The Bull Society

A young woman was calmly sitting in a large desk chair awaiting the judge. The leather desk chair had been set in front of a fancy mahogany desk. The desk was cluttered with papers and binders of varied colors. A statue of a large golden bull had been placed at the head of the desk. Just behind the desk was another empty desk chair. Large bookcases lined the walls of this tiny office. Each bookcase was filled haphazardly to the brim with assorted books, papers, and random knick knacks. A large globe, made of the posh crystals that the judge had collected on his various encampment trips, sat beside his cluttered desk. The judge had the large globe made with current geographical locations.

The young woman sat back in the desk chair. Her shoulder length black hair fell in long waves around her face. She was dressed in the school uniform she’d been provided. The school had just accepted her due to her imposing recommendations. She’d been one of the few women to accomplish such a task. The glossy sky blue jacket was adorned with golden buttons. She was also dressed in a matching sky blue skirt with dark blue high heel shoes. Her slender legs were covered in dark nylons. She lifted her right leg and set it atop of her left. She began circling her ankle as she grew impatient.

She felt a grin escape as the door opened behind her. She turned her gaze to view the older man stepping into his office. The judge was dressed in a black suit, a dark blue striped shirt, and a dark blue necktie. His age was beginning to show in his face, and peppered colored hair. The young woman observed the black folder filled with papers in his arms. It made her wonder whose death folder it was. She returned her gaze back to the empty desk.

“I’m glad you were able to make this meeting, Shabina,” he stated, tossing the black folder onto the desk. “I know the school has been keeping its students exceedingly busy this term. I’ve been told that you’re one of the school’s hardest working students. Which I have been very pleased to learn; at least, my recommendation isn’t going to waste. I was worried about keeping with that inclusivity idea, but it turns out to be to my benefit. I think we’re going to find some other new talents.” He stepped around the desk and sat across from her. “Not that any of this matters to you. Was there something you wanted to speak to me about-I mean other than a multitude of appreciations.”

“Yes, I have been very busy,” she replied. “Dane Grayman, I was pleased to have your recommendations. I don’t think the school would’ve accepted me without it. Trust me, I do appreciate it. However, before we continue with the tutelage, we should probably clear the air. I am very sorry about your son, Mr. Grayman. There are some things…”

Mr. Grayman held his hand up to silence her. “Shabina, there is no need for any apologies. There’s definitely no need for your sentimentality. My son was given much promise, but he wasted it on his tantrums. The only use I have for a hothead is as a hitman. I’ve got plenty of those. I was always disappointed with him. I need someone with charm, wits, and the ability to learn.” Mr. Grayman removed a cigar case from his desk. He plucked a cigar from the case, and placed the cigar in his mouth. He then threw the case across the desk. Shabina responded by removing a cigar, and tossing the case back to him. Mr. Grayman lit his cigar with a lighter he removed from his suit pocket.

“Besides, I can’t say that he didn’t deserve it.” Shabina merely stared at him as he continued. “There isn’t much that I don’t know; and, I know full well what happened to you. Just like I’ve known about the other girls. Sooner or later, it was bound to catch up with him. I bet it felt greatly justified. Why don’t you tell me about your version of events,” he finished tossing the lighter towards her.

Shabina shrugged her shoulders grabbing the lighter. “Well, it certainly wasn’t all negative,” she muttered, lighting her cigar tip. “I don’t know if you actually want to hear those details.”

“C’mon,” Mr. Grayman winked. “I heard you were present, and I’m certain that you have things to say about it. Sooner or later, I’ll hear about the remainder of the situation,” he finished with a deep inhale. “I’d rather hear it from you, my chosen child.”

Shabina gave an awkward smirk as she took a deep puff from the cigar. The exhale felt more like a tension release. “I guess I do have some opinions,” her smirk faltered. “I thought it was strange for David to invite Jonas anywhere, especially after I’d told him about that night. David saw the scars from Jonas’ attack. I had assumed that he just wanted to talk with Jonas. I thought maybe he might blackmail him. The whole situation made me curious, and I wanted to know David’s logic. But, it would’ve probably been better had I not gone.” She paused as he took another inhale. The circle of smoke that came from his exhale, gradually evaporated above him.

“At first, I kept my distance. Then I watched them walk towards the bathroom together. They were gone for several minutes. As the minutes passed, I became more and more fearful. So, I followed them. I knew it was something I shouldn’t have done, but it felt like something was wrong. They’d left the door unlocked. It was like they were waiting for me.” Shabina felt her fingers fidgeting with the cigar.

“As I stepped inside, David was holding Jonas’ head in a sink full of water. Jonas was trapped and severely injured. They must’ve had a scuffle. Then Jonas stopped moving. David looked up at me with the utmost hate. That look on his face made me tremble. I only felt shame staring into his eyes. I felt ashamed because of my moment of weakness. My weakness had made me tell David about what had happened. My weakness had caused all this turmoil. I ran from the bathroom, and I didn’t stop until I was outside. Tears were streaming down my face. But, there was a smile on my face. I was smiling because my attacker was dead. My nightmare was dead. It was a relief to finally feel this freedom. But, it also made me feel disgusted. I don’t think I’ve been able to eat a decent meal in days.”

“Later, David confided in me that he was ashamed of me. David told me that I brought this attack on myself. He told me that I belonged where Jonas was. I guess, maybe, I really did cause all this devastation. My mother always said that my beauty was going to be my greatest downfall. I’m sorry that I caused the death of your son. I’m even sorry that I enjoyed it. I imagine you probably think I’m as disgusting as David thought.” Her voice had become full of trembling uncertainty.

Mr. Grayman sighed and stood from his chair. The cigar was locked firmly between his lips. The pleasant expression never left his face. He meandered around the office until he was standing behind Shabina.”No. I don’t think you’re disgusting. You cannot help what the truth brings out in others. This world is often crueler to women. It’s no one's fault that you had to use your only available weapon.”

Mr. Grayman placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “But, I don’t want you to worry about me,” he said, gently brushing her hair from her face. “I will never harm you, not like my son did.” He let out another exhale. A gentle smoke passed in front of her. Shabina refused to allow even a stifled cough to escape her throat. “I will continue to mentor you as is my responsibility,” he moved his hand from her hair. His hand reached into his suit pocket to remove something. He presented the bronze pin shaped like a bull. “Welcome to the Bull Society.”

Several days prior, Shabina was breathing harshly as she glared at her reflection. Her reflected eyes looked like pure madness. A whip rested on top of the sink. The tip of the whip was still covered in blood. A sleeping Jonas was reflected in the mirror just behind her. Jonas was oblivious to her devious appetites. She would tell David about what had happened this evening. David would know the truth as he needed to know it. There was no need for David to know about her seduction. She had prepared for this moment. She had prepared for her recent societal climb. If she were fortunate, then she would be able to bear witness to Jonas’ murder and an execution.