Red Construction Paper



         The blindfold was removed from my eyes, and I found myself in what appeared to be an empty room. The once white walls were smothered with mildew, and many of the stained ceiling tiles had already collapsed to the cement ground from absorbing too much moisture.



         My hands and wrists were bound tightly with zip-ties behind my back. It was impossible to pull them apart. I strained against the zip-ties, but to no avail. My ankles, too, had been bound to the legs of my chair. A filthy rag had already been shoved into my mouth and was tied around the back of my head in a painfully tight knot. I had been stripped of all clothing, save for my boxers and undershirt.



In front of me, taped to the decrepit wall, was a sheet of red construction paper.



“ Try to speak, and you are a dead man. Yes... stare at that little piece of red construction paper.” Said a menacing and very deep voice from behind me, “ If your eyes leave that paper – and I will know if you do – if even just for an instant, you are a dead man. I dare you to move. Even the slightest. Do it, and you are a dead man. Do you understand me? Yes? No? Maybe? Hmm? Look at me when I am talking to you, you bastard, you beast!”



My eyes remained glued to that damned piece of paper.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You are shaking. Are you afraid? Why? I see that badge next to your clothing over there. You are a dedicated member of the ever-so-diligent Federal Bureau of Investigation. The way I see it, if you have the courage to attempt a sting on our little... hmm, shall we say, get-together of like-minded individuals, then you certainly have the courage to accept our rather strict policy against peeping Toms.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I remained silent. All I could think about was wanting to go home! Oh, God! Help me! Somebody... please, help me...

