It’s a new day. Daylight. There are many different houses that look modest and affordable or expensive and luxurious in a quiet neighborhood in the city. While the neighbors are doing their business and do not meddle in the lives of each other, the girl named Anna Seymour, who is living in a large beautiful house, is accepting Helene Marshall, Natalia Rochester, and Raquelle Cameron. These best friends have known each other since school and call each other no other than sisters, and their beloved men became like older brothers to them. Yes, it was hard to believe that Helene could befriend Natalia and Raquelle, who she bullied in school years with the help of the self-pronounced queen, and Anna, who never participated in it. But the girls, who originally decided to try to get along with Peter, Daniel, Terrence, and Edward, no longer think about the past and are very happy that they ended up together again.
The girls look a little anxious because of what happened after the concert of “Against The System” when the stranger nearly killed Peter before the eyes of the shocked crowd of fans and his friends, who did their best to protect him. Sitting on the soft sofa, they discuss what they know from the men and examine something on the Internet, scrolling tons of pages with a touchpad on the laptop that is placed in front of them. Even if it’s not been one day, some sites have already published tons of articles about it, users on social networks are discussing it actively and praying that the members of the man are okay, and some witnesses publish their own photos and videos and tell about what happened yesterday in all details.
“Yesterday, on July, 3rd 2018, the musical rock band ‘Against The System’ played their show successfully to promote their debut album that is set to be released in two months,” Helene reads one of the articles and tucks a strand of black hair behind her ear. “After the show, the members left the building of the concert hall where it took place, and had pleasure talking with their fans. Although the security watched the order, they did not manage to stop the unknown man, who chose a moment, climbed over the railing, and started to threaten the drummer Peter Rose with a pistol.”
“As the witnesses said, the criminal stated Rose must’ve paid for something,” Anna continues, twirling her hair that is brushed into a tail. “Peter himself looked confused and did not know what that man wanted from him, even if he did not let him hurt him and protected himself somehow. The security staff reacted immediately to this event and tried to catch the criminal. Daniel Perkins, Edward MacClife, and Terrence MacClife did not also stay aside and protected their colleague determinedly from the unknown man. As the witnesses said, the men looked anxious, but they behaved very bravely and confidently, not being afraid of the cold gun, as if they wanted to say that they were ready to stand for themselves and each other.”
“In the end, thanks to the efforts of the security, the unknown man has been neutralized quickly and given to the police that arrived by the call shortly,” Raquelle adds, folding her hands in front of herself. “Luckily, Peter and the other members of the band did not suffer, even if they looked a little tense. Daniel, Terrence, and Edward calmed the drummer quickly and tried not to go too far from him and keep him under view as if they said that they would not let anyone hurt him again.”
“None of the men ignored the scared crowd that became witnesses to the failed attack on Peter Rose,” Natalia ends and fixes her golden, straight hair slightly. “When the security took the criminal away, and they calmed down a little, Terrence, Daniel, Peter, and Edward came to their fans to find out if they were okay and make them sure that they had no reason to worry. And when they found out that the young girl felt a little bad, the members of ‘Against The System’ insisted that the doctor come to her, and Daniel gave her his bottle of water. The men did not leave the girl until they knew nothing threatened her life, and the reason for her half-fainted condition was a very strong fear.”
Also, Helene, Natalia, Raquelle, and Anna find a video recorded by someone, who went by, and view it, even if they have already seen tons of similar records before. They clearly see the unknown man running to Peter with a pistol in his hands and trying to shoot him down many times and Edward, Terrence, and Daniel protecting their friend so hard. The girls shake with widely open eyes and press themselves to each other unconsciously, thinking the criminal would manage to shoot one of their sweethearts at some moment.
“Yeah, we didn’t live quietly for too long…” Raquelle pronounces thoughtfully, wrapping a strand of her brown hair around her finger.
“Do you think that man really needs something from Peter?” Helene asks. “Or did he really go by? Is everything bad about his mental health?”
“I ain’t kinda sure it was an accident,” Natalia assumes. “That man knew for sure that he needed Pete. Aggression was on him mainly.”
“But he definitely knows that Edward, Daniel, and Terrence wouldn’t let anyone hurt him,” Anna notices. “The criminal said himself that if the man would keep walking about the blond, they would regret it. That’s what Perkins said.”
“God, what’s the fault of such a sweet, innocent, and fluffy guy?” Helene wonders. “What did Pete do to make someone wish to kill him?”
“Before the eyes of the crowd of fans!”
“Terrence said the men weren’t the only ones, whom the criminal tried to shoot,” Raquelle says confidently. “The fans almost suffered, too, when he tried to shoot someone.”
“I wonder where the security looked if they let it happen?” Natalia asks herself. “Why didn't they watch closely enough those, who were at the show and waiting for the lads outside? How could they miss the armed man, who almost killed all of them?”
“What if that man went to the show without problems,” Anna adds. “What if people were singing and dancing along with the men’s song and had no idea of being next to the armed man.”
“I thought they would watch everything closely at this type of event,” Helene says thoughtfully. “They did know well that there would be very many people. They must take strict measures for safety when they organize mass events. Especially when famous people perform on stage. Who may have by far not the healthiest fans and haters.”
“After this case, organizers are gonna have a lot of problems,” Natalia assumes. “Moreover, this attack on Peter was made public. They will not be able to be silent and find any kind of excuses.”
“Well, I haven’t seen any announcement from the staff of the concert hall,” Anna shrugs. “They are silent yet. No excuses, no apologies.”
“It’s okay, they will be made to comment on this situation and take measures not to let anything like this happen again.”
“At least, the lads’ team already knows that someone tried to kill Peter,” Raquelle notices. “And do their best to make the organizers of yesterday's event pay for that kind of irresponsibility.”
“Yeah, they’re now talking with George,” Natalia replies. “Edward said Smith was thinking about the situation and was gonna announce the decisions and measures that the team would make not to let these things happen again.”
“What if it doesn’t help?” Helene expresses anxiety, fingering over nervously. “What if someone doesn’t leave Pete alone anyway? Whatever people do!”
“Anyway, Rose can stand up for himself,” Anna notices with a slight smile. “He’s not such a shy and unprotected guy as it seems. If he has to, Pete can roar so that anyone can feel a shake in their knees.”
“And our boys won’t stand aside with popcorn in their hands as they watch their friends get threats from someone,” Natalia notices. “You and I know it so well.”
“Oh, I dunno, girls…” Helene sighs heavily and runs her hands over her hair from the top of her head to her neck. “But I’ve got a bad presentiment about it,”
“Stop, Helene, it’s gonna be okay,” Anna calms down softly.
“It happened for a reason, Anna. Isn’t it strange that someone wanted to get rid of the man, who’s done nothing bad in his life, so hard? And that man didn’t care that he wanted to defeat Pete before the eyes of many people.”
“But what does he need from Rose, then?” Raquelle throws her hands up. “Why didn’t he threaten Terrence, Edward, or Daniel? Why does that man need the blond?”
“I dunno, Raquelle.” Helene grabs her hand with her hand. “I don’t have any guesses about it. I don’t know who needs it.”
“If only it didn’t have to do with some kind of criminal,” Natalia expresses anxiety. “Just like in the case of Daniel.”
“Do you wanna say someone’s got a grudge against Peter?” Anna wonders. “Someone’s gonna get rid of him just like Eugene Wainwright wanted to kill Daniel, so Cassidy didn’t have the protection of her brother?”
“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised!” Raquelle shrugs. “We didn’t also understand what Perkins could do if Eugene pushed him under the heels of the car and used the fact that he lost his memories for a while.”
“Or maybe Peter doesn’t say something to us?” Helene asks hesitantly, looking at her friends with sadness in her eyes.
“What do you mean, doesn’t say something?” Anna rounds her eyes.
“What if he’s had problems for a long time, but he doesn’t wanna make us worry and talk about them?”
“No, Helene, I don’t think so,” Raquelle shakes her head. “Peter wouldn’t hide his problems from us. He knows he can trust us. He knows we’d do our best to help him. Whatever happens.”
“Moreover, if Perkins and the MacClifes have a little doubt, they’ll shake everything outta him,” Natalia adds. “If he wanna be silent, he won’t do this!”
“What if Pete was terrified?” Helene assumes. “Maybe someone’s threatening to kill us if he opens his mouth? So, that’s why the blond’s hiding the truth!”
“Do you have reasons to suspect something like this?” Anna wonders/
“Yes, Marshall, if you know something about Peter, you better say it now,” Raquelle insists. “So, we can take measures in time.”
“No, no, I swear I know nothing!” Helene replies in a little shaking voice, raising her hands. “If I knew something, I would tell you everything!”
“But why do you have these suspicions?” Natalia wonders. “Why are you sure that Peter is hiding something from us and may know what that man needs from him?”
“I just assumed! Because… We can expect anything now.”
“Peter wasn’t pretending when that man threatened him with a gun,” Anna says confidently. “He looked really scared and confused in the video.”
“Yeah, it’s clear that the blond didn’t expect this twist,” Raquelle adds. “He was talking quietly with his fans, singing something, taking photos… And then a man showed up and started to put his pistol against his face, threatening loudly to make him pay for something.”
“But what must he pay for?” Helene wonders. “Why does someone want to see his name on the grave?”
“Yes, I agree, the situation is very weird,” Natalia replies and puts her finger on her lip. “And it makes me worried.”
“And the question is whether there’s a threat for us?” Anna adds. “Could the men suffer somehow?”
“As for the men, they’re definitely under threat,” Raquelle says thoughtfully. “At least because they won’t be silent if something happens to Pete.”
“My gosh, I don’t like all of this at all,” Anna exhales sharply, putting her hand on her heart. “It seems like we recently got rid of Wainwright, Julian, and his father. And now someone wanna kill someone again. Someone wanna kill Peter.”
“And we don’t even know what to do,” Helene says thoughtfully. “Not to let anything bad happen.”
“Yeah, the life of a famous person will never be quiet,” Raquelle sighs heavily. “Many people wanna erase you from this world.”
“What if we assume that it doesn’t have to do with the men’s fame?” Natalia asks. “Just like it happened before!”
“Who knows, Rochester…” Raquelle strokes her chin. “Who knows…”
“Alright, girls, let’s not get busy with it,” Anna says confidently and closes the laptop. “Anyway, even if something happens, we always have someone to ask for help.”
“Yeah, in case of danger, we can ask Victor Johnson for help at any time,” Helene notices. “Thank God, we have a wonderful familiar person, who’s working in the police and has gained the trust of his colleagues.”
“That’s why they won’t scare us by saying that the police won’t help us, and we’ll regret it if we get in touch with them,” Raquelle adds with a slight smile.
“I wish this problem was solved as soon as possible,” Natalia expresses hope.
