Infernal: Emergence

by Ricky Fleet

  “I’ll mind the door,” said Minford.

  “You fucking whore, you have no idea what you’ve done to me!” snarled Dr. Llyod.

  “Miss Walker, I need to ask you a few questions.” Carter grinned, pulling a knife and stepping through the cloud of smoke which billowed from the room.

  As the alarm started to shrill, it concealed the tortured screams from within.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “Surprise!”

  The whole bar erupted with spontaneous cheers and hollering. Malachi tried to shrink back out of the door but Chloe gently pushed him forward.

  “I’m sorry, but they insisted,” she whispered loud enough to be heard over the din.

  “Get your butt in here, man!” yelled Desmond, pouring a pint of lager.

  Around the bar were cheap banners saying congratulations and get well soon. Desmond saw the look of amusement on Malachi’s face and shrugged.

  “It was all I could find,” he said and roared with laughter.

  Kevin and Laura walked over and hugged them both, “It’s great to have you back, buddy. Next time you wait for me though!”

  “There won’t be a next time,” Chloe said disapprovingly.

  Laura nodded, then turned to Kevin, “And there won’t be a first time for you!”

  “I was merely going to help my friend up if he fell over and laid on the ground again,” Kevin feigned a look of betrayal, “You know I hate violence.”

  “Yeah right,” Malachi replied and they all laughed.

  “Come on, let’s get a drink in you.” Kevin dragged him to the bar through a huddle of back patting and good wishes. Some of the people he knew, some he didn’t.

  The cold beer was delicious and he sighed as the frothy liquid saturated his taste buds. Desmond raised a glass and the whole bar followed his lead.

  “For the conquering hero!”

  Three cheers rung out and his cheeks flushed. Being the centre of attention wasn’t something he was ever going to get used to. Chloe could see his growing discomfort and suggested they sit down. Tables had been lined up with finger food and the four picked a few morsels before slaloming between the other guests to the only free booth in the bar.

  “I know you don’t like this sort of thing, mate. We will give it an hour and then sneak you out the back door, ok?” Kevin patted him on the shoulder.

  “I just get overwhelmed by all the attention,” Malachi replied honestly.

  “It was either here or we held it at your place. Although it would have been cooler to jump out at you in the dark, you would have probably keeled over,” Kevin joked.

  “That would have been much worse,” Malachi was grateful, “There would have been nowhere to run except out the front door and that would have been a dick move.”

  “That’s why Des and I decided to throw this bash and get it out of the way. After today you will be forgotten and just another bum working at a job they hate.”

  “I sure do like the sound of that,” Malachi grinned.

  “The only difference is you now have a beautiful companion to share your life with,” Laura added.

  “Aww, thank you.” Chloe blushed.

  “They’ve only known each other a week, don’t go buying a new wedding hat just yet,” Kevin chuckled.

  Laura looked horrified, “Kevin, don’t say things like that!”

  “I was only joking. I give it at least three months.”

  Malachi nearly spat his drink out and Laura slapped him on the arm, “You’re awful. How long did you give us?”

  “As soon as I hit forty I’m trading you in for a younger model.”

  “What makes you think I won’t trade you in before I’m forty?” Laura countered.

  “You know you’re punching above your weight with me,” Kevin laughed and leaned away to avoid the coming slap.

  “I’d say it was the other way around,” remarked Chloe with a grin.

  “Thank you,” Laura said.

  “Fuck me, if I knew you finding a girlfriend was going to cause me this much aggravation I would have told her you were gay,” Kevin scolded.

  “I would have believed you too,” admitted Chloe, “Someone as good looking as Malachi could definitely pull it off.”

  “Thanks… I think,” Malachi replied.

  “It was a compliment, silly.”

  “Have any of the papers managed to pin you down and get the story yet?” Kevin asked.

  “No, and I won’t be doing any interviews either. Like you said, eventually they will lose interest and it will all blow over. Then the only thing I have to worry about is stopping Mr. Darlington beating up the other customers,” Malachi replied with a chuckle.

