Chapter 1 - Tweal
Bliss sat cross-legged on the cabinet watching the man pace. He was a large man. She couldn’t think of any other way to describe him. Her grandfather would have said he was built like a bull but she had never seen a bull so she had no frame of reference for that comparison. In her opinion he was made like a tank. He was at least an inch shorter than she was. He had a barrel chest and short squat legs. His upper arms were as thick around as her thighs. Bliss wondered how someone with so dense a build could move as gracefully as he did. "Tweal, you are going to wear a hole in the floor."
His globular face swung around to her, never halting is circular trek about the floor. "Ducks, the floor is the least of my worries. Isn’t there any way I can convince you to take the job?
A scowl formed, a hand lifting to tug upon his dark beard. "Blissy, sweetling, if I don’t take Sylviann out she’ll destroy me. What’ll happen to my girls then eh? Do you want to see them end up slaving away for a slug like Sylviann?"
"Course not." She mulled this over, her eyes following Tweal in his pacing. He was right about Sylviann being a slug. She refused to do business with the woman after a single encounter with her. Sylviann treated those in her employ like they were less then phulpp dung. Bliss was willing to admit that she and Sylviann had not had the best of introductions. There had been a slight case of mistaken identity. Sylviann had thought Bliss to be a new girl in her employ. The woman had shrieked at her about her manner of dress, her careless hair cut and every other flaw about her personal appearance she could find. Bliss had responded to the tirade by shoving her pistol in the older woman’s gut and calmly explaining that she was there to make a delivery not to start work. She’d also made it clear that if Sylviann ever used that tone of voice with her again she’d blow a large hole in any handy portion of the woman’s anatomy. The older woman had tried to pretend that she wasn’t impressed by the threat but Bliss had seen the fear swirling in the tawny depths of her eyes. Sylviann became all sweetness and smiles, treating Bliss as a welcomed guest. It was too late. There was no way Bliss was ever going to like the woman or trust her any further then she could physically toss a building. She kept her gun in her hand until she was well away from the woman’s place of business and upon returning to the compound had informed Caine that she would make no further deliveries to her establishment no matter how much he paid her. Now Sylviann was after Tweal’s business interests. They were competitors. She’d been trying to drive Tweal out of business for years but he was better at business then she was.
The Lace Oasis verses the Grotto Electric. Both places offered the same services; drinks, erotic dancing and a woman’s company for a time if the customer had could cover the cost. The Lace Oasis, Tweal’s place, drew in a more high-class patronage. The décor was eclectic but well done. It was a clean place. Tweal was absolutely compulsive about keeping it clean. He had a round the clock crew of cleaners made up of women who were too young, too old or just too homely to bring in customers. He hired the best in muscle to keep the place orderly and his girls safe from harm. That was one of the things Tweal did best as far as Bliss was concerned, he worked hard to keep his girls safe and healthy. Insisting they went to the hospital if they were ill or just for checkups. It was well circulated that Tweal kept his girls as clean as he did his establishment. Sylviann’s place was grittier. It was darkly lit except for the stage area. A patron who flashed any sort of wealth was more likely to be mugged by the bouncers on the way out then by a fellow customer. Sylviann couldn’t care less about her employees. If they got ill, pregnant or just failed to make her enough money she threw them out on the street. It was no wonder that these women often made their way to the Lace Oasis.
Bliss let a small smile creep over her features. "Tweal, you’re going to give yourself a heart attack worrying. You are stressing yourself out."
"Lovely, Sylviann has a contract out on my life. I can’t even show my face in my own club anymore." His yellow flecked green eyes welled up with tears. "Of course I’m stressed."
"Calm yourself Tweal." She hopped down off the cabinet. "I believe I may know someone who may be able to help you out." Bliss grinned at the hopeful light that sprang into the man’s eyes. "Let me check my contacts and I’ll get back to you. In the mean time keep your head down and let Markie run the place. When I locate this person I’m thinking of I will provide an escort here and proper introductions. You just be willing to come up with the price. This person doesn’t come cheap."