“Oh, I really doubt this story’s gonna end soon,” Helene shakes her head and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It won’t end with just one attempt to kill Peter.”
“If we think about something bad, it’s gonna happen. You’re gonna get negative attracted.”
“Think or not… Something’s gonna happen.”
“Did you become our second Raquelle Cameron?” Anna laughs shyly. “Who wouldn’t calm down if she thought something bad would happen soon.”
“The case is about my beloved man. If something happens to him, I’ll lose the meaning of my life. Pete is the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.”
“We know, friend, but let’s believe in the best,” Natalia says softly, stroking Helene’s hand. “Let’s not panic so early.”
“But to be honest, I don’t have a good presentiment about it,” Raquelle confesses hesitantly. “It’s like we’re gonna suffer a lot. Well… Or Peter’s gonna suffer a lot.”
“This situation makes me worried, too,” Anna says thoughtfully. “I wanna believe it’s gonna be okay, but… Something’s bothering me anyway.”
“Thank God, Peter has Daniel, Edward, and Terrence,” Helene exhales with relief. “It’s gonna be much easier for him with them than alone. The more people, the better it is.”
“Not just them, honey,” Anna smiles mysteriously. “Sammy, too.”
“You’re right…” Helene flashes a slight smile. “Sammy’s attracted to Pete not less than me.”
“Yeah, your doggy has lately been doing much fewer bad tricks on him,” Natalia laughs shyly.
“Oh, he loves it not less than the MacClifes love arguing with each other.”
“It’s amazing that they haven’t killed each other as they’re getting ready for the double wedding,” Raquelle notices.
“It’s amazing that they actually agreed not to be the only stars of the day,” Natalia adds.
“Oh, girls, if the situation of Peter gets worse, we don’t exclude that you may have to reschedule the wedding,” Helene sighs heavily.
“Yeah, it all happened at the wrong time…” Raquelle says thoughtfully. “We have so little time before the wedding, but someone decided to open the haunt on Peter Rose.”
“If only it was just him…” Natalia leans back on the sofa.
“Okay, cuties, let’s try to believe in the best,” Anna suggests confidently. “George and the men’s team will analyze the situation and will watch the organizers, so they provide for strict safety for the men and those, who attend their shows.”
“They’re gonna their asses so kicked that even a fly won’t fly by them like an invisible,” Raquelle assumes confidently.
“We’ll see it, friends,” Helene smiles a little tensely.
After looking at each other, Raquelle, Helene, Anna, and Natalia decide to change the topic and talk about something nice as they are eating the vanilla cookies made by the lady of this house and drinking strong coffee with milk. But, even despite all the attempts to get rid of bad thoughts, the girls cannot stop thinking that the situation with Peter may be much more serious than it seems, and the story will not end after just one attempt to kill.
***
Meanwhile, Peter, Terrence, Daniel, and Edward really went to the meeting with their manager to talk about what happened yesterday and decide how they could prevent similar things in the future. After coming to the building of the PR agency “Dark Side Management” that is promising their career, the men went to the office of George Smith, a middle-height man at the age of somewhere forty or a little more with light brown hair and bald patches on his sides. A little gloomy and grumpy at first sight but very responsible and understanding man, who is always ready to help his favorite wards and cover them in case they need it.
George looks too anxious after he is told about the news about the unknown man, who tried to kill Peter before the eyes of his fans. He walks nervously at the whole spacious room that is made of white colors and glances at times at the high-ceiling windows, from which he can see the city that is living its active life. While the members of “Against The System” are sitting on the soft sofa and listening closely to everything their manager says, still feeling tense after yesterday's events but trying to believe they can keep the situation under control and prevent it from getting worse.
“Your team and I spent a lot of time talking about yesterday's event,” George says quietly and fixes slightly his square-framed glasses. “And we’re determined to punish those, who let it happen, for this kind of irresponsibility.”
“Have you talked to the organizers of yesterday's show and the staff of the hall?” Terrence specifies.
“Yes, we contacted them shortly after I received your voice message.”
“Did they explain what happened somehow?” Daniel asks.
“To be honest, we didn’t get any kind of clear answers from them. But they promised to conduct their own investigation and punish those, who are guilty of this incident.”
“And according to the classics of the genre, they gave you their deepest apologies and promised that it would never happen again,” Edward assumes.
“Something like this. Anyway, we will not close our eyes to this attack and will not let them hush up the case. And if we have to, we are ready to sue them.”
“Don’t you know if that man was at the show?” Peter specifies. “Or was he waiting outside?”
“As far as I know, no. That man was not noticed in the crowd during your performance. He didn’t have a ticket to your show.”
“And where was that man taken after the security caught him?” Daniel asks.
“He was given to the police that arrived by the call,” George replies confidently. “When he took the gun and started to threaten Peter, one of the guards gave an order to call the police immediately and call the support. When he was arrested, he resisted so hard, tried to run away, was rude to the security, and tried to harm one of them.”
“And what’s waiting for him?” Terrence frowns. “He was released?”
“He was put in jail to clarify all the circumstances. That man is charged with resisting the police, attempting the life, and violating the order. He is under the threat of getting a penalty and a prison sentence.”
“He was questioned?”
“Yes, the police questioned him. But that man refused to answer their questions and didn’t give a clear answer to the question about what he needed from Peter and who, so to say, ordered him.”
“Oh, devil…” Peter swears quietly.
“Anyway, you have no worry to worry. I personally keep this situation under control and make sure all the measures for your safety and the safety of those, who come to your shows are taken.”
“That man almost shot some people from the crowd that came to welcome us,” Edward notices. “One girl was so scared that she needed the help of the doctor. She almost lost consciousness there.”
“But luckily, the girl came to herself quickly,” Daniel adds. “She didn’t need to be hospitalized. She sat a little, calmed down, drank water, and went home after the doctors examined her.”
“Thank God, nobody suffered,” George says confidently. “Neither you nor your fans.”
“But I must confess that I was scared,” Peter confesses hesitantly. “And I still can’t come to myself after what happened yesterday. I’m shaking, to be honest.”
“Don’t worry, Peter, I promise we will do our best not to let these things happen again. And we will make those, who let that man get through the security and take a cold gun pay for it.”
“I guess he planned everything well. It was hardly a spontaneous decision. That man was hardly running by, saw me, and decided to put his gun against my forehead for some kind of fun.”
“Don’t you really know that man?” Edward specifies.
“Of course, I don’t!” Peter exclaims. “I saw that man for the first time!”
“And don’t you know what he needed from you?” Daniel asks.
“How? I don’t know why it all the hell happened!”
“What if you know?” Terrence frowns slightly.
“So, do you want to say I know the reason for this hell?” Peter opens his eyes widely.
“Don’t hide anything, Peter,” George says confidently, leaning on the writing table with his hands. “If you want us to solve this problem shortly, we need to hear the truth. I must know everything to understand how to help you.”
“I swear, George, I really don’t know what that man needed from me. I don’t know him, I don’t know his name, I can’t even imagine what I did to make him take a gun and try to kill me.”
“I understand that you probably wanted to solve your problems by yourself and are afraid to ask someone for help. But you know well that we aren’t your enemies. The men stand for you, and I am always ready to cover, listen, and support.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Indeed, Pete, don’t think naively you’ll solve it all by yourself,” Daniel insists.
“God, I can’t really say anything to you,” Peter moans tiredly and runs his hands over his face. “If I knew something, I would tell you immediately. Why would I hide something from you? And you know that I don’t like excusing and prefer telling the truth. No matter how bitter it is.”
“Can’t you really say anything that could help us?” George frowns slightly.
“I repeat, if I knew something, I would tell you.”
“I think it sounds true enough,” Terrence notices thoughtfully. “Peter doesn’t lie.”
“Alright, I got it,” George exhales sharply. “So, we will think about what to do.”
“I’m starting to worry about how our next show is gonna happen,” Edward expresses anxiety. “Whether that man will show up again.”
“No, Edward, don’t even think about it. From this moment on, we are going to take much stricter control over the organization. I’ve already contacted the organizer of your next show, explained the situation, and told them to take measures for safety.”
“If someone manages to take a gun or a bomb to our show, we’re gonna have a large number of victims,” Terrence says a little excitedly.
“It’s going to be alright, guys, don’t worry,” George insists. “From this moment on, we will be doing our best for the strict security to be at your shows. Also, we were made sure that they would be checking anyone, who would love to come to watch your performance, much closer.”
“Sounds hopeful,” Edward flashes a slight smile.
“The security is going to examine everyone very carefully, check all their personal things, and take any suspicious ones. In the worst case, they will call the police without hesitating.”
“I thought they checked everyone so closely at every show or some sports games,” Daniel says thoughtfully.
“Right, but now, nobody will avoid that close checkup. No matter how innocent a person looks. And any suspicious person will be given to the police,”
“Anyway, I wouldn’t blame the security for that,” Peter says quietly. “When the guys and I talked with our fans, they were always near and watched everyone, so they were quiet. These people didn’t stand aside and did their job brilliantly.”
“Right, and they reacted immediately when that man started to threaten Pete with a gun,” Terrence notices. “So, it’s hard to blame them for being irresponsible.”
“Anyway, your team, the organizers, and I will pay a lot of attention to the safety issues,” George replies confidently. “At this moment, this is everything we can do.”
“Thanks a lot, George,” Edward thanks with a shy smile. “We knew you wouldn’t let us down.”
“It’s alright, guys, don’t be sad!” George encourages, comes to Peter, and claps him on the shoulder. “Any problem can be solved. If we solved those we had before, we can do this now. I do not leave my wards in trouble and would do my best to help them.”
“Oh, why is it now?” Daniel wonders. “When we’re about to release our debut album! And have the wedding of Terrence and Raquelle and Edward and Natalia!”
“Yeah, if only we didn’t have to reschedule it all,” Peter adds with anxiety.
‘By the way, do the girls already know what happened?” George specifies.
“Yep, we told them,” Edward nods. “Just like the mother and father of Terrence and me.”
“I wish this situation didn’t have to do with them,” George expresses hope.
“I’m afraid of this much more,” Peter confesses and rubs his forehead with his hand. “I’ll do it by myself somehow ‘cause I can stand up for myself. Terrence, Daniel, and Edward will not also let anyone hurt them. But if one asshole catches the girls, they’ll be able to do nothing. Especially if they catch them in a desert place.”
“You shouldn't leave them alone, guys,” George advises. “Who knows what’s gonna happen today or tomorrow. I’m not sure if this story will end after one attack.”
“If we have to, we will not leave them,” Terrence says confidently.
“Do you know where they are now?”
“Came together at the home of Anna and me,” Daniel replies. “At least, they talked about it.”
“You met them?”
“Nope, I didn’t.”
