he’s secure before we go out hunting for our future victims. Carolyn…I want you on the next plane out of the state so that you can be with the girls and somewhere safe. Your safety and that of your daughters is just as important as that of your husband. When he wakes up I want him to know that the three most important people in this world to him are safe.
Erik looks from Colin, to James, over to Damarest and then walks up behind Carolyn and places a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. James looks at Damarest as a wolfish grin spreads across his face.
James: We also need you to call those two and arrange a meeting at a neutral…yet not confidence inspiring location so that Colin and I can talk to them.
Damarest and Erik both nod at the comment while Carolyn continues to hold her Husband’s hand and gaze at him. Damarest grins evilly at the thought of what Colin and James have in mind.
Damarest: Might I suggest that you meet them separately…and while you’re at it have Erik with you when you meet Grevane. He hates Grevane and it will keep him a little more off balance, in addition to having to talk to two guys who he’s never met before who are clearly as dangerous as he is. Expect both he and Zane to be rather belligerent.
Both Colin and James smile as if they are hoping for a bit of physical conflict during their conversations with the two hired muscles in the organization. Erik and Damarest both look at them and grin and Carolyn just shakes her head; rolls her eyes and grins.
Carolyn: You two are such children sometimes.
Colin and James both openly and widely grin at the remark before nodding in unison. James looks at Carolyn evilly, his expression almost psychotic in nature. Colin stands next to him with an amused smirk on his face and his hands together, palm to fist. The look in his eyes is just as dangerous and almost evil in nature.
James: I hope he’s belligerent. It’s a lot more fun that way.
James rolls his head and cracks his neck for good measure and emphasis as Colin laces his hands together and pushes outwards, the cracking joints of both men making a sound that resembles firecrackers going off in unison. Damarest and Erik look at the two men and grin widely, Damarest’s face taking on the look of pure evil that he’s known for. Carolyn looks at them and puts her hands up in a conciliatory manner.
Carolyn: Guys…you know how much I dislike Zane and Paul…those two seriously terrify me…but we don’t know that they were actually involved in this. Let’s not hang them before they’re guilty.
For the first time in known history Erik actually scowls at Carolyn and when he speaks his tone comes out harshly.
Erik: Don’t be naive. They’re both reprehensible scum. I knew men like that when I was in the Russian Special Forces and always felt that the best way to deal with them was to put a bullet in their skulls and bury them in the middle of nowhere in a deep hole.
Carolyn responds to the remark with a look of abject horror on her face, having never heard something so cold blooded coming from the normally calm Russian, the man who had protected and played with her daughters and treated them like his own little sisters. Damarest, James and Colin all respond by applauding the remark. Damarest even pulls out a switchblade and flips it open before cleaning under his fingernails with it.
Damarest: Seems to me that Erik is right. I know Grevane very well. He’s a sadistic, ruthless, vicious psychopath who revels in killing. It’s not at all impossible that he’s involved in this. In some ways I’d almost count on it. With the right guidance he’s a very dangerous man. He’s like a rabid pit bull when he’s alone…or when directed by someone who doesn’t care about delicacy. There’s only one way to handle a rabid dog…
James reaches into the jacket that he has sitting on the chair and pulls out a long handled item with a vicious looking blunt head on it that’s flat on both ends. Zale looks at it and grins as James spins it around in his hand.
Colin: A boy and his Croquet Mallet…it’s so touching. It almost makes me get all misty..
James holds it up in front of his face and smiles with vicious glee, an expression that looks like open reverence and love for the weapon that he’d holding in front of his face.
James: What better way to assure cooperation…
Again the two men look at each other and grin dangerously. James waits a few moments and slaps the handle of the Mallet down in his hand.
James: …And if need be, to “put down” the rabid dog…
This time all four men look at each other and share a look of pure malice that is absolutely blood chilling.
Beep…
Beep…
Beep…
The breathing is shallow but strong, methodical, even and rhythmic...in…out…in…out…in…out. As the breaths come and go the massive chest goes up and down, up and down…slowly but noticeably. The sound of the breathing seems even louder due to the almost overwhelming silence of the room. It’s the sort of silence that one would attribute to a crypt and it gives a sense of something utterly unnatural considering the man who lies on the abnormally large bed.
The body itself looks strong and invulnerable…the only thing that betrays that image are the massive bandages wrapped around the ribs and chest, the IV’s coming in and out of the massive wrists, the bruises about the arms and face, the stabilizing neck brace and most importantly the breathing tubes coming from the nose. Upon closer inspection the body is strapped to the bed by very thick wrist restraints, most likely to avoid any type of thrashing and to avoid pulling out the blood, oxygen and medicinal IV tubes. The room itself is clean and obviously a single occupancy. Other than the machine the only sound that can be heard is mournful breathing and very angered muttering. Finally that is interrupted by someone very loudly and rudely clearing his throat.
