Chapter 3 :
1253 Words
DEVIN REED.
I jumbled the blankets, sweat clinging to my skin as the dream's fragments dissipated. I was back in that car, Mum and Dad up front, laughing about something. I was messing with my seatbelt, feeling restless... then the screech of tires, the crunch of metal. The truck's headlights blinded me, and everything went black.
The memories flooded back: the hospital, the police, the ambulance and the emptiness. It was Christmas holidays, years ago.
The police said. "No fault of anyone's. Just... gone"
The silence.. the bodies were just enough to make me realize it.
The clock on my bedside glowed at 3:33 AM. I wake with a start, drenched in sweats, racing hearts and my chest heavy from the horrible memories I can't seem to forget.
I massage my temples, trying to ease the tension settling in. The dream's still lingering, making my head pound. The voices, the screams and the cries feel like torment.
Reaching out to the clock, I shut it off and relax against the headboard.
I just want to relax, have some quiet time alone and clear my head. The church's off-key humming grates on my nerves with its Christmas solos. I shift uncomfortably, a relentless reminder that Christmas is slowly creeping in.
It's that time of the year again where there are chants about Christmas here and there, how nerve cracking can that be?.
Out of the bed, I slam the windows shut, reducing the annoying song about Christmas. I am pretty sure the town will be filled with Christmas decorations of all sorts. Christmas trees, blinding lights and whatnot.
When everyone celebrates Christmas, I grieve. While they laugh and have drinks for fun, I am being haunted by horrible memories of Christmas. To me, it isn't a day I look forward to and I always wish it doesn't have to be celebrated.
Age six, It stole my parents away from me. Made me an orphan and a prey to the harsh reality of the streets.
On a cold winter night, I wandered alone with no place to stay. And no one sympathized with me. I was like a nuisance they wanted to get rid off.
Until Maddox took me in. He isn't just anyone but the leader of the Flame Raven Gang. He took me in, raised me as his son and that was the only sympathy I was shown.
Christmas could never have been worse and I hate it. Every bit of it. Every celebration, every laughter, every drink and presents that comes with it.
The thought alone makes my nerves crack.. The hole it made in my heart grew bigger. When I see people get excited for the holidays, anger runs in my veins, it makes my heart boil and I have become more like the villain against Christmas.
"You're up early" A brunette shows up, a fitted white blouse, sleeves rolled up with dark jeans and boots, she holds a tray in hand.
"I don't remember calling you over" I say icily.
"You don't need to, I keep tabs on you, remember?"
"That's more like stalking"
She places the tray down and folds her hands underneath her boobs, putting those cleavages on display.
"Same nightmare, uh?"
"I wouldn't call it that"
"Get rid of it, Devin else it's going to haunt you forever"
"I wouldn't mind" I turn away from the window and grab my fingerless gloves. "Where are the others?" I ask further.
"What do you think? They left you here and specifically asked me not to let you out until you are sober enough"
"I'm not a kid, I don't need you watching over me"
A sly grin spreads across her face as she moves closer to me with hands gliding over my chest.
"Of course, Devin.. you do need me to watch over you and you know I wouldn't mind"
"Get your hands off me"
She persisted "C'mon, Devin. I know you have always been the tough one.. the cold guy, but you can't always be so cold when I touch you"
"Back off, Now!"
"Devin"
Leaning forward a bit, she made to kiss me
I hold her hand in place, pushing her away slightly and marking boundaries.
"Want to know what I hate most aside from Christmas? It's ladies who cling to men like leeches. I've got no time playing with you, you should watch your actions, little brunette"
Her brows knit into a frown.
"Don't call me that"
I smirk "Did father ask you to?" I gesture at the tray she brought in.
She rolls her eyes. "If he wasn't, who else?" Picking up the tray, she hands it to me "Tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. Have it and get rid of your hangover"
"You do better at serving drinks here in the pub than serving yourself. Keep that in mind"
"Jerk" She cusses underneath her breath and walks away, swaying her hips sideways.
______________
The Biker's booth was empty which was unusual because it's always filled with chaos and fights.
Taking my helmet off, I went in but as usual, Maddox had men stationed outside.
"Sorry, but he doesn't want to be disturbed" One of his men stands in my path, preventing me from going in.
"I could be an exception. Inform him"
Before he could respond, Maddox's hoarse voice echoed from within.
"Let him in"
He steps away and I went in. Maddox stands by the old glass window, staring outside the city with a stick of cigarettes in between his fingers.
"You sent for me, Father"
He turns away from the window, his gaze settling on me and his lips spreading into a small smile.
"You finally came home"
"I was going to show up, Father.."
"It didn't look like you were" He cuts in immediately.
"I wanted a few time alone"
"You could have asked and I would have gladly given you as much time as you needed. But, leaving the Booth unannounced kept the bikers at alert"
"I was with the others last night, we had a few drinks"
"Right.." He steps forward, his gaze not leaving mine. "Did you have the soup at the pub? I specifically asked for it to be made. You drank to stupor"
"I did"
He taps my shoulder and folds his hands behind his back.
"You know what time of the year we're in, don't you?"
I nod.
"And, I know how you can be in times like this. I've got a job for you and I need you making to sure to get it done as soon as possible"
I didn't say a word and father is absolutely right because right now, I need something so get my hands on and clear my head. Something to distract me from the festive season of Christmas.
"I need you to look into a cottage inn in the Cotswolds region. They have been in debt for years now. The gang has been trying to reach out to the debtor but he can't be reached. You know what happens when someone defaults, don't you, Devin?"
"I know father"
"Go look into it. Access the assets carefully and if you find the debtor, you know what to do" He takes a drag from his cigarette, his gaze steady on me.
"But, the Cotswolds region... There is a blizzard approaching"
"And that's why you have to leave now, access the property and return before the snowstorm hits. Except you have a problem taking the job"
"I'll get right to it"
- Writer
