Excerpt: Heroes and Villains - Days in the Life

ONE OF THOSE DAYS - CAP AU DIABLO

The door creaked as Theo opened it. Need to get those contractors out here to fix the place up. A worn shingle hung over the door with a simple red cross on a white field. Weather had taken a toll on the wooden sign, warping the wood and fading the paint. Rust covered the chain, though nothing had rusted through. And have a word with the landlord. Place is about to fall down. He tested the Seven League Boots against the ground. Working fine, but not right now.

"Young man. A moment of your time." Brother Etienne stood at the edge of the garden gate, looking at Theo curiously. He wore a plain leather smock, belted like a tunic with various pouches hanging off it. A plain hood covered his head and a crude cloth mask was tied around his neck. Behind him a group of Luddites gathered, also looking curiously at the youth. A few of them nodded and smiled at each other, sharing some unspoken joke.

Great, if they start preaching to me, Larrah's going to be working some overtime. Theo looked at the gathering that parted as he exited the garden. "Yes?"
"My congregation and I have noticed you are a frequent visitor to Sister Larrah in the past couple of weeks." Etienne passed a critical eye over the youth. "Are you the one responsible for all the construction going on in the clinic?"
"Construction?"
"Yes yes. The construction. Hammering and banging at all hours. It's quite rude and disturbing." Behind him, Brother Etienne's congregation had raised their hands to cover laughes and grins.
Theo glanced at them and back to Brother Etienne. "Oh, the construction. Well, I have been very busy as Sister Larrah's direction," he replied, a broad grin on his face. "There's been a lot of work to be done in the bedroom."
"No matter the work, the noise is quite distracting. Just how long are you going to be working on this project?" Brother Etienne's voice rose in annoyance in response to the snickering behind him. He glanced back at the congregation who straightened and became very serious.
"There's no rush to get things done. I have to pay attention to her every detail. She can be quite demanding.
One of the aides laughed out loud, his face turned red with amusement. Brother Etienne whirled around, his face flushing red as well. "What is the matter with you Brother West?"
The young man gasped while trying to catch his breath. "This... is Sister... Larrah's boyfriend."
Brother Etienne stiffened and gave Theo a stern look, then turned back to the laughing Luddite. "And how do you know this? ."
Brother West shook his head, trying to be serious. And failing. "The waitress at Squirelly Joe's said that Sister Larrah had a male companion." He pointed to Theo. "She described him."
"Do not be foolish. Rumor and slander is all that you heard. Sister Larrah has lost none of her powers and thus, he could not be her boyfriend," Etienne retorted, pointing a finger at Theo. "I think you need to read more of Henri's text on the virtue's of truth and purity."
Theo cleared his throat. "Excuse me." The group of Luddites turned to pay attention. "Just for the record, I am Sister Larrah's boyfriend. And the banging you keep hearing is her bed against the wall." He smirked at the group. A few of the congregation nudged each other and nodded conspiracily.
"Young man. You need to learn that I do not take lightly to lying or being made fun of." Brother Etienne focused his anger on Theo. His hand twitched as it moved slightly towards the club on his belt.
Theo gestured, nocked the explosive arrow in the bow, drew it back, and leveled it at Brother Etienne. "Now, I don't like being called a liar. Much less by some dude in a leather gimp suit."
"Magic!" Brother Etienne hissed softly, carefully drawing breath as the arrow head was no more than a couple of inches from his forehead. "What sort of foulness have you brought to Sister Larrah's presence?"
"No foulness or corruption." Theo glanced at the congregation who had taken a step back and we warily looking at Theo and their leader. "You guys need to move out last century and into this one. The whole virgin purity thing is way over done. Now in order to keep the peace, I'm not going to put this arrow into your head. Leave Sister Larrah alone." Theo took a step back, as the bow and arrow disappeared.
Brother Etienne shot a look of venom at Theo and glanced back at his congregation. "This isn't over young man." His hand dropped to the belt and the butt of the club.
"I did not think it was,' Theo replied, pushing off the ground and hopping up on the nearby wall. "But remember my warning. Leave Sister Larrah alone or I'm going to show you the meaning of a really bad demonstration."
The Luddites began reaching for crossbows and clubs, egged on by Brother Etienne. They ran towards Theo, the amusement over the situation vanished after the threat to their leader.
Theo sprung forward, the Severn League Boot propelling him over the heads of his attackers. He landed on the roof of the nearby house and sprinted across the uneven surface. With small leaps and bounds, Theo covered a lot of ground and leaving his pursuers long behind. Morons. Who the hell do they think runs this place? They keep up this bullshit and I'll be more than happy to teach them a lesson on not crossing me. He landed just short of the Black Market and wandered into the crowd, blending in with ease.

