Date: Two years ago
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The ping of the elevator alerted me its ascension to the top floor. Leaning back against the wall, I stared off into space as I recalled the day I had. Me and my...associates, were called in to help a government hired company called Specen--or something--to purchase a plot of land out in the desert, so that they may build a testing area for their projects. Of what we weren’t told--classified and all of that garbage--, but it was pretty obvious that they wanted it to be kept a secret.
Regardless we took the job and within three days we made a deal that the owners couldn’t refuse. You must think I use this in jest, but I assure you I don’t. I mean we literally made a deal that they couldn’t refuse, because our employers hired a group of mercs to kidnap their kids and live stock, threatening to kill them both if they didn’t agree to the demands.
Of course we didn’t know about it until one of the representatives let it slip from their lips, but hey it was still a victory...according to them and my colleagues anyways. The elevator gave a small rumble signifying that I had arrived at my destination. Heading towards the door my timing was impeccable as the doors opened, though I wasn’t surprised at what I saw next.
Techno lights of different colored flared around the room while beats blasted out from the stereo as random party goers danced to the rhythm and lights. Their clothing all ranged from high class to slutty and everything in-between, but they shared the distinct accessory of glow necklaces either hanging around their neck, arms or even some on the ladies waist. In all honesty the only thing that surprised me about this was the fact that they payed a DJ this time to play some beats, since they usually cheaped out and played a variety of songs from their phones.
Without batting an eyelash, I weaved through the crowds of party goers towards my room--being carefully to not bump into or make eye contact with them--until a blonde haired girl bumped against me. Feeling as if she was going to fall and hurt herself, I reach underneath her and kept her steady, though I was mistaken as she slumped into me, her breath reeking of alcohol.
“Hey baby you looking for a good time?” She slurred to me while attempting to bash her eyelashes.
I tsked at my own kindness and helped her up regardless. Then I aimed her at some random hipster looking wanna be. “No, but my friend over there does. He’s been watching you the whole night and would love to meet you.” I said and gave her a light push to help her along her way.
As if forgetting about our encounter she stumbled her way over towards him and repeated the process she did with me. Continuing my journey I eventually made it to my room. You see we were in a ‘secret’ private suite at the Paris, Las Vegas. We currently resided a few stories high in the Eiffel Tower that was used as a suite for some of the more...influential guest. It had four rooms with bathrooms, a living room with a plasma--though I think it was smashed now--TV, and a kitchen/dining room area. It was where my colleagues and I were staying for the duration of our job and since this was our last night to use this room, I guess they wanted to go all out.
Reaching for the door handle I had forgotten that I locked my room since the last time I left it unlocked I walked in on a small orgy going on in my room. Also no I didn’t stay. I gathered up anything that looked clean of mine, went down stairs, and reserved a room for myself with my own money.
Reaching into my pocket I pulled out a small sliver key, unlocked the door, and entered my room. As soon as I entered, I then quickly closed, and locked it behind me. The room I was residing in was spacious. It had a king size memory foam bed with white covers mixed with red ones. The carpets were a mixture of black and a dark tannish color with white walls. A dark brown stand stood underneath a smaller--though pretty nicely sized--plasma TV with a light brown desk, and red cushioned chair off to the side.
Sighing I loosened my dark navy blue tie from my neck and laid it down on the chair followed by my dary grey coat. I then made my way towards the outside patio to enjoy the view one last time. Opening the sliding door my ears were assaulted by the music being played, but it didn’t deter me as I leaned against the metal railings and looked at the city of Las Vegas.
Lights shined out from all over illuminating the whole of Las Vegas with a radiant glow. Like a pearl at the bottom of the cold desolate sea it shined a beautiful glow giving the area a ray of hope that it could too one day be as wonderful as it was. Though technically it is considered a diamond in the Fallout universe, I thought the connection wasn’t lost.
However that is not what I saw when I looked at the city before me. No, what I saw was a place of misery and despair. A place with the misleading pretense of winning big or going home though without the going home part as people would be forced to pay with their lives, bodies or blood. A dog eat dog worl-no, that’s wrong. It was a place where the house always win either because the game was rig to end as such, because lady luck didn’t smile down upon you or the odds were just not in your favor.
I sighed a tired sigh as I looked towards the midnight sky only for the light of the city to block out most if not all of the stars. I stared for the longest time at the empty black canvas hoping for the sky to be painted in a beautiful tapestry of heavenly bodies, but alas nothing change. Turning my gaze back to the city, I couldn’t help but glare at the offending place with disgust and hate. As I stared intently my thoughts began to drift back to when I made the dreaded choice of taking on this line of work. Yes, I can remember it just like it was yesterday.