“Yeah, we only lived quietly for several months, and now here we go again – a new story!” Edward throws gloomily. “Maybe, a criminal one.”
“At least, I was involved in it against my wish,” Peter notices.
“As if I wanted to be involved with the fight with Wainwright!” Daniel crosses his arms over his chest.
“Or I wanted to deal with Simon Ringer and Uncle Michael!” Edward adds.
“Listen, men, I do advise you to think about hiring bodyguards for you,” George says confidently. “And for your girls. I understand that you don’t want it and can stand up for yourself. But don’t forget that you’re getting more famous. You have fans and haters. Millions of people around the whole world watch your life. And if your album is super successful, you will not be able to walk quietly outside and remain unnoticed. And of course, you will be a very good target for those, who may wish to get rid of you in the same way that man almost got rid of Peter.”
“Raquelle often says you get much more attention if you surround yourself with a lot of bodyguards,” Terrence replies. “And I personally agree with her.”
“And we wouldn’t like someone to follow us all the time and know what we do, what we say, and something like this,” Peter adds. “Besides, not all celebrities surround themselves with bodyguards. Many people walk quietly alone on the streets. Nobody cares.”
“As you wish,” George sighs tiredly. “Anyway, I warned you. And if the situation gets worse, you will probably have no other choice but to provide for your own safety and the safety of your girls.”
“Gosh, George, we are bodyguards ourselves,” Daniel laughs shyly. “Did that man think we would pee our pants if he waved his gun in front of our noses?”
“Ha, we had a deal with much more dangerous people,” Terrence adds. “For example, Eugene Wainwright. Yes, we had to apply a lot of effort, but we did it.”
“Yeah, you did,” George crosses his arms over his chest. “One of you almost went to another world, and the others were covered with bruises and blood from head to feet.”
“Yeah, but I think it was cool anyway,” Edward smiles mysteriously. “Blood was boiling, adrenaline was high, emotions were strong…”
“Yes, yes, we’re all aware of your love of seeking trouble and hurting your holed ass.,” Terrence chuckles kindly. “And you love it when someone hits you on the head.”
“Close your mouth.”
“Don’t be sassy with me!” Terrence puts his fist against Edward’s nose with a threatening look.
“Hey, stop your brother’s tricks!” George orders like a soldier.
“Sorry, George,” Terrence raises his hands. “I just keep this kid under close control. If I weaken the leash of this doggy, he’s gonna do so many bad things that he wouldn’t get rid of consequences even by the end of his life.”
“When we leave this place, I swear I will hit you on your neck,” Edward threatens with a sly smile.
“Babies don’t teach adults.”
“Hey, hello, folks, stop fighting!” Peter says loudly, clapping his hands. “You found a fucking bad time for this!”
“Really, bros, we’ve actually got a serious talk about a serious thing!” Daniel adds harshly. “But you can’t still calm down!”
“Anyway, I warned you about the possible danger,” George says quietly. “If you think you can get over it, fine. But if something unexpected happens, we will take some measures. Maybe, even no depending on your wish.”
“The most important thing is that our fans come to our shows, knowing that nothing threatens them,” Peter replies. “I don’t want someone to suffer because of one sick bastard.”
“Don’t worry about it. The organizers of your next show will take strict measures for safety and will be checking everyone and everything. Even if they have a charming smile and pretty face.”
“Let’s hope no bad things will happen next time,” Terrence expresses hope.
“Anyway, I must praise you.” George flashes a slight smile after he comes to the writing table and turns on Edward, Terrence, Daniel, and Peter. “You all behaved so bravely and determinedly. Good job, guys! You made me feel pride.”
“But we must confess that we were a little scared ‘cause we didn’t expect it,” Edward confesses shyly.
“I get it. Anyway, I tip my cap for you. Especially you, Daniel, Terrence, and Edward. You did not hesitate for a second and didn’t let Peter suffer.”
“It couldn’t be otherwise,” Terrence shrugs with a shy smile.
“I would tear apart anyone to dare to hurt my friends!” Daniel says with his head proudly raised. “Or my girlfriend. Or my sister.”
“I think it’s gonna be much easier for Peter to get through all of it thanks to your help,” George assumes.
“I would’ve hardly gotten rid of that man if the guys hadn’t been near,” Peter replies. “They helped me a lot.”
“Excellent, boys, keep rocking on! Remember, you are a team. Members of any team always do it together and help each other.”
“As we sing in our song ‘The Story About Us’, we’re a team, we’re united forever,” Edward recalls with a slight smile.
“You all have the highest score for unity,” George replies funnily.
“It’s okay, we can do anything together,” Terrence says proudly. “We will get rid of any bad thing in our way and end up where we need.”
“And I will help you with pleasure,” George promises. “And solve any your problem.”
“We’ve never doubted we’ve got the best manager in the world,” Peter flashes a slight smile.
“I have other wards not saying about you. But you are my best and closest ones. I will never stop saying that working with all of you is a pleasure.”
“You’ve caught a goldfish,” Terrence notices with pride. “A real brilliant.”
“Truth is true,” George laughs shyly. “It took a little to polish the brilliant a little to make it shine brighter than any star in the sky.”
Edward, Peter, Terrence, and Daniel say nothing and look at each other with a smug smile and a sense of pride, while George looks through the window, takes off his glasses, and wipes them with a rag that he always has in a small pocket of his jacket. Although the men are sure that yesterday's attack on the drummer of “Against The System” is not the last thing that will happen, they decide not to think about it too much and focus on something that’s much more important to them. For example, the band’s business and the forthcoming wedding of the MacClife brothers with their sweethearts that everyone is waiting for with great impatience.
***
The evening is getting closer. Two young men with a thick enough beard are drinking strong coffee as they are sitting comfortably on the soft dark sofa in a small living room that is lighted by the chandelier with multiple lamps hanging on the ceiling. A middle-sized plasma TV is hanging on the wall against them and working at a minimal volume. It’s translating an evening news issue, but it seems like nobody cares about it.
The men are now with the man, who looks like he is two times older than them, judging by a large number of mimic wrinkles, dry skin, and eyes that lost their gloss a long time ago. It seems like he is the owner of this small house because he is walking in the living room in an oversized t-shirt, pants with elastic that literally turned eternality and soft slippers. He is also drinking coffee with his visitors, whom he was waiting for with impatience because he is now listening to what they say very, very closely.
“Thank you so much for interceding for me a little and helping me pay the penalty, Mr. Longbottom,” one of the young men thanks after he puts his cup on the coffee table. “Thanks to you, the cops didn’t put me in prison. Even if they haven’t dropped the charges off me. They kind of going to conduct the investigation.”
“I was ready for that,” the adult man confesses. “But I was worried that I wouldn’t get enough money.”
“I promise I will give you the full amount when I have a little chance. Just give me some time. But I’m afraid it may not happen soon because the amount is big enough. I’ve gotta work for one or two years to earn so much money.”
“Don’t worry, Darren, I do not rush you. You will give me everything when you can. And I shall help you pay for other penalties if you need it.”
“Thank you so much again.”
“Thank you for doing what I asked you about.”
“I did what you said.”
“So… Did you see the boy?”
“I did, Mr. Longbottom,” Darren nods confidently.
“Wasn’t I wrong? Was I so sure about it for the reason? Is that the one I need?”
“You were not, sir. That’s him. Peter Rose – the guy, who you’ve been looking for so long. We’ve found him.”
“So…” Mr. Longbottom smiles slyly and puts his cup on the table. “I’ve finally found him. Found the one I want to get rid of. At least, I want to believe that’s him.”
“So, it’s time to do what you and I have talked about many times?” the young man with long light brown hair brushed into a messy bun on the top of his head.
“Yes, Elijah,” Mr. Longbottom nods. “Since we found the boy and know that’s 99% the one I need, it’s time to end him once and forever.”
“And what’s your first step? End him shortly or wait for some time?”
“Shortly, obviously! I’m not going to waste time and let Peter find a way to get away from me.”
“We’re waiting for orders from you, then.”
“I will think about what to do. But now do everything the guys, you, and I talked about before.”
“I think Rose understood that he got a serious problem after what happened yesterday,” Darren assumes.
“Yeah, the boy lived quietly and was sure nothing threatened him,” Mr. Longbottom smiles slyly. “And then Uncle Marcus decided to give him an unexpected surprise.”
“I guess he’s now sitting and guessing whom he harmed so much that he was almost killed.”
“Let him do it. Let him think what’s his fault.”
“Will you tell him what he must pay for?” Elijah asks.
“Of course,” Marcus pronounces confidently. “Peter will know everything. Yes, of course, he will not need this information because there’s a place at the cemetery for him. But alright, I shall let him learn something that he’s going to be interested in.”
“No doubt that your confession will turn his whole world upside down.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Marcus drinks some coffee from the cup that he takes from the table. “But now let him make guesses. And I will laugh at him. See what the guy will eventually come up with.”
“I’m sure that none of his guesses will be close to the truth,” Darren assumes with his head proudly raised.
“Yeah, Peter doesn’t even imagine what he’s going to find out before he goes to his distant relatives. Whom he never knew.”
“Since you are more than determined, nobody will stop you. And make you sure that you should forget everything and live quietly.”
“Oh, no!” Marcus protects determinedly. “Now I cannot forget it. Until I see the grave with the name of Peter Rose, I will not calm down. Since I learned about his existence, I’ve been obsessed with a strong desire to defeat this piece of shit.”
“You would’ve hardly known about him if he hadn’t been playing the drums in a rock band.”
“But I must confess that the boy does have a talent. Little girls admire him for the reason.”
“Oh, yeah, you should’ve seen how they shouted when he came to them to take a couple of photos and sign something!” Darren exclaims and drinks some coffee from his cup. “And when Rose gave his bracelet to one little girl, she literally jumped out of her skin.”
“Girls always get wet at the sight of young and handsome men. Peter is good-looking. By far not ugly. I can’t rate his intelligence, but something tells me he’s got brains. He's got a smart look, a conscious one.”
“If I’d killed him before the eyes of those girls, they would’ve drowned us with their tears. They shouted fucking loud when that blond tried to dodge the bullets. When I put his gun against his head.”
“If they didn’t do it yesterday, they will do it next time. When the Internet is gonna be full of articles about the tragic death of the drummer of ‘Against The System’ under unknown circumstances.”
“When he once tried to kill himself, he was already buried,” Elijah recalls. “As far as we know, the condition of the guy was pretty hard. But it happened that he managed to survive and got well fast enough.”
“That’s a shame he survived!” Marcus throws gloomily, crossing his arms over his chest. “A great shame! I would’ve had to spend my time dealing with him. Revenging on him for the bad things he had done to me.”
“Do not worry, Mr. Longbottom,” Darren says quietly. “He will pay for everything. For everything has done and has not done.”
