Chapter 16 begins

     It was near the end of August when Xavier arrived back in London settling down in his new, larger dorm room in the newly built Ruben Hall. However during his Junior year he was required to share the space with another student. Luckily Xavier knew the lad, a foreign student like himself. His name was Peter Kogos and he was from Athens, studying finance as Xavier was. The young Greek was intelligent, handsome, cheerful and charming, and he had collected a string of broken hearts whilst at the University. Peter was always in a fine mood, with a smile upon his face. However, though Xavier was a bit jealous of his charisma and wit, Peter was just a few inches shorter than the tall, athletic Xavier, so this allowed the Argentine to feel superior to him.
     Xavier had come in late in the evening with all his bags from the airport, and as he unpacked his belongings Xavier discussed with his dormmate his summer break and time he spent with his family. Peter was pleased to hear Xavier tell of the golf outings with his father, and the scratch polo games he played at his family's vast ranch North of Buenos Aires. Xavier's face lit up when he told Peter how happy he was when he got back to the Ranch and found his mother had not sold his string of polo ponies as she had threatened after last summer's accident on the polo grounds of Cowdray. Peter and Xavier recalled that terrible day last Summer, for Peter had been in attendance that day, and he reminded Xavier it was an accident and he should not harbour any guilt over the tragedy. However, young handsome Peter had no idea on Earth what guilt Xavier was harbouring in his heart, his guilt was not for the polo player he had crippled. No. It was, of course, for his classmate Teddy whom he saw beaten to death not so long ago.
     Now here, Peter wanted to change the subject from the terrible accident and the events of last Summer so he said to Xavier. "Say, I guess you haven't heard." Peter stared wide eyed over at Xavier who suddenly felt a cold chill creep up his spine. "About Teddy McDowell."
     Xavier remained calm asking "What about him?"
     "Someone bashed his brains in a few months back, it's been in all the papers." Peter said with a terribly serious, mournful look on his face.
     Here Xavier turned as pale as a bottle of milk, all the blood draining away from his face as he stood there, mouth hanging open, unable to respond. After what felt like an eternity Xavier said "Oh my Christ! Do the police know who committed the crime?"
     "Nah, not yet, though they did find a glove with a few fingerprints. All they need is time to go through all the files and Scotland Yard should have their man soon." Peter went on with all the gory details he had read in the paper, but Xavier tuned him out as he had gone numb inside. He wanted desperately to get in touch with Norman. Xavier had promised to meet him on the first Friday in September for dinner, but that was a week away. With no phone in his room Xavier excused himself, saying he was going down to the student union for a pack of cigarettes; which surprised Peter for he never knew Xavier to be a smoker. Of course he was not, Xavier just needed an excuse to go to the student union to use the pay phone.
     Xavier was nearly the only one in the building, a few students were watching a Doctor Who marathon on the tele, having a few lagers. Xavier sat down on the little stool by the phone box and inserted his coin, then he dialed the number to Norman's shop. With each ring his heart beat faster as he tried not to be overwhelmed with worry while he waited, then he heard a woman's voice saying "Pierce Locksmith, how may we service you?"
     "Lillian?" Xavier thought he recognized her voice. "Is Norman about?" he asked praying she would hand the phone over to his dear friend.
     "No.., I'm afraid he is unavailable." Lillian said and she too recognized Xavier's deep, sexy, Latin voice. "Is there something I can help you with?" she said seductively for she had an enormous crush on the handsome Latin male.
     "Are.., when do you expect him back? Is he out on a call?" Xavier grew very concerned she would give him some bad news.
     "He went out to visit his mum in Kent, he should be back sometime tomorrow, love." Lillian informed him and Xavier sounded extremely relieved by the news.
     "Thanks! Will you tell him I called, this is Xavier." he said the tension in his body easing up a bit.
     "No problem sweetheart." she paused then said softly "So, what are you up to on a Friday night? Fancy a pint?" long pause "Hello? Are you still on the line?" Lillian said disappointed "He must've hung up."

End Chapter 15

     Norman spent the first week at the hotel getting up early and going back to his shop to open it up for Lillian, whom he trained to run the shop handing over a set of keys to her, making her manager. Norman hired two licensed locksmiths to work out of the shop so he did not have to go out on anymore calls. Money was not an issue for Norman, as he still had well over Three Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Pounds remaining, so a good salary was easy to provide for his shop manager Lillian and the two men she was in charge of. Now Lillian was concerned, and rightly so, but Norman allayed her fears when he explained his mother was getting on in years and he had bought a little cottage for her out in Kent, England's Garden Country. He said he needed time away to spend with her, and this was all true. Norman had purchased a quaint little house for Gertrude to get her out of that tiny third floor apartment, and let her live the rest of her life in the clean air and sunshine of the English Countryside. Gertrude was elated Norman's business was doing so well and her much beloved son was able to provide her the luxury of her own home. Norman went out to visit her many times during those hot summer days, but in the evenings he was always back out in the clubs and pubs of London staying up into the wee hours, bringing back home a few trollops now and again. Norman scored with a lot of amazing birds that summer, because he had a lot of money and an enormous cock. However, Norman always made sure they left in a cab before he went to bed, he also made it a point never to call or contact any of the women ever again. They would soon have plenty to tell the press and try to make a name for themselves.
     It was on such an occasion, in late July, around three a.m. when Norman had sent one of his latest conquests home in a taxi when he sat up in bed drinking a bit of whiskey. Setting the empty crystal highball down on the marble nightstand Norman curled up in the cool, comfortable, large hotel bed and soon he was fast asleep exhausted from drinking and fucking all night. After what seemed only a few minutes there came a gentle tapping on his door. Norman sat up and slowly went over to the door thinking the random girl had come back to his room. "What is it?" Norman said as he opened the door.
     "Norman!" Felina said with a giant smile and a brightness to her eyes. Serena stood behind her smiling in delight upon seeing Norman's face.
     "Oh my Christ!" he said shocked to see the two young ravishing Latin women standing at his door. "What are you doing here? Where is your brother?"
     Felina smiled saying "He is in the next room!" the three embraced warmly giving sweet kisses upon the cheek. Then suddenly and without warning Felina began kissing Norman deeply upon the mouth, as the three embraced tightly, holding each other close to one another. Norman was absolutely in ecstasy and that is when he awoke.
     Panting, and grasping one of the pillows, Norman wiped his eyes realizing it was all just a dream, a terribly exciting dream. Norman drank another glass of whiskey and tried to fall back asleep, instead he lie there staring up at the ceiling reliving all the memories of his friendship with Xavier de la Rosa Diaz and his amazing sisters. Norman had a sick empty feeling in his heart that he would never see those three, his foreign friends, ever again. This was very painful, but Norman was a man, and men must go through much pain, humility and degradation. Peace of mind does not come freely to a man who has taken the life of another. Whiskey can only drown so many memories. A man must live with what he has done, and the crimes and offense he has committed by his own hand. Norman wished he had a deeper understanding of God. He knew wrong from right, there was no excuse, there would be no mercy, there would be no pity, there would be no forgiveness. Now the Lord might find forgiveness for our Norman, but our Norman could never forgive himself. So these are the thoughts and consternation's which plagued Norman's heart and mind that entire summertime. Fall would soon be fast approaching and September was only four weeks away. So Norman did his best to carry on in this way, looking forward to that Friday when he would meet his friend Xavier at the Guinea for dinner, a few pints, a few laughs and some steaks.