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Are those tears?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He asked, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You sorry, worthless piece of pathetic shit. Do you know what I am going to do to someone like you? Would you like to find out?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">My heart skipped a beat.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You saw too much, I am afraid. You should never have peeked through that one window. Now you know a little about us... which might as well be everything.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He said lowly, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ The breadth of Mecephyrus the Thrice Damned is broad indeed. He is my god <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– and will soon be yours. My god has requested me to send an invitation to someone like you. But, as it seems, the only way to accept <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– or refuse <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– the offer of allegiance with Mecephyrus is through death, you see. You should be honored to have an invitation offered to you <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– especially by me.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">He paused, placing one hand onto my right shoulder. His touch was as cold as the grave.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I am known as the Confessor. I am an advocate, a prophet, a messenger, yes, and you are a dog, a bastard, a beast... you may keep sobbing, but it will not help you. You are going to die soon enough.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">No! Oh, God! No! My mind was in a furious, swirling frenzy. I didn't want to die. I didn't want to die! Okay... okay... panicking won't do me any good. Just calm down and think. Think. Think!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">            <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I shall give you two choices, however. Oh, yes, I shall give you the choice of how slowly <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– or quickly <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– your death will be. Consider this choice a luxury.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I wanted so badly to break free from this damned chair!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">            <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Let us begin, shall we?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">A steady stream of lukewarm water began to trickle onto my left leg. In no time, it was soaked through and through.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I took the liberty of removing your badge, your coat, your tie, your khakis, and that fancy long-sleeved shirt underneath, so they would not get wet. You can keep your glasses. I do not need them. Hmm, it is the little things I do for people that count.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor chuckled to himself, then proceeded, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ There is a water-heater just above your head... oh? Hold on, now.<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I suddenly felt the man's foot kick into the base of the chair, causing it to slide forwards a little. He kicked the chair again and again, until the steady dripping of water fell straightly onto the top of my head. Lukewarm water dripped from my brow and nose, splattering my glasses. Some of it got into my eyes, though my gaze was fixed to the red construction paper, as always.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The Confessor chuckled some more, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Ah, there. Now it is just above your head. Much better. Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the scalding, of course <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– the boiling, the bubbling of the gristle and <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– oh <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– simply cannot to forget about the cheek-meat.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He hummed something disturbing, continuing, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Here, another act of kindness on my behalf.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">A very sharp, burning pain slid down my cheek, drawing blood and splitting the rag that was used to gag me in half. I gasped, drawing uneven breaths as blood filled the inside of my mouth. I assumed the bastard used a knife to cut through the rag and completely through my cheek. I could do nothing but stare ahead and spit copious amounts of blood.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ There. I have given you the gift of speech <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– though if your eyes move anywhere else than where I told you to look...<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ According to your words, I'm a dead man either way... or so you say.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” I said to the Confessor who always stood behind me. I continued, bearing bloody teeth as my undershirt ran red, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ If you're gonna kill me, then fucking do it! You will be found, and you will be put down like the sick little bitch you are!<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Ah, yes, you are a dead man either way, this is true <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– but <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– your choices may bar you from a quick death.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” Said the Confessor as he wiped the bloodied edge of his knife onto my shoulder, saying then, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I mentioned the water-heater that is directly one floor above you, through the hole in the ceiling there, see?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I wasn't going to fall of this bastard's tricks.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ As you can guess,<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” he went on, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ It leaks badly, though more water will always flow into it, far faster than what can leak out. Therefore, you can expect the water dripping from that machine to reach a worryingly high temperature in a matter of, say, half an hour, maybe? Yeah, that seems right, seeing as though I made sure a little extra gas would make the flames below it flare up a little higher. Little by little that water will get hotter. In a few hours everything on your head and face will be fork-tender; it will fall right off the bone... unless the water-heater explodes right above you <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– then everything will be fork-tender, maybe even a little crispy. But I do not think I will get that lucky.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ They<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">’ ll find you.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” I said with hate.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ No, they will not.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor said lowly while giving my right shoulder a hard grab. The Confessor, whoever he was, lowered himself to my right ear, and said into it, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ But for you, oh yes, they will find you, your remains, that is.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">By now, I had nothing left to lose. If I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ m to die, then let it be from a bullet to the back of my head!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">He whispered into my ear, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ And when I am finished with you, your family is next, beast.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The thought of this bastard threatening my family made me lose it, and I head-butted the man in the face with the back of my head. The Confessor let loose a quick grunt while stumbling back a little, and hummed with what sounded like a low growl. I mentally prepared myself for the worst that he could retaliate with. I could do nothing but say a prayer in my head <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– all this, while staring at that damned piece of construction paper that was still taped the wall.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ My nose<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">… I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… bleed. Yes, I, I bleed.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” Said the Confessor, whose low voice then shifted into a more sinister, though if somewhat amused tone, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Did that comment of mine strike a chord in you? I shall strike another one, then.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The Confessor let loose a very distinct whistle. The terrifying blast of a gunshot echoed into this small room, coming from what sounded like the next room. My adrenaline spiked, and dread filled my heart once more. Another loud gunshot rattled the room, dissipating as it echoed through the halls behind me.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Two bullets. For two temples. The temples of two close friends of yours, your colleagues, your fellow agents.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” Said the confessor, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ An agent like you rarely works alone. I just knew there must have been others nearby to assist with your so-called sting.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">Townsend! Davidson! No!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ And, unlike you, they did not sob like a child before my assistants ended their lives. They actually died bravely. I shall leave their families alone <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– oh, but yours, it is a different story.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ ll kill you if you try anything with them, you sick son of a bitch<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">…”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ How so? You will be busy boiling to your death.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” Said the Confessor with another sick chuckle, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Ah, but as any good father would. The good ones would gleefully die for the safety and protection of their families, yes, of course.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Do whatever the fuck you want with me <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– just don<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ t touch my family! I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ ll do anything!<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” I cried out to the man behind me. I could feel the water getting warmer. Panic once again set in. I struggled and strained against the zip-ties. I then realized my situation was hopeless, and I hollered loudly, crying for help and then cursing the man behind me with the worst words I could summon at the time.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ ll do anything!<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” I cried out again, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Don<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">’ t touch them!<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">My throat was gripped mercilessly by the Confessor, and I could feel his presence once more as he leaned into my left ear. He spoke with a hateful, evil voice, saying, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Your death is still guaranteed, but I will put an offer on the table for you, you beast. Tell me, how far would you go to guarantee the safety of your family? Answer me, beast.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ d do anything<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">…” I said as my eyes remained glued to the same sheet of construction paper, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Anything.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Anything, beast?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I nodded slightly, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes. Anything.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The Confessor asked me, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Your words are not empty, are they?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Not right now.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Oh, so they used to be, then?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The water was definitely getting warmer.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I nodded again, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">… in the past, but only sometimes though. I have told lies here and there to extract a confession.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Ah, so you tormented the condemned with threats in order to obtain your confession?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I replied, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes. I threatened them with heavier jail sentences if they would not confess.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ How interesting.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor chuckled, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ So you basically torture them in a way?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes.<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">” I mumbled.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The Confessor<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ s grip on my throat tightened even further, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You are a torturer.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I am.<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">The Confessor started to scrape the edge of his knife against my left cheek, in short, little strokes, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I appreciate the morsel of truth you are giving me.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He then began to slowly slide the blade down the length of my cheek, drawing a steady flow of blood. I cringed without realizing that would only worsen the wound. I grunted, drawing uneven breaths through my nose.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">Always, always my eyes were fixed to the construction paper.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I shall in return give to you my own morsel of truth, beast.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He said while slowly sliding the blade even further down, going deeper, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You dare call yourself a torturer, though unlike you, I am actually good at my profession, you see.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He then turned that blade of his to a flat angle, and skewered my tongue and cheeks with that blade while forcefully closing my mouth with his black leather glove. I could do nothing but let another closed howl go from the indescribable pain. I soon found myself nearly unable to breath <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– I was slowly drowning in my own blood! I squirmed and bellowed in tear-filled agony for what seemed like two eternities, the water getting hotter and hotter all the while, the red sheet of construction paper taped to the wall sprinkled with my own blood.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Huh. Your forehead is getting red. The water is getting uncomfortably warm, is it not?<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor said, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You ready?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">For what?!

