by Ricky Fleet
“You don’t have to go to all that trouble for me, Des.”
“I insist. A meal fit for a hero.”
“Will you all stop calling me a bloody hero,” Malachi blurted, “I got my arse handed to me three ways from Sunday. A real hero would have beaten those guys up and trussed them ready for the police to arrive. As it was, I just laid on the floor bleeding.”
“I didn’t say you was a superhero. A hero does what needs to be done, no matter the risk,” Desmond said with conviction.
“Well, thanks for the sentiment.”
Malachi was going to need to get used to the fifteen minutes of fame. He would have preferred to slip quietly into the night with little fuss but it didn’t look like that was an option. Movement caught his attention and he noticed the nurses watching covertly from the doorway. He would have to ask what it was that had them so rattled when they next came within earshot. It was obviously something to do with his wounds which didn’t bode well.
“Des, tell him about the search for the scumbags who did this,” Kevin prompted.
“I’d forgotten about that. I have some of my boys looking for those three rapist coward mother fuckers. Word is they normally drink on the Etchingham estate, but they have been keeping a low profile. Babylon keeps doing the rounds too, but don’t you worry, we will get them first.”
Malachi laid back, closed his eyes and sighed wearily.
“You ok, dude?” Kevin asked.
Ignoring him, Malachi spoke directly to Desmond, “Please call them off, I don’t want them killed out of revenge. Let the police and courts deal with them.”
Kevin threw his hands up in anger, “See! I told you.”
“Don’t you think the world is fucked up enough with everything that is going on without us adding to the murders?”
Kevin huffed, but knew he was right.
“The man has forgiveness in his heart,” Desmond said with respect. “You just say the word and I promise it will go no further. I have my own score to settle which demands blood, but I think a beating before an anonymous phone call to the authorities will suffice.”
“They nearly killed my best friend!” Kevin welled up and Des put a supportive arm around his shoulders.
“They did kill your best friend,” Desmond corrected. He had been informed of the two minutes when Malachi had flat lined, “This stubborn bastard just didn’t get the memo.”
“So we just do nothing?” Kevin was incredulous.
“No, man, we do what Malachi wants. He’s the one who was wronged.”
“Thanks, Des.” Malachi turned to Kevin, “I love you, buddy. I just couldn’t live with myself knowing I had been the cause of three unnecessary deaths. They will face a judgement; of that you can be sure.”
Now it was Kevin and Desmond who frowned at the mystical turn in the conversation. Or was he just talking about the British court system?
“Chloe will be here soon,” grinned Kevin mischievously.
“What the hell do I say to her?” Malachi was panicking.
“Does it matter?” Desmond shrugged, “If you end up offending her just blame it on the drugs.”
“You won’t have to worry, mate. She is a down to earth girl and worships the ground you walk on. She mentioned you protecting her dignity in the bar before it all kicked off; I think she is in love.”
“Shut up, you tit. How can she love me when she doesn’t even know me?” Malachi argued with a flutter in his heart.
Kevin wouldn’t be dissuaded, “Love at first sight. I thought it was all bullshit until I met Laura.”
“Pack in the mushy stuff, you’ll make me sick,” Desmond chuckled.
“I’m serious. As soon as I saw her I knew she was the one.”
“If only people could see you now. So much for the hard man exterior,” Malachi said, tossing a grape at Kevin who expertly snatched it out of the air.
“Good reactions,” Desmond complimented.
“Damn right,” Kevin nodded and ate the red grape.
A tall, cadaverous looking doctor entered the ward and made a beeline for Malachi’s bed. The man would have been better suited to a funeral parlour than the NHS. Thin to the point of anorexic, the doctors gown hung loosely on his frame. The nurses had resumed their lookout from the doorway and their interest caused Malachi’s worry meter to peak.
“Fuck me, are you sure you ain’t dead?” Kevin whispered, “He looks like he is here to collect your body.”
“Good afternoon,” said the doctor, “May we have a few minutes of privacy?”
“Hey, Doc, of course. Guys, would you mind?”
Kevin and Desmond left the room and the doctor pulled across the privacy curtain. The insincere smile didn’t help the overall look of the doctor and Malachi needed to know what was the matter.
“Am I in trouble? The nurses looked shocked when they had peered under the bandages. I don’t mind if I need another operation, but Chloe is coming to visit soon and it would be a shame if I couldn’t see her.”
Malachi could hear himself rambling but lacked the power to disengage his vocal cords. Lifting the bandage, the doctor frowned in much the same way as the nurses, then looked confused. Picking up the charts, he flicked through the pages and frowned some more.
“Doc, you’re killing me. What is the matter?” Malachi couldn’t take it anymore.
“The chart says you were brought in just over three days ago,” he mused, rubbing his chin.
“I have no idea.” Malachi shrugged, and suddenly realised he really didn’t know. Kevin had said three days, but it could have been weeks for all he knew.
“Peculiar.”
“What’s peculiar? What aren’t you telling me?” Malachi was growing angry.
“I think we need to run some blood tests to be on the safe side.”
Malachi’s testicles seemed to shrink, “It’s not HIV is it? I didn’t get infected by their knife?”
