Part One. Loss

Chapter One: The meeting

Robert Noirson

It was the usual charity benefit and Robert Noirson was bored.

***

As the Son of the Devil he could have such fun as no human being could have. But appearing as a forty-two year old respectable businessman, Noirson had to follow general rules, pretending to be an ordinary man and only his closest partners and servants knew his real status.

Not for the first time Robert Noirson had been involved in a benevolent arrangement, so he knew the entire event thoroughly. Some speeches, some performances, he would write a check. Reporters would then take some pictures.

Easy, usual, boring. Robert tried not to yawn. He was the Beast, a wild animal, and only the Power of his father made him look like a man. This was why he did not understand the most of human entertainment and he watched the gymnastic performance with indifference.

But finally the leading girl attracted his attention; he liked her stern self-confidence. Her face looked familiar. Platinum blonde, she has a petite frame, but her muscles were toned from years as an athlete. Moving with hidden energy, she was like a genie in a bottle, and Robert Noirson got interested.

"Who's the girl in the green track-suit?" he asked his seat-mate.

"It's Maria Jablonskaia, Mary J." Father Frank smiled. "Our pride and joy. She could be a professional gymnast, but the poor girl has no ambitions!"

"Everybody has ambitions," Robert retorted derisively. "Just in different walks of life. Could you introduce me to her?"

"Sure, Mr. Noirson!" Mother Augusta joined them. "Mary is a good, obedient girl."

"Obedient, eh?" Robert’s eyes narrowed. "How obedient?"

"Well," Father Frank laughed nervously. "A little."

But Robert showed no interest in this subject any more.

Mary Jablonskaia

Mary finished her part and looked at her tutors, talking and casting glances at her. Propping his chin up with his fist, Noirson could not tear his eyes away from Mary.

Thinking she understood his glare, Mary became irritated. She had received "offers" from some wealthy men and even women a few times. Until today her intentional rudeness had kept them at bay.

But Mary had a lot of troubles. Her tutors urged her to accept those offers, and even punished her when she refused. Mary was worried that it was going to happen again.

Father Frank waved her over. "Mary, let me introduce you to Mr. Robert Noirson."

"Hello," Mary said through clenched teeth. "How's your wife?"

"She's doing fine," Robert smiled admiringly. He extended a hand.

"Sorry," Mary's face was stern. "My hands are clammy and smeared with talc."

"It's okay," Robert kept his arm beckoned. "You've done a great job!"

Mary sighed, "I have no choice," She thought clutching his hand. At the same time she did it, and their palms linked, Robert recalled where he had seen the same face before and he involuntarily gasped with amazement.

'She is a copy of the Saint Mary!' His inner voice whispered.

Maybe even a clone... thought Robert. My Father! She doesn't know about it!

Puzzled by his reaction, Mary carefully pulled her hand away, "I told you it's disgusting!"

But the involved Noirson did not release it. He understood that this girl had been made specially for him. He had been hooked, and clearly realizing this, he was thinking what he should do now.

"Would you be so kind?" Vexed, Mary harshly drew back her arm. "Let me go!"

"Mary!" Mother Augusta gasped with indignation.

"I need to talk to you." Noirson watched Mary's reaction.

"I don't wanna!" she answered impudently. "I'm tired and sweaty, I'd like to take a shower!"

"Mary, shame on you!" Father Frank could not resist himself any more. "You're defaming our orphanage!"

Mary's face turned red and she looked down.

"Hush!" Robert uttered tenderly. "Don't shout at the poor girl, she's tired. Go, Mary, take a shower and come back. I really need to talk to you. Privately."

Mary's heart gave a lurch. Drooping her head, she almost ran away. Near the exit door she looked back and saw Noirson writing a check. All hope seemed was cast down.

The Talk

Robert gave Mary an amazing glance: she entered the private room just as though it was a torture chamber: "What's the matter, Mary?"

The girl tossed her face: "My tutors said, you're paying for my campus apartment from now on."

"Yes. So what?" Noirson was wonder-struck.

"You're wrong if you think I'll be obedient because of your money!" She cried out.

Robert gasped, stepped towards the frightened Mary and grabbed her shoulders.

"How could you think about me this way?" He shook the girl. "You don't know me! We just met! Why did you think this outrageous thing about me?"

"I'm sorry," Mary J. was so surprised, she even stopped weeping. "I didn't mean to offend you. I was forced..." She gazed at Noirson with curiosity as an angry roar escaped from the Robert's lips. "Are you gonna kill my tutors? You look so mad!"

"Don't worry," Noirson released the girl and grinned. "I'll be right back!" And he went away. Cheered up Mary smiled. Her composure returned.

Robert was not absent for long. When he came back, Mary saw his livid face and felt pity.

"I'm sorry," She repeated and asked. "What have you done with them?"

"Don't worry, they'll never disturb you again. I just reminded them of their bad deeds. There is a skeleton in every house."

"You can read thoughts?" Mary got interested. "Can you find my "skeleton"?"

"You've got it, birdie!" a strange smile curved the thin lips of Robert. "That fool Frank thinks you have no ambitions. Hah! You want to be Jesus's mate, don't you? You want to mate with the Messiah, eh? Why did you blush? You're a beautiful sinless Jew, so why not?"

"I'm Russian."

"Yes, you were born in Moscow. But if your mother is a Jew, you are a Jew too. Look, I'm really charmed with your self-confidence! Can I hug you or do you think I'm going to rape you?"

"No, it's okay. I'm thankful to you."

It was a father-like hug. Mary finally calmed down, she melted with a feeling of security and peace. Noirson unclasped his arms, and Mary J. felt a loss.

"Mary, I showed you I'm not an ordinary man. Now do you believe me?"

"I believe you and I will trust you."

"Mary, you are not human. You are an angel in the human form."

"Many times people have called me 'angel'," Mary burst out laughing. "But I always thought it was just a figure of speech... Wait a minute! How do you know? Are you an angel too?"

"Well," Robert faltered. "Sort of. Look, Mary, I'm a really busy man, but I want to talk to you. Could you give me two hours a day, maybe more, I'm not sure. But two hours I'll try to get. I promise, we'll meet only in public places. Is it okay with you?"

Mary nodded.

"Great! Tomorrow, wait for me in the Green Streets cafe, it's just across your street, between the McDonalds and the book-shop."

"I've got it."

"Wait for me until 1:00 p.m. if I'm able to make it, I'll come. And, I'm going to use your time so I'll pay for it, thirty dollars an hour. Is that okay with you?"

"Do you mean sixty dollars per day?"

"Some day, there may be more, if I'm able... Ah, do you want more? I'll pay you cash and you won't have to pay any tax... Oh you little Scroogette! Don’t forget, I'm paying for your campus apartment?"

"Okay, deal!" Mary smiled and shook his hand.

The first date

That morning Mary woke up in her new apartment. She opened her eyes and could not determine for a moment if she was dreaming or if it was real. Her entire bedroom was decorated with flowers.

She got up, ran to the living room, to the kitchen... Flowers, flowers everywhere... Even in the bathroom.

Mary called the security service: "It's 7-26. By whom and at what time were the flowers delivered to me?"

"Sorry, miss, what do you mean? Nobody came inside."

Mad, Mary threw the receiver.

***

At 11 a.m. Mary J. went to the cafe.

The table had been reserved. Mary sat by the window and took a menu. But when she saw the prices, she nearly jumped out of her chair. Mary had never visited a luxury cafe and she was astonished. Nevertheless she hoped that if Noirson had invited her here, he would also pay for her meal. Mary ordered a juice and salad, and waited. She was still very angry about the flowers and was preparing a few harsh words.

But Robert was late and Mary had plenty of time to calm down. She was looking through the window at the endless stream of people and traffic.

***

It was already 1:00 p.m., but Mary decided to wait a few minutes longer.

At 1:03 p.m. a limousine stopped at the front of the cafe. A man opened the door and Noirson quickly got out.

The eyes of Mary J. flashed with joy. For the first time in her lonely life somebody stood up for her and she felt more than just gratitude for Robert.

Mary observed Noirson speaking on his cell-phone. At about six feet tall, with dark brown hair, Robert was very slender and elegant. He moved with masculine grace. When he was turning, his refined body curved like a snake, and his stylish business suit only emphasized this likeness.

Mary involuntarily recalled the Bible: 'The Serpent, the Tempter, the First Snake.' And she smiled. Noirson impressed her, but unlike most women, she was not afraid of snakes, and she was a strong believer in God, strong enough to fight Satan.

Robert looked at his watch and entered the cafe. Mary waved, and a smiling Noirson came to her. Two hefty men followed him and sat at the next table. She gazed at them with curiosity, then playfully glanced at Robert.

"Did you send one of those guys to bring the flowers to me?" She asked. "You did grease the palm of the security guards in my building. Didn't you?"

"No, birdie, I'll explain." Noirson ordered his meal to the waitress and turned to Mary again. "I wanted your first morning in the new apartment to be special. So, I just did this!" He snapped his fingers, and Mary gasped, when she saw a cute tiny corsage of lilies of the valley appeared on her plate.

"Wow!" Mary J. admired the flowers, then looked again at the men at the next table. "Are you always with bodyguards?"

"I have to be." Robert's face was serious. "I have too many enemies."

"They are both so beautiful, I thought all bodyguards looked like gorillas."

"Not necessarily, kitten..." Noirson did not finish. He wanted to say: "I only use things of the highest quality." But he was afraid she would misunderstand this.

"Especially, that left one," Mary continued. "His face is so intelligent, he looks like a senator, or some kind of professor..."

"His name is Roger Slay, and he's more than just my bodyguard. He's my helper, my valet and butler. The man that next to him is Jack Leclerc, the chief of my security service."

"What a name your butler has!" Mary laughed. "Is he an assassin or something?"

"Something." Noirson smiled. "Look, little lamb, I have an awfully tense life. Sometimes it's just vitally necessary to have such a guy by my side."

"Cool," Mary's eyes were iridescent with interest. "And do you even take them when you're on a date?"

"Did you think this meeting was a date?" Robert stared at her, and Mary blushed. "Oh, girl, you're not just beautiful, you're smart also! It's a very rare combination, I'm simply charmed."

"Mr. Noirson, please, don't say such things. You're a married man and not supposed to have dates."

"Look, Mary, if I'm looking for a relationship to "spice up" my life, I'd call an "escort girl." I called you, because you are not an ordinary person. You were surprised with my abilities, but you have no less than I do! I'd like to teach you how to use them. So, could you, please, just call me `Robert` and not remind me about my marital status? Sweetie, it hurts badly, believe me!"

"I'm sorry, mist... R o b e r t," Mary voiced slowly, and liked the sound of his name. "Why does it hurt?"

"Some day I'll tell you... Okay, bunny, tell me, how do you like your new apartment?"

***

Roger Slay had already answered a few phone calls. He looked at his watch then at his Master. Robert was still talking with Mary and from time to time they would burst out laughing.

Roger hesitated, consulted with Jack and finally came to their table: "I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we have to go. We've been here longer than we had planned."

Noirson looked at his watch, whistled and his face showed his upset. Mary felt pity and stroked his arm: "It's okay, Robert. I have a lesson pretty soon, I have to go also. I'll see you tomorrow, I hope?"

Noirson took her hand and the she understood, he wanted to kiss it, but did not dare. Then Mary resolutely stretched her arm out and smiled with pleasure when Robert's lips touched her fingers.

Jerry

Sixteen years old, a blue-eyed blonde Jerry was very attractive and not only to women.

But having been very straight since he was a kid, Jerry had learned to defend himself. He worked out every day, stealing money to pay for his training, and he was eleven the first time he handled a gun.

Yet the first time he killed somebody it was only four years later. Jerry and three of his pals caught a girl on the parking lot and they raped her. If she had kept silent, they honestly would have let her go, but she started to cry and threaten them. Jerry did not like noises and he grabbed his gun and shot her down. And when one of his pals became nervous about that, he shot him too.

The teenager was surprised at how easy it was and thought that it was a wonderful solution for almost any problem.

In the meantime Jerry had just turned sixteen, but he already had a police record like few experienced criminals had, including robberies and burglaries, guns and drug trade, suspected in a few rapes and even a few murders. The cool, but cruel demeanor Jerry showed in fulfilling the orders of his boss was legendary, even among the hardened criminals.

***

That day, when the boss called for him, Jerry was happy. Just two days ago the boss had arranged a really nice birthday party for him. The boss treated him very respectably, as an adult member and the grateful teenager was ready to go through fire and water for him.

Today's task was not easy. They had to deliver "stuff", the first batch at least, but the police were alerted, and if anyone was able to do that, it was he, Jerry. He had only lived in that city for a few months and policemen had not noticed him yet.

The "operation"

When Ray Desross, the police officer, noticed a familiarity in the teenager's face, he immediately called out to him. The lad came close and smiled. He was very tall, almost as tall as Ray was, his big dark blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires and the policeman was temporarily dazzled. His own daughter looked very similar, and he forgot where else he could have seen that tender and child-like face before.

"Are you new here?" He asked. "I've never seen you before."

"It's summer vacation, officer." The teenager did not show any fear or worry. "I'm visiting my brother here, sir."

"Okay, take care." Desross watched him as he walked away.

Suddenly he saw Todd, his partner. He ran, he drew his gun.

"Freeze!" Todd shouted. The teenager flung himself into a side street. The policeman fired, but did not get him.

"My God!" shocked, Ray addressed to his partner. "Todd, he's just a kid!"

"Are you drunk or what?" Todd stared at him with amazement. "That "kid" killed our colleague in Cleveland! Why did you let him go?"

Desross gasped, and called himself an idiot.

***

Although Jerry had lived here just a few months, he was already familiar with this part of the city. When he realized that he had been exposed he turned and went down a dead end street with an iron-barred gate. He pushed himself through the gate. His gun got stuck between those bars, the teenager took it away and smiled, recalling "Terminator-2", the movie. He felt no fear, just pleasant excitation. No adult could squeeze through the same way.

But just a couple of blocks farther Jerry saw them again. Now one more policeman had joined Ray and Todd.

Jerry started getting angry. It was already nighttime, and the teenager grabbed the back of a passing truck and was sure he would be able get away. But today was not his lucky day. Some stupid or drunk driver turned into the one way street and the headlights of the car lit up Jerry.

The policemen shouted and grabbed their guns. The teenager jumped off the truck and saw the building with outside fire steps. He rushed up, feeling how the pursuers were getting closer and closer.

Upstairs the third policeman almost caught him. Jerry turned and shot, his hand did not falter and the hit of the bullet caused the policeman fall from the roof. Ray and Todd fired too, but Jerry had already gone down on the other side of the building.

***

Running away, Jerry had passed three blocks already, and for the first time in his life he started to panic. He was lost - this part of the city was new to him - and he could not find any place to hide. He could not shake them off, and any second their backup would be able to hem him in.

Finally, Jerry saw a building and he noticed an open window on the second floor. He was agile like a monkey and got up very easily. The couple on the bed were making love, but he showed them his gun and the young people kept silent.

Jerry did not want to take any risks and ordered the guy to tie his girlfriend up, and then Jerry tied the youth. He closed the window and kept his eyes on the street. He was not familiar with this part of the city and was worried. He saw how the policemen passed the building and then went back, and he understood that the street was a dead end. Finally, they were gone and Jerry sighed with relief.

He gazed at the couple. The helpless girl on the bed looked very tempting. After such stress Jerry needed to relax. Lying on the floor, her boyfriend was tied securely and the teenager did not see a reason to suppress his desire. Scared to death, the girl did not even try to resist.

After, when he had got that he wanted, smiling Jerry left the apartment. He was sure luck was on his side.

But he was on duty and should have stayed alert. However, the pursuit after him made the teenager tired and that last action took away almost all his remaining strength. He felt sleepy and he disregarded the danger. Without checking he went to the street and almost collided with Ray and Todd.

He screamed and rushed to the first alley between the buildings and realized at once that he had been trapped. It was a dead end and only a big trash container was here. The teenager heard the two cops radio the other officers and he felt despair.

Suddenly a new plan came upon Jerry. He started calling the names of the policemen, he was mocking and threatening them.

"Look, kid!" Ray Desross shouted. "Don't make things worse! Just come here with your hands up!"

"Try and make me!" Jerry laughed.

Holding their guns, the policemen carefully walked into the alley. Although the trash container was really big and most adults would have trouble handling it, Jerry was well trained, very strong, and more important, he was scared and mad. The huge pile of the trash fell onto the policemen and the teenager tried to run away.

But Todd was buried just to his chest and he clutched Jerry's leg. The teenager fell down. He screamed and kicked Todd, yet the policeman did not release him. His other arm moved out from under the trash and Jerry thought Todd held a gun, but it was a set of cuffs and that scared the teenager even more.

He grabbed his gun and shot the policeman. He kept firing until the gun was empty. He did not hear Ray scream, calling his partner's name and making his way out. Jerry kicked the dead policeman again, freed his leg, and sprang up. But Desross shot a few times and Jerry collapsed. He wriggled, unsuccessfully trying to get up, and then lay still.

Keeping him on the point of his gun, Ray slowly approached. The teenager was still alive, but Desross was a professional and he understood that Jerry was wounded fatally. His childish wide-opened naive eyes urged the policeman to feel pity. He put his gun away and bent over the teenager to check him out.

And Jerry stabbed Desross in the belly with his knife. Well aimed, that strike was certainly mortal and they both realized it. They heard sirens and saw flashing lights of oncoming police cars, but it was no matter for them now. Jerry hit Desross again and again. Amazed, Ray just stared at his murderer. Desross did not understand, how he, an experienced policeman, was able to make such a mistake. He knew that he was dying and he thought about his daughter.

A smile was on the beautiful lips of the teenager. But it was a smile of death.

The offer

He was Beyond. And he saw numberless awful things that living human beings could not even imagine.

Many, many times he went close to those horrifying events and he felt intolerable despair and terror. But all the time something like a strong hand led him away, and he saw new and boundless nightmares.

***

Jerry opened his eyes, and at first he did not understand where he was. Suddenly he sensed pain again, he felt bandages and catheters and he realized he was in a hospital.

A man was siting near him and looking at him very attentively.

"Hi Jerry," the man said with deep low voice. "How do you like the place that you've just visited?"

"Which place?" Jerry asked with effort.

The man smiled: "It was Hell, Jerry. And you're going to that place. And all those events are waiting for you. You're dying, poor boy."

"No," Jerry licked his lips and looked around the ward. "Where are the doctors? Why aren't they trying to heal me?"

"They tried their best." The man snorted. "But they are just humans. Besides, why do you want them to cure you? You're going to have a lethal injection or get the chair. Which do you prefer?"

And Jerry wept. He cried like a child. Damn, he was a child! He was just sixteen and did not want to die.

"Oh, Jerry, what did you expect? Did you think you would go to Heaven, doing such things? Who forced you?" Robert Noirson waited for Jerry's answer with curiosity. And he was pleasantly surprised.

"You're right." The teenager sighed. "Nobody forced me. I chose this path myself."

"I like your way of thinking." Robert smiled. "So, how do you like the place that you've seen? How do you like Hell?"

"How the fuck do you know, what I saw?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Noirson shook his head. "I'm a respectable creature, boy! Don't use such language when you're talking to me!"

"Okay, sir," the teenager replied derisively. "Could you explain, how do you know, what I saw in my delirium?"

"Because, I'm the manager of that place."

The teenager stared at Noirson. "Are you the Devil?"

"No, I'm just His Son. I did not say I'm the owner of that place. I said, I'm just the manager here, on Earth and there in Hell."

"And you wanna get my soul?"

"Don't be so naive!" Robert laughed. "I already have it! With my abilities, I don't need servants at all, but I don't like to waste the Power. So, if something can be done without using that, I prefer that way. And, well, I must follow some rules. One of them is that before I "hire" someone, I have to tell him this: you can release yourself from me if you sincerely repent or commit something "noble", and..." Noirson stopped for a second and said with visible effort and spite. "And I must tell you, it happens sometimes! But I don't think you're such a person."