Man: Stop muttering to yourself Erik. You were duped. Raenius was duped…this was planned and executed very well. Now is not the time for anger…it is the time for revenge. We need Erik the Commando now…not Erik the friend.
The man’s voice is calm, even and almost melodic, exposing a degree of calm that sounds almost inhuman. Erik turns and faces the man, growling and glaring in anger. His voice comes out as a harsh snarl.
Erik: It is not your fault that this happened. It is mine. I am in charge of his security and I let him down. Do not tell me not to be angry.
The man gazes back at him, his expression irritatingly calm. He looks Erik evenly in the eyes for a moment before smacking him very hard across the face, the skin on skin contact echoing through the room with an almost deafening crack. Erik’s head snaps around and he stands that way for a moment, glaring at the floor and shaking with rage. The man, who is revealed to be Damarest, looks at him with a calm expression which for once isn’t at all patronizing or inflammatory. After a few moments two men walk into the room, flanking Carolyn. She steps into the room and freezes as her eyes land on her fallen husband. Her lower lip quivers momentarily before a look of steely determination comes across her face. The two men, both larger than Erik and Damarest, look over at Dirges’ body with concern before their faces also take on a look of dangerous determination. Carolyn walks up between Damarest and Erik, putting her hand to Erik’s face. Initially he refuses her, using his greater strength to force his head away.
Carolyn: Erik…please.
He stands silently for a few more moments before his shoulders finally sag and he turns to face her, his expression one of absolute anguish and self hatred. Carolyn runs her hands up the side of his face before pulling him down and kissing him on the cheek. She pulls away from him but keeps her hands to the side of his face, forcing his head down slightly.
Carolyn:Erik…this is not your fault. This was clearly an inside job in concert with Salem. You are not at fault for this.
Erik continues to look at her, his face anguished. Carolyn pulls him down so that his head is resting on her shoulder as she hugs him.
Carolyn: I need you to be strong right now Erik, not sad. My husband will be fine, he’s as strong and as stubborn…and as mean as a Tyrannosaurus.
She releases his head and he straightens up, his eyes burning with fury and determination. She looks up at him and smiles. Behind her the other two men walk into the room and walk around the bed, standing next to it. Both men are large and very clearly fighters of some nature. Both are clearly very confident in them and have been through a great deal. The taller of the two men is a gigantic man with short dark hair and steel gray eyes and a clean shaven face. The shorter of the two, standing about six foot five, was broader in build with close cut black hair and clear blue eyes. The two stride into the room and walk around the bed and look down at him. Their faces are calm and both men stand silently before each places a hand to his arm. The slightly shorter one speaks first.
M2: Don’t worry bud…we’ll find who did this.
The second man, the taller and more overtly dangerous looking of the two turns his head to one side and after a few moments he speaks as well. His voice is deep, even and subtly menacing.
M3: Hell will seem pleasant by comparison…it’ll be fun.
He utters the last phrase with an upward, jovial pitch to his voice. The other man looks up at him and smirks, shaking his head in amusement.
M2: You are one sick fuck Jim.
The larger man, who is clearly the same height as Dirge but of much leaner build, looks down at him and grins evilly.
James: I know Colin. That’s why everyone finds me so damned irresistible.
Colin shrugs and grins at the response before slapping a hand onto James’ back.
Colin: This is true my brother, this is true.
Damarest looks over at the two friends and rolls his eyes.
Damarest: You know…even I find the two of you to be a little creepy at times. It’s like you function off of the same brain.
Both of them shrug indifferently, although they are both clearly very entertained by the remark. Carolyn looks at the two of them and shakes her head, smiling.
Carolyn: Thanks for coming. I know he’d be happy to know that you’re here.
The two men smile and nod their heads at her and she nods back before looking to Erik, her face steely again.
Carolyn: He’ll recover and when he does, God help those sons of bitches who did this to him because they’re going to suffer like no one has ever suffered before. In the meantime we all need you to be what you’ve always been under that charming and protective exterior…
Erik looks down into her face and nods in understanding, although she never finishes the statement. It’s unnecessary for her to do so. Erik looks up and nods at Damarest, who nods back.
Damarest: We’ll get them Erik. You and Raenius handle Salem…Jim, Colin and I will handle the rest.
Erik’s eyes narrow at the mention of the Resident Evil, but he doesn’t say a word. Carolyn looks at him and shakes her head and as she speaks to him her voice is soothing and calm.
Carolyn: Raenius was duped just the rest of us were. Trust me Erik; he’s as angry over this as you are. I know you’ve always been leery of him…but he can be trusted. I looked in his eyes after you two were done beating on each other. He has his own revenge in mind.
