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Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and may contain images and text featuring nudity, and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
'The boys wake up to considerations of the previous night's revelations - but are soon distracted by their visit to the California Combat Club, where they witness Brody's first violent training session in the practice ring - and the unexplained disappearance of Jim.'
The morning after the 'dinner-party' Clare got the boys up early - and also 'phoned down to Zac and Brody in order to ensure that they were awake.
While Clare prepared breakfast, the 'boys' staggered around, getting washed and dressed.
It seemed that no one had slept well - except for Glaux - but then he didn't sleep much at night anyway.
Brody was nervous about his up and coming 'training session' at the California Combat Club, while Jim, Zac, Ethan and Josh had all been troubled during the night by their dreams
 |
| Morpheus |
The Roman poet Ovid states in his 'Metamorphoses' that Morpheus, the god of dreams, is a son of Hypnos the god of sleep, and reports that they had a thousand siblings, with Morpheus, Phobetor and Phantasms being merely the most prominent among them. Phobetor was thought to be the bringer of nightmares, and had the ability to appear as animals or monsters; Phantasos was believed to bring surreal and strange dreams, and was able to appear as inanimate objects. In contrast to his two siblings, Morpheus brought messages and prophesies from the Gods to mortals through the medium of dreams. In Classical art, Morpheus is shown draped in black, with a horn and ivory urn full of dreams, some disturbing and some pleasant.
The 'boys', not surprisingly, had lost almost all their recollection of such ancient religious traditions, and now, like modern people, were cast adrift with no comforting understanding of that 'other world' of the unconscious psyche.
Their night, therefore, had been full of images and imaginings of violence, murder, and disaster, and the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and they awoke feeling that they had hardly slept at all.
And so it was a silent and solemn morning, and Clare, having arranged a fine dinner party for them, was worried that something may have gone wrong.
She asked Jim if there had been any problems, but he distractedly told here that everything had been fine, and thanked her for all the arrangements that she had made.
On that morning there was nothing to say - it had all been said the previous night.
And there was nothing to do but wait until midday, when they would they take the limo into town in order to pick up the 'Boss' at the Club Jaguar, and then go to the 'California Combat Club'.
And so they sat around, with Jim and Josh playing with their laptops, while Ethan distractedly watched a movie on the home cinema.
Meanwhile, Zac had gone for a jog, and Brody was 'working out' in his home gym.
Ethan soon tired of his movie, and wandered into the main living room, where Jim and Josh were quietly chatting about web pages that they were viewing on their laptops.
Jim looked up.
"You know, Ethan, I feel like this is really a 'new beginning'.", Jim said, almost absentmindedly.
"How do you mean ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, I think we've finally worked out what happened at the 'end' - although why Faunus didn't come out with it right at the beginning, when we all arrived here, I don't really know.", Jim explained.
"I think he was worried that it would 'freak' us all out - but by asking him about it, with the 'Boss' here, I don't think he had any choice but to tell us.", Josh said, looking up from his computer screen.
Glaux, who was perched on Josh's shoulder, nodded and warbled in agreement.
"So you said a 'new beginning' - so where do we go from here ?", Ethan asked.
"That's something I'm not all that sure about.", Jim replied, obviously puzzled.
"I bet Glaux knows.", Ethan said.
Ethan looked at Glaux - who immediately looked away, pretending to be fascinated by a shadow on the wall.
"You know, Glaux can talk to us.....", Ethan said, reflectively.
"It's like a gentle little voice inside your head." Josh explained.
"The first time I heard it was in the forest, when I met Glaux for the first time....long ago.
At the time I thought I was going crazy.
Since then he hasn't spoken to me much... but he can do it if he wants.", Josh explained.
"Any way, you try and get Glaux to tell us how to get on with things ... I'm going down to Brody's apartment to see how he's preparing for his training session this afternoon."
Jim and Josh looked at one another, and grinned.
"OK, Ethan, and give our regards to Brody !", Jim said, thinking it best not to make any further comments about Ethan's obvious interest in Brody.
At this stage Ethan's feeling regarding those around him were very mixed.
Because of all the strange things that had happened to him, and his understandably confused memories, he found that he had ambivalent and conflicted feelings.
From the day that he had first met 'Jim', he had felt very attracted to the boy.