For a few minutes they were silent, thinking about that. The teenager checked his feelings. He really was not sorry, and more so, recalling the cop, which he killed last, Jerry sensed such anger that he surprised himself.

Reading his thoughts, Robert smirked and continued: "Here is one warning: if you die in fire, voluntary or accidentally you'll not go to Hell, you'll just not exist until the Day of Judgment, when we all will answer for our actions."

The gloomy anxiety in Noirson's voice made the teenager smile.

"Well," he said. "for everything you do you have to pay for, right?"

"Oh, you're such a brave boy, eh?" Robert's eyes glinted. "I like your personality, Jerry! I like your sense of responsibility; and here is my offer: I promise to you my patronage and caring as long as you are faithful to me. I know, you weren't so clever to be a leader, however, you're smart enough to be a good soldier. All that I ask, is your submission. So, what will it be?"

"I'm hurting." Jerry responded dismally. "I don't know when I'll be able to be in good condition."

Robert sighed. He touched Jerry and the teenager gasped. The pain was gone and these bandages and catheters fell off instantly.

Unbelieving, Jerry sprang up, raced to the mirror and threw off his gown. He stared at his beautiful, youthful body, it was healthy again and had no scars.

Very, very slowly the teenager walked to Noirson and knelt: "My Lord! My life is in Your hands!"

And Robert smiled with self-satisfaction.

***

It had happened almost three years ago.

Now nineteen years old, Jerry was the youngest member of Robert's security force. Noirson "hired" him just four months ago and it was the first time someone had gone from being a nobody to one of the closest servants in one step. Skillful and smart, Jerry was the best in the training camp and his unlimited devotion to Robert was well known.

Very tall, Jerry had a great body for his age, and it was gaining the hard solidity of full manhood.

In contrast, his clean-shaven face was still tender and girl-like. In the camp he grew his hair, and now, when his thick wavy mane, the color of fallen leaves, was loose, it flowed down below his shoulders, he looked like a viking or some kind of deity from a Scandinavian saga. But at work he always tied his hair into a ponytail. The big dark blue eyes shaded with long eyelashes, and his plum, refined lips made him even more attractive than before, and his natural, wild masculine beauty impressed people.

The impression

While waiting for Ron, his head partner, Jerry was lying on his bed and smoking. He did not even take off his shoes, and had lain right on the bedclothes. He observed the maid doing the room. She did not look at Jerry, and he felt vexed.

Jerry got up, came closer and lightly pinched the maid.

"Nice rump, girl!" He smiled and waited for her reaction.

She calmly turned to him and looked right into his eyes.

"Keep your hands to yourself, boy." She retorted derisively. "If you wanna boink someone, go to the building C, fourth floor."

"What if I wanna boink you?"

"I'd like to see you try!" She snored.

"Oh, yeah? Are you superwoman?" Jerry got angry. "I can take you with one hand!" He shouted, however, did not touch her.

"Go ahead!" She challenged. "I'll not resist, you mountain of muscles! I'm not a virgin, I'll lose nothing! But you will be in deep, deep shit! Mr. Noirson protects all his servants, you stupid ape!"

Jerry choked with rage, and who knows, what could have happened next, but in that moment Ron entered the room: "Let's go, partner!"

"Fuck you, bitch!" Irritated, Jerry went to the door.

"In your dreams, baby!" She burst out laughing.

Mad, Jerry spun to her, but Ron pushed him outside: "Control yourself!"

More than twice as old as Jerry, he was a little shorter than his youthful partner, however, built more solidly. Swarthy, with black hair, Ron had a thick, carefully trimmed mustache and piercing brown eyes. He was a demon in the human form, and Robert Noirson Robert had chosen him to mentor Jerry.

"Look, pal!" Ron reproachfully shook his head. "Behaving like that will get you in big trouble one day!"

"Where are we going?" Jerry wanted to change the subject.

"Wherever the Master will send us." Ron smiled and said quietly, "He's going on date."

"With that nunette?" Jerry giggled. "I can imagine!" He put his hands together as for prayer and lifted his eyes.

***

To his surprise she was wearing shorts and sports top.

He leered at her legs as usual. Too muscular, Jerry noted. He did not like that. The waist isn't bad... Mmmmmm, great tits! What a lucky guy my Master is. Jerry thought. Interesting, C size or D?

"Nice to meet you!" the girl said to him, and he finally looked at her face.

Her succulent lips and golden fluffy hair made Jerry crazy. The world around him disappeared.

"Are you okay?" this guy gave her such a strange glare that Mary was amazed. "What's wrong?"

She glanced at Robert. He did not reply, just stared at his youthful servant.

Mary J. could not even imagine how she lucky was, having been under Noirson's protection. She would have been in grave danger if Jerry had met her just one week ago.

But for him she was now taboo.

The youthful security guard kept silent, and being worried, Ron gently poked him in his back.

"Sorry, Miss Jablonsky!" Jerry uttered. "Too much sun today. I'm at your service!"

***

Mary and Robert sat at the alley bench. Ron and Jerry placed themselves a short distance away from them to watch all approaches.

"That's not fair." Jerry was talking as in delirium. "I was living in this damn city during the last four months. I could have met her first!"

"Stop it, Jerry!" Ron was horrified. "She's His girl!"

"I know..." Jerry moaned. "If she was even the President's girlfriend, it wouldn't stop me! But she's His girl... If Mr. Noirson orders me to, I'll kill her, you, myself, my own mother, whoever! And my hand won't falter, I swear! But nobody can forbid me to wait. How long have they been dating? Just a few days! Maybe He'll change His mind..."

"Don't count on that, buddy. I know the Master too well."

"Maybe they will break up! I'll be waiting... While there is life, there is hope..."

"Yeah, correct. While there is life..." Ron sighed.

Max

In the servant's bar Jerry took a beer and a snack and stared at the TV. He did not understand that he was watching. All he could think about was Mary.

"Hey, Jerry!" one servant called him. "Why are you so crooked?"

"Go to Hell!" Jerry snarled mechanically. He was imagining what kind of fun he could have with that girl.

"Look, buddy, it's not good for your health. You're too young to throw down a beer every day!"

"Prove it!" Jerry grinned. "In my Id I'm twenty three!"

Three security guards not far away from Jerry were whispering to each other.

"You're kidding, Max! Impossible!"

"It's true. I'll show you. Let's go, guys, you'll see!"

They moved, so that Jerry would be able to hear them.

"You know, Fred," Max started loudly. "Mary Jablonskaia has a walk around her building every night..."

"Oh, yeah?" Jerry credulously turned to them. "Why?"

"Probably, she wants to meet you!" the servant impudently laughed right into Jerry's face.

Realizing that he had been tricked the youthful security blushed with anger, yet he was not drunk enough to lose control of himself and start a fight. He was new and alone. Those guys were professionals and waited for his reaction. They were alert and Jerry did not want to be beaten.

He silently drained his glass, then got up and left the bar. Behind he heard the guffaw, but he did not look back.

The Threat

Three months had passed as if only a few days. "Two hours" sometimes became a whole day. Noirson started to neglect his duties and his partners finally got worried.

***

As all wild animals Robert Noirson slept lightly, and the voices in the next room woke him up.

"I said, you can go inside only over my dead body!" Roger Slay was hissing. "The Master is sleeping and my duty is to let him rest, no matter who wants to disturb him!"

"What the hell's going on?" wearing a dressing gown, Noirson came out of his bedroom.

He saw Becker, his tutor and supervisor. Stubby, but imposing and dignified, John Becker was in his mid sixties. As the President of the Noirson's Corporation, he managed all business and affairs. Besides, Becker was the uncle of Robert's wife, and Noirson got confused.

"John, I'm very tired, could we talk tomorrow?"

"No, my dear boy! We have to talk right now!"

Slay gazed at his Master. The demon in a human body, Roger Slay, was ready to do anything for the Son of the Devil, and Robert hesitated for a second. He was so fatigued that he even thought how tempting it was to order Roger to kick John out of the room and go to sleep again. But his sense of duty and respect for Becker compelled Noirson to take control of himself.

"Okay, John," Robert sighed, nodded to Slay and sat on the chair. "What's the matter?"

"Have you lost your mind?" Becker looked at his ward with rage. "When did you last read the Report?"

"Last night on my way home."

"And what? Did you call? Did you fix it?"

"I made a call. But sorry, I'm out of the Power for today, I'll do it tomorrow, I promise."

"Again? What did you show her today? Dinosaurs? Volcanoes?"

"Egypt!" Noirson tried to smile. "You know, the Sphinx..."

"Silence!" Becker pounded the table. "Did you waste twenty-four hour's portion of your Power just to impress that young thing, with whom you didn't even sleep?"

"I was really close to that today..." Robert smiled and closed his eyes.

***

It was an extremely hot day and they decided to go to beach.

However, soon Robert understood it was a bad idea. He saw the drops of her sweat and water, and grains of sand glittered brilliantly on her almost naked body, he lost the line and barely saved the conversation.

But when the vanilla ice-cream that Mary was eating, started to melt and dripped on her breasts, Noirson said to himself: "That's it!" And they left the beach.

***

Now Robert recalled those sights and moaned with admiration and desire.

"Robert, my boy, you're sick."

"All work and no fun make Robert a dull boy. I'm just happy!"

"Sir, business before pleasure! You are here on duty! Remember that! And my duty is to help the plenipotentiary of Satan whoever that is."

"And what? John, I told you, I'm tired and awfully want to sleep! I don't understand your hints!"

"Better if you will understand. None so deaf as those who won't hear. Okay, let's get it straight! I have to ask you, do you really think you are irreplaceable?"

The eyes of the Beast opened widely. "Is that a threat?"

"No, sir, just a warning."

"You don't mean it, John," Noirson asked quietly. All his drowsiness was gone at once. "Do you?"

"I do mean it, sir."

Noirson hung his head.

"Robert, please," Becker tenderly hugged his ward. "Just be a good boy, all the pleasures on Earth and in Hell are yours!"

"How about Heavenly enjoyment?"

"Robert, my darling, don't fall between two stools! It's very dangerous, trust me."

Noirson did not reply.

"Okay, Robert, go to bed, my boy. I love you, dear, and only wish you well." Becker patted Noirson's shoulders and went away.

But for a long time Robert was still sitting, thinking about this conversation.

The Proposal

Noirson knew that Mary had fallen for him. It was easy to make her feel love for him. And now, after Becker's threat Robert decided to take the next step.

***

When Noirson offered to take Mary for a ride in his limousine she did not hesitate for long. The huge black car, as long as a winter night, impressed her. Gary, the driver, respectfully opened wide a door. Robert gallantly helped Mary get inside.

But when the door slammed, Mary shook, she felt trapped. This was the first time they were alone together. Noirson clearly understood her concerns and sat as far away as was possible.

***

As usual, Robert gave Mary all his attention. He asked the girl about her day, told her about his day in a funny way. He told jokes and short stories, showed her some tricks and carefully gave her compliments.

He took the emptiness from Mary with a corsage of flowers. Although Mary saw it as a trick and it was not the first time, it impressed her again. But now she started playing the capricious girl. Robert smiled, woke up to her game and started rearranging the flowers. They played this game for almost an hour.

When the game turned boring, Noirson opened the bar and poured Mary a glass with red liquid. Mary smelled it mistrustfully: "It's wine! What did you do, Robert! I'll be twenty one only in the September!"

"Wine?" Noirson raised his eyebrows. "Sorry, kid." He touched the glass and the liquid changed color. Mary carefully smelled it again: "It's water! Oh, Robert, can I try to do it?"

"Yep. Try to make a soda."

"Dr. Pepper!" Mary closed her eyes and concentrated. Robert smacked her in her cheek.

"Oh!" the girl opened her eyes. "You disturbed me! Bad boy!"

"Oh, my queen! Be gracious to your slave! The doctor is here."

The liquid in the glass was brown and had bubbles.

Mary took a sip of this and sighed: "I wanna do it all by myself."

"Maybe next time, but now, would you like to see another miracle?"

Mary nodded.

"Look at the window! Do you see a reflection of my car in the shop-window? Now you see it, now you don't."

Mary gasped: the reflection disappeared. The girl felt how the car smoothly lifted into the air and turned. Mary slid along the seat to Noirson. They embraced each other, and it was their first real kiss.

Mary felt sweet dizziness. "Oh, Robert," she murmured. "I'm so, so happy!"

"My little angel, I'm happy too... We can be happy all the time. Together." He tenderly kissed the rigid girl. "Do you understand me? Would you marry me?"

Her face turned stony. She carefully extracted herself from his arms.

"I had a great time, Mr. Noirson." She said coldly. "Could you just drive me home?"

The car returned to Earth. As did Robert. He was taken aback, and he did not understand what was going on. He knew Mary loved him and did not expect to hear a refusal.

He was so visibly shocked that Mary felt pity. She recalled some stuff that she heard about a male's insides. She took his hand and pressed it to her chest: "I'll be your friend..." And added hesitatingly: "Even a girlfriend if you'll wish. If you need sex..."

"I already have a girlfriend!" Robert sharply pulled his hand back. "And if I only want sex I use a prostitute!"

Now it was Mary's turn to be amazed. Her sheepish eyes forced Noirson to make excuses.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Robert got confused. "Forget what I said! Your absurd, vulgar, unworthy of you offer outraged me more than your refusal!"

Trembling with sobs, Mary hid her face in her hands.

"Look, baby, why did you refuse?" Noirson asked tenderly. "Don't you like me? Am I too old for you?"

"Oh, Robert!" Mary stopped weeping. "You talk nonsense! You're not old for me and I... I like you... Oh, who am I kidding? I do love you, Robert Noirson. Oh, I love you so much! But you're a married man..."

"Stop!" Robert grabbed her hands. "Look into my eyes. Tell me the truth. Is my marital status the only reason for your refusal?"

"Only?" Mary was amazed. "For me this reason is not just only, it's decisive!"

"Come on, kitten! We're living in a civilized country. I want a divorce."

"Sorry, Robert, but you know, it's not the way for me: 'What God has yoked together let no man put apart.'"

"Listen, Mary, so many times you asked me about my life. Now I'm ready to tell you everything. You can't imagine what kind of abilities I have! The whole world is in my hands!

"But that is the reason why an entire sect exists, whose members have sworn to kill me. They know what there is the only one way to kill or even harm me, and it's by using one of six special made daggers. They've tried many times! I’ve captured these daggers and keep them in my prayer room.

"About my wife... I am a businessman, honey. You know our society. You have to be a family guy to have a good reputation. It's suspicious, if a man is still single after thirty. My tutor and supervisor John Becker gave me his niece Monica and I was forced to marry her. We never loved each other! It's a sham marriage! I swear! She only wanted money!"

"But you have a son!"

"We adopted Dylon, he is nineteen now."

Mary did not respond. Robert sighed and continued with a visible effort: "But I beg you, never, never you have to listen to anyone who says anything about me or my past! You know, it's possible to turn everything upside down and show it in the false light..." His voice was heavy with grief and depression, in his eyes Mary saw such a great sorrow that she promised at once: "I swear, I swear! Don't worry... Oh, please, Robert! I'll do it, honest."

He took her hands. Noirson was thinking. Having the wisdom of thousand of years experience he was able to find an exit in almost any situation, and now a new idea came upon to him.

"Mary, my little flower, would you be my official fiancée?" Robert asked. "My marriage is just civil, but I'd like to register the relationship with you in the church. If you agree, I promise, I swear, not to pressure you for sex or marriage! But I want to have rights on you..." Noirson stopped short and dared to use even the word that he was afraid the most. "I want to pronounce you as mine in front of the people and God... If you refuse this proposal too, I'll kill myself!" Robert felt it sounded too dramatic, and he thought he overdid it. But the young girl might fall for this.

"Look," Mary's face was pale. "You said so much, I need to think about it, okay?"

"Okay," Robert sighed. "Would you like to look at the dagger?"

"No!" Mary screamed, but thought about it and changed her mind. "Yes, show me."

Noirson opened the safe and took the dagger out.

"Be careful," He warned. "Don't touch the blade. It's extremely sharp."

Mary gasped. The size of the dagger shocked the sensitive girl. The blade was longer than ten inches.

"Jesus Christ..." Mary moaned. She felt dizzy and dropped the dagger.

Noirson picked it up and put it back in the safe. The girl threw himself to Robert and emotionally embraced him. She was shaken.

***

The limousine stopped at a red light. Suddenly Mary heard screams and looked through the window. A blue car swept past by their car. Pedestrians on the crosswalk dispersed in all directions. But one young man was not quick enough. The car hit him and his body rolled towards the buildings. The blue car did not stop.

Forgetting everything, Mary got out of the limousine and ran to the man. He was lying near a wall. He was wearing a cheap, but neat business suit that was now spattered with blood. He was still holding his briefcase. He was bleeding from his nose and ears.

Mary tried to check his pulse. His head lay at an unnatural angle and the girl understood it meant a broken neck. Mary turned her face and saw Noirson. He slowly came through the crowd.

"Oh, Robert! It's so awful!" Mary sighed. "He's gone..."

"I know him... Oh, my Gosh! I knew him!" a fat lady said. "He was my neighbor, Lloyd Puling. Oh, his wife, Jessica... Poor one! And his son, he's just four! Every evening the boy met his father after work, he climbed on him like a little monkey...Oh, the poor guy..."

Mary looked at Robert with tears in her eyes. Suddenly he smiled.

"Step back everybody!" his deep low voice silenced everyone. The crowd stepped back.

Robert raised both his hands: "My beloved Father, glorify your name!"

A monstrous, mighty voice answered him: "I have glorified it and will glorify it again. You are my Son, the beloved, that whom I have approved."

Some people screamed, and almost all knelt.

"This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." Noirson continued to quote the bible. He stepped forward and touched the dead man. "Young man, I say to you, get up!"

Everybody gasped when the man moved, sat up and rubbed his head: "What happened?"

The crowd gasped as one and then cheered. But Robert and Mary saw only each other.

" I'll be Your fiancée," Mary was talking as if in a trance. "I'll be Your wife. I'll do anything You wish..."

Like Cinderella

They returned to the car.

Mary was silent for a few minutes then asked: "Can you resuscitate everybody?"

"Except those who have been burnt to death. However, I can cure any burns or scalds."

"Are you... Are you... "Mary panted and started to quote the Bible: "'Really, the One... Or is there a different one, for whom we should wait?'"

"'The blind are receiving sight," smiling smugly, Robert continued the quotation. "The dead are being raised up.' Is that enough for you?"

"I can't believe," Mary was talking with unlimited pride. "You chose me! Of course, I'm sinless, but such a Honor..."

"Could you stop talking for a while?"

Mary submissively became silent.

"What time is it?" Robert looked at his watch, thought for a few seconds and continued. "Okay, I hope we have enough time. Listen, Mary, we can go to the church right now, and after our betrothal we need to be separated for a while... By the way, do you know Deborah Perkiness? She goes by the last name Niekamp now."

"Yes, she was on our team, but I've never met her personally."

"No matter, we are good friends. She invited me to her party tonight and I have additional invitation for a partner. Try to guess who I'm going to bring?"

"Your wife?"

"No, my fiancée, the girl whom I love so much. You. Here's your invitation."

Mary gasped, she felt like Cinderella.

"You should go there first. I have some business to attend to. I'll come later."

"I don't have a 'good' dress."

"There is your dress." Robert held out a box. "After church I'll drop you off, you'll have to change into your dress and rent a car." Noirson gave Mary a credit card. "Use it. It's yours now."

"How about your wife? What's her name? Monica?"

"Of course, she won't come, don't worry, sweetie. What time does the party start? Ah, 7:30. I hope we can make it."

Mary did not complain. She promised to be obedient and listen to Robert always and everywhere.

***

But she broke her word only a few hours later. She did not rent a car. She called a taxi.

When they came closer to the gate the cab driver looked back at Mary and asked doubtfully: "Are you sure, young lady? Is this the place you're looking for?"

"Did you check the address?"

"Yep, it's the same... Okay, let's try."

The surprised security guard took her invitation with suspicion. He made a call and despite her self-confidence Mary got worried.

