Chapter 18—Hurt—Marc-André

Some days I feel broke inside

But I won't admit

Sometimes I just wanna hide

'Cause it's you I miss

And it's so hard to say goodbye

 

 

Max and Belle were gone, I didn't know where they were I was back in my room with the door closed and with a blindfold on. It had been silent for awhile then I heard shuffling and voices.

"Sasha you need to kill him now I can't protect you much longer." I didn't recognize this voice so I figured it had been the third man with the group from earlier.

"I need to make sure I do it right, I want him to suffer I can't do it quick it's not fun like that." Sasha had said this and I was so confused.

"I can only protect you for today; the Pittsburgh Police are on your trail." Good maybe I do have a chance.

"Fine, but you have to promise we will find a good place to hide and kill the next one so I can torture him longer."

"I promise my dear, now go take care of business." Business, BUSINESS!!!! What the hell?!?!?! These people are sick. I started to feel sick. Belle and Max were god knows where, in god knows what condition. I think I'm going to throw up.

I heard the lock on the door click, it then flung open. I heard someone walk in I was slapped across the face. "I'm sure you heard what I just said, even though death will come soon, believe me it will be painful!" I wouldn't have it any other way. Really this bitch was sick in the fucking head. She walked back out of the room I heard scrambling outside of the room. Something with a squeaky wheel was brought into the room. I took my mind to every happy moment I had ever had when I first got my goalie pads, my first game, my first shutout, my first kiss, the day I met Max, the day I got drafted, when I played my first NHL game….and my last. I went too far with my thoughts now I was so upset I didn't want to die I was too young. This seemed like a movie, something that couldn't happen.

All of a sudden I felt something cold and metal against my chest before I had a chance to think I felt it dig deep. I felt it dig in more than a few times. She took my Blindfold off just in time for me to see her grab a bottle off the cart next to her and throw it on me. My chest was on fire I felt like it was going to fall off I was screaming. I felt like I was standing outside of my body watching everything that was going on. I saw her grab an ice pick she headed for my face with it. All of a sudden Max lunged at her, after a little of a struggle I saw the Ice pick go into Max's leg he immediately grabbed it and lay on the floor. Sasha had turned to see Belle in the door way. Sasha grabbed the other Ice Pick and headed towards Belle, as Belle tried to fight her I saw Max go up behind her and stab her in the neck with the Ice pick she had stabbed into his leg. She grabbed her neck and fell to the ground.

Max walked over to me and unlocked my arms from the wall when I put them down it was so much relief. "We need to get out of here NOW!" Max was grabbing my arm and dragging me out. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Belle stumble and almost fall over by the wall. I ignored it hoping she had just tripped.

"I don't think I can walk on my own power, and you're weak too." I looked at his leg which had lost a lot of blood.

"'Tis but a flesh wound. I'll be fine let's go now." I started to follow Max but Belle hadn't followed.

"Belle, come on."

"I'll hang back a little so that I can make sure they aren't following you." I took this as an acceptable answer.

"Ok I'll see you outside, maybe we can go and get some nice steaks!"

"Sounds good to me."

Max and I started to walk out through winding hallways, we could see and hear the outside but it seemed like we couldn't get to it no matter how hard we tried. Suddenly we found a hallway that looked familiar. We were about 10 feet from the door when all of a sudden we heard an explosion we ran outside and fell onto the lawn as the entire hospital burst into flames. I'm pretty sure Max was just as shocked as I was Belle couldn't have survived that. I was so emotionally drained that I just started to bawl partly because Belle was probably dead and partly because I was free. Sasha was dead…and I WAS FREE. Max and I looked back and there was a tall, thin man walking up to us with dress pants a button up shirt and a badge on his belt. Before he started talking I saw the word Pittsburgh on his belt and I instantly relaxed.

"Max?" This was the man's first reaction.

"I may have looked at the papers on your desk." Max's response…did I expect less?

"That's not protocol but I will let it slip considering that if it wasn't for you we probably wouldn't have found Marc."

"I'm glad that I helped you guys do that."

"Thank you. Now let's get you both to a hospital."

"But, Belle!" I couldn't help it.

"Who's Belle?" The man looked more confused than ever.

"She helped us escape too and she was in….." I trailed off he helped me up and over to the ambulance. He knew not to prod.

I was on my way home.

And Belle was gone.

Chapter—17 One Chance—Max

I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

even if saving you sends me to heaven.

 

I was in the dark, and my head hurt. I was on the cold floor. I tried to move but I couldn't I could feel that my hands and legs were tied. I opened my eyes, for a surprise I wasn't blindfolded. Belle was in the corner tied up as well but she was not awake. I looked around frantically for Marc. I couldn't find him or anyone else besides Belle and me. I tried calling Belle's name, nothing, no response. I was afraid that she was hurt worse than I thought. I tried to wriggle myself out of my ropes it was of no use, and plus I was getting a rope burn. I thought about everything and I couldn't get my mind off Marc I needed to get out of here my thoughts would not change I didn't care if I died as long as he lived. I rolled over to Belle and started to nudge her. She made a few noises and started to wake up.

"Belle, we need to still get out of here" She was still out of it but she started to work against her ropes for a couple minutes it was useless, but just as I had thought she was done, one of her arms wriggled free. She moved both out of her ropes and started to untie her foot she looked really dizzy and that is when I saw the dried blood on the side of her face. After she untied her feet she got up to go behind me and untie my hands she immediately fell back to the ground and put her head between her knees. I cared about her but I couldn't do anything till my hands were untied, so I turned so that she could untie my ropes. She did I took about 5 minutes to untie all my ropes then I took off my shirt and wet it with some water from the edge of the room where it had leaked in and cleaned her wound, she hadn't said a word since she woke up. "Are you ok?"

"I…I'm…I'll be okay, you need to find Marc. The things that Sasha told me, all of the things that she does before she kills them." Belle started to tear up, this couldn't be good. "She tortures them and it's not just normal torture, she uses what is left in the buildings she picks." This was a…

"But where in a…" I couldn't…what…no….this was an old mental hospital. I didn't want to think about it, the things I learned in school about old mental hospital's was scary, I mean like the people who ran them should have been committed themselves for what they did.

"We need to find him now." She stood up and walked towards the door of the room it was locked. She walked to the cabinet and found the keys on the inside of the door. "Jason is not smart, actually that would be a compliment, no he is a moron." She opened the door and started to sneak around looking for Marc's room. I had no idea where we were because apparently Sasha, Jason, and/or the other man had put us in a part of the hospital I hadn't yet seen. We walked for at least 20 minutes and nothing, not a word or movement. We sat down to try and come up with a game plan plus Belle was light headed from the head hit.

"So what made you join the Suréte de québec?" I was curious and bored but mostly curious.

"I thought I could help people, but I guess they are just a crooked as anyone else." I was surprised by this, wasn't she trying to help Marc.

"But you're helping and aren't they here to help Marc as well?"

"I thought so until I saw my chief standing there with Sasha."

"That's who that third man was? How could he be that crooked without anyone finding out?"

"That's my question as well but I'm not here to find that out Marc is my main concern here."

"True. So are you originally from Québec?"

"Actually I moved up here when I was done with college I lived in Tarentum till I was done with college."

"Where's that?"

"It's about 30 minutes North of Pittsburgh."

"Really?" I was surprised by this. "So, do you speak French?"

"Oui, Je le parle. Mais, seule quand je le besoin"

"Understandable, I speak English mostly because when I play I need to be able to use it." How we went onto the subject of native languages I will never know but we did. She was cool, I'm glad she was here or else I wouldn't have a chance at getting Marc out.

All of a sudden our conversation was stopped by screaming and pleading. We ran towards it and we saw the door to Marc's room open. There was a tray next to him with bottles of chemicals and two Ice picks. Sasha was in front of him taking off his blindfold as I stood there I had seen blood on his chest it looked like she had cut up his chest a little. She then grabbed a bottle of unmarked chemicals off the table and threw it at his chest, again the most piercing scream I had ever heard him let out echoed through the walls of the hospital. I saw her put the bottle back on the cart and pick up an ice pick I knew I had to do something.

