Post by shanemitchell on Jun 4, 2019 6:56:18 GMT -5
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pete Asquith is beginning to regain consciousness. He doesn’t know what happened. One minute he was telling a private investigator to get lost, the next he is here. Not that Pete knows it but Gerry Peterson, working on behalf of Shane Mitchell, had sent him to dreamland with the help of a plentiful dose of chloroform. Pete thinks he’s gone blind for a moment such is the depth of darkness he finds himself in. It isn’t just dark, it’s pitch black. He can’t see his own hand as he holds it before his eyes. On his back he can feel the hard wood on which he lays and when he feels to either side of himself he feels more wood, thick solid wood. His reaches up to discover his wooden enclosure is complete. Plunging frantically into his jacket pocket he removes a lighter that he flicks on finally casting a little light onto the scene. It’s with unimaginable terror that he realises his predicament – he’s in a coffin.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Valencia, Spain
Generic Spanish Europop plays far too loudly for Ellie's liking. She winces at every high note that sound somewhat similar to the cries of Manuel being battered again by Basil Fawlty. Her head is banging and the dreadful music isn't helping.
Ellie is dressed for comfort with a loose fitting cotton skirt and a floaty cream top with baggy sleeves that protect her from the bright rays of the Spanish sun. Shades hide her tired eyes as she watches the world go by from the side window of her taxi.
She feels like shit. Actually no, she feels amazing! A night out with Andi might be tough on the body but wow, what a lift for the soul. How does she do it? From one city to the next living every day like it's her last, she has the stamina of a hundred thoroughbred stallions.
Anarchy had barely wrapped up for the night when Andi grabbed Ellie and led her away for the night. As they sped away in their chauffeur driven limousine fans were still spilling out onto the Valencian streets. Yes, Andi was hitting the town before the fans had even cleared the arena.
It was amazing. She's an Olympic athlete, a cover model, and a professional wrestler, yet if Ellie were pushed as to what Andi Snow's greatest talent is she'd have to say it's partying.
Ellie had, had the time of her life. It isn't that she's boring or didn't have much of a social life. Back home in Yorkshire she had a reasonable circle of friends and they used to hit the clubs most weekends but comparing Saturday night in Huddersfield Legends to the VIP section of the hottest clubs in Valencia with Andi Snow for company would be utterly ridiculous.
Ellie giggles to herself as she remembers snippets of the previous night. As all girls know, men are weak when it comes to the fairer sex. They act like performing seals when there’s a pretty girl around and when in a group they often try to out-perform each other in their attempts to impress. What Andi had them do was a whole other ballgame though. She had everyone in the palm of her hand and enjoyed every second of showing Ellie just how funny men could be to play with. It was quite liberating. Andi showed Ellie the power they had. Not through strength or her undoubted athletic prowess, just the sheer power of their beauty and sexuality. One guy had literally been performing like a medieval court jester, juggling glasses and telling his best gags in his vain attempt to win favour - it was hilarious!
Ellie had laughed so much her sides hurt. There were so many highlights to look back on but what perhaps ought to concern Ellie a little is everything after 2am - she can't remember a thing. One minute a whirlwind of fun, the next nothing. Ellie just doesn't remember anything, certainly not going home to the hotel. She woke up there, but has no idea how.
Valencia is amazing. Ellie will remember this week for years to come, she is sure of it. She wishes more than anything that this week is not over but it is - thanks to her dad. Shane, as he always does had booked himself a flight home the very next morning after the show and he’d done the same for Ellie. Why couldn’t he stay for a few days, a few weeks even. The next show in Barcelona is only an hours drive away, why fly all the way back home just to return a couple of weeks later? Of course Ellie knows the answer as she had already presented the case to stay in Spain. 'Five years I've been doing this' her father had said 'If I didn't return home between events I'd have lived out of a suitcase for five years!' Reluctantly Ellie could see his point.
Low flying aircraft tell Ellie that the airport isn’t far away, goodbye Spain, goodbye champagne cocktails by the pool, hello stuffy old compound in the middle of nowhere. She sighs.
A few minutes later and Ellie is pulling her bright red suitcase behind her as she enters the Manises Airport. She scans the area, looking all around for her father. She sees a hand held up, towering above the majority of the crowd – it’s Shane.