LATER THAT EVENING - SHARKSHEAD

Theo picked up the crate of rum, the bottles clanking as they shifted inside the packaging. Any of those bottles break and I am going to take it out of the Russians hide. Paid a small fortune for this stuff and not going to let crappy ass packing ruin the profits. His fingerless gloves gripped the edges firmly and he stepped back into the Monkey. A round of cheers rose up from teh cage area and the whine of "monkeys" attack leant a pitched screeching edge to all the noise. Usual crowd of misfits and dregs this night.
A few new faces in the crowd, drinking beer and keeping to themselves. Theo looked around the main room again, searching for the regulars and what they were upto. Nothing unusual tonight. He began to store the bottles in the sealed crawl space under the bar. I should mark them for summoning and keep them as my place. Winter would have a fit though.
"Are you Theonious March?"
Theo looked up at the large man, bundled into a large dark grey wool overcoat. Behind him were two other men, dressed similarly. He glanced at their hands and frowned at the thick leather gloves. "Who wants to know?"
"My name is Lucien. Sister Larrah might have mentioned me." The tall man touched a vivid scar on jawline, an absent minded gesture.
Lucien.. Lucien... The conversation between himself, Larrah, and Raquel came to mind. Something connected to Legacy Chain. The lightbulb came on.
"She might have." Theo glanced around the empty bar and wondered how they had been missed. Waitstaff was either on the take or stupid. Or both.
"I am here to give you warning young man. She is a vile temptress and will lead you astray, down an infernal path to ruin." Lucien gestured towards a red band wrapped around his upper arm. "Even my own flesh and blood was unable to resist he wiles."
"You are a week too late with the warning." Theo began to stock glasses back into the shelf, keeping an eye on his visitors in the bar mirror. They are dressed as miners, trying to blend in and not get noticed. Bonus points for being subtle in a town that thrives on blatant explotation.
"It is not too late to turn from the path young man. Reject her wiles to save your body and soul. Foul magics flow for her presence and will inevitably corrupt you."
"I could hope," Theo said, smiling at his guests.
"Your soul is not a thing to be flippant about young man. Black magic is seductive thing and without eternal vigilance, you will be lost to the darkness," Lucien said, his voice rising in volume as the lecture continued.
"I don't think you quite understand the situation." Theo looked back at Lucien. "I've done a lot worse than having sex with Sister Larrah to endanger my soul. My suggestion is that you fuck off right here and right now."
"Do you know who we represent?"
"You are part of the Legacy Chain. That's why you are in plain clothing and keeping a low profile. If the Spiders knew you were here, they would all over you like white on rice."
"She is a devil and has already ensnared your heart with her wicked charms. I fear for your soul young Mr. March. Sister Larrah has you doing her foul bidding. Not to worry young man, we will endeavour to free you."
"Free me from what? Pleasant company? A great partner? Fun?" Theo turned back towards the cult leader. "Are you nuts? She's been the best thing since I came to this dump."
Lucien shook his head and looked at Theo sadly. "Your mind is surely clouded with her magic. We will leave for now, but we will be watching over you. Her magic will weaken in time and then we can free you.
"I. Do. Not. Need. To. Be. Freed," Theo said through clenched teeth. He pointed to the door. "Get out. Get out before I call the Spiders and then you have something real to worry about." What the hell is with today? Getting lectures evertime I turn around.
The trio turned to the door and made their way out with a quickness of step. Lucien stopped at the door and gave Theo another sad look before exiting into the night.
Theo watched them leave and glared at the closing door. Half tempted to call Arachnos anyways and see if they can do something about those idiots. Larrah's going to be die of laughter over this. Two lectures in one day. One of those days.

