by Jon Athan
Shawn tightly shut his eyes and sternly said, “Stop.”
Aiden continued, “I caught you on camera fucking your mistress. Bending her over in front of those glass doors leading to your backyard... for the entire world to see like a damn moron. Parading your tramping ass for anyone with a ladder and a camera.”
Glowering, Shawn shouted, “Shut up! Shut your damn mouth!” He stood from his seat and planted his knuckles on the table as he leaned towards his eerie guest. He glared at Aiden and warned, “If you say another word, I will beat the crap out of you. You think high school was bad? You haven't seen what I'm capable of now. You bite your tongue or I'll rip it out of your mouth and eat it. You understand me?”
Aiden stood and planted his knuckles on the tabletop, matching Shawn's combative attitude. Shawn was shocked to see Aiden standing up for himself. He was flabbergasted and frightened by Aiden's depraved eyes. A feeling of dread he had never felt before struck his body.
Aiden said, “But, it gets better, pal. It gets so much better. You're... You're a beast when it comes to sex with your mistress. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised considering our past. Your hand wrapped around her neck, the anger in your eyes, the fear in her face, her torn clothing... It all fell together so perfectly. This won't just ruin your marriage, it won't only destroy your family. No, Shawn, this is more than a man caught cheating. This is rape.”
“No! No! I did not rape her! It was consensual, I swear! We were... It was... I swear, I wouldn't do something like that! She wanted to have sex... She... She seduced me.”
Aiden gave off a wry smile and said, “I know. That's the best part. Footage can be doctored, 'victims' can be paid, and juries can be manipulated. I don't think it'll take much more to prove rape in court. In fact, even if you don't get convicted, a simple accusation will suffice. The allegation is enough to destroy your peddling life. No one will ever trust an accused rapist as the head of a security company, no matter how small. No one will trust you with family, especially when children are involved. No one will trust you.”
Shawn nervously smiled. His face twitched and his eyelids flickered. His eyes swelled with brackish tears, a single blink would unleash a wave of sorrow and regret. He flumped into his seat, his legs were weakened by the revelation. He contemplated the potentially-ruinous effects of the video. He gazed into Aiden's eyes – his foe was serious.
Shawn smiled and nodded, then said, “You... You're bluffing. I know because... because none of that happened. There is no mistress, there was no sex. None of it happened. If you... If you have a video, it's probably some sick porno. It's not me.”
Aiden chuckled, then asked, “You think I'm bluffing, right? Is that your next move? 'Call his bluff, maybe that will work.' Is that your thought pattern?” Aiden shook his head and said, “It won't work. It's too late for that. You've already shown your hand. You wouldn't be so shaken up if I were wrong. You wouldn't have thrown that tantrum if I were wrong. We're playing by my rules now. What I say goes.”
Shawn was speechless. He sniffled as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Aiden snickered as he grabbed the bottle of whiskey, then proceeded towards the kitchen counter. Shawn watched with a raised brow as Aiden poured the alcohol into the sink.
Shawn asked, “What the hell are you doing now?”
Aiden responded, “It's part of the plan.” As he gazed at the spilling liquid, Aiden whispered, “Every piece has a purpose in the master plan...”
Chapter Four
The Master Plan
Shawn rubbed his moist brow with his fingertips. His nervous chuckle became a delirious cackle. Aiden joined in on the laughter. The pair created a discordant symphony of deranged chortling. There was no punchline, the joke was nonexistent. As he recomposed himself, Shawn stared at Aiden. He scowled as irrepressible fury pumped through his veins. The chair screeched on the tile flooring as Shawn quickly stood up.
As he glared at his peer, Shawn sternly said, “I've had enough of your bullshit. This isn't funny anymore. I have...”
Shawn stopped his tirade as the creaky stairs reverberated through the kitchen. His eyes widened as he realized Maribel was approaching. Throughout the tempestuous argument, he had not noticed the water stopped running. Maribel wiggled her toes on the frigid floorboards as she reached the bottom of the steps.
Maribel asked, “What's going on down here, boys?”