Chapter 16—Why?—Marc-André

It's a quarter after one I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without I just need you now

I was in Miami, it was warm, and the palm trees were swaying. I was being brought a Mango Daiquiri by a girl with a coconut bikini, the sun was bright and I was getting a tan. All of a sudden there was a scraping sound, why was there a scraping sound at the beach. I woke up from my dream just to see Belle and Sasha walking into the room. Sasha was talking about all the ways she had killed her past beau's I was getting sick. She said for Belle to watch me while she and Jason went to get some food. I was hungry, I was starved, and I wanted some food other than the little bit of bread that Belle brought me, but I was glad for that. As soon as Sasha had walked out of the room Belle looked at me.

"Do you want some water? I wish there was more I could do for you." I knew Belle wanted to do more but that there was a reason she couldn't and I accepted that. She was the only thing keeping me going.

"Please, and I understand, please don't cry you are the only strength I have left." I didn't want to see her cry because then I would and I needed not to. She turned and walked outside the door. I hung my head down I knew when she came back she would unlock my wrist straps but the keys were outside. I was hanging there thinking about all the games I had played, what I could have done better, where my strengths and weakness were. I swear when I get out of here I will be the best goalie ever, much better than Brodeur. I heard a shuffling out in the hallway I still kept my head down I barely had the strength to lift it. The shuffling came closer I knew it wasn't Belle because she would have already started to help me drink the water. I looked up. It was Max. I wanted to scream at him to get the hell out of here. I wanted to hug him. I wanted to scream at him for being so stupid. I wanted to hide. I've always taken pride in my appearance and strength, and here I was helpless. Max started to tear up. Belle walked over with the water I wanted to push it away I wanted to show that I was strong. I couldn't I just sipped as she held it up for me. After I had taken a few sips, I saw Max hit his knees and start to bawl. Belle took off my wrist straps and I immediately ran over to Max and hugged him.

"I should be the one comforting you not you comforting me." Max babbled in his tears. Had I not been used to this I would have never understood it but when Max was drunk and upset this was usually the scene.

"You know I'm always the one to comfort you." Max looked up at me I couldn't tell what was going through his mind.

"We need to get out of here now. I've seen the way out."

"Max I can barely walk I'm too weak."

"I'll carry you; please we need to go now."

"It's already getting late Sasha will be back any second."

"We can run; if she comes we can hide"

"There's no way, and what about Belle? What will happen to her?"

"I, I'm not thinking, we just need to get out of here."

"Look guys, I don't know why my boss hasn't given me the ok." Bell had said this out of nowhere, I was pretty sure she was scared. "But, I'm not comfortable staying here, I'm with Max we should get out of here I can help carry you." I wasn't about to argue.

"We have to go now if we are going anywhere." They both picked me up under each arm. We were walking out, when we rounded the corner Sasha was standing there; she was with Jason and another man I didn't know. They started to walk towards us Belle just froze I didn't know what was going through her head. Sasha motioned to Jason and he walked towards me grabbed me off of Belle and Max and walked me back to the room. Max tried to punch Jason, Jason being well over six-foot was able to knock him down easily. I couldn't take seeing my friends hurt, before Jason had taken me into the other room I saw Sasha walk up to Belle, she slapped her in the face then kneed her in the stomach. Belle fell to the ground, that's when I was back in the other room, chained and blindfolded. I heard some shuffling for about 5 or 10 minutes. Then the door was shut and locked.

Chapter 15—Sneaky, Sneaky—Max

So if you feel that your soul is dying

And you need the strength to keep trying

I'll reach out and take your hand

 

So I waited for Belle to leave before turning off the water that I had turned on so she would think I was taking a shower. I ran down the stairs and quickly flew out the door. She was just rounding the corner; I kept my distance but I had to follow her, I couldn't stay back. I finally saw her walk into a place that was old and vine grown, I figured this was where Marc was. I hung back; after she was out of sight I again walked her path. There was a door barely on its hinges; I walked through it trying to be as quiet as I could. I laughed to myself a little thinking about how Marc would probably trip over it and knock it over. I laughed, I laughed, I hadn't laughed since the day Marc was kidnapped I was so giddy at the moment. I was like a kid at Christmas time and Marc was my present, I was so close I could picture it.

I walked down a long hallway it was raining outside and I could hear the rain falling into some of the rooms. I was trying to pick up on voices I could hear some in the distance, I kept walking nothing was going to stop me. I saw a room with a lock on the door, there was no one around and the other voices were far down the hallway. I knew something was out of order because in this old place there wouldn't be a new lock on an old door. I leaned against it I couldn't hear anything, I wanted to break the lock but I was afraid of getting caught and then not being able to help. I stood there for a few minutes contemplating what I should do. I heard someone coming down the hall I looked around for somewhere to hide there was a tall cabinet off to the side so I ran into their and hid.

Not one of my best choices the things that were in there I wish I hadn't seen. There were whips, a scalpel set, knives, broken glass; I didn't want to look anymore. I started to cry my happiness that I was so close to finding Marc turned into utter fear of how he was. I heard two female voices talking, I recognized them both one was Sasha's which made me start seeing red and the other one was Belle's. Sasha was telling Belle all about how she had killed off her other Beau's I don't know how Belle didn't want to kill her, I knew I did. I heard keys being fumbled with then I heard the lock click. The door creaked open I didn't hear anything for awhile. I was getting worried, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. I heard someone walking to the cabinet that I was in, oh shit I was in trouble. The cabinet door swung open and there was Belle, thank God, although she didn't look happy.

"What the hell are you doing here? Do you not understand the meaning of lay low?" Bell was very quiet but if she could have yelled she would've.

"I….I just….I don't know…he's my best friend...what would you do?" She didn't respond she just grabbed a glass off the top shelf; I grabbed her wrist I didn't want anything bad to happen.

"Don't worry, Sasha left with Jason she'll be back in a half hour, you need to leave." I wanted to shove her down; I wanted to go to Marc now.

"Can I please see him? Why can't we just run now? Get out of here?" I was confused couldn't she just leave with Marc and someone would just arrest Sasha when she came back?

"I don't know if you should it's not a pretty sight." She stared into my eyes, her heart was breaking but I wasn't sure why. "I would get him out of here, I've been trying to get permission from my chief but he won't give me the command. Believe me I've thought about it." She was crying, I knew what she said had to be true. I need to see Marc now.

"I don't care how bad he is I need to make sure he knows I'm here and he's in good hands." She let me past her, I walked slowly towards the door, and I felt like I was being pulled away from the door. I finally rounded the corner Marc's head was hanging down and his breathing was shallow, he had yet to see me, I wanted to turn back and not let him see me. I knew he wouldn't want me to see him this way. He never did like people to see any weakness in him, this was one reason he hated himself after a bad game. I took a few steps forward he lifted his head slightly and saw me. I could tell he was feeling so many emotions at that moment, sadness, fear, embarrassment, comfort, or at least that's what I hoped he was feeling. I couldn't be sure he didn't say a word to me he just stared. Belle walked past me with the glass filled with water and helped Marc drink it. I could tell how weak he was at this very moment. I wanted to do anything I could for him at that moment, I wanted to get him a steak, I wanted to get him McDonalds Chicken nuggets, I wanted to hug him, and I wanted to tell him that he was one of the best people that I ever knew. I wanted to get him out of there. I broke down and started to cry. I fell to my knees and I bawled like a baby. Not more than 2 minutes later I felt someone wrap their arms around me. It was Marc, this made me cry even harder because he was the one that should be crying and I should be comforting him. But as it stood he was braver than I could have ever been.

I was getting him out. NOW!

Chapter 14—What am I going to do?—Jennifer

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left

 

I went home and bawled, to see someone in pain and not being able to stop the monster doing this. I knew when I had got home it was midnight, I must have fallen asleep out of exhaustion from bawling, when I woke up it was around 9 AM. I decided to go get a shower, I looked at myself in the mirror, I looked like hell but I knew Marc looked worse. I stepped into the shower letting the hot water hit me, it was a moment of relaxation, and then I started to cry again realizing that Marc had none of this. Was he eating? Was he sleeping? I felt like a mother but it was now my goal to keep him safe. I stepped out of the shower I looked a little better. I decided to throw sprunch spray on my hair and go. I threw on some jeans and a plaid shirt I also grabbed Marc's watch, I wasn't sure why but I did. I then decided to go to Starbucks coffee it's a nice start to the morning.