[[EDITING NOTES - BAR SHOULD BE CLOSED]]

*Chirp* *Chirp* The cellphone beeped out insistantly. Who the hell?
"Marcus. What the hell?" Theo glanced at the caller ID.
"Got a shipment in. The Russians are moving more vodka and cutting a deal."
"Where the hell are they getting all that booze? The motherland having a potato surplus? The demand of Screwdrivers isn't that big. Maybe if they are moving rum or schanpps."
"They say it's Stoly's. Flavored."
Theo sighed and rubbed his temples. "What do they want?"
"You know those surplus Longbow geaer we have? They want flamethrowers, rifles, jet packs, and uniforms. The whole bloody kit."
"Any idea on who they are going to hit?"
"Not a clue, but if they are moving the good stuff, then we are getting a steal."
"Fine." Theo glances at his watch. "They want to move the stuff now." It was more of a statement than a question.
"Yeah. I've already got the crew packing everything up. We should be ready in an hour."
"You know me too well MArcus. What's the drop site?"
"Wheel of Fortune in Saint Martial."
"Okay, we are putting a late charge on the delivery and transport. Plus general annoyance fee on the fact that I have have someone waiting for me at home."
"Yeah... about the doc." Marcus paused. "Glad you have a girl and all, but really? Her? Why not that Jordan chick or Raquel? You know, the one in the hot leather outfit."
"My personal life is not up for debate Marcus. Anyone has an issue with it can go find another line of work."
"She just gives some of the guys the heebie jeebies. Like she can see them even though she's blind."
"Larrah can see them, some sort of spell. And like I said, if they do not like it, there's the door, do not let it hit them in the ass on the way out."
"Fine fine. I'll keep the masses quiet. But seriously, did not see that coming."
"You all will be happy that we have someone that will cover our medical. See you and crew in an hour on the Saint Martial dock."
"Done."
Theo shut off the call and sighed. Another night postponed. He began to punch in another number. Larrah's going to be annoyed