“Oh no, not at all.” The doctor waved the notion away, then recanted, “Well it could be, but I don’t think I can remember a single stabbing where the patient contracted the disease. Any resulting contamination of blood usually comes from the fracas in which the knife was used.”
“I was involved in a fight; I’m surprised you haven’t heard.”
“Forgive me, but I try and avoid the idle gossip of the hospital. You are lucky to be alive, in future I suggest keeping out of trouble. I will add an HIV test to the list.”
Malachi ignored the disapproving tone and decided he really disliked this individual, “So what is the problem?”
“We will know what is going on in a few hours, until then just rest up and I will pop back at some point,” said the doctor, walking away.
“Doctor!” Malachi shouted, “What. Is. The. Problem?”
Unused to being challenged, the man stood for a few seconds to cool his own temper before turning, “Your wounds have all the hallmarks of a stabbing,” he explained.
“And…?”
“Well,” the doctor cleared his throat, “I would only expect to see the level of healing you are showing after at least a month or more. Your records state three days, so something has gone awry. Don’t worry, we will get to the bottom of it.”
Shocked into silence, Malachi could only watch as the doctor gave instructions to the nurses who left to retrieve blood vials. Sterile tape was curled at the edges and no longer held the bandage to his skin. Curiosity got the better of him and he carefully pulled the padding away to reveal the wound. Stains of yellow and red marked the underside of the dressing, but the laceration itself was mostly just scar tissue with no scab. Picking at the stitches, they flaked away leaving a row of neat holes on his skin.
“What the fuck?” Malachi whispered to himself.
“You’ve seen then?” Shannon asked, startling him as she swept the curtains aside.
“I’ve seen something,” he admitted, “Though I have no idea what it means. Could my records have been mixed up and I have been h
ere longer than it states?”
“Nope,” she said without preamble, “I was working the shift when they brought you in.”
The small tubes filled with his blood as strange thoughts circulated in his mind. Did that red liquid contain an unseen horror? Malachi wasn’t sure he wanted to know. His nose picked up her delightful fragrance once more and some of the worry vanished. He had come back from the brink, what did it matter if he was still ill? He vowed there and then to make each day count and live life to the full.
“I’m sure there is a simple explanation,” Malachi said and Shannon smiled noncommittally, “Before I leave you have to tell me what you are wearing, it is gorgeous.”
“Something by Dior, I will get the exact name when I get home and tell you tomorrow,” she blushed.
Malachi reached out and took her hand, “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“It’s my job.”
“I know, but you are still an angel,” Malachi said sincerely.
Although not as svelte as Angela, her curves only accentuated her womanhood. Her sweet face would never grace the cover of any magazine, but Malachi was attracted to her regardless. She had an aura of purity and love, as if she was predestined to help people at their most vulnerable. Noticing the absence of a wedding or engagement band, he pitied a world where a genuinely good person was possibly alone.
Sure there must be a boyfriend, Malachi said, “I would love to take you and your significant other out for a meal once I get back on my feet.”
The familiar shadow of loneliness passed over her, “I don’t have anyone at home. Except Oliver, my cat. He keeps me company.”
“I’m sorry,” Malachi squeezed her hand in support, “How about I treat you to one of Desmond’s famous private parties at his bar. You can bring all your friends and I shall bring mine.” The list was quite small when he thought about it. Tiny in fact.
“That sounds wonderful. I’ll get these to the lab and you will have the results soon.”
“Thank you,” Malachi said and she excused herself.
Desmond and Kevin were engaged in a hushed conversation just outside the ward. Were they talking about him to the doctor?
Before he could even tidy himself up, Kevin appeared and shouted, “See you in a bit.” Then beat a hasty retreat as Angela stormed over to tell him off.
Desmond tapped his watch to say much the same thing and gave a quick hug to someone. There was no mistaking her red hair as he said his farewell and Chloe breezed into the ward. Malachi wouldn’t have been surprised to hear a choir singing and doves fluttering in the background, she was that beautiful. Wearing a pair of snug white leggings and a long dress jacket, the sight took his breath away. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, which gave a full view of her perfectly proportioned face. The pain of the stabbing alone was worthy of the shy smile she granted him.
“Hi,” she said awkwardly, unsure of what to say next.
“I might have HIV,” Malachi blurted, mouth engaging before his brain.
“Oh my,” Chloe replied, taking a step backwards.
CHAPTER TEN
“Maybe I should leave?” Chloe asked.
Malachi struggled to get out of bed, “No, please don’t. It came out all wrong.”
“Are you sure?” She didn’t seem convinced.
Slumping back in defeat, he tried to smile. The miraculous healing hadn’t been accompanied by boundless energy. “I was just a bit shocked to see you, that’s all. Please stay.”
“So do you really have HIV?” Chloe inquired.
“No, well at least the doctors don’t think so. It’s normal to test for it after being attacked like I was,” he explained and she sighed with relief.
“Then you won’t mind if I do this,” she said and approached the bed. Leaning in, her lips found his until he pushed her away.
“I haven’t cleaned my teeth in days,” Malachi protested weakly.