“That boy will no longer run away from me. He will not make me forget that he actually exists. He will not make me forget everything I had to get through because of him.”
“No doubt, Mr. Longbottom,” Elijah nods with a sly smile.
“But I am afraid that our attempt to kill him is not going to be super easy for us,” Darren expresses anxiety. “We are not able just to wound him with a knife or shoot at him and get rid of the corpse.”
“Why?” Marcus frowns slightly.
“His friends. They may prevent us from doing what we want.”
“What’s wrong with them? And which friends are you talking about?”
“Those, who play in the band with him.”
“Ah, those… The selfish, hysteric, the kid, who was in prison, and the pathetic plucked roster…”
“Those assholes shortly got excited when I pointed my gun at Rose. They forgot about their fans and rushed to save him.”
“Wow…” Marcus pronounces surprisingly, rounding his eyes. “As it turned out, they’re connected by a strong friendship. A very strong one.”
“Oh, yeah!” Darren exclaims and takes a sip of coffee. “They stood by Peter so hard! They yelled, got excited, showed off, started a fight…”
“I see… So, his friends would tear anyone apart for him.”
“They take care of each other as much as a chicken takes care of her eggs.”
“So, the rumors about the conflict between Peter and the most arrogant rooster still remain rumors? Well, um-m-m… Everyone kind of talked about the band’s bassist bullying the drummer and bringing the boy to the suicide attempt.”
“I don’t know, Mr. Longbottom. But the guys get on very well. So, any rumors about them being enemies and having conflicts are nothing but fantasies of some journalists.”
“I got it…” Marcus pronounces thoughtfully.
“If his pals surround him all the time, our mission of destroying that guy is going to be much harder,” Elijah assumes.
“It will. Since they know that their friend is going to be dead very soon.”
“And what do we do?” Darren asks.
“I don’t know yet. But I shall think about what we can do in case they become his personal bodyguards and run after him anywhere.”
“By the way, I’m surprised that these idiots are so irresponsible for their own safety,” Elijah notices. “None of them has bodyguards. They walk on the streets as if nothing happens.”
“That’s what is good for us,” Marcus smiles mysteriously. “Nobody can stop us if we want to end this thing quietly.”
“Are you sure telling Darren to go to kill Rose before the eyes of the crowd of fans and guards, who were there, was a good idea?’
“I did tell you that nobody was going to kill you.” Marcus leans back on the sofa with his head proudly raised. “I just thought it was time for Peter to know about me. I mean, to know that he's got great problems. That he would not solve. Whatever he and his friends do.”
“Yeah, but I did not tell him about you,” Darren confesses. “The guards took me away very quickly, took my knife and pistol, and led me somewhere. And then the cops took me away.”
“You don’t have to tell everything at once. Yes, I want to end it as soon as possible. But I shall wait and just follow my plan.”
“Listen, let’s get him to fight with all his friends?” Elijah suggests. “Let’s settle up the chaos in their relationship. Do something for those people to turn their backs on him.”
“And tell something to his girl, so she doesn’t want to see him!” Darren exclaims. “Well… Or vice versa! Tell him something bad about her!”
“Right, right! Say something, so that he doesn’t even want to listen to her!”
“Good idea…” Marcus smiles slyly, stroking his chin, and spreads his legs aside slightly. “It would be great to do something for Peter to have nobody before his death. For everyone to give a damn about what’s happening to him.”
“Let’s come up with something? Of course, I don’t have any ideas, but I am sure that we will find a way to turn his gang against your enemy.”
“I will think about it closer to the moment when I decide to get him out of my way,” Marcus promises. “When he has to pay for everything. Pay for the fact that he was actually born.”
“And when are you going to kill him?” Elijah asks.
“Soon, Elijah. Very soon. I will not torture him for too long. I will pull a cat’s tall not for too long.”
“Hurry up!” Darren advises. “What if he wants to go to the police. Or his friends will convince him to ask the cops for help.”
“Peter can even go to the president of the country,” Marcus laughs evilly. “He needs proof, so the cops listen to him. But he has nothing against me, and he will not.”
“Yeah, but the news about the attack on Rose has been published on many sites on the Internet,” Darren notices.
“And what? They don’t call any names! No one says he was attacked by a man named Darren Garfield. You are nobody to them. And there is no my name there. Journalists haven’t gotten this type of information yet.”
“Besides, don’t forget that there were enough witnesses to that event. And I don’t mean his friends, who beat me a little. I mean all those little girls, who dream of getting married to that blond-haired one and make many children with him.”
“Don’t worry, Darren, it’s gonna be fine,” Marcus replies with absolute calm and confidence. “Peter and his gang will not be able to do anything to us. These idiots will not protect their friends, and he will not avoid what’s waiting for him.”
“Alright, Mr. Longbottom, as you wish,” Darren exhales sharply.
“Hey, why do we talk about those guys only?” Darren wonders. “We’ve gotta solve the problem with the girls of those so-called heroes.”
“We will come back to this later,” Marcus replies. “However, there is only one we care about. Peter’s girlfriend. I don’t care about the others.”
“Haven’t you decided what you want to do to her?”
“No yet. But I don’t exclude that we can deal with her. She is connected with Peter. My biggest enemy that I hate to death.”
“But remember that she could be our main trump card. The toy that we could use to manipulate Rose easily.”
“Yeah, you are right… If he loves her so much, he will do anything not to let her suffer.”
“So, think about Elijah’s suggestion,” Darren advises. “Whatever happens to her, it’s gonna be a great hit for Rose.”
“Damn, how lucky I am to have such smart and resourceful lads as my aliases!” Marcus exclaims cheerfully. “I don’t know what I would do without your help.”
“I personally still remember how well you got on with my father,” Elijah replies amicably. “How warmly you accepted me when you and I met for the first time.”
“Right… One of my most loyal friends and helpers, who died at an early enough age, to my sadness. But he was replaced with much more loyal people. Who have never betrayed me.”
“We are always at your service, sir,” Darren says confidently. “Just like the other guys, who are helping you.”
“Are you ready to be with me until the very end?”
“Ready!” Elijah and Darren say confidently.
“Are you ready to help me destroy Peter Rose and make him pay for the bad things he has done to me?”
“We will do anything you order!” Darren exclaims.
“He doesn’t know what’s waiting for him. The boy doesn’t know that his desire to be in a grave will come true soon. I will be so happy to help him fasten this process. And I will not give him time to doubt.”
“The most important thing is that any assholes don’t stop us. Nobody to become the protectors of that guy.”
“Nothing can stop us from making him feel scared and look around all the time,” Marcus replies confidently. “Besides, if he thinks his friends and girlfriend are in danger, Peter will wish to do his best to protect them. Not to let us harm them somehow.”
“Do you think he will be silent if we catch him somewhere all alone?” Elijah wonders.
“Anything’s possible, Elijah.” Marcus drinks some coffee from his cup. “Yes, all of them know about the threat now. But it will not stop him from being silent with the hope that he will deal with it by himself.”
“That’s good for us!” Darren adds. “When it’s time to dig a hole for him and bury the corpse, nobody will know a thing.”
“I think if you hadn’t attacked him before the eyes of the crowd and his friends and had caught him in a quiet, desert place, Rose would’ve said nothing to anyone,” Elijah assumes. “He would’ve hidden the truth from them until the end.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think about it…” Marcus scratches the back of his head and thinks for two seconds. “I should’ve really chosen a quiet place where he would’ve been all alone.”
“We told you that this idea was a piece of shit. We would 100% have problems with it.”
“Oh, c’mon, stop crowing! What’s done is done! We will have a deal with what we have. We will deal with Peter and try not to move our eyes off his gang. If they are smart and do not meddle, alright, I will do nothing to them.”
“They will do, Mr. Longbottom! Don’t doubt. I’ve told you that those men will tear us apart if something happens to Rose before their eyes.”
“Alright, let them wave their hands a little. Let them play heroes. To show off for their girls and tell them a beautiful story.” Marcus clears his throat quickly. “I will tell you even more, guys: if those idiots really want, they can go to the police.”
“Aren’t you afraid that they may reveal us? And put us in prison for many years!”
“How would they do it?” Marcus smirks evilly. “They can try to charge me for something. They can try to find me. They can try to find one of you. They can do nothing.”
“But I’ve been already caught in the police’s spotlight,” Darren notices hesitantly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“If you keep your mouth shut and do not mention my name, you will be considered just a hooligan, who was neutralized by the security in time. Remember the cases when a crazy fan gets through the crowd during a show, climbs up to the scene, and reaches the celebrity they need. So, it’s gonna happen to you in this case.”
“But they charged me for attempting the life! I was almost put in prison!”
“They need to prove it! They need the victim’s application. As far as I understand, they don’t have it. Well, the only thing that was threatening you for violating the order was a penalty. That you successfully paid with my help.”
“Anyway, we’ve gotta be careful now,” Elijah says thoughtfully. “They will probably take some measure to strengthen the safety. Or maybe, they will hire someone for those idiots, so they protect their precious asses.”
“As usual, the first step is always hard. And we’ve finally taken it. Next, it’s going to be much more interesting and funnier.”
“I think we need to be silent, so they relax and lower their guard. And then we can continue.”
“Oh, no, now, Peter is going to receive ‘nice’ surprises regularly,” Marcus says with no hesitation with his head proudly raised. “I will not let him relax and think we’re playing with him like a kitten.”
“Okay, what’s our plan?” Darren specifies, locking his fingers tightly. “What are we gonna do?”
“We will start with little things. A warm-up. But the temperature is going to get high fast. I am going to do my best to drive Peter crazy. To get him exhausted morally and physically. To break him down and not to be able to resist and protect himself. And I will be torturing him until I understand I can do what I want.”
“Yeah, starting with the end wouldn’t be so interesting,” Elijah smiles evilly.
“Since that guy stood in my way, I must make him pay for everything he has done. Marcus Longbottom is not going to forgive Peter Rose and forget about his existence. He will not close his eyes to the fact that he is living with me on the same planet and breathing.”
“I hope you didn’t really confuse him with anyone, and that’s really the man you need.”
“No, man, I am almost sure that’s him. I spent a lot of time making sure about it. Yes, I need to check just one thing to know everything, for sure. But I am sure that’s gonna happen. And now it’s Peter’s time to start a countdown to his death. And trust me, he has a little time. A very little time.”
Marcus moves his eyes to the window that is covered with a transparent tulle, looking forward to the moment when he does what he wants and makes Peter pay for what he knows about yet, and Darren and Elijah then. Who share a quick look with each other at some moment, not even going to argue with the man, who is two times older than them, and try to change his mind and make him sure that he should leave the young guy alone and let him and himself live a quiet and peaceful life.