  “Mr. Darlington?” Chloe inquired.

  “I’ll tell you about him another day. He is a legend, not to mention a true gentleman too.”

  “He is,” Laura confirmed.

  Desmond approached through the crowd, twisting and turning to avoid a collision, four cocktails perched atop a tray overhead. It was a feat no less impressive than an Olympic floor routine and he finally reached the booth without spilling a single drop. Malachi clapped his respect and Des smiled.

  “Here you go folks. A special treat for my special friends.”

  “Thanks, Des, but you really must stop giving us free drinks. At this rate you will be bankrupt within a fortnight,” Malachi replied. He hated taking twenty pounds’ worth of free drinks, let alone the thousands that had been collected for him. If it was possible, he would try and find a way of giving the money to charity. The local children’s hospice was always deserving of donations to help the poor kids.

  “It’s nothing,” Desmond dismissed it and left them to answer the ringing phone behind the bar.

  “So you two, what have you got planned for the future?” Laura asked.

  “We are just going to take things slowly,” Malachi said, missing the look of hurt on Chloe’s face, “With my life being such a cluster fuck at the moment, I don’t want to take Chloe down with me.”

  “Hey!” Chloe pushed him, “We are in this together, remember? If I didn’t want to help you then I wouldn’t be here.”

  “Help with what?” Laura looked confused.

  Kevin glanced at Malachi who nodded his permission, “Mal has been having some really bad dreams. Like scare the living shit out of you, I can’t ever sleep again type dreams.”

  “Oh my goodness, why didn’t you say anything?” Laura reached out and held his hand.

  “Too embarrassed,” Malachi admitted.

  “But he has told us now, and we are going to help him get past the nightmares,” Kevin declared.

  “Yes we are,” Chloe added.

  “Especially after the last one you had. Three fucking days of being totally out of it, tearing the room apart in fear until they had to sedate you.”

  “I was so scared,” Chloe whispered, “They wouldn’t let me see you and I thought maybe you had taken a turn for the worse.”

  Laura took it all in with astonishment. She had heard of night terrors but the awful experiences of Malachi were on a whole other level. “Do you want to come and stay with us for a while? Both of you. We can swap the boys around to give you a room to share.”

  “No!” Malachi responded aggressively. Laura flinched at the reply and Malachi quickly finished, “I wouldn’t want to impose on you. The dreams can be horrific and I don’t want to scare you or the kids.”

  “I understand,” she said, “But the offer is always open.”

  “Hang on a minute, if Malachi moves in how will I be able to walk around stark bollock naked?” Kevin was outraged.

  “You will just have to put underwear on. It’s bad enough when you answer the door to my mother in your mankini,” Laura replied.

  The bright green mankini was well known to everyone in their circle and after enough beers, Kevin would disappear and come back looking like Borat. The joke never failed to raise a laugh at parties, but his mother in law felt a bit more
awkward at the inappropriate attention.

  “My house, my rules!” Kevin stated defiantly and they all laughed.

  “Seriously, though. We are here for you in whatever way you need us, ok?” Laura said sincerely.

  “Thank you all so much. A week ago I thought this shit would never end. After seeing Dr. Llyod and sharing with you guys, I finally believe there may be some hope for me.”

  “Of course there is, you have a friend like me!” Kevin leaned over and punched his shoulder.

  “Kevin!” Laura was aghast, “Don’t hit him. He only had surgery a few days ago.”

  “And now look at him, he’s fit as a fiddle. Mal, show Laura the scar.”

  Malachi surveyed the room for eavesdroppers, but everyone was lost in their own conversations. Turning away from the bar, he stood as far as the booth would allow and lifted his t-shirt. The two wounds were practically gone, with only a faint discoloration remaining that didn’t even resemble a scar.

  “Wow, how is that possible?” Laura asked, her mouth open wide in amazement.