Only when the gate opened and the cab smoothly moved along the driveway, the girl sighed with relief and put on her jewelry.

***

"Mary? Mary J.? Is it really you?" The smiling Deborah greeted her. "Of course, I was just wondering who'd come in a cab..."

"Why not?" Mary asked surprised.

"My dear," Deborah said quietly. "Nobody comes a reception like mine in public transport. It's just improper. You could wear jeans and have the same effect."

Mary's face went red.

"It's okay, hon, I do understand. It's your first time, isn't it? By the way, how did you get the invitation?"

"Try to guess!"

"It's easy. Your 'big catch', your lover gave it to you, didn't he?"

"We're not lovers," Mary retorted calmly.

"Of course, of course! The man who could give a dress worth eight grand certainly couldn't be a lover."

"What?" Wide-eyed Mary gasped. "Does my dress cost eight thousand bucks?"

"Relax, dolly, your earrings cost more."

"The jewels of course, but a dress?"

"Don't worry, babe, some collection dresses can be much more expensive." Deborah laughed. "Poor Laura, she said to me just a few minutes ago how she wanted to buy this dress, but someone already bought it. Now I know who it was. Let's go, let's go! It's going to kill her!"

Mary was upset. She felt pity for Laura. "But I can't undress, can I?" Mary thought as she calmly walked with Deborah.

Disapproval

When the limousine stopped, Noirson rushed out and collided with a tall young athlete on the steps.

It was Dylon Noirson, his adopted godson. Robert did not just love him, he adored him. And knowing that, Dylon used the money and the Power of his godfather as if it were his own.

"Watch it!" Dylon Noirson pushed Robert. "Where were you? We tried to find you... Oh, Devil! What happened? What are you so happy about? Did you finally fuck her?"

"Better, my poor debauched boy! I'm going to marry her! She loves me, she agreed!"

"Are you mental?" Dylon gasped. "No, it's impossible! Tell me you're just teasing me, aren't you?"

"You're human," Robert sighed sadly. "You can never understand me. Look, Dylon, I have a lot of work to do. See you later!"

And he left a shocked Dylon standing on the steps.

***

Robert finished his work at 5:12 p.m. He was so tired, he could barely get to his bedroom, and when he did he kicked off his shoes, dropped his clothes on the floor and took a shower.

The icy-cold water rejuvenated him and filled him with newfound strength.

When Robert came out, Roger Slay threw a bathrobe over the shoulders of his Master and turned the water off. Noirson strolled back into his bedroom and fell into an armchair.

"Roger," Noirson was smirking. "My dear Roger! I'm so happy! Are you happy for me?"

But the servant looked at his Master with so such a depression that the smile died on Robert's lips: "What's wrong, Roger?"

"I'm not happy, sir," the valet answered sadly. "Nobody's happy, but you."

"Don't play the fool, Roger! You are not human, you should understand me!"

"Sir, wake up, please! She is just a clone! Even twins could not be same! Mary Jablonskaia is a usual young thing, smug, rude and impudent!"

"Hah! Of course, she's not the same, she's much better!" Drunk with emotions, Noirson smiled admiringly. "Yes, she's rude, but with whom has she communicated all her life? With hypocritical corrupt tutors! With the same lost embittered orphans! With impudent girls from rich families! I was even pleasantly surprised, because, she's a power girl, they didn't crush her soul! She doesn't need me vitally, she's capable of living without me. And this is why I appreciate her feelings to me! She'll never be a burden! We'll fight together, side-by-side! That dare-devil will be a trusty comrade-in-arms!"

"'Comrade'?" Slay was amazed. "The day that Catholic fosterling discovers, who you really are, she'll kill you!"

"Shut up!" Robert lost his patience. "You're a fool! You don't understand a thing! Mind your own business! Get me a suit, I'm going to the party!"

Slay bowed low and went to the closet.

***

Noirson was putting on his pants when John Becker burst into the dressing room.

"What the hell's going on?" He screamed. "Why can't Monica go?!"

"Don't shout at me!" Robert's metallic voice forced Becker to quiet down.

John took a breath and repeated calmly: "Why can't Monica go?"

"That's better," Noirson clasped the belt. "She can't come, because I don't want to see her. I'm going to divorce her."

Becker stared at Robert.

"What's the matter, John? I do remember our contract has a paragraph about a divorce. She'll get money, I'll marry Mary." Noirson burst out laughing. Slay gave him a shirt. Robert pulled it on and sang in his hoarse bass voice, "Marry-Mary! Merry-marry!"

"Fuck that bullshit off!" Becker looked at Noirson with rage. "You can't marry that monastic slut!"

"First," Robert replied haughtily. "I can do whatever I want. And second, watch your mouth when you're talking about my fiancée!"

"What?" Becker's face turned pale. "Is that true? Dylon told me, but I just couldn't believe it!"

"Yep, we were engaged at 2:03 p.m. And guess what? Jim Spencer did it."

"Robert, my boy!" Becker gasped with fear. "What have you done? Jim's our man, but he's a real priest! Only humans can't understand what kind of responsibility they have after a betrothal!"

"I'm not human," Noirson replied calmly. Roger helped his Master with his jacket. "And I do understand."

Becker nervously took out a cigar.

"Don't smoke in my rooms!"

Angrily John shoved the cigar in his pocket.

Slay held out ties and Robert started choose a tie to match his suit. Suddenly, he intercepted Becker's glance in the mirror. It was a murderer's glare.

Noirson spun to John: "Don't even think about it!" The face of the Beast was glowing with inhuman madness.

"What? Robert, dear, what do you mean?"

"I know your thoughts!" Noirson was trembling. "If you even try to kill her I'll summon my Father! He approved and blessed my choice!"

"As you wish, Your Worship!" Becker knelt. Robert helped him to get up: "Remember, John, and tell everybody. Let's stay friends, okay?"

Becker bowed and went away.

The high spirits left Noirson. He took the first tie and mechanically tied it up.

***

"You lousy moron!" Furious Monica ran into the room as mad as a tigress in battle. "Why didn't you tell me about Deborah's reception, you idiot?"

Thirty-five years old, tall, slim and graceful Monica Noirson was very beautiful, but Robert looked at his wife with vexation and spite: "Monica, I just wanted..."

"Shut up, your stupid chatter! I'm fed up with your dull twaddle!"

"Listen to me, brawler!"

"No, you, nobody, listen to me! Do you think you could just pay me money and throw me out as if I was a prostitute?"

"You are worse than a prostitute, you brazen face!"

"Look who's talking!" Monica smiled scornfully. "You're a fool, Robert Noirson! You were always a jerk!" And she went away.

Exhausted, Noirson sat down on a stool. He tried to light a cigarette, but his hands were still shaking with anger. He thought about Mary, yet even those thoughts could not please him.

Robert wearily plodded to his bedroom. He did not even try to take off his clothes, just flopped down on the bed and turned the TV on. Noirson was too tired. He decided not to go to the stupid party. Tomorrow he would just tell Mary some lie about him being busy and not being able to get away.

If that would be necessary. Robert yawned and dozed off.

***

"Master," Slay carefully touched Noirson's shoulder. "Do you hear me? I'm sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to check with you to make sure?"

Robert looked at him sleepily.

"Your wife took a car and drove away..."

"And what?" Noirson yawned. "She can go wherever she wants. I don't care."

"Sir, she dressed up and I'm afraid she's gone to the party. To Deborah Niekamp's, sir. Is it okay?"

For a few seconds Robert was indifferently looking at Roger. Suddenly, Noirson realized what his servant had said.

"Oh, shit!" Robert sprang up. "Get a car, hurry up! Oh, crap..."

The reception

Mary was enjoying the party. New people, new impressions...

Only one thought made Mary a little upset. Robert had not arrived yet and Mary was wondering: will he come at all? But it was not very important.

Mary J. was not shy and did not even try to pretend that she had any experience. When the hostess Deborah Niekamp offered to play cards, Mary answered calmly: "I don't know how to play, sorry."

Her frankness impressed the women, and they decided to teach her.

"But anyway, Mary, you can't win," Deborah winked. "Lucky at love, unlucky in cards."

In the middle of the game Mary felt Deborah gently kick her under the table. At first Mary did not understand what she meant.

"Should I play a queen?" Mary asked and lifted up her eyes. She saw Monica Noirson and fell silent.

"Oh, Monica, good evening!" Laura smiled malevolently. "Let me introduce you to Mary. This is Monica Noirson, the wife of Robert and this is Robert's... Ah, what's the word?"

"That word," Monica said through clenched teeth. "Can not be used in respectable society."

Mary threw the cards down. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk to you. Seriously, baby."

"Of course, Mrs. Noirson!" Mary got up from the table. "Excuse me, ladies."

They moved aside. Minute Mary was shorter than Monica, by at least nine inches, but she daringly glared at her face. For the first time in her life the girl felt irresistible hatred. That woman had a man, whom she, Mary, loved selflessly; Robert's words sounded into her mind: 'She only wanted money!' And having been racked with jealousy, the girl did not think, was that true or not.

"Listen to me, you clever whore!" Monica started with spite. "You can have that jerk, I don't care! But I'll get my money, be sure!"

"Mrs. Noirson! If I marry him it will be for Love, not for money!"

"Give me a break, babe! What can make you attracted to him except money? He's more than twice as old as you!"

"It doesn't matter."

"May be now. A few years later, when you want sex, and he won't be able to give it to you, you'll get a young lover!"

Mary span around and quickly went to the exit and in the entrance door she collided with Robert.

"Mary!" seeing her tears, Noirson gasped realizing he was late. Sobbing, the girl ran away. Robert stared at his wife, walking towards him. She was smiling, but when she went closer and saw the look on his face her grin went out.

Not understanding what was going on, Monica was really terrified. She had never seen her husband so mad. Uncle John warned her many times not to irritate Noirson. But she did not believe him; she took the indifference of her husband as weakness and cowardice. Only now Monica did realize how wrong she was.

"You will pay for that, bitch!" he hissed to her very quietly. "Oh, you'll be very, very sorry!" He turned around and went to the exit, and the scared Monica dared not to follow him.

Chapter Two: The scandal

The death of Monica

It had been a long day.

The lesson neared the end and Mary J. was feeling exhausted. All her thoughts were for the coming date with Robert, but her pupils were tired and capricious, they did not pay attention and Mary strained every nerve to control them and herself.

However, everything has an end.

Mary was taking a shower when she heard the phone ringing. She flung herself out of the stall and grabbed the receiver: "Hello?"

"Hi, honey!" Robert's voice sounded with deep sadness. "I'm really sorry, but I can't come."

Mary's high spirits left her.

"Okay," She gulped. "Thanks for your call. How are you today?"

"Mary, I'm calling you from my car. I had a conference, when I was informed... My wife is dead."

Mary gasped and sat on the stool: "What happened to her?"

"She was taking a cruise on our yacht when a passing oil tanker had sprung a leak. The spilled oil caught on fire. The ship was surrounded by burning oil and sank with everyone on board."

Feeling dizzy, Mary closed her eyes. "Definitely," She pronounced solemnly. "It was an act of God's wrath!"

"Oh..." Robert choked. "Well, I'm glad that you're thinking that way. I'm just afraid some reporters will start to bother you. Please, don't talk with these vultures, silence is golden. Let me disentangle this mess, okay?"

"Gotcha, no comments." Mary smiled. She had no pity to Monica. Robert was free now and Mary felt happy.

The treaty

"Now it's personal." Becker's gloomy face contorted with frenzy and sorrow. Recalling yesterday's events he closed his eyes for a second.

***

Distracted with grief, he burst into Noirson's office. John probably looked scary, because Robert sprang up and recoiled towards the wall. He gazed at Becker's hands and John understood, Noirson was afraid that he, John, was going to use a dagger for revenge of his niece's murder.

Like an any trapped animal Robert was horrified and angry. He started justifying himself and threatening his tutor. His voice trembled with fear and spite. But the tragedy had crushed Becker, and he burst into tears.

Noirson now looked upset and confused.

"I'm really sorry, John," Robert hugged his tutor, and blurted out. "I had no choice..."

Mad, Becker pushed his ward away and ran from the office.

***

"Okay, Dylon, now I'm ready!" John Becker drew in a deep breath and looked at Dylon Noirson. "Tell us your plan."

The partners listened very attentively.

"It will not stop Him." Anhella said sadly. This Austrian girl was more than just a personal secretary to Noirson, her unlimited love for him was well known to the partners.

The appearance of Anhella Vixen corresponded with her name exactly. Her red hair, green cold eyes and refined features of her pretty, but cruel face were making her look like a fox.

"You're right, honey." Dylon Noirson sighed with deep compassion. "Nothing can stop Him if He's already made a decision. Sweetheart, Robert is such a fool. If I ever meet a girl like you, I'll marry her the same day."

He took her hand, but Anhella sharply pulled it back: "I'm not in the mood for jokes!"

"I'm not joking," Dylon Noirson pronounced very seriously. "And you know that."

"Look, Dylon, you're just His son for me! When will you understand that?"

"Don't say such a nonsense! You and I are the same age!"

"I'm more than six years older than you!"

"Big deal!"

"Enough!" Becker pounded the table. "You love birds can coo later! I came here, looking for revenge, not to listen to love songs! Dylon! Except troubles for us, what's the point of your plan?"

"Well, it'll be a good lesson for that brash young thing..." Dylon Noirson shuddered with hatred. "You know what? I sent a man to talk to her. Just talk! That bitch..."

"Dylon!" Becker warned. "Master's commands are obligatory for everybody!"

"Go to Hell!" Dylon Noirson shouted. "She called my man names, mocked him and finally kicked him out of her apartment..."

"She ejected your man?" Becker shook his head. "Wow! She's a power girl, eh? That poor guy! Who's this loser that's been sent?"

"It's not funny, Raymond's my best servant!"

"In that case, I'm not surprised. Like master, like servant." Becker grinned. "It was really stupid to send that British lord to talk with that Russian gangster-girl! But you always were a fool, young boy."

"And you're an old fool," Dylon spat out his words. "She terminated your niece and you don't wanna fight back?"

"I don't want a "ride to Hell", you stupid punk!"

"Quit it!" Anhella interrupted them angrily. "Why can't you two talk without quarreling? John, Robert respects and appreciates you. Dylon, Robert loves you as his own son. For me it doesn't matter what the Master is going to do with me. Oh, Devil! How I hate her! The only reason I haven't murdered her yet is that I don't want to lose Robert's favor. Well, He prohibited anyone to kill her, so we won't." Anhella smiled maliciously. "I agree with your plan, Dylon! You can count on me! John?"

"Deal!" Becker lit a cigar. "They both deserve punishment. Do it, boy!"

Raymond

Sam Swigart was in his favorite bar. He drank, watched TV and rested.

Sam looked plain, and usually he spent the whole evening alone. But not today: two men sat down next to him, one on either side. Surprised, Swigart glanced askance at them. One of them looked like a real gorilla, and they both were dressed too respectable for a bar like this.

"Good evening, Sam." the 'human one' said with a British accent.

"Yeah, good ... evening." Swigart wondered how this guy knew his name, but he was afraid to ask. He did not dare to ignore the monster on the left stool who appeared able to kill him in one move, and Sam clearly realized that.

"I'm Raymond," the 'human' introduced himself. "This is Doug."

Gorilla-man nodded and Swigart bowed. Raymond attentively looked at Sam. Only a week ago the incident had happened, and Raymond desired revenge.

***

Living in this country, Raymond had gotten bad treatment from yankees before. But that girl had no right to treat him like that. She was born on the other side of the ocean, like Raymond was, and her only advantage was that she was a baby when she came here, and she spoke without an accent.

Raymond was a true gentleman, and when she started calling him names like a street punk girl, he was taken aback. And fighting was not his job either. He was like a brain for Dylon Noirson, his helper and consultant. Of course, in a difficult situation, he was able to protect his Master, maybe not as a professional bodyguard could, but not bad anyway. However, he had no right to hit that insolent pudgy girl. He did not expect her to be so well trained and strong. She mocked him to her heart's content, and after, she just tossed him from her damn apartment. Raymond still got mad all the time, recalling how he slid along the corridor on his own face.

He sat and looked back at her with amazement. He could not understand how he, a forty-five years old man, had been thrown away by a small girl, who had just come of age.

"If I see you next time, I'll call the police!" She yelled and slammed the door.

Raymond was so angry that his hand involuntarily moved to his gun. He was so outraged, he was not even afraid of a "ride to Hell". But he restrained himself. He was the official plenipotentiary of Dylon Noirson, he idolized his Master and did not want any trouble for him. For Dylon, Raymond was ready to go through any torment or torture. Not looking at the alarmed security guard, Raymond silently got up and left the campus.

This plan of revenge came to Raymond on his way home, and now he was close to putting it into effect.

***

"I'm just interested," Raymond continued. "Was that your car? The light blue Buick?"

Sam choked. "What do you mean 'was'?" He gasped.

"Forget that banger! Look out the window."

Swigart looked. Oh, it was the car from his dreams: a red sports convertible.

"Here are the papers."

Unbelieving, Sam checked out the papers. All was correct. He was the owner of this fantastic new car. Suddenly the papers disappeared. Swigart uttered a cry of disappointment.

"Look, mate, you are not stupid," Raymond smiled. "Do a job for us and this car is yours. The car, a lot of money, and of course, we'll pay any bail for you."

"Bail?" Sam gasped. "What exactly is the 'job'?" Swigart asked. And added : "I've never had a problem with the law before."

"It's good, because, I have some pictures," Raymond stretched out an envelope. "Check it out!" And Raymond calmly lit a cigarette.

Sam opened the envelope.

His hands shook. It was pictures of him. How he abducted. How he raped. How he tormented. How he murdered. How he was hiding bodies. All his actions.

"How did you discover that?" Swigart mumbled. "How did you do that?" He fell into a dispirited silence.

"It's none of your business," Raymond replied sternly. "By the way, did you ever have anal sex?"

"What do you mean?" Terrified, Sam thought that guy wants to have him. "I'm not gay!"

"I mean with a female."

"Fuck is fuck," Swigart shrugged his shoulders.

"Okay," Raymond looked around and continued. "This is your task: we'll give you a girl and instructions for what you have to do. After this is done you can get that car plus eighty thousand dollars, cash, of course."

"One hundred!" Sam licked his lips. "I want one hundred grand!"

Raymond looked at Doug. Gorilla-man moved.

"Just kidding!" Swigart damned his greediness. "Come on, guys, I was just kidding!"

Doug lifted a briefcase, put it on the counter and unlocked it. Sam opened the cover very carefully. It was money. Cash. Twenty dollar's bills. Not very new. Not very ragged.

Swigart closed the briefcase. He attentively looked at Raymond: "What's the catch?"

"Well, that girl has a fiancé," Raymond inhaled. "After the 'job' is done, you'll need to hide, for your own safety. We'll give you new Ids, so you'll be able to start new life."

"Wow! Look, man, eighty grand's not a big money to start a new life. Gimme one hundred and I'll do it. I'll refuse if you won't pay!"

"All right," Raymond sighed. "Anyway, your car is gone and you need a ride. If you did not like the first car, would you like to choose another?"

Sam looked through the window. His face went pale: "But...this... This is a police car."

"Precisely."

For a few minutes Swigart sat there, thinking silently.

"It looks, I have no choice," He summed up finally.

"Of course, you have," Raymond smiled. "Just choose a car for the ride. That's easy!"

"Okay," Sam sighed. "What exactly do I have to do?"

The scandal

That night Mary was awakened when many hands grabbed her body, legs and arms. Somebody put a gas-mask on her before she was able to scream. Mary saw about ten men in her room. All were wearing masks. They held her gently, but tightly, she could not even move.

One man was rummaging near her bureau. Mary heard how he put some objects on the table and in the drawers.

Another man gave her a few injections. Then he checked Mary as a gynecologist would.

Suddenly, Mary heard the sound of the intercom. The man near the door pushed the button.

"He opened the gate," Mary understood. "What's going on? He opened the door of the building! What's next? Who's coming here?"