Chapter 15 continues

     Monday morning came and went, Norman was quite productive going out on thirteen calls, he worked hard and was hungry and tired when he called it a day. He said goodnight to Lillian, locking up his shop and heading upstairs to his quiet flat. It was around seven in the evening when he finished his dinner and plopped down on his comfy sofa, switching on the television, as he opened up the evening edition of the London Times. Norman had been anxiously awaiting any news about his crime in the newspaper, and tonight his long wait was over. For there on page three, Norman saw the story of the young man's murder, a picture of Teddy was printed next to a picture of the 'murder house'. Norman became very nervous and worried as the realization set in that he was living on borrowed time. Norman knew the long arm of justice would be reaching out for him soon. When? He could not say, but soon. Norman could feel a terrible pain deep in the pit of his stomach. He read the article, disappointed to see the police had released a list of all the items stolen from the house. Harry read the same article and promptly hid away the Stubbs painting, along with everything else he had received from Norman through nefarious means. Harry, very easily, could have turned Norman in to the authorities but that would implicate himself and draw unwanted attention from Lady Justice, and this would never do! So Harry, along with everyone who owned the stolen goods, kept their mouths shut. No one would get involved, nor would they incriminate themselves, so they all kept quiet. However, fingerprints speak for themselves. Three latent prints were taken from the latex glove and the brilliant, scientific minds in one of the worlds leading forensic laboratories used a few strips of plain, ordinary, scotch tape to obtain the much needed evidence. Unfortunately, for the era in which the detectives lived, there were no computer date bases of criminal fingerprints available, and DNA testing was not yet an advanced science. However, there was a records department that contained, secured away in file cabinet, after file cabinet, after file cabinet, etc.. over one million fingerprints taken from criminals and trouble makers over the past thirty years. So it was up to three detectives, England's finest dactylographers, who were well practiced and trained at the art of studying fingerprints. Chief Inspector Detective Fowlers's team would sift through the files and locate the evidence they needed desperately. The C.I.D team would, indeed, find a match contained there in the endless files, it was only a matter of time and patience. It would be a long hot summer for the detectives.
     Now our Norman had been arrested on several occasions in the past for, what else, fighting. If he had only been able to control his temper when he was seventeen, nineteen and in his early twenties the police would have never arrested him or even know who Norman was. But the evidence, his fingerprints, the match to the killer's glove, was just waiting to be uncovered. Norman Pierce set his mind in a different direction, away from panic and fear. Instead he packed up all his clothes and, of course, he filled one of the suitcases with the McDowell's money he had taken from the safe, just before he bashed in Teddy's brains. The money was the only thing he had left from the 'murder house', well that and all the crates of liquor, and the marble bust of William Shakespeare. Norman had only taken the sculpture because he thought it looked like something a smart person would have in their home. But now Norman hid it in the back of his closet covering it with a blanket, because, according to the list of stolen items it was a rare, hand carved, white Carrera marble bust of the Bard from the 18th century. Norman filled another suitcase with a few bottles of whiskey, vodka, champagne, along with a few grams of cocaine and a large amount of cigarettes and marijuana. He called up a car from the service and highed himself over to Hyde Park where he checked into a two room suite at the Dorchester, one of the most luxurious five star hotels in the World. Here Norman would spend the long nights that summer being treated like a king. How much time he would spend there was up to the police and detectives who were looking for the 'vicious killer', as Teddy's murderer was being hailed in the press. So Norman settled down in the posh comfort of his hotel suite, drinking whiskey and smoking weed and, even though he was in the most comfortable feather bed with silken pillows and sheets, our poor Norman could not sleep.

Chapter 15 begins

     Now Saturday came and went for Norman uneventfully, he opened up his shop, went on a few calls, trained Lillian how to grind out a set of keys on the machine etc... Business was brisk with customers, helping to keep Norman's troubled mind distracted. The evening was almost over, there had been no news or word of Teddy's death as of yet, for his body still lie decomposing on the cold tile floor of his family home. The rotting corpse would not be discovered until the following morning when Teddy's ex-girlfriend came 'round to speak to him, as he would not answer her calls since they returned back to England five days ago. She was very worried, so in her concern she drove up from her flat in London to see him. However, when she drove up she saw the front gate open and Teddy's Maserati parked under the portico and the great house seemed deserted.
     She knocked on the door, no answer, all quite and still within the grand house on this muggy, overcast summer Sunday morning. "Teddy?" she called out knocking louder and louder on the old, oaken door. Convincing herself perhaps he was out back, or in the shower, she turned the door handle and as the great door creaked open, the smell of death, and rotting flesh filled her nostrils and she began to gag and vomit all over the carpet when she saw her ex-boyfriend Teddy dead on the floor.
     Screaming. Crying. Terror. Tears. A switch went off in her head, and soon thereafter the initial horror, she dialed  999 to summon the police who arrived about fifteen minutes later. Now when the constables found the tragic scene of blatant murder and robbery, they called down to London to C.I.D. Scotland Yard. Within the hour Chief Inspector Detective R. Fowler arrived with five of his officers to assess the situation and investigate the new crime scene. The hysterical young woman, their first witness, whom had found the murder victim, was able to give her account, along with the telephone number of the hotel on St.Bart's where the dead lad's family were on holiday.
     "Good afternoon Inspector." the local constable welcomed the Inspector to the crime scene.
     "Good afternoon." the Inspector replied "But enough with these pleasantries. I trust nothing has been touched?"
     "No sir!" came the old local police officer's reply then he stammered and said "All except this." the old man held up a blue latex surgical glove on the end of a pencil. "It's turned inside out, they dropped it beside the body. I reckon your boys down at the laboratory can get some latent prints off it, I reckon."
     "Seargent!" Inspector Fowler shouted to one of his men as they milled about taking photographs of the body and the house. "Secure that item carefully!" one of his officers complied gingerly setting it in a small brown paper evidence bag. The inspector surveyed the grisly scene, the horrid stench of murder most foul filled the warm house; which had been stripped of most everything but the furniture. "Right then." he sighed gazing down at the bloated corpse, head beaten in, blood and brains congealed on the floor, the face of the once handsome young man bashed in. Another life lost to the madness of a criminal mind, Fowler thought. He instructed one of his officer's to escort the young lady back to headquarters in London to get her statement, while the Chief Inspector made the sad phone call to the boy's mother and father.
     "Mr. McDowell, Mr. Ronald McDowell of St.Alban's England?"
     "Yes?" came a confused reply over the other end of the line.
     "Mr.McDowell, My name is Raymond Fowler, Chief Inspector Detective Fowler, from Scotland Yard." he said calmly.
     "What on Earth has happened Chief Inspector?" the voice on the other end of the line sounding gravely concerned.
     "It would appear your home has been burgled.., and your son has been found, murdered." a long pause as the information seeped into the distressed father's brain. "I regret to inform you, young Theodore's remains were discovered only this morning, He has been deceased for sometime. Teddy's body has been positively identified by his former girlfriend, whom found your son earlier today." another pause, disbelief, anguish, anger, terror in the voice on the other end of the line. "I do extend my condolences on behalf of the entire Criminal Law Enforcement Department. We need you and your family to return to England, at once. Perhaps you, or one of your family members, might have some information that might lead us to the answers which could help us solve this case, and perhaps help us catch our killer and thief." 