It was not so much Jim's appearance that appealed to Ethan, although Jim was a very attractive boy, but rather his manner, his gestures and something indefinable.
Equally, however, he felt a strange connection between himself an Zac - but not in a sexual way - but as if there was some indefinable link between them.
Ethan also knew that there seemed to be a strong, yet seemingly hidden link between Jim and Zac.
And then Brody had come into the equation.
Ethan found Brody strange, but also fascinating.
Brody gave every impression of being dominant and aggressive - and the fact that he wanted to pursue a career as a wrestler only seemed to make this more obvious.
However, Ethan sensed that there was also a submissive side to Brody, that he couldn't really understand.
And so, Ethan, finding himself irresistibly drawn to Brody, decided to 'take the bull by the horns', and and discover what lay at the back of the enigmatic, attractive boy.
So Ethan took the elevator down the the fourth floor, where Brody's apartment was situated.
Ethan 'buzzed'.
There was a short wait, and then the apartment door opened.
Ethan was slightly taken aback.
Brody had answered the door wearing only a tight fitting, small pair of white Speedos.
"Oh... it's you...", Brody said, slowly opening the door wider, and permitting himself just the faintest sign of a smile.
"I was just doing a morning warm-up, if you're wondering about the Speedos.", Brody explained, actually showing a slight degree of embarrassment.
"Hi !", Ethan answered brightly.
"That's fine... just came to see how you are.
Can I come in ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes... of course... come on in." Brody said, gesturing.
Brody led the way to the exercise room, where a number of dumbbells and a barbell were set up.
"So... are you ready for the training session at the California Club this afternoon ?", Ethan asked, trying to break the ice with some obvious conversation.
"Oh yes.
"Shouldn't be a problem.", Brody replied, not really sounding as confident as he should.
Ethan nodded, nervously trying to think of something else to say.
"And you, and the others, will be coming along to watch ?", Brody asked, as he started pumping his biceps with a pair of dumbbells.
"Well that's what the 'Boss' wants.", Ethan replied.
"And what do you want ?", Brody asked, pointedly.
"Yeah... I wanna watch... also.", Ethan muttered, beginning to feel awkward.
"Yeah !..
Now come on Ethan... you've been watchin' me ever since I first came to see Zac !", Brody said. putting the dumbbells down.
So... if you want it... why not just come out with it ?", Brody asked, grinning, for once.
"Well...", Ethan began, and then fell silent... waiting to see what Brody would say next.
"Zac told me that before you met up with him and the 'Boss' you made your way 'hustling' guys... so I know which way you go... and me also... so what's the problem ?", Brody said, making things obvious.
"Nothing... suppose.
"I just didn't want to be too pushy, after all, I'm not hustling you.", Ethan said."True... well come into the TV area, and I'll make you a coffee.", Brody suggested, becoming a little less forceful.
So they left the exercise room, and Brody went to the kitchen and made coffee.
"So, Ethan... what's this 'thing' with you guys, and the 'Boss' ?", Brody asked.
And that was the question that Ethan had been expecting.
"Hasn't Zac told you ?", Ethan replied, trying to avoid the issue.
"No.", Brody answered, sounding annoyed.
"He's like you... he just tries to change the subject - but I think there's something - something weird going on.", Brody continued.
"No... no, not really.", Ethan replied, trying to sound innocent.
Brody came in and handed Ethan a coffee.
He then sat down on the far end of the L shaped settee, but facing Ethan.
"So you boys and the 'Boss' don't fuck ?", Brody asked bluntly.
"No way !", Ethan replied.
"It's not like that !", Ethan tried to explain - but rather lamely.
Brody lay back, accidentally or otherwise, showing off his 'six-pack', and sipped his coffee..
"Well what way is it like ?", he asked.
"Well the 'Boss', and us, go back a long way, and he's always taken care of us - even before we came here.", Ethan replied, realizing that he might have given a little too much away, and boxed himself into a corner.
"And where were you before you came here - 'way back' ?", Brody asked somewhat sarcastically.
"Oh... a long way from here.", Ethan said evasively.
"Yes... well it's probably none of my business, but you do seem a weird lot - but - the 'Boss', as everyone calls him, has been very good to me, so far, so it's probably easier for me just to go along with things.", Brody said, obviously realizing that he wasn't going to get much more from Ethan.
