T.7.D.S

Ch. 1

The car sputters before stopping in the middle of the road. 
"Damn thing never wants to work!"
The sun was down by now and the nearest stop was two to three hours walk. Other cars would probably past that way; it would be best to flag down another car.  After a while, headlights could be spotted as a long black car pulls up and stops. The window rolls down, and a very slender man peers out. He has white, gray hair, and looks as though he is made of skin and bone. His eyes are a pale, clouded blue. Charleston has never seen a man like this and he feels a chill run up his spine.

The man with a dead disposition then asks, "Can I help you?"

"Yes! My car broke down and I really need a ride to a phone, or a mechanic! Please."

The older man asks if he has family near by that could help.

"I haven't had any family for years now. I was heading to a place with a job offer."

The older man looks at Charleston's car and then at him for a while, and faintly says to himself "you're perfect" Then he asks Charleston, "What is your name?"

Hesitant to answer, Charleston replies, "Charleston, Charleston Smith."

"I shall call you Mr. Smith" the old man states. "I am Ivan Rugbert. You will refer to me as sir."

"Yes, Sir."

"Would you like a drink, Mr. Smith? I am sure you are very run down from your long trip."

"Yes, I suppose I would."

He took the drink from Ivan's slender fingers and sipped it, carefully, so that it would not spill. While sipping the alcoholic beverage, Charleston began to feel light-headed, and choked a little as he sipped.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Smith?"

"Not too hot actually. I am a bit dizzy at the moment."

Charleston's vision begins to blur and he feels nauseous. Ivan looks over at Charleston and hands him a bag. Charleston is drenched in sweat, and is shaking violently. He begins to vomit in the bag, and Ivan speeds up the car. In between gasps for air Charleston asks Ivan to pull over.

"You will be fine. These are normal side effects...you won't remember any of it soon." Ivan says as he continues to drive faster down the long road.

Charleston is scared, but too sick to scream. His fever is extremely high. He places his head in the bag as he felt more stomach fluids come up to his throat, and then he blacks out.