End Chapter 14

     Norman had finally passed out on the sofa around elevenish when he suddenly awoke with a start disturb by some terrible dream. He sat up in darkness, for the sun had set long ago, it was just after 8:00 in the p.m. when Norman sat up shocked he had slept the day away. Norman knew his friend would be well on his way to Argentina flying over the Atlantic Ocean. It took Norman a moment to adjust his eyes to the dark, the only light coming from the stolen stereo receiver. This was strange to Norman, for he had not turned the stereo on. Or perhaps it was just the whiskey and the weed which helped him to forget, this was quite possible. Undisturbed by this Norman went out and brought some food back to his flat. Norman drove out to Preston City Center for some Kentucky Fried. Norman loved American fried chicken so he fetched about Thirty Quid of 'fast food': 2 Buckets of extra crispy, 3 sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, 6 ears of sweet buttered corn, 1 pint of coleslaw, 1 pint of bbq beans, and 2 dozen fresh baked southern style biscuits. All that, and a case of McEwans Scotch Ale. This would tide him over until the morning.
      So it was Norman returned with his dinner and drink. Sitting himself down on the couch he watched a bit of tele, Dave Allen at Large, Are You Being Served, an hour or two of Monty Python, but after gorging himself on greasy friend chicken and beer Norman ate himself into a deep slumber around midnight. He would sleep for seven more hours before the morning sun came streaming through his windows, greeting him with light, bringing Norman back to reality, by way of the cold light of day. Even though this was the beginning of summer, Norman awoke shivering, his skin, the room ice cold. Now here Norman sat up with a shock, for he had fallen asleep with the television on and the stereo receiver off, but as he sat up on the couch he saw the television was now off and the stereo was turned on, though no music came over the speakers. So once again Norman went over and turned the stereo off. He sighed, a little aggravated, and then he stared at the boxes of Teddy's stolen lp's, he hadn't the heart, nor the stomach to listen to any of the dead boy's music collection, to do so, Norman thought might turn him off music forever. Undaunted by any distraction, strange or otherwise, Norman set out to visit Harry to get rid of the jewelry and the rest of the paintings.
     Harry was a little disturbed to see young Norman so anxious and agitated. Norman said he was not feeling well, with a migraine, and he said he was bothered about stealing. So he told Harry he would not be calling him anymore. "This will be our last deal," Norman had said with a worried look "Don't want me Mum finding out about any of this, she'd be so ashamed of me." Norman said in all honesty.
     "You're a good lad Norman! You just needed a little cash flow to help you get started in business! Nothin' wrong with that my son! Nothin' wrong with that." So Harry received the deal of a lifetime when he purchased about One Hundred Thousand Pounds of handcrafted jewelry and original works of art, all for Ten Thousand English Pounds. Though Harry offered him more, Norman did not want anymore, nor was he keen to go through the items and find out about them, or their worth. It was all very strange. However Harry had known the giant of a man Norman to be a bit strange since he was a wee lad, so Harry thought nothing of it and bid Norman a cheery bye.
     Norman drove back home, but before doing so he stopped at the local market and purchased a large quantity of groceries and sundries. Norman wanted to stock up on food and supplies so he could hole up in his flat until he opened the shop back up on Saturday. He felt hiding away at this time was most crucial to his mental stability, and he was correct in doing so. However, as he came up the stairs with the first few bags Norman was surprised to find the television, Teddy's stolen television, turned on, the local newscast playing. Now Norman knew good and well he did not leave the tele on. So before he went back downstairs, for another load of groceries, he went over and the turned the knob to the off position. He came back, up no problem, everything turned off as he had left it. However, when he returned back up for the third and final time with the last of his food, Norman heard the radio playing 'The End' by the Doors. Jim Morrison's deep haunting voice echoed down the stairwell and Norman almost dropped his bag of eggs and bread.
     After about fifteen minutes Norman had unplugged the stereo, the television, the speakers, locking it all up in the back of his van, along with the many boxes of stolen records. Norman did not believe in ghost or the hereafter, or what the fuck ever, but with what he had experienced he realized that maybe what he believed, or did not believe, may not even fucking matter. So he drove the stolen expensive stereo equipment out to the city dump, but just as he drove out through the east end, Norman saw a couple of teenagers hanging out on the sidewalk as he stopped at a red light. They looked bored, poor, and pathetic so Norman called out "Oi! You lot like music?"
     Norman returned shortly thereafter much to the delight of the young lads who were absolutely gobsmacked to have a stranger hand over a free stereo, records, and t.v.! When they asked him why he was getting rid of it Norman told them the equipment was haunted. They just laughed along with Norman, who desperately wanted all of Teddy's things out of his house. All he had left now was the furs, shoes,handbags, as well as the sterling silver ware, and Norman was driving out to Slough tomorrow morning to get rid of those last remaining items. Norman made a quick stop to buy a brand new t.v. with remote control. It took some time but soon Norman was back at his house watching the BBC World News, eating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich drinking a nice cold glass of milk. It was now Thursday evening and Norman wondered as he sat there, bored out of his mind, just what his friend Xavier was up to in Argentina on this warm summer night.  