Brody then stood up and moved towards the main corridor.
"So.... let's go to the bedroom and have some 'fun'...", Brody said.
"Why not ?", Ethan said - but it wasn't really a question...
And Ethan, taking his coffee, followed.
Despite the fact that Ethan had helped to move Brody’s possessions into his new apartment, Ethan had not seen Brody’s bedroom before.
Brody’s bedroom was unlike the average teen boy’s bedroom in that it was immaculately tidy.
No dirty socks or underwear dropped on the floor – no trainers cast casually aside – no dirty coffee cups.
As with the penthouse, and presumably the other apartments in the building, everything was kept tidy and clean, even to the point of having beds made up, by the staff who operated under the building manager.
Ethan was impressed by the size and quality of Brody’s bedroom, which was almost as luxurious as his own bedroom in the penthouse.
As soon as Brody entered the room, he flung himself onto the large double bed, and pulled off his white Speedos, throwing them into a corner.
Brody was obviously anticipating what he had described as ‘fun’.
Naked, and with a completely shaved body, Brody was enormously ‘aroused’. Ethan tried not to stare.
“Well... are you ready ?”, Brody asked, grinning.
Ethan nodded, untying his trainers, and kicking them off, as he then unzipped his jeans.
Fortunately Ethan was equally as ‘horny’ as Brody.
Ethan pulled off his underpants, and moved toward the bed
“I hope you like to be on top ?”, Brody said, as he moved to one side on the bed.
“Yeah… that’s fine by me...”, Ethan said.
Then, before he could take off his vest, Brody grabbed him, and started wrestling with him on the bed.
“I like my partner to be rough with me.”, Brody grunted, as he pulled Ethan around.
Ethan nodded - thinking that it was actually Brody who was being rough with him.
When Ethan had hustled on the streets, he had come across quite a few guys who liked to be roughly treated – and sometimes even beaten in the course of their sexual encounter.
These, however, were usually older men, and he was surprised that a tough youngster, like Brody, would want to be 'roughed up' while having sex.
Ethan pulled off his underpants, and moved toward the bed
“I hope you like to be on top ?”, Brody said, as he moved to one side on the bed.
“Yeah… that’s fine by me...”, Ethan said.
Then, before he could take off his vest, Brody grabbed him, and started wrestling with him on the bed.
“I like my partner to be rough with me.”, Brody grunted, as he pulled Ethan around.
Ethan nodded - thinking that it was actually Brody who was being rough with him.
When Ethan had hustled on the streets, he had come across quite a few guys who liked to be roughly treated – and sometimes even beaten in the course of their sexual encounter.
These, however, were usually older men, and he was surprised that a tough youngster, like Brody, would want to be 'roughed up' while having sex.
Of course Brody would have to let Ethan get rough with him, as they was no way that Ethan could get the better of Ethan, who was not only well muscled and strong, but also appeared to be a skilled wrestler.
Eventually, however, Ethan found Brody riding his dick, while 'jacking-off', and that result in both of them noisily ‘cumming’.
“That was good, Ethan….”, Brody said, as he lay back, squeezing the last drops of 'cream' from his massive dick.
“Yeah…”, Ethan said, rather overcome by the intensity of the encounter.
“We could have gone on longer,”, Brody said, “but we need to be getting ready soon to go to the Combat Club.”.
“Yes, of course.”, Ethan said, as he started to get dressed.
“I'm gonna have a quick shower, and I’ll come up to the penthouse later.
Best if we don't arrive together.”, Brody said, and he left Ethan to finish dressing.
Ethan had enjoyed himself, but at the end he did feel a little as if he was just being dismissed.
Once dressed, Ethan made his way to the door of Brody’s apartment, where he could hear the splashing of the shower.
Eventually, however, Ethan found Brody riding his dick, while 'jacking-off', and that result in both of them noisily ‘cumming’.
“That was good, Ethan….”, Brody said, as he lay back, squeezing the last drops of 'cream' from his massive dick.
“Yeah…”, Ethan said, rather overcome by the intensity of the encounter.
“We could have gone on longer,”, Brody said, “but we need to be getting ready soon to go to the Combat Club.”.
