But this angelic-looking guy had a police record unlike that of even the most unpleasant and experienced criminal elements out there. His rap would have included robberies and burglaries; gun- and drug-running; suspicion of aggravated rapes and even a few murders thrown in. The cold-blooded, cruel demeanor Jerry showed when fulfilling the orders of his boss was legendary, even among his most hardened peers.
His luck couldnt last for much longer, however. The police finally tracked his gang down, and despite determined resistance, a policeman shot him point-blank in the ensuing skirmish.
***
He was Beyond. And he saw numerous awful things that living human beings could not even imagine. Many, many times he went close to those horrifying events and felt intolerable despair and terror.
The worst aspect of this experience was that just as he seemed to win the fight to return to goodness, just as he felt a sense of peace at getting over the horror, a strong hand would guide him back forcibly towards new and boundless nightmares.
***
Jerry opened his eyes, and in his groggy state did not understand at first where he was. Suddenly he sensed pain again. He felt bandages and catheters and realized he was in a hospital.
An unknown man was sitting close to him and looking at him very attentively.
My name is Robert Noirson, Jerry, the man introduced himself in a deep low voice. How do you like the place that you just visited?
Which place? Jerry asked. It took a lot of effort.
The man smiled. It was Hell, Jerry. And youre going to that place. And all those events are waiting for you. Youre dying, poor boy.
No! Jerry licked his lips and looked around the ward. Where are the doctors? Why arent 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? Youre going to have a lethal injection or get the chair. Which do you prefer?
Jerry wept. He cried like a child. He did not want to die.
Oh, come on, Jerry, what did you expect? Did you think you would go to Heaven? Did the Devil force you to do such things? Robert waited for Jerrys answer with curiosity. And he was pleasantly surprised.
Youre right. The teenager sighed. Nobody forced me. I chose this path myself. Shit, its funny, you know, but I have never thought that everything has an end. But it does, doesnt it!
I like your way of thinking. Robert smiled. So, how do you like the place that youve seen? How do you like Hell?
How the fuck do you know, what I saw?
Tsk, tsk, tsk Robert shook his head. Im a respectable creature, boy! Dont use such vile language when youre talking to me!
The room was filled with the menace in the voice.
Okay, sir, the teenager replied derisively. Could you explain, how do you know, what I saw in my delirium?
Because, Im the manager of that place, came a reply in a casual air.
The teenager stared at him. Are you the Devil?
No, Im just His Son. I did not say Im the owner of that place. I said, Im just the manager here, on Earth and there in Hell.
And you wanna get my soul?
Dont be so naive! Robert laughed. I already have it! With my abilities, I dont need servants at all, but I dont 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 Robert stopped for a second and said with visible effort and spite. And I must tell you, unbelievable as it seems, it happens sometimes! But I dont think youre such a person.
The teenager double-checked his feelings. He really was not sorry. Reading his thoughts, Robert smirked and continued: Here is one warning: if you die in fire, voluntary or accidentally, youll not go to Hell, youll just not exist until the Day of Judgment, when we all will answer for our actions.
The gloomy anxiety in Roberts voice made the teenager smile.
Well, he said, everything you do you have to pay for, right?
Oh, youre such a brave boy, eh? Roberts eyes glinted. I like the way you think, Jerry! I like your sense of responsibility! Here is my offer: I promise you my patronage and caring as long as you are faithful to me. I know, you arent suited to being a leader, however, youre smart enough to be a good soldier. All that I ask for is your submission. So, what will it be?
Im hurting. Jerry responded dismally. I dont know when Ill be back on form.
Robert sighed. He touched Jerry and the teenager gasped. The pain was gone and the 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, his strong shoulders, smooth tanned chest and washboard stomach, all looking in top form. Overall, his body was healthy again and felt as rejuvenated as a blunt knife after a long session at the cutlers. And best of all, despite everything, he had no scars. That was enough for Jerry. Very, very slowly, the teenager walked to Robert and knelt: My Lord! My life is in Your hands!
And Robert smiled with self-satisfaction.
