Draw The Card

Andrea Bocelli filled the air with romance in that one-bedroom government-paid apartment. Crystal, however, couldn't grasp the shivering night mist seeping through the open window as she sat in front of her computer screen. The piano keys played through those memories of childhood maltreatment. She questioned if that location of her heart was an emotion of genuine love. Fairy tale stories and those dancing creations of images filled her mind, and with this came nothing more than "what-ifs," or are they? As always in that state of mind, a quick snap and crack produced various unusual reactions; unspeakable visions invade those memories. Violently shaken into her reality came to those curtains of hell! Flared and fluffed beauty spun a haunting grace as they soon came to rest! She danced upon that stage without an audience to give voice, note, or even clap towards a performance that took such a dramatic suicidal ending. It was her creation within an idea of profound mental illness, her history of depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety-filled panic attacks. Loneliness has damaged the path to recovery, and she knew this. The only thrill of life is seeing him; his brown eyes danced every time she served his meal. Meanwhile, she'd sit pondering the 'what-if's' concerning her life and his.

Tomorrow is Friday, and his appearance is devotional inside Haley House soup kitchen in Boston, Massachusetts. Although, Monday and Tuesday are usually a tummy stuffer of little time to chat. Part-time employment at the local junkyard is his sweat and tears, although Friday's yield to that lifestyle of a rush-free dinner. The unemployed gathering of lost souls hangs outside Haley's soup kitchen, socializing with a few beers. Alli often joined with others along the walkway who suffered from lost dreams. A variety of disabled vets, the abused, and the mentally ill.

His family traveled from Nigeria to the US when he was merely a youthful boy. He remembers his first frightening day of school, others making fun of his accent, often beat-up after school. Lower-income areas of Boston, Massachusetts, were not safe places to rise. As the season passed, he learned how to deal with those abuses and soon became feared, although the wrong place at the wrong time became a non-forgiving situation. This careless decision landed him in prison on a robbery charge. After his release securing a stable income was far-reaching, which pushed him into discovering a few tricks from his best friend. His natural sympathy for others is a natural part of one's good heart. His friends knew this quality he carried and needed a little convincing on that point. Love of attention freely given from a well-endowered man will capture women's hearts. Those dating sites proved worthy, showcasing his extraordinary seductive smile. It never failed him, and he learned of this advantage. Those women who conceived that little light he soon flamed with desire, and with extra cash here and there, it paid his rent. He never went for too much, his freedom was more important, and of course, those local women were enough; he kept those on the side to satisfy his sexual desire, or did he? His name was Alli – it swam around her head like the best name she had ever heard. In moments of clarity, she would tell herself to grow up; you are too old for crushes. But that other voice within told her this was more than that.

******

Friday 6 pm, Crystal caught sight of Alli crossing the street; her adrenaline spouted, it would merely be a moment until his grand entrance. She dressed in her finest, a low-rise pair of jeans and a low-cut pink blouse accenting those voluptuous breasts. Her long blonde hair braided, pulled back into a ponytail reached her 24-inch waistline. She despised the attention others gave him. He was popular; everyone recognized his presence. JJ, another volunteer with Haley's soup kitchen, noticed Crystal's fixed stare beyond that glass. His lanky stride and female attributes and shimmering, purple-streaked hair was an eye-catcher. Although JJ had his Hell boy and angelica days with a history of drug use, he was well-liked within Haley's Soup Kitchen. Tonight, possessed his better side, a few sniffs of cocaine had his adrenaline flowing. His attention to details of the moment stirred his curiosity about Crystals' lovesickness for Alli. And so came the brilliant idea. Quietly, he slid up behind Crystal with a whisper in her ear. "Tarot cards." She jumped, swinging around angrily, her voice lowered not to attract attention. Her lips trembled! Slightly hesitant, those glaring eyes became an endless pit!

"What are you talking about?"

"You want him to, don't you?" JJ playfully snapped back.

"Mind your business!"

"Alright, sweetheart. If you change your mind, I'll pay for the first session."

