It was around six a.m. when the sun arose slowly over sleepy London Town, Felina and her brother had fallen asleep holding each other in one another's arms through the distress and angst for fear of the future. Every moment Felina dreaded a knock at the door from the police. As Xavier stirred she opened her eyes and sat up in bed feeling chilled to the bone. Felina got up out of bed as her brother rolled over and continued his not so peaceful sleep. She got the fireplace going then she sat at the little desk and phoned room service; which, like all five star hotels, had 24 hour room service. Felina took a quick shower before her sumptuous breakfast was delivered along with the morning paper. Xavier awoke to the smell of bacon and sausage and pancakes and fresh coffee. He sat down at the table by the window; which overlooked the Thames and the Victoria Embankment Gardens. The sky was cold and grey on that September Saturday morning a hard rain began to fall, striking against the windows of the Edwardian style hotel. Felina read the news of Norman's case as Xavier sat there a moment in silence eating up the delicious breakfast, though it tasted like bitter ashes in his mouth.
Felina sat back sipping her fresh squeezed orange juice when she said to her brother. "Listen, I think we should hang around the hotel this weekend. I do not want to risk loosing you just yet."
"Do you think,"
"Please, do not interrupt me." she said snapping at him a little, only out of her duress. "It says hear in the paper Norman has been questioned by the Police all day and night, yesterday. He will be taken to appear before the Magistrates Court for a Summary Hearing on Monday." she paused then gave a little smile "It says here 'the prosecution is going for the charge of Murder. However, this charged may be reduced to the crime of Manslaughter, based upon the accused's confession to the Police: whom have confirmed Norman Pierce stated, under oath, he acted alone.'!" Felina said the familiar joy of happiness coming to her voice once again.
Xavier was shocked and elated, though somewhere in the back of his mind he still did not feel safe from the long arm of the law. "I can not believe it!" Xavier said incredulous.
"Do you know what this means? If he is convicted of Manslaughter he could be out in 10 or 15 years! And he swore, under oath, he acted alone! Xavier can you believe it?!" Felina stood in excitement nearly knocking the table over as she ran over to her brother, jumping up, embracing him as he held his elated sister in his arms, Felina's little toes just barely touching the carpet.
So over the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, the two siblings stayed at the huge hotel: with its three fine dining restaurants, a plush bar and lounge, indoor pool, health club, salon, fitness center, steam room, massages, body treatments, facials and the like, Felina and Xavier lived the high life, relaxing and drinking the finest wines, eating the finest foods. All the while our Norman languished in a cell at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters. And our poor Norman was not the easiest prisoner to confine. At six feet five inches, 245 lbs, he could not easily fit in the bunks, and he was very muscular, and had a propensity for violence. So the officers assigned to watch over him had to also keep him isolated from the other prisoners. Norman had been questioned for hours and he had been honest with the detectives. Of course he could NEVER tell them the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him God! Norman tried to get comfortable in his little bed, his feet and legs dangling off the end of the bunk; which felt more like coffin than a bed. Norman could only wait until Monday to plead his case before the judge. As he lie there he thought only of his poor Mum and the shame he had brought to her. If only he could see his mother and give her a hug and tell her everything would be alright. But that would not happen, nothing would ever be okay again Norman had killed a man and been caught by forensic science and the finest detectives the World had ever seen.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Chapter 18 begins
Felina made her way up to her room at the Savoy with the help of rather attractive, young bell boy named Quentin who had a piercing stare and copper colored hair. Now, were the circumstances different, she would have gladly enticed this dear sweet young lad into her seduction, but unfortunately the dire straits Felina and her brother were trapped in would not allow her to do so. So she gave the tall, brown eyed, 19 year old a more than generous tip for bringing her luggage up to her room. Where she found her brother an emotional wreck, Xavier was curled up in bed, listening to classical music on the radio, weeping into his pillow. Young Quentin did not know what to make of the situation so he handed the petite, raven haired, ebony eyed, beautiful, foreign woman her room key with a cheerful smile has he slipped the twenty pound note into his pocket then he turned and said to her "Please do not hesitate to call down for me, if ever you need anything."
"Muchos Gracias." Felina said in her native tongue as she gave the flirtatious bell boy a little wink. Then she closed the door, exhausted from her travels. Felina called over to her brother as she went and sat on the bed beside him. Xavier did not stir, or turn to look at her, nor did he embrace her, which Felina thought was rude, seeing how she had just moved Heaven and Earth to reach him. Xavier was frozen with the fear of her reaction to the story he would now have to tell her. And he was sore afraid, every fiber of his being as tense as wire. However, Xavier knew he must confess all to his loving sister. He knew what a terrible disappointment he would now become to Felina and his entire family, weighed with the fact he could also soon be arrested for the crime of murder. Xavier knew by telling no one, or notify the authorities, by refusing to contact emergency services for Teddy, or rendering him any aid, that he had willing subverted justice and been an accessory to murder after the fact; which meant that Xavier was just as responsible, culpable for the crime, as if he had been the one to bash the boy's brains in. "Xavier," Felina said as she reached over with her hand gently rubbing her brother's back to comfort him a little. "I have been reading the Times, there is a two page article on Norman and the murder and robbery." Felina paused not wanting to ask the next question, but ask she must "What do you have to do with all of this?"