Tweal nodded vigorously. "I will Blissy don’t you worry about it." A smile played at the corners of his fleshy lips. "Thank you very much Sweetling. You are such a dear to do this for me."
Bliss flashed him a wink as she headed for the door. "You are a good customer Tweal, wouldn’t want to lose you. Tell you what though, if Sylviann’s hitter gets to you I will personally make sure she dies shortly after."
"You are an odd one Bliss." He chuckled. "Care to tell me what the difference is between my hiring you to kill Sylviann and you killing her for free for murdering me?"
Bliss flashed him a dazzling smile. "One is murder for hire, the other is avenging the death of a friend. It’s that fine line between cold-blooded murder and justice. I don’t intend to ever cross that line." With that she headed out past his guards and made her way to her bike. It was time to pay Caine a visit.
Chapter 2 - All Merc's wear black
"Are you sure about this guy Ducks?"
It was the third time he had asked that. Bliss watched Tweal cast yet another uneasy glance at Shad. "I’m sure about him. He will take good care of you Tweal. I wouldn’t have brought him in on this if I didn’t think he could do the job." She flashed him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Since I can’t stick around here and play nurse maid to you I decided to call in an associate to help out. Your own muscle is good Tweal but Shad it better."
Tweal let out a disgruntled huff as he sank into one of the overstuffed chairs in his office. "He doesn’t look old enough to be out of diapers yet. How do I know he’s not going to shoot me the second you are out of sight?"
"Cause I said he won’t." Untucking her long legs from beneath her Bliss stood. "And Shad is older then me by a few years Tweal and we’ve both been outta diapers for a real long time now. Stop worrying about him. Shad is another one of those strange folks like myself. He doesn’t kill without a good reason and a monetary reward is not a good enough reason." Bliss leaned a hip against his desk. "Tweal, listen to and do what Shad tells you. He’s checking out your present security now and he may have a suggestion or three. I have to go check with Caine about the status of that hitter I’m looking for. In the meantime be nice to Shad, pay him what he asks, if trouble comes you hide and let him do his job." She gave him a pleasant smile. "And for pities sake don’t poke your head out of hiding until Shad and only Shad tells you it’s all clear."
"All right Ducks, I’ll do as you say. I apologize for being so skittish but your recommended body guard looks like little more than a street tough." He held up a meaty hand. "I know, I know, looks can be very deceiving. If you say he is a pro then I’ll take your word for it. I cannot believe my life had come to the Blissy. Sylviann and I have been rivals for years but it’s not like her customers and mine are the same. We don’t even offer the same services, similar yes, identical no. I don’t understand this at all."
"What’s to understand? She’s looking to expand. The Lace Oasis brings in twice the profit that her place does." She glanced out the door to watch Shad talking with a few members of Tweal’s personal guard. "I doubt things are going to turn out exactly the way Sylviann is expecting." Turning she gives Tweal a wink. "She’s going to come up on the losing end of this Tweal, trust me." She turned for the door. "I’ll be back as soon as I have a chat with Caine."
"Bye Deary, and thanks for everything."
Bliss gave Shad a wave as she headed out. She knew he’d do his best to look after Tweal, which was all she could ask of him. She almost felt bad for anyone that Sylviann sent after Tweal, almost.
Chapter 3 - Prophet
It wasn’t a long trip from the Lace Oasis to Caine’s compound but Bliss still had the bike running full out. Weaving through the debris filled streets at a near break neck pace her mind made a passing note of new destruction to the area caused by recent bombings. At least cruising by at such a high rate of speed made it difficult to see if any bodies were strewn about the rubble. She sped through the area off the Ballroom affectionately referred to by some as "The Gauntlet." It was the haven, home, place of business and final resting-place of many a racer. The saying was ‘If you want to grow old stay out of The Gauntlet.’ Of course anyone near Bliss’ age that had any sort of transport raced the Gauntlet. She’d done it more than once herself. Why not, very few of them were going to live to a ripe old age. Most of them knew they’d be extremely lucky to survive until they were thirty. Besides who in their right minds wanted to live long enough to grow old.