  “I have no idea. I was tested in the hospital with no success. Dr. Franken is going to see me once a week to try and get to the bottom of it. He says it may be possible to cure all sorts of diseases if they can unlock the secret.”

  “That’s incredible,” Laura said.

  “And it will make you filthy rich,” Kevin added with a wink.

  “I don’t want to be rich. I just hope I can help people to get better.”

  “Yeah, but a couple of hundred million isn’t considered rich these days,” Kevin announced. “You can always lend me fifty mill then I can buy a yacht and hold wild parties with loads of models.”

  “You come back smelling of skank and I will John Bobbitt you while you sleep,” Laura threatened.

  “I love it when you get all kinky,” Kevin teased and kissed her.

  “I’m serious about the money though. I will be doing it for other people, not to make money. I think I may be able to take a few pounds out so I can buy us all a nice house each, that way we won’t have to worry about mortgages.”

  “There’s a lovely nine bed house going down the road at the moment for a cool two million,” Kevin joked.

  “Keep this up and I’ll buy you a leaky caravan,” Malachi fired back with a grin.

  “You know I’m only kidding. I just want to see my best mate better,” Kevin said and they grasped hands.

  “With you all by my side, I know I can do it.”

  Desmond waved across the bar to catch Malachi’s attention. He pointed to the toilets and Malachi nodded in agreement.

  “Everything ok?” Chloe asked.

  “I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll be right back,” Malachi assured her and excused himself.

  Moving through the crowd led to several more delays as people congratulated him. One woman even propositioned him until he explained he was taken. Pushing through the door, he was greeted with the scent of bleach and pine urinal cakes. Desmond was pacing nervously in the small bathroom area and locked the door swiftly.

  “What’s got you so worked up, Des?” Malachi inquired.

  “The phone call was from my boy Legacy; they found where those three bumboclots were hiding,” Desmond explained.

  Malachi sighed with frustration, “Des, I told you that I didn’t want anything bad to happen to them.”

  “I know that, man. But honour demands they understand what you could have done to them. Who knows, it may even straighten them out.”

  “You and your bloody honour,” Malachi groaned, “And I’m pretty certain that if they are willing to rape a girl and stab me, then they are too far gone anyway.”

  “You never know; a near death experience can focus the mind.” Desmond tapped his head, “It will take half an hour, tops. I promise.”

  “Shit, Des, you are putting me in a really awkward situation here. What do I say to Chloe?”

  “Just tell her I need a hand collecting some more alcohol.”

  “That’s pretty weak, Des.

  “Fuck, man. Tell her the truth then, that you need to get some closure on the shit that happened,” Desmond replied with agitation.

  “I don’t need closure, though. I have already moved on,” Malachi replied, “But I can see you need it, so I will go with you to make sure you don’t do anything foolish.”

  Relief washed over Desmond’s face and he embraced his friend. “Thank you, Mal. The car will be waiting out front, I’ll meet you there.”

  After Desmond had left the room, Malachi rinsed his face with cold water. What the fuck are you doing? he thought to himself. You wanted a quiet life and now you are about to get into a car with ruthless gangsters to save the lives of three men who left you for dead. If the roles were reversed, Malachi was certain he would have received no mercy from the trio. They were feral, a blight on society, but that didn’t give him the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner. Did this make him a coward? Possibly. At least he would be able to live with himself, though.

  The door slammed open and a man stumbled in that Malachi didn’t know. Seeing the drunken stranger was going to start a conversation, he quickly excused himself and made his way back to the booth. Chloe smiled warmly and his heart melted at the sight. Their love was only just beginning, but Malachi knew it would burn as brightly as his parents had all those years ago.

  “I have to pop out and help Des for half hour. I will be back as soon as I can,” Malachi leaned over and kissed Chloe.

  “I don’t understand,” she said with suspicion, “This is your party, why can’t he get someone else to help?”

