23

The days blurred into weeks and before Izzy knew it, Christmas was only 2 weeks away. She had been beyond busy at the bookstore and sales had increased tenfold now that the Christmas season was upon them all. There was a flurry of activity at the mansion too; men and women dressed in impeccably crisp uniforms milled around cleaning and setting up decorations. Some of the help Izzy recognized, others she had no idea existed. Of course there had to be help, but aside from the cook and the one or two maids as well as Florence, Izzy had never seen anyone else in the mansion.

“Have you done any shopping yet?” asked Dana as she pulled her long hair up into a messy bun.

Izzy looked at Dana as she handed a smiling middle aged woman her parcel of books. “Not yet Danes. I haven’t approached Shadows with that yet.” said Izzy ruefully.

“Well you should get cracking before the real rush starts.” said Dana patting Izzy’s forearm before leaving to assist a customer.

“Are we still on for tonight though?” called Izzy to Dana’s back.

“Of course we are. Big bad Shadows doesn’t scare me.” replied Dana sticking her tongue out at Izzy.

The rest of the day passed by in a flash and at 8:30 the two women began locking up. To facilitate the Christmas season, the store was open later which meant that both women were thoroughly exhausted.

“Nice to see you again Dana.” said Gates as he held open the car door. His black fedora sat atop a white bandana and his straight hair framed his chiseled face. He gave her a small smile which she returned.

“Nice to see you too Gates. I see you’ve made a full recovery from your snowboarding accident.” said Dana sliding into the car. Gates shot Izzy a confused look and Izzy just shrugged her shoulders before giving Gates a small peck on the cheek before climbing into the car after Dana.

“How on earth someone gets snagged by a tree on the slopes twice, I will never know. Maybe you can enlighten us someday.” Said Dana with a big grin as Gates shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“Maybe.” He grumbled as the car pulled away from the curb, speeding off into the night.

******

“Dana!” screeched Jimmy as he bounded over to Dana who gave him a huge smile. “I’ve missed you so much! You don’t come see me anymore!” Jimmy picked Dana up and threw her effortlessly over his shoulder. “I’m so mad at you! I should feed you to the stallion ducks in the park!”

“I’m sorry Jimmy!” shrieked Dana as Jimmy spun around and around. “Anything but the stallion ducks!”

Izzy watched the two of them act like five year olds all the way to the kitchen. There was a loud crash and Izzy knew that Jimmy had probably fallen over.

“I thought you said you were a master ninja? That was appalling!” shouted Dana from the kitchen.

“It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t tell short shit to leave his crap lying around!” yelled Jimmy in obvious pain.

Izzy and Gates walked into the kitchen to see Dana’s small frame and Jimmy’s lanky one sprawled over the other on the floor, the two of them laughing hysterically. Side stepping both of them, Gates and Izzy made their way to the living room where Shadows, Vengeance and Christ were playing Call of Duty. Shadows was hollering into his headset and Vengeance kept shooting him murderous looks while Christ seemed to have given up.

“Evening gentlemen.” Said Izzy loudly. None of them acknowledged her. “Evening. Gentlemen!” she shouted causing Vengeance and Christ to jump in surprise. Shadows seemed to still not have heard her. Smiling, Izzy retreated into the kitchen to see Dana on Jimmy’s back, tugging on this already messy hair. Jimmy’s eyes were alight with happiness. It warmed Izzy’s heart to see him laughing and acting his usual odd self. He had been so down and dejected lately. Maybe Dana was good for him. They seemed to be a good match.

“Chef’s made dinner already, but I wonder how we’re going to tear the others away from the game?” asked Gates taking off his biker jacket and hanging it off the back of one of the bar chairs.

“How did you tear yourself away from it earlier?” asked Izzy knowingly as she took off her heels.

“I had to come get you ladies. How else?” smirked Gates, his chocolate eyes glinting mischievously.

“Uh huh. Sure.” said Izzy rolling her eyes as she exited the kitchen. “Danes! Let’s go up to my room!” shouted Izzy in the foyer.

“No! She’s mine! She’ll never be able to…umphh” came Jimmy’s muffled voice. Dana appeared at the top of the stairs. “Hey! How’d you do that? Oh my God! You’re a ninja too!”

Dana grinned sheepishly at Izzy who was now walking up the stairs. Jimmy appeared next to Dana sporting a brilliant red mark on his cheek.

