Pain and Choice

3.1 ***

The cave has changed in five days since he was last here. There hasn't been anything done, but it appears to have grown. The tight passageway that leads up ahead and finishes with a metal barricaded gate is now wider and open, allowing Hamilton to travel as comfortably as he like.

It now smells more natural than it did when he first arrived; it had previously smelled like rotten eggs mixed with mud. The stenching muck is now a dominant smell that also stains anyone who walks into the cave, kudos to chemical reactions caused by the corroded pipes from the initial tiny tunnel Ben demolished, though there is still a slight rotten egg odour.

He has changed into black jeans, workers' boots, a white t-shirt, and a jacket. He has a plastic bag filled with food that distorts the cave's smell with its presence. He appears to be preparing to stain himself today. He's dressed appropriately.

Ben pursed his lips as he approached Hamilton, advancing into the wider space, and they exchanged nods.

On the right side of the cave, where two further caves are extended, one of the caves now has a light bulb illuminating it, and the old barricade is now employed as a gate to keep the quietly sitting Zeno in.

For a brief moment, Hamilton and Zeno exchange glances; Hamilton resumes his gaze on the cave, while Zeno returns his gaze to the ground between his feet. He's seated in a chair, his arms resting on his thighs, his gaze fixed on the ground between his parted legs. For a few moments, Hamilton examines him and the layout of the cell in which he is imprisoned.

He can tell Ben is doing his hardest; mattres, sheets, and a bed spread, a chair, and a wooden box that can be used as a table. The two light bulbs in the room provide adequate illumination. Hamilton nods as he grabs a chair and positions it directly in front of the barricade.

"I've heard what happened with George," Hamilton simply states what he knows. "But I didn't realise you were getting comfortable here," he says as he takes a seat and places the plastic bags on the box that had been lying around haphazardly.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you there's a space I can use as a bathroom," Zeno says, sitting up and returning his gaze to Hamilton.

"I'm not sure what this is about, but I can't wait to see what's going through Ben's head," Hamilton exclaims. He stands up and begins to take some boxes from the bags as he moves closer to the gate. He notices an excavation beneath the gate designed to slide something, most likely lunch plates or disposable boxes like the one Hamilton is holding now.

"I guess I'll see if I live long enough," Zeno says as he approaches closer to the fence, only to look Hamilton in the eyes. He was unaffected by Zeno's approach.

"I was thinking about having supper with you," he says, holding a disposable box containing the food and another plastic bag carrying a bottle. He clears his throat and squats down to pass the items to Zeno on the opposite side. "I can’t recall the last time we ate together."

Zeno squats gently, taking the box and bottle to his side, and they both remain there as they try to figure out what's going on.

"I heard you have a settlement with the Russians on Friday," he says as he comes back to his chair and begins to settle in to eat.

"True," Hamilton responds, returning to his seat and starting to eat. "I would have loved to have had you with me."

"I am on your team. That is why I am not walking out this jock for a cell." After taking a nibble from his box, Zeno shuts his eyes.

"I know," Hamilton responds and continues, "but I hope you realise that I need to be certain about you." Zeno nods as he sips from his bear bottle.

"I agree, but how long do you intend to keep me here?" He inquiries Hamilton, prompting him to reconsider his position. He had no plan and was still unsure why Zeno did betray him. If there's one thing he knows for sure, it's that he'll need some time. But is it possible for time to heal their relationship after this incident?

After spending an hour with Zeno, Hamilton decided to live and be about his business.

***

On his way back to his house, he is lost in thought about everything, most notably Viola and how she appears. But Hamilton couldn't stop himself from wanting to see her in person. He merely switches direction and speeds as he considers how to escape his security personnel pursuing him if they see him.

He parked his car fifteen feet away from the hotel, crossed the road, and walked up to the sister’s bus. The city is at the mercy of the street and hotel decoration lights, but it’s evident that most people prefer to be out at this time. The road is crowded; some are giggling, making out here and there, and some are hanging out. The scene is more lively during these hours.

Just as he comes into the clearing for the sister’s bus, he takes some moments as he looks up at the scenery. A yellow self-modified former school bus is parked out with the lead up, giving a clear view of the kitchen. On the exposed body portions of the bus, it has 'the sister's' written in black with a golden edge. There are several yellow umbrellas with tables and seats beneath them in front of the sister's bus. There are numerous clients; some of them are eating while sitting comfortably, and others are simply sitting on the ground, as some are on the go, and others are eating while standing.

Hamilton takes his time walking about, looking at people and seeing Viola's delighted sister, who is incredibly helpful and hospitable to clients. She is exactly as Zeno described her: seductive and lovely. If he isn't here for Viola, she is easy to recognise.

He merely moves to a position where his vision can have a better, closer look at Viola in the kitchen. She's wearing a sweat-stained brown dress. She's moving around, surrounded by vapour from the cooking. She doesn't appear to be pleasant, but rather professional. Hamilton smirks uncontrollably as he glances at her.

He walks closer to the bus, but just as he gets three feet away from it, Viola's sister stops his path by standing in front of him.

"Good evening, handsome?" She flashes a big smile, revealing her gleaming white teeth. "Growing every day is a joy. We're delighted to have you here today." She sways back and forth, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She flushes rapidly as she glances up and into his eyes. He's looking down at her calmly.

"So, you know all your customers?" he asks her, amazed at how she recognises his first appearance. Listening to his stern voice and being in his presence has a noticeable effect on her.

"Not really; we're used to regulars, and the majority of new customers are tourists," she shrugs, laughing at the end of her sentence. "But, actually, I think I'd recognise you if you've been here before."

"I’m most of the time here," he mumbles as he looks over her head to where Viola is stealing a glimpse of this strange man and her sister talking.

Up close, she appears to be different. She has a straight nose, flawless skin, a slim physique, and the pear body form is visible up close. She has large, raised eyes that show how apprehensive and scared she is of strangers. Hamilton feels nervous as a sweat stained section of her dress bewded to her chest reveals her erect n*****s. He shakes his head to get his thoughts off of her.

Suddenly, he inhales heavily as he starts to erect in his jeans, and he clears his throat quickly and averts his eyes as he tucks his hands in the pockets to conceal his appearance. And though the damage is avoided, it is too late to conceal his interest in Viola from her sister. She looks behind her and then turns to face him with a smile that says she knows what's going on.

"By the way, I’m Clare, and that’s my sister Viola," she introduces herself.

"Hamilton," he says. He squints his eyes and returns his attention to Viola. "So, what's decent for dinner?" he asks Claire, while sneaking peeks at Viola.

"If you tell me something you despise, I'll give you something you'll like." He returns his gaze to Clare, who is still smiling and staring up.

"Onions, I don't eat too many onions," he clarifies.

"Since you're typically around, we'll make you a regular at the sister's." Clair nods, her gaze fixed on him from head to toe. "Think of it as a promise," she says, somewhat making him smile.

He clearly does not require any prodding to return. It's evident that he already enjoys what he's seeing.