Chapter 4 begins

     "I think I am going to be sick." Xavier said as the tall, stout, bald man assisted Xavier in trying to stand upright and flee the scene.
     "Wait for it." Norman said as he guided the hurt young man over to the pile of garbage where his attacker lie unconscious, as his head hit the brick wall and now lie he there in a heap of garbage as Xavier bent forward vomiting the contents of his stomach, his entire meal of Angus beef, risotto, artichoke soup, peach Melba etc... His attacker did not feel the warm chunks of vomit on him for he was suffering from a subdoral-hematoma in the prefrontal cortex of his brain. Xavier wiped his mouth off with the sleeve of his expensive Italian suit as his new found friend helped him from the alley saying "My work van is just around the corner. We need to get the fuck outta here!"
     "His girlfriend went to get the car to pick them up." Xavier managed to say still feeling as though he had been run over by a car. Now just as they exited the back alley the two of them heard the screech of tires coming to a dead stop. Then they listened hearing the young woman scream at the top of her lungs upon finding her boyfriend and his teammates in dire need of an ambulance. Norman hurried across the street with the beaten man as he quickly found his van, a white Econo-van with the words Pierce and Son LockSmith painted in faded red letters.
     "Get in back, you can have a lie down and I'll get us the fuck outta here!" he slid the door back as Xavier fell in atop a few sleeping bags; which served Norman when he wanted to take a nap or had too much to drink. Xavier heard the door slammed shut. The van was very cold and reeked of tobacco; which only served to make Xavier feel more nauseous. This is when each man realized they did not know each other's names but Xavier was glad to be safe just the same. Now, although Xavier Diaz held no high regard for God, in his heart or mind whatsoever, he nonetheless said a silent prayer praising the Lord for delivering him from the hands of his enemies, thanking him for the kindness of strangers.

End Chapter 3

     Now, just a few doors downs in a nightclub, minutes earlier, Norman Pierce age 24, a tall, burly, off duty locksmith went to pay his tab at the bar. However, he himself was quite broke and when he realized he did not have enough cash to cover the bill he tried to sneak some money out of the tip jar. Though Norman tried to be stealthy in his thievery he was caught by the enraged bartender, who was much larger in stature than he. The angered man came out from behind the bar cursing obscenities as he grabbed Norman, tossing him out the back door into the alley.
     Norman tried to apologize to the bartender, but it was too late, he banned our poor Norman from the bar for life. Now this motion caused the three men who were attacking Xavier to become nervous having a wittiness so the one in charge yelled at the tall bald stranger. "Mind your own business you fucking skinhead!"
     Now this caught Norman's attention most of all, for he could care less who they were attacking, but he himself did not like being called a 'skinhead', for he only shaved his head as he was struck with male pattern baldness, so he took offense. Also, Norman Pierce hated being told what to do, and he loved to get into fights. So he said "Right then, out with the trash." in a flash enraged, anti-social, Norman sprang over to the one in front of the black haired young man, who was being punched in the stomach. Norman reached out with his massive hands grabbing the bastard that had spoken to him so rudely, tossing him through the air, as if he were a rag doll. Xavier's attacker went crashing into the trash cans and piles of garbage. Both men let loose of Xavier who collapsed to the ground trying to breathe in much pain and distress, but relieved. He watched as the tall broad shouldered, burly, bald fellow ran towards his attackers, then he jumped up kicking one of them hard in the stomach, the injured man fell to the ground a sharp pain in his spleen, all the air knocked from his lungs. Norman gave a dour look to the last man standing, who tried to defend himself but it was too late. In a flash Norman balled up his right hand as he punched the unfortunate man on the left side of his skull next to his eye. A loud crack echoed through his head as the occipital bone snapped in half, the pain of which was horrific. The former attacker now needed a physician post haste or he would loose his eye; which bulged out from it's socket as Norman laughed.
     "Help me up." Xavier asked in a heated exhaustion trying to breathe.
     Norman noticed him and focused his attention on the young man who was doubled over in great pain trying to stand. Now Norman hesitated. He had one of two choices to make. He did not know this hapless stranger so he could have just walked away leaving him there in the dirty alley, in the darkness. Or, he could stop and render aid. "You all right mate?" Norman said as he went over extending out his hand to the bloodied, bruised and beaten young man.

