Post by Danger Boiz on Mar 19, 2014 16:00:29 GMT -5
“I mean, if a person acts irresponsibly in his own life, he will pay the consequences. And it's not so much divine retribution as it's built into the law of nature.” ~Pat Robertson
“It seems as though OCW is all about the screw jobs. Don’t you think so Chris?”
“Yes, Dan, I believe it is. We didn’t sign up for this did we?”
Dangerous Dan and Crazy Chris are seen walking towards the entrance to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The sun beats down on the brothers, as Dan sports a two hundred dollar pair of Giorgio Armani sunglasses across his face. A blue V-neck tank top across his chest and white Levi shorts around his waist. Chris, meanwhile, shows off his style by wearing his pair of two hundred dollar John Varvatos sunglasses. He dons a grey t-shirt and khaki shorts. Both wearing very expensive pair of shoes. The brothers make their way through the crowd towards the entrance.
“It was a few weeks ago when that prick Gavin Reed screwed me out of the Internet title. Then that damn partner of mine RM Strong proved why he is a pathetic excuse for a wrestler, and screwed me out of the Southern Championship. I was supposed to represent Tennessee by beating RM Strong for the Southern title. However, a little bit of retribution is being given to us.”
“This Sunday right here at Universal Studios, the Danger Boiz are back in action. We are undefeated here in OCW. Dan and I are given an opportunity to showcase why we are the dominate tag team to beat here in OCW.”
Dan and Chris reach the line at the entrance gate to Universal Studios. Some of the tourists around recognize the two brothers. They sign a few autographs for the ones that recognize them. Then, patiently wait in the line.
“This Sunday at Blackout 2, Chris and I are going to become the new OCW Tag Team Champions and prove why we are the best team in OCW. We are no strangers to tag team competition. We don’t consider being a tag team as a crutch for being no good in singles action. No, Chris and I do exceptionally well in singles action. It’s the tag team action that gets the both of us going.”
Chris drops his backpack next to him, relieving some of the pressure off his back. The line doesn’t seem to be moving all that quickly.
“There is plenty of competition in the turmoil match. Take for instance our former foes, Danny B and Amber Ryan. The two of you are probably the toughest people Dan and I have ever met. But, come this Sunday, the ‘friendship’ you two have isn’t going to last long. Go back to being enemies you two. Do what you do best and fight against each other. Frenemies never last.”
Dan chuckles a bit. Chris turns his head and releases a sneeze from the exposure of the sun.
“Damn these sunglasses!”
“So Chris…can you explain to me how the Power Couple got into this match?”
“Honestly Dan…I was wondering that same question myself. The two of them can’t seem to accomplish anything here in OCW. So why reward them with a tag title shot?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
Again, both brothers chuckle at the slight insult. The line gradually begins to move a tad bit faster. The brothers move about ten feet before coming to a stop again.
“There is definitely one team in this turmoil match that I have a grudge against. Two of the men in this match have beaten me and for that I have a point to make. Noah and TGO…the two of you seem to have formed this newfound friendship. Noah, the only reason you were even involved in the Internet title match two weeks ago was because of Gavin Reed. I had you right where I wanted you. I had you beat Noah. I haven’t forgotten about Gavin Reed, so your little boyfriend there better watch out. I don’t care if he is the monthly investor…I’ll still kick the shit out of his ass.”
Dan clutches his fists together, and takes a deep breath.
“Speaking of kicking ass…TGO…you and I have some unfinished business from GCWA. You helped screw me out of the tag team titles for the final time. Chris and I were supposed to be the final champions, but your little ‘posse’ prevented that from happening. Where are they now Trevor? Did you stab them in the back like you do everyone you come into contact with? I’d watch out Noah…Trevor’s good at giving it from behind. I just hope you can take it up the ass like Trevor likes. You’re his little bitch for now. Until he finds someone new that is.”
The line continues to move; the brothers now getting closer to entering Universal Studios. The sun continues to beat down on them. Dan, showing off his muscles, takes off his shirt as sweat begins to pour. One woman acknowledges Dan and smiles. Dan nods back at her before continue to chat.
