The Web

Chapter Six - The Cure to Venom is Venom

"There are poisons that blind you, and poisons that open your eyes."

- August Strindberg

I drag myself out of my temporary bed and stretch, instinctively glancing around my hotel suite for anything out of the ordinary that might signal a threat. A few extra hours sleep would not have gone astray I think to myself ruefully as the weariness from the previous day refuses to lift.

I was left feeling extremely restless after my non-verbal encounter last night with Wednesday. In fact, I was downright edgy, and sleep had evaded me for hours before I was able to succumb. Serves you right, you i***t. Just what exactly were you thinking, going down there last night? I outwardly groan at my own stupidity. What WAS I thinking?? I should have realised that in a town as small as this one, there was every likelihood of running into Wednesday and shocking the ever-living hell out of her.

I sigh and absently run my hand over my stubbled jawline, mentally kicking myself for my lack of forethought. Revealing my presence to Wednesday in such an abrupt, clumsy fashion was about as far from how I'd intended to do so as I could possibly get. So much for gently easing her in to what is happening in the safety of privacy. Not to mention you've just lost every opportunity you might have had for a few days background surveillance to prepare yourself.

I groan outwardly again at just how royally I've messed this up already. On any protection job, the precious few days you have to observe the person you are covering before they are aware are invaluable. People tend to change their regular habits and distance themselves somewhat from regular activities and contacts once they are know that they are under guard, even if they don't intend to. A brief surveillance period of your charge is vital to be able to properly assess any area of their life or any contacts they have that could be a potential weak point or threat to their safety.

The plan was to conduct my initial assessments and then make Wednesday aware of and at least somewhat comfortable with my new role in her life. But it isn't just the epic deviation from the proper way of doing this job that has me so unsettled. No, it was her reaction to my presence that was really bothering me. Her initial reaction was no surprise to me, given the unceremonious circumstances. The shock on her face was palpable, and although it was never my intention to shock or frighten her, that reaction was completely understandable. To see me again so suddenly after all these years, to be taken back to such a traumatising period of her life.... I can't even begin to imagine what she must have been trying to process in those few moments.

But that was a normal reaction, one you would expect. That reaction isn't what's bothering you..... It's what came after that. I furrow my brow as I remember how quickly the surprise on Wednesday's face was replaced by..... by what, exactly?

You know damn well by what, Rhys. You just don't understand why.

I shake my head at my own thoughts chiding me. But they are right. As much as I don't want to admit it, don't want to believe it, I knew exactly what she was feeling in that moment. Wednesday was angry. Forget angry, Wednesday was beyond anger. She was f*****g livid to see me there. But why?

In all my time on the force, I've never had someone in my care be angry to learn of my mere presence. Surprised, sure, sometimes even scared, but angry?? It just doesn't make any sense. Hell, she doesn't even know WHY I'm here yet.

Or does she? If she could figure out in just a matter of seconds the meaning behind my presence here in Greenville, then that would mean Wednesday Gray was quite possibly in possession of the quickest mind I've come across in some time, if ever. And if she is that smart, resistance to my protection is going to make this job very difficult indeed. But why? Why was she so angry, and why would she resist my protection? She would be very well aware of the fact that Harlow managed to weasle his way out of prison. It was all over every news outlet, you would have to be living under a rock not to know. And Wednesday Gray has never struck me as an under a rock type of girl. So surely she would know the amount of danger she could be in right now.

I heave one last sigh of frustration and then gather up my clothes and boots. Sitting here lost in thought all day won't lead me anywhere closer to smoothing things over with Wednesday or finding out any answers to my questions. And it sure isn't anything close to what I should be doing, which is keeping her safe. I have to go and talk to her.

I don't know why you don't want me here Wednesday, or what the hell you are up to. But I will find out, and I will keep you out of danger whether you think you want me to or not.

*****************************************

I grit my teeth as I push through the door of yet another LA strip club. My patience is beginning to wear thin and the stink of cheap perfume and desperation is doing very little to improve my mood.