"What do you know about Tarot cards?"

"Everything, how do you think I've kept my lover?"

JJ was a mystery to her. He was the most feminine man she'd ever met, yet he still proclaimed he wasn't gay. That same answer always irritated her. "I am transgender, darling, and there is a difference."

JJ flaunted himself around and back into that steaming hot kitchen. That's when the door swung open! There Alli shined within her vision! He is the Knight of honor who materializes a garden of purity within her kingdom of horror. He took his seat at his favorite table. Crystal hurried toward him, interrupting his attention. Alli's text messages sounded one after another, and that did not stop her! "Hi, Alli, want me to fix your dinner?" He didn't look up, only a nod; those inner demons lit the blaze within! Crystal watched these horrific creatures' shimmy and shake within that imagination! Until that fiery sunset stood without an audience, swift and unannounced, the storm began to rise! Alli took a full minute to unlock his attention from that cell phone. As he stared into her eyes, and there was a noticeable difference, he felt the electricity strike, and guilt crawled within him; all the volunteers suffered from mental illness, drug use, or handicap. Crystal had catered to him from the beginning, treated him like a king, with no line to stand in, and within one minute, took advantage. Although, he always appreciated the attention. Apologizing came swiftly.

"Hey, young lady, I'm sorry, just so busy. Where are you going tonight?"

"Nowhere." She blushed to bow her head somewhat.

"Well, who did your make-up?"

"I did."

"You got a secret boyfriend?"

"No, wanted something new, you like it?"

"Yes, yes, I do!"

His smile she loved; those beautiful brown eyes caged her demons. Quickly she made an about-face to rush back into the kitchen when suddenly the audible click a camera makes when taking a photo. The flash caught her attention, firing up an internal heat of passion. Behind the counter, she gazed back at his handsome facial features while preparing his meal. In her mind, he opened the door to those fantasies of desire, where fairies dance and carousals enticed the child that lives within all of us. His gorgeous smile chained the imagination; his creamy chocolate skin remained attached to her smooth porcelain body within that world. Hungry, tired, and impatient, he looked upward. An awkward moment instantly for him as their eyes latched. He read her like a book and understood the attraction was him. Within that colliding episode, Crystal approached him, placing his dinner on the table. The timing was terrible for her and perfect for him. The notification sound caught her off guard within a fantasy of desire! She heard it a thousand times in his presence, a thousand times disrupting intimate dreams, dreams of him!

"Bird of Prey." Attention from her flew away. Obsession twisted fiercely. She could only scan the first few words, "Good Evening Love," a female named "Irene." Alli returned his attention for a mere second. "Thank you, Crystal, much-appreciated girl! It was there at that moment as she looked away and directed herself into the storage room. Within mere seconds her coherent reality of the present forced a horrific fit of crazed rejection; a psychotic firestorm erupted! "The ice pick!" With a forward grasp, tightly gripped, Crystal thrashed into the ice. A thunderstorm of hail crackled and popped! JJ, calm and relaxed, stood with arms folded, casually leaned against the doorway. One moment of this dreadful scene was enough. As a feather blows effortlessly, so has his feminine stride silently come up behind her. His height of 6.2 well exceeded hers, quickly and firmly; he grabbed her raised arm, ripped the ice pick away, twisting her around; he secured her small figure into his body, caressed her head, gently whispering, "Shhh." Escaping was not an option after a few attempts. JJ consumed her weakness, and her tears flowed. "Listen, and this time hear me! I'll take you to the reader. I'll pay my little princess! I hate seeing you distressed." JJ lifted his red flowing silk wrap, gently tapping her tears.

"Are you sure he can help?" Crystal sniffled.

"My princess, I've run to him for five years. He is a bit obscure but never steered me wrong."

With a tug, JJ pulled a set of keys from his front pants pocket, jiggled them in front of her. "I've got my bf's car keys, and Carl is away for the weekend. Now go on, fix that dreadfully smeared make-up. Go on, girl, go now!"