A tall figure stepped into view a few blocks ahead. Bliss recognized him in an instant and eased off the power allowing the bike to coast. She knew he’d just step right in front of the oncoming bike if she tried to blow by him. Such was the way with Prophet. If he wanted to see you it was now or now. A small grin spread across her features as she came to a stop by him, her eyes traveling over his gaunt form. She still wondered how anyone so pale could be among the living. Perhaps it was his spiky mop of near black hair that made his skin seem so colorless. His eyes, as dark a brown as her own, were fixed upon her face.
"You are gong to see ‘The Man’ again."
That was how it was with Prophet. He never said hello or indulged in the idle banter. When her eyes met his she saw that odd gleam that was always present. Prophet was a cultist but even if he hadn’t been Bliss figured that gleam would still be there. It just fit him. She didn’t bother to respond to his statement. "I see someone has been making sure you remember to eat. You’re starting to fill out a bit." She flashed him a grin. This was as close to teasing him as she ever got but then she was smart enough not to step on a cultist’s ego.
His dark eyes blinked slowly. "Yes, I am being reminded to eat." A slender fingered hand reached out and slid across her cheek. Bliss kept her expression neutral. It wouldn’t do to have Prophet know his touch wasn’t welcome. For some odd reason he’d taken it upon himself to keep an eye on her. He’d been with the Firemen when she had first made their acquaintance and was still among those that she was teaching to read. Prophet could read some but he wanted to improve. Bliss figured that hiss interest in her was based on her teaching him. He didn’t want to lose a good thing.
"What can I do for you Prophet?"
"Don’t be in such a hurry to get to ‘The Man’ Bliss." He shoved his hand back into his pocket. "The darkness comes."
She’d heard this line before. "I know it is Prophet."
His head shook slowly from side to side. "No Bliss, the darkness comes for you. It is going to well up around you and swallow you up. It’s going to drown you in its inky depths."
Bliss lifted a pale brow. "I know that as well Prophet. I have made arrangements for when the time comes."
His thin lips formed a smile. "I did not think you would be unaware of what is coming but I did want to make sure you were forewarned. A small amount of prevention would help you in what is to come immensely." A dry chuckle escaped him. "Although no amount of prevention will aid you when the true darkness comes. Only the believers will be spared and you are not a believer."
Bliss revved the bike's engine. "Prophet, I think you’d be surprised at what I believe." She shot him a wink. "I’ve got business with ‘The Man’ but I should be around the Ballroom tomorrow evening. Find me and we’ll have a dance."
"I’ll find you." He watched her speed off leaving a trail of dust in her wake. "I will always find you Bliss, no matter where you hide."
Chapter 4 - Strawberry fields
Bliss roared up to the gates of Caine’s compound on her bike. She skidded to a stop, spraying dirt, barely missing the gate. "Hello Miss Lovejoy." The guard at the gate held a plasma rifle casually across his chest. Another guard sat nearby, relaxing. Neither was the least bit phased by her near miss of the gate. It was disheartening.
"Evening, may I enter and bug his lordship, Master Caine?" She grinned brightly at the pair.
"He’s in the greenhouse Bliss." The seated guard chuckled, as did the guard at the gate. He lowered his rifle long enough to open the gate for her. "Yup, go on in. You’re clear until we are told otherwise."
"Thanks." She slowly drove her bike inside the compound. It was an odd place. People always coming and going. Shipments moving in and out with near military precision. Parking her bike in her usual spot she took off at a jog for the greenhouse. Luckily she missed on of the guards remark to the other as they watcher her head for the greenhouse. "Man, that is one nice piece." To which his companion nodded with a grin.
Bliss peered in the greenhouse window, giving the door a light knock. She didn’t want to disturb Caine if he was busy. That tended to make him cranky. He was talking to one of his technicians but waved her in. She shot him a dazzling smile as she strolled in to catch the tail end of the conversation.
"…of course though, this might turn out to be a great waste of time."
Caine nodded. "My time to waste, keep on it." He turned toward her extending a hand. "Hello Miss Lovejoy." There was an oddly playful grin on his face. He was in a good mood, this was a plus.