“Yes, of course.”, Ethan said, as he started to get dressed.
“I'm gonna have a quick shower, and I’ll come up to the penthouse later.
Best if we don't arrive together.”, Brody said, and he left Ethan to finish dressing.
Ethan had enjoyed himself, but at the end he did feel a little as if he was just being dismissed.
Once dressed, Ethan made his way to the door of Brody’s apartment, where he could hear the splashing of the shower.
“See you later…!”, he called out.
“OK !”, Brody replied.
So Ethan returned to the top floor penthouse, not entirely sure whether he felt any better - or not - after his hurried 'encounter' with Brody.
On arrival, as he went into the main living room, he was greeted by Jim.
"So... how was it with Brody ?", Jim asked, trying to make his inquiry sound as innocent as possible.
"Oh... fine.
He showed me round his apartment.
It's very nice down there....", Ethan said, trailing off at the end, as if not sure what to actually say.
"Well, don't forget, we have to be ready to go to the 'Club Jaguar', to pick up the 'Boss', and then go to the 'Combat Club'.", Jim reminded Ethan.
Jim went out onto the deck, where Glaux eyed him knowingly.
"All right, Glaux.
I know what your'e thinking.", Jim said wearily, as he stood by the chrome rail, looking out over the bustling urban towns-cape.
Jim's memories, especially since his encounter with Faunus, had been returning.
He remembered - but still rather hazily, how he had taken Aurarius as his personal 'slave-boy' - and that 'Aurarius' was now, apparently 'Ethan' - at least the boy 'Ethan' looked startlingly like Aurarius, although 'Ethan' had a somewhat different character.
'Ethan' seemed more 'boyish' than Aurarius, with a tendency to act the 'clown', but that simply made 'Ethan, in may ways more endearing and attractive.
What worried Jim was that in that 'previous life' he had vague memories of being appallingly infatuated with Aurarius, and now that 'infatuation' was beginning to return - but with this 'new' version of Aurarius, whom he now knew as 'Ethan'.... but he also knew that Ethan was involved with Brody, and that made him jealous.
It was stupid, but there it was...
What Jim had not reckoned with, however, was that aspect of himself that had previously been described, in the language of that distant time and place, as 'Marcus Ultor', 'Marcus the Avenger', with the fearsome reputation that such an appellation implied.
And he was left with that existential puzzle - was he 'Jaguar Jim', as the 'Boss' had seemingly playfully named him - the helpless 'waif' found on the streets of Vegas, or was he the fearsome 'Dominus' from that previous age - or maybe some strange combination of both personalities.
'Jim' was a very ordinary name, apparently, - but was there more to the 'Boss' choosing the epithet 'Jaguar' that Jim had first realized ?
Well adapted for the jungle, hunting either in the trees or water, making it one of the few felines tolerant of water, the jaguar was, and remains, revered among the indigenous Americans who live closely with the jaguar, and all major Mesoamerican civilizations prominently featured a jaguar god.
The jaguar also is important for the Mesoamerican shamans, who often associate the jaguar as a nagual, which will protect the shamans from evil spirits while they move between the earth and the spirit realm.
In order for the shamans to combat whatever evil forces may be threatening, or for those who rely on the shamans for protection, it is necessary for the shamans to transform and cross over to the spirit realm.
The jaguar is often seen as a nagual because of its strength, for it is necessary that the shamans "dominate the spirits, in the same way as a predator dominates its prey".
The jaguar is said to possess the transient ability of moving between worlds (like Faunus) because of its comfort both in the trees and the water, the ability to hunt as well in the night-time as in the daytime, and the habit of sleeping in caves, places often associated with the deceased ancestors.
The concept of the transformation of the shaman is well documented in Mesoamerica and South America and is in particular demonstrated in the various Olmec jaguar transformation figures.
And, of course, these were the thoughts and the images that Glaux (on the instructions of Faunus) had put into Jim's head - hopefully leaving him to come to his own conclusions.
The question for Jim, however, was - what was 'the 'Boss' intending ?'.
Jim had vaguely remembered how Gnaeus Gracchus, his adoptive father, had given him the task of cup-bearer at the first Munera, where young gladiators were sacrificed in honour of the deified Octavian Augustus.