“Bro…what are you doing?”
“What? It’s hot. So I took my shirt off.”
Chris shakes his head in disbelief. He takes his turn to speak.
“So…we’ve discussed DanBer…we’ve discussed the (makes air quotes) Power Couple…and we’ve discussed the Bitch Boys…who’s left Dan.”
“Wait a minute…I have to check.”
Dan drops his backpack to the ground. He unzips the front part and pulls out a piece of crumpled up paper. He unfolds it and looks it over.
“Ah...the teams of Damian Payne and Drew Stevenson…as well as Gregg…no wait, Craig…Craig Adams and Javier…wait...no, Jason Xavier.”
Dan folds the paper back up and shoves it into his backpack. He glances at his brother, who looks confused.
“Something wrong Chris?”
“Who in the hell are they?”
Dan looks around trying to see who Chris is talking about. He sees no one in the direction Chris seems to be glancing at.
“Who are you talking about?”
“The two teams you just mentioned? Who the hell are they and when did they get added into the fold?”
Dan chuckles.
“Sometime in the last week I guess.”
“So newbies automatically get a title shot?”
“Well Chris…let’s not forget that two months into the GCWA we got our first tag title shot and won them. The same for CWF…we won our first title match. So don’t take the boys for granted.”
“Well regardless Dan…those two teams aren’t going to last. You and I are going to be the new OCW Tag Team Champions. Take a good hard look everyone. The Danger Boiz are walking out of Blackout 2 with the tag team titles. You’re looking at the future six-time tag team champions. The champs…are…here!”
The line begins to move as Dan and Chris finally reach the payment window. The brothers immediately make their way inside Universal Studios for a week of excitement, fun, and work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One weepy eye slowly opened, dark brown iris contracting to its smallest possible diameter, the sudden influx of light causing me to blink and wince. I would have opened my other eye but I couldn't. It was swollen shut. Morbid shades of black and blue adorned the puffy flesh. My one useful eye slowly began to adjust to the resplendent light in front of me. A single light bulb, hung lazily from a long thin white flex in the center of the room, had flies buzzing around it, pinging against it.
Looking around, I found my brother Chris in the same predicament as me.
“Chris!” I shouted, hoping that eventually he would awake. Unfortunately, Chris was out cold. I could tell my brother had been beaten just like me; blood drying on his forehead from the two inch gash across his forehead. Whoever done this left Chris there to bleed. I continued to look around with the thought that the shadowed corners of the huge room could provide great cover for someone, or something, to watch us unseen. That someone, or something, could have stepped out of the shadows at any moment and …
“If I just move a little bit maybe I can break free.”
That definitely got me moving. I soon realized that unfortunately I wasn't going anywhere soon, though. Strong, thick rope bound my hands and legs to the seat I was seated in.
“If I can just wriggle one hand free…”
I began twisting my right hand back and forth, however, got me nothing more than the mother all Chinese burns, the pain causing me to grimace. Blood soon started trickling from a deep cut. I could feel the blood rushing down the palm of my hands. After a few minutes of struggling, despondency soon gave way to despair. I started getting weak. I had no choice, so I gave up. I began talking to myself.
“Whoever has tied us up certainly knew how to tie a damn good knot. Shit!”
I then started rocking from side to side to see if I could pull myself free somehow. After nearly tipping myself over, I thought better of that approach. Lying sideways on the floor with my arm trapped underneath me wasn't going to improve the situation. Cracking my head open…and probably knocking myself out, too…was not going to help my cause, either.
I began taking deep breaths trying to compose myself.
“Oooh God!”
The expansion of my chest began making me groan in pain. It felt like my ribs were broken. Whoever had given me a beating hadn't just restricted themselves to a touch of facial reconstruction, it seemed.
A plethora of questions began racing through my troubled mind…
“Why am I here? Who's done this to me? Where the hell am I?”