It’s a new day. Daylight. There are many different houses that look modest and affordable or expensive and luxurious in a quiet neighborhood in the city. While the neighbors are doing their business and do not meddle in the lives of each other, the girl named Anna Seymour, who is living in a large beautiful house, is accepting Helene Marshall, Natalia Rochester, and Raquelle Cameron. These best friends have known each other since school and call each other no other than sisters, and their beloved men became like older brothers to them. Yes, it was hard to believe that Helene could befriend Natalia and Raquelle, who she bullied in school years with the help of the self-pronounced queen, and Anna, who never participated in it. But the girls, who originally decided to try to get along with Peter, Daniel, Terrence, and Edward, no longer think about the past and are very happy that they ended up together again.
The girls look a little anxious because of what happened after the concert of “Against The System” when the stranger nearly killed Peter before the eyes of the shocked crowd of fans and his friends, who did their best to protect him. Sitting on the soft sofa, they discuss what they know from the men and examine something on the Internet, scrolling tons of pages with a touchpad on the laptop that is placed in front of them. Even if it’s not been one day, some sites have already published tons of articles about it, users on social networks are discussing it actively and praying that the members of the man are okay, and some witnesses publish their own photos and videos and tell about what happened yesterday in all details.
“Yesterday, on July, 3rd 2018, the musical rock band ‘Against The System’ played their show successfully to promote their debut album that is set to be released in two months,” Helene reads one of the articles and tucks a strand of black hair behind her ear. “After the show, the members left the building of the concert hall where it took place, and had pleasure talking with their fans. Although the security watched the order, they did not manage to stop the unknown man, who chose a moment, climbed over the railing, and started to threaten the drummer Peter Rose with a pistol.”
“As the witnesses said, the criminal stated Rose must’ve paid for something,” Anna continues, twirling her hair that is brushed into a tail. “Peter himself looked confused and did not know what that man wanted from him, even if he did not let him hurt him and protected himself somehow. The security staff reacted immediately to this event and tried to catch the criminal. Daniel Perkins, Edward MacClife, and Terrence MacClife did not also stay aside and protected their colleague determinedly from the unknown man. As the witnesses said, the men looked anxious, but they behaved very bravely and confidently, not being afraid of the cold gun, as if they wanted to say that they were ready to stand for themselves and each other.”
“In the end, thanks to the efforts of the security, the unknown man has been neutralized quickly and given to the police that arrived by the call shortly,” Raquelle adds, folding her hands in front of herself. “Luckily, Peter and the other members of the band did not suffer, even if they looked a little tense. Daniel, Terrence, and Edward calmed the drummer quickly and tried not to go too far from him and keep him under view as if they said that they would not let anyone hurt him again.”
“None of the men ignored the scared crowd that became witnesses to the failed attack on Peter Rose,” Natalia ends and fixes her golden, straight hair slightly. “When the security took the criminal away, and they calmed down a little, Terrence, Daniel, Peter, and Edward came to their fans to find out if they were okay and make them sure that they had no reason to worry. And when they found out that the young girl felt a little bad, the members of ‘Against The System’ insisted that the doctor come to her, and Daniel gave her his bottle of water. The men did not leave the girl until they knew nothing threatened her life, and the reason for her half-fainted condition was a very strong fear.”
Also, Helene, Natalia, Raquelle, and Anna find a video recorded by someone, who went by, and view it, even if they have already seen tons of similar records before. They clearly see the unknown man running to Peter with a pistol in his hands and trying to shoot him down many times and Edward, Terrence, and Daniel protecting their friend so hard. The girls shake with widely open eyes and press themselves to each other unconsciously, thinking the criminal would manage to shoot one of their sweethearts at some moment.
“Yeah, we didn’t live quietly for too long…” Raquelle pronounces thoughtfully, wrapping a strand of her brown hair around her finger.
“Do you think that man really needs something from Peter?” Helene asks. “Or did he really go by? Is everything bad about his mental health?”
“I ain’t kinda sure it was an accident,” Natalia assumes. “That man knew for sure that he needed Pete. Aggression was on him mainly.”
“But he definitely knows that Edward, Daniel, and Terrence wouldn’t let anyone hurt him,” Anna notices. “The criminal said himself that if the man would keep walking about the blond, they would regret it. That’s what Perkins said.”
“God, what’s the fault of such a sweet, innocent, and fluffy guy?” Helene wonders. “What did Pete do to make someone wish to kill him?”
“Before the eyes of the crowd of fans!”
“Terrence said the men weren’t the only ones, whom the criminal tried to shoot,” Raquelle says confidently. “The fans almost suffered, too, when he tried to shoot someone.”
“I wonder where the security looked if they let it happen?” Natalia asks herself. “Why didn't they watch closely enough those, who were at the show and waiting for the lads outside? How could they miss the armed man, who almost killed all of them?”
“What if that man went to the show without problems,” Anna adds. “What if people were singing and dancing along with the men’s song and had no idea of being next to the armed man.”
“I thought they would watch everything closely at this type of event,” Helene says thoughtfully. “They did know well that there would be very many people. They must take strict measures for safety when they organize mass events. Especially when famous people perform on stage. Who may have by far not the healthiest fans and haters.”
“After this case, organizers are gonna have a lot of problems,” Natalia assumes. “Moreover, this attack on Peter was made public. They will not be able to be silent and find any kind of excuses.”
“Well, I haven’t seen any announcement from the staff of the concert hall,” Anna shrugs. “They are silent yet. No excuses, no apologies.”
“It’s okay, they will be made to comment on this situation and take measures not to let anything like this happen again.”
“At least, the lads’ team already knows that someone tried to kill Peter,” Raquelle notices. “And do their best to make the organizers of yesterday's event pay for that kind of irresponsibility.”
“Yeah, they’re now talking with George,” Natalia replies. “Edward said Smith was thinking about the situation and was gonna announce the decisions and measures that the team would make not to let these things happen again.”
“What if it doesn’t help?” Helene expresses anxiety, fingering over nervously. “What if someone doesn’t leave Pete alone anyway? Whatever people do!”
“Anyway, Rose can stand up for himself,” Anna notices with a slight smile. “He’s not such a shy and unprotected guy as it seems. If he has to, Pete can roar so that anyone can feel a shake in their knees.”
“And our boys won’t stand aside with popcorn in their hands as they watch their friends get threats from someone,” Natalia notices. “You and I know it so well.”
“Oh, I dunno, girls…” Helene sighs heavily and runs her hands over her hair from the top of her head to her neck. “But I’ve got a bad presentiment about it,”
“Stop, Helene, it’s gonna be okay,” Anna calms down softly.
“It happened for a reason, Anna. Isn’t it strange that someone wanted to get rid of the man, who’s done nothing bad in his life, so hard? And that man didn’t care that he wanted to defeat Pete before the eyes of many people.”
“But what does he need from Rose, then?” Raquelle throws her hands up. “Why didn’t he threaten Terrence, Edward, or Daniel? Why does that man need the blond?”
“I dunno, Raquelle.” Helene grabs her hand with her hand. “I don’t have any guesses about it. I don’t know who needs it.”
“If only it didn’t have to do with some kind of criminal,” Natalia expresses anxiety. “Just like in the case of Daniel.”
“Do you wanna say someone’s got a grudge against Peter?” Anna wonders. “Someone’s gonna get rid of him just like Eugene Wainwright wanted to kill Daniel, so Cassidy didn’t have the protection of her brother?”
“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised!” Raquelle shrugs. “We didn’t also understand what Perkins could do if Eugene pushed him under the heels of the car and used the fact that he lost his memories for a while.”
“Or maybe Peter doesn’t say something to us?” Helene asks hesitantly, looking at her friends with sadness in her eyes.
“What do you mean, doesn’t say something?” Anna rounds her eyes.
“What if he’s had problems for a long time, but he doesn’t wanna make us worry and talk about them?”
“No, Helene, I don’t think so,” Raquelle shakes her head. “Peter wouldn’t hide his problems from us. He knows he can trust us. He knows we’d do our best to help him. Whatever happens.”
“Moreover, if Perkins and the MacClifes have a little doubt, they’ll shake everything outta him,” Natalia adds. “If he wanna be silent, he won’t do this!”
“What if Pete was terrified?” Helene assumes. “Maybe someone’s threatening to kill us if he opens his mouth? So, that’s why the blond’s hiding the truth!”
“Do you have reasons to suspect something like this?” Anna wonders/
“Yes, Marshall, if you know something about Peter, you better say it now,” Raquelle insists. “So, we can take measures in time.”
“No, no, I swear I know nothing!” Helene replies in a little shaking voice, raising her hands. “If I knew something, I would tell you everything!”
“But why do you have these suspicions?” Natalia wonders. “Why are you sure that Peter is hiding something from us and may know what that man needs from him?”
“I just assumed! Because… We can expect anything now.”
“Peter wasn’t pretending when that man threatened him with a gun,” Anna says confidently. “He looked really scared and confused in the video.”
“Yeah, it’s clear that the blond didn’t expect this twist,” Raquelle adds. “He was talking quietly with his fans, singing something, taking photos… And then a man showed up and started to put his pistol against his face, threatening loudly to make him pay for something.”
“But what must he pay for?” Helene wonders. “Why does someone want to see his name on the grave?”
“Yes, I agree, the situation is very weird,” Natalia replies and puts her finger on her lip. “And it makes me worried.”
“And the question is whether there’s a threat for us?” Anna adds. “Could the men suffer somehow?”
“As for the men, they’re definitely under threat,” Raquelle says thoughtfully. “At least because they won’t be silent if something happens to Pete.”
“My gosh, I don’t like all of this at all,” Anna exhales sharply, putting her hand on her heart. “It seems like we recently got rid of Wainwright, Julian, and his father. And now someone wanna kill someone again. Someone wanna kill Peter.”
“And we don’t even know what to do,” Helene says thoughtfully. “Not to let anything bad happen.”
“Yeah, the life of a famous person will never be quiet,” Raquelle sighs heavily. “Many people wanna erase you from this world.”
“What if we assume that it doesn’t have to do with the men’s fame?” Natalia asks. “Just like it happened before!”
“Who knows, Rochester…” Raquelle strokes her chin. “Who knows…”
“Alright, girls, let’s not get busy with it,” Anna says confidently and closes the laptop. “Anyway, even if something happens, we always have someone to ask for help.”
“Yeah, in case of danger, we can ask Victor Johnson for help at any time,” Helene notices. “Thank God, we have a wonderful familiar person, who’s working in the police and has gained the trust of his colleagues.”
“That’s why they won’t scare us by saying that the police won’t help us, and we’ll regret it if we get in touch with them,” Raquelle adds with a slight smile.
“I wish this problem was solved as soon as possible,” Natalia expresses hope.