“You look dreadful,” observes Shane as Ellie approaches.
“Gee thanks!”
“I’m serious. What state did you get into last night?”
“I’m fine Dad. I had a good time and have a bit of a hangover, no big deal.”
Shane’s arms are crossed and the sense of disapproval is plastered all over his face. He looks like a sulking teenager who’s just had his xbox confiscated.
“She’s a bad influence,” states Shane eventually.
“Andi?”
“Who else? She’s leading you astray.”
“Astray? I drank a little, danced, had some fun. Since when was that a crime?”
“I just want you to be careful that’s all, don’t end up like Andi Snow.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Why would any girl not want to be like Andi? She’s fun, she’s beautiful, she’s successful.”
“She’s a hedonist.”
“Oh for God’s sake. Ok Mother Theresa shall I say a few hail Mary’s and self flagellate a little.”
“Don’t be facetious Ellie,”
“I’ll stop being facetious if you stop being a judgemental, pompous old fuddy duddy.”
Shane is about to react in anger but surprisingly manages to compose himself.
“Look, I’m just trying to look out for you, make sure you’re safe.”
“I’m fine Dad. I’m not a kid and neither is Andi for that matter.
“So you didn’t do anything silly?"
“Of course not!" She replies with a cheeky grin, inwardly remembering some of the antics of the night before.
Shane sighs, “I still don’t approve. What’s wrong with the compound, you can have all the fun you want there.”
Ellie raises her eyebrows and gives her father a withering look before turning and heading in the direction of the departure gate. Shane meekly follows.
X x x x x x x x x x
Ellie dozes for the first couple of hours of their flight. Lost in his own thoughts Shane doesn't notice her wake and is startled a little when she speaks.
“So who are you fighting next?”
“Kintaru.”
“Who? I thought I met everyone last night but don’t remember any Asian guys.”
“He’s not Asian. Like most Anarchy events he didn’t show up, he never shows up. It’s not surprising really, he’s stuck in the past so it’s little wonder he isn’t focussed enough on the present. He’s living approximately ten years ago when Genesis was still relevant.”
“He was in Genesis?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think he can introduce me to Phil Collins?”
“Don't be ridiculous Eleanor. He was in the wrestling federation Genesis and seems to think he still is. He spent years obsessing over a washed up has been Frank Samson, so much so he was practically driven mad. More recently he seems to have diverted his attention to D for reasons that I presume are because he’s the only other remaining remnant of the past he is so fond of. Well he’d better not get in my, D is mine to deal with.”
“Jeez Dad, lighten up. It’s a wrestling match, you’ll get your opportunity to face D and Kintaru can have his chance another week, what’s the big deal?"
“D is the big deal Ellie. He isn’t just some average Joe wrestler with ambitions to take my title away. He’s capable of far more than that – the man’s a killer!”
“Yoga boy, a killer? Pull the other one.”
“Yoga boy, why do you call him that?” Shane asks with a confused expression.
“I met him, last night at the arena. He was all twisted up like a pretzel, not half as twisted up as his girlfriend’s knickers when she saw me and Andi talking to him though. That bitch needs to seriously lighten up!”
“YOU MET D!” Exclaims Shane in alarm.
"Yeah, seems harmless enough. Apart from clearly wanting to stick his little d in Andi!"
Shane’s concern graduates towards anger. Andi Snow isn’t just getting his daughter pumped full of alcohol, now it transpires she’s exposing her to a man like D!
"D is dangerous, you stay away from him...AND stay away from that harlot Andi Snow!”
“Andi? You can’t tell me who to be friends with!”
Ellie folds her arms across her chest in a clearly defensive posture of defiance. She turns away from Shane as far as her seat allows with her legs sticking out into the aisle.
Shane fumes for a moment or two longer before speaking.
“I just don’t want you turning into a trollop like Andi Snow that’s all.”
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Oklahoma, USA
Ellie has left Shane to wait for their luggage. He doesn’t want her to be like Andi eh, well wait until he sees this! Ellie has visited a few of the airport shops and was surprised to find quite a lot of nice stuff. Now dressed in tight denim shorts and about to try on a tank top her Dad might blow a fuse when he sees her dressed just like Andi. Currently in the changing room she peels off her top to try on her most recent find, and that’s when she sees it - a tattoo!