“I don’t care.” Her soft, cherry flavoured lips caressed his own. Tasting each other, their tongues teased with promise and Malachi had to adjust position to hide his growing erection. Breaking away, she smiled knowingly at his awkward angle.
“That was amazing,” he gasped, “But shouldn’t you be a little traumatised after what happened?”
“I was in shock for a while,” she admitted, “Then I sat with you and held your hand. All my fear washed away.”
“I’m sorry for what they did to you,” Malachi said, a lump forming in his throat.
“Don’t you see?” Chloe stroked his cheek, “They didn’t have an opportunity to do anything to me. You saved me.”
“I never should have acted that way in the bar, then you wouldn’t have even run into them,” Malachi felt disgusted with himself.
“Kevin and Desmond have explained that you are a bit shy. I came onto you like a horny teenager, so it’s no wonder you tried to let me down gently.”
“I hope you don’t think it was because I didn’t find you attractive. You are absolutely stunning,” Malachi proclaimed and she blushed at the compliment.
“Hardly,” Chloe looked away, “My skin is too pale and my hair gets so frizzy. Plus, my bum is too big and my tits are too small.”
“Modest too,” he laughed.
“More like honest.” She pushed him playfully.
“Anyone that can make my heart skip a beat and take my breath away is stunning, trust me.”
“I really make you feel like that?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.
Malachi nodded, “From the second you walked into the bar.”
“Wow!” She held a hand to her chest.
“Didn’t you feel anything?” Malachi asked with trepidation. His own feelings were growing beyond all reason for such a short time together.
“Are you kidding me?” she giggled, “I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. Then that arsehole tried it on and you came to my rescue.”
“I wonder if I had handled it differently, maybe there would have been no need for all this?”
“Would we have even met if I hadn’t been abused? I had decided on having one drink and then leaving, so perhaps it was fate?”
Malachi thought about that for a moment. Was someone, somewhere, just moving pieces around a board for their own amusement. Of all the bars in the city, what were the chances Chloe and her friend would pick that exact one? Add the thugs and their unwanted advances which Malachi felt duty bound to intervene in, and it left many unanswered questions.
“When you put it that way, I’m glad I was stabbed,” Malachi grinned.
“Don’t say that!” Chloe was mortified, “I could have lost you before I had a chance to properly repay you.”
“You don’t owe me anything, I was just doing what any man would do.”
“Now who’s being modest? You’re my guardian angel,” she declared and kissed him again.
Each touch set his nerves tingling with desire and separation drew a twinge of disappointment. His penis throbbed and he had to ruffle the covers to conceal his embarrassment. She wasn’t blind and smiled with mischief at his writhing attempt to hide the bulge. Christ, it was like being a pubescent teenager again.
“I’m sorry.”
“We need to stop saying sorry,” she stroked the hair from his forehead, “It just proves how attractive you find me.”
“Or it’s the morphine?” he offered.
She raised an eyebrow questioningly, challenging him to repeat the words.
“Ok, it’s you. I don’t know what has gotten into me, the last thing you need to see after being attacked is my little fella bobbing around all merry.”
“He’s not that little,” she observed with a wry smile.
“Don’t encourage him!” Malachi laughed, “Let’s talk about something else. I just realised I don’t even know who you are, apart from a gorgeous redhead called Chloe.”
Sitting down, crossing her legs she pretended to straighten an imaginary skirt to look prim and proper, “Ask away, what do
you want to know?”
“Everything,” Malachi answered, “What do you like to eat, to drink? Favourite colour? What do you do for a living? What are you parents’ names? Favourite music?”
“You really did mean everything. Ok, from the top. My favourite food is Chinese, specifically noodles and Szechuan chicken. Favourite drink is anything with alcohol in it.” Chloe looked horrified, “Oh goodness, please don’t think I am a lush.”
“Don’t panic, we all enjoy a tipple,” Malachi assured her.
“My favourite colour is purple and I work as an administrator for a small accountancy firm. It’s not too glamourous but I am working to achieve my degree in economics through the Open University.”
Malachi looked confused. He hadn’t heard of it, “Where is the campus? Is it local?”
“No, it’s online, silly. I wouldn’t stand a chance of paying my bills if I needed to attend a real university. My parents’ names are Valerie and Gordon; they are both accountants too.”
“Why don’t you work for them?” Malachi asked.
“I wanted to make my own way in the world. Does that make sense?” Chloe said, frowning.
“Of course. I guess it wouldn’t feel as well earned if your folks had a hand in it.”
“Exactly!” She beamed. Others had asked the same question and thought she was crazy. She could’ve been earning two or three times what she did as an admin assistant.
“Will you ever go and work with them?”
“Once I have made a career of it dad said that I could join them. They would both like me to start tomorrow but they respect my wishes,” she explained.
“They sound great.” Malachi felt a pang of jealousy.
“They are,” she continued, “As for music I have to admit that I am a pop princess. I love anything cheesy from the charts that I can get on the dance floor and just let go to. Please don’t hold that against me.”
Pulling a stern glare, Malachi looked at her for a few moments and then burst out laughing, “I like pretty much all types of music. I have no problem with a bit of cheese.”