“Oh, I really doubt this story’s gonna end soon,” Helene shakes her head and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It won’t end with just one attempt to kill Peter.”
“If we think about something bad, it’s gonna happen. You’re gonna get negative attracted.”
“Think or not… Something’s gonna happen.”
“Did you become our second Raquelle Cameron?” Anna laughs shyly. “Who wouldn’t calm down if she thought something bad would happen soon.”
“The case is about my beloved man. If something happens to him, I’ll lose the meaning of my life. Pete is the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.”
“We know, friend, but let’s believe in the best,” Natalia says softly, stroking Helene’s hand. “Let’s not panic so early.”
“But to be honest, I don’t have a good presentiment about it,” Raquelle confesses hesitantly. “It’s like we’re gonna suffer a lot. Well… Or Peter’s gonna suffer a lot.”
“This situation makes me worried, too,” Anna says thoughtfully. “I wanna believe it’s gonna be okay, but… Something’s bothering me anyway.”
“Thank God, Peter has Daniel, Edward, and Terrence,” Helene exhales with relief. “It’s gonna be much easier for him with them than alone. The more people, the better it is.”
“Not just them, honey,” Anna smiles mysteriously. “Sammy, too.”
“You’re right…” Helene flashes a slight smile. “Sammy’s attracted to Pete not less than me.”
“Yeah, your doggy has lately been doing much fewer bad tricks on him,” Natalia laughs shyly.
“Oh, he loves it not less than the MacClifes love arguing with each other.”
“It’s amazing that they haven’t killed each other as they’re getting ready for the double wedding,” Raquelle notices.
“It’s amazing that they actually agreed not to be the only stars of the day,” Natalia adds.
“Oh, girls, if the situation of Peter gets worse, we don’t exclude that you may have to reschedule the wedding,” Helene sighs heavily.
“Yeah, it all happened at the wrong time…” Raquelle says thoughtfully. “We have so little time before the wedding, but someone decided to open the haunt on Peter Rose.”
“If only it was just him…” Natalia leans back on the sofa.
“Okay, cuties, let’s try to believe in the best,” Anna suggests confidently. “George and the men’s team will analyze the situation and will watch the organizers, so they provide for strict safety for the men and those, who attend their shows.”
“They’re gonna their asses so kicked that even a fly won’t fly by them like an invisible,” Raquelle assumes confidently.
“We’ll see it, friends,” Helene smiles a little tensely.
After looking at each other, Raquelle, Helene, Anna, and Natalia decide to change the topic and talk about something nice as they are eating the vanilla cookies made by the lady of this house and drinking strong coffee with milk. But, even despite all the attempts to get rid of bad thoughts, the girls cannot stop thinking that the situation with Peter may be much more serious than it seems, and the story will not end after just one attempt to kill.
***
Meanwhile, Peter, Terrence, Daniel, and Edward really went to the meeting with their manager to talk about what happened yesterday and decide how they could prevent similar things in the future. After coming to the building of the PR agency “Dark Side Management” that is promising their career, the men went to the office of George Smith, a middle-height man at the age of somewhere forty or a little more with light brown hair and bald patches on his sides. A little gloomy and grumpy at first sight but very responsible and understanding man, who is always ready to help his favorite wards and cover them in case they need it.
George looks too anxious after he is told about the news about the unknown man, who tried to kill Peter before the eyes of his fans. He walks nervously at the whole spacious room that is made of white colors and glances at times at the high-ceiling windows, from which he can see the city that is living its active life. While the members of “Against The System” are sitting on the soft sofa and listening closely to everything their manager says, still feeling tense after yesterday's events but trying to believe they can keep the situation under control and prevent it from getting worse.
“Your team and I spent a lot of time talking about yesterday's event,” George says quietly and fixes slightly his square-framed glasses. “And we’re determined to punish those, who let it happen, for this kind of irresponsibility.”
“Have you talked to the organizers of yesterday's show and the staff of the hall?” Terrence specifies.
“Yes, we contacted them shortly after I received your voice message.”
“Did they explain what happened somehow?” Daniel asks.
“To be honest, we didn’t get any kind of clear answers from them. But they promised to conduct their own investigation and punish those, who are guilty of this incident.”
“And according to the classics of the genre, they gave you their deepest apologies and promised that it would never happen again,” Edward assumes.
“Something like this. Anyway, we will not close our eyes to this attack and will not let them hush up the case. And if we have to, we are ready to sue them.”
“Don’t you know if that man was at the show?” Peter specifies. “Or was he waiting outside?”
“As far as I know, no. That man was not noticed in the crowd during your performance. He didn’t have a ticket to your show.”
“And where was that man taken after the security caught him?” Daniel asks.
“He was given to the police that arrived by the call,” George replies confidently. “When he took the gun and started to threaten Peter, one of the guards gave an order to call the police immediately and call the support. When he was arrested, he resisted so hard, tried to run away, was rude to the security, and tried to harm one of them.”
“And what’s waiting for him?” Terrence frowns. “He was released?”
“He was put in jail to clarify all the circumstances. That man is charged with resisting the police, attempting the life, and violating the order. He is under the threat of getting a penalty and a prison sentence.”
“He was questioned?”
“Yes, the police questioned him. But that man refused to answer their questions and didn’t give a clear answer to the question about what he needed from Peter and who, so to say, ordered him.”
“Oh, devil…” Peter swears quietly.
“Anyway, you have no worry to worry. I personally keep this situation under control and make sure all the measures for your safety and the safety of those, who come to your shows are taken.”
“That man almost shot some people from the crowd that came to welcome us,” Edward notices. “One girl was so scared that she needed the help of the doctor. She almost lost consciousness there.”
“But luckily, the girl came to herself quickly,” Daniel adds. “She didn’t need to be hospitalized. She sat a little, calmed down, drank water, and went home after the doctors examined her.”
“Thank God, nobody suffered,” George says confidently. “Neither you nor your fans.”
“But I must confess that I was scared,” Peter confesses hesitantly. “And I still can’t come to myself after what happened yesterday. I’m shaking, to be honest.”
“Don’t worry, Peter, I promise we will do our best not to let these things happen again. And we will make those, who let that man get through the security and take a cold gun pay for it.”
“I guess he planned everything well. It was hardly a spontaneous decision. That man was hardly running by, saw me, and decided to put his gun against my forehead for some kind of fun.”
“Don’t you really know that man?” Edward specifies.
“Of course, I don’t!” Peter exclaims. “I saw that man for the first time!”
“And don’t you know what he needed from you?” Daniel asks.
“How? I don’t know why it all the hell happened!”
“What if you know?” Terrence frowns slightly.
“So, do you want to say I know the reason for this hell?” Peter opens his eyes widely.
“Don’t hide anything, Peter,” George says confidently, leaning on the writing table with his hands. “If you want us to solve this problem shortly, we need to hear the truth. I must know everything to understand how to help you.”
“I swear, George, I really don’t know what that man needed from me. I don’t know him, I don’t know his name, I can’t even imagine what I did to make him take a gun and try to kill me.”
“I understand that you probably wanted to solve your problems by yourself and are afraid to ask someone for help. But you know well that we aren’t your enemies. The men stand for you, and I am always ready to cover, listen, and support.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Indeed, Pete, don’t think naively you’ll solve it all by yourself,” Daniel insists.
“God, I can’t really say anything to you,” Peter moans tiredly and runs his hands over his face. “If I knew something, I would tell you immediately. Why would I hide something from you? And you know that I don’t like excusing and prefer telling the truth. No matter how bitter it is.”
“Can’t you really say anything that could help us?” George frowns slightly.
“I repeat, if I knew something, I would tell you.”
“I think it sounds true enough,” Terrence notices thoughtfully. “Peter doesn’t lie.”
“Alright, I got it,” George exhales sharply. “So, we will think about what to do.”
“I’m starting to worry about how our next show is gonna happen,” Edward expresses anxiety. “Whether that man will show up again.”
“No, Edward, don’t even think about it. From this moment on, we are going to take much stricter control over the organization. I’ve already contacted the organizer of your next show, explained the situation, and told them to take measures for safety.”
“If someone manages to take a gun or a bomb to our show, we’re gonna have a large number of victims,” Terrence says a little excitedly.
“It’s going to be alright, guys, don’t worry,” George insists. “From this moment on, we will be doing our best for the strict security to be at your shows. Also, we were made sure that they would be checking anyone, who would love to come to watch your performance, much closer.”
“Sounds hopeful,” Edward flashes a slight smile.
“The security is going to examine everyone very carefully, check all their personal things, and take any suspicious ones. In the worst case, they will call the police without hesitating.”
“I thought they checked everyone so closely at every show or some sports games,” Daniel says thoughtfully.
“Right, but now, nobody will avoid that close checkup. No matter how innocent a person looks. And any suspicious person will be given to the police,”
“Anyway, I wouldn’t blame the security for that,” Peter says quietly. “When the guys and I talked with our fans, they were always near and watched everyone, so they were quiet. These people didn’t stand aside and did their job brilliantly.”
“Right, and they reacted immediately when that man started to threaten Pete with a gun,” Terrence notices. “So, it’s hard to blame them for being irresponsible.”
“Anyway, your team, the organizers, and I will pay a lot of attention to the safety issues,” George replies confidently. “At this moment, this is everything we can do.”
“Thanks a lot, George,” Edward thanks with a shy smile. “We knew you wouldn’t let us down.”
“It’s alright, guys, don’t be sad!” George encourages, comes to Peter, and claps him on the shoulder. “Any problem can be solved. If we solved those we had before, we can do this now. I do not leave my wards in trouble and would do my best to help them.”
“Oh, why is it now?” Daniel wonders. “When we’re about to release our debut album! And have the wedding of Terrence and Raquelle and Edward and Natalia!”
“Yeah, if only we didn’t have to reschedule it all,” Peter adds with anxiety.
‘By the way, do the girls already know what happened?” George specifies.
“Yep, we told them,” Edward nods. “Just like the mother and father of Terrence and me.”
“I wish this situation didn’t have to do with them,” George expresses hope.
“I’m afraid of this much more,” Peter confesses and rubs his forehead with his hand. “I’ll do it by myself somehow ‘cause I can stand up for myself. Terrence, Daniel, and Edward will not also let anyone hurt them. But if one asshole catches the girls, they’ll be able to do nothing. Especially if they catch them in a desert place.”
“You shouldn't leave them alone, guys,” George advises. “Who knows what’s gonna happen today or tomorrow. I’m not sure if this story will end after one attack.”
“If we have to, we will not leave them,” Terrence says confidently.
“Do you know where they are now?”
“Came together at the home of Anna and me,” Daniel replies. “At least, they talked about it.”
“You met them?”
“Nope, I didn’t.”