Xavier let out a heavy sigh then he rolled over sitting up next to his sister on the bed. He gave her a look as if to say 'I have done the most terrible thing and wish I were no longer alive', his dark eyes stained red with weeping, a torrent of tears streaming down his cheeks. Her tall, virile, handsome, athletic brother looked like a little boy who has just accidentally killed his own dog. Xavier threw his arms around his sisters tiny shoulders, which could little bare the weight of his muscular body. Felina embraced her brother as he wept for himself and his dear friend, then he said through sobs and short breaths "I have to tell you what happened.., my dearest sister.., but I really do not wish to."
"Xavier." she paused a serious tone coming to her voice, the likes of which he had never heard before. "It is imperative that you tell me all of it, everything, now tell me everything, now, all of it now tell me!" Felina said harshly because she knew she could no longer act as friend and confidant to her brother, no, her role had changed forever by his actions, now Felina would forever play the part of his sole protector. So she had to know everything in order to keep him safe, for she had read in the newspaper article about British Law; which, according to the law of the land, stipulated the crime of murder is an automatic life sentence in Her Majesty's Prisons.
"I have to start at the beginning." Xavier said as he sat up straight wiping his eyes and as his sister kicked her high heels off. Felina scooted to the back of the bed sitting up against the many soft pillows as she curled up under the covers in her little dress as she felt an icy chill run up and down the length of her spine. Xavier laid down beside her resting his head on her chest as she sat up in the bed listening to her brothers tale of crime and murder. "We had gone out sometime in September..." Xavier began the story of how the two met the two stupid girls, how Norman wanted to teach them a lesson etc... the stolen jewelry, the New Years Eve party, the fight with Sean, when Felina heard of this for the first time she was shocked by Norman and her brothers actions. However when Xavier got to the part of the story about Teddy, how Xavier described the beating death of his classmate at the hands of Norman, Felina was absolutely mortified. Her brother had been part of the murder of a human being, one of God's children. Felina was beside herself with confusion and frustration, for she did not have any power to control the Fates or Destiny. After Xavier grew silent and had no more of his terrible story to tell, Felina sat shocked in silence, as still as the grave, of this moment she only could remember she was crying, she turned and tried to pray, unable to find any words of supplication to the Lord to say. Felina remembered she was crying, as her tears all rolled away. Felina embraced her brother tightly in her arms knowing if Norman implicated her brother in the terrible crime the Police would come and take Xavier straight away.
"Muchos Gracias." Felina said in her native tongue as she gave the flirtatious bell boy a little wink. Then she closed the door, exhausted from her travels. Felina called over to her brother as she went and sat on the bed beside him. Xavier did not stir, or turn to look at her, nor did he embrace her, which Felina thought was rude, seeing how she had just moved Heaven and Earth to reach him. Xavier was frozen with the fear of her reaction to the story he would now have to tell her. And he was sore afraid, every fiber of his being as tense as wire. However, Xavier knew he must confess all to his loving sister. He knew what a terrible disappointment he would now become to Felina and his entire family, weighed with the fact he could also soon be arrested for the crime of murder. Xavier knew by telling no one, or notify the authorities, by refusing to contact emergency services for Teddy, or rendering him any aid, that he had willing subverted justice and been an accessory to murder after the fact; which meant that Xavier was just as responsible, culpable for the crime, as if he had been the one to bash the boy's brains in. "Xavier," Felina said as she reached over with her hand gently rubbing her brother's back to comfort him a little. "I have been reading the Times, there is a two page article on Norman and the murder and robbery." Felina paused not wanting to ask the next question, but ask she must "What do you have to do with all of this?"
Xavier let out a heavy sigh then he rolled over sitting up next to his sister on the bed. He gave her a look as if to say 'I have done the most terrible thing and wish I were no longer alive', his dark eyes stained red with weeping, a torrent of tears streaming down his cheeks. Her tall, virile, handsome, athletic brother looked like a little boy who has just accidentally killed his own dog. Xavier threw his arms around his sisters tiny shoulders, which could little bare the weight of his muscular body. Felina embraced her brother as he wept for himself and his dear friend, then he said through sobs and short breaths "I have to tell you what happened.., my dearest sister.., but I really do not wish to."
"Xavier." she paused a serious tone coming to her voice, the likes of which he had never heard before. "It is imperative that you tell me all of it, everything, now tell me everything, now, all of it now tell me!" Felina said harshly because she knew she could no longer act as friend and confidant to her brother, no, her role had changed forever by his actions, now Felina would forever play the part of his sole protector. So she had to know everything in order to keep him safe, for she had read in the newspaper article about British Law; which, according to the law of the land, stipulated the crime of murder is an automatic life sentence in Her Majesty's Prisons.