Shawn turned towards his wife's tender voice. His eyes were zany and his body was drenched in sweat. Maribel's body was veiled in a baby blue bathrobe and her hair was wrapped in a matching towel. Her thin white nightgown protruded from beneath her robe, sitting down towards her shins.
Shawn was at a lost for words. A strand of his slick hair reached down to his eyebrows, swinging from side-to-side like a pendulum. Aiden tottered forward, his legs wobbled as he approached the sturdy dining table. He placed the empty bottle of whiskey on the tabletop and grinned. Maribel returned the smile as she connected the pieces – empty bottle, drunk men.
Maribel said, “I see you've been having quite the reunion. I know Shawn gets a little aggressive when he drinks. I'm sorry about that.”
Shawn glanced at the bottle, then towards Maribel. He frantically shook his head and said, “No, no, it's not like that at all, sweetie. It's...”
Aiden lurched forward, then said, “I–I'm... I'm sorry. We got a little... a little buzzed, I think. But, but, no worries, really. My–my good friend has invited me to... to stay the night.” Aiden pinched Shawn's cheek and said, “He's always... You know, he's always been so caring and... and kind. A wonderful man.”
Shawn scowled in vexation and slapped Aiden's hand away. He moved forward, grabbing Maribel by her hips and leading her towards the staircase. Maribel furrowed her brow as she followed Shawn's lead. The pair stopped at the bottom of the steps.
Shawn whispered, “He's not going to stay with us tonight. I don't want him to stay with us.”
Maribel asked, “Why? What's going on?”
“He's... He's... He's changed. I just don't feel comfortable with him anymore. That's all. It's not a big deal, but I don't want to spend hours with the guy. He's still a... Well, he's still a creep. He was like this in high school, but now he's creepier. I don't want him in my house.”
Maribel glanced over Shawn's shoulder, examining Aiden's inebriated condition with her keen eyes. Aiden smiled as he teetered and struggled to stand straight. Maribel could not pierce into his true intentions. He seemed calm, intoxicated, and welcoming – a decent young man attracted to alcohol.
Maribel said, “I don't know, Shawn, he looks like a normal drunk to me. You can get a bit crazy when you drink, too. Maybe... I don't know. Are you sure you're not drunk already? That was a lot of whiskey. Maybe it's going to your head.”
Shawn shook his head and said, “I'm not drunk, Maribel. I'm perfectly fine.”
Maribel sighed, then said, “Well, we can't just send him home like that. I didn't even see him arrive in a car. Does he even have money to pay for a taxi? Does he have a way to get home?”
“I'll pay. I'll pay for everything. It's not a big deal. He'd probably be more comfortable at a hotel than on our couch, right? I'll call a taxi, sweetie. It's for the better...”
Shawn stopped his fabricated explanations and excuses. He could hear the sound of rustling leaves and a person snickering. Slowly, Shawn turned towards the kitchen. Aiden stood by the table, bouncing with his fake hiccups. He held his phone to his chest and giggled as he watched a video. Shawn shook his head, then staggered towards the arch entrance.
Shawn said, “Hey. You have...” He paused and contemplated his response. He bit his bottom lip, then continued, “You have that video, right? Those videos from... from high school, right? I didn't know you actually had those, man.”
Aiden smirked and said in a dubious tone, “High school videos?”
Shawn nodded and said, “Yeah, yeah, the videos you're watching. Those are from high school, right? I didn't know you stil
l had them. Actually, why... why don't you stay the night? I guess it won't be too bad. Let's reminisce. Let's talk about the good times. Let's talk about high school. What do you say? Huh?”
Aiden responded, “That... That sounds great, Shawn. Thank you so much for your hospitality. It'll be like a sleepover. You remember those, don't you? Those summers where we slept in living rooms and just... just relaxed. You remember?”
“Yeah, of course. I remember, Aiden, I remember it all very clearly. It'll be just like old times.”
As Shawn reached for the phone, Aiden clicked his tongue and stepped in reverse. He shoved the phone into his pocket, then took his seat. Shawn shut his eyes and bowed. He could only think about his strategy. Every move was crucial.