Finally she saw that man. He went inside the room, and he was the only one without a mask. He brought flowers. He put them into the vase and started to undress.

"Be careful," one of the 'masks' warned. "She really is a virgin. Here's the lubricant."

"He's gonna rape me!" Mary was horrified. "Oh, dear God! Please, don't let it happen!" She started to struggle with tenfold strength. It was useless. Their hands were as strong as stone. The gas mask muffled all her sounds.

He was very gentle, but Mary was shocked with the way that man used her.

She thought another man would do the same things, but he just closed the air-valve of the gas-mask.

When she stopped wriggling the man hastily took the gas-mask away and checked Mary's pulse. He signaled and the men in the masks disappeared.

***

Mary barely opened her eyes, and at first, she thought she had a nightmare.

Suddenly, she realized that her room was lit and full of people. Mary saw Father Frank, Mother Augusta, security, policemen and even a few reporters. She discovered herself in the embraces of a stranger. She gasped and pushed him away.

"Arrest him!" Mary cried. "Arrest them all!"

"What are you talking about?" Father Frank asked angrily. "He is the only one here, but it's more than enough!"

"What a shame for our orphanage!" Mother Augusta shook her head.

"He raped me!" Confused, Mary looked around.

"Oh, Mary! That's not fair! You said we could have anal sex, 'cause you wanna keep your virginity!" the stranger gasped. "O dear, how could you? I was obedient..."

"Did you have sex with this man?" The reporters asked at once.

"If he really raped you, why did you not call security?"

"Is he your boyfriend? What about Robert Noirson?"

"How long have you been dating?"

"I've never seen him before!" Mary was shaken. "I even don't know his name!"

"How often do you have sex with a man whose name you didn't know?" one of the reporters asked. Shocked, Mary did not respond.

One policeman stepped to the Father Frank and whispered something into his ear. The priest threw his arms up. Together they started to drive the reporters away.

"Drugs?" one excited reporter plunged to the bureau. "Officer, are there really drugs? What kind are they?"

Other reporters followed him, one grabbed Mary's hand and before the girl realized, he took a picture of the injection marks on her arm.

Screaming, Mary pulled her hand back. Mother Augusta and some of the security tried to block Mary from the other reporters.

Keeping her silence, Mary J. just sat stock-still on the bed. She had no idea how to explain what was happened.

***

On the next morning when Robert woke up, he was feeling very happy. He was in love and thinking about Mary.

He called Slay. But nobody came. It surprised Robert. He turned on the TV and wanted to call a servant again, but he had no time: it was the news report.

About her.

Confounded, Noirson changed channels...

***

The servants were waiting behind the door of Robert's bedroom. They heard Noirson burst out in curses and sounds like explosion, when he broke TV.

Robert made a call to his best lawyer and came to help Mary. She was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the drug trade. Sam Swigart had been released on bail.

Cleaning

Mary Jablonskaia was sitting in solitary.

From time to time she looked at the bars and could not believe her eyes. All her life Mary had respected the law and she never expected to be in a situation like this.

Mary had the right to one call, but she refused. She had no family or lawyer, and she did not dare to call Robert.

***

Yet when she heard sounds of steps and voices, and saw her fiancé she was not very surprised, but almost happy. Noirson had stood for her so many times, and she hoped he was able to help her now.

Without a word Robert entered the cell, sat down and seated Mary on his lap: "Tell me everything, dear."

Mary could not recognize Noirson's voice contorting with torment. She knew that the pain for someone you love, is far worse than pain for yourself. She felt pity for her fiancé and while telling her story she only gave him the necessary facts, without going into details. She was controlling herself, and she did not weep, and she did not say a word about her feelings.

"I don't understand, how it could possibly happen." She finished.

"But I do." Robert replied very slowly.

Mary wanted to ask him, but she had no time. The detective entered the cell and shook Mary's hand: "Miss Jablonskaia, please, take our sincere apologies! We've just received the results from the lab... Why didn't you say, it was a special powder for treatment your feet, not drugs?"

"I'd like to see, how smart you would be after having been woken at 2 a.m." Noirson smiled sadly.

"Can I see your arm, please?"

Mary slowly beckoned her hand. The detective checked her skin and quietly cursed:

"Damn! It's just birthmarks! Oh, Miss Jablonskaia, I'm so sorry about this mistake and apologize for any misunderstanding!"

"Only he who is lifeless is faultless" Noirson got up. "Let's get out of here, sweetheart!"

***

When Robert and Mary went outside reporters flung themselves at them and asked lots of questions. The bodyguards had difficulty holding back the crowd and making a path to Noirson's car.

"I'm innocent!" Mary cried out. "I told you, I was innocent!"

"What about your boyfriend Sam Swigart?"

"You damn vultures!" Mary squealed. "He's not my boyfriend!"

"Is Sam Swigart your 'client'?"

Mary blushed and burst into tears, and mad Robert barely restrained himself, but he noted that reporter and he would "work" with him later.

They finally reached the car, quickly got inside, and the limousine accelerated away.

***

"Oh, my Father!" Noirson shook his head. Mary was only able to sob.

"Honey," Robert addressed her. "I'll drop you off at the campus. Take your stuff, you have to move! This place is not safe enough! I'll give you two of my men, you know them, Ron and Jerry. Do you remember them?"

Mary nodded.

"They are both professionals, you have to listen to their instructions just as if they were mine. I'll prepare an apartment for you and I'll give you a special car that can't be burnt. My butterfly! I love you! I don't want to lose you!"

Mary embraced her fiancé and started to calm down.

Jerry and Ron

Noirson confronted his partners.

"Okay, who did it?" Robert pounded the desk. "I know it was you! Who organized it? Whose idea was it?"

The partners exchanged glances, and everybody looked at Dylon Noirson.

"Dad," He started very carefully. "We just tried to help you. She's dangerous. You lost your mind..."

"I'm going to marry her anyway." Robert interrupted Dylon. "Son, this is my first and last warning: only I may dispose of Mary. She is my property. And I'm going to protect her."

***

The bodyguards got up and move towards Noirson as he entered the room.

"Ron, Jerry, you are now at Miss Maria Jablonskaia's disposal..."

"What?" excited, Jerry could not believe his ears. "Are You ordering to us to be her personal bodyguards? Are You ordering it to us?"

Robert arrogantly turned his head and looked not at Jerry, but at his partner: "Ron, is Jerry drunk on his shift?"

"No, sir..." Ron punched Jerry in his ribs and whispered with anger. "Shut up, you idiot! Shut up, right now!" He turned to Noirson again: "No, Master, he's sober now. I'm controlling that, don't worry."

"It's you who should be worried, Ron." Robert's voice was calm. "It's your responsibility to keep that mad puppy on a leash. Contact Slay to get a car. Here is the address..."

"Sir, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"What are you talking about!" Jerry shouted at his partner.

"Shut up, Jerry!" Noirson stared at his servants. "I don't have to explain my decisions, Ron! What the hell's going on? Did you both crack or what? Jerry! What's the matter? Don't you like my order?"

"My Lord, my life's in Your hands!"

"And better for you to remember that, Jerry! Okay, enough talk! Move right now! I'll check you out this evening." And Noirson left the room.

"Ron," Jerry showed a drunken smile. "Pinch me! It's just a dream, isn't it?"

Ron hit the youth in the face with the back of his hand. Hurt, Jerry gasped, looked at his partner and wiped the blood off his lips.

"Is that the answer for you?" Ron asked sternly. "It's not a joke, buddy! I have a pretty bad feeling! Be sure, I'll keep my eyes on you! Let's go! And don't be in a hurry to go to Hell! Anyway, you'll get there sooner or later!"

Jerry submissively followed his partner.

Lilitta

Sam Swigart swept past the sign: "Welcome to California!" and he smiled.

It had taken him three days of driving and finally he had reached the State of his dreams. He had not thought yet about what he was going to do here, but he was almost happy: new car, new name, a lot of money; new life!

For complete happiness he needed just one more thing. However, he was warned that every hitchhiker, female especially, could be a trap, and he did not want to take any risk.

***

That salesgirl at the gas station asked nothing. Usually Sam did not like brunettes, however, she had a great body and he noted it.

Swigart filled up his car, took some cash and went to the cashier. The salesgirl indifferently packed his purchases. But Sam saw how she glanced at his car and she sighed.

"Wanna ride?" Swigart leered at the girl and touched her hand. Her skin was soft and hot. Sam liked it.

The girl stared at him with surprise and laughed: "And lose my job? Thanks a lot!"

"'Poor Cinderella was working and working and had no fun.'" Swigart smiled. "A beauty such as you deserves a better life."

"And you are the charming prince who wishes to marry the lady whose foot fits the glass slipper." She bantered. Suddenly she put her bare foot on the desk: "Can I try?"

Sam gasped. He had never seen so wonderful leg as she had. A tiny foot and well shaped calf, smooth knee. She smelt like the grass in a deep forest. Swigart felt that he was starting to lose control of himself. He had never been so excited.

"Come on, girl," He licked his lips and looked askance at the surveillance camera. "Don't lose your chance. Maybe you're afraid to upset your boyfriend?"

"We broke up three months ago," She put her foot down. "Ah, what the heck! Let's roll!"

"Yes!"

They laughed and ran to the car.

***

In the car they were talking "dirty" as if they were old lovers and Sam was pleasantly surprised that she loved the same things that he loved.

It was getting dark, and they decided to stop for the night. Swigart was not able to wait any longer. He turned into the first motel. Tomorrow, when they have more time, he will find some grand hotel to impress her and for his own pleasure, but to spend just one night in a cheap motel was okay too.

Sam reserved a room then parked the car in front of the building, got out and unlocked the door.

Suddenly the girl pushed him inside with unexpected power. Swigart fell down and rolled head over heels.

"What the hell are you doing, bitch?" He shouted and sat. He gasped with shock. It was not a motel room.

The huge hall was lit with a deadly green light. Sam did not see any lamps and it looked like the walls were glowing. A man was sitting in the armchair in front of Sam. A few men were standing behind him. The man was smoking and slowly inhaling.

"Gracias, Lilitta ! Muy buen trabajo!" He said with a low voice.

"Thank you, Lilitta! It was a good job!" / Spanish

Lilitta was Anhella's helper and Robert Noirson had often used that hot Mexican girl for such "missions".

Sam looked back. The girl was smiling with satisfaction.

"You lured me, bitch!" Swigart rushed toward at her, but Lilitta kicked him so fast and directly that doubling over in agony, Sam collapsed.

"Te aventaste, hermana!" the man in the chair laughed.

~ "Nice job, sis!" / Mexican slang

"You're stupid, bird-brain!" He scornfully looked at Swigart. "I knew that you're stupid. It's too late to lock the stable door when the horse has bolted!"

"Please, I have money!" Sam could barely sit. "Take the car, take the money! I won't report it to the cops, I swear! Just let me go, please..."

"How much do you have?"

"Sixty thousand! Please..."

"Where and when did you waste twenty grand?" the man asked surprisingly.

Sam gasped: "Oh, my... It's you! Are you?" He fell silence.

"Yes. I'm her fiancé. You were warned."

"Please!" Swigart crept toward Robert. "I didn't wanna do that! I swear! I was forced!"

"Oh, really? But who forced you to murder those girls before?"

"The Devil forced me!"

Robert rushed to Sam and kicked him in the chin. Swigart flew into the wall and fainted. Noirson made Sam regain consciousness with quick magical motion. Swigart looked at him and burst into tears.

"I am the Son of the Devil!" Robert pronounced with pride. "And I know He never forces people to do such things! You, humans, have to be responsible for your own crap and do not blame Satan!"

"I'm sorry!" The broken jaw did not allow Sam to talk clearly. "I'll do anything! Please, please, don't kill me!"

"How many girls begged you as you are begging me now? You did not take pity on them, why should I pity you?" Noirson inhaled. "As you sow, so shall mow, you poor nobody! I'll send you to Hell... Alive. And you'll see the things are much worse than death. You will ask for death. You will beg for it! But you'll not get it until I wish it for!"

Robert moved his hand. Sam Swigart screamed desperately and disappeared.

Sam Swigart

In the salon of her new apartment Mary was sitting on the couch, knitting and watching TV. Jerry made himself comfortable on the next chair and observed at his ward-girl.

***

It was only one week, during which Jerry and Ron were living in the same apartment as Mary Jablonskaia, and just that one week, changed Jerry's whole life.

He fell in Love.

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, however, now it was much more than just desire.

Ron was the first to notice the changes.

He tried to talk about that with his Master, but Noirson just showed him a mysterious smile: "I'm not blind, my friend, don't worry."

Ron tried to reason with his youthful partner. It was too late.

Overflowing with feelings, the youth was as if he was drunk all time and did not listen to a thing.

***

Mary and Jerry heard a light knock, looked at the door, and the girl smiled when she saw it was Robert. Standing behind him, Ron waved to Jerry. The youth sighed, got up and left the room.

Noirson entered, sat down by Mary's side and tenderly embraced her: "How are you, my bunny-rabbit?"

"I'm fine, honey." Mary was smiling. She put her head on Robert's shoulder.

"Can I change the channel?" Noirson asked. "I want to show you something."

The girl nodded. Without any remote Robert changed the channel.

Mary flinched when she saw Sam Swigart. He was cuffed. Policemen and reporters surrounded him.

"How many girls have you murdered?" they asked him. "Where did you hide the bodies?"

"How do you explain why police were not able to catch you for such a long time?"

"What about Mary Jablonskaia?"

Sam looked right into the camera. Unlimited horror was in his eyes.

"I made up this story." Swigart was talking as a robot would. "I wanted to be famous! I stole the card and broke into her room. I drugged that girl. But we did not have sex. I'm sorry that I blacked out that girl. I wished to be famous..."

"Why did you decide to confess?"

The policemen took Sam Swigart away and Robert turned the TV off.

"He's a dead man now," Noirson caressed Mary's neck and hair. "I hope this awful scandal will go away... What's wrong, sweetie?" He looked at his fiancée with surprise. "Oh, my Father! You pity him! After that he has done to you! Do you know how many girls he's killed?"

Moaning, Mary put her face in her hands.

"I'll never be able to understand you." Robert sighed sadly. "Look, kitten, please, dress up. I have to introduce you to my closest friends and partners."

"Okay," Mary took a deep breath. "I'll be ready about twenty minutes."

The introduction

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Robert was smirking. "I'd like to introduce to you Mary Jablonskaia!"

The partners were keeping a gloomy silence.

"Well," Robert sighed. "Let's try again. Ladies and gentlemen! Please greet my fiancée."

Bursting into tears, Vixen ran away.

"Anhella! Komm zurück!" Noirson called.

"Come back !" / German

He moved to follow his secretary, but restrained himself at once and glanced at Mary. She did not look at her fiancé and stood as still as a statue.

Lilitta followed Vixen with her eyes, then came to Mary and hugged her:

"Congratulations!"

Mrs. Ponk, the business secretary, came next. She kissed the girl: "Take care of the lad!"

"Oh, I will!" Mary looked at Robert with tenderness.

Dylon Noirson was smoking, Becker lit up a cigar.

"John!" Noirson called threateningly.

Becker sighed, come closer and nodded. Mary stretched out her arm.

"Monica was my own niece!" Becker even did not try to hide his hatred.

"John!" Robert shouted.

"I'm sorry!" Mary mumbled and dropped her hand. Becker inhaled and stepped aside.

Noirson took a sharp breath: "Well, Dylon..."

"Maybe later." Dylon Noirson did not move. He was so angry that he was afraid he'd lose control of himself. For only one of Anhella's tears he could kill. But that damn young thing was under his godfather's protection and Dylon knew the limits of Robert's patience.

If Noirson was a usual man, Dylon Noirson would take such a risk, his love to Vixen was stronger, than any fears. But Dylon had often visited Hell as an "assistant" of his godfather, and he did not want to go to that place as a "guest".

"Excuse me, birdie," Robert frowned. "I need to talk to John."

Mary nodded, and he went to Becker and started to try to reason with him again. Noirson was speaking Italian and Mary had guessed that Robert used a language unknown to her that she would not understand exactly what he was saying.

Mary waited for a while then felt alone and began to look around.

Dylon Noirson came to her. He was still leering at the girl and it offended her. She daringly stared right at Dylon's eyes. He came closer and blew smoke at Mary's face.

"I'm simply amazed," Mary said calmly. "How a gentleman, like Robert is, could raise such an ill-mannered son."

"I hate you, you mean bitch!" Dylon Noirson was grinning. "Robert can kill me, but not change my feelings about you. I'm so disgusted I wouldn't even fuck you!"

"Robert!" Mary called. "Your son is offending me!"

"Dylon!" Noirson looked back. "Please! You promised!" And he turned to Becker again.

"Yes," Dylon Noirson continued impudently. "I'm so disgusted, I wouldn't even fuck you into your fucking ass! But I was able to find someone, who was not so fussy. Did you like him? Did you have fun?"

Mary's face turned pale. She kicked Dylon Noirson in his belly and when he doubled with pain, she kicked him again in his face. Dylon was very strong. But Mary got real mad and it increased her strength tenfold. Dylon Noirson collapsed, and the girl flung herself at him and continued to kick him without any pity.

Robert grabbed her in his arms and could barely drag the enraged girl away. He had read somewhere that the strength of a kick from a well-trained gymnast is equal to a kick from a horse, and he understood that Dylon had been seriously injured.

Lying on the floor, Dylon Noirson was moaning. Becker smiled malevolently.

"Stop it!" Noirson shook Mary. "Enough! Please, please! Kitten, little lamb, flowerette, calm down! Take a breath! Relax, my little one, dolly, birdie! I beg you! Are you all right, sweetheart?"

"I'm okay," Mary sighted. "But he...Oh, Robert! It was him! He did it! He sent that villain!"

"Sh-sh-sh, honey. Don't shout... Please, forgive him! He's my son!"

"Forgive him?" Mary looked at Noirson's eyes. "You knew!"

Robert's face winced: "I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! Please, forgive us!"

"What if he wishes to screw me?"

"Mary!" shocked, Robert gasped. "What a language! It's just unworthy of you!"

"You didn't answer! Should I forgive anything?"

"Mary, did the Bible teach you nothing?"

Sobbing, the girl could not repeat. Noirson embraced her.

"There, there, my child! It's over. Don't cry, Barbie-doll! I'm going to protect you, nestling! I promise, I swear! Nobody will dare harm you! But now, could you wait for me outside for a while?"

Mary nodded. She came to Dylon Noirson and squatted near by him.

"I'm sorry, Dylon, that I hurt you. We both love Robert. Let's try to reconcile with each other."

"Go to Hell!" Dylon Noirson moaned. Mary sighed sadly and went outside.

***

"You're a fool, my boy!" Noirson bent over Dylon. "Oh, my Father! You're so stupid! My poor brave girl beat you up and that's what I should've done as her fiancé! But I love you, son! I love you so much! Please, do not abuse my feelings!"

"I love you too, Robert... Cure me, please! I'm badly hurt, please, hurry!"

"I will not cure you, Dylon, until you swear to be nice to her. You can hate her, and I can do nothing about it, but you must show respect to her!"

"No way!"

"As you wish!" Noirson was unbent.

"Are you kidding? Oh, Robert, father, help me! I'm sorry! Please..."

"Do you promise?"

"Yes, yes! I promise, I swear, as the Devil is my witness!"

"That's my boy!" Robert touched Dylon. "'Go your way, from now on practice sin no more!'"

Mary and Jerry

Mary ran into the corridor, fell down on a chair and pressed her hands to her face.

"Mary!" She heard a worried voice. She dropped her hands and saw Jerry.

Strange, but Mary Jablonskaia did not note his love. That hurt the youth, however, he was also glad. He was afraid that Noirson would give him another job and he would lose the opportunity to see her often.

"I mean, Miss Jablonsky, what happened? Who dared to offend you?"

"Never mind, Jerry, it's over." Mary sighed and looked around. They were alone in the corridor. "Look, Jerry. You're so kind to me. I trust you. Can I ask you something?"

"If I can answer..."