Chapter 14 continues

     It was around nine o'clock in the morning when Xavier opened his eyes. He had been a sleep for almost ten hours getting some much needed rest and time away from reality. Norman sat across from the sofa where Xavier yawned. Norman was reading the London Times, looking for any mention of the crime in St.Alban's, there was no mention made of the murder, yet. Xavier sat up pushing the blanket off of him as Norman said he needed to talk to him.
     "Listen, I've made a few phone calls." he paused a serious look and tone to his demeanor. "There is a flight leaving Heathrow in three hours for Buenos Aires. I've called you a taxi to take you back to the halls of residence so you can pack up your things and go."
     "Norman." Xavier said with a look of shock mixed with sadness "You were going to come with me to meet the rest of my family, Felina was going to teach you how to ride." Xavier reminded him, disappointed with the news.
     "Yeah well, after last night I think it's better for you to get out of London for the summertime, go be with your family, try to forget about what you've seen." Norman replied sick to his stomach with the recollection of the sound of a human skull shattering into little bits and pieces. "Besides.., I need to be left alone for awhile, get my head straight." Norman sighed as he wiped the sleep from his eyes.
     Now the realization came to Xavier, who felt a terrible turning of knots in his stomach, his skin went cold and he very much wanted to vomit. Xavier looked over at his best friend in the entire world knowing, somehow, the two friends might not ever see each other again. Ah cruel fate! "Are you sure you want me to go away?"
     "It's better, in case anything goes down, I don't want anyone linking us together. You can not be involved! Because you were never there!" Norman shouted trying to convince himself that was the truth. But Xavier HAD been there last night, Xavier HAD bared wittness to the sickness of murder, Xavier HAD watched his classmate brutally beaten before him. Xavier saw a man die. It was imperative Norman get him out of England as soon as possible. Norman stood up and pulled out a stack of cash from his jacket for Xavier saying "Here, this is Two Thousand Pounds." Norman rolled his eyes "Look, this isn't any of that money! I earned this money for my shop! I want you take it and go have a nice summer with your sisters! I'll see you in September! We'll go back to the Guinea for a Porter House and a few pints!" Norman smiled as he gave his friend a bear hug. And with that Xavier washed his face and combed his hair. Norman saw the taxi pull up to the building, he called out to Xavier, who came out of the bathroom with a terrible sense of foreboding, as if knowing he would never see his friend again. So Xavier said with a nervous smile to disguise his extreme unhappiness "Right then mate!" Xavier said as he shook hands with Norman telling him "So, first Friday in September, dinner at the Guinea I'll buy the first round!"
     "Cheers mate!" Norman smiled with a cheerful expression as if to say, 'everything is fine here! No one has been murdered and my isn't a lovely day!'
     "Yeah cheers mate, thanks a lot!" Xavier simply said as he went down the stairs, climbing into the back of the taxi as Norman stood at the window watching his best friend drive off.
     Now Norman was alone with his thoughts on this overcast, warm, Wednesday in early June, he would not open his shop until Saturday morning. Exhausted, but still unable to sleep, Norman sat down on his sofa and poured out a glass whiskey for himself, he lit up a joint and sat there in silence just listening to the cars pass by outside on the busy street below in Soho. Norman, deeply troubled, was going to need some time alone.

Chapter 14 begins

     Norman was walking down the hallway out through the livingroom, and as he passed Teddy's corpse he heard the sound of a loud exhale, the last bit of air in the lungs escaping the dead body. Now Norman thought Teddy just might still be alive, so he set the drawer full of money down and reached out with his right hand placing it on Teddy's neck to see if he still had a pulse. Norman could not feel anything with the surgical glove on, so he pulled it off, tossing it on the floor and reached back down and felt no pulse, because Teddy was dead, Norman had seen to that. Then he saw Xavier standing at the back door shouting "Come on! We have to go!"
    Norman jumped up, startled by the sound of his friends voice and he grabbed the drawer of money clutching it close to his body. Xavier and Norman left the house that was as silent as a tomb. The two rushed into the van with its motor running and drove out of the back yard and out the front gate. The two were in a word, Mortified. The two men said nothing, so Norman turned on the radio to break the uncomfortable silence. They listened as the vocalist sung the lines 'I don't want to spend the rest of my life/At the other end of a switchblade knife/I don't want to spend my time in hell/Looking at the walls of a prison cell.'. Norman switched off the radio saying "Fucking Police!"
     "Where?" Xavier shouted paranoid and in a panic, still in a state of shock.
     "No, not the police! The Police! The band that did that song!" Norman explained as he exhaled deeply wishing he had a cigarette.
     "Oh." Xavier sighed then said "We do not need any music right now."
     So they drove back South to London the windows down, the only sound the hum of the engine and the wind rushing against their faces. The drive, which normally took about forty five minutes,  seemed to take forever and forty minutes. The two men spoke not a word. Now, when they arrived back at Norman's little shop, the two felt a bit of panic rush through their bodies as they saw a note taped to the front door. There was no need for panic, as it was just a note from Norman's new counter girl. It read, 'Just wondering if I can come back to work anytime soon, please call and let me know.'
     Norman and Xavier were relieved and Xavier, who had enough excitement for one day, told Norman he just wanted to take a shower and go to sleep. Norman opened up the door, Xavier went upstairs, as Norman rang Lillian apologizing for closing the shop for four days. He said he had a family emergency, which was true, in a way. He offered to pay her for the entire week, telling her to come back Saturday morning. Now Norman grabbed a pack of cigarettes from behind the counter and went outside to have a smoke. He was extremely nervous and had a terrible sense of foreboding. He sucked down his cigarette in 42 seconds, then he went to the back of the van and brought the drawer full of money upstairs, where Xavier had been in the shower for quite sometime. Norman was restless so he went ahead and brought all the crates of stolen wine, liquor and champagne up to his little kitchen. Norman grew concerned as Xavier remained in the shower for a good thirty minutes. Xavier had sat down in the tub, letting the hot water; which was now ice cold, cascade over his body, his knees pulled close to his chest. Xavier was devestated, unable to wipe the image of his classmates murder from his mind. You would be amazed at the devestating impact on the human psyche after watching a person die right before your very eyes. So Xavier stayed in the shower wishing he were dead.
     Eventually around midnight Xavier came out of the bathroom wrapped up in a towel as he sat on the couch. Norman had set a glass and a bottle of whiskey, vodka and red wine on the coffee table in front of him. "Here." Norman said "Drink what you like, I've rolled a pile of joints for you to smoke, help ease the tension." Norman said worried about his friend.
     "Cheers mate, thanks a lot." Xavier said as he poured out a shot of vodka for himself.
     "Yeah, no problem." Norman gave an uneasy smile as he said "I'm going down to have a smoke." Norman exited the second floor and Xavier began to drink the vodka and light up one of the joints
     Now Norman sat out at the little table in front of his shop on that cool Spring evening and, instead of smoking one cigarette, he went through an entire pack in three quarters of an hour. He was troubled and very concerned, not for the horrific crime he had just committed, but he was more worried with the fact that, now Xavier had just witnessed him murder a human being, perhaps Xavier did not like him anymore. However, none of that mattered for Norman knew he had left a glove behind, the only clue left behind in his stupidity and worst of all, he knew he and Xavier must part company, just to make sure no harm would come Xavier's way. Norman had never had such a good friend in his entire life and now he was devastated knowing he and Xavier's friendship would be affected by this terrible turn of events. Norman could not sleep so he remained awake snorting a bit of cocaine, smoking off the hookah, staring out the window listening to the radio while Xavier slept on the couch in a 'vodka coma' while Norman waited for the dawning of a new day.

