Patient Zero

by Sylvester Barzey

  “Hiccup? You called the cops on a guest!” Hector said.

  “I called security. There’s a difference.” Christian replied.

  “No shit, that was you?” Trinity asked and Christian nodded. “Oh, you fucked up. You know who that guy was?” Trinity looked back and forth at Christian and Hector’s blank faces, “He’s Neil Cosgrove.” she said.

  “Ooooh, for real?” Hector said.

  “Who’s Neil Cosgrove?” Christian asked.

  “I have no idea.” Hector replied. The trio broke out laughing and Trinity shook her head.

  “I hate the both of you. He’s one of the astronauts from that Mars mission last year.” Trinity said before quickly getting to her feet. “Him staying here is big business for the hotel. So you better bring your ass to that party and apologize to that famous white boy.” She said with a laugh.

  “Fuck that! I didn’t do anything wrong.” Christian said. Trinity folded her arms over her chest and her black power suit jacket tightened, she was only in her twenties but she made a name for herself in the marketing industry. She landed the Eastman five high profile deals just last month alone. Normally Christian didn’t care much about the hotel news, but if an email came in with Trinity’s name on it, he opened it.

  “Show up. suck up and then we’ll get fucked up.” Trinity said with a laugh, “I’ve got my text message ready to call out sick tomorrow.” She smiled and slowly walked backwards pointing at Christian. “Just say yes. You know you want to.” Christian rolled his eyes and let out a sigh,

  “Fine, I’ll be there.” he said and Trinity smiled.

  “Better be!” She shouted as she walked out of the break room. Hector looked over at Christian’s smiling face and snapped his fingers.

  “Hey! Earth to vato, come in vato!” Hector said.

  “What?” Christian replied.

  “The bathroom.” Hector said softly.

  “What about it?” Christian asked.

  “What if what you saw, was like some kind of alien area 51 type shit?” Hector whispered. Christian stared at his cousin and then slowly stood up. “I mean he’s an astronaut! What if his wife’s like E.T or some shit.” Hector said.

  “Shut up and lets get this thing done, so we can get ready for the party.” Christian said.

  “Okay, but when the aliens start probing mother fuckers tonight. Don’t be calling Hector for help.” Hector said as he took another bite of his chicken.

  “I promise. No one’s gonna be calling you for help.” Christian said.

  Chapter 3

  “I just want to say on behalf of the entire Eastman Hotel line, it is an honor to have an American hero like yourself staying with us. I’m sure you hear this a lot but can I have your autograph?” Kurt said into the mic and then the room started to break into laughter. It wasn’t an honest roar of laughter like you would hear during a Dave Chappelle stand up, but more like a I better put it on thick if I want my holiday bonus kind of laughter. Kurt Barker was the general manager of the Eastman, the fourth they’ve had in a year. Most moved on to better and nicer properties but Kurt seemed like he was here for the long haul, or until the company and his wife found out he was sleeping with April, the front desk manager.

  “I don’t get that very often, believe it or not.” Neil said with a smile, before looking out into the crowded ballroom. The annual holiday party was a big deal to those at the Eastman. It allowed the upper management to feel good by giving out movie tickets as a thank you for the long and hard hours everyone pulled during the holiday season and for the workers, it was an opportunity to get drunk on the boss’ dime.

  “Fuck yeah! Space!” Hector shouted, Christian and Trinity turned their heads away, trying to figure out which was the closest exit for them to make an escape if Kurt started coming their way. Hector raised his empty beer bottle and nodded at Neil. “Space!”

  “Yeah, space.” Neil said. He stood staring off into the crowd for a moment before shaking his head, “I’m sorry it’s hard to except praise and applauds for that mission.” The spotlight caused Neil’s gray hairs to shine on the top of the stage, he shoved his bright pink hands into his pockets. Neil was pretty fit for his age or for whatever age his hair color made him appear. After his talk with Trinity, Christian spent the rest of the day Googling Neil and his tragic mission to Mars, “As you all know, that mission started with four people and ended with three. Captain Victor Drago lost his life on that mission. So while I’m proud to have been a part of the first manned team to set foot on Mars, I really can’t bring myself to be happy about it.” The room was dead silent, Neil handed the mic back to Kurt and gave the crowd a small wave before walking off the stage. Hector started slowly clapping until Trinity ran her elbow into his ribs.