Chapter 3 continues

     Now this is how the situation transpired. One of the men's girlfriends enlisted her assistance and upon the men's instruction she made her way over to her target flirting with him wildly. Now Xavier was oblivious to the true reason for this seduction so he delighted in the company of a well bred, blue eyed, eighteen year old, big breasted lass. So Xavier did a few shots with her at the bar then she kissed him passionately then whispered in his ear. His eyes lit up by her lurid suggestion and he hurried to pay his tab as he left out the back door with his arm around the tiny waist of the blond girl named Robin. However, the three men had slipped out back in the alley already, where they waited, seething in anticipation of the altercation.
     Now Xavier had consumed too much alcohol by this point, but as soon as he stepped out into the dark quiet alley his elation in spirit was dashed like a drowned man upon the rocks of the sea. His prize grabbed the keys from one of the men as he instructed her to bring his car round. It took Xavier a moment to realize and recognize who this trio of shadowy figures were. No words were exchanged between the group as Xavier was grabbed by each arm by two of the men as the other, the more angry of the three, began punching Xavier in the stomach with much vigor and rage. Now, Xavier and these men were all fit and athletic, but Xavier was down by numbers, no match for the terrible onslaught of punches as he was restrained from defending himself, struggling to break free from his attackers. So there Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz found himself with no hope of assistance or aid, however, the Fates conspired to send some help the Argentine's way.

Chapter 3 begins

     After taking in all he could consume Xavier paid his bill leaving his waiter and hostess a generous tip. Slowly he made his way to the front door where, once again, the attentive doormen opened up the modern glass doors of the old hotel for him. One offered Xavier a cigarette after his meal, but he declined saying "No, smoking ages you horribly."
     "Now sir, you can't be more than twenty, why so concerned about looking old. You're young. You have your entire life ahead of you." the doormen exclaimed as he looked at the tall, young, athletic man, with broad shoulders, dark eyes and jet black hair.
     "No, I am only 19." Xavier replied as the other doorman hailed a taxi for the young lad.
     "Well you are the biggest 19 year old I've ever seen." the doorman laughed. "Isn't Polo your sport?" he remembered correctly. Xavier simply smiled and shook his head yes. "Well then, good luck at your next match and enjoy your time out on the town tonight." the doorman said imparting words of good cheer as the young, handsome Argentine set off, headed to Haymarket Street in Piccadilly Circus. Now, after his delicious meal, he wanted some good whiskey and a pint of McEwan's.
     Now the first pub he went to had excellent whiskey and Scottish Ale, however, the lack of attractive women was not well received by Xavier. For the new, emerging punk scene had filtrated to street fashion and Xavier himself could find no appreciation for tattooed women, nose rings and safety pins, nor the ripped stockings, black eyes, black lips, black nails, nor mohawks and shaved heads. No, Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz preferred a different class of women. He was only attracted to beautiful women who were tall and had skin that was smooth and clean like raw silk, with long silky hair and soft full lips with a shining smile, and bright eyes. He preferred these women be in short skirts and high heels and have tiny waists and big dreams. Now these are exactly the types of women Xavier found at a new bar that had opened across Haymarket Street called, Tiger!Tiger! Xavier was deeply intrigued, as he stepped in completely distracted by the mass of beautiful, affluent young women and he felt more relaxed and comfortable with this crowd of people.
     As Xavier eyed the room, looking for his target amongst all the pretty, fresh, flesh he failed to notice three men who had spotted him from across the crowded room. Had Xavier been paying attention he would have instantly recognized the three men, who were the members of the opposing team at the St.Regis Cup; which they won, of course, as Xavier had forced his team to be disqualified in disgrace. These men were still seething, for their team captain would never ride, nor stand, or walk again. Their captain was not only their team leader but he was also a good friend. Now, as human rage does, their thoughts were all of one accord, and that was of, Revenge.