End Chapter 13

     Now, when the night came down, the two made their way back up North to the house just outside the city of St.Alban's. It was not enough they had depleted the home, and McDowell family, of most all the valuable possessions therein, along with the Thousands of Pounds they had received for the sports equipment not including the money, they had yet to receive, for the massive jewelry stash. No, they wanted more, the fifty six bottles of wine and champagne and whatever the safe contained. Had you, or I, been there we would have dissuaded them from any further felonious acts, telling them to be happy and satisfied with what they had already taken. But alas, their greed overshadowed their reason. So it was on that fateful Tuesday night in May 1978, around eight in the p.m. when the two made their way back into the house. Xavier began loading the many crates in the back of the van and Norman went back into the study to try again to get the combination right. He was very close to opening it up, it was about twenty minutes after he began, as Xavier was loading the last of the wine, when Norman tried the combination he knew had to be the correct one. Carefully he turned the left knob to # 3 right, then he turned the right knob to # 27 left, then the lower knob to # 63 right. Slowly Norman reached up and pulled the handle down, as he heard the locking mechanism disengage, his heart leapt up in his chest as he called out "Fuck Yes!" Xavier did not hear him as he was closing up the van out back. Norman, with his hands shaking, opened up the heavy door and peered in, what he saw left him speechless.
     Now just a Norman was about to call out to Xavier he heard the front door open up then slam shut. Norman stood up, a sudden rush of fear and panic overwhelming him in wave of panic; which was well founded as he heard an unfamiliar voice of a young man scream out "Xavier what the fuck are you doing in my house?"
     Teddy stood in the foyer as he was stunned to see his fucking classmate standing at the back door in the living room; which had been stripped of almost everything but the furniture. "You fucking bastard!" Teddy yelled as he walked closer to Xavier, who stared in abject terror unable to speak or move as he watched in horror as Norman came running down the hall lightning fast. Teddy moved closer ready to knock Xavier down with a right hook, Teddy did not hear Norman, nor did Teddy see him. Norman acted fast as he grabbed hold of a heavy, lead crystal candle stick, about the length of a forearm, Teddy turned as he heard the rush of wind come down quickly without warning behind him, and with that, Teddy felt the crushing blow to his skull then he collapsed to the floor like a sack of potatoes. You see poor Teddy had argued for days with his girlfriend so his parents sent him packing all the way back to home, where he could spend the rest of the family vacation by himself, to teach him a lesson. Yet, if his mother and father had only known the horrible fate that awaited their only son...
     Xavier stood and watched and listened as Teddy moaned in great pain and distress calling out to Xavier "Help me Xavier, help me." Teddy begged as he lay dying.
     Xavier said nothing, shocked in the terribleness of the moment and then Norman did what he felt he must do to protect his dear friend from ruining his entire life and career. Norman beat Teddy to death with the blood and brain splattered candlestick, as Xavier just stood there in silence doing not a goddamn thing to stop him!. After a few short sharp blows to his head, Teddy stopped talking, Teddy stopped moaning, Teddy stopped breathing, Teddy stopped living. So, there in the presence of Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz, and the man who had spilled his blood and taken his life away Norman Pierce, Nineteen year old Theodore Maxwell McDowell died on a Tuesday just before 9:00 p.m. at the hands of stranger. Everything taken away from him in a rush of violence, but one rush of violence is all it takes, to take it all away.
     The two friends stared down at the corpse then back at each other, Xavier had never seen a human being bludgeoned to death and Norman had never taken a life, but there is always a first time for everything. However, now Norman felt a massive weight of dread and guilt come crashing down on him, as if the devil himself had come to sit on his shoulder to admire his handy work. Norman would never be the same after what he had done today. He moved away from the body and tossed the murder weapon on the marble tile floor, whereupon the heavy lead crystal candlestick shattered into three pieces with a loud crash. Norman went over to Xavier, who was wide- eyed and shaking uncontrollably, so Norman said in a calm voice "I'm sorry you had to see that happen, Xavier, but I couldn't let him tell anyone about this. You.., you're a good lad, and you would have gone to prison for breaking and entering. I'm sorry I had to do that Xavier, but it's done, it's over. I can't change what just happened." Norman said showing more concern for his friend than himself, who if, and when, he was caught would himself be going to prison for murder. Norman was shocked just how calm he was behaving. He grabbed Xavier by the elbow and hurried him away from the body back to the study where Norman showed him what he had found in the safe.
     "Holy fuck!" Xavier said sick to his stomach, dizzy and extremely ill at ease, as he saw stacks upon stacks of bundles of money. There had to be at least Three to Four Hundred Thousand English Pounds. Though Xavier would have normally been salivating over that kind of easy cash, now he felt utterly revolted and so he said to Norman. "There is no fucking way I can take any of this money! We just watch that kid die, this is his family's money. I can not do this."
     Norman gave a sharp look of contempt, mixed with confusion, as he said "Now you listen to me, my son!" his voice getting louder and very serious in tone "What I just fucking did back there is going to weigh on my soul for the rest of my fucking life!" here Norman calmed himself for second then said in a soft voice "And this money here, will help to ease my conscience in future." Norman said as he grabbed hold of one of the desk drawers, turning it over, emptying it of its contents, as he began stacking the money neatly in the wooden drawer "Go start the van and we will get the fuck out of here, and don't worry!" Norman said seeing the frightened look on Xavier's face "We've had our surgical gloves on the whole time, no finger prints and as far as I am concerned if anything does go down, you were never here!" Norman said trying to reassure his bewildered, disgusted, friend who was still in shock from witnessing the brutal crime.

Chapter 13 continues

     So it was late on Monday night the two ventured back up North to the house where Norman continued trying to crack the safe as Xavier filled up the back of the work van with all sorts of stolen items. This time Xavier went down his list the two had compiled: one full length silver chinchilla coat, one knee length Russian sable 'swing' coat, one black mink stole and one ermine wrap. Seven designer leather and snakeskin hand bags, fifteen pairs of expensive high heels, one jewelry armoire that was waist high and full of gold necklaces, bracelets, sapphires, diamonds, emerald rings, dozens of gold and silver earrings, three pair of diamond stud earrings in 1 carat, 2 carat, and a large 3 carat pair. This was all taken from Teddy's mother. However, Xavier had always been treated well by Olivia, Teddy's sister, so Xavier did not take anything from her room, instructing Norman to stay out of Olivia's things; which Norma could appreciate and respect. The may be heartless thieves but they did not want to be rude to Xavier's former flame. However, when they came to Teddy's room up on the second floor Xavier and Norman stripped the room bare of a large Sony television set, a Sony video cassette recording machine, an outrageously expensive stereo receiver and turntable by Burmster Audio and two huge JBL speakers, along with all of Teddy's record collection, some 200 lp's. Xavier also took Teddy's class ring and a Tag Heuer sport watch, along with a few of his bottles of French cologne. When Xavier had taken his fill of items he paused and went over to Teddy's bed where he pulled back the goose down duvet and presently pissed all over the sheets. His urine soaking deep down into the mattress. When Xavier had thusly relieved himself, upon the bed of the man he despised, Xavier smiled with a great deal of satisfaction gently pulling the covers back and zipping up his trousers.
     Xavier was running out of room in the van so they decided to come back tomorrow for the crates of wine they had piled up in the kitchen, though Xavier was able to squeeze a crate of Perrier Jouet champagne into the back of the van by the speakers. However, Norman needed a few more hours on the safe so they drove back on the dark road heading back to Norman's shop where they would stash everything, everything except the stereo equipment, speakers, lp's and the T.V., these items were brought directly upstairs and situated in Norman's flat. He was glad to give the stereo and it's booming speakers a new home, he knew he would take great care of them. Xavier uncorked a bottle of the champagne as Norman carefully selected an album, Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti, and was enraptured by the sound of the music he loved.
     The two were ecstatic looking over all the jewelry, imagining what price Harry would give them for all of it. So they made a little list of the gold and precious gems, a catalog of the items for Harry's benefit, as well as their own. It was a good night. They would get up early in the morning to bring a few items out West to Slough where they would find the gentleman Harry had referred them to. Now this went well as the old man, who looked to be in his ninety's appearing as old as the corner shop he owned, purchased from the boys the bikes, golf clubs, and tennis racquet's, all of which was worth well over Ten Thousand Pounds, but the old codger knew the two young thieves would take what he gave them and that amounted to Four Thousand Pounds. Though, the old man said they could come back Friday and he would take a look at anything they had, saying he was especially interested in the fur coats Norman had made mention of. So they all agreed to meet up Friday. The two made it back in time for a nice lunch that tuesday afternoon before they went back to take a nap and rest, waiting for sundown so they could drive back out to the house and take the crates of wine and liquor and get that fucking safe open. Xavier curled up on the sofa with a good book, about a race of Amazon Warrior women who go on a breeding campaign to Sparta, a Greek tragedy.It was called Blood For Flowers, written by a woman from Texas. As Xavier got lost in the tale Norman was restless, tossing and turning, but he did manage to fall asleep on his big bed around three o'clock that afternoon. However, poor Norman was troubled by terrible dreams; in which he was down at the bottom of the sea, his hands tied behind his back, holding onto his last breath, trying to swim to the surface before he drown. The next thing he knew he was on a plane, the only soul aboard, again his hands tied as the plane began to plummet down to the Earth. Norman awoke his heart and mind racing, he was drenched in sweat, trying to catch his breath. Xavier had fallen asleep on the sofa and stirred not at Norman's distress. After a moment Norman had calmed his nerves, telling himself it was just a nightmare brought on by the spicy curry he had at lunch with the lamb kebabs. Norman got up out of his bed then he went to the toilet vomiting up the contents of his stomach. The spices and peppers burning his throat as he spewed forth a chunky, red and brown, warm stream into the commode. Norman splashed some cold water on his face and brushed his teeth looking at his reflection in the mirror, not liking what he saw staring back at him from over the sink. Exhaling Norman turned of the light and went to the cupboard and poured out a tall glass of smooth whiskey over few cubes of ice, as he lit up a joint, staring outside the window waiting for the sun to set.

