Moon Stalk

Chapter Twenty Six

On the way back, I couldn't stop shaking in my anger. Judith was an elderly woman, who'd never done anything to deserve this onslaught. And I certainly wasn't going to let this brutal attack go unnoticed.

"I changed my mind. I want to visit Judith in the hospital before we get back."

"You sure, doll? Might be pretty emotional."

"Yeah, I owe her at least that for being the reason behind her attack."

"You got it, Moon. Turning around now."

We turned around, seeing the Silver Fall Hospital that Judith was admitted to. Upon parking, I began hobbling inside, using my crutches haphazardly.

As we entered, a sweet girl welcomed us, asking where we were heading. Once I admitted we were here for my friend, we received instructions on where to find her room.

Using the elevator, we both listened to the dreadful elevator music. Knowing my mind was in turmoil, Zane laid his hand on my shoulder, offering silent comfort.

We reached the fourth floor where my friend's room was. Passing several sick patients, equipment beeping around us, I felt uncomfortable. I've always hated hospitals, moreso after my mother died in one.

Finally getting to room 411, I peered inside of the darkened room. I saw Judith laying in that bed, a mask pressed onto her nose and mouth, a cone wrapped around her neck. Her usual work uniform was replaced by a thin turquoise hospital gown and her beefy arms hung loosely.

As I stared at my comatose friend, my head snapped to the side, seeing a figure emerge from sitting on one of the chairs meant for visitors. It was male, I could tell just by the silhouette. He was fairly large, maybe 6' and probably weighting close to 250, 275 pounds. He wrapped himself in a large fur coat and a matching fur hat, making his large self even bigger. Smoke wafted from his mouth and I spotted the telltale glint of several knives and guns around his person.

A familiar hauntingly Russian accent surrounded his words as he spoke. "Ah, hello pretty lady. I apologize for meeting under such conditions but it is nice to gaze upon you, face to face. My name is-"

"Ludmil Volkov, the Russian Mafia Boss." I spoke in a hushed whisper.

"Heh heh. She knows me. Now I do not tolerate being interrupted but as you are still processing, I shall forgive this once. And, the gentleman behind you... dat is Zane Erickson, yah?"

"That's me. Now why the fuck are you here?"

"Yah, such rudeness. I am here to pay respects of Miss Judith, here. She was an unfortunate victim in dis battle and thus, I pay patronage." As the monster before me stood, he placed a single rose on my friend's chest, the thorns cutting her thin skin.

"I also came to take chance to see pretty lady. I see why Jimmy is so... obsessed with you, pretty mouth would look better filled." Laughing as if he told the funniest joke, he gripped his stomach for a moment before regaining his composure.

"Ah, but I digress. I am sorry for your friend, I would have used much delicate but firm procedures to spill entrails. My friend, Jimmy, he is strong but too angry to do things properly. Tis good to meet you though."

As he said these disgusting words, he trailed a finger up my neck to twirl my auburn hair around, his putrid cigar breath fanning my face.

"Ugh!" Jerking backwards out of his reach, my crutches clanked against the floor, gaining his attention. Staring at my crutches, a slimy smirk pressed against his pale skin.

"Yah, you are recovering quickly. I'd say in da the next 2 weeks, you'd be well enough to fight. Not comfortably, mind you, but your comfort is not my highest concern.