******

An hour and a half had passed. It's shutdown time. The usual group of men sat chatting with Alli, especially a dirty, blonde-haired homeless chick that came to feast now and then. A disturbing scene eating away her delightful delusion of love! Crystal looked at her newly polished nails. Suddenly they blossomed grayish. Long sharpened claws are as natural as those pretty pink ones lingering on her fingers. The urge to slice the woman dominated a split second before that sprint onward took hold! JJ grabbed Crystal by the arm, tugged her close; he whispered, "Not yet Kitty!" Blocking her view from this dreadful scene with his body, he massaged her shoulders gently, and whisper followed, disintegrating this outrageous hallucination!

"She is trash, Crystal. He has no interest in her! I'll chase everyone out and lock up."

Other volunteers carried on, stainless steel pots and pans rattled within those lingering delectable aromas of another farewell dinner. Crystal watched as everyone cleared their way outside, wondering if Alli would remember the fresh crimson berries covered with a mountain of sweet whip cream. Swift as a fresh breath of air! "There, he remembered!" Alli half-turned lifted his hand, gave off a high-five to JJ, and then softly spoke. "Goodnight, Crystal."

JJ flaunted around after locking those doors with one hand on his chest. This Godly internal heat flamed throughout his physical structure. Finally, the upward glance toward heaven with a breathless tone, he stated: "But if he was bisexual, we could share him!"

"Not funny at all!" With a clenched fist, a swell of rage rose in her.

"I know, dear, I was only saying." JJ felt that sting in her voice and knew it was time to move forward.

******

They settled themselves in the car. JJ warmed the engine; it was brutal outside, dark clouds packed the sky, the street deserted, the wind edged in cold spurts. Nevertheless, it was only a fifteen-minute drive. Then the snow blasted its fury. JJ stopped the car in front of the red brick, icy laden home. He strained to get a look through the flurry of snow. The door is merely a few steps away, but you can't quite see it. "Well, dear Crystal, he knows we have an appointment. I don't see any lights on. Maybe he is meditating." Together they mounted the few stairs. The brass werewolf door knocker encased in ice seemed to melt off as his black leather glove barely touched it.

"Now, that was weird," Crystal whispered.

"Well, I told you he has powers."

The door screeched open. JJ pushed it in a little further, there down the hall, dim light from one room. They both stepped inside. JJ reached back around to close the door. However, that lingering screechy steel-plated door shut on its own. "Hello, Jacob!" JJ nervously announced himself and Crystal as they stepped forth. The phantom cologne streaming throughout the hall caught Crystal's attention. The gust of stale air rushed at her as they passed the second room. It was so dark she could barely make out the old rocking chair in the corner. To the left, further down the hall, the dim light brightens. She could smell the woody scent lingering. Tobacco smoke mixed with sandalwood incense became identifiable. Nausea and light headiness made her dizzy, tighter; she squeezed JJ's arm.

He patted her hand. "Easy, sweetheart."

A few more steps, and behold, the pressure within her chest grew tighter! As if the life of breath sucked out of her! And there he sat, disfigured and grotesque! Their eyes locked, her lips shivered. Those thin patches of coarse black hair caressed his naked chest. Then, sitting with his legs crossed, aware of this young girl's shivering fear, he spoke gently. "Don't fear, dear child. I am a victim of the fire. My name is Jacob, and we are all friends in this room."

As if the presentation of Angels enlightened the scene, he raised his arms, spread to the heavens, and welcomed his guest. Cautiously they took their place, crossing their legs upon the orange and burgundy Mandala meditation cushion—the perfect distance between them and their host. A round polished teak table separated them from their host. It is the best wood in India, fire-resistant for a man nearly consumed by fire. And those white flaming candles secured in position. Jacob began a chant, and the cards on the table rose on their own! The deck passed before them as it came back to the center. That stretch of shuffled cards in mid-air sent waves of chills as they fell then fanned out upon the table! "Draw the card," Jacob demanded. Crystal knew that it wasn't Jacob who spoke; his eyes were white as snow frightened her.