Erik nods his head in understanding and turns to face the bed. He steps over and extends a hand, getting firm return handshakes and quick hugs from Colin and James. All three men turn to face Damarest and Carolyn. She nods at Damarest and he walks over to the door of the room and closes it silently before walking back over and standing next to Carolyn. After a few moments Colin speaks.
Colin: Before we start be assured Carolyn, your girls are safe and no one other than myself and James knows where they are. No one is getting to them.
She nods and looks over at her prone husband before looking back at Colin and James.
Carolyn: Thank you. I don’t want them involved in this at all.
The two men nod back and look at each other, their expressions confident and wolfish. Something seems to pass between them before they look back at her. Colin speaks first.
Colin: Speaking of things that can’t be found, where the hell are Grevane and Zane ?
Carolyn momentarily freezes before looking up at Colin, her face is highly suspicious.
Carolyn: It was Grevane who called me…
All four men look over at Dirge and then stare at her, suspicion written all over their faces.
Damarest: Really…
The remark was a statement and one that stated that Damarests’ mind was going, taking in and analyzing the information that he had been given to that point. As he did so Erik reached into his pocked at pulled out his PDA, punching in a number and lifting it to his ear.
Erik: Da…Ian…it’s Erik. I need to you pull all of the security video from last night, as well as all of the building access logs starting from the time I was called away at eight twenty. Collect them all and bring them to the hospital. Call me back when you are finished and I’ll send you the room number.
Erik pauses for a moment, presumably to listen to Ian on the other end of the phone. After a few moments he presses a button and slips it back into his pocket. He looks to all assembled in the room.
Erik: Ian will be here in the next couple of hours with the Security logs. Is the right place to start to figure out how Salem got into the building…as well as where Grevane and Zane were as well.
Damarest puts his hand to his chin thoughtfully as Colin and James speak to each other for a moment. As they do so Carolyn watches them curiously.
Carolyn: What are you two thinking ?
The two speak amongst themselves for a couple of more moments before they both look at the other three in the room. Colin speaks first.
Colin: Do either of you guys know if Grevane or Zane were on assignment the night of the attack ?
Almost to the second both Erik and Damarest take on the same expression of curiosity and suspicion.
Erik: Nyet. As far as I know they were both in the building the entire night. Do you know any differently David ?
Damarest shakes his head “no” before he frowns in thought.
Damarest: No. As far as I know they were both there. With that said, I was on assignment for The Boss that night trying to hunt down that stolen prototype, so I wasn’t in the building myself. If those two were there, it begs the question of how Salem even got into the building. Speaking of that, as it stands now we have to re-evaluate the entire Security Department…they got manhandled.
Erik stands silently for a moment before shaking his head in agreement.
Erik: Da. Most disappointing. That will be dealt with as well. In the meantime we must look into every detail and be most sure that Dirge is secure. I want him moved from this facility as soon as we know he is stable enough to travel.
Once again James turns his head to one side as a crooked and dangerous grin spreads across his face. Carolyn looks at him and smiles.
Carolyn: What are you thinking James ?
James looks at Carolyn and laughs to himself before looking at Colin, who grins as well and nods his head in understanding, even though no words were exchanged. Carolyn looks at the two of them in confusion as Erik smiles and Damarest just shakes his head.
Damarest: Seriously guys…that really is sort of creepy how the two of you do that. James didn’t even say anything to you.
Colin looks at Damarest with a sideways smirk on his face before nodding his head in amusement and slapping James on the back.
Colin: He didn’t have to. I know what he’s thinking. I was going to suggest the same thing.
The normally unflappable Damarest looks from Colin to James and back to Colin before throwing his hands up.
Damarest: Ok guys…I give up. Where do you want to take him ?
Both men grin at the same time before Colin answers.
Colin: Later. For now the most important thing is to figure out what role Grevane and Scott play in this entire affair. We have no proof that either was involved, but it seems awfully convenient to me that both men were in the building but neither was to be found when the big man was being attacked.
Carolyn looks at Colin with a pained look while James and Erik both shake their heads in thoughtful agreement. Damarest leans against the wall and folds his arms across his chest but doesn’t initially say anything.
Erik: Now that I think about it, when I watched the video of it later the two with Salem did match the size of Grevane and Scott…one of them definitely moved like Grevane too…
Damarest steps away from the wall and walks up to the end of the bed, placing his hands in his jacket pockets.
Damarest: Betrayal wouldn’t surprise me at all from Grevane, he’s stupid and easily led. If he’s involved, and I think there’s at least a good chance of it, then there’s someone else pulling his strings along with Salem…because Grevane just isn’t that smart on his own.
James paces around in front of the window for a few moments and finally speaks without turning around to look at anyone else in the room. As he looks out the window into the pitch black night it’s clear that his thoughts are just as dark.