End Chapter 2

     "Where to lad?" the elderly drive asked.
     "I want to go to the River Restaurant at the Savoy." Xavier said as he sat back in the seat with a smile.
     "Down to the Strand then." replied the driver.
     A thrill rose in Xavier's heart as they drove into London's heart of the city, the age- old buildings lit up by all the street lamps reflecting of the River Thames. When he pulled up to the historic Savoy Hotel, Xavier paid his driver leaving a generous tip. He walked into the building as the doormen opened up the glass doors, greeting the familiar young gentleman, as his mother was frequent guest at the hotel. The Savoy was Aphina's favorite choice when visiting her son in London. Xavier went into the River Restaurant, where he did not have a reservation. Xavier cleverly said he had come to make reservations for Christmas Eve for his family. The lovely hostess cheerfully made these reservations when Xavier mentioned how famished he was saying " Would it be, at all, possible to fit me in tonight." he said with a charming smile; to which she complied happily having a little table, for one, set up by the roaring fire.
     "Your Menu." his waiter said trying to hand it to him, but Xavier declined knowing the menu full well, as he was the frequent guest of his family at this particular place.
     "Please start me off with a bowl of Jerusalem artichoke soup, then I would like the hazelnut encrusted scallops, followed by a plate of the roasted butternut squash risotto. Then for the main dish I would like the pan seared Angus beef fillet in the bordelaise syrup." Xavier delighted in placing his order.
     "And the Peach Melba for dessert?" his tuxedo clad waiter asked.
     "But of course."
     So there he sat by the fire in the busy fine dining room eating to his heart, and stomach's content on a glorious fall evening. Xavier was very excited for what the night might hold, little did he know he would be beaten and bloody in a back alley of a pub in Piccadilly Circus in a few hours. As for now Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz savored his food and wine wishing his sisters were here with him. He gave a silent prayer of thanks to God for the money Felina had given him and he looked forward to using all of it to lift his heart and bring him good cheer.

Chapter 2 cotninues

     "How are you holding up my brother?" Felina relaxed reclining in her comfortable bed as she worried much about him.
     "I want to come home." Xavier said his sister sensing the pain in his voice.
     "Mother will not allow it, not until you graduate. How are your studies?"
     "Fine.., all I have time for is to study, I am at the top of all my classes." Xavier said truthfully, sarcastically.
     "Have you made any friends?"
     "No, everyone here are racist, asshole, mother fuckers! Without my car and money I am nothing here."
he sighed. "I am still waiting for the money mother sent! I have not even eaten today! I am so hungry." Xavier complained to his older sister.
     "What about the Bible?" she asked confused and upset to hear her dear brother was in such dire straits.
     "What about the Bible?" Xavier replied even more confused than she.
     "The one I bought for you before we left. It should be sitting on the shelf above your tiny desk." she sighed "Have you not opened it once since we flew home?"
     "No, why would I?"
     "Why indeed? Oh my little brother why would you read your bible? I fear it is because, it is far too difficult for you to appreciate what you can not understand. So go open your bible I left you a present." Felina laughed at her stupid little brother. She told him how much she loved him and that she would be coming to see him at Christmastime. Xavier felt his sad little heart lift as he raced out of the office where he came upon the students helping the assistant and Lizzy re-shelve all the endless volumes scattered about the library floor. Xavier made sure Lizzy was alright then he ran home in the rain with his back pack, forgetting his umbrella in his excitement. As he ran up the staircase to his third floor dorm room Xavier tossed his wet back pack down as he pulled the black leather volume of the Holy Bible off his shelf. There on page number 597 the Song of Solomon next to a passage which read 'I come to my garden, my sister, my bride, I gather my myrrh with my spice, I eat my honeycomb with my honey, I drink my wine with my milk.' Xavier found 1000 English pounds there between the pages. He had never been so happy to see the picture of the Queen in his life and he knew this would, finally, be a good Friday night. So he set about dressing, readying himself for a fun time in Soho tonight.
     The thought to include Miss Lizzy in the nights festivities did, in fact, cross his mind but Xavier's vapidness outweighed his kindness. So poor Lizzy was left alone on a Friday night studying in the Library as Xavier left campus in a taxi he had called for. Xavier left any cares he had back on campus as he set out with 1000 pounds in the pocket of the only nice suit he was able to keep out of his mother's sight. He felt confident, handsome and excited for the first time since before the tragedy of summer and Xavier hoped he could go out and meet up with some young attractive girl. So he kept his eyes open for one who was 'ripe' for the plucking.
   

