Orphic

Spring Sixteen - Cassius

"Give me that." I winced, reaching for Andrew's lighter.

He met me half way, keeping me from reaching too far.

We sat in silence, looking out the city until Ash finally joined us, her face splattered with blood.

"Anything?" I asked, holding my lit cigarette over my head.

She took it before sitting beside me, "No. He's a real piece of work."

"What time is it?" None of us had slept since we left the hospital, unfortunately right now, my main focus was figuring out who the fuck told Lucas I was in Pelican town.

"three in the morning." Andrew answered.

This wasn't working.

"Go home Andrew." I decided finally.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes go. We've got it."

He looked relieved and handed me my phone before walking away. I'd completely forgotten that I'd given it to him.

I turned it back on, immediately, I was bombarded by texts from Abigail, asking where I'd gone, she only texted me about 20 minutes ago which meant she probably snuck out to get some more cigarettes.

I scrolled through the messages, lazily clearing them until a different name popped up.

Elliot had sent me a photo.

Nearly four hours ago.

I opened it, half expecting a picture of a seashell or something because that's what he'd be more likely to send.

I let out a small cough when I saw the actual photo.

He didn't have his shirt on, his cheeks were rosy and his eyes looked so innocent I felt like I was going to melt. His head was tilted to the side and he was holding the phone as if he wasn't sure what he was doing.

It didn't matter if it was the worst picture ever. I was immediately turned on.

I put my phone down briefly to light another cigarette before returning my gaze to the photo.

I only paused when I noticed the purple marks on his right shoulder.

I dropped my phone and threw my newly lit cigarette onto the ground.

"Whats wrong?" Ash asked, sitting up.

"I'll handle it from here. Go home."

I tried so incredibly hard. I only got involved when I needed to.

"Are you sure."

"I've got it, go."

~

The tattoo parlour I owned had a very lovely basement that I often gave Ash access to for work purposes. I'd set foot in the basement maybe two or three times. Never to do Ash's job.

I abandoned the stupid idea of gloves and a change of clothes. Whoever was on duty tonight opened the door for me immediately and I had to hold back the bile building up in my throat at the idea of what I was about to do.

"I was wondering if you would come down." David's voice cut me like a knife. My stomach was still aching from the piece of glass he'd used to attack me back at the hospital.

I sat in the chair across from him, wondering how he got to where he was now.

"I wish you would just tell me."

"Why? So you can torture more people?"

"Don't. I have never touched anyone. I only play as fair as he does."