"I have to start at the beginning." Xavier said as he sat up straight wiping his eyes and as his sister kicked her high heels off. Felina scooted to the back of the bed sitting up against the many soft pillows as she curled up under the covers in her little dress as she felt an icy chill run up and down the length of her spine. Xavier laid down beside her resting his head on her chest as she sat up in the bed listening to her brothers tale of crime and murder. "We had gone out sometime in September..." Xavier began the story of how the two met the two stupid girls, how Norman wanted to teach them a lesson etc... the stolen jewelry, the New Years Eve party, the fight with Sean, when Felina heard of this for the first time she was shocked by Norman and her brothers actions. However when Xavier got to the part of the story about Teddy, how Xavier described the beating death of his classmate at the hands of Norman, Felina was absolutely mortified. Her brother had been part of the murder of a human being, one of God's children. Felina was beside herself with confusion and frustration, for she did not have any power to control the Fates or Destiny. After Xavier grew silent and had no more of his terrible story to tell, Felina sat shocked in silence, as still as the grave, of this moment she only could remember she was crying, she turned and tried to pray, unable to find any words of supplication to the Lord to say. Felina remembered she was crying, as her tears all rolled away. Felina embraced her brother tightly in her arms knowing if Norman implicated her brother in the terrible crime the Police would come and take Xavier straight away.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
End Chapter 17
Felina had caught her plane on a Trans Atlantic flight aboard the Concorde, out of the Ezieiza International airport in Buenos Aires, it was a cold day and she looked forward to a speedy arrival in London. After a short flight Felina entered in to Greenwich mean time and when she landed at Heathrow it was quarter past ten in the p.m., even though she had only been on a three and a half hour flight aboard the super sonic transport. Felina was relieved to land as she always hated crossing the ocean as the thought would creep into her brain that the plane could just disappear below the vast dark ocean and just, disappear. Poof! Gone forever. However she and the other passengers were in the well trained hands of the pilot, and the Fates had not conspired against them that day. So it was she made her way off the jet and headed toward the luggage carousel to retrieve her Louis Vuitton suitcases. Now as she walked through the terminal, Felina noticed the evening edition of the Times of London being put out at the news stands as eager customers were quick to snatch up a copy for themselves.
Felina went over and purchased her own edition, and there what she saw plastered on the front page in black and white was our Norman, an old mugshot from a few years back, with the screaming headline 'McDowell Murderer Arrested!' Felina nearly fainted as she walked, shocked over to the baggage claim area. In the fifteen minutes she had to wait, Felina found herself sitting on a long row of seats, the noise and order of the world around her, all was deaf to her ears. She could only hear the sound of her beating heart and the pulse of blood which rushed through her veins. As she read the terrible story, re-hashed by the editors for the blood and gore factor, the writer of the article made sure to re-cap the story, by describing in detail the circumstances of the bludgeoning death of the handsome young man, whom Felina thought she recognized. For it was true she had met Teddy last Summer whilst Xavier was dating Olivia, Teddy's sister, though Felina could not recall this fact, not at this time of her great distress.
Felina could not believe this was happening, that big, sweet, loveable Norman could beat a person to death. Then it struck Felina, Norman could have only done this in defence of her brother! She was clever and as intelligent as a woman can come, and she knew, instinctively, Norman and Xavier must have gotten into some sort of trouble. And that was always where she could find her brother, where there's trouble. Felina focused her thoughts on the entire story, knowing full well, in England a person accused of a crime is assumed guilty and they must be the one to prove their innocence, not the government. Felina felt deep in her heart mercy, and love, and pity for Norman and the boy he killed, but she knew it could only be her brother's fault. So Felina gave up a silent prayer to God and made a vow unto him, promising to hire an attorney to help Norman get a sentence of Manslaughter instead of Homicide, and she prayed for Norman to keep his mouth shut about her brother's involvement, because she was damn sure Xavier had to have something to do with this terribleness. Felina was afraid, but she could not let her brother go to jail. So she gathered up her suitcases, along with her courage and determination, then hired a taxi to take her to the Savoy where Xavier was pacing the floors in the hotel room, anxiously awaiting his sister's arrival.
Felina went over and purchased her own edition, and there what she saw plastered on the front page in black and white was our Norman, an old mugshot from a few years back, with the screaming headline 'McDowell Murderer Arrested!' Felina nearly fainted as she walked, shocked over to the baggage claim area. In the fifteen minutes she had to wait, Felina found herself sitting on a long row of seats, the noise and order of the world around her, all was deaf to her ears. She could only hear the sound of her beating heart and the pulse of blood which rushed through her veins. As she read the terrible story, re-hashed by the editors for the blood and gore factor, the writer of the article made sure to re-cap the story, by describing in detail the circumstances of the bludgeoning death of the handsome young man, whom Felina thought she recognized. For it was true she had met Teddy last Summer whilst Xavier was dating Olivia, Teddy's sister, though Felina could not recall this fact, not at this time of her great distress.
Felina could not believe this was happening, that big, sweet, loveable Norman could beat a person to death. Then it struck Felina, Norman could have only done this in defence of her brother! She was clever and as intelligent as a woman can come, and she knew, instinctively, Norman and Xavier must have gotten into some sort of trouble. And that was always where she could find her brother, where there's trouble. Felina focused her thoughts on the entire story, knowing full well, in England a person accused of a crime is assumed guilty and they must be the one to prove their innocence, not the government. Felina felt deep in her heart mercy, and love, and pity for Norman and the boy he killed, but she knew it could only be her brother's fault. So Felina gave up a silent prayer to God and made a vow unto him, promising to hire an attorney to help Norman get a sentence of Manslaughter instead of Homicide, and she prayed for Norman to keep his mouth shut about her brother's involvement, because she was damn sure Xavier had to have something to do with this terribleness. Felina was afraid, but she could not let her brother go to jail. So she gathered up her suitcases, along with her courage and determination, then hired a taxi to take her to the Savoy where Xavier was pacing the floors in the hotel room, anxiously awaiting his sister's arrival.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Chapter 17 continues
"This is the United Kingdom calling." the over seas operator spoke "Are we reaching Miss Felina de la Rosa Diaz?"