Time: Four year ago
Location: New York, New York
“Mr. Anderson? Mr Anderson?” Kelly asked as she waved her hands in front of my face to snap me out of my daze.
“Huh?” I said as if waking up from a dream. Blinking my eyes in succession, I looked towards her. “Sorry about that. As you were saying.” I said with an apologetic smile.
“Paul, Chet, Marsha, and Sophia have returned with extraordinary results while Ted, Angela, and Kevin have returned with the same results as last time. Also sir are you alright? You seemed...distant a few seconds ago.” She said while handing me a stack of papers, her forest green eyes looking me over with concern.
“Those three again? *sigh* If they don’t shape up soon we’re going to have to let them go.” I replied back skimming through the three troublemakers reports. As if remembering her question I answered honestly, “Also yes Kelly, I’m fine. Just...still getting use to this I guess.”
She just gave me a reassuring smile. “Well if you ever need to talk about it, I’ll be here to listen. Now, unless there’s anything else Mr. Anderson, I must be on my way.” She said with a slight bow, her short red hair bouncing a bit as she did so.
“No. Thank you Kelly, that’ll be all. Also, I believe I told you to call me by my first name.” I replied back though she responded back with a knowing smile and left to go finish up todays work. As she left my eyes couldn’t help, but linger on her prone form. How her skirt fit just right to show off her hourglass curves and how her shirt made her...well I’ll leave that to the imagination.
I mean sure she was several years my senior--her age being around thirty five I think--, but she still had a pretty nice body.
...Is it wrong that I’m checking her out? I mean sure she’s older than me and internal relationships is frowned upon, but she’s a very nice, gentle, and attractive looking woman. Is it truly wrong to pursue such a woman as her? One that I’ll--probably--never meet or have such a close relationship with.
The sound of my door closing snapped me out of my daze. With a sigh I went back to work. Reading through the reports, I noticed that Angela was given an unfair assignment compared to the other two, so I’d be willing to give her another chance if she screwed up again. Typing up my own report, I then printed it out, read it over for any mistakes, signed at the bottom, put it in an envelope, and placed it in the out box.
Flopping back down into my chair I stretched my arms--a satisfying cracked echoed out--and promptly settle down into my seat feeling my eyes begin to fall. Not wanting to fall asleep here, I returned my position up right. With nothing else to do for the next few minutes, I turned my chair around and looked out the window. It was still hard to believe that out of a hundre-No, a million people in the world, I was the lucky one to land this sweet job.
I watched the hussle and bussle of the streets of New York go about its day. Traffic was pack while dozens upon dozens of citizens walked the streets all in a hurry to reach their destination. It was a breathtaking sight to behold. Hell it was amazing enough that I was here to begin with, but then it made me think: why me of all people? Was it just because of being in the right place at the right time or maybe I had the right credentials for the job. Question began to plague my mind which caused my mood to turn sour.
A knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. “Come in.” I called out.
“AH! Ronald me boy! So glad I caught you before you left for the day.” Mr. Salmond said as he walked and closed the door behind him. He was a short man standing as tall as five foot two though he was a bit chunky as his body fat would shift with every step he took. His cloths were casual with a blue teal hawaiian shirt, tan colored shorts, white socks, and a pair of sneakers.
Not wanting to be rude, I got up and met him halfway. “Mr. Salmond, this is a surprise.” I said while shaking his hand. “I thought you were out because of your daughter’s illness. How is she doing by the way?” I asked while offering him a seat.
“She’s stable for the moment, but it looks like there’s no treatment for it either.” He said with a sad expression. The things he’s going through right now makes me glad that I’m not a father yet.
“Heh, it’s ridiculous. Top dollars going to my baby girl for years and they are just now telling us what it is. Years of symptoms just, dangling right in front of their noses, but they do not have the brains to connect the dots.” He said in a low growl. It was very rare to see him mad though it was understandable. Usually he was a jolly man that never let the little things bother him though, I guess it just goes to show that when a parent’s child is in harms way that they’ll do anything to protect their own flesh and blood.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I said not to sure of what to say or do at the moment. Getting up I went over towards my mini fridge and offered him something to drink which he kindly declined. “If there’s anyway that I can help sir, please don’t hesitate to ask, and that I pray for her well being.” I said feeling it was the only thing I could do to show my support/condolences.