Also, how he had been taken to the arena by Gracchus, and had watched a young gladiator called Atticus being brutally killed by Petronius - and Petronius, of course, apparently was Zac.
Marcus had also had the individuals who had murdered Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus executed, and this included Servius, who was flayed alive in the arena.
So was the 'Boss' now preparing him, in this new life, to be brutal and vengeful in a similar manner ?
Regardless of his speculations relating the possible motives of the 'Boss', however, he had to end his ruminations as Josh and Ethan were excitedly getting ready to go and see Brody put through his paces at the Combat Club.
As usual, Chuck was ready with the big, long wheel-base Lincoln, as they were going to pick up the 'Boss' at the Club Jaguar.
There was, however, another young fighter who was being checked out along with Brody.
This boy was called Damien, and would have a full photo-shoot - if he proved satisfactory in the ring.
After a while the 'Boss' came over to Jim.
"Sorry to leave you, Jim, but I was just finalizing some details with Kurt and Devon - the bare-chested young guy.
He's one of our 'regulars' - and very good for his age.", the 'Boss' said, enthusiastically.
He will be putting our two new boys, Damien and Brody. through their paces.
Jim nodded.
"Now, Jim, I have some other business to attend to in LA, so I will leave you with Kurt.
It would be good, anyway for you two to get to know one another, as I think you'll be working together quite a lot."
The 'Boss' then took Jim by the arm, and led him away from where Kurt and Adam were appraising Damien.
"And one thing, Jim...," the Boss said quietly and confidentially, "forget about things that happened before - and don't let anything slip.
People like Kurt and Adam just won't understand - and may even think you're crazy if you mention about the arena at Baiae, or any of the other things.
This is a shared secret between us, and Zac, Ethan and Josh - and of course Faunus.
So make sure that the 'boys' know that.
We don't want any trouble.
Faunus, of course can be trusted completely - as I know from all the years that he's been with me.", the 'Boss' concluded - and it was obvious that he was anxious to get away for his upcoming appointment.
"So, I'll be off, and I'll see you, and the boys later.", the 'Boss' said, patting Jim on the shoulder.
Ethan then came over.
"So where's the 'Boss' going ?", Ethan asked.
"To LA.... along with Zac.
Some business meeting - but that's all I know.", Jim replied.
"So he's left you in charge ?", Ethan asked.
"Looks that way......", Jim replied.
"So come on, let's talk to Kurt.
He seems to have been at these auditions before.", Jim said encouragingly.
Jim and Ethan went over to where Kurt was advising Adam on the photos.
"So what do you want me to do ?", Jim asked.
"Well Jim, it's more a case of what you want me to do.", Kurt replied.
"The 'Boss' says you're in charge........
He obviously has a very high opinion of you - despite your youth.", Kurt explained.
Jim looked puzzled, and shook his head.
"That's difficult - but I'm not going to disagree with the 'Boss'." Jim replied, embarrassed that the 'Boss' had put him in authority over Kurt - who was undoubtedly far more experienced.
"Clever ", Kurt replied.
"Nobody disagrees with the 'Boss' - and gets away with it", Kurt said, grinning.
"Well.....I'll need your help as I'm new to all this.....so perhaps you can tell us a bit more about what goes on here, and what your looking for in these lads who are auditioning.
"Good idea.", Kurt said.,
"So perhaps if you come with me and Adam, to the photo studio, I can explain while Adam gets on with the work.", Kurt suggested..
"And bring the other guy with you.", Kurt said, pointing to Josh.
"Yes... that's Josh.", Jim explained, as he called Josh over.
Meanwhile, Kurt had gone back to Adam.
After Kurt and Adam had spoken for a moment, Damien was called out from the practice ring, and then Kurt, with Adam and Damien, joined Jim, Ethan and Josh, and they all went to the studio.
On their way to the studio, Brody, wearing his immaculate white Speedos, turned up after his examination by Dr. Lockwood.
Lockwood was with Brody, and had a document to give to whoever was responsible for the audition.
Once in the studio, Damien was sent to the photo studio changing room - to wait for further instructions, while Lockwood gave the document to Kurt.
"Give it to Jim here.
He's the guy in charge of the audition.", Kurt said casually.
Lockwood looked surprised - but passed the document to Jim.