She took the offered hand. "Hello Master Caine, puttering about the garden this evening I see."
The technician smiled at her. "Good evening Miss Lovejoy, I trust you are well?" He clasped a clipboard close to his chest.
"Evening Mr. Cashinn, I do quite well, thank you."
"We are hoping to find some more uses for the irradiated vegetable matter." Caine tugged her closer then placed a light kiss to her lips. Although surprised by his action, Bliss returned the kiss.
Cashinn’s pale eyes sparkled behind his steel rimmed glasses. "Oh, I have that candy you wanted." His thin frame hobbled over to one of the benches to retrieve a red hard candy which he shyly held out to her. "I think I managed to get all the sterile taste out of it like you wanted."
His good-natured chuckles made her own smile widen as she took the candy from him. "Thank you Cashinn. My big weakness, this stuff."
"The strawberries were hard to get but Caine seems to be more resourceful everyday when it comes to your requests."
Caine smirked. "She always wants the hardest things to find. I do so love a good challenge."
She blinked with surprise, having heard very little after the word ‘strawberries’. "Strawberries? You have strawberries?"
"Seven." Caine declared with a nod.
"Plants or single berries?"
"Singles, they are very rare." Cashinn’s smile never wavered. "But we have put them to good use."
"From a single berry we could grow many plants. All those lovely little seeds." Her gaze lit on Cashinn. "But I’m willing to bet you are way ahead of me on this."
He nodded. "Unfortunately we are not even sure they will grow from seeds even under the best conditions we can provide."
"They are extremely hard to cultivate with success." Caine interjected. If he let them Bliss and Cashinn would spend the rest of the evening discussing the best method of growing berries and he had other plans.
"We can but try." Bliss was giddy with the prospect of having row after row of green plants sprouting lush red berries. "Nothing to lose but a little time."
Cashinn shot her a wink from behind his thick spectacles. "I will beat this problem, you count on it."
"I’ll just bet you will too."
It was time to change the subject, slightly. Caine cleared his throat. "Would you like your special strawberry now, M’lady Bliss?"
That got her full attention. "Yes, please! I’ve only ever tasted a strawberry once before."
He chuckled, his pearl grey eyes sparkling. "I had to have it frozen to keep it fresh. You are so hard to shop for." He teased as he slipped an arm about her slim waist. "Well, it’s two presents in one really."
Cashinn took his cue and hurried to the cooler. The young woman’s excitement was infectious. He quickly retrieved a small, insulated box and held it out to her. "Please excuse the way it is stored by it was the only way to keep it fresh."
Her dark eyes were lit up with a delighted gleam. She gingerly took the box from his hand as if it contained the most precious gem in the entire world. "It’s quite all right Cashinn." Carefully she opened the lid and peered inside. The berry within lay on a three-pronged holder. Tiny leaves of green on the large plump berry came into view first, then the ripe red of the berry itself but it grew much darker just below the top. The remainder of the berry was a dark brown color. Disappointment swept through Bliss. She frowned. ""It’s gone bad Caine, it’s all brown."
"Really? Take it out and let’s have a look at it." Caine shot a glance at Cashinn, who barely repressed the urge to wink at his employer.
She gently removed the strawberry from the box by its green leaves. "See, it’s brown." Bliss stared at the ill-colored berry accusingly. The brown at the bottom was almost liquid looking but hard to the touch when she tapped it with a fingertip.
"Are you sure?" Caine wore an ear to ear grin. He was enjoying this game.
Cashinn made a tutting sound. "You have too much fun teasing this beautiful lady Caine, shame on you."
"It’s on of my only pleasures." Caine’s rich laughter drifted through the greenhouse.
Bliss looked from the berry to Caine, her eyes growing wide. "Is the brown chocolate?"
He nodded; pleased she’d figured it out. "Yes, I thought you might like it this way more. Frozen and dipped in on of the chocolate bars I get periodically. It was Sierra’s bar though. I didn’t have any more but it seems she has been saving her own shares for rainy days."