Chapter 13 begins

     It was early on that Sunday morning when Xavier awoke, hung over from Saturday nights romp through the bars in London. He had passed out on Norman's long comfortable sofa, as usual, after consuming way too much vodka, now Xavier sat up a aching in his head and feeling nauseous. He inhaled the aroma of fresh brewed coffee coming from downstairs in the shop and Norman was no where to be found, probably taking the two birds they picked up last night home. Xavier got himself dressed and went downstairs, barefoot, to get a cup of black java, in doing so he noticed Norman outside sitting at the little table and chairs Norman had placed outside for his customers to sit and wait and smoke. Norman would not allow anyone, not even himself, from stinking up his shop and his apartment with rancid tobacco smoke. Now marijuana smoke, no problem, tobacco smoke, no way. There was Norman full of pep, bright eyed, going over some text books on safes as he sat drinking a cup of coffee, smoking his second cigarette of the morning.
     "Mornin' mate." Norman greeted his friend who looked tore up from the night before. "You look terrible! Go have a shower get yourself cleaned up." Norman said "Let's go get some steaks, soak up all that sugar from the alcohol last night. Yeah?"
     "Yeah. I feel like a steaming pile of horse manure."Xavier said squinting his eyes from the glare of the early morning sun, shivering a little in the cool breeze on that beautiful Spring day.
     So the two bade their time that morning waiting until sundown to drive up North in the dark of night. Xavier and Norman were nervous and excited like little children waiting for Father Christmas to come and pay a visit. They were prepared. Norman removed the magnetic panels from the sides of his work van; which displayed the name of his business, phone number and address. They had brought a box of surgical gloves to leave no fingerprints and, most importantly, Norman brought with him his bag full of tools and implements he needed to get into the house and the McDowell safe.
     The ride up was tense and nerve racking, but as they pulled up to the secluded, two story, seven room country house from the Edwardian era, all was dark save for the light on above the porch and a few lights on the first floor. They pulled up through the gate which was unlocked and open. Norman and Xavier, dressed in dark work overalls, went up to the steps to the large wooden door and knocked, ringing the bell saying "Service call! Someone called for a locksmith!" Norman continued like this for some time until both men were sure no one was coming to the door. By the light of the full moon and the twinkling stars Norman and Xavier crept around to the back of the house, where all was still and motionless save for the rustling of the wind through the trees. There was a heavy, sickly- sweet scent of gardenias and roses drifting up from the well manicured gardens. On that calm Spring evening Norman glanced around the property wishing he could some day live in a grand estate such as this. Putting this thought to the side of his mind Norman focused on the task at hand saying "Listen I will get the door unlocked, but before I open it up, and we go in, I want you to bring the van around so, if they have an alarm system, we can high tail it outta here."
     Xavier did as he was instructed and pulled the van up onto the emerald green lawn backing up as close as he could to the terrace and the back door. In about three minutes Norman had successfully unlocked the door; which he carefully opened, nervously waiting for an alarm to sound. No such sound issued forth from the house and, after a careful examination of the door frame, Norman told an anxious Xavier "No, I see no trigger switches, they don't have an alarm system." Norman said to Xavier much to their relief, and he was absolutely correct the McDowell's did not have an alarm system, yet.
      So the two stepped into the big, empty house, as Norman marveled at the fabulous decor and everything he wanted to take, Xavier went straight to work going to the garage where he rolled out three Raleigh ten speed racing bikes, two complete sets of Ping golf clubs, along with a bag full Babolat tennis racquet's; which he brought out to and loaded in the van. Norman came out with loads of original oil paintings and a few works of art, a heavy marble bust of Shakespeare and a set of large bronze candle holders,Norman was not intending to sell these off, he thought they would look good in his flat. Xavier took one of the empty cardboard boxes, they had brought with them, into the dining room where he filled it full of sterling silver platters, trays, tea and coffee service sets. Here he called for Norman to fetch two boxes of sterling silver flatware, service for forty eight! The amount of money they would eventually receive for the silver alone was well over Twenty Thousand Pounds!
     Now after only twenty minutes the van was chock full of stolen treasure, so Xavier took Norman back to the study. Here he showed him the large black safe. Upon seeing it, Norman's face lit up and he went over to it, as if it were a woman,  he bent over hugging the heavy metal box and kissed it saying "Oh my, look at you, I am slowly going to make my way inside you! I will find out what your hiding in there!" Norman smiled over at his friend who laughed. "Here, take a note." Norman said as Xavier took a pen and a pad off the large antique ship captains desk. "This is a nice one, it's a 40's model, from back in the war, it is old! Okay, It's a 1940's Phoenix safe, the Imperial model." Norman explained as Xavier wrote all this down. "It might take a day or two, but I'm sure I can get it open. This company has been around since 1799 out of Liverpool. I've cracked a few before, but not one so old." Norman said lovingly touching the handle and knobs of the safe, looking forward to the challenge. "Let me get some information on this model and we'll come back tomorrow night and load up some more."
     "Excellent this is going to be a lot of fun!" Xavier squealed like a little boy as he and Norman went around the house making a list of the items they would come back for tomorrow.
     Within an hours time they were headed back to London a van full of merchandise they would hide up in Norman's apartment. Xavier and Norman were very pleased with the success of their misadventure and well pleased with themselves, for they thought how clever and cunning they were. However, later that night Harry the Bastard came out, at Norman's request, to look over the items to see if he wished to purchase the stolen loot. Harry said he only dealt in jewelry and smaller items, but he would give them the name of a man in Slough who would help them out. Now Harry looked over everything and he said he only would give Norman the man's name and number on one condition.
      "What's that Harry?"
      "Let me have this painting of the white horse, and I will tell you. I think this would look nice over the fireplace in my den." Harry said admiring the old oil painting.
     "Sure take it!" Norman and Xavier said in exchange for the information; which Harry was more than happy to give them. But not as happy as he was to get that painting. Yet little did those two stupid boys know, for they had no education in the world of art, but that particular painting was done by one of the most famous English artists, a man named, George W. Stubbs [1724-1806}, this masterful work of art was entitled 'Mambrino' and was painted in 1790, and it was worth a small fortune. Harry would later sell it off to a collector for One Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Pounds! So Norman and Xavier were not as clever and as educated in worldly matters as they had imagined.