“Oh fuck!” she whispers to herself.
Hoping it’s a temporary one she rubs it before licking her fingers and trying again but it isn’t budging. She examines it a little closer. On her wrist it’s actually quite pretty. A butterfly wing, very delicate, very dainty, it could have been far worse. Much as she can’t remember getting it done there’s no denying it’s presence. This trip to Valencia will be even more memorable than she thought!
She remembers what her Dad had said earlier ‘So you didn’t do anything silly?’ Oh God, he’s going to go crazy...good!”
She examines herself in the mirror. She can’t deny it, she looks hot. Who wouldn’t want to look and dress and act like Andi, she’s awesome. Ellie had never really had a role model before but Andi was fast becoming her idol. She smiles as she begins tying her hair up into a high ponytail before draping it over one shoulder.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x x X
The baggage carousel is taking an extraordinary long time to deliver the luggage. Shane waits patiently while Ellie has wandered off God knows where, still not talking to him. There’s a missed call on Shane’s phone, it’s from Gerry Peterson. Glancing around to check Ellie isn’t on her way back he sees the coast is clear and returns the call.
“Hey, have I got some news for you,” says Gerry on answering.
“That was quick. Go ahead what have you found out.”
“Did you know D was married?”
“Married, I thought he was getting wed to Lucchi?”
“Not still married, his wife died.”
“Ok, but I’m not sure how that helps me. I can’t exactly get to D through a dead wife.”
“The news isn’t about his wife and it’s not about her being dead - the news is HOW she died.”
“Go on…” prompts Shane.
“Childbirth.”
Gerry Peterson allows the news to sink in for a moment or two.
“There’s no official record of any infant deaths in the hospital his wife was in that day, which means…”
Shane finishes the sentence.
“The child lived!”
“Exactly,” confirms the P.I.
Shane smiles. A vulnerability. Is this something to be exploited, a potential weakness in the D armour?
“Where is the child?” Shane asks.
“I’m working on it.”
“What else do you know?”
“Flight records show he spends quite a bit of time in Scottsdale, Arizona.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Well unless he’s a keen golfer or enjoys a spa break I’m not sure what there is here for him but I’m here to find out.”
“You’re in Scottsdale?”
“Yep, in fact I’m hoping to have some more news for you imminently. Speaking of which I must go I’m kind of in the middle of something.”
The phone line goes dead leaving Shane lost in thought. Perhaps a man Shane had thought was almost untouchable did in fact have something that could get to him. When a man loves nothing including himself it’s very difficult to truly hit him where it hurts, perhaps D could be got at after all. His contemplation is cut off as another thought springs to mind ‘where on earth has Ellie got to?’ Is this her becoming more and more unreliable and flighty? Is this another of Andi Snow’s bad influences, the last person Shane wants her to emulate is hedonistic Andi Snow. Shane turns and sees her approaching.
She’s been shopping. Ellie is wearing a tight pair of blue denim shorts along with tennis shoes and a tight white tank top that’s tied at the front to reveal an expanse of bare midriff. She has her hair tied up in a high ponytail and it’s resting over one shoulder...she looks the spitting image of Andi Snow!!!
Shane eyes widen and his face goes a bright shade of beetroot at exactly the same time as he notices the tattoo on Ellie’s wrist. He stares at it intently, literally lost for words.
Ellie’s phone notification sounds and she checks it immediately.
“Oh…” she says.
Shane grabs the phone and looks. It’s a picture message from Andi. Andi and Ellie are standing together grinning from ear to ear holding their wrists close together towards the camera. On Andi’s wrist is one wing, on Ellie’s the other and when held together the tattoos make one complete butterfly.
“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” screams Shane as an entire airport full of people turn to stare.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pete Asquith’s breathing is heavy and his heart races in his chest. He’s been trapped in this coffin for hours, actually it may just be minutes but it certainly seems like hours from Pete’s perspective. He’s kicked and beaten the coffin walls until his feet and fists are sore. He’s been through at least three cycles of panic attack already. He’d heard a voice a moment ago though only one, seemingly it must have been a phone conversation. Suddenly the voice appears closer and louder as he can finally make out what is being said.