Chapter 2 begins

     The next few weeks passed by slowly for Xavier who went to and from classes daily in the persistent, cold, gloomy rain on his bike. Until when on a dreary Thursday he neglected to lock up his Raleigh 10 speed it was stolen in a but just a moment as Xavier sat studying in the library. Now he walked with his back pack slung over his shoulder, umbrella in hand shielding him from the cold wet water as he went back to the library for the second time that day.
     It was nearing dinner time and he was hungry, but he had no money as he had to wait for the money coming in from his mother; which would not arrive until tomorrow. So Xation found himself at one of the long large wooden tables where a handful of students sat in silence learning from the open books they read. Xavier let out a sigh as he sat himself down across the table from the only person at the entire school who was friendly towards him. Xavier had forgotten her name and was ashamed of this fact so he did not ask her name again, out of this shame. She was a nice lass from Scotland, she was cheerful, always smiling and never left you without sharing some funny little story about herself. She was in a word, delightful. However, Xavier was a vain and shallow person, as vapid as they come, and he had wished his Scottish friend did not weigh over 200 lbs and have bad skin, and the brightest red, short curly hair. Were it not for these latter facts Xavier would have loved to take her out for a few drinks. Yet he had no money anyway, so what did it matter?
     "Havin' another bad Xavier?" she asked with a sympathetic look. He did not answer he just gazed down at his economics book as if he were in a daydream and did not hear her voice. So she said "Xavier? It's me Lizzy. Can you hear me? Are you having a stroke?" she laughed reaching out and touching his hand.
     "If only Lizzy." again he sighed but this time with a little smile she brought to his face.
     "You'll be alright, days go by quickly, faster than they seem." Lizzy tried to encourage him.
     "I hate it here. I miss my sisters. I wish I could call them." he said in a low tone so as not to disturb the other students who actually enjoyed their school life.
     Lizzy said nothing for she was observing the action of the head librarian, a cruel and sever looking tiny woman with a tight grey bun secured at the top of her head. The little old mean woman left her office and went to the front desk where she informed her assistant she would be going to the cafeteria for dinner. Lizzy watched her exit the building then she said in soft whisper to her friend "Xavier, you can sneak into  Mrs.Hildemeyer's office and call your house." Lizzy smiled and said "Allow me to create a distraction." here Lizzy got up from her chair going to a far book case where she stood in the middle of it, pressing her backside against the long shelves as she allowed the full force of her body, all six feet of her and  two hundred and forty three pounds pushing the book case back tilting it over creating a loud crash as the assistant and everyone crowded around trying to help the large 19 year old up from the piles of books all around. Xavier slipped into the office locking the door behind him, his heart racing as he went to the desk picking up the phone as he hurriedly dialed the number. He heard four rings before he heard the voice of his sister Felina on the other end of the line. Xavier was so happy a flutter came to his heart and a tear or two fell from his eyes for he was indeed homesick and missed his dear sweet sisters terribly!