"It's about Miss Vixen..."

"Miss Jablonsky!" the bodyguard interrupted. "Don't ask any questions and you won't hear any lies."

"Gotcha..." Mary hung her head.

"Mar... Miss Jablonsky!" the youthful servant was shaken. "It's not too late! Think!"

"What are you talking about? He did a big honor to me, He chose me! I love Him, Jerry. I'll forgive Robert for anything! Because, I know, who he is."

"Who told you?" the bodyguard gasped.

"Well, Robert just hinted a few times. But when I saw, how he resuscitated the man, I finally realized who he is! What, Jerry? Why do you look at me with such a horror?"

The servant looked down. "He tricked her!" He thought. "What am I gonna do? What can I do? Should I give her a hint?" Jerry recalled the sharp metallic voice of Robert.: 'Even a little hint on my real status I'll rate as treachery and treason, and it will be punished accordingly."

"Mr. Noirson saved my life too..." The bodyguard sighed. "We all must be obedient."

Mary nodded, but Jerry's love for her forced him to drop a hint.

"Miss Jablonsky, do you remember, the witch hunts in the Middle Ages? People believed that the Devil had no capacity to resurrect people who had been burnt to death."

"I remember. It was an awful page in the history of the Church. What's your point?"

"Well, Mr. Noirson can't resuscitate people who die in a fire."

"I know, it's odd, eh?" Mary replied mechanically. The girl almost did not hear Jerry, she was thinking about the introduction. The bodyguard understood it, sighed and continued: "For this reason we, all servants, ask you to not use the word 'fire' if you wish to dismiss someone."

"Ah, Jerry, shut up! You are here to protect me, not to teach me! If you continue to disturb me, I'll tell Robert and he'll fir...dismiss you!"

The bodyguard drooped his head and became silent.

The first time

Mary and Robert went to her bedroom without saying a word. The girl stood near the window and silently looked outside. Very quietly Noirson closed the door, came to his fiancée and tenderly hugged her: "I'm really sorry, sweetie-pie."

"Maybe it's none of my business, but you spoilt Dylon awfully!"

"I know, nestling, but I love him so much!"

"That no reason to let him to do whatever comes into his head."

"Kitten, don't be an 'evil stepmother', he's my only son!"

"Well," Mary thought. "When we have our own child, things are gonna be different." And she continued with irritation: "Your tutor was talking to me like it was my fault that his niece is gone!"

Robert sighed and started to kiss the back of Mary's head and her neck, but the girl shuddered: "Is that Germaness really so helpful?"

"Look, Mary, Anhella is not just a secretary..."

"Oh, that I understand clearly!"

"She is my Secretary of Defense." Robert pretended that he did not get the hint. "Miss Vixen is recruiting people, she's responsible for arms and equipment. Don't be jealous of the poor girl, she loves me, but I'm going to marry you, not her. I love you, flowerette, if you wish to," Robert lied. "I'll dismiss Anhella to please you, my beloved queen."

Mary hesitated, and Noirson got worried. He would have been in a very difficult situation if she agreed to his offer. But he guessed correctly.

"No," Mary sighed finally. "I'm being stupid. Sorry, honey, do as is best for you."

"Look, bunny-rabbit, maybe you would like to move into my house right now? Really, sweetie, why waste time? My beloved, move to my house, please? Oh, my heart! It will be your house also, and very, very soon..."

Mary sensed something different in the intonation of Robert's voice and how he hugged her. She stared at him. He was looking at her inquiringly, his eyes glowed with desire.

Mary knew, one word or gesture and Noirson would submissively take his hands away as had happened many times before.

However, now Mary smiled and embraced her fiancé.

***

Jerry went close to Mary's bedroom. The door was closed and he lifted his hand to knock. But he stopped short: he heard sounds.

Jerry felt his legs give way under him and he leaned against the wall. He realized at once that was going on there, behind the door, and he was struck to the bottom of his sensitive heart.

He heard her panting voice: "I love you, Robert... I love you, honey..."

It was more than Jerry was able to stand. He gasped, and clutching his head, rushed to the servants room and fell onto the couch.

"Jerry!" alarmed Ron snatched out his gun. "What? What happened?"

"Nothing..." the sense of duty forced Jerry to talk. "Everything's fine..."

Ron gazed at youth and walked away. He went back very soon and sat near his partner.

"Jerry," Ron said softly. "You're a fool, what did you expect? You knew they loved each other! Oh, Devil! You weep! Buddy, you should've known, it'd happen sooner or later!"

"Yes, I am a fool." Jerry did not open his eyes. "Can I have a beer?"

"You know the rule: no alcohol during a shift."

"Ron, you can't imagine, how I'm hurting! I'm such a fool... Damn, Ron! I need to drink! I feel like I'm dying, Ron! Please, I need a drink! Just a couple of beers, eh? We have a few bottles here, in the fridge. Please, Ron! I'll still be in control, I promise."

"Okay, you poor thing," Ron sighed with compassion. "Go to some bar, get drunk and fuck some whore, it should work... I hope... Come on, pal, get out of here! I'll cover for you."

Sobbing, Jerry thankfully squeezed the hand of his friend, sprang up and walked away.

But before he left the apartment, the youth peeped down the corridor to Mary's bedroom.

The door was still closed.

In the motel

Jerry heard his cell phone ringing. He tried to open his eyes, but an awful headache did not allow him to. He moaned and crept to the sound. He fell down off the bed, fumbled around, finally found the phone and pushed the, button: "Hello?"

"Wow!" Ron barely recognized Jerry's voice. "Are you alive, partner?"

"I'm not sure." Jerry wheezed. "Where am I?"

"You ask me? Okay, buddy, wait for a while. Relax, I'll make you... Is that better?"

The headache was almost gone. Jerry sighed, opened his eyes and looked around.

"I'm in a motel." He saw a girl was sleeping on the bed.

"Which motel?"

"I don't know." Jerry rubbed his head.

"No matter. Get your butt out of there! We're moving. The Master had just left. I told Him that I sent you on some errand. I don't think He believed me."

"Okay, I'm coming. Thank you, friend." Jerry hung up and gazed at the girl. He could not recall how he got her. Should he pay her money or just lie: 'Later, love! I'll call you!'

He quickly and quietly dressed and tied his hair into a ponytail.

She was still asleep, and Jerry counted out the usual twelve hundred, and looked at the girl again. She was really pretty, and he added an extra a few bills more. He put the money on the bedside table and left the motel.

On his way home Jerry finally calmed down and cheered up.

Youth does not feel upset for a long time, and the Love never loses hope.

"I'm a real fool." Jerry was thinking about Mary and Robert. "Why did their fuck get me so? He popped her cherry. Big deal! She's still sexy, and the Master will still be busy... Maybe, she'll "go out" even easier now? Damn, why can't I just stop thinking about her? Ron is right that stupid love's only bringing me trouble..."

Mary and Slay

Mary Jablonskaia was checking her new apartment in Noirson's mansion. She planned to live in that house for not just a few days, so she wished to have comfort and service. Aspiring to power, Mary finally got the opportunity to boss people around and she enjoyed it.

Mary J. was smart enough, she knew her fiancé liked a romantic style, so she left the decor of bedroom and salon as it was, however, she ordered the decor of her other rooms be changed.

"Mr. Noirson doesn't like the modern style!" Roger Slay objected.

Mary haughtily turned her head: "Aren't these my rooms?"

"Sure, Miss Jablonskaia!"

"So, change it!"

The other servants stood around whispering to each other, and Slay got angry. Most of them were humans, and they could not understand his fear of that girl. Her face was like a permanent reminder of the inevitability of the Final Punishment, and Roger was surprised, how his Master could dare see that face by his side and was even able to kiss it!

Mary looked at the two ranks of her new servants and maids. Jerry was glad when her eyes stopped on his face for a second. Naive, he did not understand that she just knew him better than the others.

"Tell everybody to wear name tags, until I remember you all." Mary told Slay.

"That's an absurd order, and I will not fulfill it!"

"I'm sure you will!" Mary spun to him. "I want all servants to wear name tags in this place! Even Robert's servants too!"

"It's a respectable house!" Roger was indignant. "Not a shop!"

"Great! Order classy tags then! I don't care!"

"It's a stupid order and I will not fulfill it!"

Mary stared at the butler, and he started trembling.

"You can't force me here, on Earth!" He whispered to her.

"Do I have to go to Heaven to force you?" Mary slowly went toward Slay. He did not move and was shaking with fear and hate. "Or maybe I have to send you to Hell for you to learn how to behave? If I wish to, you all would walk around stark naked!"

"I agree!" Jerry smiled. Everybody laughed.

"Shut up, you idiots!" mad, Slay shouted.

"What the hell's going on?" nobody noticed Noirson come into the corridor.

"Your butler has refused my requests!" Her upset plaintive voice sounded with tears, and a deadly silence reigned at once.

Robert slowly turned to Roger. Mary could not see the face of her fiancé, but she saw, how Slay fell on his knees, and she smiled with triumph and pleasure. Mary felt his hatred, and, honestly, Roger Slay aroused the same feeling in her soul.

"Don't worry, honey," Noirson kept his eyes on his butler. "I'm sure, it was just a misunderstanding and he'll do his best. Am I right, Roger?"

"Yes, Master!" Slay mumbled with effort. "Forgive me, my Lord!"

Robert turned to his fiancée and tenderly kissed her lips: "Do anything you wish, my love!" They exchanged glances and went to her apartment.

Not looking at the servants, Roger Slay slowly got up.

"Order name tags," He told his secretary. "I want all people to get those damn tags before the evening! Everybody, back to your work!"

The servants went different directions. Jerry sat on the chair, sighed, and stared at the door of Mary's apartment. It was his job and his Fate, to just wait and wait, and wait...

Jerry's fight

The youthful bodyguard was too emotional to hide his feelings well.

Noirson's people already noticed them. It was a permanent reason for jokes. Other servants teased and sneered at Jerry, and only a few persons did not make fun of him.

Having been new, the youth in the beginning tried just to ignore the servants' mockeries.

But the tension was increasing and after Mary Jablonskaia had moved into the Noirson house, a crisis became inevitable.

***

In the common security's cafeteria Jerry took his meal and sat at the free seat.

"Hey, chap!" the servant across the table grinned. "Today is not your shift, is it?"

The youthful bodyguard did not look at him and was silently picking at the food on his plate.

"What are you gonna do, poor you?" the security could not calm down. "Go, get plastered again!"

"Leave this lad alone, Carl!" Ron sat next to Jerry.

"Oh, yeah?" Carl screwed up his eyes. "I'm just amazed at that cocky fellow. Strange, why the Master hasn't dismissed him yet?"

"You're human and can't understand us!" Ron gazed at Carl. "You're dumb! Even God the Creator can't control the Love!"

"Give me a break!" Carl snored. "It's not 'Love'. That young buck just hasn't fucked enough!"

Jerry slowly lifted his head and looked right into Carl's face.

"What, big eyes?" Carl giggled. "What are you staring at? The Master placed at our disposal a lot of free whores, but you want His girl, eh? Do you think you're the best or what?"

"My fuck and my thoughts are none of your fucking business."

"Do you think so? Look, boy, I have a useful "pain relief" for you. As her bodyguard, you have to have her picture. So,..." And Carl gave the very short and expressive advice, how on the youth should use that photo for reduction of desire. "Do it twice in day, all "love" will be gone!"

The blood rushed into Jerry's head and he did not hear Ron's warning call. Toppling over the table, the youthful security flung himself at Carl.

A professional, Carl blocked the first attack, but the next hit of enraged Jerry reached Carl. His friends came to Carl's assistance. They grabbed the youthful servant, and Ron hoped that this would stop the fight.

But Max had a grudge against Jerry for a long time. He was the first to start mocking Jerry, and he could not miss his chance to get him. He lashed out at Jerry and punched him a few times. Kicking him with both his feet Jerry threw Max off, and now Max's pals rushed forward, and then Ron stood up for his partner.

Ron had his own friends here, and he counted on their help. He realized that the 'bar brawl' would become a total battle, however, he was too attached to that nervous, brave youngster, and he could not just watch him get beaten.

Just in time, Ron blocked the strike that would certainly have knocked Jerry out.

Choking with blood and curses, Carl slowly got up. His hand slipped under his jacket, but Jerry did not wait until he took out the gun or knife. Growling, the youthful servant threw off the men holding him to the right and left and grabbed his brass knuckles.

It worked like a signal. Everybody snatched out their weapons, and now nobody listened to their chief Jack Leclerc, who unsuccessfully tried restore order, and the real combat took place.

Thoroughly mad, Jerry noticed nothing.

He beat Carl unmercifully until the security collapsed into unconsciousness.

He beat other servants, trying to stop him, and he did not feel their reciprocal hits, and he only stood still when a cold muzzle was pressed against his temple, and he heard the sound of a gun cocked near his ear.

"You idiot!" Roger Slay had a gun at Jerry's head. "Would you calm down or have I gotta swat your stupid brain out?"

Jerry dropped his brass knuckles and slowly lifted his hands.

"The Master has just come back," the butler took his gun away. "Report to his office immediately!" Roger turned to Jack and asked very quietly, so that only his partner could hear him: "Why do they have weapons in their common places? It was prohibited five years ago!"

"Look, pal," Leclerc was livid, he was shaken. "We've had no trouble a long time..."

"Now you have it!" Slay interrupted with anger. "You know, how I hate you, humans! The human had provoked the fight, and the another human had started the fight, and then another human continued it! It's your responsibility, buddy! But you are my partner and friend, and I'll cover for you today. But don't count on it next time! I'll change the tape... We'll have to sacrifice Max to save your butt. I don't think it'll be a big loss. I'll "take" him, and give you my man instead of him. But remember, in future! If the Master wishes to have Jerry, we must accept it! So, keep your thugs off him!" And continued loudly: "Okay, humans are your department, Jack! Go, "work" with them! Owners of human bodies! I'll "work" with you later, be ready! But you, Ron, you come with me right now."

"I'll go with Jerry."

"What?" the butler roared. "Is that a riot or are you two just crazy?"

"Mr. Slay, sir, it was my fault. I didn't warn Jerry that any fights between servants are prohibited."

"Well, well, well..." Roger looked around at the ruined hall and hissed very quietly: "Then all the more, moron, come with me. We're both not humans, and we've been working together for such a long time. Be sure, I'll give you much easier punishment than if you report to the Master."

"I'm going with Jerry! That's my fault and my responsibility!"

"No, pal," Only now the youth noticed his various wounds. Especially severe was the one on his shoulder. Jerry understood somebody had shot him, but who and how it had happened, the youthful servant did not remember. Trying to stop the bleeding, Jerry squeezed his shoulder. "No, pal, you did warn me, I just wasn't obedient."

"Don't be a fool, fibber," Ron smiled sadly. "It's very touching that you try to cover for me, but also stupid. You're gonna have a "ride to Hell" in that case!"

"How about you, partner?"

"I'm afraid you're both gonna have it!" the butler bellowed at them. "Jerry! To Mr. Noirson's office! Ron! With me! Or I'll order the others to drag you!"

"Good luck, buddy!" Ron sighed and followed Slay.

***

Noirson jumped out of his chair, when bruised and wounded Jerry strolled into his office. Barely keeping his feet, the youth could not stifle his moans, and Robert cured him first of all, then took the videotape.

***

"Wow!" Noirson played the videotape again and again. "Oh, my Father! Damn, Jerry! You have been trained to fight my enemies, not my servants! Oh, dear Devil, what a mess!" He pounded the desk. "Why do I have to waste the Power to cure you all after such scrap?. I can't see clearly... Who's the guy that started beating you?"

"It was Max, sir."

"Max? But Roger told me... Ah, whatever! Anyway, you started that fight! Why did you get so mad? You're not drunk now, are you?"

"No, sir. But Carl had said some bad things about Mary Jablonsky."

"Oh, really?" Robert's face became darker with anger. "He's a dead man, be sure. Okay, Jerry, first warning to you! Thank you for trying to defend her name, but in a case such as that you should report not fight! Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Great! Jerry, I strongly recommend you to be a good boy. And remember! A second 'warning' does not exist! A second mistake will call forth a "ride to Hell". And my Father will teach you, how to behave."

Jerry blanched with horror and nodded.

Chapter Three: The new attempts

The factory

Mary Noirson was visiting a furniture factory again.

She was married only seven months ago and enjoyed her new status. The youthful woman visited her husband's plants and factories and felt proud at being pleasantly treated with respect by every worker.

That factory was her favorite. She liked the mixed smell of wood, sawdust, glue, engine oil and varnish, the noises and organized bustle.

Today the head manager, who usually accompanied her, was very busy and asked Michael Alter, his assistant, to show Mary around.

Mary gazed at the assistant with curiosity. He gave her a strange, mysterious glance. It was not a sexual look, it seemed like he met someone well known. When Alter shook her hand, he held it a little longer than was necessary, and Jerry, standing behind his lady, barely restrained his jealousy.

Mary felt strange. Yet she loved her husband their family life was too nervous. To counterbalance it, when she was next to Michael she sensed a deep peace and calm. He was illuminated with hope and trust. It was a boundless ocean of Love, and Mary melted into unlimited enjoyment. And only two words: "Heavenly happiness" could explain her feelings.

Alter lowered his gaze, and something like a strong hand led Mary down, back to Earth. She tried to resist, she did not want to lose that wonderful sensation. Suddenly a soft, but resolute order sounded into her mind: "You're here on duty!" Amazed, Mary looked at Michael attentively. His lips did not move, and only showed a sad smile full of compassion. And Mary took this phrase as her own thought.

"Well," She sighed, and surprised herself, hearing her cold official voice. "What was the reject percentage yesterday?"

***

They had the usual talk on business matters.

Jerry listened very attentively, but he did not understand Alter's explanation. Mary asked lots of questions, Michael patiently answered, and youthful guard felt confused. He did not think of himself as dumb, it was just not his field of life.

After his fight, no servant dared to mock him again. He even got new friends, and his strange, hopeless love for the Master's wife, was now taboo for jokes. Jerry was too young and emotional to get real respect, but now the servants realized how dangerous he was and tried do not irritate him.

And now, Michael Alter caused Jerry to feel offended again. Mary was visibly interested speaking with the assistant and the youthful bodyguard involuntarily recalled how her face became bored all the time when he, Jerry, tried to talk with her.

***

When Mary was ready to leave, Alter changed the subject and for a while they discussed the difficulties of the people's lives.

"Of course, Earth is a tough place to live," Michael sighed. "But we all have here our own duties."

And Mary fell deep in thought.

Robert and Jerry

Jerry was cleaning one of his guns when Robert entered the room. The youth got up and smiled. He idolized Noirson and was happy to see him. Jerry had just finished his training in the camp and now he waited for the job his Master would like to give him.

Robert walked around Jerry, standing in the middle of the room. Noirson gazed at the youth very attentively then ordered him to undress until nude.

Jerry obeyed, and Robert checked him out from the top of his head to his heels, like a customer checking a horse before buying.

"You can put your clothes back on." Noirson stepped aside. "Jerry, I see, the two and a half years that have passed since I got you, were very fruitful. You're in great shape, and I've been informed about your successes in training. Well, you need to study more, but I have a good teacher for you. I know how disciplined you are. So, I hope, Ron will not have a problem with you. You have to listen to him, as if me. I'll take you to my personal security."

Excited, Jerry gasped. He never dreamed about it, he could not believe his ears.

"Okay, Jerry," Noirson smirked at his reaction. "Now tell me, what kind of car do you want? Just, please, not a red sports convertible."

Confused, the youth blushed. It was exactly that he wanted to ask for. Robert sighed understandingly.

"Jerry, a new metallic "Mercedes" will impress girls no less, believe me." He said, dropping his voice. "And it will not attract the attention of police as easy. I can untangle any mess, but I don't like to waste the Power, remember that!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good boy! Well, do you like my watch?"

Jerry scanned the Rolex like a professional: "Wow!" He grinned. "Four grand for sure."

"Shit, Jerry! It's more than twice as expensive, if you buy it!"

The youth kept smiling.