From over Shawn's shoulder, Maribel said, “Well, I guess it's settled. Welcome to our home, Aiden. I think it sounds like a lot of fun, boys. I'll be heading to bed soon, so I'll be out of your hair for the night. Don't worry about me.” Maribel stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Shawn's cheek. She whispered, “Have a good night, but don't drink anything else. Don't get into any trouble, sweetie. I'll see you in the morning. Love you.”
Shawn said, “Yeah, good night, sweetie. I love you, too.”
Maribel pranced up the stairs. The shaky staircase echoed into the kitchen with each ponderous step. As the floorboards in the bedroom above howled, Shawn sank into his seat. He planted both palms on the table and gazed at Aiden.
Aiden leaned forward and said, “That was quite the act, wasn't it? 'I'm a little drunk, can I stay the night?' Then, you come in with your supporting role. 'Oh, do you have those high school videos?' A splendid performance, really. You're quick on your feet when it comes to lying to your wife. It's silly, though. I never expected your wife to be so... so gullible and naive. She reminds me of myself when I was...”
Shawn interrupted, “Leave her out of this.”
“Well, I can't promise you anything. I won't promise you anything. I will try my damnedest to keep her safe. I think your actions will determine the night, though.”
With protuberant eyes, Shawn asked, “Safe? What exactly are you planning, Aiden? What is this all about?”
Aiden scratched his thumb's fingernail on the edge of the table and said, “It's about the bullied and the bully. It's about me and you. If you want to keep your perfect life, you'll do everything I say.”
“And, what if I don't? What if I beat the crap out of you and take your phone? Huh? What then?”
Aiden sighed, then responded, “Only an idiot would keep a single file in the digital age. The video is scheduled to be uploaded tomorrow morning. If I don't cancel that update, then it gets uploaded for the world to see. I also have an email scheduled for delivery to a few special people. A prosecutor, the police, the FBI... You get the gist. It'll explain everything. Our victim... Well, your 'victim' is also scheduled to appear at the police station tomorrow night as she finally built up the courage to report you. It's that simple. You can beat me, but you'll still lose. Only my satisfaction can save you now.” Shawn couldn't conjure the words to respond. Aiden said, “Let's get started.”
***
The hefty chair scratched the floor as Aiden moved forward, scooting towards the table. He planted his elbows on the tabletop and his index fingers on his lips – a mastermind planning his master plan. Shawn placed his moist palms on his thighs and accepted his temporary defeat. His options were limited and the consequences of a wrong move were unfathomable.
Aiden said, “This is what we're going to do, Shawn. It's very simple, so make sure you're listening.”
Shawn nodded and murmured, “Okay, okay...”
Aiden explained, “You bullied me. You... you tortured me, Shawn. We both know it wasn't just name-calling or beatings, it was demented. Demented actions call for demented consequences. So, tonight, we'll be switching roles. I am the bully and you will be the bullied. Do you understand?”
Shawn shrugged and responded, “I don't. What are you talking about? You want to... to beat me? You're going to torture me or something? I don't understand.”
“Well, you aren't very bright. I guess you never were very smart to begin with... I'm going back to high school, Shawn. I'm going back to the bullying you inflicted on me. We're going to reflect that bullying tonight. You are going to endure the bullying of my past. The bullied becomes the bully... and the bully becomes the bullied.”
Shawn's eyes widened as he listened to Aiden's explanation. His body shuddered and his jaw trembled. An avalanche of nightmarish memories buried Shawn's lean body – the terror surrounded Shawn's fracturing psyche. Aiden smiled as he examined Shawn's petrified reaction. The obvious terror was sweet like sugar drenched in honey.
Aiden asked, “Now you remember, don't you?”
Shawn stuttered, “Wh–Why? Wha–What do you want from me? What... What are you trying to prove?”
“I'm the harbinger of vengeance, Shawn. I told you vengeance was coming, I just didn't tell you I was also going to be the executioner. I've been waiting for this day for 10 years. I've been planning this for 10 fucking years. I want vengeance, revenge, retribution, whatever the hell you want to call it,” Aiden sternly said. He deviously chuckled, then continued, “You should have gone to the reunion, it would have been so much easier to have you all in one place. It's a damn shame...”
Shawn shut his eyes and ran his fingers through his damp hair. He said, “I can't do it...”