"Draw the card!" He demanded once more!

JJ nudged Crystal, and it hurt! She leaned forth and reached out, frightened; her trembling shadow danced upon the wall. Although within that circle, she saw the beauty of those cards, and they hypnotized the mind. "The Black craft Vintage Deck!" Jacob spoke as if he knew Crystal's thought!

"Turn it over." He demanded!

The card flipped over! Crystal's fear shot straight-forward; instincts kicked outward, quickly she scooted backward in shock! JJ pulled her forward, placing his arm around her waist.

"The Grim Reaper Kiss! Love is invincible facing danger and death." Jacob growled! Draw another!"

The Knight of Swords Drawn. "Be bold and daring! Go after what you want!" Jacob snapped!

"Draw another!" The six of swords were Drawn.

"Rid yourself of everything that makes you unhappy; find passion in your new environment!"

Impatient with Jacob's one-line sentences spurred her unbecoming anger, and therefore she snapped. "How can you say these things! This reading is basic shit!"

"Shh...Stop it, Crystal!" JJ tried to quieten her. He placed his finger to his lip, forcing her to get the message.

Then straight off, Jacob locked his hands firmly on the table's rim, an oncoming vibration within the floor shimmied, shaking them to the core! "Silence!" Jacob hissed! It was the cool breeze an eerie few seconds as the floor settled into stillness. After those few seconds of silence, brief to the point of rudeness, he once again demanded her to comply.

"Draw the card!"

Emotionally disturbed, her hand shook, drawing out the Two of Cups reversed. The action of her hand displayed an obvious sign of emotional sorrow. Jacob's deep breath caught her attention. His eyes rolled within the sheet of his eyelids; devilish mummers briefly stole those doubts from Crystal's psychotic spirit!

"Fantasies with a man entrap your thoughts. He is tall, dark-skinned, with an addiction of sorts, who you are incompatible at the here and now. He suffers a side unchosen. Beware, my dear. Apply caution when taming a Lion. They tend to turn unexpectedly! Rebalance the relationship!" Jacob blazed his glare directly toward Crystal.

"Questions, my dear?" Those devilish tones trapped her within a crawling chill!

"How do I do this?" her cracked whisper echoed through that God-awful sensation.

"Study him with forbearance. Do away with the competition. After all, in reality, they mean zero to him, as you do at the moment. Then see the devils dance together!"

"What do you mean by that?"

You know what I mean! Now go!"

That sudden change of Jacob's tone lingered softly as the lights slightly brightened while the candle flames settled into a mere spark. Thereafter the shadow of the exit came forth, a figure of a tall thin man came along. His features, distinct with age, outlined unusually high cheekbones. Barefoot, dressed in white, he motioned. For their session has come to a close. JJ placed the money upon the tabletop and helped Crystal to her feet with a tight clutch of her hand as they made their way outside.

******

They discussed the Two of Cups reversed meaning on the drive back to Crystal's apartment. JJ couldn't seem to calm her anxiety. On that point, he offered to instruct her about the feminine side since her Tomboyish ways were obvious. "What the hell do you mean, I'm not feminine enough?"

Crystal, for one example, you don't smile. Unattractive! Dear, this is a no… no! A mere smile can entice!"

"There is nothing to smile about!"

"Crystal! Then ask yourself, why did I pay eighty dollars for Jacob? I'm taking you shopping this weekend. Your tennis shoes are unattractive, dirty, and disgusting!"

"I don't have the money!"

"No worries. Sweetie, I have it!"

"Where do you come across all this money?"

"This is what I mean, showcasing the feminine side! Never question, just accept and say thank you!"

"Thank you, JJ, but...!"

"Shh, not another word!"