"Well, Jerry, they will be yours, if you can get them from me. I know, in your past, you did that a lot of times. I'd like to see it. Can you do the same thing now? I hope, you didn't lose your "qualifications" and didn't forget how you used to do that? Still got it, eh?"

Taking this challenge, Jerry smugly smiled. His self-confidence was no less than his Master had.

"Come on, show me your best!" Noirson stood in the middle of the room. The youth slowly walked passed him.

Suddenly he made so fast motion that if Noirson was a human he could not react.

But Robert clutched Jerry's arm. And in the next moment the muzzle of a gun was pressed to Noirson's cheek, and the tender girl-like face of the youth instantly turned to a cruel mask of a cold-blooded killer.

But he came to his senses at once, gasped, and, dropping the gun, Jerry fell on his knees.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He was shaken and panted with horror. "I did it mechanically! I love You, my Lord! I didn't mean to harm You!"

"My dear boy," Noirson smiled tenderly as he helped Jerry to his feet. "You couldn't harm me, even if you fired. You did everything great and this watch and the car are yours, as I promised. Pack your stuff, I'll send Ron to pick you up."

***

It had happened almost a year ago. Why did Noirson recall this episode now?

Because Jerry entered his office with the same angry and gloomy face. A look of spite and irritation were glowing in the eyes of the young servant.

Noirson knew about Jerry's love for his wife, but it doubled the efforts of the bodyguard, and Robert did not want to change the situation.

Jerry emotionally started talking about today's visit to the factory. He laid it on thick, and Noirson sensed it. However, Robert loved his youthful wife too much and did not want to take any risk. Taking the receiver, he made a call.

Michael Alter

The next day Mary Noirson went to the factory again and almost collided with Michael Alter in the entrance. He handled a briefcase.

"Where are you going?" Mary wondered. "What happened?"

"I'm fired," He smiled.

Mary's face blushed with anger. Although she was not with Jerry today, she did realize at once, whose report was the reason for the dismissal.

"I'll fix that!" She said resolutely. But Michael shook his head.

"Don't do anything. Anyway, I have a different job now. I worked as a carpenter enough." Alter's voice was so significant, that an amazed Mary stared at him: "I don't understand…"

"When did you last read the Bible? Don't you remember, who was working as a carpenter before he started his Main Job?"

"Jesus Christ!" Mary gasped.

"Bye, sister!" Michael tenderly touched her cheek, and kept smiling as he went away.

The monks

They were summoned from around the country. Ten men, all die-hards.

The youngest, Steve Farringer, was twenty-six. The oldest, Patrick, the leader, was fifty-three years old. Though all were Christian, they belonging to different denominations. Just one subject was common for all the monks: they all had experienced dogfights. They were ex-Army Rangers, Police Officers, NAVY Seals, SWAT, Marines. Kevin, who had joined them the last, was a former commando.

Now Robert Noirson was careful like never before and it was necessary to use professionals for the next attempt to kill the Beast.

***

The cenobites got a wonderful chance to do it, when Noirson married Mary Jablonskaia. Almost every Sunday she visited the local congregation, and the monks decided to act with the local pastor, Father James.

For this mission Daniel had been chosen, because Father James was an inveterate gardener and Daniel graduated a college as a landscape technician.

Daniel had meetings with the pastor a few times. Yet for a long time the monk did not dare to speak the Truth. Only when he and Father James became friends, Daniel told the pastor everything and asked for his assistance.

Father James believed him, but the priests had different opinions about Mary Noirson and her knowledge about the real status of her husband. Finally Daniel and James compromised.

"I'll talk to her," Pastor James suggested. "And we'll see, what we can do, okay?"

"Deal!" worried Daniel agreed unwillingly. "But be careful, if she's on his side, you could be in serious trouble.

The dog

Today Mary Noirson was planning to meet Pastor James. She was ready to go, when Robert entered her room and told her to come with him.

"Honey, I have a meeting..." Mary was upset: Pastor James tried to talk with her many times, but something always happened that prevented their conversation.

"Big deal! Just call and cancel it!"

Mary dialed the number and waited for an answer.

A loud clap of thunder outside startled her: "Oh, no, it's raining again!"

"Heavy rain, sweetie-pie... Come on! How long do I have to wait for you?"

"Okay..." Mary sighed and hung up the phone.

***

Pastor James was closing the doors of his greenhouses behind the church. From time to time he looked at his watch. Mary Noirson had not arrived yet and he was afraid he would miss her. Nevertheless the storm forced him to go outside and take care of his plants. An ice-cold, strong wind made the rain even worse.

When the pastor closed the last door, the rainwater was running like a river.

Suddenly he heard a low growling sound. The eyes of a huge black dog glowed at Father James through streams of rain.

The pastor slowly crossed himself. The dog showed its long bright white fangs. It looked like a smile. A scornful smile.

Farther James got angry. He resolutely stepped to the church, but the dog jumped towards him and snapped its jaws just a few inches from the man.

The pastor recoiled. He had no weapon to protect himself. Keeping his eyes on the dog, Father James started to move around the greenhouse. Suddenly his foot slipped. He threw up his hands, lost his balance and fell down into the hole.

Only now Father James remembered this well that he asked to be dug yesterday. The pit was about fifteen feet deep and the rainwater had already filled it halfway. Almost choked, the pastor unsuccessfully tried to get out. The water and dirt mixed together, and he was not able to swim in the mire. He tried to climb up, but the walls were too steep and slippery.

He realized, he was doomed to be buried alive in the mud.

Suddenly, an idea dawned upon him. Father James snatched a big cross that he was wearing and thrust it into the wall. The cross stuck firmly, and now he had a chance to hold on until someone would be able to help him out.

The dog above roared with disappointment.

***

Daniel was driving very carefully. The wipers were almost useless. And the monk was thinking, driving under the sea would be easier than driving in such a rain.

He parked, cringed and got out the car.

The parking lot was empty. Mary Noirson's car was not there either and Daniel thought: "It means she hadn't come again or she'd come and didn't listen to James and had already gone..."

Daniel went to the door of the house and knocked.

No response.

Getting worried, Daniel carefully open the door and called out to Pastor James. Nobody answered, and the monk entered inside.

He heard a sibilant sound and went to the kitchen. The teapot was boiling and almost all the water had evaporated.

Daniel turned the stove off and ran outside. He called Farther James. He heard a weak response and ran to the sound.

"Look out!"

Daniel barely kept his feet. He saw the hole and gasped. He knelt and looked inside.

"Mary Noirson..." the pastor was panting. "The dog..."

"Later! Later!" Daniel took his jacket off. "Hold on!" He held one sleeve and put the jacket into the pit. Father James reached out his hand and tried to grab the another sleeve.

Suddenly huge fangs thrust into Daniel's back. The monk did not expect the attack. He screamed and dropped the jacket.

The dog bit him again, but Daniel punched the beast in the nose, and the animal jumped aside. It roared with hate.

"So, this doggie Mary Noirson has sent to us instead of herself." Daniel smiled and took out his switchblade. "Oh, you are a bad dog! Come on! Show me what you got!"

The dog looked at him very attentively, however, did not try to come any closer.

The monk took off his shirt. He watched the dog and started to put the shirt down into the pit.

"Please, hurry up!" exhausted, Father James begged. "I can't hold on any longer!"

The dog leaped to the monk. Daniel dodged the strike and smiled with triumph: he felt the pastor grab the sleeve.

Howling, the dog attacked the man again. The monk hit the animal with the blade, but this time his action did not stop the beast. The huge jaws squeezed Daniel's body. The monk screeched yet did not drop the shirt.

Daniel again and again hit the dog with the knife with one hand and pulled Pastor James up with the another hand. The beast gnawed his shoulder and the unbearable pain drove Daniel insane, but his desire to save his friend helped him stay in control.

Suddenly the dog changed its tactics. Releasing its victim, it lunged at the pit. The monk was not able to prevent it, and the fangs of the beast tore the shirt. Daniel heard the scream of Pastor James and sound of a splash, as the priest fell down into the mire again.

The man and the animal continued their mortal fight.

"Brother!" the voice of Pastor James sounded with despair. "Give me absolution!"

Daniel had no time to answer; the dying beast made one last effort and clutched the man at the groin. This time the intolerable pain caused Daniel to pass out.

***

The ice-cold rain helped Daniel to regain consciousness very quickly.

The dead body of the dog was lying on top of Daniel. He pried open the jaws of the beast. The awful pain made the monk dizzy, yet all he could think about was Pastor James.

Crawling to the pit, Daniel looked inside. Only a dead motionless hand clutching a cross was above the mud.

The monk looked long at it. He stared for a long time. Then he screamed, damned Mary Noirson and asked God to send her the worst punishment ever.

Moaning and sobbing, Daniel could barely drag himself to the building and call an ambulance.

In the office

"Honey," excited, Mary entered her husband's office. "I found a companion for me!"

Robert looked at his wife with confusion. After the dismissal of Michael Alter, Mary felt very lonely. And a few months ago she asked her husband to find a companion for her, and until now, he had not done it yet.

All Noirson's faithful people were his slaves. They were only employees officially. But of course, Mary did not know about it. Instinctively the servants were afraid of their lady, most of them hated her for that, and the woman sensed their feelings to her, although she did not understand their reasons.

"You did?" Noirson smiled. "Great! Who is it?"

"Hannah Williamson."

"Who?" Robert got amazed. He quickly checked the names of his people. "Who the Hell is she? Where did you find her?"

"I met her today, when I attended that benevolent party..."

"Oh, now I can imagine her! How many times do I have to repeat? You have to avoid contacts with those religious freaks!"

"Robert! I am a Catholic myself and you met me on the same arrangement!"

"Okay, okay, sorry, kitten. But why did you choose her?"

"Oh, honey! She's a kind, nice girl! She wants to go to college so much! But she has no money..."

"Sweetie-pie, I can't pay a scholarship fees for everybody. She can join the Army."

"No, she can't, she's a Jehovah's Witness."

"What?" Noirson jumped out of his chair. "Are you crazy? I can't allow the "witness" to live in my house!"

"You said it's my house also..." Mary looked really upset and Robert relented.

"I am a Catholic," Mary continued. "And I don't like the religious ideas of the Witnesses either, but they don't steal or handle weapons. They don't even smoke! Why should we be afraid of her?"

Robert did not reply. He had just one, but awfully important reason: his real status, however, he could not tell Mary about it.

"Okay, bunny," Noirson finally sighed. "If you wish to..."

Mary's face lit up with a happy smile.

"Just order her not to speak about her beliefs with my people and especially with me! Deal?"

"Oh, honey, thank you!" touched, Mary walked around the desk and hugged her husband. "I love you so much!"

Robert's eyes flashed. He pushed the button on the intercom: "Mrs. Ponk?" Noirson panted. "I will be absent for a while, for any reason."

***

Anhella Vixen had just entered the secretary's room and heard those words. She gasped and sorrowfully glanced at Mrs. Ponk. She realized at once what it meant. How many times Robert had pronounced the same phrase, holding her, Anhella, in his arms! Vixen's Aryan blood was raging. She desired to grab her gun, burst into his office and kill them both. But she knew it was impossible. And a few seconds later her love for Robert finally overcame her jealousy.

Pressing her portfolio to her chest, Anhella slowly went to the private waiting room and saw Jerry. The bodyguard was staring at the door as a dog would while waiting his master's return. He looked at Vixen questionably. She sadly smiled to her fellow sufferer.

Understanding, Jerry blushed and lowered his eyes. Pretending not to worry, he took the first magazine and browsed through the pages. This sight relieved Anhella's pain. She was much luckier than this poor guy. She knew how Robert appreciated her.

***

The door opened and Mary Noirson strolled into the waiting room.

Her face was burning with happiness and satisfaction, her hair was done carelessly and her clothes were disordered.

She forgot about everything, and she did not even see Jerry sprang up toward her.

"Mrs. Noirson!" his voice was trembling. "Wait for me!"

"Ah, Jerry..." She yawned. "Take me home."

"But we'd planned to go shopping!"

"Shopping's boring!" Mary sang. "I wanna take a shower... Maybe a massage..."

"May I massage you?"

"Of course not, you silly thing." Mary smiled tenderly.

"Why can that male, that outsider, touch you again and I'm expected to just watch it?"

"Which male?" Mary sleepily looked at her bodyguard. "You're raving, buddy."

"I mean your masseur..." Jerry mumbled hopelessly as he followed his lady.

***

Noirson was smoking. He smiled when Anhella Vixen entering his office.

"Komm zu mir, Mädchen!" He tightly hugged his secretary.

"Come to me, girl!" / German

"Ist dein Raport schon fertig, Fräulein Vixen?"

"Is the report ready, Miss Vixen?" / German

"Ja," Anhella sleeked the disarranged hair of her Master.

"Yes." / German

"Du solltest dein Hemd wechseln. Es ist nass." She said calmly.

"You should change your shirt. It is wet." / German

"Danke, lieb," keeping a smile Noirson got up.

"Thank you, dear." / German

"Bereite die Papiere vor. Ich bin gleich zurück." He told her.

"Prepare your papers. I'll be right back." / German

Before he left, Robert looked at his secretary with gratitude:

"I can't imagine, how could I work without you!"

"I can't imagine, how could I live without You." Anhella thought.

Hannah

Unfortunately, Robert was right when he was afraid to allow the Jehovah's Witness to live in his home.

Hannah Williamson was doing her standard weekly preaching. She and her friend were standing near a subway station and tried to talk with people. They "caught" Father Christopher and started discussing the Bible.

Although Mary prohibited her companion to tell strangers where she was working Hannah used her employers as an example during the conversation. She did not use their names, but suddenly Father Christopher guessed who she was talking about.

"God is helping us himself!" the priest thought with excitement. He called Hannah aside and told her everything.

"I don't believe you!" Hannah was shaken. Then Father Christopher gave her a card: "My dear daughter, when you are sure, contact me! Just, please, be careful! I beg you!"

And he left the appalled Hannah.

***

In the middle of the night Mary Noirson woke up in her bedroom.

For a few minutes she just laid in the bed thinking about her companion. About a week ago something happened with Hannah. She shunning contact with Robert, and with her lady she spent all the time talking about the Apocalypse. Despite her religious education Mary did not like that kind of talk.

Strange, but without any reason, a deep worry seized youthful woman. Trembling, she got up, put her robe on and went to the corridor.

The security guard was sitting on the chair, reading a newspaper, and looked at his lady with surprise: "Where are you going, ma'am?" He got up. "It's almost 3 a.m.!"

"Is my husband okay?"

Security nodded: "Yes, ma'am, I got some information just a few minutes ago. He has a meeting in building B. Do you need to contact him?"

"No, I don't wanna disturb him," Mary still thinking about her worry. "Where is Hannah?"

Suddenly the security smiled: "The mouse in the mouse trap."

Mary's legs gave way under her: "What are you talking about?"

"Well, your companion should have known that the Master's "prayer room" is off limits for everyone," his voice sounded with a hidden spite.

Mary gasped and ran along the corridor.

***

Although anybody could get into that room, only a few persons knew how to get out.

Shuddering, Hannah was sitting on the floor in the "prayer room". She was trapped and clearly realized it. Clasping her knees she was waiting, and dreading every second, thinking that the Beast would come inside.

The door opened and the girl barely swallowed her cry of terror.

But it was Mary Noirson. Sighing with relief, Hannah sprang up and ran to her lady.

"How could you!" Mary cried. "I helped you, I trusted you, I thought we were friends!"

"Mary, I..."

"It looks base, mean, vile!"

"Mary, you have to listen me!"

"Shut up, betrayer-girl!"

"Mary, your husband..."

"One more word and I'll call him!"

Hannah fell in silence.

***

Silently they went to Hannah's room.

"Take your stuff," Mary ordered. "What's necessary, no more than one suitcase! I'll be back." Soon Mary returned with another suitcase: "Let's go!"

***

The bodyguards started to argue with their lady, when she demanded to drive Hannah all by herself. They barely compromised.

Mary Noirson drove her companion and bodyguards downtown, stopped in front of the "Hilton" and told one of them to reserve a room. One bodyguard got out of the car and went into the building.

A few seconds later Mary ordered the another bodyguard: "Check the left rear tire out!"

"You have a computer for this, ma'am!"

"What's going on?" Mary burst out angrily. "How dare you disobey me!"

When the bodyguard got out and bent to check the tire, Mary Noirson pushed the gas pedal and the car accelerated away.

The bodyguard took a jolt. But he came to his senses at once, cursed, then took his cell-phone and made a call.

***

"Okay, girl," Mary looked in the mirror. "We have about thirty minutes. Do you know a place that is safe enough to hide?"

Hannah nodded.

"Good, you need it. In this suitcase is sixty thousand, it's enough to study in some good university. Just do not put more then two or three thousand in the bank at once. Do you have any cash with you?"

"Fifty-three bucks."

"Okay, take a taxi," Mary stopped the car. "I don't wanna know where you're gonna hide. Good luck and good bye!"

"Mary, your husband..."

"I said, good bye!"

"Good bye, Mrs. Noirson..."

***

Robert asked nothing about Hannah and this surprised Mary, however, she did not dare to start talking about it. This subject was now taboo.

***

When Myron heard the knock on the door he opened it at once. He was sure it was one of his friends.

But it was an unknown white girl and Myron felt how the blood rushed into his face; as he was only wearing underpants.

Hannah leered at the almost naked tall black man with amazement and confusion. Kindness and surprise were shining in his big tender eyes, and Hannah calmed down and dared to ask: "Is this apartment 218?"

"Yes."

"Does Father Christopher live here?"

"Yes, miss... Who are you?"

"I'm Hannah Williamson. Father Christopher gave me this address. Can I come in?"

"Oh, my God!" Myron stepped aside. "Sorry, of course! I just did not expect your visit; it's so hot today and we have no air-conditioner. Excuse me for a second, please."

He came back wearing a cassock.

"Are you a monk?" Hannah gasped.

"We are all monks." Myron smiled.

"Wow! I thought, you're a football player or something like that..."

"Well, in high-school I used to play football..."

And the young people entered into a conversation.

***

When all the cenobites had gathered, Hannah told them how she lost her job.

"Heartless witch!" Kevin said about Mary Noirson.

"No," Hannah was confused. "She saved me from the Beast, she told me to hide and gave me this money..." Hannah put the suitcase on the table and lifted the cover. "Sixty thousand bucks!"

Somebody gasped, somebody whistled.

"I wanna give this money to you for your sacred mission." Hannah continued. "Please, let me join you."

The cenobites exchanged glances.

Kevin took the suitcase and fiddled with a bunch of bills: "Gee!" He laughed. "It will be real fun to kill the Beast using his own money!"

"But, Hannah, how about you? Your dreams, your future?"

"While the Beast is alive nobody has a future." Hannah looked around. "Please, let me stay with you. If he hasn't found this place yet it means it's safe enough... Please?"

"Welcome aboard!" Patrick, the leader, resolutely shook Hannah's hand.

Hannah and Myron

For a few months Hannah lived in the same apartment as the cenobites.

But lately the monks began noticing some changes.

***

The friends were resting in the common room. Some were reading while others watched TV. Kevin worked out on the machine. Patrick, the leader, was checking the bills. From time to time the cenobites looked askance at Hannah and Myron and exchanged glances.

But talking selflessly, the girl and the young monk were seeing only each other.

"Hey, guys!" Patrick finally called them. He could not concentrate. "Wanna go to some bar or for a dancing? Why just sit here?"

Confused, the young couple looked at him.

"No," Steve Farringer sadly smiled. "Better if they stay home; the city is very dangerous at night."

"Hey, girl!" Kevin got up and wiped sweat from his face. "Bring me some soda from the fridge."

Myron leaped at Kevin and grabbed his T-shirt: "You milky bone! Do you think she's your maid or what?"

"Myron! Buddy," Kevin calmly smiled. "Are you okay? I just asked her as friend and roommate!"

"Sorry, Kev," Myron released Kevin. "Just watch what you imply when you're talking."

"Really, Myron, let's go for a walk," Hannah took his hand. "You're tired and nervous."