“Heh, pray...yes. I just hope the gods will smile down on my baby girl.” He said with a disconsolate smile though it didn’t feel like it was for his daughter. “Anyway, enough about this for now, I came here for a different reason rather than to talk your ear off about my problems.” He said as his cheery demeanor returning in full force.
“R-right” I said as I returned to my seat.
“Do you remember last years new years eve party?” He asked me which I nodded with a knowing smile. “Heh, still can’t believe Tim from accounting did that.” He said as he matched me with his own knowing smile. “But anyways do you remember Richard Damon?” He asked.
I thought about it for a moment. “Wasn’t he the brownish blonde haired gentleman you went to college with?”
“Yes.” He nodded in approval. “Where as he went into mediation, I went into consulting.” He said with a nostalgic look, but soon continued. “Anyways his company like our own is doing well, but it seems a major worker in his firm passed away recently and he has been asking around for any talented individual interested.”
“And you threw out my name and are now telling me about this.” I said taken off guard at his sudden abruptness.
“Always one not to beat around the bush.” He said with that same jolly tone.
“I’m-” I paused for a moment to gather my thought. I mean sure I was used to this abruptness from him, but this was on a whole new level. “I'm flattered sir that you’d do this for me, but I’m not sure if I’m the guy he’s looking for.” I said honestly.
“Now, now, me boy, don’t sell yourself to short.” He said as he moved over to me and gave me a reassuring pat on the back. “You work well with others, you go about things in an orderly fashion, and you make rational decisions before you make a choice. If that isn’t what a mediator is I don’t know what is.” He said followed by a bark of laughter.
“Heh, heh, right.” I replied back with my own laughter though mine was much quieter compared to his.
He then turned to me with a serious expression. “I’m not going to lie to you.” He began as he continued to stare into my eyes. Under the normal context I’d be a little freaked out, but knowing him for so long, I knew that I needed to shut up and listen. “The job isn’t easy or usually fair, but someone has to do it regardless of the outcome. Hearing from him the pay is a little less than what you earn here, but the perks are damn well worth it. I will not convince you to stay or to leave, but I will leave you with this.” He said and placed an airplane ticket on my desk.
“You have three days to think about it. During those days, I do not want you to come to work. Instead I want you to spend your time really thinking about it.” He said while making his way out.
Opening the door he turned back and continued, “Know that I will not scorn you for leaving or staying and that I hope for the best of you.” As he began to close the door he muttered something under his breath though I couldn’t hear what exactly.
I sat there for the longest time as I tried to process what had just happen. I literally couldn’t believe the events that were playing out in my life. First a out of college graduate with the only experience in business is flipping burgers, lands the dream job of his life, and then gets probably another dream job after working there for a few years. The odds of that happening are way beyond the skills of math that I have. Slumping back into my seat, I stared at the ticket for the longest time. Before I even knew it the janitor came in, empty my trash can, and asked if he could clean. Not wanting to be rude I apologized and left. Heading back to my apartment I went straight to bed though sleep didn’t come to me that night or the next few ones. As my mind was plague with one question: Do I accept or not?
Time: Present
Location: Back at Las Vegas
I was brought out of my staring contest/thoughts as the sound of party goers teased and jeered at me for not joining in on the...festivities. I ignored them like how one ignores the dishes in the dishwasher, by not even acknowledging its existence. But alas they then began to become more rowdy and ambitious as they would throw miscellaneous things towards me. It made me wonder how many people would be killed by terribly thrown booze bottle, but then again I really didn’t care as I turned and went back into my room. Closing the screen door behind me--much to my annoyance as the drunken morons thought that they had scared me off--, I unbutton my shirt, slipped off my shoes, and left them near the chair that continued to hold my tie and coat.
Heading towards the shower to wash away the shame and filth of what we had done, I was half way there when suddenly a knock from the living room door echoed out. Normally I would have ignored the knocks--assuming it was a bunch of drunken idiots going at it there and now--, but how it was evenly spaced apart made me realize who it was.
The knocking came once more and soon I realized he was trying to get away from someone. Making my way towards the door, I unlocked it and held it open long enough for him to enter. Like a bat out of hell he entered the room in less than a second. Quickly closing and locking the door behind me, I turned around to see what it was this time. “So who’s the lucky lady this time?” I asked already knowing what happened.