******

It was in her home that Crystal twisted that rusty shower knob to bring on the steam, straight into the shower, there in her world of imaginative ideas, sharing the perfect home with Alli. Visions of all that held substance, a breathing garden, hazy within her view, although perfect to the touch. Her fingertips caressed those deep green leaves. It was the rainwater drawing her out, and in actuality, the shower temperature drew colder. With a quick twist, those pipes jangled their usual irritating hum. Remaining untouched, the pale green towel, as her vision starred back within the mirror, awakening those joyous demons, enticing the soul! "Yes, determination to have what one deserves is to observe and eliminate competition."

******

The following morning, 11:00 am, JJ came through as promised. It was his inaugural visit to her flat. He surely didn't approve of or take a liking to the scenery prancing around the apartment. He hesitates to lay his hand upon the kitchen counter. And so away into the bedroom, he directed himself. "Crystal, dear young madam! This apartment is dull, dirty, and disgusting! Candid and feminine, he slid the closet door open, sweeping his hand along the few clothes she owned. "I know you're not lazy, sweetie!"

"This damn manager practically takes all my disability payments, JJ!"

"Well, Crystal. I'll fix that!"

"There are no other apartments close enough JJ, and inexpensive to be this close to Haley's House."

"Get your coat on, dear. On that point, a man is moving out downstairs. I took a peek inside that apartment, and it's more decent than this."

"You don't know this manager, JJ!"

'Oh, my naive cupcake! I know all these slum lords. How much are you paying?"

"Nine hundred, my check is twelve hundred a month."

"Tu-Tu, come along and keep your mouth shut."

JJ's footsteps echoed sharply down the stairway, like the booming beat of a condemned prisoner, while Crystal's tennis shoes squeaked along as an anxiously lost child!

*****

There at the doorway, the manager attempted to lock the door of the now-vacant apartment when that hand reached above his head, forced the door open! Startled, he stepped back as JJ flaunted his red scarf, tossing its lengthy softness over his shoulder. He quickly studied this manager, who looked too perfect. His face bore a solid bone structure. For a fraction longer, JJ held his gaze; there in that man's eyes as a guilty child, he took hold of that guilt; JJ's usual test to detect femininity.

"You're the manager" Firm and bold, JJ's CEO performance took control!

"Yes, are you interested in the apartment?"

"That depends on you, dearie! I may be interested in the entire building."

With a flaunt of his hand directly toward the manager's face forced the man to step away. JJ made his way around the vacant apartment, slowly scanning for any damages. The questions began without eye contact; JJ did one gram of cocaine that morning, revitalizing his cleverness. "The price, Dear?"

"Nine hundred a month." His grueling eyes reflected an impatient tone.

"And how much was the tenant paying? Don't lie to me! I have many influential customers!"

"Eight hundred." His balding head sweated!

Often JJ showcased his femininity; imagery feathers of an Angel could capture the entire audience's attention. He used those qualities gracefully. He opened the blinds to gather a scenic view, while his other well-rehearsed crossbreed personality formulated an unattractive aggressive tone! Dangerously as a locomotive without breaks! "Crystal, wait for me in the car! Close the door behind you!" The sensation of evil became present within that room. Fear was obvious. The manager barely had a moment to put up his hand and speak when JJ directed a cold, callous stare through those flared, dilated pupils! He drew out a tissue from his pearl satchel and gently tapped his nose as the door closed behind Crystal.

Later, JJ exited the building with his tissue in hand. And with a quick wave, those ruby red lips positively enlighten Crystal. He was excited all right, dancing down upon those few steps and into the car. "Sweetie, I have great news! That flat is yours right after we finish shopping."

"I can't afford that apartment!"

"Darling Crystal, I imagine $600.00 a month is too much then?"

It was there at that moment JJ grabbed his ear as it sucked in that high-strung squeal. Taking custody of his neck, an unstable tug of war commenced! She kissed his face!

"Stop it, Crystal!" repeated himself several times!

That cleverish grin, however, remained with him. Pride boosted his adrenaline: so much more than the gold-laced, turquoise, flowered china saucer of cocaine, he sat out every morning.