The answers seemed to be hiding away in away in the dark recesses of my mind; that place where denial makes its home and cozies up with regret. What else could I do but the obvious? I tried to shout for help but a barely audible gasp of air escaped from me. The taste of fresh blood still coated my gums. My swollen bottom lip hung down. A Grand Canyon cut, scabbed over, ran half its length. With one almighty effort, I found the urge to get my vocal cords working. I began fighting through the pain. My voice began to strain as I shouted out.
“Help!”
The single word echoed of the four damp walls, the quadraphonic clarity hurting my ears, making my wince. I at least figured the sound of my voice would awake my brother, but it was to no avail. I had that strand of hope that someone out there could hear my cries. Someone out there had to be around, right?
“H-help!”
No answer.
“HELP!”
No answer.
“HELP! Somebody help me…pleee-EEASE…somebody he-”
I stopped suddenly as a figure moved out from the shadows and into the light. Not completely into the light, but just enough for me to see the dark, silhouetted figure of our captor.
I immediately began examining the guy’s build and posture, trying to figure out who it could be. He looked to be about six foot, at least. Hands in his pockets; medium build…and was he wearing a suit? Yes. Judging by the squared off shape of the shoulders, our captor was at least well dressed for the occasion. I tried to think of how many people might have a grudge against Chris and me but could only think of few people who were an eight ball short of a full rack. But none of them had a grudge against us that we were aware of, and none of them were well-dressed fruitcakes, either. Although, I began to think of a few years ago, when Chris and I hustled a former mob boss out of thousands of dollars. But it couldn’t have been him…could it? Nah, he was rotting away in prison for second degree murder. Right? The stranger began to make himself known.
“There's no point in yelling for help, I'm afraid.”
The stranger’s voice was low and gravelly with an ominous, malicious intent.
“Nobody will hear you down here, my friend. Learn from your brother here. Don’t speak at all.”
Of course my brother wasn’t going to respond. This prick had beaten him unconscious. I had to know who this mystery man was. I began demanding answers.
“Who are you? What do you want from me?”
Seconds passed, as water dripping into a nearby stagnant puddle marked the passage of time. The stranger started to pace back and forth, the heels of his shoes tapping rhythmically on the wet stone surface.
“Why don't you try and think a little, huh, Dan? I mean, I know you've taken a heck of a beating, but…”
He stopped not taking his eyes off me. I could feel the coldness staring into my eyes. The stranger stood there and just shrugged.
“I'm sure if you delve down deep and think hard, you will be able to figure out whom I am, right?”
I tried to think. I closed my one useful eye and concentrated hard, but a mental fog, thick and dense, clouded my memory.
“Look man, I don't know who you are, or what you think it is th-”
“What did you do today?”
“I…”
He trailed off, puzzled. The stranger resumed his pacing.
“C'mon, Dan, think. You must know what you did today.”
The stranger began to laugh. He stopped pacing and just stared down at my bound and helpless body lying in the floor.
“Okay, right, I'm gonna leave you here for a while and give you some time to think. Some quality time alone, with an unconscious brother, should get the old motor neurons firing. Of course, I might just leave the two of you down here, let you both rot. I’m sure your brother will know exactly who I am when he wakes up. But unfortunately, I won’t be around for him to see. Figure it out Dan. You’ll get the answer soon enough.”
The stranger turned swiftly on one heel and headed for an unseen door.
“Wait!” I exclaimed. “Don't leave me here. Please. Just give me a bit of time, all right. I just…need a bit of time.”
The stranger's voice echoed out of the darkness.
“You've got one minute, my friend. Not a second more or a second less. Get to thinking.”
Out of the darkness, I saw a green glow. The stranger set the timer on his watch.
“I need more time than that. God, this insane!”
“The clock is ticking, so you better get thinking.”
My head began to fill with nothing but panic. I started to think out loud.
“Oh God … think … think … think…”
I closed my one useful eye and tried to trace back in time, think what I was doing earlier that day. At first, though, my mind was blank, a sheet-white void of nothing. Yes, I could remember who I was. I could remember that I had a son. That my lucky number was three, that my mother's birthday was on the 31st of March, that my son's was on the 9th of November. Hell, I could even remember the previous Christmas when I’d got paralytic and ended up falling asleep in a bush, only to awoken by the old bill. But there was so much more that I couldn't remember and I just couldn't recall what I'd done earlier on that day. I started to frantically run through the events of the day out loud.
