CHAPTER 22- BLOODY PSYCHOPATH

"But sir why would you send me away? Have I not been efficient enough? Haven't I been dutiful to the core?"

Hades kept squeezing his eyes with his fingers on the other end as his former secretary kept chattering into the phone like a chipmunk. She was stressing the life out of him.

Yes yes Sonia, you've been all that and more.

Then why are you relieving me of my job sir?

Someone else needs to fill in that space. You've done enough Sonia and for that I'm grateful.

Who? Miss Doreen? But sir the position of a secretary wasn't even what she applied for in the first place! It wasn't even what she was interviewed for!

Mmm I know but it's what would suit her best. Like I told you before make sure she's settled in before you leave. Brief her on everything she needs to know. I won't be in the office for a few days so let her know she has to keep me posted around the clock.

I've done all that but Mr Lenshaw if you could reconsider...

That'll be all Sonia, I'll triple your pay for the inconveniences.

Sir?

Yes, that'll be more than enough till you find yourself a new job.

Th...thank you sir. She couldn't believe her ears.

Mmm Goodbye.

Hangup!

Hades dropped the phone on his bed and set out down into his basement. He met two of his guards at the entrance as usual. They bowed out or respect as He walked further down into the empty space. As he got into the room, he could hear the renewed whimpering, sobbing, begging, so much fear in the atmosphere, he could almost taste it.

What would be more frightening than to pick on them one by one in the dark but that wasn't his way, nothing was more pleasurable than seeing the fear in his victims' eyes. Death was more terrifying when you see it coming than when you don't.

More horrifying when  you know how you're going to die than when you don't. With that He turned on the lights, before seating on a raised wooden stool. Three fear-stricken men were before him, their hands and legs chained to the walls in such a way their bodies were pressed against the wall, leaving them immobile.

Ron Timwick, Vincent Harper and Edgar Stone. Hades called out sourly.

They stared at him, fidgeting in their tied up state. The basement was home to several torture equipments which leaves very little to the imagination what their fate was obviously going to be. Hades got up and started pacing to and fro in front of them, like a predator stalking its prey.

I have only two questions. Why? And Who?

You haven't turned deaf have you?

No...no one sent us.

Oh really? So you wanna play the game this way? Hades shrugged, reaching out for an electric saw and turning the blades on. Fine let's play!

Wait wait wait WAIT!! Ron yelled, panicked.

Are you going to tell what I need to hear?

Ron swallowed, scared. I...We...we can't tell you who we're working for but we can only give you clues.

I love clues. Hades smiled hysterically trying to sound cheerful but there was not a single atom of cheer in his baritone. Come on let's have them.

This person is close to you. How close we can't tell, male or female? I can't disclose but this person is not going to stop until you're brought to your knees.

Hades eyes flickered in surprise not by the threat but by the sudden realization that He was the main target all along and his pet was only but a tool but who?

Then why did you try to harm Allison?

Miss Doreen was supposed to be bait.

A bait?! To lure me into a compromising position. To pin the blame on me as the real criminal?

Yes but things turned sour. He was sweating an ocean at this point and so was the other too.

Interesting. Hades brought the electric saw close enough to the man's arm. Who is this person? I need a name.

I've told you all I...

Time's ticking Ron, He said. You're all going to regret ever conceiving such thoughts about my pet.

I'm sorry but you won't be getting any more information from me.

Too bad! Hades frowned, slicing the man's shoulder off! The poor fellow screamed his lungs out at the burning pain, his horror laced voice echoing the walls.

Music to my ears. Hades thought.

Christ! Maybe he needed therapy. He thought with a smug smile.

Ready to talk now? Any of you?

They all wept, still keeping their mouth shut.

Do you all so badly want to die?! He yelled, upset.

Whoever the main perpetrator was, He must have paid them more than enough to shut them up permanently.

It's fine! Because either way, I'll be finding out who this bastard is myself. He said, cutting off the other shoulder, erupting another scream.

I'll be back for the legs and torso later and ofcourse the head. He whispered to the ears of the weeping fellow. For now, savor the pain while I attend to the other two. Don't fight it mate, don't try to fight the pain it's no use. Let it seep in, take every second of it till it drives you crazy, and yes...do well to know that I can't get enough of your screams so be my guest.

A few more cuts on their body parts, ear-piercing screams, Hades giving them thirty minutes intervals to continue living in pains before cutting off another part, both legs and arms gone and finally their heads. He carefully arranged each and every part on the black metal bench-board, including their lifeless heads staring back at him, the life drained from their eye balls. He had no time to paint this time even if it had been a while since the last time. For now He would keep the bodies in the freezer standing on one side of the basement and afterwards he would.....

"What the hell? Hades!"

He turned around to that familiar fear-struck voice. It was Allison standing at the entrance. Shit! He cussed silently within himself. After the incidence at the resort and the knowledge of her traumatic childhood, the last thing he wanted was for her to be exposed to any more violence. She was holding a company file which she had intended on giving him that evening after the office closed for the day. Her gaze was fixed on the three heads on the table, she was speechless.

What'd I say about coming down to the basement? You never listen pet, do you?

I... I was told you were...her voice trailed off, she was too shocked to say anything logical at the moment.

The sight of the severed body parts, the blood, so much blood dripping down the table. A good portion of Hades was covered in blood.

You killed them? She asked, approaching the table.

All for you little pet.

She stared, speechlessly into those narrow golden brown eyes and she could no hint of regret in his face.

