Eridanus ~ A Collection Of Short Stories

The Triumvirate Code

[Winner of "A Cruel Reality" contest hosted by antiheroesgalore . Also published as a standalone book]

The last container of drinks and ice cubes had been placed in the refrigerator, and the movie listing thoroughly checked to determine the perfect show for the night. They had always stuck to themselves when it came to celebrations. Today was no different – it would be just three friends enjoying New Year's day at home.

"All that's left to do is wait for Adrian to arrive and our Triumvirate movie night shall commence," Jay declared, lazily sifting through the popcorn bowl.

"Adrian said he'd be here by 6," Craig replied, shutting the refrigerator. He walked into the living room and dropped into the sofa.

"Even at school, that guy was always the latecomer of the trio."

"Triumvirate," Jay corrected. "We agreed to call ourselves that, because it sounds so much cooler than 'trio', remember?"

"Of course." Craig slapped his friend a high five just before the doorbell rang.

"About time," Jay muttered as he stood up and sauntered to the door. He unlocked it with a grin and was left staring at Adrian on the other side.

"Glad you could make it, A," Jay quipped as Adrian walked into the house. The latter's emotionless expression, however, wiped the grin off his face.

"Adrian?" Jay called, following the man into the living room. Craig stood up and beckoned to the newcomer, but his hands paused mid-air as he glimpsed his friend's state.

Adrian's breathing was ragged and his eyes were bloodshot. The front of his green shirt was stained a dark red. He collapsed into the sofa, muttering incoherently.

"I can't, I just, I can't believe..."  The words tumbled out haphazardly as he wiped his trembling hands on his jeans, streaking them red.

"Adrian, what happened?" Jay's face bore confusion, and Craig frowned in worry as the two tried to find an explanation to their friend's behaviour.

Adrian muttered  to himself in a frenzied manner and couldn't bring himself to meet their eyes, adding to the air of anxiety. He finally looked up at them and broke the silence.

"He's dead."

*****

The clock's monotonous ticking accompanied his restless footsteps as Adrian paced the kitchen floor. Jay sat silent at the dining table, his composure not mirroring his racing thoughts. Craig stood at the kitchen door, fidgeting absentmindedly with his watch.

"How certain are you that you weren't seen?" Jay broke the silence. He looked up at Adrian, whose face betrayed his apprehension.

"Pretty sure," Adrian murmured. "We were at an abandoned bus stop on the outskirts with nobody else." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "And I had my hood on."

"That's what we're concerned about right now?" Craig spoke up incredulously. "We're not worried about the fact that Adrian just killed someone?"

Adrian let out a low growl of frustration. "Tempers were flying and I didn't have time to think!" he countered harshly.

Craig scoffed. "Right. You didn't have to think twice before literally stabbing someone over a small bet you lost."

"It was not a small bet!" Adrian raised his voice. "He was as much to blame as I was. He was the one provoking me," he continued, his fists clenched.

"The guy was asking for it. You wouldn't understand."