“Concentrate…concentrate…concentrate…”
The stranger informed me, no glee or urgency in his voice, just stating a mere fact.
“You have forty seconds left.”
“You've drugged me, haven't you?”
Silence filled the air, as the stranger gave no immediate reply.
“Why do you hate me so much? What the hell have I ever done to you?”
Again…no reply. Clearing my mind, concentrating so hard, I searched the deepest depths of my memory banks.
“Think…think…think.”
It felt like the previous twenty-four hours had been erased from existence. Consciousness once again waned back and forth, the surreal reality slipping towards darkness. But I had to stay conscious…otherwise.
“Twenty seconds left.”
The voice snapped me back to the task at hand. Time was running out. Then, an inkling of hope sprang into action. The voice spoke and it was then that with his next statement…I realized how serious this man was.
“Actually, you know what? I've changed my mind. If you can't think of who I am in the next…oh, say…seventeen seconds, and then I'm going to blow your fucking head off.”
Out of the darkness, a red laser beam cut through the dark and centered on my forehead. I tried to move out the way, nearly falling off the chair in the process. My heart began hammering. Sweat starting pouring throughout my body. My muscles began to tighten. Fear began to run through my entire body.
“This is nuts…NUTS!”
I yelled. My thoughts turned to my family and my son; especially my beautiful son, Elias. I knew I had to stay calm for him otherwise he'd end up fatherless. He was the apple of my eye, my reason for living, my inspiration.
“Ten seconds left, my friend.”
“I need more time. You have to give me more time.”
The red scope was still centered on my forehead.
“Eight seconds…get to thinking.”
“Let me goo-OOOO!”
‘I'm going to blow your fucking head off.’ The stranger's words made me dig down deep for one last chance to remember what I’d done earlier that day. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and after a few seconds…
“You have four seconds left.”
It came to me. One minute I was blank, then it all came flooding back and I remembered what I had done.
“Two seconds left.”
“I know who you are. I know who you are.”
I cast my mind back to earlier on in the day…
Fade…to…
“It seems as though OCW is all about the screw jobs. Don’t you think so Chris?”
“Yes, Dan, I believe it is. We didn’t sign up for this did we?”
Dangerous Dan and Crazy Chris are seen walking towards the entrance to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The sun beats down on the brothers, as Dan sports a two hundred dollar pair of Giorgio Armani sunglasses across his face. A blue V-neck tank top across his chest and white Levi shorts around his waist. Chris, meanwhile, shows off his style by wearing his pair of two hundred dollar John Varvatos sunglasses. He dons a grey t-shirt and khaki shorts. Both wearing very expensive pair of shoes. The brothers make their way through the crowd towards the entrance.
“It was a few weeks ago when that prick Gavin Reed screwed me out of the Internet title. Then that damn partner of mine RM Strong proved why he is a pathetic excuse for a wrestler, and screwed me out of the Southern Championship. I was supposed to represent Tennessee by beating RM Strong for the Southern title. However, a little bit of retribution is being given to us.”
“This Sunday right here at Universal Studios, the Danger Boiz are back in action. We are undefeated here in OCW. Dan and I are given an opportunity to showcase why we are the dominate tag team to beat here in OCW.”
Dan and Chris reach the line at the entrance gate to Universal Studios. Some of the tourists around recognize the two brothers. They sign a few autographs for the ones that recognize them. Then, patiently wait in the line.
“This Sunday at Blackout 2, Chris and I are going to become the new OCW Tag Team Champions and prove why we are the best team in OCW. We are no strangers to tag team competition. We don’t consider being a tag team as a crutch for being no good in singles action. No, Chris and I do exceptionally well in singles action. It’s the tag team action that gets the both of us going.”
Chris drops his backpack next to him, relieving some of the pressure off his back. The line doesn’t seem to be moving all that quickly.