<p class="Default">He suddenly yanked the blade from my cheeks, and I let loose the blood that had pooled in my mouth and then some, and then some more. I gasped, lightheaded and horrified. My chest got tighter, and tighter, and tighter. I was having trouble breathing again <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– my asthma had returned at the worst possible time!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You are bleeding out more than what I expected. Was my butterfly-knife really that sharp?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor leaned in towards me, and noticed my trouble breathing. He ignored my silent pleas for my inhaler, and continued to speak, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ About that offer, yes, regarding your willingness to do anything for your family<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… are you still willing to do just that? Anything?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes-s-th.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” I mustered.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">My forehead was pulled back suddenly, and the Confessor<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ s damned blade pierced through the bottom of my mouth and through my tongue, the very tip of his blade buried into the roof of my mouth. I grunted what I could. I wasn<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ t permitted enough air to scream, that is, from the hot water going down my nose or the blood going down my throat! Again, I was slowly drowning, and my sudden asthma attack wasn<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ t helping!

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">My forehead was held back in this fashion for a while. I was on the brink of unconsciousness, when the Confessor then once again yanked his blade from my mouth, and my head fell, slumped onto my shoulder. The water grew only hotter, trickling down the side of my neck.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ You are starting to get blisters on your face, there. And your neck.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">His voice was getting murky. My strength was sapping from my body as I continued to bleed out.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">He leaned towards me yet again, saying in my ear, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Are you still willing to do anything, beast?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I mustered my strength and what little air I could to say, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ Yes-s-sth<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… pleas-s-th<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… duh-not hur-rt my-y f-family<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… pleas-s-th<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">…”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I will spare them <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– but if they are to live, you must accept the invitation from Mecephyrus the Thrice Damned. Are you willing to get yourself dragged to Hell so your family will be safe from harm, what would have been brought unto them by my hand? Will you join the bestial ranks of Mecephyrus forever and beyond that? Will you accept me as an ally <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– as a brother <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– and not a foe? What is your answer?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I would do anything for my family. Whatever lies ahead of me now is trivial compared to the love that I have for my family. I would trade everything for their safety <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– even my very soul.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ What is your answer?<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor repeated with anticipation.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… will<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">…” I mumbled from whatever remained of my lips.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ So, it has been decided.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” The Confessor said as he rose to his feet and got behind me once again, <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I will eat some of your flesh to seal our pact.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">”