"Oh, it’s almost too beautiful to eat." Bliss knew she wore an ear to ear grin but for once she didn’t care if her emotions showed fully. She ran her tongue over her lips, the anticipation making them dry.
Cashinn just couldn’t stand it anymore. "Hurry, take a bite! I want to know if it tastes as good as it looks!"
Bliss laughed then took a small bite of the chocolate dipped treat. Her eyes closed as she slowly chewed, savoring the mix of flavors. "It’s heavenly Cashinn, just heavenly." She took another nibble determined to make this once in a lifetime pleasure last as long as possible.
Caine winked at Cashinn. He whispers softly to the tech. "I think she might need a cigarette after this." Hearing the tiny moans of pleasure that escape her as she nibbled at the berry. "I think I am getting jealous." His smile was as wide as Cashinn’s.
Finally there was but one wee bite left. Bliss lifted her gaze to his face while raising the last bite to his lips. "Would you like a taste?"
Leaning down he took the last sliver of the berry into his mouth.
"That was wonderful, thank you both very much." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "Better than sex as my Grandfather used to say…right before Gran smacked him." She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, a wide smile still on her face. On impulse she slipped an arm around Caine’s waist and gave him a sideways hug accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, that was the loveliest present I’ve had in a long time."
"My pleasure." He smiled at her small display of affection, pleased also that his own arm had rested undisturbed about her waist for sometime. "So, what brings you to my little corner of hell, Bliss?"
Bliss blinked, suddenly reminded of why she had stopped by. "I have some business to discuss with you."
"Shall we go into the main house?" He guided her towards the door while glancing back at Cashinn. "Keep up the great work, Doctor."
Bliss waved. "Night Cashinn, best of luck with the strawberries."
"Of course, of course." Cashinn lifted a hand to the departing pair. "I am glad you liked the berry Miss Bliss. Do come see me again soon, it gets lonely out here in the wilderness." He grinned. "So cut off from civilization." Hoping she wouldn’t notice all the test equipment and comforts of a small home scattered around the green house.
Caine chuckled softly. "I’ll get you a guide to lead you out of the wilderness, Doctor."
Already out the door Bliss called out over her shoulder. "Civilization is waaaaay over rated."
Chapter 5 - Fringe benefits
Caine sat behind the desk in his combination office and den. To be truthful it was just his office. He had little time for such things as hobbies. There was always some new piece of business to attend to. A knock upon the door drew his attention. Of course some business could be more pleasurable then others. He chuckled softly. "Door’s open Bliss."
She pushed the door open and strolled in. She’d taken a few minutes to get cleaned up and change her clothes. Caine’s home was about the only place she could run around barefoot and unarmed. "It’s only polite to knock."
"So what’s the deal worth?"
"That all depends." She set her hip against the edge of the desk. "Can you find Medea for me?"
His brows knit. "I doubt it, she’s left town but I guess it all depends on how fast you need someone."
Bliss folded herself into a chair tucking her legs beneath her. "It’s like this Caine. Sylviann has put a contract out on Tweal. Tweal is looking to return the favor. Since I turned down the job because as we both know it’s not my line of work. I figured we could find Medea so Tweal could hire her. If that doesn’t pan out I do have a back up in mind but I’m not as sure of his credentials."
"What is the problem between them? Don’t tell me, the rivalry has finally gotten out of hand?
"That’s it basically. Sylviann is trying to take Tweal out of the picture completely."
Caine nodded. "Shrewd business move."
"Personally, I think she’s gone completely crackers." She sighed deeply as she ran a hand through her roughly cut locks.
"She was never very stable to begin with, Blissy." He leaned forward slightly. "What does any of this have to do with me? How do I profit from this spat between Sylivann and Tweal?"
"My idea was to have Medea take out Sylviann leaving Tweal alive and well. That would leave the Grotto without an owner. So, you and Tweal could take it over. "She let a small grin form on her face. "Tweal’s day manager, M’Sadoquess, could run the Grotto with an option to by out Tweal’s share of the business after, oh, five years. Your share being non-negotiable of course."