James: Even stupid men are capable of being dangerous. I presume you’ve heard the axiom of “Beware the power of stupid people in large groups”…Grevane doesn’t need a large group in order to be dangerous. You’ve often likened him to a Pit Bull; and all a Pit Bull needs in order to maul something is the order to attack. After that, all you have to do is stand back and await the outcome. Whoever these men were they were smart enough to get by Security, strong enough to beat the hell out of the in house Security Force and vicious enough to toss our boy out of a second story window. Make no mistake about it Damarest…even stupid men don’t need detailed instructions in order to throw straight.
Colin and Erik both nod their heads in agreement as Carolyn walks around the bed and sits down next to Dirge in the large and out of place expensive chair that’s sitting next to it. After a moment of looking at him quietly, her face covered with a mask of strongly asserted self control, she takes his mammoth hand with both of hers and squeezes it before putting it up to her face and resting it against her mouth after kissing it. Colin is the first to break the silence and looks right at Erik and Damarest.
Colin: For now David, it is up to you and Ian to follow the electronic trail wherever it leads to. James and I will move him and make sure that he’s secure before we go out hunting for our future victims. Carolyn…I want you on the next plane out of the state so that you can be with the girls and somewhere safe. Your safety and that of your daughters is just as important as that of your husband. When he wakes up I want him to know that the three most important people in this world to him are safe.
Erik looks from Colin, to James, over to Damarest and then walks up behind Carolyn and places a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. James looks at Damarest as a wolfish grin spreads across his face.
James: We also need you to call those two and arrange a meeting at a neutral…yet not confidence inspiring location so that Colin and I can talk to them.
Damarest and Erik both nod at the comment while Carolyn continues to hold her Husband’s hand and gaze at him. Damarest grins evilly at the thought of what Colin and James have in mind.
Damarest: Might I suggest that you meet them separately…and while you’re at it have Erik with you when you meet Grevane. He hates Grevane and it will keep him a little more off balance, in addition to having to talk to two guys who he’s never met before who are clearly as dangerous as he is. Expect both he and Zane to be rather belligerent.
Both Colin and James smile as if they are hoping for a bit of physical conflict during their conversations with the two hired muscles in the organization. Erik and Damarest both look at them and grin and Carolyn just shakes her head; rolls her eyes and grins.
Carolyn: You two are such children sometimes.
Colin and James both openly and widely grin at the remark before nodding in unison. James looks at Carolyn evilly, his expression almost psychotic in nature. Colin stands next to him with an amused smirk on his face and his hands together, palm to fist. The look in his eyes is just as dangerous and almost evil in nature.
James: I hope he’s belligerent. It’s a lot more fun that way.
James rolls his head and cracks his neck for good measure and emphasis as Colin laces his hands together and pushes outwards, the cracking joints of both men making a sound that resembles firecrackers going off in unison. Damarest and Erik look at the two men and grin widely, Damarest’s face taking on the look of pure evil that he’s known for. Carolyn looks at them and puts her hands up in a conciliatory manner.
Carolyn: Guys…you know how much I dislike Zane and Paul…those two seriously terrify me…but we don’t know that they were actually involved in this. Let’s not hang them before they’re guilty.
For the first time in known history Erik actually scowls at Carolyn and when he speaks his tone comes out harshly.
Erik: Don’t be naive. They’re both reprehensible scum. I knew men like that when I was in the Russian Special Forces and always felt that the best way to deal with them was to put a bullet in their skulls and bury them in the middle of nowhere in a deep hole.
Carolyn responds to the remark with a look of abject horror on her face, having never heard something so cold blooded coming from the normally calm Russian, the man who had protected and played with her daughters and treated them like his own little sisters. Damarest, James and Colin all respond by applauding the remark. Damarest even pulls out a switchblade and flips it open before cleaning under his fingernails with it.
Damarest: Seems to me that Erik is right. I know Grevane very well. He’s a sadistic, ruthless, vicious psychopath who revels in killing. It’s not at all impossible that he’s involved in this. In some ways I’d almost count on it. With the right guidance he’s a very dangerous man. He’s like a rabid pit bull when he’s alone…or when directed by someone who doesn’t care about delicacy. There’s only one way to handle a rabid dog…
James reaches into the jacket that he has sitting on the chair and pulls out a long handled item with a vicious looking blunt head on it that’s flat on both ends. Zale looks at it and grins as James spins it around in his hand.
Colin: A boy and his Croquet Mallet…it’s so touching. It almost makes me get all misty..
James holds it up in front of his face and smiles with vicious glee, an expression that looks like open reverence and love for the weapon that he’d holding in front of his face.
James: What better way to assure cooperation…
Again the two men look at each other and grin dangerously. James waits a few moments and slaps the handle of the Mallet down in his hand.
James: …And if need be, to “put down” the rabid dog…
This time all four men look at each other and share a look of pure malice that is absolutely blood chilling.