The man before me was easily five foot eleven with a forest green button up shirt--though the top few buttons were undone giving him a more relaxed look--with olive green pants, and a black coat. He was about twenty eight years old with short slick black hair and a beautiful pair of blue eyes with a matching smile that caught all the ladies attention. “C-c-car- Oh, man I’m out of shape.” He wheezed while taking in slow and steady breaths.
Eventually regaining the ability to breath easily he finally answered, “Carline, and let me tell ya she is one fine lady.” His name was Wesley Taylor though Wes for short. He was my mentor into the world of mediation and I once considered him a friend.
“And let me guess boyfriend?” He shook his head no. “Oh, brother perhaps?” Though he once more shook his head. “Wait don’t tell me...her father?” I asked and received a nod.
“Yup.” He said with a big old grin on his face. “And let me tell ya, he didn’t mind me talking to her, in fact he was a rather cool older gentleman, but once my hands started doing the talking well, things went south.” He continued and shrugged.
I just groaned at his stupidity and pinched the bridges of my nose. “And exactly how long are you going to be in here?”
“Hopefully not that long maybe an hour or two.”
“Fine whatever, but I swear if you let people in here like the last time I’m throwing you out the window.” I said while gathering some cloths. He gave me a curt nod of understanding and immersed himself into the TV. A few minutes later and I came out feeling refreshed and ready to sleep the night away wearing a simple pair of pjs and a white shirt.
“Oh yeah, harder. Harder!” Came the moans of a female voice. Turning towards the source, I wasn’t surprised to see a porno of some sort being played while Wes laid down on my bed watching it with a bored expression.
As if realizing my presence he quickly got off my bed, sat on the chair, and changed the channel though he turned it to another porno. Noticing his blunder he stumbled for the remote and eventually turned it off. “So how was your shower?” He asked with an innocent smile.
“...It was fine.” I finally said after processing the very being that sat before me. Walking over towards the mini fridge, I opened it up and looked for something to drink. There were plenty of good/expensive choices but one stuck out amongst them all. Pulling it out I looked at the bottle with a nostalgic smile. It was called PranQster a Belgian golden ale and it was my frist *cough* legal *cough* drink that I ever had. I like the taste of it since it didn’t have a very strong bitter taste to it.
Regardless it brought a smile to my face that didn’t go unnoticed. “Oh~ Looks like someone’s finally joining in on the festivities~” Wes said in a sing song voice joining my side before I even realized it.
Popping the top off of the ale, I took a quick swig of the drink and turned towards him with an angry glare, though he ignored me as he popped open a beer for himself. “And pray do tell what are we celebrating for? A job well done.” I sneered at him as I walked away towards the balcony. Just as I was about to reach there I noticed a bag of bouncing balls lying near the TV. Grabbing them, I pocketed them into my pockets and went back outside the night air giving me a cool breeze, though the music continued to blare out. Not even a minute of standing out there the drunken morons were back trying to get me to either leave, join them or dance. I wasn’t sure nor did I care.
Taking another swig of my drink, I almost up chucked it as Wes patted me on the back. “Of course for a job well done.” He said while leaning dangerously too far off the railings. Pulling him back down he regained his footing and leaned on the railing, facing away from the city, and took another swig of his drink. “Thanks to us those farmers got a rather great deal for that piece of land. Way I figure it, if they move to the valley or somewhere else, they should still have enough left over to start up a new one”.
“...Are you joking.” I sneered at him now facing him with a hateful glare. “That land was worth fifty times the pitiful amount we ‘offered’ them!” I screamed at the top of my lungs though the music was able to drown it out. “And the only reason they accepted the offer was because our clients threatened to kill everything they held dear! So excuse me if I don’t see that as a reason to celebrate or a reason to believe that we were successfully!” I took in deep breaths of air as I finished my ranting at him. We stood there for what felt like hours as he thought about what I said with a thoughtful expression, while I continued to gasp for air.
I waited and waited and waited more, but he continued to remain silent. The things that we had done were unforgivable. Lying, cheating, stealing, bribing, threatening...hell I wouldn’t be surprised if we killed people.
And all in the name of fairness.
Of equality.
I had a vile taste in my mouth one of which that no matter what I did continued to linger. I leaned against the railing and looked down to the streets below. The people from up here looked like ants as they scurried about down below. It would be so simple to. Just lean a bit further and let gravity do the rest. Sure for the first few seconds I’d probably see my life flash before my eyes, causing me to possibly want to change my decision, but it’d hopefully be over in a second as well. It’d also be a pretty good cover up since this is probably the most happening place in Las Vegas right now, meaning heavy drinking and partying. It could be ruled to reckless ambition or drunken stupidity, either way it didn’t matter to me...nothing did right now.