“She packs quite a punch this one.” Said Jimmy with twinkling eyes. “My cheek hurts.”

“Serves you right for messing with her.” Said Izzy sweetly, pulling Dana to her room. “Dinner is in fifteen. Try to get the others into the dining room.”

Jimmy let out an exasperated huff. “How in God Almighty’s name to you propose I do that?”

“Use any means possible.” Said Izzy with a mock evil voice.

Jimmy grinned and let out a loud ‘Muhahahahahahahahaha’ before flying down the staircase. Izzy shook her head and closed her bedroom door.

****

Izzy and Dana walked into the dining room where a satisfied looking Jimmy sat with three disgruntled men and a smug looking Gates.

“Mission accomplished.” Said Jimmy happily as the two girls sat down at the table next to each other.

“That was totally uncalled for Jimmy.” growled Shadows, his hazel eyes dark with irritation.

“Twas a necessary evil.” sang Jimmy as Vengeance shot him a dirty look.

“You didn’t have to pull the plug on the TV.” grumbled Christ, helping himself to mashed potatoes.

“Oh shut up Christ. You were sucking the dirt anyways.” Shot Vengeance reaching for a drumstick.

“You both were sucking dirt. Christ more so than Vengeance.” Muttered Shadows spooning out some steamed vegetables onto his plate.

“Just because you’re addicted to that Goddamned thing.” Snapped Vengeance before taking a swig of his beer.

“So Dana and Izzy!” exclaimed Jimmy loudly as Gates laughed into his forkful of meat and potatoes. “How were things at the store today.”

“Mep. You know.” shrugged Dana as she watched Christ practically inhale his food. “Easy there short man. If you choke I don’t know the hymenic maneuver.”

Shadows let out an unexpected roar of laughter as did Gates and Jimmy. “What?” asked Dana confused looking at Izzy for help. “Really? What?”

“The hymenic? It’s the Heimlich maneuver.” Snorted Gates as Dana flushed.

“Whatever.” She grumbled into her glass of Coke as Izzy laughed silently next to her.

The mood at the table lightened considerably after that. Shadows was quiet and observant throughout dinner and Izzy knew it was because he was uncomfortable with Dana’s presence after everything that had happened with Megan. Izzy had to fight tooth and nail to get him to agree to let Dana come over for dinner.

Soon, after everyone had their fill, the seven of them headed to the living room to watch a movie. Dana and Jimmy were having a heated argument about what movie to watch while Shadows lounged on the black leather armchair that had been marked as his. Izzy settled herself next to Gates while Vengeance and Christ were having a hushed discussion in the corner. Finally agreeing on Jacob’s Ladder, much to everyone else’s dismay having seen Jimmy’s favorite movie more times than necessary, everyone settled as the opening credits began.

Without warning, the entire mansion was thrown into darkness and Izzy felt Gates stiffen next to her. Shadows fumbled to his feet pulling out his cellphone.

“You’re sure?” he rasped after a while. “Ok. Keep me updated. Secure the perimeter”

Izzy strained her eyes in the darkness, reaching out blindly. “Looks like the power’s out throughout most of the district.” said Shadows, his voice coming from Izzy’s right rather than her left where she had last seen him before darkness had descended.

“Let’s play Hide and Seek!” screamed Jimmy, his voice dripping with excitement. “It’ll be so much cooler in the dark.”

“That’s the most retarded thing I’ve heard you say since yesterday Jimmy.” Came Vengeance’s silky voice. “You’re a grown ass man.”

“You’re never too old for hide and seek.” Retorted Jimmy, brushing off Vengeance’s snide comment. “Just because you’re boring doesn’t mean the rest of us are.”

“I’m out. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Sneered Vengeance as he made his way carefully out of the living room.

“I gof hu guysh som fwash wights.” Came Jason Berry’s muffled voice from the entryway to the living room. He had eight flashlights cradled awkwardly in his arms, his own flashlight held between his teeth. He entered the living room and Jimmy lunged at him, causing all the flashlights to clatter to the floor as Jimmy tackled Jason.

“Good Job JB!” said Jimmy as he straddled Jason’s stomach as Jason let out a slight wheeze.

“Get off the poor guy Jimmy.” said Christ pulling at Jimmy’s arm while snagging a few flashlights which he threw at Shadows, Gates and Izzy who dropped hers in a moment of clumsiness.