Jim studied it for a moment, and then showed it to Josh and Ethan.
"It says that Brody's 'A1' as far as his health goes.
So what do I do with it now ?", Jim asked Kurt.
"Well if you let me have it I'll put it in his file - later I'll show you the filing system." Kurt said, taking the document from Jim.
"So if you and the guys come into Adam's office, I'll outline for you what were offering our guest here at the Combat Club.", Kurt continued.
Kurt's office was not large, but it was comfortable and tidy.
From the tidiness Jim instantly got the impression that Kurt had a professional attitude to his work.
Flipping open one of the filing cabinets, Kurt carefully withdrew a green file, and inserted Lockwood's 'bill of health'.
"I see there are diffident coloured files.....Jim commented, looking at the open filing drawer.
Does the colour have any significance ?", he asked.
"Green is for the 'greenhorns', Kurt replied, carefully closing the filing drawer.
Jim gave Kurt a puzzled look.
"A 'Greenhorn'.... it means a new guy... someone who's 'learning the ropes'.", Kurt replied.
"I guess your not from around here...", Kurt said, puzzled at Jim's lack of knowledge of the local idiom.
At that point Jerry, Adam's young 'gofer', popped his head round the door.
"Anything you and the boys want boss ?" (notice no capitals or apostrophes - Adam was only the boss of the studio), Jerry asked, showing off a cheery smile.
"Yes, 'Jerry-boy'...coffee for all of us !", Adam said.
Jerry then made a rather elaborate act of counting the heads.
"Right away, boss." he replied, and shot off.
Kurt settled back in the luxurious black leather arm chair.
"So let me explain how we do things for a new-boy here at the Combat Club.....
First we take a good look at the guy in the practice ring, mainly to judge his presence.", Kurt began.
"What do you mean by 'presence' ?", Ethan asked - puzzled.
"Well you've got to understand that this set up is as much about entertainment as it is about sport.
It's a bit like in the 'movie' and music businesses....a guy has to have something almost instantly attractive.
That attractiveness, of course can be expressed in a number of ways.....vulnerability, aggression, charisma, or just plain looks, not that looks can ever be plain in this business.
If he has that, then we decide to take a closer look at him - and that's where I come in.", Kurt continued.
"So doesn't it matter if he can fight or wrestle well ?", Josh asked.
"Well, it does help, but it's not difficult to teach a guy how to fight or wrestle, but you can't teach a guy presence and charisma - and that, for example, is what Brody's got.", Kurt explained.
"Now this new guy - Damien - I'm not so sure about, but we need to test him out by photographing him, and trying him out in different 'gear', in order to get a handle on the type of 'character' he's suited for - and that's what were gonna do now - so drink up."
So the 'boys' finished off their coffee - and Jerry-boy did make a good cup of coffee - much better than Ethan - and then they followed Kurt out in the 'photo-shoot' area.
"What's this business about a 'handle' thingy ?", Ethan whispered to Josh.
"No idea.", Josh replied, "But lets just see what happens, and maybe we can work some of this strange language out later."
"Right Jerry-boy, I'll set up the lights, and you look after Damien and his 'gear'......
Now those Speedos you fitted him up with might just work.
They show off his butt and 'bulge' real good, but maybe we try him out also in black.", Kurt told Jerry.
So Jerry went into the photo studio changing room, where Damien had been waiting nervously.
Jerry was there to sort out the 'gear', and help Damien change, quickly and efficiently - partly because Kurt didn't like to be made to wait - he said it affected his 'creativity'... so he said.
While Adam, Jim and Kurt stood by the side of the ring - with Adam taking the photos, Josh and Ethan watched intently. "Josh.... does that guy Damien remind you of anybody ?", Ethan said - his voice sounding a little tense and strange. "Now that you say it....yes !", Josh replied. "Someone that Faunus showed me when he was showing me people and events from our past...... a slave boy.......possibly someone involve in the murder of the 'Dominus' - or some plot, anyway.", Josh continued, accidentally slipping into Latin. "Yes, well shut up about it now.", Ethan said, being remarkably serious and responsible for once. "We'll talk about it later." As the ‘shoot’ came to an end, Kurt suggests that Damien and Brody should have a practice bout in the training ring. Jim agreed, and then excused himself, to use the bathroom in the photo-studio changing room. Meanwhile the boys, with Kurt, Adam and Damien made there way to the training ring. The two boys, Damien and Brody, then climbed into the ring, and then everyone waited for Jim to return. Kurt turned to Jerry and Ethan. “Go and get Jim to hurry up – we need to get this bout under way !”.