I felt hollow.
Empty.
I no longer had any real reason to continue this lie of a life I lived and if I continued doing so, only more pain and suffering would follow suit.
I didn’t even feel my body as it began to lean over the railing allowing me to see below the penthouse. My beer felt like it was floating as I felt it loosen from my grip. I closed my eyes and embraced gravity as I leaned even further off it. I reached about half way until I felt someone grab the back of my collar. The forced jolted my eyes open and I realized what I was about to do.
A few moments later and I was back on the patio my heart racing a mile a minute while Wes and I gasped for air. Wes was the first one to regain a steady flow of air though it took me much longer to as I realized what I had almost done. Sure my life wasn’t the greatest, rather dull and boring, but it wasn’t miserable or terrible than other people to warrant suicide.
“You’re right.” Wes admitted, after the longest time while he leaned against the screen door. Leaning against the railing I looked at him perplexed. “They didn’t get a fair deal, nor did the people before that and the people before that, and well, you get where I’m going at.” He said with a sad smile. Picking up his drink he took another swig, but then realized it was empty. With a sad sigh he placed the bottle next to him and looked at the stars in deep thought. I waited for him to gather his thoughts though was caught off guard as he began to chuckle.
“You know, I still remember the first thing that came to mind when I saw you get off that plane, ‘Too kind for his own good’.” He said with another chuckle and continued, “I actually wanted to tell you to go back home and to forget about joining us.” I scowled at him and was ready to retort, but was unable too.
“But I also saw something in you.” He said softly and looked me in the eyes with a tired yet sad look. “Your eyes gave off a sense of kindness while in the background showed determination to not be pushed around. Your posture showed professionalism yet gave off a friendly vibe. The way you spoke was curt, but was never intended to be rude or condescending.”
“I think you have the wrong person than.” I muttered, but not low enough.
“Well, maybe I’m a little drunk right now and I’m merely egasterating.” Wes admitted. “But the point is, is that you’re a good person. Even if you don’t see it or want to admit it. You’re one of the few people I’ve meet who really wanted to compromise a fair deal for both parties rather than subcoming to bribes or threats.” He said as he continued his drunken rant.
In a low voice--so that only I could hear-- he said, “You inspire me to stop drinking to ease my heart and to forgot what I’ve done. You inspire me to stop running and hiding from the truth. You-you...You inspire me to be a better person.”
I was left speechless as I stared at him dumbfounded while Wes just sat there staring intently at his bottle. “I...I really don’t know what to say-WOULD YOU GUYS SHUT THE HELL UP AND LEAVE US ALONE!” I began only to roar in rage at the drunk crew across from us. “WE WERE HAVING A HEART TO HEART MOMENT AND YOU GUYS ARE SERIOUSLY FUCKING IT UP!”
Breathing heavily while glaring at them they were dead silent as they tried to comprehend what I yelled at them.
“HA! GAY~” One of them said and roared in laughter followed by the others joining in.
“In a sense you were asking for that.” Wes said with a slight laugh though quickly kept his mouth shut as I glanced back at him.
“Oh yeah?” I asked rhetorically and grabbed one of the bouncy balls within my pocket. “Then that means they were asking for this.” I said while tossing it towards one of them. It is funny what you can forget when you don’t practice for quite sometime. For me it was the few many years of me playing baseball and how hard I could throw when I was really motivated.
The ball struck one of them hard in the forehead that also sent his drunk ass to the ground. Granted the sheer level of alcohol in his system helped, but I’d like to think that I was pretty damn strong. We stood there in silence as the poor sod laid there knocked out while the ball rolled away.
“Dude…” One said wide eyed.
“Dude~” Another said.
“DUDE!” The last one cried out as he ran away followed by the others fleeing for their lives.
“Sir, please drop the weapon and put your hands on your head.” Wes called out jokingly.
I just threatened to reach into my pocket and watched as he clawed his way back into my room. With a slight laugh shared between us, I entered back into my room. With a quick glance back outside to stare at the city before me, I felt a rise of confidence wash over me. The doubts and uncertainties that plague my mind were gone and now replaced with purpose. It was going to be a long and difficult road, one that would challenge me relentlessly. Though with my...friend by my side, I knew we could handle anything that came our way.
Though little did I know that a year from now, would be the beginning of my trip down insanity lane.