“There is plenty of competition in the turmoil match. Take for instance our former foes, Danny B and Amber Ryan. The two of you are probably the toughest people Dan and I have ever met. But, come this Sunday, the ‘friendship’ you two have isn’t going to last long. Go back to being enemies you two. Do what you do best and fight against each other. Frenemies never last.”
Dan chuckles a bit. Chris turns his head and releases a sneeze from the exposure of the sun.
“Damn these sunglasses!”
“So Chris…can you explain to me how the Power Couple got into this match?”
“Honestly Dan…I was wondering that same question myself. The two of them can’t seem to accomplish anything here in OCW. So why reward them with a tag title shot?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
Again, both brothers chuckle at the slight insult. The line gradually begins to move a tad bit faster. The brothers move about ten feet before coming to a stop again.
“There is definitely one team in this turmoil match that I have a grudge against. Two of the men in this match have beaten me and for that I have a point to make. Noah and TGO…the two of you seem to have formed this newfound friendship. Noah, the only reason you were even involved in the Internet title match two weeks ago was because of Gavin Reed. I had you right where I wanted you. I had you beat Noah. I haven’t forgotten about Gavin Reed, so your little boyfriend there better watch out. I don’t care if he is the monthly investor…I’ll still kick the shit out of his ass.”
Dan clutches his fists together, and takes a deep breath.
“Speaking of kicking ass…TGO…you and I have some unfinished business from GCWA. You helped screw me out of the tag team titles for the final time. Chris and I were supposed to be the final champions, but your little ‘posse’ prevented that from happening. Where are they now Trevor? Did you stab them in the back like you do everyone you come into contact with? I’d watch out Noah…Trevor’s good at giving it from behind. I just hope you can take it up the ass like Trevor likes. You’re his little bitch for now. Until he finds someone new that is.”
The line continues to move; the brothers now getting closer to entering Universal Studios. The sun continues to beat down on them. Dan, showing off his muscles, takes off his shirt as sweat begins to pour. One woman acknowledges Dan and smiles. Dan nods back at her before continue to chat.
“Bro…what are you doing?”
“What? It’s hot. So I took my shirt off.”
Chris shakes his head in disbelief. He takes his turn to speak.
“So…we’ve discussed DanBer…we’ve discussed the (makes air quotes) Power Couple…and we’ve discussed the Bitch Boys…who’s left Dan.”
“Wait a minute…I have to check.”
Dan drops his backpack to the ground. He unzips the front part and pulls out a piece of crumpled up paper. He unfolds it and looks it over.
“Ah...the teams of Damian Payne and Drew Stevenson…as well as Gregg…no wait, Craig…Craig Adams and Javier…wait...no, Jason Xavier.”
Dan folds the paper back up and shoves it into his backpack. He glances at his brother, who looks confused.
“Something wrong Chris?”
“Who in the hell are they?”
Dan looks around trying to see who Chris is talking about. He sees no one in the direction Chris seems to be glancing at.
“Who are you talking about?”
“The two teams you just mentioned? Who the hell are they and when did they get added into the fold?”
Dan chuckles.
“Sometime in the last week I guess.”
“So newbies automatically get a title shot?”
“Well Chris…let’s not forget that two months into the GCWA we got our first tag title shot and won them. The same for CWF…we won our first title match. So don’t take the boys for granted.”
“Well regardless Dan…those two teams aren’t going to last. You and I are going to be the new OCW Tag Team Champions. Take a good hard look everyone. The Danger Boiz are walking out of Blackout 2 with the tag team titles. You’re looking at the future six-time tag team champions. The champs…are…here!”
The line begins to move as Dan and Chris finally reach the payment window. The brothers immediately make their way inside Universal Studios for a week of excitement, fun, and work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One weepy eye slowly opened, dark brown iris contracting to its smallest possible diameter, the sudden influx of light causing me to blink and wince. I would have opened my other eye but I couldn't. It was swollen shut. Morbid shades of black and blue adorned the puffy flesh. My one useful eye slowly began to adjust to the resplendent light in front of me. A single light bulb, hung lazily from a long thin white flex in the center of the room, had flies buzzing around it, pinging against it.
Looking around, I found my brother Chris in the same predicament as me.