TWO HOURS LATER - SAINT MARTIAL

"Mister Theo. My good and dear friend!" The large russian threw his arms wide open, his fur coat dwarfing his frame. In one hand, he waved a half full bottle of vodka, the alcohol sloshing around.
Sterotype much? "Lenya. It is good to see you my friend."
Lenya wrapped Theo in a hug. "Good that you are able to see us on short notice."
Theo winced at the hug and smell of vodka. Really needs to stop drinking all the fucking time. "Business waits for no man." He disengaged himself from the other man's grip. Packing a couple of pistols.
A small group of young thugs loitered near the lorry, dressed in jeans, tee shirts, and sneakers. They shared a pack of American cigarettes, puffing through them like a steam train. A few had pistols tucked into their belts. Watching way too much American TV.
"New crew Lenya?"
"Just a few young men that are newly arrived. They need experience and are willing to learn the trade. It is the American way to get ahead and earn lots of dough." His accent has thickened the more he talked and the gestures grew wider. "My cousins son and friends. They are good boys."
"I am sure they are. What about the shipment?"
"It is good stuff. The best that Mother Russia offers," Lenya slurred, gesturing towards the lorry. "Ten cases of the best Vodka in the world."
"And you want that Longbow gear? A dangerous trade Lenya." The young punks glanced at Theo and to the gang boss, shooting looks of question and concern. A few of them moved their hands towards the weapons, but stayed them after a sharp glare from Lenya.
"No need to worry friend Theo. We are merely stockpiling supplies to trade back to the Motherland and to ensure our own safety. These are dangerous times, no?"
"Very dangerous times. Everyone is on the edge and all it would take is a spark to set off another gang war. And the Spiders are not very forgiving right now."
Lenya looked around nervously and leaned in closer to Theo, putting an arm around his neck. "We not make trouble for you friend Theo," he said conspirutally. "Just need to protect ourselves from rivals."
"That's fine Lenya, but if anyone asks, I will say you jacked the shipment. And that will be the end of our little arrangement."
The big russian looked hurt. "But we would never do such thing to friend Theo." He gesculated with the vodka bottle. "We profit. You profit. Life is good."
"Fine. I have your word?" Not that it means shit and you are going to take a swing at someone, better make sure it counts you drunk lout.
"Da. Da. Word is honor." Lenya looked around. "Where is shipment?"
"Waiting for my signal. Once I confirm you have the goods, my boys will bring in the gear."
"Friend Theo is a wise man," he said, slurring even more. Lenya gentured towards the toughs and then the lorry. "Bring out cases of vodka. We show them the best the motherland has to offer."
"But Uncle Lenya, where is the truck with weapons?" asked a well shaven gangster. He was dressed much like Lenya, though his jacket was well tailored and better fitting. His eyes darted about and took in everything, unhindered by alcohol or drugs.
"Friend Theo is big man on Isles. Good business partner. He is man of honor," Lenya lectured the younger man. "Go and have your friends unload the truck, Senya. Watch and learn."
"Da. Uncle." Senya nodded to the other youths and said something in Russian. The group moved to the truck and pulled back the tarp. Stacked neatly in the sides were crates with cryllic markings.
"Ten cases of the best Stolichnaya. It is straight from the Motherland and never find a better bargain."
"I sure it is." Theo walked up to the first crate as it was put down on the street. Prying open a slat, he reached down and grabbed the first bottle. Looks good so far. With a gesture and a word, the vodka glowed blue and then green.
Around him the toughs took a step back, muttering something in Russian. Senya fired off a cnocerned glance to his "Uncle", who shook his head. The young man relaxed but kept an eye on Theo as he inspected each crate.
"It is good Da?"
"Perfect. I think we have a deal," Theo said, pulling out his cell phone and punching in a code. From down the wharf, a truck turned over and began a slow crawl down the narrow lane. Theo reached over and pulled the chain next to the warehouse door, which slowly rattled upwards. Three overall covered dockworkers stepped out into the light.
Lenya glanced at the newcomers with little surprise. "You have good crew friend Theo."
"Good help is hard to find. Pay them well and treat them well."
"Da. Da. The truck have the goods?"
"No, the gear is inside the warehouse. My crew will bring it out shortly." Theo nodded to the workers who went back inside. The truck stopped and Marcus emerged from the cab.
"We good?"
"We are good Marcus, once Lenya has okayed the shipment, load up the vodka and make the deliveries. Did you get Ed?"
"No, that dude Hank got really mad when I asked him about Ed. One of the Lords was there and volunteered to help."
"Which Lord?" Anything connected to Nyx's group made him nervous.
"Some guy in a bug suit. Said he owed you for the drinks."
Littebugman. Okay, could be worse. "That's fine." Theo turned back to Lenya who was busy opening the first carton.
"Da. This good friend Theo. You have more?"
"Yes, but only one outfit of every two crates of vodka. A good deal."
"But friend Theo, that is not a fair trade. The vodka will fetch a good price. At least two outfits for each crate."
"That is a restricted item. I will give you seven outfits for all ten crates."
"Nyet. Nyet. Fifteen outfits for all ten crates. Still a bargain. And you can always collect more for a later sale Da?"
"I will give you one outfit for each crate and throw in the ammo for the weapons as a bonus."
"How much ammo?" Lenya's eyes gleamed with a drunken feavor, sensing the closing of a deal.
"Enough to outfit them three times over," Theo replied.
The big Russian thought a minute and then nodded. "A good deal with friend Theo."
Theo extended his hand and the tow smugglers shook. "Always a pleasure. And I have no idea where you got those weapons."
"Da. Da. Senya, load the vodka into Theo's truck."
"But Uncle, that is not a fair trade." The younger Russian looked back at the other group of toughs and scowled at Theo. "We can get more on the market for this."
Lenya whirled around. "Do you think me a fool?" he snarled. "This is good trade and will stand the elder's review. I bring you here as favor. To learn business. Not to be second guessed by some child." The drunken smuggler gestured towards the truck. "Load now and maybe I forget this lapse of judgment."
Theo glanced over at Marcus and shook his head. "Load thier truck and double time. I want to get the hell out of here." His second in command nodded and wave at the dockworkers. Inside a minute both trucks were loaded and Marcus was racing down the wharf at full speed.
"Ah friend Theo, please pardon the young ones. They suffer from youth."
Not the only one. Wonder if I should start a betting pool on if the Russians kill each other first or go after one of the other Families. Theo stared at the other smuggler. "No offense taken. Have a good evening Lenya and give me a call if you have any more vodka. Or better yet, any rum." I wonder if they are going to hit the Marcones or the Crimes first? Either way, they are likely to get stomped into the ground, even with the Longbow gear."
"Theo is good friend." Again the big Russian bear hugged him. "You be safe."
"You as well Lenya."