"Venti Vanilla bean Frappé please." The guy at the counter gave my order to the barista and I went to the end of the counter to wait. I noticed a guy staring at me from a table; he looked like he hadn't seen a shower in awhile or a shaver. When his glance caught mine he shifted uncomfortably and looked down at the floor before deciding to leave. I grabbed my drink and headed for the door I looked out and there he was waiting on a bench outside. I didn't know if he was waiting for me or what but the apartment was only five blocks away, so I ignored him and started to walk. I was about a good block away before I decided to turn around and check the bench, he was gone. I decided that it was a fluke and I kept walking I was almost at my apartment, I got to the door and unlocked it, just as I was about to walk in I was pushed in from behind and the door was closed and locked. It was dark in the apartment because I kept my blinds and curtains closed for obvious reasons.

"Whoever you are don't hurt me, I'll give you what you want." I said I could hear the person pacing. I don't believe that they knew just what they were doing, I then heard muttering it was a man. He kept muttering to himself 'what am I doing?' "Look just tell me what you want, I can help you."

"I just….I don't know what to say…Where did you get the watch?" I was shocked by this, who was he and why did he want to know about the watch.

"It's just a trinket someone gave me, if you want it you can have it."

"Who gave it to you?"

"Why is it so important to you?"

"I just…It looks like my best friend's watch." After he said this he broke down crying, I had a feeling that I did have his friend's watch. I needed to know who this man was.

"Who is your friend?"

"His name…is…Marc…he was kidnapped by some psychotic bitch…and I don't know if I'll ever see him again and it's driving me to my wits end. I'm sorry for what I've done I shouldn't have but I just…" I wasn't sure if I could break my identity but I just had to.

"What is your name?"

"It's Max, please don't call the cops, I can give you money anything I just don't want to go to jail."

"Don't worry about that. First off my name is Jennifer I work for the Sûreté du Québec; I am on an undercover assignment. I am on Marc's case, this is his watch and he is still alive." Max's mouth was just hanging open he didn't say anything, he looked at me for more information. "I had to befriend Sasha to try and get to Marc, well I did, he's not in the best of shape but he's still alive. It makes me sick to see him there, I'm still trying to think how I'm going to get him out." At this point I could tell that Max was getting angry, he stood up and just slammed his fist into the wall.

"Where is he?"

"I'm not sure it would be best to tell you where."

He took my hands, and looked at me. "Look, Marc is my best friend I've known him forever, I want to help. I'm not leaving Toronto without him."

"I understand and I'm trying to work things out, if you want you can stay here, but I think it would be best if you hung low for a little bit." I then remembered Sasha mentioning something about a Max yesterday to Marc and I remember her promise to kill him as well.

"I guess I could, but I want to help you."

"I really think that you should lay low."

"I can't just sit around while my best friend is being tortured by that bitch."

"Look, from what I know I'm telling you this. I will let you help where I see fit and I promise to keep you informed but please promise me you will lay low."

"I guess I can promise that, but you'll promise me to keep me in the loop?" I could see that not seeing Marc was killing him.

"I promise, now make yourself at home, go grab a shower" please "and help yourself to some food." I needed to still meet Sasha tonight, how was I going to get out of the house without nebby following. I know he promised to lay low but, I decided it was best to play it safe. "I'm going out for awhile my cell number is on the counter if you need me for any reason." I headed out the door and hoped that I wouldn't have to worry about him following me for at least today.

Chapter 13—Hopless—Marc-André

The morning will come.

In the press of every kiss

With your head upon my chest

Where I will annoy you

With every waking breath

Until you decide to wake up

 

What was going on with my life, or what I had left of it? Don't get me wrong I didn't give up hope but sometimes you have to consider all possibilities and I was at that point. I had a lot of time to think, this never bode well for me, ever. I just thought of every moment with my friends, the parties, the times I wanted to kill them, kill Max most of my memories focused around the team and Max. He had stood by me when I had my bad games and celebrated with me through the good ones. I felt like giving up, I just wanted to die, I didn't want anyone getting hurt trying to save me. Death would be a mercy at this point, so that wouldn't happen; Sasha would show me no mercy. She barely fed me, she kept me in a room that was freezing I was always chained. During the day I was chained standing up, at least at night I was allowed to lay down. I couldn't get rid of the pain in my shoulders. I had no idea what time it was although I was guessing evening I had been chained for awhile. I heard talking down the hallway and then I heard the lock open up, it was the most dreaded sound…ever.

She walked into the room with another female about my age. This girl was beautiful I had no idea what she was doing with Sasha. "This is what happens when the man you plan to milk of all their money unexpectedly decides to break up with you. Although I don't think it was all his decision, I believe a lot of it was because of his Best Friend Max. Wonder if he'll come searching for you?" She grabbed my chin and forced me to look at her. "If he does that just means more money for me, and another dead player."

I couldn't take her anymore. "You're a psychotic bitch."

"Darling, words can only hurt so much." She grabbed skin on the side of my abs and dug her nails in and twisted, I held my tongue I didn't want to give her the pleasure of my scream. "I can hurt you so much worse. You must meet my new friend her name is Belle." I didn't know how to respond, how this beauty could be with an evil creature like Sasha I would never know.

"Bonsoir Marc." She looked like she had more to say but I held my tongue not knowing anything anymore.

"Marc my name is Jennifer I am with Sûreté du Québec I don't have time to explain right now but I am trying to help you. I'm not quite sure on how to get you out of here yet things are happening so fast that I have yet to make a plan. I promise you though I will figure something out. I will try and protect you as much as I can, which sadly means befriending the enemy. She's coming back, I'm sorry" I just stared at her I didn't know what to say. I nodded maybe things would work out, maybe I would get out, I grinned for a quick second then decided it would be better for her protection and mine if I didn't smile. Sasha walked back into the room.

"Ah Belle, I think you need to show him why you are here." Sasha had a whip in her hand, I prepared myself for the worst. "He needs to be punished for the comment he made to me earlier." Belle was looking at me for forgivness, this is what she meant by sorry. She had yet to take the whip from Sasha and Sasha not being patient put the whip in her hand and forced her to swing it. I swore that I would never give her the pleasure of letting her know that I was in pain, I was quiet. "See it's as easy as that, about 9 more will do the trick I'll leave it up to you how hard you do it."

Belle started to whip me. I counted down in my head…9…8…I thought about being home, playing some hockey with the guys…7…6…I let myself hang limp trying to ignore what was happening…5…4…I thought about my family and all the times we've been together…3…2…1…I wanted to die my sides were burning but at least Belle wasn't as bad as Sasha. I knew what Belle had done was an act of mercy. Sasha walked over, my head was hanging down but I could hear every click of her heels. She grabbed my chin and roughly lifted it so I could see her face. "Maybe you'll learn before you're dead although I doubt it. Still such a shame, I bet you Max blames himself for this." I knew it was true, I wanted to cry, I wanted to see Max to tell him that this wasn't his fault. "Belle," Sasha called, when Sasha had lifted my head I could see that Belle was still looking at me with tears in her eyes. I understood, she had to be blaming herself as well, I wanted her to smile. I wanted no one to suffer except for Sasha. It made me hurt even worse when I saw the tears in Belle's eyes. "Come with me I have something to show you." Belle followed Sasha out of the room and left the door open, for once I wanted her to shut it. I wanted to break down. Sasha had been gone for maybe 10 minutes then I heard her heels walking back down the hallway.

She didn't lift my head she just said this to me "just think about this, if she is in cahoots with you she will die as well." I couldn't she was here to help me, I really hoped that we could both get out of here without getting hurt. Sasha slammed the door, and I bawled.

Chapter 12—Bringing in a Newbie— Vanessa

(She's) He's the devil in disguise

A snake with blue eyes

And (she) he only comes out at night

Gives you feelings that you don't want to fight

You better run for your life

 

So I met this girl today maybe she could be my new recruit, and if she didn't like it I'd kill her. Plain and simple I hated being alone with Jason and it would be nice to have another girl around. I saw the look she had when Marc looked at her. I walked her over to him. "This is what happens when the man you plan to milk of all their money unexpectedly decides to break up with you. Although I don't think it was all his decision, I believe a lot of it was because of his Best Friend Max. Wonder if he'll come searching for you?" I grabbed Marc's chin and made him look at me. "If he does that just means more money for me, and another dead player."

"You're a psychotic bitch."

"Darling, words can only hurt so much." I grabbed some skin on his side and twisted it; he turned to his side in pain. "I can hurt you so much worse. You must meet my new friend her name is Belle." He didn't say a word he knew better at least, for the moment.

"Bonsoir Marc." I was surprised by her sweet tone, time to see if she was really ready to be around me.

I went outside the room for a moment, I could see her talking to him, and I didn't know what she was saying but I grabbed a whip out of the cabinet that Jason was sitting next to.