“Butter fingers much?” asked Dana with a laugh as she picked up Izzy’s flashlight and turned it on before handing it back.

“I was born semi-clumsy.” replied Izzy with flushed cheeks. She could hear Gates snickering in the darkness. “It’s a genetic disposition. I think a game of Hide and Seek sounds fun.”

Jimmy whipped his head around and gaze Izzy a big smile. “See. That’s two of us. Who else?”

Dana raised her hand, her infectious smile making Izzy smile too.

“I’m out. Doc says no sudden movements for me for another month.” Said Gates turning on his flashlight.

“I’m in. Not like there’s anything else to do anyway.” Said Christ happily turning on his flashlight as he helped Jason to his feet while Jimmy looked expectantly at Shadows who shook his head.

“What? Big Bad Shadows doesn’t wanna join us?” mocked Dana as Izzy giggled beside her.

“Its ok Shadows. We know you have much more serious matters to attend to.” Laughed Jimmy as Christ and Gates snickered loudly.

“Fine. I’ll play.” Said Shadows sounding slightly disgruntled. “But I’m not seeking.”

“I’ll seek. I’m a master seeker. But Dana has to seek with me. We’re gonna count to one hundred.” Said Jimmy happily as he headed to the furthest corner of the living room.

“You can count to one hundred!?” asked Christ with mock astonishment. Izzy and Dana succumbed to a renewed fit of giggles as Dana joined Jimmy in the corner.

“Yes I can short shit. Besides, I’m sure Danes will help me if I get stuck. Now….One! Two!”

Everyone hightailed it out of the living room and scampered off in different directions as Jimmy and Dana’s counting rang out through the house.

“Twenty two! Thirty seven!”

“That’s cheating.” Roared Shadows.

“Start over!” shouted Christ.

“One! Two! Three! Four! Five!”

Thrown off by the darkness, each familiar hallway now looked unfamiliar and different. The hallway that Izzy now found herself walking down was totally unfamiliar to her. She had ventured to a few places during her time so far at the mansion since she had no real reason to go exploring. Now, with only the faint light of her flashlight to guide her through the unending darkness, Izzy made her way further down the corridor. She stopped at the end, hearing Jimmy and Dana’s voice ringing out. They were in the eighties. Opening the door, Izzy found a staircase and she began her decent, her flashlight barely lighting five feet in front of her. Never being one to be afraid of the dark, Izzy wasn’t frightened. She knew that she was safe in the mansion and she was sure there was no axe wielding maniac waiting to jump out at her.

Now at the base of the stairs, Izzy felt semi-thrilled to be somewhere new and unexplored. There were numerous doors lining this new corridor and Izzy tried to open a few only to be greeted by locks that refused to budge. She could barely make out Jimmy and Dana’s voices and Izzy was confident that they wouldn’t find her. Her bare feet crept along silently along the cold concrete, the only sound that could be heart was her calm steady breathing. Thundering footsteps above her signaled that Jimmy and Dana had begun their search.

Suddenly a whimper cut through both the silence and darkness and caused Izzy to nearly jump out of her skin. She felt her pores rise on her arms as her heart beat quickened. Another whimper echoed around her and Izzy, curiosity getting the better of her, followed the sound, intent on finding the source. Izzy bent the corner and found herself staring at what looked like a large jail cell. But unlike a jail cell which was barren and uncomfortable, behind the steel bars was a bedroom and a lavishly decorated one at that. Stunned Izzy made her way closer, the light from her flashlight casting shadows on the walls. In the dim light, Izzy made out a grand four poster bed, a strange large wooden cross in one corner with what looked like leather straps attached to each end and a young girl with large brown eyes staring at her from the wall closest to her. The girl was shackled to the wall and Izzy dropped her flashlight in surprise. With fumbling fingers, Izzy bent down to retrieve the flashlight and then shone the light on the girl whose long black hair glinted in the weak light. She was skinny but not sickly looking and had a pretty face.

“Are you alright?” asked Izzy, her voice shaking slightly.

“If you take that damn light out of my eyes I will be.” Sneered the girl, her voice was thick with an English accent.

Izzy lowered her flashlight and pressed herself against the cold steel bars.