The cell phone flashed four a.m. Theo rubbed his neck and glared at the receding line of trucks. God damn Russians. Always have to make a show out of the whole thing. At least they were not lying about the Vodka. It was the good stuff and that would move nicely. Half to the Monkey, half to a few other bars that would pay out of the ass for it. He smiled at the profit and began to walk down the street.
In the distance, the Giza rose like a guady gold plate pyrmid, surrounded by flashing lights, music, and spotlights. People jostled and bumped along the crowded steet. Tourists, locals, assorted scum. Drawn like moths to the lure of the easy score. Cash. Sex. Drugs. Saint Martial was the top of the heap. A shining cherry on a shit sundae trying to fool you into taking a bite. Always someone that was willing to take that bite and swallow. You were that sort of fool. The voice in the back of his poked at this memories. Not any more. Got bigger fish to fry than just the next lay or hit or score. Winter was planning something big and there was no time for other distractions.
"Theo." The twin voices sang out in a haunted tone.
Oh shit. He glanced around. The terrain had changed from the casinos and glitz to a much darker environments. Trees and small waterways spread out in front of him and the top of a large tent poked over the woods.
"Hi..."
"....Theo."
"Hello ladies." Theo turned around towards the voices. A pair of young ladies leaned against a light pole, garder adorned legs casually crossed.
"Nice to...
"...to see you..."
"...Theo," they said, their voices in a low sultry tone. They both took a step forward, their arms entwined, gloved hands grasping in a tight bond.
"Andrinea. Phon." Theo nodded to the Ring Mistresses. Shit, the Wyrd Sisters.
"We have...
"...missed you."
"I have had business to keep me busy. Work never stops." He glanced around, barely shifting his eyes off the twins.
"All work and no play...
".. makes Theo a dull boy." Both of their heads cocked to the side and they took another step forwards.
"Not that dull, just busy."
"Someone has been spreading...
"...rumors that you have..."
"...a new girl. Theo." His spine shivered at the words.
He shrugged. "Maybe so."
"You do not need..."
"...any one but us." The twins stopped and
"Times change. We were never an exclusive thing."
"But we..."
"...love you."
"Theo."
Loved that I played their games and survived. "I am sure you can find another partner."
"You were unique..."
"and fun..."
"..and unbreakable." The tone hitched up a notch and they took another step forward. "Come back with us. Theo. We need you."
"Sorry ladies, I am no longer available." Theo activated the Seven League Boots and sprang backwards, flipping and twisting in mid air to land on the porch roof. Below him the Wyrd Sisters ran across the cobbled stones in their high heels. How the hell can they move like that?
"Thhhhheeeeoooo...." They sang out and leapt over the fence and looked up at him. They still clasped hands together.
"Shit." He sprang away, bounding upwards from ledge to ledge, moving towards the rooftops. From below, Theo could hear a shout and then hissing of energy. Pushing off the window sill, he felt the impact of the energy rings on the concrete wall and the spray of chips. His landing was less than perfect and he rolled to a stop against the metal air conditioner housing. Move it Theo, or those two girls are going to have you strung up like a side of beef. Again.
Jumping to his feet, Theo ran like the wind towards the edge of the building and pushed off into the air. Three bounds later, he paused and looked back. No flashes of color or rings of energy betrayed him being followed. They are bound to be waiting in ambush somewhere. He glanced at the Giza that rose out in the distance. Get to the transporters and to safety. Theo began to jump across the rooftops, making his way towards the glittering gold monstrosity that dominated Saint Martial.
Ten minutes later, Theo dropped from the warehouse roof, his boots barely making a sound on landing. He crouched down behind the crates for a moment and glanced about. The fort lay silent with only the bare silhouettes of a few stray guards walking the upper ramparts. No cars or trucks moved in the early morning hours of Saint Martial but in the distant the flickering lights of the casinos illuminated the night and sound of merry shouts echoed across the bay.