“Chris!” I shouted, hoping that eventually he would awake. Unfortunately, Chris was out cold. I could tell my brother had been beaten just like me; blood drying on his forehead from the two inch gash across his forehead. Whoever done this left Chris there to bleed. I continued to look around with the thought that the shadowed corners of the huge room could provide great cover for someone, or something, to watch us unseen. That someone, or something, could have stepped out of the shadows at any moment and …
“If I just move a little bit maybe I can break free.”
That definitely got me moving. I soon realized that unfortunately I wasn't going anywhere soon, though. Strong, thick rope bound my hands and legs to the seat I was seated in.
“If I can just wriggle one hand free…”
I began twisting my right hand back and forth, however, got me nothing more than the mother all Chinese burns, the pain causing me to grimace. Blood soon started trickling from a deep cut. I could feel the blood rushing down the palm of my hands. After a few minutes of struggling, despondency soon gave way to despair. I started getting weak. I had no choice, so I gave up. I began talking to myself.
“Whoever has tied us up certainly knew how to tie a damn good knot. Shit!”
I then started rocking from side to side to see if I could pull myself free somehow. After nearly tipping myself over, I thought better of that approach. Lying sideways on the floor with my arm trapped underneath me wasn't going to improve the situation. Cracking my head open…and probably knocking myself out, too…was not going to help my cause, either.
I began taking deep breaths trying to compose myself.
“Oooh God!”
The expansion of my chest began making me groan in pain. It felt like my ribs were broken. Whoever had given me a beating hadn't just restricted themselves to a touch of facial reconstruction, it seemed.
A plethora of questions began racing through my troubled mind…
“Why am I here? Who's done this to me? Where the hell am I?”
The answers seemed to be hiding away in away in the dark recesses of my mind; that place where denial makes its home and cozies up with regret. What else could I do but the obvious? I tried to shout for help but a barely audible gasp of air escaped from me. The taste of fresh blood still coated my gums. My swollen bottom lip hung down. A Grand Canyon cut, scabbed over, ran half its length. With one almighty effort, I found the urge to get my vocal cords working. I began fighting through the pain. My voice began to strain as I shouted out.
“Help!”
The single word echoed of the four damp walls, the quadraphonic clarity hurting my ears, making my wince. I at least figured the sound of my voice would awake my brother, but it was to no avail. I had that strand of hope that someone out there could hear my cries. Someone out there had to be around, right?
“H-help!”
No answer.
“HELP!”
No answer.
“HELP! Somebody help me…pleee-EEASE…somebody he-”
I stopped suddenly as a figure moved out from the shadows and into the light. Not completely into the light, but just enough for me to see the dark, silhouetted figure of our captor.
I immediately began examining the guy’s build and posture, trying to figure out who it could be. He looked to be about six foot, at least. Hands in his pockets; medium build…and was he wearing a suit? Yes. Judging by the squared off shape of the shoulders, our captor was at least well dressed for the occasion. I tried to think of how many people might have a grudge against Chris and me but could only think of few people who were an eight ball short of a full rack. But none of them had a grudge against us that we were aware of, and none of them were well-dressed fruitcakes, either. Although, I began to think of a few years ago, when Chris and I hustled a former mob boss out of thousands of dollars. But it couldn’t have been him…could it? Nah, he was rotting away in prison for second degree murder. Right? The stranger began to make himself known.
“There's no point in yelling for help, I'm afraid.”
The stranger’s voice was low and gravelly with an ominous, malicious intent.
“Nobody will hear you down here, my friend. Learn from your brother here. Don’t speak at all.”
Of course my brother wasn’t going to respond. This prick had beaten him unconscious. I had to know who this mystery man was. I began demanding answers.
“Who are you? What do you want from me?”
Seconds passed, as water dripping into a nearby stagnant puddle marked the passage of time. The stranger started to pace back and forth, the heels of his shoes tapping rhythmically on the wet stone surface.
“Why don't you try and think a little, huh, Dan? I mean, I know you've taken a heck of a beating, but…”
He stopped not taking his eyes off me. I could feel the coldness staring into my eyes. The stranger stood there and just shrugged.