I cannot abide these places, and yet here I am in my fourth one for the evening. The perverted punters, the neon lighting, the whores slithering around on stage like the filthy snakes they are..... All of it turns my stomach. I look around in dismay to ascertain just exactly how filthy an establishment it is that I've had to dignify with my presence. Unsurprisingly, it is just as beneath me as the last three.

"Hey there handsome, do you need a drink?" I stare at the particularly trashy looking blonde before me. Big breasts, big lips, heavy make-up, tiny waist. They are like clones, all these women. Disgusting, cheap, lascivious clones.

Play nicely, now Liam. She may be worthless trash, but then again, she may know something. I barely suppress my sigh before plastering what I hope is a flirtatious grin on my face.

"You are too kind. Thank you, but a drink is not what I am here for....." I trail off momentarily and run my eyes slowly and deliberately over her body. I lower my voice and lean in to whisper into her ear "But I do have a particular thirst that perhaps you may be able to quench".

I'm going to throw up.

"Oh, I see," she breathes and I can sense her disgusting arousal as she eyes me like greedy cat would the cream. I highly doubt many men of my calibre would be desperate enough to attend this hell hole, and obviously this dumb tramp thinks it is her lucky day. Her hand moves to rest lightly on my shoulder.

Oh God, please don't touch me you stupid b***h.

"It's normally a fifty for a private show, but you are so cute I might just give you ten minutes for free," she purrs. "My name is Harley."

Of course it is. Honestly, could there be a bigger walking cliche?

As 'Harley' takes me by the hand to lead me to the back rooms it takes all my willpower not to grab her by her neck and end her pathetic existence. I follow silently, swallowing down the bile rising in my throat.

We enter one of the rooms, and mercifully, she releases my hand and gestures toward a chair against the back wall before closing the door behind us. I take the seat as directed, first removing my coat and hanging it on the hook nearby.

'Harley' has already removed the lace bra from her clearly fake t**s and is sashaying towards the pole in the center of the room, swinging her hips in an exaggerated fashion.

So much for subtlety. Got a real Dita Von Teese on our hands here. I almost snicker at the ridiculous display.

"You like what you see baby?" Her hands move slowly down her bare chest, and she begins rubbing and pinching her erect n*****s. I simply nod, and this seems to be enough to appease her as she starts to wind herself around the pole. Oh for f***s sake, how many more times am I going to have to sit through this?

After performing the standard repertoire of twirls and tricks, she struts towards me and starts to run her hands over my chest.

"No. Do not touch me." My voice is even and low, but even 'Harley' seems to have at least enough sense to stop.

"Oooooh, I like the bossy ones" she giggles and she turns her back to me, slowly bending over as she slides her lace boyleg underwear down over her hips. Her completely exposed p***y is now in full view, as she continues to bend herself forward until her bleached hair is sweeping the ground.

You f*****g dirty slut.

After what seems like hours she finally straightens herself up and turns to face me once more. Again she begins to play with her n*****s, but this time one hand creeps further down and she starts to stroke her bare p***y, moaning softly.

You revolting, filthy little cow.

As she gets closer to me, she once again reaches out, this time touching my thigh. I f*****g warned you b***h.

I jump up from my seat and my hand is around her throat in a flash, pinning her to the wall behind us.

"I told you. Don't. f*****g. Touch. Me."

Her eyes widen in fear as she starts to choke. I reach into my pocket, still holding her by the throat with one hand, and her panic becomes atmospheric.

This is the best you've looked all night.

"Relax, you dumb b***h. I just want to show you something." I pull out the photo of Wednesday and shove it in her face. "This girl. She work here?" She shakes her head no, eyes wild, and I loosen my grip. She slumps against the wall coughing. "Do you know her? Do you know where she works?"

She shakes her head no again, still struggling to regain her breathing. f*****g pathetic. I release my grip from her worthless neck, and she falls to the floor, gasping for air. I grab my coat from the hook and throw a hundred dollar bill at her before striding towards the door.

"Keep the change. And get yourself cleaned up, would you? You look like a f*****g mess."

I'm gonna f*****g kill Wednesday twice for putting me through this s**t.