“You will do it.”
Shawn could hear the fury in Aiden's voice. In his moment of remorse, he could feel the enormity of his teenage actions. He scrunched his face as he recounted the endless bullying he inflicted – the pain he wreaked across campus. The mere thought made his body tremble like a punished pup.
Shawn shook his head and said, “It's too much. I did too much to you and everyone else. I can't remember all of it. I can't go through all of that. I'll give you whatever you want. I'll give you money, man, I'll buy you a house! I'll do anything!”
Aiden said, “I agree.” As Shawn's face glowed with relief, Aiden explained, “But, not to your extent. I agree, it's too much. It's certainly too much for one night. And, I'm only doing this for one night, so, rest assured, I'll be long gone when all is said and done. I've thought of everything, Shawn.”
Shawn nodded and stuttered, “O–Okay, so...”
“So, here's what we're going to do: you are going to endure five challenges that reflect the bullying of our past. I've chosen five particular events that never left my mind. Those scarring moments. Words, beatings, humiliation... I considered all of it. It was hard considering everything you put me through, but I did it. I'm sure you'll remember everything as we proceed. If you don't complete a challenge, then the video is uploaded and the letter is sent. In other words, your life is ruined.”
A tear streamed down Shawn's crimson cheek as he blinked. His puffy eyes were enshrouded by webs of vibrant red veins. He swallowed loudly, hopelessly trying to bury his anxiety with the gulp. The chair groaned as he leaned forward and dug both of his hands into his hair. He slicked his hair back as tightly as possible.
As he recomposed himself, Shawn asked, “Only five? That's all, right? You'll leave and we'll drop this after tonight, right? I have your word?”
Aiden nodded and said, “Only five. I promise, you'll never see me again after this. I mean, you'll probably never forget what happens tonight, but I'll be long gone and your reputation should be fine. Like I said, it's very simple.”
Shawn nervously chuckled, then responded, “Fine. Fine, I'll play along. What... What are you going to do? What kind of 'challenges' do you have planned?”
“I don't want to lay it out for you all at once. I want some tension, you know? I want you to dread the next challenge, just like I feared the next school day. I never knew what you had planned for me, so you don't deserve to know, either.”
Shawn shook his head and said, “Wait, wait. I can't just agree to something without knowin
g all of the terms. That's not how business works. I know you'll be gone, but I don't know what I have to do. I need to know.”
Aiden said, “I understand your concern, but you're not in the position to negotiate. That's how business works. I'll tell you what, though, I'll let you choose what type of bullying you want first. Do you want agonizing pain or traumatizing humiliation?”
Shawn scratched the back of his head as he considered his options. Pain would leave a mark on the body, humiliation would leave a scar on the ego. Agony could be temporary, degradation could be permanent. For a man like Shawn, the choice was obvious.
Shawn responded, “I choose pain.”
Aiden gave off a diabolical smirk and said, “Pain... I like that. You have balls, Shawn, and I think I agree with your way of thinking. I would have picked the same if I only had the choice. Besides, I suppose it's for the better considering what I have planned for our grand finale...”
Chapter Five
The First Challenge – The Market
The chair screeched on the floor as Aiden stood from his seat. He nonchalantly strolled towards the cupboards. The plates rattled, the cups wobbled, the boxes shuffled, and the plastic containers sat in solidarity. He riffled through the supplies like if it were his own home. Shawn sat firmly in his seat, watching with a furrowed brow.
In a calm tone, Aiden explained, “The first challenge is rather simple. You're going to go to the small market on Fifth and Main, pick up some supplies, call me, then come home.”
Baffled by the sheer simplicity, Shawn asked, “That–That's it? Really?”
Ignoring Shawn's inquiry, Aiden continued, “The shopping really isn't part of the reflection, but we need some supplies for later.” He squinted as he examined the dimly-lit cupboard to the left of the refrigerator. He said, “You know, I think we might have most of the stuff here already. So, grab some kosher salt, a few cloves of garlic, and some black peppercorns. I don't see any tongs around here, so grab a set while you're at it. And not the short ones, okay? I need long tongs for this. Long tongs. You got that?”