***
In a suite in the apartment block reserved for Noirsons associates, Jerry laid on his bed, smoking. He was waiting for Ron, his head partner. He had not even taken off his shoes, and was lying on top of bedclothes that matched perfectly with every other fabric accessory in the bedroom. He observed the chambermaid a curvy brunette, very tall and slender, in an indigo figure-hugging classic French maid outfit, embroidered with gold thread.
She was doing the room, and Jerrys eyes moving from her rippling cleavage to her defined stockinged calves, back up to her strong, beautifully made-up face, before dwelling longingly on her white lace headpiece. Despite the vibes he was giving off as his gaze penetrated her clothing, the woman continued working, as if he were invisible.
Jerry hated to be ignored. He got up and moved in closer, focusing on her neck. He breathed in deeply through his nose.
Mmmmm, señorita, cool perfume you have on it today.
Probably, she grunted back, not even turning to face him, just getting on with her dusting.
No need to be like that when a person is only trying to be friendly.
She didnt reply, and Jerry carefully placed his palm on her lower back, then slid his hand down and gently squeezed her buttock. He could feel the fabric of her panties move beneath the typical chambermaid issue dress. There was no reaction.
Determined to have his way, Jerry continued with the charm. Nice rump you got there, girl! He smiled and squeezed again, awaiting her response.
She calmly put down her duster, turned to him and looked right into his eyes.
Maybe I have a nice ass, maybe I dont. Maybe I would like you to do something with it in fact looking at you now, yes, I would definitely like to fuck you too, pretty boy but you know what?
What? he teased her.
While me and you are in the employ of Mister Noirson, fuck off! She yelled, and stepped back, rearranging her skirt. Then she hissed, Keep your hands to yourself, big boy. If you wanna boink someone, go to building C, fourth floor, and ask for any of the girls there.
What? he teased her.
While me and you are in the employ of Mister Noirson, fuck off! She yelled, and stepped back, rearranging her skirt. Then she hissed, Keep your hands to yourself, big boy. If you wanna boink someone, go to building C, fourth floor, and ask for any of the girls there.
Jerry was smirking. He liked her spirit and thought he was on to something with her.
Boink? Oh please, do me a favor, Miss Prissy. For a start this is about you, not some tart in C block. Besides, boinking you babe, is not quite what I had in mind.
Oh, I see. So what do you have in mind? Where you come from, does boink mean buy flowers and treat me like a lady?
Not exactly. His eyes flashed to her breasts and back to her eyes, it means, I wanna bend you over that couch and screw you! he replied standing back and making no secret of what he was eyeing up with no good intentions.
Id like to see you try! She snorted.
Oh, yeah? Are you fucking superwoman, or something? Jerry felt as if an electric shock ran over his body, making his muscles tense. Forget fucking you, Ill just fuck you up with one hand! He was shouting, but something told him he should not touch her.
Go ahead, big eyes! She challenged. I wont even try to resist you, you gorgeous but awfully dim muscle head! No prizes for guessing Im not a virgin, so screw me, and hey, what do you know, Ill lose nothing! But you? You, honey, will be in deep, deep shit, like you would not believe! Forgotten, have you, that Mister Noirson protects all his servants, not just you, you stupid ape!
Jerry choked with rage, and who knows, what could have happened next, but in that moment Ron breezed into the room; Lets go, partner!
Okay, okay, Im coming. He glared at the chambermaid on the way out and blurted, Fuck you, bitch!
In your dreams, baby! She burst out laughing.
Mad, Jerry spun on her, but Ron pushed him outside. Control yourself, for fucks sake! You can be such a dickhead!
Иллюстрация © Irene Setiadarma
Jerrys senior by twenty years, he was a little shorter than his youthful partner but was built more solidly. Swarthy, with black hair, Ron had a thick, carefully trimmed mustache and piercing brown eyes with a golden tint in them. He was a demon in human form, and Robert had chosen him to mentor Jerry. It was quite a job at times.
Look, pal! Ron twirled his mustache, shaking his head with reproach. Behaving like that will get you in big trouble one day!