"Do I get to whip him now?" Jason looked up at me excited at the thought of inflicting pain.

"Not you, her, I need to see if she is really here for the right reasons." Jason looked sad but eventually understood.

"Ah Belle, I think you need to show him why you are here." I held the whip in my hand and let it drop. "He needs to be punished for the comment he made to me earlier." Belle was looking at me like a scared puppy, she was new this was to be expected. So I took the whip placed it in her hand, drew it back and forced her to whip him. "See it's as easy as that, about 9 more will do the trick I'll leave it up to you how hard you do it."

She started to whip him on each side of his abs I counted down in my head…9…8…7…6…he was hanging by his wrist straps about ready to pass out…5…4…3…2…1…He was hanging there like a rag doll. I was proud of Belle she did as I asked. I remembered that she liked jewelry, I should reward her, it was kind of like having a puppy I liked this. I grabbed Marc's chin again and forced him to look right at me. "Maybe you'll learn before you're dead although I doubt it. Still such a shame, I bet you Max blames himself for this." He his eyes looked into mine, he knew what I was saying was true. I let my hand go and his chin fell back towards the ground. "Belle," she turned towards me, she still looked upset. "Come with me I have something to show you." She followed behind me I took her to the room I was staying in there. I showed her my jewelry box. "Pick anything."

She picked up Marc's watch. "This is very nice."

"That's Marc's favorite watch; it's yours if you want it."

"Thank you Vanessa, I think I'm going to head home now."

"Would you like to come back tomorrow?"

"I would love to, what time."

"Come early, get some rest, I want to tell you stories tomorrow."

"Au revoir."

"Bonsoir, see you tomorrow"

She left I headed back into the cell, I looked at Marc "just think about this if she is in cahoots with you she will die as well." He said nothing, I walked out of the room slammed the door and headed to bed.

Chapter 11—To Find Someone—Jennifer

In this time of fear

When prayer so often proves in vain

Hope seems like the summer bird

Too swiftly flown away

Yet now I'm standing here

My heart's so full, I can't explain

Seeking faith and speaking words

I never thought I'd say

 

So I was in Toronto and I had no idea where to start, I knew what Sasha looked like, and that was about it. So I decided since it was early to go and grab coffee. So I walk into Starbucks and mumbled my order, as I was waiting there to grab my cup of coffee and start walking around the city Sasha walked in. Was I really this fortunate, now all I had to figure out was how to start a conversation? I saw the broach she was wearing diamonds, maybe this was a starting point. She was walking over to wait for her coffee. "Nice broach, is that all diamonds?"

"Actually it is." She seemed to not want to talk but I had to push.

"Must have cost a lot, I wish my boyfriend spent his money on me." That seemed to spark her interests.

"Come sit with me, so does this boyfriend of yours have a lot of money?" I needed to come up with a lie.

"Yea and he'll probably make more soon he currently plays for the Toronto Marlborough but he'll probably play for the leafs soon enough." Oh shit…I remembered right after I said that that the Toronto Marlborough only were a team till 1989.

"Really, my last ex played for the Pittsburgh Penguins." Puck bunny, really she didn't even know about the team, oh well better for me.

"Cool so did he buy you the broach?"

"Yes and much more, you gotta know how to milk it out of them."

"I bet you could give me some great pointers on how to do that." I could feel myself cringing as I said those words, could she really be this evil, and did I want to find out.

"How about you meet me tonight and I will show you the proper way to get a man's money from him."

"What time?"

"About 8 o'clock at the old Provincial Psychiatric Hospital at 1001 Queen Street W."

"Ok I'll see you there, have a good afternoon." This didn't sound good so I went home to research this place.

'1001 Queen Street West has been home to a mental health facility for 150 years. On January 26, 1850, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, as it was then known, first opened its doors. Throughout the years there have been numerous name changes -- the Toronto Lunatic Asylum, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, "999 Queen Street" and the Queen Street Mental Health Centre. The site was a Provincial Psychiatric Hospital operated by the Government of Ontario until 1998 when the Provincial Psychiatric Hospitals began to be transformed into Public Hospitals.'

Oh Grand I could see this was going to be fun. What the hell was she doing to him, and I how was I going to help him out. I changed my outfit into something more night worthy, threw on some makeup and a hat. It was now about 7:30 I figured I should be going so I called the cab company and had them take me to Queen Street near where I needed to be. I saw Sasha waiting for me to come to the gate. Here we go, 'ought to be fun.

"Bonsoir."

"Ah bonsoir…I never got your name."

"Belle, Belle Savard." I had memorized it so that I could say it very naturally.

"Wonderful, my name is Vanessa, come Belle I have much to show you. What do you think about this place?"

"It's a little creepy don't you think." Her eyes smiled as wide as her mouth, I pictured the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland, and it was scary.

"That's exactly the point; promise me you can keep a secret?"

"I'm one of the best."

"My last 'ex'" she did the air quotes when she mentioned this. "Well he's not an ex yet he's in there."

"In there…why?"

"Well, sometimes to get all their money, you have to milk them to death." I swallowed hard, how far was I going to have to let this go before I stopped her.

"How exactly do you do that?" I wasn't sure I wanted an answer.

"Let me show you, I could see you and I making amazing partners, I like you." And I despise you apparently you can't tell. Was it bad that I wanted to take her down? But I had to stay focused on the mission, get Marc and get out.

I followed her past the vine covered gates, past the doors that were basically just hanging on the hinges. We walked down what seemed to be endless hallways; I didn't know how to get out if I had to. We finally walked up to a room with a metal door that slid; she unlocked the door and slid it open. What I saw will forever be in my memory, there was a man chained to the wall so thin he was almost hollow, he looked up at me and I could just feel his eyes pleading with me. I wanted to turn at that point and just kill this woman, Sasha, how could anyone treat another human this way. I looked back at him hoping he wouldn't have to suffer this way for much longer.

Chapter 10—My Own Investigation—Max

Don't walk around with the world on your shoulders
And you're highest hopes laying on the ground
I know you think you've gotta try to be my hero
But don't you know the stars you wish upon they fall its true
But I still believe in you

I knew I had to do something; I couldn't just keep sitting here crying that wasn't getting anything done. I was also pretty sure that Marc's pets were extremely depressed Bouli was in hiding and Lilly just lay on his bed motionless. I had to force her to eat and I was hoping Bouli was eating; her food went down slowly so I guessed she was eating. I decided that today I was going to head down to the police station to see if they had any information.

I got there and Detective Ward pulled me into his office to talk, I'm guessing that he was trying his best to keep this case quiet. "What do you think his chances are of still being alive?"

"Well, I'm still holding out hope because…" He paused for a moment he looked like there was something he wanted to say and then decided it would be better if he didn't say it. "She hasn't always killed them right away." What did she do? His cell started to ring; he excused himself from the room.

I wasn't normally a nebby person but this was my best friend when he left the room I decided to have a look for myself. I was flipping through papers looking for anything about Marc, I kept coming across papers about her previous beau's and picture of them at the coroners. I shuttered a little, then I picture Marc on that cold slab, this pushed me even more to find information. I finally saw a sheet with the letter head Sûreté du Québec I looked at the information 'believed to be in Toronto' & 'believed alive' that was all I needed to see I put the papers back into the folder and waited for Detective Ward to come back. He walked back into the room; I was itching to get out.

"As I was saying there is hope but as of now I have no more information." Liar! Oh well I knew what I knew and I was going to take matter into my own hands.

"Thank you; please keep me up to date on what happening?" I got up and headed immediately for the door I knew where I was going.

My first stop Marc's I need to find both pets and take them to someone. I knew where Lilly was already I grabbed her pet taxi and placed her into it, I also threw a shirt of Marc's in there with her, and she seemed somewhat satisfied by that. Next was the harder of the two I grabbed Bouli's pet taxi and some food I shook it and hoped she would come. To my surprise she went right in and just curled up and relaxed. I then started to call the team to see who would be willing to take in Marc's pets. I made up some excuse about needing to go home and I didn't want to take them with me. Finally, Kris said he would and he didn't even ask how long he just did. Maybe I wouldn't be back, but I needed to find Marc I needed to do something.

After I dropped Marc's pets off at Kris's I headed home to pack a bag and grab my passport. I grabbed all the necessities, enough clothes for me and some extra clothes for Marc. I felt like I was doing the right thing, I mean if it were Marc in my position do you really think he'd just sit around and let me die. I can't let him die, besides who would win the Stanley Cup with me in 2011, I needed him and he needed me. Checking the house making sure everything was off, I was headed out the door, and off I went to Canada.