“What are you doing down here? How did you get here?” asked Izzy with concern. Maybe this girl had been kidnapped like Megan had been. Izzy felt her stomach knot unpleasantly as she strained her eyes to see. She could make out faint welts and small bruises on the girl’s milky skin. “Please, tell me. I can help you” said Izzy earnestly.

“I don’t need your help sweetheart. I wasn’t kidnapped. Master Shadows bought me two weeks ago.” said black haired girl softly.

“What do you mean Master Shadows….” asked Izzy only to be cut off by the girl. Izzy could feel her fingers tremble as she gripped the steel bars.

“You couldn’t be that dense. Master Shadows bought me as his personal sex slave. Not that I mind.” said the girl matter-of-factly. Izzy’s face paled at her words.

“Sex slave?” whispered Izzy, her knees shaking.

“Yes. Master Shadows is quite the deviant. I make his darkest most twisted desires come true.” Said the girl offhandedly yet her voice was filled with pride. Izzy felt as if she were going to collapse. “But I think you should leave. If he finds out you down here I will get punished.”

“Punished?” whispered Izzy

“Yes. Now leave. I shouldn’t even be talking to you in the first place.” Said the girl dismissively, turning her head away from Izzy.

Izzy stumbled away from the cell with the shackled girl and barely made it to the stairs before hot tears cascaded down her cheeks. ‘Shadows has a dark side filled with deviant and twisted desires; so much so that he bought a sex slave to fulfill them.’ Izzy’s mind reeled at the thought of Shadows having such a side. He had been so gentle and loving when they were together in Italy. Images of the day she had discovered Shadows having sex with another girl who had been bound and gagged beneath him flashed in Izzy’s mind. A door somewhere nearby opened and Izzy jumped up, turning off the light of her flashlight as she wiped away her tears. She crept silently up the stairs, willing images of the shackled girl and Shadows out of her mind.

Izzy could hear more footsteps echo through the house and she could hear Jimmy and Dana laughing maniacally. In spite of herself, Izzy smiled at the sound and using all her inner strength, she forced her new discovery to the back of her mind. Creeping through the house, Izzy dropped to her hands and knees as she heard Jimmy’s voice nearby. Crawling to the kitchen, she hid behind the large island. Suddenly, light illuminated the entire house and there was an audible “Awww!” echoing through the air.

“Nobody move! We will find you!” shrieked Jimmy.

Izzy heard movement from her right and peered up to find Vengeance staring down at her with cold eyes.

“Zacky! Have you seen anyone?” asked Jimmy breathlessly, skittering into the kitchen.

Izzy’s eyes pleaded with Vengeance silently and Vengeance moved slightly so that Izzy was blocked by his jean clad legs.

“I thought you were a master seeker?” asked Vengeance indifferently as he opened his beer.

“I am. But these fuckers are good!” said Jimmy with a grin.

“There isn’t anyone here but I think I saw Christ lurking near the laundry room.” said Vengeance pointing behind Jimmy who turned and darted out of the room.

“Short Shit! I’m gonna find you!” screamed Jimmy, letting out a fierce battle cry. Izzy stifled a giggle.

Vengeance reached down and without a word, helped Izzy to her feet. She stumbled slightly and Izzy braced herself against Vengeance’s chest as her cheeks flushed brightly.

“Genetic disposition.” She mumbled, her fingers intertwined with Vengeance’s as he regards her with cool emerald eyes. His eyes flickered from her face to somewhere behind her and he instantly dropped her hand, stepping casually away from her.

Izzy turned around and her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson as Gates frowned at her, his eyes darting between her and Vengeance who began to slink off to the living room. Lips still drawn down in a frown, Gates grabbed a beer and stalked out of the kitchen without a word or a backwards glance just as Jimmy skipped into the room with Dana on his back.

“It’s not hiding if you’re just standing there Izzy.” laughed Dana as she tugged on Jimmy’s black hair.

“My leg caught a cramp.” lied Izzy, shrugging her shoulders sheepishly.

“I thought we were still playing Hide and Seek? How come everyone’s in the kitchen?” said Shadows casually as he walked into the kitchen. Izzy felt her heart thump uncomfortably in her chest as she stared down at the countertop, avoiding Shadow’s gaze.

“The power’s back!” said Christ waltzing into the kitchen.

“Way to go Captain Obvious.” Smirked Dana as Jimmy and Shadows sniggered at Christ who flipped them both off while rummaging through the refrigerator for a beer. Izzy busied herself with pouring out some orange juice as everyone but Shadows left the kitchen.