"Si." Felina spoke and she could hear her brother Xavier breathing on the other end of the line.
"Will you accept a collect call from, Sir state your name."
"Xavier." he answered sounding distressed and anxious.
"Yes operator. Thank you." Felina said waiting to hear the sound of the over seas operator to click off the phone line. "Xavier, what is wrong?"
Xavier stood in the phone booth trying not to start screaming and weeping. "It's Norman, something terrible has happened." his words came trembling out of his mouth as Felina felt faint.
"Is, he dead?" she asked not wanting to hear a positive response.
"No.., HE'S not dead." Xavier hinted a little.
Long pause. Felina assessed the situation and when she came to the understanding of what her brother's words meant her body became very rigid as she sat down at the kitchen table over her breakfast; of which now she wanted to vomit up out of her stomach. "Xavier..?" long pause as her concern turned towards her brother. "What trouble have you two boys gotten yourselves into?"
"You have to come to London! I don't know what to do or where to go!" our young, devastated Xavier began crying, warm, wet tears as he stood shaking in the red phone booth.
"I have new students and classes this weekend at my riding academy!" she shouted, but Felina knew by the sound of her brothers dismayed voice she had to go to England at once.
"Felina please! For the love of God! Come and help me!" Xavier implored.
"Listen to me Xavier! You have to get hold of yourself, try to calm down! And for Heaven's sake stop crying! Pull yourself together so I can think!" Felina chided him, as her mind raced wondering what the fuck had happened. "This is what is going to happen. Humberto and Helio can take over my classes this weekend. It is a little after 9:00 in the morning. I can catch the Concord around noon get there in four hours. That would put my arrival after 10:00 p.m. on London time..," she paused "I will phone the Savoy right after this call, I can book a room with my credit card over the phone. So I need to you to hang up with me and go straight to the hotel! I will let them know to be expecting you shortly. Now this part is very important Xavier. I need you to go straight up to the room and stay there all day until I can get to you! Promise me no hanging down in the lounge or drinks by the pool! Stay out of sight until I can get there and see if we can sort this all out." she sighed deeply worried for her only brother. "Xavier, are you in any trouble yourself? Is anyone looking for you?"
"No, not yet." he answered as he wiped away his tears trying to inhale deep breaths trying to calm himself.
"Xavier, do not worry. I won't let anything bad happen to you. Now hang up the telephone. I need to make my reservations. Now remember, I love you and everything is going to be alright!" Felina comforted him, as she said a silent prayer that her words would be proven to be true someday. However, as for right now, Felina could not be sure until she knew the whole story.
As for our bewildered Xavier he hung up the phone, opened up the phone booth door and wandered down the city streets heading east towards the Savoy; which was miles away but Xavier didn't care, he did not want to take a taxi or take the tube, so he walked on in a daze, his satchel of school books slung over his shoulder as he proceeded with his head down, a sad look of defeat upon his face. He did not notice any of the pretty girls walking by dressed in their summer clothes, or the businessmen who passed by with their umbrellas. Xavier felt like a ghost walking amongst the living, and for the first time in his life, Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz wished he were dead.
"Si." Felina spoke and she could hear her brother Xavier breathing on the other end of the line.
"Will you accept a collect call from, Sir state your name."
"Xavier." he answered sounding distressed and anxious.
"Yes operator. Thank you." Felina said waiting to hear the sound of the over seas operator to click off the phone line. "Xavier, what is wrong?"
Xavier stood in the phone booth trying not to start screaming and weeping. "It's Norman, something terrible has happened." his words came trembling out of his mouth as Felina felt faint.
"Is, he dead?" she asked not wanting to hear a positive response.
"No.., HE'S not dead." Xavier hinted a little.
Long pause. Felina assessed the situation and when she came to the understanding of what her brother's words meant her body became very rigid as she sat down at the kitchen table over her breakfast; of which now she wanted to vomit up out of her stomach. "Xavier..?" long pause as her concern turned towards her brother. "What trouble have you two boys gotten yourselves into?"
"You have to come to London! I don't know what to do or where to go!" our young, devastated Xavier began crying, warm, wet tears as he stood shaking in the red phone booth.
"I have new students and classes this weekend at my riding academy!" she shouted, but Felina knew by the sound of her brothers dismayed voice she had to go to England at once.
"Felina please! For the love of God! Come and help me!" Xavier implored.
"Listen to me Xavier! You have to get hold of yourself, try to calm down! And for Heaven's sake stop crying! Pull yourself together so I can think!" Felina chided him, as her mind raced wondering what the fuck had happened. "This is what is going to happen. Humberto and Helio can take over my classes this weekend. It is a little after 9:00 in the morning. I can catch the Concord around noon get there in four hours. That would put my arrival after 10:00 p.m. on London time..," she paused "I will phone the Savoy right after this call, I can book a room with my credit card over the phone. So I need to you to hang up with me and go straight to the hotel! I will let them know to be expecting you shortly. Now this part is very important Xavier. I need you to go straight up to the room and stay there all day until I can get to you! Promise me no hanging down in the lounge or drinks by the pool! Stay out of sight until I can get there and see if we can sort this all out." she sighed deeply worried for her only brother. "Xavier, are you in any trouble yourself? Is anyone looking for you?"