End Chapter 1

     Now Xavier had to sit and listen as his mother berated him and he felt as if he were but a little boy. Aphina vowed to ship his prize winning polo ponies back to the ranch in Buenos Aires: which she did. She vowed to strip him of his brand new Jaguar and lavishly decorated apartment in SoHo; which she did.
     The shrill enraged sound of his mother's voice echoed through his ears, all this enduring the pain of being punched in the face, saying "You have always been far too reckless Xavier! This was an ill fate just waiting to happen! I can not believe what I have seen! You know of course you will no longer be welcome on any team! You are far to reckless! And arrogant and selfish."
     "Mother please!" Felina said saying "It was an accident!" she interrupted the tirade as she wrapped her arm around her little brother.
     "You are one to speak Felina, you taught him how to ride, how to cheat!"
     "Mother!" sixteen year old Serena began to weep.
     "Ah dear Serena, you are so young and have no idea of the shame our family name has suffered this day. But you may cry my pet, cry me a river, a river of tears! As for you son! I will give you just enough to live on but you shall continue your education and earn your degree in business and finance and then, and only then shall will we discuss your inheritance!"
     Xavier's father, Carlo sat there ashamed and shocked by everything that had transpired this day and wanted to reassure his son, whom he knew was devastated, and that was the utmost truth. So Carlo sighed and said "Son, you can always play golf with me."
     "Carlo, please."
     Carlo said nothing because Aphina was his wife, because it was her money, though he wanted to tell his son things are not as always as bad as they seem.
     This day was a shock and his memory of the next six weeks, and the reprimanded from the English Polo Association and his subsequent lifetime ban from the sport in England, Scotland, Ireland, India, Australia and the United States, as well as his homeland Argentina, Xavier did not remember much of the rumors, gossip and the scandal. Then in the fall on the first day of classes, at a prominent university outside London, Xavier Antonio de la Rosa, lived like a church mouse on the crumbs of his mother's wealth as he left his tiny dorm room, with his back pack and bicycle, he felt, and was treated, like an immigrant- second class citizen by his arrogant, xenophobe, elitist, asshole classmates.

Chapter 1 continues

     So it was the young man, just 19, was placed on a stretcher for all to see and carted off in an ambulance to hospital as a hush remained over the shocked and mortified audience who had come for a nice polo match that warm summer's day. Xavier and his family were devastated in silence they did not notice a tall, young man come up from behind Xavier where he struck him hard on the right side of his face. Xavier collapsed back falling on the ground a sharp flash of pain in his nose and eye. The enraged man went to kick Xavier as he lie on the ground but Xavier's sisters jumped in between them as they began slapping and screaming obscenities in Spanish at the attacker. The women, Serena all of sixteen and Felina who had just turned twenty two, were small in stature, all of 5.5 in their Italian designer heels, compared to the 6.1 athletic man who towered over them, but they continued berating him protecting their brother like a lioness would her cub. Aphina and Carlo tended to their injured boy and helped him up as they all made a hasty retreat, Felina and Serena had to be pulled away from the argument by the family's chauffeur.
     From the crowd a chorus of boos and hisses issued forth upon the Diaz family. Aphina was not only devastated by the accident, but she was absolutely made to feel a great shame had been brought upon her family name. Aphina and Carlo were too livid to speak as Serena and Felina sat beside their dear brother assuring him everything would be alright. The family, gathered there in the back of their long black limousine, drove away from Cowdray Lawns, Xavier rubbed his eye covering his face with his hand as his heart raced awaiting his mother's harsh words, wondering how he would be punished for crippling a well known member of polo society, a boy whose family were greatly respected and highly regarded. No matter how his mother decided to punish him Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz knew his career as a polo player was over and the St.Regis Cup would never be his. He also knew deep down in his heart, in the pit of his stomach, from this day forward his life would forever be changed. Then his mother's tirade began.