Where are we going? Jerry wanted to change the subject.
Did you hear me, Jerry? I said you will get in the shit with the boss if you dont get more respectful of people around here. We are all on the same side, get it? You fuck up outsiders who cause us trouble, and you do not, I repeat, do not fuck, or fuck over your own. If you want it any clearer, I will write the rules on the chambermaids ass. He winked at his colleague, lesson over.
Im cool, Ron. Thanks. I know I tend to fly off the deep end when things dont go my way, but Im getting better. Anyway, where are we heading?
Ron smiled at the empty words of an optimistic but immature and headstrong nineteen-year-old walking time bomb. He said quietly through his thick black moustache; We are going wherever the Master sends us.
Yes? And? quizzed Jerry.
Hes going on a date.
Not with that little nun chick, Mary, or whatever her name is? Jerry giggled. I can picture such a girl. He put his hands together, as for prayer, and rolled his eyes.
***
To Jerrys disbelief, Mary was wearing tight fitting shorts and a rather plunging sports top.
Look how small she is! he thought surprised. I bet she isnt even five feet tall.
He leered at her legs as was his habit. No, too muscular, he adjudged. Now her waist, that isnt bad But looky here. Mmmmm, what great tits, lady! What a lucky guy My Master is, Jerry thought.
Nice to meet you! the girl said to him, shaking his hand, and he finally looked at her face.
Her succulent lips and golden fluffy hair instantly made Jerry crazy. The world around him disappeared. To him, she was a goddess, the deity of all things carnal, and he was rewriting the rulebooks to favor his lust for her particularly heavenly body. The intimate thoughts he had for Mary froze his tongue. Mute, Jerry just gaped at the girl, not noticing that Robert was observing him intensely.
Are you okay? Mary asked, amazed, thinking; Why is this teen moron staring at me like this?
Mary didnt understand what was going on with Jerry, and she got angry. She never did like blonde guys or athletic men either, added to which his perplexing look and awkward silence annoyed her.
She looked at Robert, but misunderstood why his sensual, refined lips curved into a self-confident smile.
Is something wrong with my makeup? she thought irritated. Am I still sweating from the workout at the gym? Gosh, I know I didnt have time to change into anything fancy, but I look okay dont I? Maybe I have got some dirt on my skin?
She carefully tried to free her hand from Jerrys grasp, but nothing doing.
She raised her left hand. Enchanted, Jerry watched her tiny fingers wandering across her chest and throat.
Thumbelina! Jerry was unable to compel himself to let go of her hand. Is it a human being or just a sun streak?
Come on, you dumb angel face, at least say something! Mary barely fought off her desire to yank her hand away with all her might. She felt trapped. Can this socially challenged thing talk at all? Mary thought. She hated the embarrassment of the situation she found herself in, and despised the teenager who was causing it. Is he just a little slow, perhaps? There must be some logical explanation! Ive read somewhere that, when men use steroids, it affects their brains. Well, heres the living proof holding my hand like a twit.
Mary couldnt even imagine how she lucky was living under Roberts protection. She would have been in grave danger, had the volatile Jerry met her alone just one week earlier.
But for all his tongue-tied handshaking under the influence of lust and puppy love, Jerry knew perfectly well that as the girlfriend of his boss, the desirable Mary was now taboo.
Robert understood that Jerry knew that too, and when he saw Marys less than stellar reaction to Jerrys introduction he had been unable to contain that sly and content grin playing on his own thin lips.
Ron spotted the awkward silence immediately and gently poked his young partner in the back.
Jarred into action, Jerry mechanically said, Sorry, Miss Jablonsky! Too much sun today. Im at your service! He flashed her his best smile and hoped he had made amends. What a roller coaster day it was turning into with the girlies!
***
Mary and Robert sat on the bench in the alley. Ron and Jerry placed themselves a short distance away from them in order to watch all the approaches.
Thats not fair! Jerry was talking as if he was in a delirium. I have been living in this damn city for the last four months. I could have met her first!