“Yeah, we only lived quietly for several months, and now here we go again – a new story!” Edward throws gloomily. “Maybe, a criminal one.”
“At least, I was involved in it against my wish,” Peter notices.
“As if I wanted to be involved with the fight with Wainwright!” Daniel crosses his arms over his chest.
“Or I wanted to deal with Simon Ringer and Uncle Michael!” Edward adds.
“Listen, men, I do advise you to think about hiring bodyguards for you,” George says confidently. “And for your girls. I understand that you don’t want it and can stand up for yourself. But don’t forget that you’re getting more famous. You have fans and haters. Millions of people around the whole world watch your life. And if your album is super successful, you will not be able to walk quietly outside and remain unnoticed. And of course, you will be a very good target for those, who may wish to get rid of you in the same way that man almost got rid of Peter.”
“Raquelle often says you get much more attention if you surround yourself with a lot of bodyguards,” Terrence replies. “And I personally agree with her.”
“And we wouldn’t like someone to follow us all the time and know what we do, what we say, and something like this,” Peter adds. “Besides, not all celebrities surround themselves with bodyguards. Many people walk quietly alone on the streets. Nobody cares.”
“As you wish,” George sighs tiredly. “Anyway, I warned you. And if the situation gets worse, you will probably have no other choice but to provide for your own safety and the safety of your girls.”
“Gosh, George, we are bodyguards ourselves,” Daniel laughs shyly. “Did that man think we would pee our pants if he waved his gun in front of our noses?”
“Ha, we had a deal with much more dangerous people,” Terrence adds. “For example, Eugene Wainwright. Yes, we had to apply a lot of effort, but we did it.”
“Yeah, you did,” George crosses his arms over his chest. “One of you almost went to another world, and the others were covered with bruises and blood from head to feet.”
“Yeah, but I think it was cool anyway,” Edward smiles mysteriously. “Blood was boiling, adrenaline was high, emotions were strong…”
“Yes, yes, we’re all aware of your love of seeking trouble and hurting your holed ass.,” Terrence chuckles kindly. “And you love it when someone hits you on the head.”
“Close your mouth.”
“Don’t be sassy with me!” Terrence puts his fist against Edward’s nose with a threatening look.
“Hey, stop your brother’s tricks!” George orders like a soldier.
“Sorry, George,” Terrence raises his hands. “I just keep this kid under close control. If I weaken the leash of this doggy, he’s gonna do so many bad things that he wouldn’t get rid of consequences even by the end of his life.”
“When we leave this place, I swear I will hit you on your neck,” Edward threatens with a sly smile.
“Babies don’t teach adults.”
“Hey, hello, folks, stop fighting!” Peter says loudly, clapping his hands. “You found a fucking bad time for this!”
“Really, bros, we’ve actually got a serious talk about a serious thing!” Daniel adds harshly. “But you can’t still calm down!”
“Anyway, I warned you about the possible danger,” George says quietly. “If you think you can get over it, fine. But if something unexpected happens, we will take some measures. Maybe, even no depending on your wish.”
“The most important thing is that our fans come to our shows, knowing that nothing threatens them,” Peter replies. “I don’t want someone to suffer because of one sick bastard.”
“Don’t worry about it. The organizers of your next show will take strict measures for safety and will be checking everyone and everything. Even if they have a charming smile and pretty face.”
“Let’s hope no bad things will happen next time,” Terrence expresses hope.
“Anyway, I must praise you.” George flashes a slight smile after he comes to the writing table and turns on Edward, Terrence, Daniel, and Peter. “You all behaved so bravely and determinedly. Good job, guys! You made me feel pride.”
“But we must confess that we were a little scared ‘cause we didn’t expect it,” Edward confesses shyly.
“I get it. Anyway, I tip my cap for you. Especially you, Daniel, Terrence, and Edward. You did not hesitate for a second and didn’t let Peter suffer.”
“It couldn’t be otherwise,” Terrence shrugs with a shy smile.
“I would tear apart anyone to dare to hurt my friends!” Daniel says with his head proudly raised. “Or my girlfriend. Or my sister.”
“I think it’s gonna be much easier for Peter to get through all of it thanks to your help,” George assumes.
“I would’ve hardly gotten rid of that man if the guys hadn’t been near,” Peter replies. “They helped me a lot.”
“Excellent, boys, keep rocking on! Remember, you are a team. Members of any team always do it together and help each other.”
“As we sing in our song ‘The Story About Us’, we’re a team, we’re united forever,” Edward recalls with a slight smile.
“You all have the highest score for unity,” George replies funnily.
“It’s okay, we can do anything together,” Terrence says proudly. “We will get rid of any bad thing in our way and end up where we need.”
“And I will help you with pleasure,” George promises. “And solve any your problem.”
“We’ve never doubted we’ve got the best manager in the world,” Peter flashes a slight smile.
“I have other wards not saying about you. But you are my best and closest ones. I will never stop saying that working with all of you is a pleasure.”
“You’ve caught a goldfish,” Terrence notices with pride. “A real brilliant.”
“Truth is true,” George laughs shyly. “It took a little to polish the brilliant a little to make it shine brighter than any star in the sky.”
Edward, Peter, Terrence, and Daniel say nothing and look at each other with a smug smile and a sense of pride, while George looks through the window, takes off his glasses, and wipes them with a rag that he always has in a small pocket of his jacket. Although the men are sure that yesterday's attack on the drummer of “Against The System” is not the last thing that will happen, they decide not to think about it too much and focus on something that’s much more important to them. For example, the band’s business and the forthcoming wedding of the MacClife brothers with their sweethearts that everyone is waiting for with great impatience.
***
The evening is getting closer. Two young men with a thick enough beard are drinking strong coffee as they are sitting comfortably on the soft dark sofa in a small living room that is lighted by the chandelier with multiple lamps hanging on the ceiling. A middle-sized plasma TV is hanging on the wall against them and working at a minimal volume. It’s translating an evening news issue, but it seems like nobody cares about it.
The men are now with the man, who looks like he is two times older than them, judging by a large number of mimic wrinkles, dry skin, and eyes that lost their gloss a long time ago. It seems like he is the owner of this small house because he is walking in the living room in an oversized t-shirt, pants with elastic that literally turned eternality and soft slippers. He is also drinking coffee with his visitors, whom he was waiting for with impatience because he is now listening to what they say very, very closely.
“Thank you so much for interceding for me a little and helping me pay the penalty, Mr. Longbottom,” one of the young men thanks after he puts his cup on the coffee table. “Thanks to you, the cops didn’t put me in prison. Even if they haven’t dropped the charges off me. They kind of going to conduct the investigation.”
“I was ready for that,” the adult man confesses. “But I was worried that I wouldn’t get enough money.”
“I promise I will give you the full amount when I have a little chance. Just give me some time. But I’m afraid it may not happen soon because the amount is big enough. I’ve gotta work for one or two years to earn so much money.”
“Don’t worry, Darren, I do not rush you. You will give me everything when you can. And I shall help you pay for other penalties if you need it.”
“Thank you so much again.”
“Thank you for doing what I asked you about.”
“I did what you said.”
“So… Did you see the boy?”
“I did, Mr. Longbottom,” Darren nods confidently.
“Wasn’t I wrong? Was I so sure about it for the reason? Is that the one I need?”
“You were not, sir. That’s him. Peter Rose – the guy, who you’ve been looking for so long. We’ve found him.”
“So…” Mr. Longbottom smiles slyly and puts his cup on the table. “I’ve finally found him. Found the one I want to get rid of. At least, I want to believe that’s him.”
“So, it’s time to do what you and I have talked about many times?” the young man with long light brown hair brushed into a messy bun on the top of his head.
“Yes, Elijah,” Mr. Longbottom nods. “Since we found the boy and know that’s 99% the one I need, it’s time to end him once and forever.”
“And what’s your first step? End him shortly or wait for some time?”
“Shortly, obviously! I’m not going to waste time and let Peter find a way to get away from me.”
“We’re waiting for orders from you, then.”
“I will think about what to do. But now do everything the guys, you, and I talked about before.”
“I think Rose understood that he got a serious problem after what happened yesterday,” Darren assumes.
“Yeah, the boy lived quietly and was sure nothing threatened him,” Mr. Longbottom smiles slyly. “And then Uncle Marcus decided to give him an unexpected surprise.”
“I guess he’s now sitting and guessing whom he harmed so much that he was almost killed.”
“Let him do it. Let him think what’s his fault.”
“Will you tell him what he must pay for?” Elijah asks.
“Of course,” Marcus pronounces confidently. “Peter will know everything. Yes, of course, he will not need this information because there’s a place at the cemetery for him. But alright, I shall let him learn something that he’s going to be interested in.”
“No doubt that your confession will turn his whole world upside down.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Marcus drinks some coffee from the cup that he takes from the table. “But now let him make guesses. And I will laugh at him. See what the guy will eventually come up with.”
“I’m sure that none of his guesses will be close to the truth,” Darren assumes with his head proudly raised.
“Yeah, Peter doesn’t even imagine what he’s going to find out before he goes to his distant relatives. Whom he never knew.”
“Since you are more than determined, nobody will stop you. And make you sure that you should forget everything and live quietly.”
“Oh, no!” Marcus protects determinedly. “Now I cannot forget it. Until I see the grave with the name of Peter Rose, I will not calm down. Since I learned about his existence, I’ve been obsessed with a strong desire to defeat this piece of shit.”
“You would’ve hardly known about him if he hadn’t been playing the drums in a rock band.”
“But I must confess that the boy does have a talent. Little girls admire him for the reason.”
“Oh, yeah, you should’ve seen how they shouted when he came to them to take a couple of photos and sign something!” Darren exclaims and drinks some coffee from his cup. “And when Rose gave his bracelet to one little girl, she literally jumped out of her skin.”
“Girls always get wet at the sight of young and handsome men. Peter is good-looking. By far not ugly. I can’t rate his intelligence, but something tells me he’s got brains. He's got a smart look, a conscious one.”
“If I’d killed him before the eyes of those girls, they would’ve drowned us with their tears. They shouted fucking loud when that blond tried to dodge the bullets. When I put his gun against his head.”
“If they didn’t do it yesterday, they will do it next time. When the Internet is gonna be full of articles about the tragic death of the drummer of ‘Against The System’ under unknown circumstances.”
“When he once tried to kill himself, he was already buried,” Elijah recalls. “As far as we know, the condition of the guy was pretty hard. But it happened that he managed to survive and got well fast enough.”
“That’s a shame he survived!” Marcus throws gloomily, crossing his arms over his chest. “A great shame! I would’ve had to spend my time dealing with him. Revenging on him for the bad things he had done to me.”
“Do not worry, Mr. Longbottom,” Darren says quietly. “He will pay for everything. For everything has done and has not done.”