“Pete Asquith, I understand you’re only on the bottom rung of the criminal underworld but as I understand it as far as organised crime goes in this town, if it happens in Arizona, you will know about it. Is that true?”
It is true. Pete never had the nous to rise the ranks but had been a trusted member of the criminal fraternity for the past twenty years or more.
“What the fuck do you want? Get me out of here!”
“I want to know about an organisation I believe may have roots here in Scottsdale. Is there an organisation based here running a network of assassins?”
“What? Fuck off, just get me the hell out of this box!”
Gerry Peterson smiles with a shake of his head. It’s late at night in the crematorium and the lights are low. Before him, on a table top is a coffin, not in the ground but simply sitting safely on top of a table - Pete Asquith doesn’t know that though. Gerry puts his hand in the bucket that sits beside him and pulls out a handful of earth before throwing it at the coffin.
“WHAT THE FUCK!” Pete yells. “I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!”
“Really? I think you do...” Gerry pauses as he throws another handful of dirt over the coffin, “...and I guess there’s only one way to find out for sure.”
Two more handfuls of dirt are sprinkled onto the coffin lid.
“STOP THAT!”
“You can stop me at any time when you tell me what I need to know.”
Three more times dirt is thrown at the coffin.
“PLEASE, NO!”
“Beside you is a mobile phone Pete. When you’re buried you can call me with what I want to know at any time and I’ll come and dig you up - that’s if you get a mobile phone reception down there!”
Pete can be heard scrambling around for the phone.
“Who do you plan on calling Pete, the police? Where are you going to tell them you’re buried?”
“FUCK! Come on man, you can’t do this,” pleads Pete.
More dirt is thrown at the coffin.
“IT’S JUSTICE! FUCKING JUSTICE! NOW GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!”
Gerry Peterson smiles.
“Now we’re getting somewhere. Now we know you’re not keen on being buried alive I have a few more questions. When you’ve told me everything you know, you’ll be free to go - deal?”
Reluctantly Pete Asquith will say anything to get him out of this mess.
“Deal.”
Pete Asquith is beginning to regain consciousness. He doesn’t know what happened. One minute he was telling a private investigator to get lost, the next he is here. Not that Pete knows it but Gerry Peterson, working on behalf of Shane Mitchell, had sent him to dreamland with the help of a plentiful dose of chloroform. Pete thinks he’s gone blind for a moment such is the depth of darkness he finds himself in. It isn’t just dark, it’s pitch black. He can’t see his own hand as he holds it before his eyes. On his back he can feel the hard wood on which he lays and when he feels to either side of himself he feels more wood, thick solid wood. His reaches up to discover his wooden enclosure is complete. Plunging frantically into his jacket pocket he removes a lighter that he flicks on finally casting a little light onto the scene. It’s with unimaginable terror that he realises his predicament – he’s in a coffin.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Valencia, Spain
Generic Spanish Europop plays far too loudly for Ellie's liking. She winces at every high note that sound somewhat similar to the cries of Manuel being battered again by Basil Fawlty. Her head is banging and the dreadful music isn't helping.
Ellie is dressed for comfort with a loose fitting cotton skirt and a floaty cream top with baggy sleeves that protect her from the bright rays of the Spanish sun. Shades hide her tired eyes as she watches the world go by from the side window of her taxi.
She feels like shit. Actually no, she feels amazing! A night out with Andi might be tough on the body but wow, what a lift for the soul. How does she do it? From one city to the next living every day like it's her last, she has the stamina of a hundred thoroughbred stallions.
Anarchy had barely wrapped up for the night when Andi grabbed Ellie and led her away for the night. As they sped away in their chauffeur driven limousine fans were still spilling out onto the Valencian streets. Yes, Andi was hitting the town before the fans had even cleared the arena.
It was amazing. She's an Olympic athlete, a cover model, and a professional wrestler, yet if Ellie were pushed as to what Andi Snow's greatest talent is she'd have to say it's partying.
Ellie had, had the time of her life. It isn't that she's boring or didn't have much of a social life. Back home in Yorkshire she had a reasonable circle of friends and they used to hit the clubs most weekends but comparing Saturday night in Huddersfield Legends to the VIP section of the hottest clubs in Valencia with Andi Snow for company would be utterly ridiculous.