The drive gave me a lot of time to strategize, what was I actually going to do if I found him? I mean what If he was already dead? I tried to wipe that though out of my mind as soon as it popped up, but it popped up a lot. I thought about Veronique having a gun or knife or something of the sort. What if he was still alive when I got there and in the process of trying to rescue him I died and then he would for sure be dead. My mind was racing every possible scenario over and over again. I was scared I don't think I had ever been that afraid my entire life, I mean playing hockey was one thing but to face death? Marc was my best friend no I take that back Marc was more than that he meant the world to me he was like my brother. Family comes first to me and I would give my life for my brother.

Chapter 9—To Catch a Criminal—Jennifer

Robbin' people with a six-gun

I fought the law, and the law won

I fought the law, and the law won

 

"Hey Jennifer, How's the case coming." I was working on a case of a psychotic woman who murdered her beau's to get their money. How she hadn't been caught yet is a mystery to me. But yet I wasn't getting very far myself.

"Cold, there is no DNA, she keeps changing alias with each new murder. I feel like this is impossible." I was about to bang my head off the desk when the captain called me back into his office. "Yes, Captain Butch?"

"This case, from what information we have, she has taken a new one. He was kidnapped 3 days ago in Pittsburgh, and we have a good chance she brought him here, possibly somewhere in the Toronto area."

"We have no idea what alias she is using now. How are we going to find her?"

"I want you to go undercover, you have the picture of her, pass yourself off as a gold digger as well. Try and do that whole girlie-girl buddy buddy thing with he see if she leads you to him."

"I'm not sure about that. I've never been undercover before, I've only been on the force for 2 years now; wouldn't you rather send one of your more veteran officers?"

"You are about her age she would trust you more than someone older. Plus you have acting skill, I think this will work for you."

"I'm not sure how am I supposed to act if she tortures him in front of me, or even worse if he is already dead."

"She has left her previous victims to die a slow death, while she leaves and goes on her merry way to the bank. There is a good chance that this young man," He started shuffling through his papers looking for a name. "Marc-André Fleury is still alive." He handed me a picture of him.

"Wait a minute isn't this the goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins." I was a hockey fan but ever since joining the force I hadn't had much time to keep up on it.

"I think he may be. That would explain where he had his money from. A lot of the others that Sasha has killed have been old men with millions."

"Yes this I'm aware of how old is this one?" I was trying to desensitize myself as much as I could; I knew if I wanted to save this man I would have to keep my head on straight.

"He's 25." Only two years older than I was this would probably be harder than I had imagined.

"Go to HR explain that you are being placed on plain clothes. They will issue you a different gun to use. Don't give any details of your assignment to anyone; you will be issued all new papers and a different name. You're new name is Belle Savard, keep this in mind. Learn it and live it. It will be important to pull this off."

I headed down to HR. I did as the captain said. I was given a new license, new passport, and new gun. I felt like I was being exiled, this was odd. If it helped to solve the case, I was willing to try anything. I headed home I needed to take my dog elsewhere for the time being. I took him to my best friend's house and told her that I didn't know when I was going to be back, that I was going undercover. She was concerned for me but she knew that it just came with the job. I spent one more night at home made myself some pasta with alfredo sauce and watched some Law and Order for the night. It was getting to be 2 AM, I figured I would get some sleep it was going to be a huge day tomorrow. So I turned off the TV, threw my dish in the sink, and went upstairs to sleep. I woke up the next morning, this was going to be some day I had a flight scheduled at noon from Québec to Toronto, and the police dept. had got me an apartment and a rental car to get around in. I got to Toronto, started to settle in and thought about my next move.

Chapter 8—From bad to hell—Marc-André

Close every door to me

Hide all the world from me

Bar all the windows

and shut out the light

Do what you want with me

Hate me and laugh at me

darken my daytime

and torture my night

If my life were important I

Would ask will I live or die

But I know the answers

Lie far from this world

 

Last thing I remembered I was being grabbed out of my car, I tried to fight back and I got a huge gash in my leg, there was a lot of blood and I passed out. I woke up in total darkness I was blindfolded and tied up; I could tell that I was moving in some kind of vehicle. I had no idea what was happening to me I really wish I had answered Max's call earlier, then maybe I wouldn't be here and I would've turned around earlier. The van stopped, I was still feeling weak, I could hear muffled voices then I heard the door open I was grabbed out of the vehicle and carried somewhere. I was dropped onto the floor, it was concrete, did not feel so great. I again passed out. I woke up I didn't know how long I had been passed out, but it was long enough for me to be untied and my blindfold was removed. It didn't really matter considering the room was pretty much pitch black.

"Hello?" I didn't think anyone would be there but it was worth a shot in the dark. I'm Marc-André and I think I'm funny. Apparently all the blood loss was going to my head. I was going through everything that lead up to me being here. Maybe I wouldn't be here had I answered Max's first call. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted. I heard a noise by where the door was, the door flung open and I was almost blinded by the light. I saw who was standing there I didn't know whether to be shocked or horrified. "Veronique?"

"If you must know my real name is Sasha. You are not the first guy I've been with for his money, actually you are the eight, and for the other seven well they are dead." I just couldn't even form thoughts yet alone words.

Finally I was able to spit out a few words. "Please don't kill me. I'll give you whatever you want."

"Ha I know you'll give me everything I want. But I wouldn't dream of leaving you alive, what, so you can go and tell the police? I don't think so."

"I wouldn't, you can trust me." I couldn't even imagine dying I wanted to play games of my life; I wanted to win as many Stanley cups as possible. I even eventually wanted to get married and have a family.

"Sweetie this is just how it works. And such a pity too, you were, I mean I guess for the moment still are young and good looking. Some death's are painless that's true, don't worry I won't follow standards." I was in my personal hell, she was pretty but she was fucking crazy. "Well I'll leave you to your own mind. Have fun! I'll be back soon." I was then sitting back in the dark with a racing mind this was not good.

I decided I would stand up to try and get familiar with my surroundings. I stood up and with a loud scream I fell back to the ground. Grand, I wasn't going anywhere. My mind then started working; this was a problem. Was she going to kill me slowly, make it hurt. Would she kill me fast, get it over with. Leave me to rot? I was thinking back to every horror movie I've ever seen, wishing I have never seen any of them. I then started thinking of all the saw movies, crushed, burned alive, frozen alive, too many contraptions that made death horrible. If I ever got out of here I was going to kill Max for making me watch them. Then my thoughts transferred to the team, Max knew something happened, but what he knew was still a mystery to me. I was hoping they were still trying to search for me, I was guessing that there was a lot of blood in my car. Maybe they thought I was dead and stopped caring. I mean Veroni-Sasha said she had killed seven others, SEVEN, what would stop her from killing me. Did they know it was Sasha who took me? Did they think it was a random kidnapping? Maybe they thought a puck bunny took me. I don't know I just was still holding out hope that someone was still searching for me. I lay down on the cold floor; I was weak from all the blood loss. I drifted off to a restless sleep. I didn't know how long I had been asleep but when I heard the door rattling I woke up. I guess this was the start.

Chapter 7—Money—Veronique

Playground school bell rings, again.

Rain clouds come to play, again.

Has no one told you she's (he's) not breathing?

Hello

I'm your mind

Giving you someone to talk to

Hello

 

If I smile and don't believe

Soon I know I'll wake from this dream

Don't try to fix me

I'm not broken

Hello

I'm the lie

Living for you so you can hide

Don't cry

 

Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping

Hello

I'm still here

All that's left of yesterday

 

I sat outside his house all day that day. I saw him fall into the ground I saw him walk in the house with that twit Max. I waited I knew he would leave eventually. So when he left that night at midnight I followed him. No one screws me out of money. I was riding his ass I knew about his paranoia it would get to him.

"Veronique can we get food I'm hungry?" Why do I find thugs that constantly need food?

"We will soon enough, there is something we need to do first. I told you stop calling me Veronique, it's Vanessa now."

"Yes, I'm sorry. So what's the plan?"

"I'm not sure; I'm making it up as I go." Marc finally turned off an exit, I followed.

"Are we getting food?"

"Not yet we'll get it after we get Marc."

"Fine, do you want him dead or alive?"