“I'm sure if you delve down deep and think hard, you will be able to figure out whom I am, right?”
I tried to think. I closed my one useful eye and concentrated hard, but a mental fog, thick and dense, clouded my memory.
“Look man, I don't know who you are, or what you think it is th-”
“What did you do today?”
“I…”
He trailed off, puzzled. The stranger resumed his pacing.
“C'mon, Dan, think. You must know what you did today.”
The stranger began to laugh. He stopped pacing and just stared down at my bound and helpless body lying in the floor.
“Okay, right, I'm gonna leave you here for a while and give you some time to think. Some quality time alone, with an unconscious brother, should get the old motor neurons firing. Of course, I might just leave the two of you down here, let you both rot. I’m sure your brother will know exactly who I am when he wakes up. But unfortunately, I won’t be around for him to see. Figure it out Dan. You’ll get the answer soon enough.”
The stranger turned swiftly on one heel and headed for an unseen door.
“Wait!” I exclaimed. “Don't leave me here. Please. Just give me a bit of time, all right. I just…need a bit of time.”
The stranger's voice echoed out of the darkness.
“You've got one minute, my friend. Not a second more or a second less. Get to thinking.”
Out of the darkness, I saw a green glow. The stranger set the timer on his watch.
“I need more time than that. God, this insane!”
“The clock is ticking, so you better get thinking.”
My head began to fill with nothing but panic. I started to think out loud.
“Oh God … think … think … think…”
I closed my one useful eye and tried to trace back in time, think what I was doing earlier that day. At first, though, my mind was blank, a sheet-white void of nothing. Yes, I could remember who I was. I could remember that I had a son. That my lucky number was three, that my mother's birthday was on the 31st of March, that my son's was on the 9th of November. Hell, I could even remember the previous Christmas when I’d got paralytic and ended up falling asleep in a bush, only to awoken by the old bill. But there was so much more that I couldn't remember and I just couldn't recall what I'd done earlier on that day. I started to frantically run through the events of the day out loud.
“Concentrate…concentrate…concentrate…”
The stranger informed me, no glee or urgency in his voice, just stating a mere fact.
“You have forty seconds left.”
“You've drugged me, haven't you?”
Silence filled the air, as the stranger gave no immediate reply.
“Why do you hate me so much? What the hell have I ever done to you?”
Again…no reply. Clearing my mind, concentrating so hard, I searched the deepest depths of my memory banks.
“Think…think…think.”
It felt like the previous twenty-four hours had been erased from existence. Consciousness once again waned back and forth, the surreal reality slipping towards darkness. But I had to stay conscious…otherwise.
“Twenty seconds left.”
The voice snapped me back to the task at hand. Time was running out. Then, an inkling of hope sprang into action. The voice spoke and it was then that with his next statement…I realized how serious this man was.
“Actually, you know what? I've changed my mind. If you can't think of who I am in the next…oh, say…seventeen seconds, and then I'm going to blow your fucking head off.”
Out of the darkness, a red laser beam cut through the dark and centered on my forehead. I tried to move out the way, nearly falling off the chair in the process. My heart began hammering. Sweat starting pouring throughout my body. My muscles began to tighten. Fear began to run through my entire body.
“This is nuts…NUTS!”
I yelled. My thoughts turned to my family and my son; especially my beautiful son, Elias. I knew I had to stay calm for him otherwise he'd end up fatherless. He was the apple of my eye, my reason for living, my inspiration.
“Ten seconds left, my friend.”
“I need more time. You have to give me more time.”
The red scope was still centered on my forehead.
“Eight seconds…get to thinking.”
“Let me goo-OOOO!”
‘I'm going to blow your fucking head off.’ The stranger's words made me dig down deep for one last chance to remember what I’d done earlier that day. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and after a few seconds…
“You have four seconds left.”
It came to me. One minute I was blank, then it all came flooding back and I remembered what I had done.
“Two seconds left.”
“I know who you are. I know who you are.”
I cast my mind back to earlier on in the day…
Fade…to…