Ellie giggles to herself as she remembers snippets of the previous night. As all girls know, men are weak when it comes to the fairer sex. They act like performing seals when there’s a pretty girl around and when in a group they often try to out-perform each other in their attempts to impress. What Andi had them do was a whole other ballgame though. She had everyone in the palm of her hand and enjoyed every second of showing Ellie just how funny men could be to play with. It was quite liberating. Andi showed Ellie the power they had. Not through strength or her undoubted athletic prowess, just the sheer power of their beauty and sexuality. One guy had literally been performing like a medieval court jester, juggling glasses and telling his best gags in his vain attempt to win favour - it was hilarious!
Ellie had laughed so much her sides hurt. There were so many highlights to look back on but what perhaps ought to concern Ellie a little is everything after 2am - she can't remember a thing. One minute a whirlwind of fun, the next nothing. Ellie just doesn't remember anything, certainly not going home to the hotel. She woke up there, but has no idea how.
Valencia is amazing. Ellie will remember this week for years to come, she is sure of it. She wishes more than anything that this week is not over but it is - thanks to her dad. Shane, as he always does had booked himself a flight home the very next morning after the show and he’d done the same for Ellie. Why couldn’t he stay for a few days, a few weeks even. The next show in Barcelona is only an hours drive away, why fly all the way back home just to return a couple of weeks later? Of course Ellie knows the answer as she had already presented the case to stay in Spain. 'Five years I've been doing this' her father had said 'If I didn't return home between events I'd have lived out of a suitcase for five years!' Reluctantly Ellie could see his point.
Low flying aircraft tell Ellie that the airport isn’t far away, goodbye Spain, goodbye champagne cocktails by the pool, hello stuffy old compound in the middle of nowhere. She sighs.
A few minutes later and Ellie is pulling her bright red suitcase behind her as she enters the Manises Airport. She scans the area, looking all around for her father. She sees a hand held up, towering above the majority of the crowd – it’s Shane.
“You look dreadful,” observes Shane as Ellie approaches.
“Gee thanks!”
“I’m serious. What state did you get into last night?”
“I’m fine Dad. I had a good time and have a bit of a hangover, no big deal.”
Shane’s arms are crossed and the sense of disapproval is plastered all over his face. He looks like a sulking teenager who’s just had his xbox confiscated.
“She’s a bad influence,” states Shane eventually.
“Andi?”
“Who else? She’s leading you astray.”
“Astray? I drank a little, danced, had some fun. Since when was that a crime?”
“I just want you to be careful that’s all, don’t end up like Andi Snow.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Why would any girl not want to be like Andi? She’s fun, she’s beautiful, she’s successful.”
“She’s a hedonist.”
“Oh for God’s sake. Ok Mother Theresa shall I say a few hail Mary’s and self flagellate a little.”
“Don’t be facetious Ellie,”
“I’ll stop being facetious if you stop being a judgemental, pompous old fuddy duddy.”
Shane is about to react in anger but surprisingly manages to compose himself.
“Look, I’m just trying to look out for you, make sure you’re safe.”
“I’m fine Dad. I’m not a kid and neither is Andi for that matter.
“So you didn’t do anything silly?"
“Of course not!" She replies with a cheeky grin, inwardly remembering some of the antics of the night before.
Shane sighs, “I still don’t approve. What’s wrong with the compound, you can have all the fun you want there.”
Ellie raises her eyebrows and gives her father a withering look before turning and heading in the direction of the departure gate. Shane meekly follows.
X x x x x x x x x x
Ellie dozes for the first couple of hours of their flight. Lost in his own thoughts Shane doesn't notice her wake and is startled a little when she speaks.
“So who are you fighting next?”
“Kintaru.”
“Who? I thought I met everyone last night but don’t remember any Asian guys.”
“He’s not Asian. Like most Anarchy events he didn’t show up, he never shows up. It’s not surprising really, he’s stuck in the past so it’s little wonder he isn’t focussed enough on the present. He’s living approximately ten years ago when Genesis was still relevant.”