"Whichever way you can get him is fine by me"

We were swerving to try and catch up with him. He was a better driver than I gave him credit for, we finally dropped over a street then in about 5 minutes we cut him off and made him turn into an alley.

"Jason go get him."

"Alright" Jason grabbed the knife that was in the back seat and ran up to the car. He punched out the window; I could see that Marc was starting to fight. Jason had taken the knife and stabbed it deep into Marc's thigh. At that point Marc passed out so I got out of the van and walked over. There was a lot of blood.

"Put him in the van, tie him up and put a bag over his head."

"He's losing a lot of blood do you want me to stop it."

"No leave it go, we'll see what happens."

"I really think I should…"

"You think….YOUTHINK…now there is the true problem. Do what I said and that's it. Put him in the van and we will go grab food." As Jason carried Marc to the van I disabled the GPS chip in his car this would give us more get away time.

We stopped at McDonalds, Jason was finally happy. We were on our way into Canada. As we neared the border I told Jason to hide in the far back behind a hidden wall I had built and keep Marc back there with him. We got to the border, I handed the border guard my passport. I pulled out all the stops and had on a short skirt and low shirt.

"Good afternoon Vanessa, and where are we heading today?"

"Home to Sorel"

"Anyone else with you?"

"Nope, just going home to see my parents."

"So do you plan on heading back anytime soon?"

"Not really unless you have a reason for me to?"

"Well I should still be here by the time you come back. Have a nice visit with your parents" It was no more than 10 minutes till we passed the guard that Jason said that Marc had woke up and was squirming around.

"Hold on we should be to the warehouse in about 30 minutes can you keep him still for that long?" I was getting frustrated, could he do nothing right?

"He started bleeding again."

"Just leave him and come back up here."

Jason had come back up to the front, and I could see Marc rolling from side to side in the back. He was wining a little, probably in pain, good for him. We'll see how much pain I can put him through till he gives me all his money.

We finally pulled into the parking lot of the warehouse. Jason grabbed Marc from the back and dropped him on to the floor of the room, he wasn't breathing so well, we'll see how he is in the morning. I locked the door shutting Marc into the cold, dark and damp room.

Chapter 6—The Incriminating Truth—Max

Fly, fly little wing

Fly beyond imagining

The softest cloud, the whitest dove

Upon the wind of Heaven's love

Past the planets and the stars

Leave this lonely world of ours

Escape the sorrow and the pain

And fly again

 

Fly, fly precious one

Your endless journey has begun

Take your gentle happiness

Far too beautiful for this

Cross over to the other shore

There is peace forever more

But hold this memory bittersweet

Until we meet

 

Fly, fly do not fear

Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear

Your heart is pure, your soul is free,

Be on your way, don't wait for me

Above the universe you'll climb

On beyond the hands of time

The moon will rise, the sun will set

But I won't forget

 

Fly, fly little wing

Fly where only angels sing

Fly away, the time is right

Go now, find the light

 

I pulled up to his car I could see blood on the ground. I looked in his car it was covered with blood. I threw up and as soon as I pulled myself together I heard the sirens coming to where I told the detective I found the car. This couldn't be good. Could someone loose that much blood and still be alive? I was still sick to my stomach so I walked towards my car and just sat down with my head between my knees, the world was spinning. What was I going to do? He was my best friend; I've known his family since I was little. Detective Ward was walking towards me, I doubted what he was going to say was going to be good. I braced myself.

"This looks like previous scenes. I'm not going to lie to you there is a good chance that Marc is already dead. But there is no body yet so jumping to conclusions would be a bad idea." Jumping to conclusions you just told me that basically my best friend is dead. I felt it again as I threw up near the detective's feet he placed a hand on my back. "I'm sorry." He walked away; as he did I decided I needed to go to the gym.

I was at the gym most people would not see this as the best place to be if your friend might be dead but I was about to kill someone myself. I walked over to the punching bag, I didn't even bother changing my clothes, I didn't care. I started to punch it, my fists started to hurt, I didn't care. I noticed that my hand were turning red, I didn't care! They started to bleed, I DIDN'T CARE!! As I placed one more hard punch into the bag I heard my hand crack, I had broken my hand. I stopped and decided to go and talk to the guys. I grabbed an ice pack on my way out of the gym and wrapped my hand. I was on my way to Mario's I had called the team including the coach to meet me there. I'm pretty sure by the way I was crying they could tell something was wrong.

I got to Mario's I rang the doorbell, Sid answered. "Hey man, what's going on the whole team is here? And what the hell did you do to your hand?"

"It doesn't matter I have to talk to the team NOW!" I didn't care what I looked or more than likely smelled like, my life had just basically been stopped this morning.

Mario stopped me before I could go into the kitchen to talk to the team. "What's going on?"

"I just" I started to cry "last night Marc…" I couldn't keep going.

"Come into my den; if you can't tell me, there is no way you're going to be able to tell the team." I reluctantly walked with him into his den. "Let me see your hand. It's broken you should really be at the E.R."

"I promise I will go after I talk to the team." I started to walk back towards the door, he grabbed my shoulder.

"Maybe it would be better if you tell me then I can tell the team."

"Marc might be dead."

"What? I was not expecting that. What happened?" Tears were starting to form into his eyes.

"You know that he and Veronique split up." He nodded. "Well last night he decided he was going to get out of the area for a few weeks, so he decided to take a trip to Alaska, and he was on his way to the airport and I had called him. But, he didn't answer that call. Then no more than 10 minutes later he called me all frantic that someone was following him. I convinced him to turn around and come home. He was in the process of doing that and then the last thing I heard him say was 'oh shit' and the phone went dead. So I called the cops and found out that Veronique was a con artist up in Canada and had taken 7 other guys for all their money and then killed them. So the cops tried to search for his car by using the GPS but she had disabled it. So I decided to get in my car and I drove to find his car and I found it. Andtherewassomuchbloodhecouldn'tbealiveHJUSTCOULDN'T!!" I burst out into a fit of tears I was bawling my eyes out. Mario looked like he was about to puke, cry and kill someone all at the same time.

"The team needs to know this." He led me over to his couch in his den. "Lay down I'll see if I can get the team doctor to make a house call no one is going to want to go anywhere."

I was lying down in the den. I heard Mario start to tell the team what happened. I then heard some sobbing and some screaming. This was a horrible situation, people died everyday from car accident's health problems, but something like this, no one could have ever seen it coming.

Chapter 5—What has happened—Max

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride

 

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

If today was your last day

 

This Chapter is from Max's perspective.

I called the cops, they had asked me where he was and all I knew was that he had turned off some exit before the airport.

"Is it ok if we use the GPS chip in his car to find it?" Why did the officer ask, wasn't it obvious, of course.

"Anything that will help find him." I responded it was a natural response, he was my best friend.

"Would there be any reason he would want to fake a kidnapping or death?" I was shocked at this.

"I don't believe so he had friends and family that love him. His girlfriend had been using him and they broke up two days ago but I don't think that would lead him to do anything stupid."

"Well we have to consider all possibilities. What was his girlfriend's name?"

"Veronique Cartier"

"Ah, I just want to keep that in mind." I was concerned when the look on his face had almost an 'oh shit' look to it.

"Is there anything I need to be worried about? I saw the look on your face when I said that name, that can't mean good things."

"Well, it's just, that name it sounds really familiar to me. I'll tell you what how about when I go back to the station I'll see if I can figure out why. Either way I'll call you good or bad."

"Thank you. Please keep me updated I'm just going to stay here until I hear more."

The police had left; I was pacing around the kitchen I didn't know what to think. I had fed his pets and I almost wanted to go look for myself. I was guessing that maybe at this point they had found his car, but I still hadn't heard from the cops. I couldn't take it anymore, so I got into my car and drove. I went towards the airport and just started taking exits and driving roads that I had never seen before. I started to cry, this was my best friend if anything had happened to him I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. I was supposed to stay sober; I knew he wasn't in any shape to be alone. I was such an idiot, and if he was faking this God help him. But, in my heart I knew he wasn't faking this that just wasn't him he cracked up telling a joke before he even got to the punch line. All of a sudden my phone started going off *Fuck the caps I won the cup motherfucker…Fuck the wings I won the cup motherfucker* "Hello"

"Hi Max this is Detective Ward from the Pittsburgh police, remember when I said I had seen that name before, Veronique Cartier. I had we had gotten a flyer in about a month ago from Québec police. Veronique Cartier, also known as Sasha Jones, Ingrid Person and Renée Pierce is a con artist and murderer. She has taken more than 7 men for their money and then killed them."