  “He sure know’s how to party, huh?” Christian asked. Trinity nodded,

  “Between him and this DJ, I might as well be at a funeral.” Trinity replied. Christian’s eyes fell down to his cell phone and Trinity finished off her beer, “I’m sorry Chris. I didn’t mean-“

  “It’s fine.” Christian said. Trinity smiled and pushed away from the table.

  “I’m gonna get us some shots and you can take your little ass over there and apologize.” She said, Christian watched as the ball room doors opened and Neil stepped into the bright lights of the lobby.

  “He’s leaving.” Christian said softly.

  “Well you better hurry your ass up then.” Trinity said. Christian’s hand slowly came up and his middle finger stood tall and proud as he flipped Trinity the bird. She laughed and returned the gesture, walking backwards towards the bar area.

  “Classy.” Christian said to himself. He stood up and rolled his eyes, his hand slapped onto Hector’s shoulder, “Come with me.” Christian said.

  “Nah, playboy. You’re on your own. Vicky’s over there looking like she wants a Hector buffet” Hector said with a smile and shot up from his seat, “Hey yo, Vicky! You looking good girl.” Christian laughed and quickly made his way toward the door. The hallway was empty and as the door closed behind him, locking away the poor music choices of the DJ, Christian was left in an odd state of silence. His hands pushed into his pockets to avoid the chill that had seemed to have taken over the air. Christian debated going back and taking the verbal abuse that was sure to come from both Trinity and Hector about him chickening out, the abuse seemed far better than continuing, just the sight of that long hall created a knot in his stomach. Yet, Christian shook his head and continued on, he was a man and pushing his pride aside to apologize was at times the hardest thing for him to do. The thought of it was putting him on edge, or so he told himself to explain away the odd feeling he was getting, the one that was telling him to Turn back. He turned past the infamous bathroom and continued toward the elevators. But when he came within a few feet of the main lobby area Christian saw him. He stood in all black at the end of the hallway, far past the lobby and the front desk. Christian’s eyebrow went up as he watched him turn the corner and enter the west wing of the hotel.

  Pop? Christian thought to himself. His hands went up and lightly ran over his face as he did his best to push past his drunken haze. He was six shots and 4 beers in, which is normally a slow night for him and Hector but it had been a good month and a half since Christian had any form of alcohol. I’m tripping, I’m not going shot for shot no more. Christian smiled at the thought of turning Trinity down. She was the shot queen and was always demanding that her title be tested at every outing. Christian stared down the hall and bit his lip.

  “Fuck it.” He said to himself and continued down the long hallway towards the west wing. His black dress shoes caused him to slip and slide a little with every step on the ugly black and grey carpet. Christian hit the corner and came to a stop. The hall was empty, but then again why wouldn’t it be. Pops was dead, Christian knew that. As he turned to head back to the elevators he saw the presidential suit’s door was wide open. Only one guest ever stayed in that room, Anne Penne. She was a loca
l romance author, who hit it big when she introduced the world to ‘Gay Cowboys of Planet X’ She was in talks of getting a movie made and did a lot of traveling, so she decided to sell her house and just set up shop in the presidential suit of the Eastman. “Ms. Penne?” Christian said. A low thump came from within the darkness of the room. Christian took a step closer, “Ms. Penne?” He said softly and the thump came once again. Christian’s hand felt for the light switch and then his finger flicked it. As he heard the click and watched the lights above his head flicker on, he could see a bloody hand slowly moving back and than slapping into the base of the wall creating another wet and cold thump. “Oh shit.” Christian said as he rushed into the room. When he came to the corner he could see her, half covered by a shadow and half covered in blood. Her hand shot out toward Christian and he got down to his knees. “Oh shit, oh shit. Help!” Christian screamed.