“He was in Genesis?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think he can introduce me to Phil Collins?”
“Don't be ridiculous Eleanor. He was in the wrestling federation Genesis and seems to think he still is. He spent years obsessing over a washed up has been Frank Samson, so much so he was practically driven mad. More recently he seems to have diverted his attention to D for reasons that I presume are because he’s the only other remaining remnant of the past he is so fond of. Well he’d better not get in my, D is mine to deal with.”
“Jeez Dad, lighten up. It’s a wrestling match, you’ll get your opportunity to face D and Kintaru can have his chance another week, what’s the big deal?"
“D is the big deal Ellie. He isn’t just some average Joe wrestler with ambitions to take my title away. He’s capable of far more than that – the man’s a killer!”
“Yoga boy, a killer? Pull the other one.”
“Yoga boy, why do you call him that?” Shane asks with a confused expression.
“I met him, last night at the arena. He was all twisted up like a pretzel, not half as twisted up as his girlfriend’s knickers when she saw me and Andi talking to him though. That bitch needs to seriously lighten up!”
“YOU MET D!” Exclaims Shane in alarm.
"Yeah, seems harmless enough. Apart from clearly wanting to stick his little d in Andi!"
Shane’s concern graduates towards anger. Andi Snow isn’t just getting his daughter pumped full of alcohol, now it transpires she’s exposing her to a man like D!
"D is dangerous, you stay away from him...AND stay away from that harlot Andi Snow!”
“Andi? You can’t tell me who to be friends with!”
Ellie folds her arms across her chest in a clearly defensive posture of defiance. She turns away from Shane as far as her seat allows with her legs sticking out into the aisle.
Shane fumes for a moment or two longer before speaking.
“I just don’t want you turning into a trollop like Andi Snow that’s all.”
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Oklahoma, USA
Ellie has left Shane to wait for their luggage. He doesn’t want her to be like Andi eh, well wait until he sees this! Ellie has visited a few of the airport shops and was surprised to find quite a lot of nice stuff. Now dressed in tight denim shorts and about to try on a tank top her Dad might blow a fuse when he sees her dressed just like Andi. Currently in the changing room she peels off her top to try on her most recent find, and that’s when she sees it - a tattoo!
“Oh fuck!” she whispers to herself.
Hoping it’s a temporary one she rubs it before licking her fingers and trying again but it isn’t budging. She examines it a little closer. On her wrist it’s actually quite pretty. A butterfly wing, very delicate, very dainty, it could have been far worse. Much as she can’t remember getting it done there’s no denying it’s presence. This trip to Valencia will be even more memorable than she thought!
She remembers what her Dad had said earlier ‘So you didn’t do anything silly?’ Oh God, he’s going to go crazy...good!”
She examines herself in the mirror. She can’t deny it, she looks hot. Who wouldn’t want to look and dress and act like Andi, she’s awesome. Ellie had never really had a role model before but Andi was fast becoming her idol. She smiles as she begins tying her hair up into a high ponytail before draping it over one shoulder.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x x X
The baggage carousel is taking an extraordinary long time to deliver the luggage. Shane waits patiently while Ellie has wandered off God knows where, still not talking to him. There’s a missed call on Shane’s phone, it’s from Gerry Peterson. Glancing around to check Ellie isn’t on her way back he sees the coast is clear and returns the call.
“Hey, have I got some news for you,” says Gerry on answering.
“That was quick. Go ahead what have you found out.”
“Did you know D was married?”
“Married, I thought he was getting wed to Lucchi?”
“Not still married, his wife died.”
“Ok, but I’m not sure how that helps me. I can’t exactly get to D through a dead wife.”
“The news isn’t about his wife and it’s not about her being dead - the news is HOW she died.”
“Go on…” prompts Shane.
“Childbirth.”
Gerry Peterson allows the news to sink in for a moment or two.
“There’s no official record of any infant deaths in the hospital his wife was in that day, which means…”
Shane finishes the sentence.
“The child lived!”
“Exactly,” confirms the P.I.
Shane smiles. A vulnerability. Is this something to be exploited, a potential weakness in the D armour?
“Where is the child?” Shane asks.
“I’m working on it.”
“What else do you know?”