I was in shock; I knew she was a bitch but a murderer. This was just crazy. "Do you think she took him? Did you find his car? Did you find him?"

"Max I'm sorry we haven't found anything yet she's clever she knew how to remove the GPS chip from his car and disable it. But we are still working on finding it."

"I'm out driving around now if I find I will let you guys know as well."

"I would really advise against doing that I really don't want you stumbling on something that would upset you."

"He's my best friend, isn't it also true that the more time that passes by the harder it is to find them *gulp* alive"

"That is true but I still think it would be best to let my police work on it. But I really can't stop you from looking."

"All I'm doing is taking exit's near the airport because I knew he wasn't that far off from it." I started shaking I saw a car in an alley that was halfway out and stuck there as if someone had run someone off the road. "I think I may have found his car"

Chapter 4—Getting Away

I wish that I could fly

Into the sky

So very high

Just like a dragonfly

 

I'd fly above the trees

Over the seas in all degrees

To anywhere I please

 

Oh I want to get away

I wanna fly away

Yeah yeah yeah

Oh I want to get away

I wanna fly away

Yeah yeah yeah

 

"Hello Airtran I'm looking to get away tonight what do you have leaving within the next couple hours?" I wanted to get away before Max woke up. I knew that he would probably try and convince me not to go, but I had to.

"Well sir, we have a flight leaving at 2 AM for Alaska…"

Before she could even finish her sentence I answered. "I'll take it!" I continued to give her my credit card information. It was currently 11:30 I wanted to get packed in a half hour and leave by midnight. I just threw together a few of the things I needed and really wanted. Anything else I could buy when I got there. I sighed heavily Lilly was sitting on my bed looking at me; she knew I was leaving; I couldn't possibly take her with me. I wrote a note for Max, asking him to take care of Bouli and Lilly, and that I just needed time to clear my head. I finally had everything done; I set the note on the coffee table by the passed out Max. Lilly started barking I quieted her by giving her a chewie. She seemed satisfied so I went out to my car started it up and left.

I was on the way to the airport, my cell started ringing. Max, shit he woke up, I decided it would be better not to answer and I would just call him when I got to Alaska. I had been driving now for 10 minutes, there was a car following me every since I pulled out of my driveway. I started getting paranoid, I mean I was on a four lane highway and they were riding my ass. I decided to take a turn off the road, if I missed my plane I'd just get another one, it's not like I really wanted to go to Alaska anyway. So I get off the exit and they get off the exit. So I get a little more paranoid, but I figured maybe I was wrong. So I start taking side roads, back roads, making quick turns without turn signals they were STILL behind me. I at this point figured I had the right to be worried I was going between 60-80 miles per hour. I decided maybe I would call Max and tell him maybe he could talk me down. As I was calling him the car had disappeared.

I was relieved he answered. "What the hell were you thinking leaving, where the hell are you going? Why the hell didn't you just stay or better yet we could've both went?" He paused for a second.

"I know, I'm sorry but now is not the time. I was on my way to the airport and this car started following me and so I took an early exit and they kept following me and I took side roads and I went fast and made turns without turn signals and they were still following me." I took a breath after I said all of that.

"Where are they now did you call the cops?"

"No they disappeared. But I'm still worried." I was still looking around to see if they were waiting.

"Dude just turn around and come the hell home. I'll stay on the phone with you until you get here"

"Alright, maybe we can both go somewhere. Oh shit…"

"Hello…Hello…Marc are you there? What's going on? I'm calling the cops."

 

Chapter 3—And the TV said…

'Cause i'm leavin on a jet plane

Don't know if i'll be back again

 

 

I was kind of intrigued that Max wouldn't unglue his eyes from the TV. So I decided heck I'll see what they are talking about.

"…in other news today Alex Ovechkin will be heading back to Russia to play in the Russian Superleague. He hasn't released an official reason, but sources say that the NHL may have banned him for his dirty play."

"Look at that Flower, things are already looking better. You know you hate him as much as I do." I thought about it for a second, maybe things were looking up for me.

"Maybe today won't be as bad as I thought it was gonna be, and who knows maybe life in Russia will be horrible for Ovechkin. At least Geno and Sid won't have to deal with him anymore."

"Now all we need to do is put Brodeur in the zoo and all life will be good."

"Man that's so harsh." I moved my hand and I winced at the movement.

"What the hell did you do?" He motioned towards the fresh hole in the wall and I nodded. "That sucks. Do you think it is broke?"

"I don't think so; I can still move it and all. Let's just go I want some food. Maybe, some alcohol there and then after I feel like making today a waste of life."

"Glad I volunteered to drive. Thanks!"

"Hey, how many times have I driven your drunken ass around? Anyway after lunch we can grab some stuff from the Wine & Spirits store and come back here and both get drunk." I thought for a second tapping my chin. "A bonfire sounds really good tonight don't you think so?"

"We'll see. We'll see, let's just go."

We got in his car and took off towards the Olive Garden in Green Tree. When we got there who was there but Sid, Geno, Gronk, Gods, Billy G and Rupp. I looked at Max and he pushed me towards the table.

"Hey man heard what happened last night I'm sorry." Sid was the first one to speak. He's a good guy but I was not in the mood to talk. So I nodded politely to him as to thank him for his concern, all I wanted at this moment was a nice trip away from reality and having all these guys around me was the farthest thing from that.

The waitress was at our table. "I'll have a double vodka and a water…no make that a double vodka and a glass of wine….house cabernet sounds good"

"No problem and for the rest of yinz?" She asked politely I was pretty sure at this point she thought I was an alcoholic but I really didn't care. All the other guys ordered. Geno joined me with a shot of vodka; the rest of them got water. They were all staring at me, I'm pretty sure they were worried I'm surprised I didn't get any comments about my hand yet. I knew it was only a matter of time though I wanted out of here, but since that wasn't going to happen I was going to try my damndest to forget it. We ate lunch together; I was going between the vodka and wine, I think in total I had 3 doubles of vodka and 4 no 5 glasses of wine. Needless to say I was feeling pretty damn good. I walked out running into the door and apologizing to it, I think.

Max and I got to the hardware store I was sitting in the passenger side singing 'I'm a little teapot'. Max went in for me he suggested it'd be better if I stayed in the car. He came back I had switched his radio to KISS and was now singing Lady Gaga at the top of my lungs.

"Hey man are you sure you still want to stop at the Wine & Spirits?" He asked hesitantly I could tell he was worried about me.

"Don't you wanna get drunk tonight too?" I was slurring each word together as I spoke them.

"I'm thinking maybe I need to watch over you." This statement threw me off guard. Was I really that bad?

"I'm fine. Aren't you my best friend, why don't you want to get drunk with me?"

"I would but not through emotional drinking it's not healthy for you. Why don't we go back to your place and just chill and watch some TV." I did still have a fully stocked wine cabinet so I figured I would 'sober up' and get him to drink with me eventually.

As we were on the way back to my house I had a lot to think about. I was slowly starting to get over her, and that felt good, but there was something else bothering me. We finally got back to my house. I was working on 'sobering up' the entire trip back. I got out of the car and the ground came up really fast. Max was then pulling me up off the ground. Good job I did at sobering up huh? We went in, Max set me on the couch, Lilly immediately started to lick my hand and face which was now scraped up. Max brought in an ice pack and put it on my face.

"Hey man I'm sorry you know I'm not normally like this. I don't know what got into me." I said to max then placed the ice pack on my face, it felt good.

"Hey you've been there for me. I can't say I blame you either" At this my response was a grunt. "Alright why don't you take a nap? I'm gonna grab a beer and fix this hole in your wall."

"Help yourself. Don't let me sleep too long I still want to have that bonfire." Then the next sight was the back of my eyelids. I woke up and it was 8 at night, I went to the back door and Max was making a bonfire circle. I looked at the recycle bin there had to be at least 8 beer bottles in there and at least another 3 in my yard empty. At this point I was pretty sober, with a massive headache to go with it. I was thinking that max was probably a little toasted. I walked out into the yard as I was walking out the door Lilly rushed through my feet and beat me out. Bouli was just sitting on the window seal probably thinking 'You were the one who got a dog' I could see it in her eyes.

"HEY I started on the bonfire!!!!! Now what are you planning on burning?" He was toasted. Very toasted, and he had another fresh 6-pack sitting at his side ready to be drank.