“That boy will no longer run away from me. He will not make me forget that he actually exists. He will not make me forget everything I had to get through because of him.”
“No doubt, Mr. Longbottom,” Elijah nods with a sly smile.
“But I am afraid that our attempt to kill him is not going to be super easy for us,” Darren expresses anxiety. “We are not able just to wound him with a knife or shoot at him and get rid of the corpse.”
“Why?” Marcus frowns slightly.
“His friends. They may prevent us from doing what we want.”
“What’s wrong with them? And which friends are you talking about?”
“Those, who play in the band with him.”
“Ah, those… The selfish, hysteric, the kid, who was in prison, and the pathetic plucked roster…”
“Those assholes shortly got excited when I pointed my gun at Rose. They forgot about their fans and rushed to save him.”
“Wow…” Marcus pronounces surprisingly, rounding his eyes. “As it turned out, they’re connected by a strong friendship. A very strong one.”
“Oh, yeah!” Darren exclaims and takes a sip of coffee. “They stood by Peter so hard! They yelled, got excited, showed off, started a fight…”
“I see… So, his friends would tear anyone apart for him.”
“They take care of each other as much as a chicken takes care of her eggs.”
“So, the rumors about the conflict between Peter and the most arrogant rooster still remain rumors? Well, um-m-m… Everyone kind of talked about the band’s bassist bullying the drummer and bringing the boy to the suicide attempt.”
“I don’t know, Mr. Longbottom. But the guys get on very well. So, any rumors about them being enemies and having conflicts are nothing but fantasies of some journalists.”
“I got it…” Marcus pronounces thoughtfully.
“If his pals surround him all the time, our mission of destroying that guy is going to be much harder,” Elijah assumes.
“It will. Since they know that their friend is going to be dead very soon.”
“And what do we do?” Darren asks.
“I don’t know yet. But I shall think about what we can do in case they become his personal bodyguards and run after him anywhere.”
“By the way, I’m surprised that these idiots are so irresponsible for their own safety,” Elijah notices. “None of them has bodyguards. They walk on the streets as if nothing happens.”
“That’s what is good for us,” Marcus smiles mysteriously. “Nobody can stop us if we want to end this thing quietly.”
“Are you sure telling Darren to go to kill Rose before the eyes of the crowd of fans and guards, who were there, was a good idea?’
“I did tell you that nobody was going to kill you.” Marcus leans back on the sofa with his head proudly raised. “I just thought it was time for Peter to know about me. I mean, to know that he's got great problems. That he would not solve. Whatever he and his friends do.”
“Yeah, but I did not tell him about you,” Darren confesses. “The guards took me away very quickly, took my knife and pistol, and led me somewhere. And then the cops took me away.”
“You don’t have to tell everything at once. Yes, I want to end it as soon as possible. But I shall wait and just follow my plan.”
“Listen, let’s get him to fight with all his friends?” Elijah suggests. “Let’s settle up the chaos in their relationship. Do something for those people to turn their backs on him.”
“And tell something to his girl, so she doesn’t want to see him!” Darren exclaims. “Well… Or vice versa! Tell him something bad about her!”
“Right, right! Say something, so that he doesn’t even want to listen to her!”
“Good idea…” Marcus smiles slyly, stroking his chin, and spreads his legs aside slightly. “It would be great to do something for Peter to have nobody before his death. For everyone to give a damn about what’s happening to him.”
“Let’s come up with something? Of course, I don’t have any ideas, but I am sure that we will find a way to turn his gang against your enemy.”
“I will think about it closer to the moment when I decide to get him out of my way,” Marcus promises. “When he has to pay for everything. Pay for the fact that he was actually born.”
“And when are you going to kill him?” Elijah asks.
“Soon, Elijah. Very soon. I will not torture him for too long. I will pull a cat’s tall not for too long.”
“Hurry up!” Darren advises. “What if he wants to go to the police. Or his friends will convince him to ask the cops for help.”
“Peter can even go to the president of the country,” Marcus laughs evilly. “He needs proof, so the cops listen to him. But he has nothing against me, and he will not.”
“Yeah, but the news about the attack on Rose has been published on many sites on the Internet,” Darren notices.
“And what? They don’t call any names! No one says he was attacked by a man named Darren Garfield. You are nobody to them. And there is no my name there. Journalists haven’t gotten this type of information yet.”
“Besides, don’t forget that there were enough witnesses to that event. And I don’t mean his friends, who beat me a little. I mean all those little girls, who dream of getting married to that blond-haired one and make many children with him.”
“Don’t worry, Darren, it’s gonna be fine,” Marcus replies with absolute calm and confidence. “Peter and his gang will not be able to do anything to us. These idiots will not protect their friends, and he will not avoid what’s waiting for him.”
“Alright, Mr. Longbottom, as you wish,” Darren exhales sharply.
“Hey, why do we talk about those guys only?” Darren wonders. “We’ve gotta solve the problem with the girls of those so-called heroes.”
“We will come back to this later,” Marcus replies. “However, there is only one we care about. Peter’s girlfriend. I don’t care about the others.”
“Haven’t you decided what you want to do to her?”
“No yet. But I don’t exclude that we can deal with her. She is connected with Peter. My biggest enemy that I hate to death.”
“But remember that she could be our main trump card. The toy that we could use to manipulate Rose easily.”
“Yeah, you are right… If he loves her so much, he will do anything not to let her suffer.”
“So, think about Elijah’s suggestion,” Darren advises. “Whatever happens to her, it’s gonna be a great hit for Rose.”
“Damn, how lucky I am to have such smart and resourceful lads as my aliases!” Marcus exclaims cheerfully. “I don’t know what I would do without your help.”
“I personally still remember how well you got on with my father,” Elijah replies amicably. “How warmly you accepted me when you and I met for the first time.”
“Right… One of my most loyal friends and helpers, who died at an early enough age, to my sadness. But he was replaced with much more loyal people. Who have never betrayed me.”
“We are always at your service, sir,” Darren says confidently. “Just like the other guys, who are helping you.”
“Are you ready to be with me until the very end?”
“Ready!” Elijah and Darren say confidently.
“Are you ready to help me destroy Peter Rose and make him pay for the bad things he has done to me?”
“We will do anything you order!” Darren exclaims.
“He doesn’t know what’s waiting for him. The boy doesn’t know that his desire to be in a grave will come true soon. I will be so happy to help him fasten this process. And I will not give him time to doubt.”
“The most important thing is that any assholes don’t stop us. Nobody to become the protectors of that guy.”
“Nothing can stop us from making him feel scared and look around all the time,” Marcus replies confidently. “Besides, if he thinks his friends and girlfriend are in danger, Peter will wish to do his best to protect them. Not to let us harm them somehow.”
“Do you think he will be silent if we catch him somewhere all alone?” Elijah wonders.
“Anything’s possible, Elijah.” Marcus drinks some coffee from his cup. “Yes, all of them know about the threat now. But it will not stop him from being silent with the hope that he will deal with it by himself.”
“That’s good for us!” Darren adds. “When it’s time to dig a hole for him and bury the corpse, nobody will know a thing.”
“I think if you hadn’t attacked him before the eyes of the crowd and his friends and had caught him in a quiet, desert place, Rose would’ve said nothing to anyone,” Elijah assumes. “He would’ve hidden the truth from them until the end.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think about it…” Marcus scratches the back of his head and thinks for two seconds. “I should’ve really chosen a quiet place where he would’ve been all alone.”
“We told you that this idea was a piece of shit. We would 100% have problems with it.”
“Oh, c’mon, stop crowing! What’s done is done! We will have a deal with what we have. We will deal with Peter and try not to move our eyes off his gang. If they are smart and do not meddle, alright, I will do nothing to them.”
“They will do, Mr. Longbottom! Don’t doubt. I’ve told you that those men will tear us apart if something happens to Rose before their eyes.”
“Alright, let them wave their hands a little. Let them play heroes. To show off for their girls and tell them a beautiful story.” Marcus clears his throat quickly. “I will tell you even more, guys: if those idiots really want, they can go to the police.”
“Aren’t you afraid that they may reveal us? And put us in prison for many years!”
“How would they do it?” Marcus smirks evilly. “They can try to charge me for something. They can try to find me. They can try to find one of you. They can do nothing.”
“But I’ve been already caught in the police’s spotlight,” Darren notices hesitantly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“If you keep your mouth shut and do not mention my name, you will be considered just a hooligan, who was neutralized by the security in time. Remember the cases when a crazy fan gets through the crowd during a show, climbs up to the scene, and reaches the celebrity they need. So, it’s gonna happen to you in this case.”
“But they charged me for attempting the life! I was almost put in prison!”
“They need to prove it! They need the victim’s application. As far as I understand, they don’t have it. Well, the only thing that was threatening you for violating the order was a penalty. That you successfully paid with my help.”
“Anyway, we’ve gotta be careful now,” Elijah says thoughtfully. “They will probably take some measure to strengthen the safety. Or maybe, they will hire someone for those idiots, so they protect their precious asses.”
“As usual, the first step is always hard. And we’ve finally taken it. Next, it’s going to be much more interesting and funnier.”
“I think we need to be silent, so they relax and lower their guard. And then we can continue.”
“Oh, no, now, Peter is going to receive ‘nice’ surprises regularly,” Marcus says with no hesitation with his head proudly raised. “I will not let him relax and think we’re playing with him like a kitten.”
“Okay, what’s our plan?” Darren specifies, locking his fingers tightly. “What are we gonna do?”
“We will start with little things. A warm-up. But the temperature is going to get high fast. I am going to do my best to drive Peter crazy. To get him exhausted morally and physically. To break him down and not to be able to resist and protect himself. And I will be torturing him until I understand I can do what I want.”
“Yeah, starting with the end wouldn’t be so interesting,” Elijah smiles evilly.
“Since that guy stood in my way, I must make him pay for everything he has done. Marcus Longbottom is not going to forgive Peter Rose and forget about his existence. He will not close his eyes to the fact that he is living with me on the same planet and breathing.”
“I hope you didn’t really confuse him with anyone, and that’s really the man you need.”
“No, man, I am almost sure that’s him. I spent a lot of time making sure about it. Yes, I need to check just one thing to know everything, for sure. But I am sure that’s gonna happen. And now it’s Peter’s time to start a countdown to his death. And trust me, he has a little time. A very little time.”
Marcus moves his eyes to the window that is covered with a transparent tulle, looking forward to the moment when he does what he wants and makes Peter pay for what he knows about yet, and Darren and Elijah then. Who share a quick look with each other at some moment, not even going to argue with the man, who is two times older than them, and try to change his mind and make him sure that he should leave the young guy alone and let him and himself live a quiet and peaceful life.
ns216.73.216.146da2