  “Hellll…” A wheezing set of broken words pushed from the pail lips of Ms. Penne. Her hazel eyes had bloodshot veins running through the whites. Her hand was hanging in the air until Christian took hold of it.

  “I’m gonna get you help.” Christian said softly, his hand fumbled through his pockets to pull out his cell phone. The screen brightened up Christian’s face and the small area in front of him, what was hidden in the shadows was the source of Ms. Penne’s blood and wheezing. In the light digital glow of his cell phone Christian could see the dark blood pushing from a large gash in the women’s neck. The phone dropped from Christian’s hand and he leaped to his feet running from the room. “I need some fucking help!” He shouted. The door to the front desk area opened and Janet the night auditor poked her head from around the door and stared at Christian.

  “What the hell are you yelling about?” She asked

  “Call 911, Ms. Penne’s bleeding to death.” He said before running back towards the room. “Fuck.” He said to himself and dropped to his knees and picked up his blood soaked phone, “It’s gonna be-“ Christian’s words got lost somewhere within the darkness of the room and the horror that was that moment. Standing tall in her own pool of blood was Ms. Penne, her hands were shaking frantically at her side as her head twisted from left to right violently. With every snap of her neck, blood would spurt from her jagged wound. Warm droplets landed on Christian’s face. It was like a summer rain, but much thicker as it ran down his cheek. “Ms. Penne?” Christian said softly. Ms. Penne’s head snapped toward Christian and a blood chilling roar filled the hotel room. Penne rushed forward and slammed Christian into the golden wall mirror. The sound of shattered glass did it’s best to compete with the incoherent screams of Ms. Penne. Christian felt the shards of the broken mirror carve into his left shoulder as the blood soaked woman, who had to have been no more than one hundred and twenty pounds, had him pinned like a juiced up pro-wrestler. Her jaw dropped open and her mouth moved closer to Christian, he could see ever white tooth in her head, even the sliver caps that sat in the very back of her mouth. As the saliva dripped from her pearly whites onto Christian’s black clip on tie, a sound came that grabbed their attention. The metal jingle of keys hitting the floor stopped the attack cold as Ms. Penne turned to see Janet standing by the doorway,

  “What the fuck?” Janet said. That one moment of hesitation gave Christian the opening he needed as he pushed back against Ms. Penne, sending her toppling over her writing chair. Christian rushed toward the door,

  “Move!” He shouted and pulled the door shut behind. His hands locked onto the door knob and his foot slammed onto the door frame as he braced himself for a hellish round of tug of war.

  “What the fuck did you do to her?” Janet asked.

  “Excuse me?” Christian replied.

  “What did you do to Ms. Penne?” Janet asked.

  “I didn’t do shit! Did you call the cops?” Christian asked, Janet slowly started to back up, “Janet!” Christian shouted and Janet shook her head.

  “The phone’s not working, neither is my cell.” Janet said. Her shaky voice caused Christian to close his eyes and take a moment to get his thoughts together. They were both tossed into a sea of shit, without a paddle much less a lighthouse to guide them.

  “Listen-“ Christian’s clam tone was quickly shot dead by a jarring slam into Ms. Penne’s door. “Fuck! Get security!” Christian shouted. Janet took off running down the hall as Christian held onto the silver door handle for dear life.

  Chapter 4

  “Why you gotta do me like that Vicky? You know I love you, girl.” Hector said with a sly smile, as his hands did a little rolling dance, before his head nodded towards the dance floor. “Come on queen, let’s dances.” he said.

  “Nah, Hector. I don’t feel well.” Vicky responded.

  “Well you look good enough to eat BAE.” Hector said and Vicky laughed,

  “Everything looks good enough to eat to you, big boy.” Vicky said.

  “That’s cold.” Hector replied. Trinity watched the soap opera that was Hector’s love life unfold from their table. She shook her head and lifted the cool beer bottle to her lips. When it came down she saw Vince sitting across from her smiling.

  “Oh God.” Trinity said softly.

  “Hey, Trinity. You enjoying the party?” Vince asked with a grin. He leaned forward to grab one of the three beers and Trinity slapped his hand away.

  “I was. Shouldn’t you be blowing Kurt in the back for a promotion?” Trinity replied.