"No, not yet." he answered as he wiped away his tears trying to inhale deep breaths trying to calm himself.
"Xavier, do not worry. I won't let anything bad happen to you. Now hang up the telephone. I need to make my reservations. Now remember, I love you and everything is going to be alright!" Felina comforted him, as she said a silent prayer that her words would be proven to be true someday. However, as for right now, Felina could not be sure until she knew the whole story.
As for our bewildered Xavier he hung up the phone, opened up the phone booth door and wandered down the city streets heading east towards the Savoy; which was miles away but Xavier didn't care, he did not want to take a taxi or take the tube, so he walked on in a daze, his satchel of school books slung over his shoulder as he proceeded with his head down, a sad look of defeat upon his face. He did not notice any of the pretty girls walking by dressed in their summer clothes, or the businessmen who passed by with their umbrellas. Xavier felt like a ghost walking amongst the living, and for the first time in his life, Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz wished he were dead.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Chapter 17 begins
Xavier settled down at his desk for his last class of the day around 3:00 p.m. He was extremely anxious as he knew he would be let out by 4:30 p.m.; which gave him time to get back to the residence hall, have a shower and a shave, get dressed, call a taxi and be at the restaurant by 5:30 p.m. Xavier wanted to get there a little early in case Norman was waiting at the bar. Just as class was about to start his classmates quieted down as the Professor entered the room. As Proffesor Edmundson was about to close the door and lock out any tardy students, a pretty young girl of eighteen named Ashley ran in quickly. She was out of breath for she had run all the way up the stairs, down the long hall. Panting, trying to catch her breath, Ashley had a great look of excitement about her as she stood at the front of the class and informed them all "I just heard on the radio." pant, pause, pant "They've just arrested a man for Teddy's murder!"
Xavier went ice cold as he heard the students give up a cheer, for Teddy was well liked on campus and his former class mates breathed a sigh of relief. Xavier heard someone ask her "Who was it?"
"Some bloke out of Soho, he ran a locksmith shop, he's called Norman Pierce."
Norman Pierce.., echoed through his brain, as Xavier experienced an uncomfortable numbness creeping through every fiber of his being. He had a ringing in his ears and the people around him seemed to be talking and moving in slow motion. They went on saying things like 'that bastard is just lucky England doesn't have the Death Penalty!'
"If he had killed him in France they would give him the guillotine!"
"No, they don't do that anymore! The French government abolished the guillotine in 1973! Isn't that right professor?"
"You are correct!" he replied.
"No way! They used to behead people just a few years back?" a girl asked incredulous.
"Well, it wasn't out in the open, just a small enclosed courtyard, a couple of guards I suppose."
"Xavier?" the girl to his left turned and touched his hand "You alright?" Xavier shook his head no. "Aw, that's right, you and Teddy took some of the same classes together, you dated his sister Olivia last Summer." she said with great compassion.
Xavier cleared his throat trying not to have a stroke and he stammered "I.., I am.., his parents must be so relieved." here Xavier managed to stand though his legs felt like they were made of jelly. He gathered his books and went over to his professor's desk. "Professor Edmundson, may I be excused, I would like to go and phone Olivia, Teddy's sister, if that is alright by you."
"Of course laddy, with all our condolences to you and his family. I know you and Teddy were close." Professor Edmundson said shaking Xavier's hand showing great kindness to him, even the girls all came round giving him sweet hugs and kisses on the cheek. Oh, if they only the truth, the horrible, terrible truth, Xavier thought. He hurried out of the building in a panic, the blood pulsing with a rush of blood in his ears. God Damn it! he screamed in his head. Xavier did not know what to do as he found himself wandering around campus consumed by the terrible fear that he too would be called into question over the murder. Xavier was in a state of shock and dread. The next thing Xavier knew he had left campus, at some point, and he found himself in a telephone booth about a mile or so from his dorm room. He picked up the receiver and told the operator he needed to make an international collect call to his sister, Felina, in Argentina.
Xavier went ice cold as he heard the students give up a cheer, for Teddy was well liked on campus and his former class mates breathed a sigh of relief. Xavier heard someone ask her "Who was it?"
"Some bloke out of Soho, he ran a locksmith shop, he's called Norman Pierce."
Norman Pierce.., echoed through his brain, as Xavier experienced an uncomfortable numbness creeping through every fiber of his being. He had a ringing in his ears and the people around him seemed to be talking and moving in slow motion. They went on saying things like 'that bastard is just lucky England doesn't have the Death Penalty!'
"If he had killed him in France they would give him the guillotine!"
"No, they don't do that anymore! The French government abolished the guillotine in 1973! Isn't that right professor?"
"You are correct!" he replied.
"No way! They used to behead people just a few years back?" a girl asked incredulous.
"Well, it wasn't out in the open, just a small enclosed courtyard, a couple of guards I suppose."