"But, couldn’t I go after the Grotto myself without any deal once Syl is out of the picture?"
Bliss frowned slightly. She figured he’d see the benefits of the deal she was proposing right away. "Tweal and M’Sadoquess could run it more efficiently and for a bigger profit margin then any of your lackeys could. They’ve already got the rep to back them. Not to mention the girls, equipment and clientele."
"So, basically, you are asking me not to even try for myself so that Tweal can take it over?" Caine didn’t see the logic of her ‘deal’.
"No, Tweal would be a figure head with a small percentage of the profits. Think seventy-five percent for you, twenty for Tweal and five for M’Sadoquess." She tilted her head to the side. "Even at seventy-five percent of the profits you’d still make more with Tweal and M’Sadoquess running the Grotto."
Now Caine saw the benefits to the deal. Tweal and M’Sadoquess would do all the work and he’d rake in all the profits. "Sounds good to me. Syl isn’t going to be easy to nail down though. She’s street smart, more so then Tweal is."
"She’s also greedy, vain, harsh, cruel and did I mention greedy?"
"Exactly why she will be harder to get at now."
"Well, Tweal will be a little harder to get at now too." She shot him a wicked little grin.
"I’m a little surprise he has lasted this long. He doesn’t seem the type to do the dirty work to get some higher profits but I guess loyalty goes a long way." A dark brow lifted. "You’ve made arrangements I assume?"
She nodded. "Brought Shad in to play bodyguard. Tweal will pay dearly for his services but Shad is good, almost as good as me." A smirk crawled across her face. Shad was just as good as she was, in some ways he was even better but it didn’t hurt not to let Caine know that.
He stood and moved to a side shelf near his desk, pouring a glass of water. He held out a glass to Bliss. She nodded and took the glass from his hand. "So, Tweal drops out of sight for a while and a hit goes out on Syl."
"Basically."
"You know that will make it harder to get the hit done, right?" He poured himself a glass of the cool water. "As soon as she sees Tweal is gone and is not able to find him she’ll get suspicious."
Bliss grinned. "Nothing worth doing right is ever easy." She took a sip of water. "Besides, Tweal is not that far out of sight. It’s business as usual at the Oasis. The reason being given for Tweal’s absence from greeting customers is that he is having one of those sick headaches of his."
"You know…" Caine’s features took on a thoughtful expression. "We might be able to get the hit done for free and not have any trails lead back to us. Bigger profit margin for the whole operation."
"I like the no trails back to us part. Where does the free come in?"
"Well, what if it were found out that Syl was involved in some rather controversial actions involving the Fellowship of magic? You know how closely the local church officials like to keep the higher volume businesses under a tight rein."
Bliss blinked. "She’d disappear without a trace."
"Exactly." He grinned darkly.
A grin formed on her face to mirror his. "Sneaky, very sneaky."
"It’s very inexpensive to have the rumor started on the streets and with a little payoff to lead the church to some doctored info would be just as easy."
She rose to her feet stretching languidly. "For some reason this idea appeals to me, call it a sense of poetic justice."
"And as soon as Syl is out of the picture the contracts on Tweal become void due to a lack of a payoff. So, low cost startup, no risk on our part, higher profit margin and our hands stay reasonably clean."
"Knew you’d come up with a good plan." She smiled. "You have me beat in the sneaky department."
"I have more experience." He grinned back.
"Oh yeah, sometimes I forget I’m just a kid." She stuck her tongue out at him and crossed her eyes.
Caine watches her over the rim of his glass as he took a sip of water. He set the glass down, rose to his feet and walked to her. "I don’t waste my time on kids." Lowering his hands to her hips he settled his lips over hers. After a moment’s hesitation she began to return the kiss. Caine smiled inwardly. Yes, business was definitely good and the fringe benefits weren’t so bad either.
All Times of Tribulation information, places, and ideas are copyrighted by their creator Todd Rourke.
All characters, writing, and drawings found in these pages are copyrighted by their various creators.
Made in co-operation with Alien in My Pocket Web Design.™
Website designed by KJG ©2002
Friday, June 04, 2010