******

Despite the dreary weather that day, the mall evoked that childish thrill of sights, sounds, and flavors of delectable aromas. Crystal shopped side by side with JJ. The delicate fabrics of high-priced clothing dazzled her spirit. However, noticeable moments caught his attention. Rummaging through the sale items, JJ took hold of one moment, inquiring, "Why the stone face, are you hungry, dear?" Little did he suspect; the temptation of devilish greed consumed the oncoming war inside that damaged brain of hers! Blasting those few angelic voices in her head! Oh, they augured with each other: demons and angels. And still, her unheard voice fought to quiet their controversy, a rarity of esteem feeding mercy, forgiveness, and hope. Silently within that dark corner of her mind, God called upon: an unnecessary war of emotion her psychiatrist often proclaimed. Apologizing a few minutes later, she brought a smile upon his face, although JJ remained suspicious of those shifting eye movements.

******

It wasn't more than a week JJ had the apartment decorated with feminine allure. A new way of life existed; however, those demons were jealous. Crystal's attractive clothing style drew more attention than she could handle, and Alli didn't focus on her transformation too much. Instead, his life defiantly focused on himself. He had some secrets all right, the kind you don't desire to make public. That two-bedroom trailer home possessed more than nights filled with internet capability.

Crystal struggled for the next three weeks without much luck snatching Alli's full attention; she revisited Jacob. Latched tight onto JJ's arm, they continued their way through that brewery of strange nauseating scents once again. Sandalwood throughout is sparse, as the lingering cigar smoke caressed the ceiling hallway. Candlelight animated the tarot cards upon that polished table. Fear slapped those brain cells of hers while stomach cramps reacted to the sight of Jacob! Shirtless as usual, the disfiguration of the fire-burned victim branded his image within her fragile mind. JJ's patience flared slightly, laced with that unacceptable dread Crystal displayed. With a stronger tug toward him, he acknowledged her fear without creating a dramatic scene.

He whispered. "Calm down. I'll never bring you here again if you go on like this."

"I'm sorry, JJ." Her bubbling green eyes shed the fear of the unknown.

"Shhh!" JJ slightly squeezed her, and then as two twisted feathers, they settled upon those fluffed cushions.

Startled, the on-rush of a tremble! The cards rise above the candle flames, shuffling in mid-air. Downward they flapped! Spreading a half-circle, as Jacob called out! "Draw the card!" Fear almost unmanned her as her heart lurched, the beat heavier than her breathing. Blindly Crystal drew a card, turning it over.

"Another!" Jacob snapped!

And so forth came the third card and fourth! "My dear, this highlights great sensitivity mixed with a form of anxiety in the face of difficulties encountered. This anxiety is why you feel alone and misunderstood. New doors have opened up. The weight of your past has blocked your way of advancing. Stepping through the threshold has become a morning battle. Your decisions must change. There is no future and gateway unless you eliminate fear and those who slow down your advance. On the emotional level, there is someone who has come forth in your life. You should be able to attain what is most important to you if you allow yourself to understand life differently."

Vibrations played upon the strands of her vocal cords, whispering, "This someone, who is this?"

"It is something linked to your life path—a bond or common history. The cards show your past, present, and future, closely linked to that of a man. There is more! Beware!"

Jacob spit up, tugged at the tube attached to his throat! Raising one hand, he demanded they go away immediately! Unexpectedly they face two males dressed in white. One assisted Jacob while the other escorted them to the front doorway. Into the car, JJ could read Crystal faster than a tweet!

"Everything will be fine, Sweetheart."

"Do you think it's him?" Her lips shivered!

"Who else could it be? He is the only one you have been focusing on."

******

Alli woke with a legendary headache from too much vodka and coke and rolled over to find Irene lying gloriously naked next to him. She was older than he was used to, but he liked her. She enjoyed the sex and had a willingness he'd missed in a long time. He watched her sleeping for a long time before getting up and dressed without showering. How often had he left them the morning after? Too many to name. Fuck it. I'm not getting any younger. Gently he woke Irene up, and she moaned away any dream she might have been having.