"Xavier?" the girl to his left turned and touched his hand "You alright?" Xavier shook his head no. "Aw, that's right, you and Teddy took some of the same classes together, you dated his sister Olivia last Summer." she said with great compassion.
Xavier cleared his throat trying not to have a stroke and he stammered "I.., I am.., his parents must be so relieved." here Xavier managed to stand though his legs felt like they were made of jelly. He gathered his books and went over to his professor's desk. "Professor Edmundson, may I be excused, I would like to go and phone Olivia, Teddy's sister, if that is alright by you."
"Of course laddy, with all our condolences to you and his family. I know you and Teddy were close." Professor Edmundson said shaking Xavier's hand showing great kindness to him, even the girls all came round giving him sweet hugs and kisses on the cheek. Oh, if they only the truth, the horrible, terrible truth, Xavier thought. He hurried out of the building in a panic, the blood pulsing with a rush of blood in his ears. God Damn it! he screamed in his head. Xavier did not know what to do as he found himself wandering around campus consumed by the terrible fear that he too would be called into question over the murder. Xavier was in a state of shock and dread. The next thing Xavier knew he had left campus, at some point, and he found himself in a telephone booth about a mile or so from his dorm room. He picked up the receiver and told the operator he needed to make an international collect call to his sister, Felina, in Argentina.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
End Chapter 16
It was after midnight, during the first hour of that fateful Friday, when Norman had come back early with two fine young lasses he pulled from one of the local nightspots. The lure of a cocaine party in a suite at the Dorchester was an easy lure. When Norman had the girls, age 20 and 21, back at his suite he laid out several lines of the 'Bolivian Marching Powder', as he called it, and played some tunes on the stereo. After they had gone through half of the double album called 'Love You Live!' by the Rolling Stones, all the cocaine, marijuana, and each other, Norman saw them off in a taxi around four a.m. However, exhausted as he was, Norman stayed up drinking whiskey, unable to sleep. His insomnia was not caused by his drug use, or his conscience, no, our poor Norman had been plagued with the worst nightmares imaginable. Last night he dreamt he was on a bus, chained alone, as it drove along the road through the city, with no driver at the wheel. The buildings around him, outside the windows of the bus, had been burned down to the ground, with many sections of the city still ablaze, far off on the horizon of the obliterated waste land. Then, somehow, the bus began to catch fire and Norman could feel the heat and horror of the flames. Then he awoke shaken, stirred violently back to reality by his mind. Each time he awoke after the terrible, haunting dreams Norman was always in a foul, negative mood.
So it was, Norman drifted off to sleep, too wasted to recall any of the frightening visions that visited his troubled mind. However, when he awoke, around seven in the a.m. Friday morning Noman was in the most agitated mood he had ever been in his entire life. Norman had even cursed abusively at the little old man that had brought up his breakfast from room service, his complaint was his coffee was too hot! "That's what I hate about this country the coffee is always too damn hot!" he had shouted along with a string of epithets and the old man thought what a spoiled, fucking twat, this loud, overbearing, obnoxious, giant, bald, asshole was. The old man apologized, though he should have not, he just turned his back to Norman, rolling his eyes making a mental note to spit in this fuckers coffee, to make sure it was at an adequate temperature next time. Norman felt bad, but a good English breakfast and a pot of hot coffee was just what he needed to calm his nerves. So Norman ate his breakfast, had a shower and shave, dressing up in one of his silk and linen summer suits before he headed over to his shop to check in with Lillian.
Now Lillian had taken charge splendidly and was busy preparing that weeks pay packets for herself and the two employees she was in charge of. Lillian was always upbeat and cheerful, always good for a laugh, so Norman told her he wanted to give her a rise in pay, as she had done so well managing the little shop. Gladdened by this unexpected news Lillian reached up, throwing her arms around her employer's neck, kissing him on the cheek, with a joy and delight in her heart. "Now if I could only have your flat upstairs, I might just have to take you out to dinner!" she laughed sweetly, with a nudge of her elbow and wink of her eye. Norman laughed along with her, then he thought that might not be such a bad idea, her taking the room upstairs and having 'dinner' with her. But Norman had other dinner plans to think about for he would be, at long last, meeting up with Xavier in about nine hours. Norman needed something to do with his time as his workers spent a busy Friday going out on calls dealing with the hapless customers. So Norman went down to the British Museum, to clear his head as he walked through the long galleries filled with stolen treasures from Ancient Egypt, the priceless artifacts from the cradle of civilization; which the British Government had refused to return to the Egyptologist at the Cairo Museum. The Rosetta Stone sat before Norman who stared at it for a long time. There in it's glass case Norman wondered if it would ever be returned to Egypt, it was stolen by the French during the time of Napoleon, then sold off to the British. Norman thought of the hypocrisy committed by the 'men in charge' whom would have Norman put away for stealing all the items he had taken from his fellow British citizens. But there was no court in the world, or judge who could proclaim to the English Government 'Give back what you have taken.' Typical! Norman thought to himself as he wandered off to the portrait galleries. Now when he entered an exhibit, entitled the Masterworks of G.W.Stubbs, Norman was amazed to see a wall of paintings of horses, of the likes of which he had recognized as the style and manner of the painting he had given to Harry the Bastard for the information on the man in Slough. As a docent came through with a group of tourists he heard the young woman state one of the smaller paintings from 1792 was worth well over Two Hundred Thousand Pounds, or nearly $400,000 in American Dollars. Norman let out a loud laugh as he realized Harry had fucked him out of all that money. However, none of that mattered anymore, Norman scored big with money in the McDowell's safe, and, after all, that's why they call him Harry the Bastard! However, Norman thought he was more of a Tricky Dick!