Her eyes sparkled with a smile. And the young couple went away.

***

It was late night, when Myron carefully oozed into the bedroom. He tried not to wake his roommates. Myron did not turn the light on, undressed and quickly hopped into his bed. He did not notice that nobody was asleep, but everybody was pretending to be asleep. They heard how he was gasping. It was the breathing of happy man. And their hearts were filled with light, tender envy.

***

That five-bedroom apartment had three bathrooms. But, of course, for eleven people it was not enough. Richard moaned, when Hannah cut the line and rushed past him to the bathroom.

"Every morning!" Greg was next after him. "It's not funny any more. Christopher, it was you, who found Hannah! And now what?"

Worried Myron slowly came close to the door and carefully knocked: "Hannah, are you okay?"

"Leave her alone, she's okay," Richard's voice sounded so confident that Myron got confused and quickly went away. An ex-army surgeon Richard was professional physician.

The monks exchanged glances: "Are you thinking, what I am thinking?"

"Gosh, we have a situation here."

"What's going on?" Greg gazed at them. "What are you talking about?"

Christopher explained and the young monk gasped.

Patrick, the leader, peeped down the corridor to make sure Myron could not hear them, then turned to his friends: "Today come home about twenty minutes early, we need to talk about it. Not a word to Myron, okay?"

Saint Valentine's Day

Usually the monks returned home one by one. But on the February 14 Patrick, the leader, arranged the common meeting at the neighboring cafe.

When all cenobites had assembled, Patrick smiled and the friends exchanged glances.

"Well, Myron, we know about Hannah."

Ashamed, the monk tried to say something, but he could not find words.

"It's okay, Myron, we're all glad to see that you and this wonderful girl are happy together. All of us invested all our money into our sacred mission. Hannah did it also. But now you need money for your baby. Well," Patrick looked at the other monks. "This month we all saved and pooled our pocket money, and, well..."

"Surprise!" the monks all exclaimed together. Myron gasped. His friends put a huge elegant corsage of flowers, a small box and a gift certificate on the table. Myron opened the box. It was a wedding ring.

Seeing that, the couple at the next table giggled.

"Oh, brothers..." Myron looked around. "I'm so thankful! I'll never forget this! God bless you all! My dear friends! I want all of you to be there when I propose to Hannah."

"We will!" Kevin smiled.

"I've gotta call her..."

"No, let's surprise her too!" Farringer suggested.

***

The high spirited friends went to the apartment building and went up the stairs together.

The door of the apartment was slightly open.

The merriment left the men instantly. Now they were soldiers on the alert again. They pricked up their ears and took out their guns.

Myron's face turned grayish brown: "Oh, God, please, no!" He held the bouquet and a bag with the gifts.

"Stay behind!" Patrick, the leader, ordered quietly.

Obeying his signals, the monks took their places and prepared.

On the leader's command Kevin threw the door wide open. Holding guns ready to fire, the monks stormed into the apartment.

They realized at once that they were too late. The apartment was completely ruined. The walls and even the ceiling had been splattered with blood.

"Don't let Myron come in!" Patrick shouted.

But the young monk pushed his friends away and ran into the apartment. He gasped and dropped the flowers and the bag.

"Hannah!" He screamed. Calling her name, Myron rushed from room to room.

Blood was everywhere. He ran to the kitchen. And there he found her. It... All that remained of the woman whom he loved...

"Happy Valentine's Day!" blared from the wall, written with blood and red drops oozed down towards the floor.

The town

Finally, good luck smiled upon the cenobites. They found information about this town through the Internet. Just about one hundred miles from the city and thirty miles to the next town. Five years ago all citizens left this town without any visible reason.

Patrick, the leader, and Victor checked the town out. The church in the town was still in good condition and all communications were easily set up. It was very lucky for the cenobites. And they used it.

After Hannah's awful death they moved here, but they still spent almost all their time in the city, searching for ways to reach the Beast.

The cat

Victor's parents were animal lovers. A lot of pets surrounded him from the first day of his life. His mother especially loved cats. Different colors, but most of them were short haired, and Victor liked them. One black cat was his favorite. Every time, when he was lying in the bed, night or day, the cat came to him and lay by his side. It purred very loud and melodically, and Victor loved to pet and caress it and feel its small muscular body.

***

He was on his shift when the awful fire had happened. Both of his parents and almost the all animals died. His favorite cat was gone too.

However, some cats ran away, later he saw some of them in the local shelter. As a policeman, Victor often delivered street cats and lost dogs there, and he wanted to believe his pet survived that fire.

After the tragedy Victor became a monk, yet he still loved animals and dearly wanted to have at least one of them.

He finally had the opportunity to have a pet when the monks moved to this town.

Because of permanent danger, the monks preferred to stay in the same building, near the church and leave the other houses empty. It was 6:35 p.m. and Victor went for a little walk. He went slowly along the streets, as he had done many times in his town. Abandoned buildings looked strange and gloomy.

Suddenly a tiny black animal ran near a house. Victor noticed it, and sighed, recalling his pet. Although he knew, how careful any cats, especially street cats are, Victor mechanically called it: "Here, kitty-kitty-kitty!" To his surprise, the cat came to him.

Of course, it was not his cat, it was a very young animal, about six or eight months old. Victor thought this was why it came to his call and allowed him to take it in his arms.

But when he came close to the church, the animal started to show worry and finally jumped off his arms. Victor did not want to force it to stay. He knew cats did not like new places. He went to the building and took a few pieces of chicken, then came back. The cat was still there. Victor fed it and smiled with pleasure, watching how the hungry animal was eating greedily.

Since that time the cat started to wait for him every evening and Victor was feeling happy. Tracy was an inveterate cameraman and recorded how Victor fed and petted the cat and played with it. But probably the film was defective, because instead of images of his new pet, there were just black shapeless spots.

Victor very much wanted that cat to lie in his bed, as he had in his town, however, the animal never came close to the building, where the cenobites now lived. And finally Victor asked Patrick, the leader, about permission to spend nights in another house. Patrick did not see anything wrong and allowed it.

Victor chose the house near where he met the cat the first time.

That night he lay down on the bed in that house and called the cat.

The animal looked confused. It seemed it was concerned and hesitated. Once it even hissed at the monk, and Victor thought with worry, maybe it was sick.

But finally, the cat jumped onto the bed, curled itself up into a ball and started purring, and Victor smiled with happiness.

***

Patrick and Tracy slowly passed the house.

"I can't understand Victor," Tracy shrugged his shoulders. "How can he sleep here, alone, in a ghost town, with a black cat..."

The friends involuntarily looked at the building. Strange, reddish light glowed from the bedroom window.

"My God!" Patrick gasped. "It's a fire!"

They ran into the house and burst into Victor's bedroom.

They stopped, they screamed with horror, and they then realized, why the citizens left this town, after such a monster took up residence here.

It, what bent over Victor, was not a cat, not a panther, not a woman, not a She-Devil, not a Sphinx. It was all of them at once.

Its tender girl face was turned to the monks. The glowing slanted eyes of the creature did not show any fear. Bright white fangs flashed into its mouth when it licked its succulent lips. Swishing its long snake-like tail, the beast stretched its limbs, and the cenobites saw its huge claws.

The monks grabbed their guns and started shooting. Their bullets, made from church silver, should kill any creature whether from Earth or Hell.

Its screech made them deaf for a while. Victor sprang up and the monks stopped firing, and they were afraid to wound their friend.

Victor gasped, he stared at the creature, wriggling in the middle of the room.

"Why did you shoot it?" He asked them.

The friends became confused. Really, why? It did not harm Victor, and probably would have not. But it looked so unusual... So scary... Yes, looked.

A light smoke rose from it and now only a motionless body of a small dead cat was lying on the floor. Victor took it into his arm, hugged it and cried bitterly. The friends looked at him with compassion, but only animal lovers would be able to understand his grief.

The party

"Guess what!" The friends had never seen Richard so excited. "I met an old friend, Thomas Dufour, we studied together in the medical college, and now he is a physician for some of Noirson's servants!"

The monks gasped.

"Richard, does your friend know who Robert Noirson really is?"

"No, and I didn't risk telling him; tomorrow the Noirsons will have a party. Tom gave me an invitation and I can bring one of you with me!"

The monks all started talking at once.

"I'm coming!" Kevin suggested.

"No," Patrick, the leader, objected. "You hate him too much. Don't forget, whoever goes should be able to shake his hand, smile and not think about our mission."

They discussed this until nighttime.

***

Richard and Steve Farringer greeted the Noirsons without any troubles, but now they had another problem: Dufour really missed Rick and kept talking non-stop. Time was running out, and the friends had not a chance to do the business that they had come here for.

Suddenly Robert Noirson came closer and looked at them very attentively. He gazed at Farringer and then at Richard: "Which cat, can I ask?" He heard something and got interested.

The monk shortly repeated to him the story about Victor's pet. Robert listened with visible curiosity.

"Yes, these filthy creatures come to Earth sometimes!" Noirson said after Richard had finished. "Maybe this is why I don't like cats. Independent and mysterious. Dogs are easier to handle. Well, it was a really nice tale! Thank you, gentlemen!" And, smiling, he walked to another group of his guests.

All three of them were silent for a while. Thomas started to talk again. But Farringer felt incapable of keeping conversation anymore. He needed action. Mumbling a few excuses, Steve quickly left.

Farringer

Steve remembered exactly where the "prayer room" was: poor Hannah told the monks all the details about Noirson's home.

But the third floor was closed to visitors. When Farringer went upstairs he saw security blocking the entry. Hiding behind window drapery the young monk wondered what he could do now.

Suddenly Steve heard a beeping sound. The leader of security took out a cell-phone.

"No, sir," He said into receiver. "Nobody's here." He listened for a while. "Yes, sir! Over." He put the phone back into his pocket, signed to his detachment and they went away.

Farringer could not believe his luck. Hastily, but carefully Steve went along the corridor.

"Fourth door, fourth door... There it is. Oh, God, help me!" Very gently Farringer touched the doorknob, turned it and pulled. The door opened. The heart of the young monk was beating wildly. He came inside and put a small doorstop under the door to prevent it from closing.

Finally he saw the daggers. Lying in a cross shape, they were decorated like museum exhibits: the glass, effective lighting, scarlet background...

For a few minutes Farringer just stood stock-still and observed. This sight bewitched the young monk. His sense of duty helped him to take control of himself. He sighed as if he had just woken up, resolutely stepped forward and started thinking how he should take the glass off.

"Do you think it's so easy?"

Steve's heart had stopped for a second. He slowly turned towards the voice.

Standing on the threshold of the room, Robert Noirson lightly kicked the stopper.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" the Beast looked right into Farringer's eyes.

"No," Steve smiled sadly. "I think I am."

The young monk was not scared, just upset that he had failed and probably ruined the entire mission.

Robert closed the door and Farringer shuddered. The young monk was angry with himself: his strong and healthy body did not want to die, and Steve could not stop trembling at the thought of being tortured.

Noirson was doing something in the dark corner and it seemed he had forgotten about the trespasser. The Beast's back was turned to the monk, and Farringer glimpsed at the daggers. A tempting idea came to his mind: "Maybe if I break the glass and grab the dagger... If I do everything fast..."

But the young monk restrained himself. The glass was probably armored and Steve did not want to look ridiculous by uselessly knocking on the glass, and give the Beast a great reason for mocking him.

Robert turned to Farringer. The thin lips of the Beast curved into his sly smile: "No, boy, you are not stupid."

"Don't call me 'boy'!" the young monk tossed his head with courage. "My name is Steve Farringer!"

"Poor brave boy," Robert sighed. "And are you ready to die?"

"Yes, I am!"

"But if I haven't killed you yet why do you think I'm going to murder you now?"

"I broke into your property, if I had the chance, I'd get the daggers and I'd kill you!"

"You want to die, poor boy. But you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened."

Confounded, Farringer kept silent.

"We have something in common, kid," the glowing eyes of the Beast pierced deep into the human soul. "Even I was not able to protect my girl from being raped."

The old pain squeezed Farringer's heart. The awful unforgettable sights flashed into his mental vision: her moans and cry, their laugh, his own helpless despair.

The young monk closed his eyes and said with effort: "Your girl had been raped just once and he didn't kill her."

"I see your point," Robert lit a cigarette. "But as a monk, you should believe, when you die you'll be together again. But if Mary is burned I'll lose her forever! We belong to the different levels. Do you want to know, why I married her? Look!" Robert stretched out a small board. "This picture is about two thousand years old and it, probably, is the best. It's your Lady, the mother of your Lord."

The young monk took the board with a reverence, but he was disappointed: her face looked familiar, however, a lot of women look the same, even Farringer's ex.

"Still no bell." Steve shrugged his shoulders.

"Humans!" Noirson snorted. He took out a cell-phone. "Honey," He said into the receiver. And Farringer got amazed how tenderly the Beast's voice sounded. "I'm in the "prayer room", could you, please, come here for a second?"

Being interested Farringer stared at Robert with curiosity.

A few minutes later Mary Noirson went to the room and surprisingly looked at Steve. Robert stepped to his wife: "Kitten, don't move for a while!"

Mary obediently stood stock-still. Noirson touched her head. The cloth covered up the woman's hair, her evening dress turned into a loose gown. Realizing what Robert meant Farringer gasped. The young monk slowly came closer to the amazed woman, knelt and reverentially kissed the edge of her clothes.

Noirson waved his hand and now Mary was into the modern dress again: "Thank you, my darling, for your help. You can go now."

***

For a few minutes the males were silent. Farringer slowly got up.

"It's impossible, you tricked me, I can't believe..." Steve shook his head. "How They did it?"

"For what They did?" Robert smiled. "'This is the question.' Well, you can go too. I think your friend has already started worrying about you."

"You're letting me go?" Farringer amazed.

"Yes!" Noirson opened the door. "Get out of here before I change my mind!"

Expecting some dirty trick the young monk slowly went past the Beast. But nothing happened.

***

Steve was at the downstairs, when he heard the low deep voice of Robert: "Farringer!"

The young monk looked up.

"Remember, boy, what you have seen today. Remember!"

***

Farringer almost ran to Richard, who was still chatting with Thomas Dufour: "I'm sorry that I interrupted you, but we have to go now!"

Dufour tried to say something, but Steve grabbed the hand of his friend and dragged him away. The monks left without saying goodbye. They did not talk until they got home.

***

"Well?" Patrick, the leader, asked. The cenobites were waiting for Farringer's report.

"I had a talk with him!" Steve was shaking. "I was talking with the Beast!"

The monks exchanged glances.

"So?"

"It's impossible to steal the daggers, but it will be blasphemy even to try to kidnap Her! It will be sacrilege! Why are you staring at me? If I tell you why, you will not believe me!"

"Steve," Patrick tenderly touched Farringer's hand. "You're seriously stressed, we'll talk tomorrow, okay?"

Richard, the doctor, gave Farringer a tranquilizer, and when the young monk fell asleep, the cenobites had a talk. They were not able to trust Steve Farringer any more and decided to act immediately.

Chapter Four: The kidnapping

The abduction

Mary Noirson was on her way home when it happened.

A big elk jumped out from behind some bushes. Mary screamed.

Reacting instantly, Ron turned the car. They definitely hit the animal, but it was just lateral collision. The elk flew high and landed behind the vehicle. Sliding on the road surface the car spun around a few times, and Ron barely avoided a crash. He stopped the car on the very brink of a ditch.

The bodyguards cursed and looked back at his lady: "Oh, sorry, ma'am! Are you okay?"

Mary nodded: "I was buckled up," She said with effort.

"You damn moron!" Jerry roared at his partner. "Why did you turn? The glass is armored! It would have withstood the hit! A stag! Big deal! We could hit an elephant without any damage to the car! Why did you turn? You could've killed us all!"

"Go to Hell!" Ron snarled at him. "I've been driving longer than you've been living!" He tried to explain his actions, but Jerry could not calm down. The bodyguards started to discuss how necessary that maneuver was. The young servant was shouting and Ron was justifying himself very aggressively. Mary stopped this wrangle.

"Shut up, you two!" She trembled with stress. "Get out of the car and check the deer out! What are you staring at me?"

The bodyguards did not dare disobey their lady. They muttered as they got out. Jerry went to the elk. But first of all Ron squatted near the car. Confused, he could not understand why the car lost contact with the road so easily.

To his unpleasant surprise, the road surface was covered with oil.

Ron frowned. It was disorder. This was a private driveway, and if some of Noirson's people spilled the oil here, they should have taken care of it, at least warned other drivers. The road had a turn here, and to avoid crossing the oil was impossible. He moved his hand to take his cell-phone, but Mary opened the window: "Why are you dawdling? I said, check the deer out!" And Ron did not make the call.

Mary waited inside the car.

Soon Jerry came back: "That stupid stag is already dead."

"Take it home!" Mary told. "Robert is able to resuscitate it!"

Jerry sighed and walked back to the elk. Ron was waiting next to the animal, he took his cell-phone to call and report, but Jerry started talking as usual, very emotionally, and diverted Ron.

A few minutes went by as Mary observed how her bodyguards discussed her order.

Finally she was tired of waiting. She got out of the car and went to her bodyguards.

Ron looked at the sound of the slamming door. "Return to the car immediately!" shouted he.

Only now Mary recalled instructions that Robert had given her. In any situation like that she have to stay inside the car and keep the doors locked. Mary turned around.

Suddenly she heard two strange sounds. It sounded like someone clapped hands twice. Mary looked back.

She saw Jerry fall down. She saw Ron's body trembling and wrenching on the road.

It was so awful that Mary did not realize what was going on. She forgot all instructions and disregarded the danger to her own safety. She should have to run to the car, but, full of compassion, she rushed to her bodyguards.

The monks had planned it all differently, however, Mary herself made their task even easier.

The woman bent over Jerry and saw the blood stream from his broken head. In the same instant she saw men running towards her.

Kevin was closer than the others. Yet Mary had prepared herself. She grabbed her gun and fired a few times. But Kevin's armored vest withstood the bullets, and Mary was taken aback for a second and did not react to Tracy's strike. The monk swatted her gun out. She kicked him and tried to escape.

It was too late. She was hemmed in by the cenobites.

If they were ordinary attackers Mary Noirson could have fended them off even in this situation. Since she was a kid she had been trained in some methods of self-defense. Her strong legs and weighty horned brass knuckles were capable of causing severe injuries.

But these men were professionals. And was more so, they were fanatics. Even the monk she knocked out still held Mary's arm.

Enraged by her resistance the cenobites beat the woman even after she had fainted. They handcuffed and tied her, then put her into the van.

The information

Noirson and his partners discussed their next operation.

"On the whole your terms and conditions are acceptable to us." Smiling, Robert was checking the papers again. "What is the delivery date of the equipment?"

Suddenly a beep from the intercom interrupted him.

"Mr. Noirson, sir," The voice of Mrs. Ponk sounded confused. "If you would, please, could you answer? Line one, sir."

"We're having a conference!" Robert roared in temper. "I ordered you not to disturb us!"

"I really sorry, sir! But he said it's an emergency!"

"Nonsense! Connect us!" Robert took the receiver. "Speak! Noirson is here."

The reply was like a boom of thunder.

"We've got your wife. Wait for our instructions."

That was all.

***

"Robert! Robert!" Becker shook Noirson's shoulder. "What happened? Talk to us! Say something!"

Robert looked around. He was glad to see only his friends and partners.

"Where are the Hungarians?" He asked surprisingly.

"I sent them off, we'll continue later..."

Thankful, Noirson clutched the hand of his tutor.

"You were in a stupor," John whispered softly. "What's the matter, dear?"

"M a r y ..." Robert's voice was hoarse. "She has been kidnapped..."

"I knew it!" Becker shouted. "I knew something like that would happen! This marriage was the stupidest act in your entire life!" He stopped short and asked with worry: "What are their demands?"

"Probably, that I must come alone with the daggers." Noirson answered very calmly.

Becker threw up his arms. Anhella gasped. Dylon burst out laughing.