“Hurry up Shadz! Jacob’s Ladder!” hollered Jimmy from the living room.

“So I was thinking that maybe we could go Christmas shopping tomorrow.” said Shadows softly as he walked towards Izzy.

Izzy’s head snapped up and she regarded Shadows coldly, images of his shackled sex slave swimming in her mind. The two of them had made so much progress in their friendship but Izzy felt that her discovery of Shadows’ secret took them ten steps back. Her thoughts raced and settled on Vengeance. At least he had been honest with her about his darkness from the beginning. Shadows had shown her the side of him that he wanted her to see. His caring, protective, strong yet fun side; not the dark twisted side of him. At least everyone knew that Vengeance was twisted. Shadows exuded a calm and reserve that seemed to have hoodwinked even his friends.

‘Or maybe they all knew about his darkness the way Vengeance knew.’ Izzy’s mind reeled as her thoughts bombarded her from every direction.

“So?” prodded Shadows reaching out to take Izzy’s hand with a smile plastering his face. She pulled her hand out of his reach, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“I found your little sextoy.” Spat Izzy as she watched Shadows’ smile falter. His eyes met hers and she watched them darken. “She was shackled to the wall like a fucking animal.” Shadows’ eyes hardened, devoid of the emotion that had been dancing in them mere seconds ago. “Do yourself a favor and don’t deny it. You’re totally disgusting.”

Izzy stalked out of the room and headed to living room as Shadows stared after her. Any feelings that she had started to develop for Shadows faded with each step she took away from him. She had wanted to understand his dark side but now that she had stumbled upon it, she couldn’t. Izzy had her own darkness within brought out only by Vengeance whose darkness surpassed her own. Shadows was a lie. He had always been a lie. He led a double life and deep down, Izzy couldn’t handle the truth that she had found.

****

Shadows tossed and turned in his bed, sleep evading him causing his frustration to boil over. Punching his pillow into a more comfortable shape he closed his eyes again and allowed his thoughts to settle on his newest acquisition. He had left her chained to the wall after she disobeyed him last night, sending Florence to give her meals and a bath at some point today. Finally drifting off, Shadows dreamt of the sounds of the cattail whip snapping against milky white skin; the sounds of soft pain-filled whimpers ringing in his ears. Her voice cried out to him, begging him to stop until finally she uttered the words Shadows needed to hear. She gave him her full submission. Shadows smiled wickedly as he readied himself to take her. Suddenly the door flew open and Izzy stood there with tear filled eyes, screaming at him.

Shadows woke with a start, his eyelids snapping open. He let out a frustrated growl as he swung his legs over the side of his bed. He felt like he had gravel in his eyes as he trudged towards his bedroom door clad only in navy blue basketball shorts. Not bothering to turn on any lights, Shadows made his way to the kitchen. From within he heard soft moans and his heart faltered slightly at the sight before him.

Pinned against the refrigerator was Izzy, her wrists held tightly above her head as a body he recognized as Vengeance’s from the tattoo on his back held her captive. He watched as Vengeance kissed Izzy roughly, the fingertips of his free hand kneading small circles into her flesh. Shadows tore his eyes away from Izzy and Vengeance. Pangs of jealousy stabbed mercilessly at his heart. If he had been honest with her and truly let her in then she would be with him, not Vengeance. Shadows took one backward look at Izzy who had one leg hooked around Vengeance’s waist. Vengeance was by far more sinister and darker than him, indulging in far more deviant practices and yet, Izzy was in his arms. Shadows had always thought they had hated each other; had he been blind to what was right under his nose?

“But why him of all people?” Shadows grumbled to himself as his feet carried him away from the kitchen, down twisting hallways and corridors. “He’s worse than me.”

‘At least he was honest with her. Everyone knows that Vengeance is twisted. You hid that side of yourself away from her.’ said that annoying voice in his mind ‘If you were honest than she would accept you for what you really are the way she has clearly accepted him.’ Shadows shook himself mentally, knowing that his inner voice of reason was right.

He descended a flight of stairs and turned on the light. He could hear soft whimpers from the end of the hallway and it warmed his soul.

“Hello Katie. Ready for some fun?” said Shadows darkly as he unlocked the cell where a wide eyed Katie sat shackled, ready to accept his challenge.

Notes