The devil has bangs

The Devil Has A Partner

We meet at Wild Chicken. I order some kabobs and wait for him to join me as I dig in. The chicken vaporized as soon as I bite into it, noticing a pair of unblinking eyes.

"Sorry. I haven't eaten all week" Or day, I can't remember.

He sets down his tray "So. Were you going to kill me?"

I sink again. Or the room shrinks. I blink a couple of times trying to fight the nausea. Did he just ask me that?

I suppose none of my victims ever survive long enough to confront me but still. Am I ready for this?

"Only if it were true" I say playing with my food.

"Well I wouldn't have blamed you. For the record" He lightens up. Half smiling. Holding back questions.

"You're not scared of me?" My jaw tenses. 

"Not yet. How did she find you? Are you from the" He looks around and lowers his voice "..black market?"

"What?" I hiss.

Now he covers his mouth "You know.. The dark web"

You think this is real funny don't you? "No and don't talk about that here."

"So yes?" 

"I'm leaving" I head to the door. He pulls my arm but lets go when I snap my head around and hold my fist back.

"Okay Okay I'll be quiet" He chokes.

"She didn't find me. I found her" I cross my arms. This better be fast. 

"You help victims?" He says pretending to cut his food.

Why is he being so coy? A normal person would have run for the hills after what had happened. Now that I think about it, this whole case has been so stereotypical. The gold hoops bimbo, the closeted guys guy. Everythings been too easy.. Or they were working together. 

I lunge across the table. "Where is it?" I say searching his shirt for a mic. "I know you're a cop!"

His chair screeched as he slides quickly away from me "No, No wait!"

I search for the exit as if I hadn't just walked through it a few minutes ago. My breathing heavy. Everything moves slowly no matter how fast I try to move. I've been exposed. I let my guard down. I've let Athena down to..

"Honey. It's okay. Let's go find it together" He says nervously trying to reassure the crowd. 

He tries to grab my shoulders leading me to the door. This is it. I should have stuck to my rules. but my stupid therapist got into my head. No. I can't let this happen. I try to turn for a punch but it feels like I'm trying to under water... Snap. out. of. it! I elbow him in the face, finally breaking free out of my zone. Sprinting toward the door. I don't know if I have time to get my clothes but I can't leave evidence. Maybe I do need that favor Garry. 

****

So glad to be out of here. That was too close. This whole Eva scheme has pushed me over the edge. I rest the mannequin heads gently on top of the rest of the wigs and supplies in my suit case. Garry should be home soon so it's best to hurry. The rest of my clothes go in the garbage. New ones are on their way. 

Bags in hand, the room is empty and it's time to..

"Ah!" I bump into something large quickly realizing.. it's Russell. I head for the fence, not wanting to leave without cleaning up but if I get caught I'm dead either way.

"I'M NOT A COP" 

Losing my balance, my back slams on the ground. Quickly jumping back up to face him.

"I followed you home" He gives me space.

"Yeah, that's why I screamed" I try to play it off and catch my breath. 

"But only because you left before I finished what I needed to say" 

"Get out. Now" Shit. No ones supposed to know where I live. 

"Please. Let's just sit and talk for a minute" He grabs the door nob behind me and I panic.

"Garry!" The house echos and footsteps pound quickly above. Thank god he's home.

"Is this person bothering you?!" He wobbles up. 

"No, please"

"Yes, take him away" I order.

He tightly begins dragging Russells arm.

"I need your help!" I stop in my tracks "You're the only one who can do it!" Garry does to.

"I knew it. You're a secret agent!" Garrys eyes gleam.

"My friend. He was assaulted. No one will believe him and you know it!"

"Garry. Please leave." He begins dragging him again "..him here" 

"Thank you" Russell gasps.

"How can I prove that? I'd have to...You want me to dress like a man?!" 

I can tell Garry is still listening so I move us back into the room. 

"Trust me. This is the kind of guy you want. They were in an abusive relationship for years"

"But I don't sound like a guy" I kick my bags aside and plop on the bed. 

"That's the thing about gays. They can have a feminine voice so it shouldn't be hard to fake"

"I'm sorry. I told you. I seek clients. They don't seek me" Trying not to make eye contact, I pick up my things and head back towards the door. 

"He hasn't been able to sleep..." Dammit.. "He's even refusing to eat. I might have to check him into a hospital soon if we don't see a change" He throws in a sniffle.

Sigh.. "I've already been in one place for too long. If you want me to do this, I'd have to do it tomorrow. and be done with it"

Russell wipes away a tear and grabs my hands. I don't pull away. 

"You know what you are asking me right?"

He suddenly realizes and pulls away.

I've never had to think about it before. but that's why I never tell clients how I "handle" things. If I ever got caught, they would go down with me. And Russell seems like a nice guy.. I don't want him to get in trouble either.. So I need to read him his rights.

"That's why I don't want people seeking me. Because then I am dealing with murderers and not victims. Don't worry. You are not in trouble. but now that you know what I do. You would be an accomplice. You know that right?"

"I understand. Fully.." Now he sits..

Maybe I shouldn't have told him. Maybe I should have just lied like I do with the rest.. but it's nice.. finally talking to someone..

"He is like a brother to me. If this is the only thing that will bring him back, then I'd do it" standing up with purpose. I like that. 

****