After a time Norman grew hungry for lunch so he stopped at one of the outdoor cafes near the Museum District and had nice lunch and a bottle of red wine. Norman grew a bit sleepy after his enormous lunch of salmon, lobster and shrimp, roasted potatoes, etc... so he took a short stroll along the avenues on this cool early September day. A few white billowing clouds drifted in front of the sun in the blue sky and the city was busy with the sounds of cars passing by, people mingling with one another on the streets, as a gentle breeze blew down from the North. Norman was in a much better mood then when he had awoken this morning and he smiled at those he passed along the way as he made his way through the lush Hyde Park and over to his hotel.
Norman had a quick shower thinking of Lillian as he relaxed in the steamy water, then he wrapped up in his plush terry cloth robe, turned on the radio and rolled up a spliff as he reclined on the sofa. After about twenty minutes, just after one o'clock there came a loud knock upon his door. Norman jumped up thinking the valet had returned with the suits he had sent out to be cleaned and pressed. However, when Norman threw open the door, it was not the young valet he was expecting. There in the doorway stood four Metro Police Officers and a detective. Norman stared down at the tall man with black eyes, dark hair in a grey flannel suit who said " Norman Pierce! I am Chief Inspector Detective Fowler of Scotland Yard, and I am hereby placing you under arrest for the murder of Theodore Maxwell McDowell."
Norman gave a strange smile opened up the door motioning for the policemen to enter the room and then he sighed, folding his arms across his chest, giving the officers a disapproving look, and said to the Chief Inspector "What took you so long?"
So it was, Norman drifted off to sleep, too wasted to recall any of the frightening visions that visited his troubled mind. However, when he awoke, around seven in the a.m. Friday morning Noman was in the most agitated mood he had ever been in his entire life. Norman had even cursed abusively at the little old man that had brought up his breakfast from room service, his complaint was his coffee was too hot! "That's what I hate about this country the coffee is always too damn hot!" he had shouted along with a string of epithets and the old man thought what a spoiled, fucking twat, this loud, overbearing, obnoxious, giant, bald, asshole was. The old man apologized, though he should have not, he just turned his back to Norman, rolling his eyes making a mental note to spit in this fuckers coffee, to make sure it was at an adequate temperature next time. Norman felt bad, but a good English breakfast and a pot of hot coffee was just what he needed to calm his nerves. So Norman ate his breakfast, had a shower and shave, dressing up in one of his silk and linen summer suits before he headed over to his shop to check in with Lillian.
Now Lillian had taken charge splendidly and was busy preparing that weeks pay packets for herself and the two employees she was in charge of. Lillian was always upbeat and cheerful, always good for a laugh, so Norman told her he wanted to give her a rise in pay, as she had done so well managing the little shop. Gladdened by this unexpected news Lillian reached up, throwing her arms around her employer's neck, kissing him on the cheek, with a joy and delight in her heart. "Now if I could only have your flat upstairs, I might just have to take you out to dinner!" she laughed sweetly, with a nudge of her elbow and wink of her eye. Norman laughed along with her, then he thought that might not be such a bad idea, her taking the room upstairs and having 'dinner' with her. But Norman had other dinner plans to think about for he would be, at long last, meeting up with Xavier in about nine hours. Norman needed something to do with his time as his workers spent a busy Friday going out on calls dealing with the hapless customers. So Norman went down to the British Museum, to clear his head as he walked through the long galleries filled with stolen treasures from Ancient Egypt, the priceless artifacts from the cradle of civilization; which the British Government had refused to return to the Egyptologist at the Cairo Museum. The Rosetta Stone sat before Norman who stared at it for a long time. There in it's glass case Norman wondered if it would ever be returned to Egypt, it was stolen by the French during the time of Napoleon, then sold off to the British. Norman thought of the hypocrisy committed by the 'men in charge' whom would have Norman put away for stealing all the items he had taken from his fellow British citizens. But there was no court in the world, or judge who could proclaim to the English Government 'Give back what you have taken.' Typical! Norman thought to himself as he wandered off to the portrait galleries. Now when he entered an exhibit, entitled the Masterworks of G.W.Stubbs, Norman was amazed to see a wall of paintings of horses, of the likes of which he had recognized as the style and manner of the painting he had given to Harry the Bastard for the information on the man in Slough. As a docent came through with a group of tourists he heard the young woman state one of the smaller paintings from 1792 was worth well over Two Hundred Thousand Pounds, or nearly $400,000 in American Dollars. Norman let out a loud laugh as he realized Harry had fucked him out of all that money. However, none of that mattered anymore, Norman scored big with money in the McDowell's safe, and, after all, that's why they call him Harry the Bastard! However, Norman thought he was more of a Tricky Dick!