'Hey gorgeous,' he smiled and stroked her face.

'You ready for round two?' she asked, opening her legs slightly.

He debated it and decided what the hell even though his stomach told him food was more important. They had sex with slightly less urgency than last night, but he still pleased her until she left marks down his back, opening up new tracks and grooves.

Afterward, while she showered, he made crap instant coffee and looked out the window to the street below. There was no work today. It was a full day to himself, although he actually wanted to spend it with Irene, which was weird. He'd never felt this way about anyone before. It would have been nice to take her shopping, but he didn't have the money. Still, when did that stop him. They could cruise a few charity shops. He might buy himself another of those western Max Brando books he was reading on his breaks. Shit, when did he start reading? First a job, then a lady, and then some fine literature. Although it could be rubbish, he had little to compare it to besides the bible, but nothing beat that.

Irene crossed the room then wrapped her hands around him.

'What shall we do today?' she asked.

'Let's have a walk around the city,' he said and craned his head back for a kiss.

'Sure, but can we eat first?'

'Yes, I know a great little place not far from here,' he said before spinning her into his arms for a deeper kiss.

******

Haley's House soup kitchen was quieter than usual, he thought, but he never usually came in this early in the day. A guy called Fleck stood outside smoking and spitting. His face was as ugly and hateful as always, yet still, he managed half a smile as Alli approached Irene.

Alli opened the glass door; he suddenly realized that the crazy girl might be working today. She'd been swimming around him for weeks, always tarting herself up, stinking of cheap perfume, and asking about his life. He was kind he was, but she scared him. He'd had enough crazy relationships, and he could smell crazy. She was pretty, no doubt, but she was dangerous, and just as he crossed to his favorite table, he clocked her, watching him from the counter. Her face was ablaze with rage, her cheeks flushed red.

Why? Because he was with Irene, impossible, he had no holds to…what was her name? Ruby? No Crystal. Through the hatch, he could see the other worker, a dude he wasn't sure was a man or a woman. Always had a resting bitch face, called JJ.

They sat down, and as they did, Irene lent over the table and kissed him, tenderly but lingeringly on the lips. He smiled and heard a bang. When he turned, Crystal was gone, out into the back. Suddenly he didn't feel good; this whole situation felt wrong, something he should have known. There was a shout-outback. Not Crystal, the other one. Suddenly it felt like slow motion, and when he looks back, and my lord, he will look back, he'll curse himself for not acting sooner. He looked up, and Crystal was charging, in her hand, an ice pick.

Irene turned; her smile vanished as Crystal skidded into her chair and plunged the pick through her eye. There was a high-pitched scream which shook Alli to the core as he jumped across the table. He grabbed at Crystal, missing with his first attempt as she pushed herself and Irene to the floor. Then he heard two wet, sickening stabs as Irene screamed for her life.

He grabbed and picked Crystal-like she was no more than a bag of potatoes and threw her across the floor. Fleck opened the door from outside and saw the violence and reacted with the speed only a man who spent time in prison could respond. He kicked the ice pick further across the floor.

Quickly Crystal was up and running back to Alli and Irene. Alli looked down; one stab had hit Irene through her eye and another through her cheek, but the worst one had hit her neck, and despite his holding the wound, the floor was soon filling up red. Her eye started up and him, begging for life, pleading for her love to help her.

He turned and saw JJ holding Crystal by the arms; soon, Fleck joined in, pinning her to the floor. She was screaming like a possessed woman. Maybe she was.

'The card, the fucking card,' she screamed.

Alli looked back. Irene was gone. Now all that was left was the rage he felt. He walked to Crystal, who lay on her stomach, arching herself to look at him. JJ was screaming, crying but holding her down.

'The cards don't mean shit,' he told her, which made her thrash more. 'The police are coming. I had to call them!'

Alli stepped back. Clearly, she was sick. As he did, he saw the blood-splattered card on the floor. Its face glances back at him, smiling mockingly.

Its name, DEATH.