"And I'd do it a thousand times over"

Allison heard those eyes say to her.

Oh my gosh! It's all so...gruesome. She gasped. Urgh!

The next minute she was throwing up, much to Hades surprise. The last time she had handled herself better, but that was because she was still pretending to be mute at that time and feared what would become of her if she did one thing out of place but right now, she just couldn't stand the sight.

Do well to stay clear off the basement next time Allison. He said, patting her back as she puked some more. There, There, let it out, I won't judge.

Is that supposed to be funny?

You didn't say you'd be stopping by. Hades said, changing the topic.

I had to drop this with you, it's....she stopped as Hades started taking the body parts and storing them in the freezer.

Wh...what? You refrigerate them? She asked, horrified.

To keep them from decaying, yes.

Urgh! She thought. How could he be so nonchalant about something like this.

Let's go. He said, closing the freezer.

He led her to the wine cellar in the dining room. There were several shelves stocked full with several expensive wine bottles. With proper lighting, He could now fully see what she was wearing. A grey suit and matching office skirt, her red hair was in a bun with her glasses framing her face perfectly.

How did you find them?

I have my ways.

You didn't have to kill them.

You gave me the orders remember?

Oh yes she remembered.

Come to think of it, why involve the police? Aren't you the Devil himself? Find those bastards and make paint out of them or something. You know it'd be a piece of cake for you  and this time, I'm not stopping you.

But back then she said just about anything to make him change his mind about involving the police.

You're not having sympathy for those sick arseholes are you? He asked, a small frown creasing his brows.

No I'm not...she couldn't even tell what she was feeling at this point. The horror of seeing their lifeless heads severed from their bodies was...Jeez! How do you not expect me to be shaken up? I had actually dined with these people, cracked jokes with them and to see them all torn apart...

They deserved it and so will every other person who tries to hurt you. Let me have it. He said, stretching his hand and taking the brown envelope from her.

You're quite efficient. He said, flipping through the papers. No surprise there since you used to run your own company.

Why did you make me secretary? That wasn't what I applied for.

Indeed it wasn't.

Then why?

To keep a close eye on you. He said, simply.

What?!

You're my property, it's only logical.

You're so fucking annoying. She frowned.

Uh Uh no cuss words Allison. He said, pinching her jaw, lightly. I won't have it!

She swayed her head away.

I'm done here, goodnight Mr Lenshaw.

Hades, He corrected.

I said goodnight. And with that she was walking briskly away from the house.

Once she was out, He took out his cellphone and switched on the hidden camera he had installed in her car's ahead-view mirror. Allison got into her car, resting her head on the steering for a few seconds, trying her best to take in the scene at the basement earlier that day.

"Bloody Psychopath"

He heard her cuss underneath her breath and it oddly made him smile. She doesn't listen does she? She never listens. Had he not says "no cuss words" earlier on? This pet of his would do absolutely anything as long as it would spite him which wasn't very pleasing to his knowledge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Working late honey?"

Hades turned his head from the computer on his desk. There she was-sitting cross legged on his bed, serene, calm, angelic, words were not enough to describe this woman, his peace of mind.

I just thought I'd...

....distract yourself from your own thoughts?

Do you have to know everything Venice?

She laughed. It was the sound of a thousand endless jingle bells ringing in his ears.

Maybe...maybe not. It only shows I care.

Hades smiled wearily.

You're going to take Warner's offer aren't you?

Mhmm. He nodded. He may look suspicious but I'm sure I'm only being obnoxious again.

Never disperse your instincts honey. You know your gut feelings are always accurate.

Most times.

Allison Doreen....she said, oddly changing the topic.

Yes what about Doreen?

I've never seen you that upset before.

You know I don't condone any sort of abuse. Jerks like those three are part of the reason why the world is so messed up.

Venice smiled, nodding. I'm proud of you. You know I am but Allison she's..

She's what Venice?

She's a great step.

A great step to what?

Stop probing me Hades.

Probing you? What the hell? goddamn it, you're the one speaking in riddles.

I think I like her.

Mhmm

And I think you should also.

Hades shook his head. Everything will be over once all ties are broken.

Mmm. He was talking about the payment of the debt. Venice understood. Too bad!

Why?

She's an amazing person.

She'd snap my neck off if she could. Hades said, amused.

Well you clearly deserve it.

Taking sides now I see.

I'm a proud feminist darling. Ofcourse I'm bound to take sides. Go to bed honey. She said, softly.

Is that supposed to be a joke? He asked, smiling. I'm already asleep Venice.

She smiled broadly. That's right. This is a dream afterall.

I hate it Venice. He said, sadness evident in his eyes. I hate that you're not with me anymore. I hate the fact that I couldn't do anything that night. That I couldn't protect you. I hate that I was so careless with you.

I hate everything, the whole goddamn World.

I'm sorry Hades. She came closer to him, crouching down and holding his face in her hands. You need to stop beating yourself up.

I deserve it.

She shook her head sideways. You had no control over what happened that night.

I should have listened to my father and just called off our relationship like He said.

And risk never having those beautiful memories we shared? She asked, smiling.

But you're no longer here and I'm the damn reason.

I'll always be here. She touched his chest, indicating his heart. She looked further down and held his necklace.

And here ofcourse, you psychopath. She laughed.

What would you have me do? I had to.

It's time you moved on honey.

I can't.

You can and you will. You'll find a better life Hades.

Without you will I ever?

Yes darling, yes you definitely will and why? Because you deserve it.