  Deciding that he would always be honest with her, he came clean, “Des has the three guys that attacked us. I know you think I’m crazy, but I want to make sure they don’t get killed.”

  “You’re a better man than I am, Mal. I would pull the trigger myself,” Kevin grumbled.

  “And you would leave me and the boys on our own,” Laura scolded, “I think he is doing the right thing.”

  “Me too,” Chloe said quietly. It was clear the memory of that night would haunt her for some time.

  “I won’t be long.”

  “Mal?” Chloe stopped him.

  “Yeah?”

  “Be safe,” she replied.

  Acting on impulse, Malachi mouthed the words I love you and Chloe smiled, before mouthing them back and blowing a kiss. The buzz of the silent exchange diminished with each pace he took towards the entrance. Stepping into the fading afternoon light, the waiting car filled him with apprehension. Desmond was talking to one of the gang members and beckoned Malachi over.

  “Mal, this is my brudda, Legacy,” Desmond introduced the dangerous looking individual and they shook hands.

  “Des tells me good ‘tings about you,” Legacy replied, appraising the young man.

  “Des hasn’t told me anything about you,” Malachi said with a shrug.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” he laughed, “Safer for everyone. Let’s go.”

  As the door opened and a stench of cannabis enshrouded the pair, Malachi couldn’t help feeling like he was about to make a deal with the Devil. Desmond never got involved in the drug trade or other illegal activities of the wider Yardie gang and it was for this reason alone that Malachi didn’t turn tail and run back into the bar. Drum and bass blared from the speakers, making the windows rattle.

  “Can we turn it down a little?” Malachi asked and the others burst out laughing.

  “Of course,” Legacy smiled, twisting the control knob, “Now let’s go and see our three friends.”

  The laughter sounded maniacal and Malachi looked out of the window, seeing Chloe chatting to Kevin and Laura. He prayed he was doing the right thing as the BMW raced away from the bar, leaving her outline on his vision.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Malachi was silent for the entire journey. Desmond tried to engage him in trivial conversation about work and football, but he didn’t respond. With each passing mile
in the drug purchased luxury motor, the feeling of dread grew. Civilization was left behind and habitation gave way to open fields and an old industrial park. The factories had long ago ceased manufacturing their various goods and the hulking machines stood silent, victims of the drive for globalization and cheap imports. It provided a haven for prostitution and drug dealing, with the plethora of dark alleys and tunnels a boon for making an escape from law enforcement.

  “Nearly there,” Legacy informed them.

  Faces peered from the darkness, their eyes glinting with the passing light of the vehicle. Some calculated, unaware of the occupants. Others shied away, recognising the car and the menace it brought. They rounded a corner and pulled up alongside another two high end saloon cars, each with a steely eyed minder. As they all climbed out, Desmond gave a reassuring nod to Malachi. The two guards embraced the newcomers and eyed the young, white man warily.

  “We tying him up?” asked one of the men.

  “No, he’s with Desmond,” Legacy explained, “He’s here for retribution too.”

  Mal glanced at Des and he shook his head in apology, he would clear up the misunderstanding once inside. The Yardies gave him a cautious nod and showed them through the side door before returning to their watch. A filthy hallway led them deeper into the building. The plaster ceiling had collapsed and paint was peeling from the walls like a snake shedding skin. Yellowed light flickered under the door they were approaching, casting dancing shadows. Echoing laughter carried through but it was without mirth. It was more akin to the cackling of hyenas as they tore at a stricken beast.

  “Welcome,” grinned one of Legacy’s crew, holding his arm out to invite them inside.

  The room itself was partially stripped of machinery. Crane topped gantries and a few smaller machines had survived the decommission when the business had transferred production to a more tax friendly country. The emptiness was eerie, a bleak contrast to the harsh discord which would have been abound during the more successful years. In the midst of the desolate floor space were three chairs, and in each one sat one of Malachi’s attackers. Candles had been set in a wide circle, their lazily drifting flames giving an occult feel to the proceedings.