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">Through my swirling vision I couldn<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ t help but blankly stare at that piece of red construction paper as the scorching hot water dripped from my bloodied face and from my glasses.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default"><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">“ I welcome you, my brother.<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">” He said.

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">I then heard the click of a cocked trigger, then everything went black<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… and the world around me<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… became<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">… very<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… cold<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">… <p class="Default" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">(The scene fades to black, then fades in with a still image of the body of whom was the fourth agent in the group, who was never told about.)

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">''The mangled body of Agent Brennings lays here on the sidewalk next to a condemned apartment complex, after he leapt from a balcony from the seventh floor. After his three fellow agents were captured, he assumed the worst and fled from the site of the sting operation. The Confessor<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">’ s cultists hounded his every turn, every flight of stairs he took, and kicked down every door in search of the FBI agent. In the excitement of it all, Agent Brennings lost his sidearm and fled inside a room that was beyond disrepair. Before the cultists could grab the man after kicking his door down, the agent leapt from the balcony past the sliding glass doors, and took his life. ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default">''            He was later identified a day later, when things had calmed down. ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default">'' ''

<p class="Default">            (The scene fades back to black, then fades in with a still image of the imminent firefight between the S.W.A.T. team and the fanatical cultists.) '' ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default">''            The S.W.A.T. team, along with half a dozen police officers, rushed towards the condemned apartment complex after receiving word of the failed sting, and that the so-called cultists were armed to the teeth and eager to kill. The lawmen were ambushed before arriving near the complex, pinned down by heavy gunfire from nearly all angles. They fought back valiantly against the cultists <span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">– though their discipline and training was no match against the sheer fanaticism of the crack-shot cultists, who wore body armor beneath their crimson robes and charged headlong for their position. All twenty-nine S.W.A.T. members and five of the six police officers were killed in the firefight. Only two cultists were killed. ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default">''            As soon as the firefight ended, the cultists fled from the scene and then disbanded, vowing to reform when things settled down again. ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default">            (The scene fades back to black, then fades in with a still image of Agent White<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">’ s ruined, charred body, still bound to his chair.)

<p class="Default">

<p class="Default">''Agent White was known to have been kidnapped by the cultists after he had failed to scout out the area just prior to the sting. He was taken, tortured, and then killed by a bullet to the occipital lobe. The charred remains of the remaining two agents, Agent Townsend and Agent Davidson, were found later, next to each other. Weeks later, investigators are speculating that White was killed prior to the old water-heater from a higher floor exploding from excessive pressure, rupturing the gas line then igniting the upper floors into a massive fireball. The investigators are adamant that the cultists had somehow supplied the gas needed to fuel the water-heater. ''

<p class="Default"> 

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt">''A nation-wide search for the men responsible for this monstrosity remained underway for many weeks, though eventually died down, and things returned to the way they always had been. All four agents were given a respectful burial. ''

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt"> 

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt"> 

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt">(The scene fades to black again, then fades in with a still image of an unknown man<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif";mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">’ s burly forearm only, wearing a black glove.)

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt">

<p class="Default" style="text-indent:35.45pt">''The Confessor, whoever -- or whatever -- he is, disappears as he always does, kidnapping, torturing, butchering, and cannibalizing wherever he goes. No evidence has ever been traced back to him, and his identity remains unknown<span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">…     ''