“Flight records show he spends quite a bit of time in Scottsdale, Arizona.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Well unless he’s a keen golfer or enjoys a spa break I’m not sure what there is here for him but I’m here to find out.”
“You’re in Scottsdale?”
“Yep, in fact I’m hoping to have some more news for you imminently. Speaking of which I must go I’m kind of in the middle of something.”
The phone line goes dead leaving Shane lost in thought. Perhaps a man Shane had thought was almost untouchable did in fact have something that could get to him. When a man loves nothing including himself it’s very difficult to truly hit him where it hurts, perhaps D could be got at after all. His contemplation is cut off as another thought springs to mind ‘where on earth has Ellie got to?’ Is this her becoming more and more unreliable and flighty? Is this another of Andi Snow’s bad influences, the last person Shane wants her to emulate is hedonistic Andi Snow. Shane turns and sees her approaching.
She’s been shopping. Ellie is wearing a tight pair of blue denim shorts along with tennis shoes and a tight white tank top that’s tied at the front to reveal an expanse of bare midriff. She has her hair tied up in a high ponytail and it’s resting over one shoulder...she looks the spitting image of Andi Snow!!!
Shane eyes widen and his face goes a bright shade of beetroot at exactly the same time as he notices the tattoo on Ellie’s wrist. He stares at it intently, literally lost for words.
Ellie’s phone notification sounds and she checks it immediately.
“Oh…” she says.
Shane grabs the phone and looks. It’s a picture message from Andi. Andi and Ellie are standing together grinning from ear to ear holding their wrists close together towards the camera. On Andi’s wrist is one wing, on Ellie’s the other and when held together the tattoos make one complete butterfly.
“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” screams Shane as an entire airport full of people turn to stare.
X x x x x x x x x x x x x X
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pete Asquith’s breathing is heavy and his heart races in his chest. He’s been trapped in this coffin for hours, actually it may just be minutes but it certainly seems like hours from Pete’s perspective. He’s kicked and beaten the coffin walls until his feet and fists are sore. He’s been through at least three cycles of panic attack already. He’d heard a voice a moment ago though only one, seemingly it must have been a phone conversation. Suddenly the voice appears closer and louder as he can finally make out what is being said.
“Pete Asquith, I understand you’re only on the bottom rung of the criminal underworld but as I understand it as far as organised crime goes in this town, if it happens in Arizona, you will know about it. Is that true?”
It is true. Pete never had the nous to rise the ranks but had been a trusted member of the criminal fraternity for the past twenty years or more.
“What the fuck do you want? Get me out of here!”
“I want to know about an organisation I believe may have roots here in Scottsdale. Is there an organisation based here running a network of assassins?”
“What? Fuck off, just get me the hell out of this box!”
Gerry Peterson smiles with a shake of his head. It’s late at night in the crematorium and the lights are low. Before him, on a table top is a coffin, not in the ground but simply sitting safely on top of a table - Pete Asquith doesn’t know that though. Gerry puts his hand in the bucket that sits beside him and pulls out a handful of earth before throwing it at the coffin.
“WHAT THE FUCK!” Pete yells. “I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!”
“Really? I think you do...” Gerry pauses as he throws another handful of dirt over the coffin, “...and I guess there’s only one way to find out for sure.”
Two more handfuls of dirt are sprinkled onto the coffin lid.
“STOP THAT!”
“You can stop me at any time when you tell me what I need to know.”
Three more times dirt is thrown at the coffin.
“PLEASE, NO!”
“Beside you is a mobile phone Pete. When you’re buried you can call me with what I want to know at any time and I’ll come and dig you up - that’s if you get a mobile phone reception down there!”
Pete can be heard scrambling around for the phone.
“Who do you plan on calling Pete, the police? Where are you going to tell them you’re buried?”
“FUCK! Come on man, you can’t do this,” pleads Pete.
More dirt is thrown at the coffin.
“IT’S JUSTICE! FUCKING JUSTICE! NOW GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!”
Gerry Peterson smiles.
“Now we’re getting somewhere. Now we know you’re not keen on being buried alive I have a few more questions. When you’ve told me everything you know, you’ll be free to go - deal?”
Reluctantly Pete Asquith will say anything to get him out of this mess.
“Deal.”