“OK !”, Brody replied.
On arrival, as he went into the main living room, he was greeted by Jim.
"So... how was it with Brody ?", Jim asked, trying to make his inquiry sound as innocent as possible.
"Oh... fine.
He showed me round his apartment.
It's very nice down there....", Ethan said, trailing off at the end, as if not sure what to actually say.
"Well, don't forget, we have to be ready to go to the 'Club Jaguar', to pick up the 'Boss', and then go to the 'Combat Club'.", Jim reminded Ethan.
Jim went out onto the deck, where Glaux eyed him knowingly.
"All right, Glaux.
I know what your'e thinking.", Jim said wearily, as he stood by the chrome rail, looking out over the bustling urban towns-cape.
Jim's memories, especially since his encounter with Faunus, had been returning.
 |
| Aurarius |
'Ethan' seemed more 'boyish' than Aurarius, with a tendency to act the 'clown', but that simply made 'Ethan, in may ways more endearing and attractive.
What worried Jim was that in that 'previous life' he had vague memories of being appallingly infatuated with Aurarius, and now that 'infatuation' was beginning to return - but with this 'new' version of Aurarius, whom he now knew as 'Ethan'.... but he also knew that Ethan was involved with Brody, and that made him jealous.
It was stupid, but there it was...
What Jim had not reckoned with, however, was that aspect of himself that had previously been described, in the language of that distant time and place, as 'Marcus Ultor', 'Marcus the Avenger', with the fearsome reputation that such an appellation implied.
And he was left with that existential puzzle - was he 'Jaguar Jim', as the 'Boss' had seemingly playfully named him - the helpless 'waif' found on the streets of Vegas, or was he the fearsome 'Dominus' from that previous age - or maybe some strange combination of both personalities.
'Jim' was a very ordinary name, apparently, - but was there more to the 'Boss' choosing the epithet 'Jaguar' that Jim had first realized ?
The (Panthera onca), is an animal with a significant associations in the cultures and belief systems of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies in the New World
The Jaguar is similar to the lion (Panthera leo) and tiger (Panthera tigris) in Old World cultures.
Quick, agile, and powerful enough to take down the largest prey in the jungle, the jaguar is the largest of the big cats in the Americas, and one of the most efficient and aggressive predators
Well adapted for the jungle, hunting either in the trees or water, making it one of the few felines tolerant of water, the jaguar was, and remains, revered among the indigenous Americans who live closely with the jaguar, and all major Mesoamerican civilizations prominently featured a jaguar god.
In order for the shamans to combat whatever evil forces may be threatening, or for those who rely on the shamans for protection, it is necessary for the shamans to transform and cross over to the spirit realm.
The jaguar is often seen as a nagual because of its strength, for it is necessary that the shamans "dominate the spirits, in the same way as a predator dominates its prey".
The jaguar is said to possess the transient ability of moving between worlds (like Faunus) because of its comfort both in the trees and the water, the ability to hunt as well in the night-time as in the daytime, and the habit of sleeping in caves, places often associated with the deceased ancestors.
The concept of the transformation of the shaman is well documented in Mesoamerica and South America and is in particular demonstrated in the various Olmec jaguar transformation figures.
And, of course, these were the thoughts and the images that Glaux (on the instructions of Faunus) had put into Jim's head - hopefully leaving him to come to his own conclusions.
The question for Jim, however, was - what was 'the 'Boss' intending ?'.
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| Death by Flaying of Servius |
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| Death by Impaling of Atticus |
Also, how he had been taken to the arena by Gracchus, and had watched a young gladiator called Atticus being brutally killed by Petronius - and Petronius, of course, apparently was Zac.
Marcus had also had the individuals who had murdered Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus executed, and this included Servius, who was flayed alive in the arena.
So was the 'Boss' now preparing him, in this new life, to be brutal and vengeful in a similar manner ?