After a time Norman grew hungry for lunch so he stopped at one of the outdoor cafes near the Museum District and had nice lunch and a bottle of red wine. Norman grew a bit sleepy after his enormous lunch of salmon, lobster and shrimp, roasted potatoes, etc... so he took a short stroll along the avenues on this cool early September day. A few white billowing clouds drifted in front of the sun in the blue sky and the city was busy with the sounds of cars passing by, people mingling with one another on the streets, as a gentle breeze blew down from the North. Norman was in a much better mood then when he had awoken this morning and he smiled at those he passed along the way as he made his way through the lush Hyde Park and over to his hotel.
Norman had a quick shower thinking of Lillian as he relaxed in the steamy water, then he wrapped up in his plush terry cloth robe, turned on the radio and rolled up a spliff as he reclined on the sofa. After about twenty minutes, just after one o'clock there came a loud knock upon his door. Norman jumped up thinking the valet had returned with the suits he had sent out to be cleaned and pressed. However, when Norman threw open the door, it was not the young valet he was expecting. There in the doorway stood four Metro Police Officers and a detective. Norman stared down at the tall man with black eyes, dark hair in a grey flannel suit who said " Norman Pierce! I am Chief Inspector Detective Fowler of Scotland Yard, and I am hereby placing you under arrest for the murder of Theodore Maxwell McDowell."
Norman gave a strange smile opened up the door motioning for the policemen to enter the room and then he sighed, folding his arms across his chest, giving the officers a disapproving look, and said to the Chief Inspector "What took you so long?"
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Chapter 16 continues
Xavier tried to contact Norman again on Saturday night but to no avail. He called Sunday afternoon twice and later in the evening he was told by Lillian that she had given Norman his message. She said Norman would be very busy this week but he said he would still meet him on Friday for dinner. Lillian also stated Norman had wanted Xavier to come out and stay for the weekend. "So we'll see you at weeks end sweetheart." Lillian said warmly, adding "Perhaps you and I might have a drink or two."
"That sounds delightful." Xavier said realizing Norman's gorgeous, young employee was flirting with him. Xavier was relieved Norman had not been taken in by the authorities as of yet, and he looked forward to seeing his friend again, though he wished it could be sooner.
Xavier spent Monday getting acquainted with his new professors and classmates, as well as familiarizing himself with the syllabuses for each of his four classes. Xavier settled down that first week into his Junior year adjusting to the new residence hall and his dorm mate, whom was easy to get along with, thank God. However, no matter how much Xavier threw himself into his matriculation's, at the back of his mind, and in the pit of his stomach, Xavier had a gnawing feeling of doom. For he knew it could only be a matter of days before the police close in on their killer. Now, as we all know, Xavier did not have much of a relationship with the Lord, but that did not prevent Xavier from praying to him.
So every morning and every night Xavier prayed his prayer unto the Lord. However, Xavier felt deep in his heart that he had not much faith in his Heavenly Father so why then should his Heavenly Father have any faith in him, he thought. For Xavier was taught, and knew, God hears all prayers, but Xavier was also well aware that only the Lord can decide exactly which prayers are answered, and just whose wishes are granted. Lacking much belief in himself Xavier held fast to what little faith he had in the Lord and he prayed "Jesus, God, Lord in Heaven, I pray for my dear friend Norman. I pray you not let him be taken away until I can see him again." such was Xavier's prayer, wish and desire. Though, unfortunately for Xavier and Norman, the Lord heard many other prayers over those long Summer days. Prayers for Justice. Prayers for Vengeance. Prayers for Solace. The Lord heard also the blood from Theodore Maxwell McDowell crying out from the ground where his body lay beneath the tombstone of his grave.
"That sounds delightful." Xavier said realizing Norman's gorgeous, young employee was flirting with him. Xavier was relieved Norman had not been taken in by the authorities as of yet, and he looked forward to seeing his friend again, though he wished it could be sooner.
Xavier spent Monday getting acquainted with his new professors and classmates, as well as familiarizing himself with the syllabuses for each of his four classes. Xavier settled down that first week into his Junior year adjusting to the new residence hall and his dorm mate, whom was easy to get along with, thank God. However, no matter how much Xavier threw himself into his matriculation's, at the back of his mind, and in the pit of his stomach, Xavier had a gnawing feeling of doom. For he knew it could only be a matter of days before the police close in on their killer. Now, as we all know, Xavier did not have much of a relationship with the Lord, but that did not prevent Xavier from praying to him.
So every morning and every night Xavier prayed his prayer unto the Lord. However, Xavier felt deep in his heart that he had not much faith in his Heavenly Father so why then should his Heavenly Father have any faith in him, he thought. For Xavier was taught, and knew, God hears all prayers, but Xavier was also well aware that only the Lord can decide exactly which prayers are answered, and just whose wishes are granted. Lacking much belief in himself Xavier held fast to what little faith he had in the Lord and he prayed "Jesus, God, Lord in Heaven, I pray for my dear friend Norman. I pray you not let him be taken away until I can see him again." such was Xavier's prayer, wish and desire. Though, unfortunately for Xavier and Norman, the Lord heard many other prayers over those long Summer days. Prayers for Justice. Prayers for Vengeance. Prayers for Solace. The Lord heard also the blood from Theodore Maxwell McDowell crying out from the ground where his body lay beneath the tombstone of his grave.
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