“Theeeoooo…” Twins rings of energy sliced into the crates, sending splinters of wood flying. Even with his goggles, Theo flinched and closed his eyes while rolling to the side. “Play with us. Theeeooo.” The Wyrd Sisters stood on the rooftop, the porcelain masks reflecting the pale light from the single blub over the warehouse door. “We need you. Theeeeooo.”

“No way.” He gestured and the twin 45s popped into his hands, the heavy weight giving him reassurance and comfort. The Ring Mistresses dived to the side, as the guns barked harshly in the near silence. Dammit. That will alert those Arachnos goons if nothing else. Theo tracked his targets separately until the dropped out of site over the edge of the warehouse.

“That was very…” Sister one sang out.

“…naughty of you.” Sister two added.

“We only want…”

"…to play with you.”

“Not interested.” Theo looked over at the Arachnos Outpost which was showing more activity. They will come looking soon enough. ”I am not your play toy.”

From the shadows came a dual hiss as the Wyrd Sisters stepped out into the warehouse light.

“If we can not have you…”

“…than no one can have you.”

Theo fired at the bulb, shattering it and sending sparks flying. The sisters somersaulted forward. There was a crunch of breaking glass and a cloud of green gas billowed up to envelope the Ring Mistresses. The sounds of coughing and retching filled the air from somewhere inside the opaque cloud.

“Good bye ladies.” Theo kicked off the ground, bounded across the road, down the hillside, and across the walkway. He passed under the sign “Rogue Isle Ferry Service” without a glance, sprinting to get away from his pursuers. Lucky, lucky that they didn’t see the gas trap. Should be just enough time to get to the next ferry.

From behind him came the twin voices. “Theeeooo. We will be waiting for you. Theeeeooo.”

Dawn was breaking over the Vagabound Hills as the ferry chugged into Cap Au Diablo docks. Theo leaned on the railing as the passengers surged forward as the gates dropped. His black leather jacket ruffled in the breeze. What a night. Time to get some sleep. He wandered out following the crowd into the marketplace, ignoring the early morning hawkers and merchants. A few minutes later he pushed open the gate to the small garden and wove his way to the door. The key clicked in the lock and he eased open the door to keep the sound to a minimum. After sliding the bolt into place and relocking the door, Theo made his way upstairs to the small apartment. Grimalkin padded out of the bedroom and stared at him while he stripped off his jacket, boots, shirt, and pants. The socks came off as an afterthought. Grimalkin sniffed at the discarded socks and turned up a nose. She padded over to the pants, stopped in the middle, kneaded the clothing, and then settled in. Her eyes never left Theo, as if daring him to say or do something about it. He shrugged and entered the small bedroom.

“You are very late,” mumbled Larrah as he slipped into the bed with her.

“A long, long day,” he whispered back, kissing her neck while curling up to her back.. “I will make it up to you tonight.”

“You better.” She rolled over and placed a warm, wet kiss on his chest. “Cold beds are no fun.”

Theo smiled and wrapped his arms around her. “Agreed.” He gave her another kiss on the head and closed his eyes for a well deserved rest.