"Oh, in that case, good luck to them," He said sarcastically. "Of course, Robert's just crazy about her, but to commit suicide for sure? Give me a break!"

"Will you go?" Anhella was shocked.

"I don't know," Noirson sighed and lit a cigarette. "I don't know yet."

Deep silence reigned in the room.

In the church

In triumph the monks brought Mary Noirson into the main building.

Myron did not take part in the operation; he waited at the church. And now, when he finally saw Mary Noirson, he could not resist his urge for revenge. He rushed at Mary and swiped at her face. Then Daniel kicked the fallen woman.

"Stop it!" Farringer flung himself to them, but other monks grabbed him.

"I suggest we kill her," Myron's voice was stern. "If he wishes, he can resuscitate her."

"No! Listen to me!" Farringer screamed.

"Let's fuck her first!" smiling, Kevin threw his jacket off. "Who wants to be next after me?"

"Brothers!"

The cenobites were startled, as if woken from a fright, and gazed at Farringer.

"I made a decision to become a monk after my girlfriend was brutally raped and murdered. I was forced to observe that! And they held me as you are doing now!"

The confused monks released Steve.

"What happened to you, brothers? We are not criminals, we are priests! Kevin! You're a monk! How could you even think about such things? Daniel, agree, you have no proof that it was Mary Noirson, who sent the dog! What if you're wrong? Do you remember: 'Do not avenge yourselves, but yield place to the wrath of God. '"I will repay", says God'! Myron, the Beast killed your innocent girl. Because of your desire for revenge, do you want to commit an act just as abominable as him? My beloved brothers! Recall! 'Not paying back injury for injury or reviling for reviling, but, to the contrary, bestowing a blessing!' The whole Bible's teaching us forgiveness, but we... Look at this woman! Was it necessary to beat her up so brutally?"

"She was fighting like ten mad witches!" Kevin shouted. "She tried to pop me!"

"Everybody has right to defend himself! 'Stop judging that you may not be judged!' Only God knows, if she's innocent or guilty, but I know, the death of her husband will be a deep tragedy for her..."

Half-stunned, Mary heard the speech of Farringer as a low hum. But the last phrase was awful that she came back her senses at once.

"You!" Mary had barely sat up. Her hands were still cuffed behind her back. She attentively glared at Steve, and she recognized him. "You visited us as a guest! You were in the "prayer room"! Mean spy!" She hit Farringer in his stomach with her head.

He gasped and stepped back. The hate in her eyes hurt the young monk much worse than her hit.

Kevin laughed: "Steve, you need a long spoon to beat her with!"

"Please," Mary beseechingly looked around. "I beg you! Torture, rack, kill me! But take a pity on him! Oh, be merciful! In the name of God..."

"Don't use that word!" Kevin slapped Mary. "Your dirty lips were kissing the Devil's offspring!"

Mary spat into his face. Her saliva was mixed with blood. Kevin choked with rage. He wanted to hit the woman again, but suddenly Myron stopped him: "Enough! Steve is right. Let's use her only as a bait for him..."

"A bait?" The thought that she, Mary, could be the reason for the death of her beloved husband, made the woman lose herself.

Her insane cry amazed and even scared the monks. She burst in curses, she was calling the names of her attackers, she was damning and threatening them.

The men kept silence.

Mary Noirson screamed until her voice became hoarse. Then she began to weep sorrowfully. All hope and strength left Mary. Without any resistance she allowed the monks to take her out.

Kevin stayed alone in the middle of the room. He was very disappointed and angry, he still desired revenge. Suddenly somebody touched his elbow. It was Tracy. He held a video camera.

"It's a pity that I had no camera, when we caught her. It'd be fun to show the tape to the Beast!"

Kevin intently looked at his friend: "I have a plan..." And Kevin smiled.

Kevin and Monica

Nobody knew that Kevin had a personal reason when he agreed to take part in the hunt for the Beast.

He started to hate Robert Noirson many years ago. Although they were of the same age, that guy had everything that Kevin desired for himself: money, power and... Yes, a beautiful, sensual wife. Monica Noirson.

Since he was a kid, Kevin had to think about every cent he spent, this was why he joined the Army. Everything was fine, but during one operation the vehicle that Kevin's friend drove, accidentally crashed, and they all got a few injuries. Honestly, the driver was drunk as a skunk, however, it was not reported and did not get into the newspapers.

Monica Noirson had visited them in the hospital. While a reporter took some pictures, she held Kevin's hand. Kevin felt her thin, refined arm. He sensed the nervous energy of that beautiful graceful lady, he recalled the reports about her deeds in the charity field. And he thought, probably for the hundredth time, why do some guys have everything in life, and others have nothing?

Monica was sensitive enough to notice his feeling. Or maybe, she was just pleased with his sincerely rapt gaze. Anyway, it was not necessary, but she petted his head, and uttered passionately: "Get well, my hero!"

***

Because he was afraid to become a laughing stock in front of his friends, he had never kept the reports about Monica, nevertheless, he read any and all information he was able to get his hands on.

He met her again almost a year later. His unit was to leave the country tomorrow, and Monica attended this engagement. Kevin dared to remind her about their previous meeting. And the woman, flattered by his attention, gave him an invitation to Noirson's party.

***

When he saw her wearing the evening dress, enraptured Kevin just stood still for a few seconds, and barely compelled himself to let go of her hand. He thought that Robert Noirson can touch and kiss this fantastic woman whenever he wishes. That thought made Kevin feel insane, and he flinched with jealousy and hate.

During the party he continually admired the woman. Beaming under the bright electric lights, Monica looked exquisitely charming. Very tall, almost as tall as her husband was, elegantly dressed Monica Noirson moved with regal grace.

"Princess, princess..." Kevin whispered with delight. He dearly wanted to talk with her. But a lot of people were around them all the time, and vexed Kevin had no chance to do that.

Kevin kept his eyes on Monica, and he was finally rewarded for his patience. He noticed Monica slip out of the hall and he followed her.

But Monica went to a part of the garden closed to guests. Yet he was well trained and despite his evening suit, he was able to get inside also.

Struggling through the shrubbery, Kevin was looking for her. Suddenly he heard voices.

"Why did you run away?" She asked.

"I'm tired of seeing and talking to people." Robert Noirson answered dismally. "And I want to smoke."

"Give me one."

Kevin finally saw them. Just snapping his fingers, Robert lit her cigarette and smiled. The Son of the Devil was proud of his abilities, and he liked to show them.

"Knock off your tricks!" Monica nervously inhaled. "You know I hate it!"

Kevin was surprised, as he did not know who Robert Noirson really was.

"As you wish, your majesty!" Robert's face became gloomy again.

"Why such sarcasm?" Monica asked with irritation in her voice. Moonlit, she looked even more beautiful than inside the building. The wind was moving the leaves and branches of the trees, and mysterious, fantastic shadows turned Monica in Kevin's mind into some kind of goddess.

"Listen, I wanted only to be alone for a while. Why did you come here?"

"Just interested to see where my hubby was hiding."

"Now you know. Could you, please, go back to the party? It's not nice to leave the guests without hosts."

"Look, today I met a guy. He remembered me from our last meeting, and it was almost a year ago!"

Kevin's heart jumped with happiness. He understood, Monica was talking about him.

"I'm glad." Noirson yawned and looked at his watch. "Oh, we really have to go back to "work". Let's go, my darling."

"Don't interrupt me, you rude fellow!"

"Sorry, honey!" Robert bowed theatrically. "I didn't know it was such an important speech!"

"Knock it off! Knock it off!! Knock it off! You moron!" Her ringing voice trembled and Noirson frowned: "Why do you shout at me?" He hated high shrill noises. Well, most males do not like such sounds.

"Your permanent mocking," She yelled at him. "is driving me crazy!"

"Just driving? I thought, you were already mental." Robert threw aside his cigarette butt and smiled arrogantly.

Hiding behind some bushes, Kevin barely restrained himself. He desired to beat up that cocky nabob. How could that bastard mock this wonderful woman! For her, Kevin was not afraid of scandal or even jail. But he knew, that security were very close, and they would not allow him to do that. And it would be stupid to be arrested or even killed, without any chance to be with her.

"That guy remembered me, and..."

"What's your point? I remember you longer than he does!" Suddenly Noirson burst out laughing.

"Who is more crazy, you or me?" Monica scornfully looked at her husband. "You stupid jerk! Do you ever listen to me?"

"Oh, my darling! If that guy is so impressed with you, go screw him!"

Kevin's eyes widened in astonishment. He did not expect a respectable man to use such language. But Monica's next phrase was like cupid's arrow had struck his heart.

"Maybe I will..." She drawled.

"I don't care." Robert looked at his watch again. "Crap, I'll go. You can stay, if you want. You can go to Hell if you wish! You've spoilt my rest, you damn witch!"

"You spoilt my whole life, you stupid clown!"

"Oh, really? Say it to anyone but me! You greedy rat! Nobody forced you to marry me! You were not a pauper-woman!"

"If I knew, what kind of creature you were, I'd never have agreed! Even for all the treasuries on Earth!"

"Don't lie!" Robert stared at his wife. "You knew who I was and still am!"

"I mean, if I knew, how you were going to treat me..."

"How?! What do you want?! I'm showing respect to you!"

"Exactly! Showing. You heartless monster! I'm your wife, after all!"

"I'm glad."

"For what are you glad? Are you listening to me?"

Without an answer, Robert turned away and slowly went to the building. Still talking, Monica followed him.

Trembling, Kevin was alone in the garden. He was so shocked, he just stood still there for a long time. But he could do nothing now. He decided to take a vacation, and somehow meet Monica again and talk to her.

***

He was able to get a furlough only four months later.

Excited, he was packing his stuff when he saw a TV-report about her death. He realized at once that it was murder. And the following scandal only added fuel to the fire of his hatred. The smug faces of Robert and his fiancée were driving Kevin crazy. He resigned and swore to avenge Monica.

He pitied Myron very much and could not understand why he had stood up for Mary.

The torture

Later that night Kevin persuaded Tracy to act.

All other monks were absent; sleeping or preparing for tomorrow's battle. Mary Noirson was locked in a separate building. Her arms and legs were tied to the bed. When Kevin and Tracy went inside, they could do with the helpless woman whatever they wished.

And Kevin did it.

Mary was wearing a modern chastity belt. But even this could not stop him, and only made him even angrier.

He used Mary for his revenge during the entire night. And Tracy recorded all these actions onto videotape...

***

It was 5:26 a.m. when Farringer woke from a deep sleep. His first thought was about Mary. He got up and went to check her out.

A few minutes later Christopher ran to the other monks.

"Hurry up!" He screamed. "Steve and Kevin are fighting! We've gotta stop them! They're gonna kill each other!"

All the monks rushed after him. First they saw Kevin and Farringer.

Kevin was almost twice as old as Steve was. He competently defended himself against the younger monk, attacking him with dreadful rage.

"Stop it!" Patrick, the leader, shouted. "Immediately!"

The monks grabbed Farringer. Kevin continued smiling. He did not even try to start a fight again.

"Look what they have done! What they have done..." Steve spoke, holding back sobs. Suddenly, he burst into tears, to the other monk's confusion.

Only now the cenobites looked at Mary Noirson and gasped.

Her face was swollen with tears and beatings. Her mouth was torn, lips had been skinned. A wide wound was bleeding on her body; her skin was torn off in the shape of a cross from throat to navel and from one nipple to the other.

Greg turned away and threw up. The monks released Farringer. He ran to the woman. Sobbing, Steve started to hastily untie her. Some cenobites helped him. They carried Mary Noirson into the major building.

There was a deep morose silence for a few minutes.

"Come on!" Kevin started. "For the whore that she is, it was just stretching her limbs! Remember those reports about her? Even after the betrothal that bitch continued to fuck with other men! She's a druggie and druggist. She organized the murders of Robert's first wife, Pastor James, Hannah and, I'm sure, many other innocent people. Come on, brothers! That dirty animal deserved things much worse than what we have done! But for one major reason I did it for this." Kevin showed them a videotape. "Step by step, every action..."

"Why, Kevin?"

"I'm not sure that the Beast will come just because of our first threat. But if he sees that, his jealousy, I hope, will conquer his care and prudence."

Kevin

It was the longest night in Robert's life. Nobody was sleeping.

Sitting stock still in his chair, Noirson was giving necessary orders. Becker and Mrs. Ponk were making calls, gathering people and forces. Anhella was coordinating their actions.

As usual only Dylon was doing nothing. He sprawled in an armchair and polished his nails.

***

It was 7:16 a.m. when Mrs. Ponk called Noirson. He sprang up and turned his computer on.

It was Kevin. He was smiling: "Good morning, bastards! Did you have a pleasant night? We really had."

"You're welcome!" Robert was trembling with hate. "Because it was the last night in your fucking life!"

"For your bitch it could be the last night too. So, we tried to make it special. Sorry, we did it without your permission."

"What are you talking about?"

"Sweet wiffie, pretty body... You should've also put a doggie muzzle on your bitch to protect her better."

"What do you mean?!" Robert's face went livid.

Kevin showed him the videotape: "Would you care to watch it, smart ass? The total recording could take a couple of hours, but this is just a summary, about ten minutes."

Noirson spun to his partners: "Everybody out!"

"But, Robert..."

"I said, get out!"

The partners went out and waited behind the door.

They heard Robert's moan. They heard Noirson's roar. Finally they heard Robert's curses.

Then the partners dared to go back into the room. They saw Noirson in a rage like never before. Kevin was still smiling.

"Welcome back!" He said, when he saw Robert's partners. "What a pity, you've missed a few very interesting shots!"

"Shut your fucking mouth!" Noirson shouted.

"It, sorry, your wiffie has already had it!"

The partners exchanged glances. Robert sucked in a sharp breath and took control of himself.

"No matter!" He grinned malevolently. "I swear, I'll butcher you all in the next few hours!"

"How about your female?"

"You can keep her, I don't care!"

"Bravo!" Dylon applauded. Noirson bowed theatrically.

"Oh, really?" Kevin screwed up his eyes. "Check this out!"

The camera moved and now the partners could see Mary.

Robert looked down. Anhella gasped. Becker dropped his cigar. Dylon whistled.

She was naked. Only the ill-starred belt was on her body, covered by uninterrupted bruises. Her cross wound was horribly inflamed and still bleeding. Mary was handcuffed to a tank.

"This is gasoline," Kevin explained. "And this is a wick. One spark will be enough. What are you gonna say now?"

Shocked, Noirson and his partners did not respond.

Mary mumbled.

"Oh, how touching!" Kevin laughed. "This overfucking bitch still calls you even in delirium!" He stooped and kissed Mary's mouth.

The partners turned away. Dylon pressed his hand to his lips to hide his smile.

Robert's hands clenched into fists: "Never ever do that again!"

"Try and stop me!" Kevin laughed. He stooped to the woman again, but Mary was already conscious. She hit him with her head and kicked him with both her legs. Kevin disappeared from the screen.

"That's my girl!" Noirson whispered admiringly.

Mary watched Kevin. Suddenly she saw her husband on the screen of the monitor. Her eyes flashed with embarrassed gladness.

"Oh, honey..." Mary gasped. She smiled, but in the next moment the horror contorted her face. "Don't listen to them!" She cried out. "Don't come! Forgive and forget me! Don't..."

Appearing, Kevin knocked her out again with the butt of a machine gun.

"Leave her alone!" Robert screamed. "I'm coming! I'm coming! Just leave her alone!"

Kevin smiled with triumph and turned off the computer.

***

"Oh, Kevin!" the other monks came inside the room. "It was awful!!"

"I told you it was the only way. You could see, he was hesitating."

The decision

Robert fell down in his chair and pressed his hands to his face.

"What did you say?" Enraged Becker shook Noirson's shoulder. "What, damn you, did you say?!"

Robert looked at him beseechingly.

"No!" shocked, John stepped back. "Don't even think about it!" Becker nervously lit a cigar.

"John, John, please! You've got to help me! Oh, please, John, help me!"

"No way! Our task is to help the Devil rule the world! But not to help His son commit suicide!"

"If you help me, maybe I'll be able to release her and stay alive?"

Anhella uttered a cry. Mrs. Ponk disapprovingly shook her head.

"I don't want to even listen to this crazy talk!" Becker shouted.

Enjoying to see Mary's suffering, Dylon even missed Robert's agreement to go to her aid, and now he was surprised: "What are you talking about?"

"That loony wants," Becker yelled, "us to help our enemies kill him for sure!"

Dylon stared at Noirson.

"Look, Robert," Anhella stared tenderly. "Your duty is..."

"Fuck you!" Noirson sprang up. "Fuck my fucking duty! Did you see, what they have done to her? That's because of me! And I will not leave her with them! And that's all!"

"Well," Dylon was talking very seriously. "It's even worse than I thought. I think, we have to tie him and lock him in a safe place. When Robert comes back to normal, he'll be grateful and thankful himself."

This threat gave courage back to Noirson.

"Try it!" his voice was calm.

***

Robert was striding to his "prayer room". Clamoring servants and partners were surrounded him. They shouted, asked beseechingly, entreated, threatened. Anhella blocked the door by herself. She knelt, she looked at her Master and lord.

Noirson recalled Mary. He "saw" Her... kneeling and glancing at him... Her golden fluffy hair tickling his thighs... And her lips...

At the same time Robert recalled the video clip that Kevin had showed him...

Noirson was familiar with that kind of gag. When it was pushed into the mouth, behind the teeth, the victim could not scream or close their lips. The lips... Tender, soft, sweet, succulent lips... Her lips.

Groaning, Robert pushed his secretary away, rushed into his "prayer room" and locked the door. People shouted, yelled and knocked from behind the door.

Yet when their Master finally came out everybody fell silent. Continuation was useless. Noirson had already made his decision. Nobody could stop him now. The crowd knelt.

"My dear friends!" Robert sighed. "I have to... I must go. Sorry. If you will not help me, I'm dead and that's for sure. But I will go anyway. If I'm to be killed before I'm able to release my wife, you must save her in remembrance of me. In that event I give you my permission to murder Mary. Just don't leave her with them..."

Some of the servants moaned some of the females sobbed. Robert saw Jerry. Shocked, the bodyguard gazed at his master with such grief and perplexity that Noirson lowered his eyes.

"I promise, dear friends, to be careful and not to risk more than is necessary." Robert resolutely raised his voice. "I promise you a victory! My Beloved Father and Lord, help us!"

"Amen!" The crowd responded gloomily, but with hope.

The deal

When Noirson finally arrived at the church, he felt irresistible fear. For a few minutes he just was sitting motionless inside his car. He looked at the church and could not compel himself to move.

"Don't go!" Anhella moaned. "I beg you!"

Very, very slowly Robert got out of the car. This feeling that controlled him, was stronger than fear, stronger than any sense of duty, stronger than his will to live.

"Jerry!" Noirson called, and the servant went close to his Master. Robert looked around to be sure that only Jerry could hear him. "You're a fool! Do you really think they would not murder Mary, if even I prohibit that? Oh, my girl! You can't imagine what that bastard did to her! But my servants can do things much worse. If I'm kill

Lost on Earth: Fateful Love

by Lily Alex

©2006 by Lilly Alex

Published in December 2006

©2006 by Romance at Heart Publications

CHAPTER: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Part One. Loss

Chapter One: The meeting

Robert Noirson

Mary Jablonskaia

The Talk

The first date

Jerry

The "operation"

The offer

The impression

Max

The Threat

The Proposal

Like Cinderella

Disapproval

The reception

Chapter Two: The scandal

The death of Monica

The treaty

Raymond

The scandal

Cleaning

Jerry and Ron

Lilitta

Sam Swigart

The introduction

Mary and Jerry

The first time

In the motel

Mary and Slay

Jerry's fight

Chapter Three: The new attempts

The factory

Robert and Jerry

Michael Alter

The monks

The dog

In the office

Hannah

Hannah and Myron

Saint Valentine's Day

The town

The cat

The party

Farringer

Chapter Four: The kidnapping

The abduction

The information

In the church

Kevin and Monica

The torture

Kevin

The decision

The deal