"All her clothes and pictures." I walked in heading straight upstairs. I went to the balcony that overlooked the yard and just started heaving stuff outside. Max started to put it in the fire pit and throwing lighter fluid on it. When it was all finally down there I came down and he handed me a match. I lit it and threw it on all her shit. This made me just want to cry more, I held it back. When the fire finally died down Max and I both headed in the house. He was well toasted at this point and he passed out on the couch.

I walked upstairs, today had been extremely draining. I needed something else, something new, it was July I had time before the regular season started back up.

"Hello Airtran…."

 

Chapter 2—The day after

I Want You To Need Me--Celine Dion

I want to be the face you see when you close your eyes
I want to be the touch you need every single night
I want to be your fantasy
And be your reality
And everything between

I want you to need me
Like the air you breathe
I want you to feel me
In everything
I want you to see me
In your every dream
The way that I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you
I want you to need me
Like I need you

I want to be the eyes that look deep into your soul
I want to be the world to you
I just want it all
I want to be your deepest kiss
The answer to your every wish
And all you ever need

I want you to need me
Like the air you breathe
I want you to feel me
In everything
I want you to see me
In your every dream
The way that I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you
I want you to need me
(Need me)
'Cause I need you

More than you could know
And I need you
To never never let me go
And I need, to be deep inside your heart
I just want to be everywhere you are

I want to be the face you see when you close your eyes
(Baby, huh)
I want to be the touch you need every single night
I want to be your fantasy
And be your reality
And everything between

I want you to need me
Like the air you breathe
I want you to feel me
In everything
I want you to see me
In your every dream
'Cause baby I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you

I want you to need me
(Yea)
Like the air you breathe
I want you to feel me
In your everything
I want you to see me
In your every dream
'Cause baby I taste you, feel you, breathe you, need you

I want you to need me
(Need me)
Like I need you
(Need me)
Like I need you
(Need me)
Like I need you
________________________________________________
I woke up the next morning, or at least I thought it was morning it was light out, with a smashing headache and a sore hand. I went to go and get some food. Cereal looked good this morning and thanks to Talbot giving me a never ending supply of City of Champions I never am out of it. As I poured myself a bowl my cat jumped up on the counter and was purring and looking at me, she knew that I was sad.

“Hey precious Daddy doesn’t want to play right now,” as I said this the dog started tugging at my leg. “Lilly I really don’t feel like playing right now.” I plopped down in the chair and started to eat my cereal the cat and dog joined. “I guess I should feed you two huh?” I got them food and water then they left me alone. Finally, a moment to think, that’s when all the thoughts of last night came rushing back and I just started to cry again. Well there went my appetite, as I was pouring the cereal and milk down the garbage disposal my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey man it’s Max, what’s wrong?”

“You were right about Veronique. She only wanted money.” I could feel the tears building up again.

“Hey do you want me to come over have a few glasses of wine? Hang by the pool?” What time was it I wondered because looking at a clock when I first got up would’ve made too much sense. Noon, already, wow I must’ve been well passed out last night.

“Sure sounds like a good plan. Can you pick up some drywall on your way over?”

“Really? Maybe you want something stronger than wine?” That could be good.

“Can you grab some Vodka? And maybe some food too, or how about you pick me up and we’ll go get some food I could really use the company.” Maybe my appetite would come back by the time he got here.

“What about the mass amount of cereal I gave you?”

“Not really feeling it. I really want something fatty.”

“Ok, as long you don’t become Fatty Mcfatty like Brodeur”

“Hey what did he ever do to you man?”

“He was an asshole to you. But none the less I’m heading over. Olive Garden sound good?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

I went upstairs to take a shower; apparently I had yet to notice the blood that was on my hand. Thankfully it wasn’t broken, Bylsma would not be happy with that. As I was in the shower the hot water helped me to relax. I stood there thinking of all the ways to forget her, trying to think of everything she had done wrong. How could I not have noticed before, I’m such a fool, I slammed both fists against the shower wall. That was a stupid move, now my hand that I punched the wall with was throbbing even more than before, and now the other one hurt. As I was letting the water run down I heard Lilly start barking her head off, was Max already here? I looked at my watch I had been in the shower for a half hour. I finished washing the conditioner out of my hair, grabbed a towel and stepped out of the shower.

“Hey I let myself in with the key you keep under the gnome!” Why did I let him know about that?

“Ok just got out of the shower I’ll be ready in ten feel free to watch some TV.”

I went to go get dressed, I grabbed a tee shirt, I didn’t want anything hitting my hand. I also grabbed a pair of shorts, flip-flops would suffice for today. Not that I would ever have to worry about bad fashion around Max. I love him but he is probably now wearing rainbow brite plaid or horizontal stripes in the same colors.

I came down stairs and to my surprise Max had a fairly conservative outfit on grey and white plaid with jeans. “Hey man you ready to go grab some food?” He was glued to the TV like nothing else I didn’t know what was going on. “Hey come on let’s get some food!”

Chapter 1--Current Thoughts

La Dodo La Do--Celine Dion


La do do la do
Deux doigts sur un piano
Ce vieux piano a bon dos
Me suivre dans mes reves
Ce n'est pas de tout repos

Sur les touches noires
Je mets mon desespoir
Ou bien je gare
Mes problemes

C'est sur les touches blanches
Que je range
Mes (Je t'aime)


Alors ce piano-la
Ne sait plus ou il va
Il pleure ou bien il rit
Ou les deux a la fois
Il fait des tremolos
Il est juste il est faux

Il melange tout
Le pire et le meilleur
Il colle bout a bout
Mineur et puis majeur
Il cogne un peu trop fort
Et se trompe d'accord

La do do la do
Je joue pianissimo
En revant d'un inconnu
Qui pour la vie entiere
Me fera faire
Un pas de plus


Je n'ai que deux mains
Mais l'air que j'aime bien
Ne se joue qu'a quatre mains
Mais pourvu qu'il existe
Le pianiste
Que j'attends

Sinon ce piano-la
Ne sait plus ou il va
Il pleure ou bien il rit
Ou les deux a la fois
Il fait des tremolos
Il est juste il est faux

En attendant qu'il vienne
Cet air que je compose
Ne risque pas de faire
Trembler (La vie en rose)
Et pourtant je suis fiere
D'avoir fait sur son nom
Cette drole de chanson

Drole de chanson
Cette drole de chanson



Sad but true the better I get the more I blame myself for every stupid loss. But, there is something else bothering me. Lately Veronique seems to want finer things and money seems to be a huge thing to her. The team has seen it for awhile especially Max. I guess it's time to see for myself.

"Hey sweetie, I'm home" I walked in exhausted from practice.

"How was practice?" She replied from upstairs. Maybe the team could be wrong how someone who I loved so much could not love me.

"Long, I'm exhausted, the team decided to throw some goalie bowling into practice." I thought about Max jumping me at practice he was always the one to try and make me smile. I plopped down on the couch and turned on FSN.

I heard her come downstairs. I could tell she was wearing heels I could hear the clicking on the wooden stairs. She walked up behind me placing her hands on my shoulders. Nice! A shoulder rub I could really use that.

"Baby, I really want to go out tonight." Why she had to go out every night is beyond me. Maybe the team was right, I guess it is time for me to see if she really wants me only for my money.

"I really feel like a night at home relaxing and watching T.V."

"Come on there is nothing to eat here, and you know a steak always sounds good to you."

"I really want to start watching my money. The team was talking today about possible salary cuts because of the new arena."

"So are you going to look for a new team? I'm sure you can find one that will pay you just as much"

“I enjoy Pittsburgh too much to leave." I truly felt bad lying like this but I needed to know if it was me or my money she loved.
"But your cars and house and lifestyle."

"I can get by, I got by before."

"But what if I don't want to stay in Pittsburgh?" This was making me suspicious I didn't like the way this conversation was going.

"You've never complained before."

"Well you've always made so much..." She paused; I knew exactly what she was going to say.

"MONEY!!!!" I was reeling I could feel the burning in my eyes as tears started for form. "Is that all I'm good for!!! REALLY?!?! GET OUT!!! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!"

"That's not what I meant."

"SURE! I was the ONLY fool not to see it. I loved you! I did EVERYTHING for you! GET OUT!!!" She slammed the door and took off in the Miata I bought for her. I didn't care; I turned and punched a nice hole in the wall. I felt every emoting sweep over me like a tidal wave. I curled up on the floor and cried all night.