End Chapter 12

     "Mr.Pierce!?" came his counter girl's voice loudly from the bottom of the stairwell giving the two men a start as they jumped a little in their seats.
     "Yes Lillian?" Norman said as he sprang from his seat next to Xavier and stood at the top of the stairs looking down at the young attractive girl.
     "Mr.Atkinson is in a bit of a hurry, he asks if you are quite finished?" she asked nicely trying to help her customer.
     "Be right down love." Norman smiled and let out a sigh. "Listen, let me go down and take care of this old geezer. Be right back..," he paused as he went over to his stereo and popped in an 8 track tape of Pink Floyd's 'Us and Them', a deeply relaxing song that could ease away in tension or stress. "Just relax my friend we can talk about revenge all night, but first." Norman said as he went over and opened up a small silver inlaid teak box; where he kept his stash of 'Afghani Queen' a delightful, bright green strain of canabis grown on mist covered mountains in the middle east. 'Here, wrap your lips around this." Norman said as he placed a pre-rolled joint between his friends lips as Norman lit it up for him.
     Xavier inhaled softly the smooth smoke watching Norman exit the room. As he sat there listening to the peaceful music, smoking up the class 1 drug, Xavier let his mind wonder about his best course of action in plotting his revenge. Xavier was left alone with his thoughts for a scant few minutes when Norman returned stating he had sent Lillian home for the weekend and he had closed the shop down 'til Monday. "Now," Norman said exhaling deeply as he sat down on the chair opposite Xavier as he passed the spliff to Norman, who took a long cool drag and said "Right then, What are we going to do about this cocksucker?" Norman asked in all seriousness, for he was extremely loyal to Xavier and thankful for all for his help and true friendship.
     "I want to teach him a lesson." Xavier said calmly as he walked over to the refrigerator grabbing two cold bottles of McEwans Scotch Ale.
     Norman had not a clue as to what this lesson might entail so he asked Xavier, who seemed calm, but Xavier was still cunning and calculating, his mind steadied and focused on this important objective, "How so in that my friend?"
     "Teddy comes from a fabulously wealthy family, His father is the head of a Multi-National. I dated Teddy's sister for a few weeks last Spring, nothing came of the relationship, really. However, I was invited out to her family's country home, up North, just outside of St.Albans, a few times. That house is filled with riches beyond belief!" Xavier said thinking of the original works of art, statues, all the sterling silver flat ware and tea services, full sets of golf clubs, electronic equipment, furs, jewelry, etc...
     "So how do we get in?" Norman asked, relieved Xavier merely wanted to rob Teddy, and not kill him as Norman had thought, for he was not quite sure how far Xavier wanted to go with his act revenge.
     "Before our exam, when we were waiting outside of the Dean's office, Teddy's girlfriend came up very upset with him. It seems he had not invited her for his family trip to St.Bart's and she was fuming, cursing at him accusing him of fucking around on her, leaving her for two weeks, alone in the summer. It was a very dramatic scene, I was loving it!" Xavier laughed as he recalled this memory from earlier in the day. "Teddy was so embarrassed, and felt so bad and humiliated he promised to make arrangements for her to join him. Teddy told her 'Be at my house Sunday at 8 o'clock in the morning.' Teddy and his entire family will be down in the Bahamas! They go every year! First two weeks after school lets out!" Xavier smiled and said "Do you know what this means?"
     "We can take my van up to St.Albans, on a 'call', back that fucker up to the back door, load it up and take whatever the fuck we want!?" Norman said with a glowing look of delight.
     "Exactly!" Xavier said his dark eyes bright with the prospect of taking a fortune from Teddy fucking Maxwell McDowell "The best part of it all, we have two weeks to do it, we can make a few trips. You can get us in the back door without breaking it."
     "Oh fuck yeah! No one will even know we were there, until the McDowell's come home that is." Norman laughed. "But, hang on?" Norman paused giving a serious look "Do they have any dogs?"
     "No! Teddy's allergic!"
     "This is going to be an epic steal!" Norman said giddy like a school boy. "We can stash everything here, give Harry a call."
     "Oh and one more thing!" Xavier said joyfully.
     "Yes?"
     "In his father's study.., there is a huge safe behind his desk." Xavier explained holding his hand waist high to demonstrate just how large the McDowell safe was.
     Norman's eyes grew big as his mouth fell open, a rush of blood to his head, a throbbing in his ears. "A safe?" he uttered thinking of the challenge to get inside. But this time he could keep the contents of whatever he found in there. "I can't wait! It might take me a few days work to get it open, but just imagine what's inside!" Norman said nearly salivating thinking of huge piles of cash and diamonds and gold.
     "I can not wait to find out!" Xavier said as the two men talked everything over, staying up way late into the night that Friday smoking weed, drinking whiskey and beer, snorting a few lines of cocaine now and again. Xavier spent most of the time going over everything he could remember from his few visits to the palatial home. Recalling the layout of the house, drawing a crude map to show Norman the set up. And so it was the two colluded together, preparing themselves for the Sunday visit up North. However, if Norman or Xavier had any idea of the terrible outcome of this 'theiving adventure' of theirs, the two would have never step foot in that house. But alas, like all humans, we can never know our future. This misadventure would not end well.
    

