Scarlet Meyers

Welcome, Mr. Lyons

He had track marks in nearly every vein visible on his arms. His eyes were dark. They couldn’t tell what color they were, just that they were cold. They didn’t know him well, but knew that his money was good. It was a gamble, being here, but Jay thought it was the best thing for them. His brother, Royce, wasn’t as confident. But he knew his brother, and he knew that he knew what he was doing, and therefore trusted him. He would soon learn that this wasn’t the best idea.

“Mr. Lyons is not to know about our arrangement,” the man told the brothers.

“Of course not. He wouldn’t tolerate this,” Jay told him.

“Nor would I, if I was him.” His words chilled them both to their core, knowing they would be in danger if Mr. Lyons did find out. “You have your assignment, be sure you complete it efficiently. We will not stand for error.”

He sent them on their way. As they left the restaurant, Royce couldn’t help but feel like someone was watching them. He looked behind him, but didn’t see anything.

Before he could turn back around, a black bag was thrown over his head, and he was dragged away. He called out for his brother, but didn’t hear a reply.

Feathers and sequins were everywhere. The elegant setting had him uneasy. Though it was because of him that they were here, he never wanted this. His wife thought he deserved a celebration, and planned this event her usual way: extravagant. Bless her heart, for he knew that she only did these things because she loved him and was proud of him. She threw this party because his computer company had just broken ground on a new property and was getting ready to expand. The masquerade was a bit much for him, but he appreciated the gesture.

He was relieved when he had finally gotten away from the party, even if just for a moment. Not the biggest fan of crowds, he couldn’t help but smile as he entered his study. The fire was lit, casting just enough light around the room to show the shelves filled with books. He sat down on his desk, and enjoyed the solitude. As he sat back in his chair, Dante walked in with two men with bags over their heads. Walden felt a twinge of anxiety hit him even though he knew he would be alone again soon.

Dante brought them up in front of his desk, taking their hoods off. Their looks of fear excited him. He motioned for Dante to leave the room.

“So my suspicions turned out to be true,” Walden said as the men stood, frozen with fear.

“Mr. Lyons, I believe there has been a mistake,” one of them said.

“I don’t think so, Jay.” He wasn’t going to let them fool him. “What could have possibly been misunderstood?”

“We were just having dinner. There was nothing going on, sir,” Royce managed to stutter out.

“Yes, sir. We were just having dinner. I’m not exactly sure what you believe has happened,” Jay said. Walden sensed the lies and false confusion spread among their faces.

“What I believe has happened is simply that I have been betrayed.”

“No, sir. Absolutely not.” He was disgusted by their horrible acting skills. At least if you’re going to lie to me, try to make it seem believable, he thought to himself.

“So what were you doing in the back office, rather than in the dinning area? And why were you leaving out the alley way instead of the front door? And why is it that $500,000 has been deposited into your joint account as of this afternoon?” They hung their heads, knowing that there was no way out of this. “Who’s idea was it to betray me?”

“It was mine,” Jay said first. Royce looked appalled at his brother. “I don’t quite know what I was thinking. I am truly sorry, Mr. Lyons, but please do what ever you have to do to me, and leave my brother out of it.”

“I can certainly do that.”

With that, Walden grabbed the gun from underneath his desk and pointed it at Jay. Before Royce had a chance to react, Jay was laying lifeless on the floor. Royce rushed to his brothers side, tears rolling down his face. He looked up at Walden with pure hatred and fear. Walden could see that Royce was struggling with whether to attack him or please him.

“Now that you have seen what will happen if you betray me again, you had better be on your best behavior, Royce,” Walden warned. “I will not tolerate this anymore. I had better not see you in this spot again.”

“Yes, sir,” Royce managed to let out.

“Do what you have to do with him, but be back here tonight to clean this up. Dante will drive you.” As if on cue, Dante strolled back into the study. He came prepared with everything they needed to get Jay out of his house. “Thank you, Dante,” Walden said before leaving them to their task to return to his party.

Somehow, the anxiety of all the people in his back yard didn’t faze him. He was okay with the masks, with the glitter, and with all of the feathers floating around. He didn’t mind the fact that everyone came to tell him congratulations. He was especially happy when his beautiful wife came walking up to him. His heart skipped a beat every time he saw her. She was the one and only person that had ever shown him true happiness.

She kissed him on the cheek and asked if everything was okay. “Of course, darling,” he told her, kissing her on the forehead. He pulled her onto the dance floor, and they moved in breathtaking unity. The two of them glided perfectly along the wooden dance floor in the middle of the yard. Everyone gathered around to watch them dance; jealousy reflected off of the women’s faces as they envied Veronica. She and Walden made the perfect couple. There was no way that anything could ever come between them.