  “No, April has that position locked down.” Vince said with a laugh. He looked from side to side before reaching into his pocket. “You forgot something at my place the other night.” His hand slowly moved under the table and Trinity quickly recoiled,

  “If you grab my leg or touch me in anyway, I swear to God, I will cut you.” Trinity said.

  “Save the dirty talk for the bedroom. Here.” He said. Trinity leaned back in her seat and peaked under the table to see a bright pink bundle of fabric in Vince’s hands.

  “What the fuck is that?” She asked.

  “It’s your underwear.” Vince replied. Trinity looked down at the fabric and then back up at Vince, she closed her eyes as her fingers tightened around her steak knife.

  Don’t kill him. You’re too pretty for prison. Trinity did her best to internally calm herself but when she opened her eyes to Vince’s shit eating grin, the internal battle was lost.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She hissed.

  “What? I waited for the right time to give them to you on the low-low.” Vince said and winked.

  “Don’t say ‘low-low’ you’re damn near fifty and so what? You’ve been walking around with it in your pocket for two weeks?” Trinity asked.

  “Is this about Christian?” Vince replied. He slowly leaned back in his seat with the balled up fabric in his fist.

  “What?” Trinity said.

  “I know you and him had a little thing going.” Vince answered. Trinity’s eyebrows went up and she shook her head,

  “I’m not doing this. Not with you and not here.” Trinity said.

  “Okay, meet me in my office in five minutes” Vince said with a smile.

  “What? No-“ It was too late, Vince was waddling across the dance floor before Trinity had the chance to ram her knife in his eye-socket. “Fuck.” She said. Trinity stood up from her seat and smiled awkwardly at her co-workers as she made her way over to Hector and the women from the house keeping staff. “Hey, Vince wants to see me in his office.”

  “Okay. You know where it is.” Hector said without taking his eyes off of Vicky.

  “Hector! Vince wants to see me! In his office!” Trinity repeated and Hector rolled his eyes looking over at her,

  “I heard you the first…” Hector’s eyes locked with Trinity and the elephant in the room finally sat down at his table. “Oh!” Hector looked around the ballroom and then back at Trinity. “You want me to back you up?” he asked.

  “No, I’m good, just stall for me when Christian comes…” Trinity’s eyes found their way t
o a sweaty pale Vicky who’s head was leaned back staring up at the lights. “Vicky, you alright sweetie?” Trinity asked.

  “I’m don’t feel well.” Vicky replied.

  “Yeah, she’s been sick all day.” Ms. Kim added. Trinity looked over at Hector and then at the door leading to the back hallway of the hotel.

  “I’m gonna go handle this and then I’ll take Vicky home alright?” Trinity said.

  “What about Christian?” Hector asked.

  “If I leave before he gets back, I’ll just ask him tomorrow.” Trinity said.

  “Chicken shit.” Hector said softly.

  “Fuck you.” Trinity said with a laugh as she made her way to the back door. Too pretty for prison she thought. Trinity pushed open the large wooden door to reveal the bright yellow walls of the back hallway. She looked both ways before rolling her eyes and walking toward Vince’s office. The door was closed, Trinity softly knocked three times before she heard him say,

  “Come in.” In what Trinity could only describe as a ‘To Catch A Predator’ tone. She turned the knob and pushed the door open to see Vince leaning on his desk, spinning the pink underwear in the air on his finger. “Took you long enough.” He said softly. Trinity closed the door behind her,

  “You do know what happened between us, was due to a large amount of alcohol and a dash of petty emotions right?” Trinity said.

  “It might have started out that way, but-“ Vince was cut short by Trinity snatching the underwear from his hands.

  “No buts, that was it. One big fucking mistake, that I’m still showering off of me.” Trinity said and Vince laughed,

  “You’re worried what Christian would think, aren’t you?” Vince said.

  “No, because Christian is never gonna find out.” Trinity replied. Vince nodded slowly and Trinity’s eyebrow went up. “Christian’s never gonna find out. Say it with me Vince.” she said.

  “What do I get?” Vince said softly.