More Chapter 12

     "It all started this morning in my business economics class, we were almost finished taking our final exam when I noticed a small slip of paper hit my shoe. I had just finished with the last question and signed my paper when I reached down to see what it was. That is when my professor, whom had been roaming the room, saw me and came over, where we both discovered someones 'crib' notes. I was immediately accused of cheating on the exam, and that son of a prick Teddy said he witnessed me cheating, when he knew, full well, his stupid ass was about to get caught himself, so he set me up! I almost was fucking expelled from my University today!" Xavier said his mind and heart racing recalling the terrible events of the day.
     "How did you get out of expulsion?" Norman asked confused and shaken by the unsettling news.
     "I demanded to be given an oral exam to demonstrate my vast knowledge of business economics. I know the material like the back of my hand!" Xavier said proudly "You can ask me anything on the subject of business and finance and I can tell you the truth!"
     Norman suddenly realized he had a question for the 'financial genius' "What did our I.B.M. shares close at today?"
     Xavier smiled taking his mind off his trouble, for a few seconds, he looked over and gave a smile to his friend, glad Norman had changed the subject for a brief moment "When the Dow closed at 4:OO p.m. on WallStreet today, our stock was trading right at thirty six a share, that is in American Dollars. So it is up almost ten points since we bought in. Which, with the rate of exchange to English Pounds, means that you, my good friend, on your initial investment of One Thousand Pounds, have made almost Five Hundred Pounds!" Xavier said happy to inform Norman who was grinning from ear to ear.
     "Cheers Xavier!" Norman said pouring out a glass of Johnny Walker Blue for himself as well. "Now tell me more of your story mate!" Norman said as he sat down on the couch next to Xavier who picked up the thread of his tale.
     "So!" Xavier let out a deep heavy sigh "After my protestations to the Dean of the Business School, and the Head of the Department, along with my professor they finally listened to me! They heard me out and, to show a bit of faith in my story and myself, they summoned myself and that little worm, Teddy to the Dean's office, where they gave us both the oral exam." here Xavier paused and laughed at the remembrance of Teddy squirming trying to answer their questions."So, having failed miserably, Teddy refused to answer anymore questions. However, I, myself, not only answered each question, but I answered each one correctly!" Xavier said a look of triumph on his face as if  he had just realized the depth and breadth of his knowledge for the first time. Norman could tell right away from the look in his Latin friends eyes that Xavier was truly impressed with himself, and so was Norman, for he had never met anyone as smart as Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz.
     "Congratulate yourself mate!" Norman said as the two raised a glass and with a clink of the crystal high balls, each took a soothing, long, cool sip of whiskey.
     Then the strangest thing happened, Norman had seen Xavier's mood turn instantly from that of rage and bitterness to all sweetness and light as he spoke of himself and what he had accomplished that day. However, no sooner had Xavier smiled and laughed sipping his whiskey, but in the seconds it took Xavier to set his drink down, his face took on a strange look, like that of fiend, plotting and conspiring with the darkness, a chill ran up and down the length of Norman's spine and he suddenly grew very cold, the flesh of his arms began to crawl, as the little hairs on the back of Norman's neck stood up on end and so, unsettled, Norman said softly to Xavier "Are you alright my son?"
      "I could have been expelled today, all because of Teddy's lies." Xavier seethed "He could have ruined my life Norman! My mother would have disowned me if I were kicked out of school! Do you have any idea how much she has spent on my education? The troubles I have already caused her?" Xavier said as a worried tone came to his voice,a look of deep, everlasting, disappointment on Xavier's face as he continued lamenting "That bastard! Trying to blame me for his misdeeds! Accusing me of cheating! Defaming my character! Jeopardizing my future! My career! Norman, I want to, make him pay!" Xavier shouted over at his friend who sat there next to him shocked by the vengeful anger welling up inside Xavier's heart as he continued on with his tirade "And the worst thing of all, my friend, that fucking cunt Teddy was only let off with a warning! Yeah! Can you fucking believe it!?"
     "What? Wha'd'ya mean? Those fuckers thought you were cheating and it was get the fuck out!" Norman said incredulous as Xavier nodded yes "But this little bastard.., turns out HE was cheating and it's a 'slap on the wrist, see ya next semester my son?"
      "EXACTLY!" Xavier said as the veins in his neck and forehead began to enlarge and throb, Norman was afraid if he didn't get his friend to calm down he might be likely to have a stroke.
      "Xavier, Xavier." Norman said gently trying to calm down his best mate. Norman gave a reassuring smile and a gentle pat on his back "He couldn't outsmart you! Not you, clever lad, and you know this! I know this, the Dean, the Faculty know this! And most importantly! That stupid, evil weasel, Teddy fucking Maxwell McDowell knows it! And, afterall, isn't that what really matters?"
     "No." Xavier said with an evil scowl as he turned with a hard cold stare, as cold as ice, Xavier opened up his mouth and said "Revenge is all that matters!"

Chapter 12 begins

     New Years Eve came and went as did Xavier's sisters, but not before the girls kept their promise to Norman. On the 2nd and 3rd of January they had both floors of Norman's shop and residence, stripped, primed and painted. Downstairs in the shop it all was ultra modern, stark white walls, chrome and leather chairs, glass topped coffee table, with the key making machine displayed on the front counter, looking more like a work of art than a piece of equipment. Installed along the left wall a bank of post office boxes in a brushed nickle finish, the odd green, tall, potted palm every now and again placed in the corners. Norman was well pleased with the bright futuristic feel of the space. Upstairs was a calming, cozy, mini- Shangrila, with a warm rich earth tone painted on the walls called 'Baghdad Red', curtains in an golden orange color hung from the long bank of windows, sandalwood scented candles in huge iron lanterns hung from the ceiling. Serena had placed a long, carved, wooden screen down the center of the room; which separated the silk cushion covered couch and the blue and white tiled dining table from the massive Oriental inspired four poster bed Felina had purchased at The Conran Shop for Norman. All was well in London Towne for Norman Pierce.
     Spring came early with a crispness to the air and bright blooms covering the parks in the city, it had so far been a very good year business was going well for Norman. By April he had an Automated Teller Machine installed, along with an I.B.M. copier machine, as well as a new fax machine, all to provide his customers more services and make a little extra cash. And with the money he and Xavier split from the stolen items from Sean's; which they sold off to Harry for around four grand, Norman had alot of extra money to invest in his business. No harm in that. Meanwhile, Xavier buckled down and studied hard for the last semester excelling in all his classes. However, the weekend would always find him hanging out, upstairs at Norman's having a few pints, trying out the three foot, solid brass, hand made Hookah pipe from North Africa Serena included with the decor. Friday's they could be found down at the local pubs and clubs listening to the latest bands on the local scene, picking up chicks taking them back to Norman's nicely decorated flat, the birds were always in a word, Impressed. Norman never felt better about himself or the course his life was taking.
     Now there came a day at the end of May, on a hot and unusually humid Friday evening, Norman was at his shop busy helping the new counter girl, he was at long last able to hire, when suddenly Xavier came in seething with rage, his eyes as wide as saucers, a deep flush of red to his face, his brow furrowed with a deep look of anger and confusion.
     "Xavier? What's the matter my son?"Norman said as he stepped away from the work he was doing, grinding out a set of keys for the old man sitting on the sofa, reading a magazine.
     "I am going to kill him!" Xavier shouted as he lifted his fists clenched in balls of rage.
     "Who? What.., has happened!?" Norman said as he came out from behind the counter and ushered his distraught friend up the back stairs to his flat.
     Xavier turned on the narrow staircase and shouted "Teddy, fucking, Maxwell McDowell!" Xavier said as he turned back up the steps Norman pressing him upstairs having no idea who this asshole Teddy was.
     "Let's get you upstairs, get some Johnny Walker in you, and you can can clue me in." Norman said as he set his enraged friend down on the sofa pouring Xavier a high ball of soothing whiskey.