Regardless of his speculations relating the possible motives of the 'Boss', however, he had to end his ruminations as Josh and Ethan were excitedly getting ready to go and see Brody put through his paces at the Combat Club.
As usual, Chuck was ready with the big, long wheel-base Lincoln, as they were going to pick up the 'Boss' at the Club Jaguar.
After having picked up the 'Boss' at the Club Jaguar, the Lincoln smoothly drew up alongside the curb of the side-walk outside the imposing 'Combat Club.
The 'Boss' was in an affable, joking mood, and obviously looking forward to watching his new protégé in the ring.
When they entered the hall containing the practice ring, all was bustle and preparation.
Brody, it appeared, had already arrived, and was being checked over, once again, by Dr. Lockwood.There was, however, another young fighter who was being checked out along with Brody.
When the 'boys' and the 'Boss' arrived, young Damien, wearing very brief red Speedos, was
already in the ring, posing for some informal shots that were being
taken by Adam.
The 'Boss' then went to the 'managers' office to check for correspondence and emails.
Meanwhile Kurt could be seen have an animated conversation with a young man, obviously a wrestler as he was bare-chested and obviously in the process of 'changing'.
The 'Boss' then went to the 'managers' office to check for correspondence and emails.
Meanwhile Kurt could be seen have an animated conversation with a young man, obviously a wrestler as he was bare-chested and obviously in the process of 'changing'.
When the 'Boss' returned, he immediately got into a long, quiet discussion with Kurt and the bare-chested boy.
Interestingly, Marty was no where to be seen, and Jim wondered if the 'Boss' had 'let Marty go' - as he had suspected he might.After a while the 'Boss' came over to Jim.
"Sorry to leave you, Jim, but I was just finalizing some details with Kurt and Devon - the bare-chested young guy.
He's one of our 'regulars' - and very good for his age.", the 'Boss' said, enthusiastically.
He will be putting our two new boys, Damien and Brody. through their paces.
Jim nodded.
"Now, Jim, I have some other business to attend to in LA, so I will leave you with Kurt.
It would be good, anyway for you two to get to know one another, as I think you'll be working together quite a lot."
The 'Boss' then took Jim by the arm, and led him away from where Kurt and Adam were appraising Damien.
"And one thing, Jim...," the Boss said quietly and confidentially, "forget about things that happened before - and don't let anything slip.
People like Kurt and Adam just won't understand - and may even think you're crazy if you mention about the arena at Baiae, or any of the other things.
This is a shared secret between us, and Zac, Ethan and Josh - and of course Faunus.
So make sure that the 'boys' know that.
We don't want any trouble.
Faunus, of course can be trusted completely - as I know from all the years that he's been with me.", the 'Boss' concluded - and it was obvious that he was anxious to get away for his upcoming appointment.
"So, I'll be off, and I'll see you, and the boys later.", the 'Boss' said, patting Jim on the shoulder.
Ethan then came over.
"So where's the 'Boss' going ?", Ethan asked.
"To LA.... along with Zac.
Some business meeting - but that's all I know.", Jim replied.
"So he's left you in charge ?", Ethan asked.
"Looks that way......", Jim replied.
"So come on, let's talk to Kurt.
He seems to have been at these auditions before.", Jim said encouragingly.
Jim and Ethan went over to where Kurt was advising Adam on the photos.
"So what do you want me to do ?", Jim asked.
"Well Jim, it's more a case of what you want me to do.", Kurt replied.
"The 'Boss' says you're in charge........
He obviously has a very high opinion of you - despite your youth.", Kurt explained.
Jim looked puzzled, and shook his head.
"That's difficult - but I'm not going to disagree with the 'Boss'." Jim replied, embarrassed that the 'Boss' had put him in authority over Kurt - who was undoubtedly far more experienced.
"Clever ", Kurt replied.
"Nobody disagrees with the 'Boss' - and gets away with it", Kurt said, grinning.
"Well.....I'll need your help as I'm new to all this.....so perhaps you can tell us a bit more about what goes on here, and what your looking for in these lads who are auditioning.
"Good idea.", Kurt said.,
"So perhaps if you come with me and Adam, to the photo studio, I can explain while Adam gets on with the work.", Kurt suggested..
"And bring the other guy with you.", Kurt said, pointing to Josh.
"Yes... that's Josh.", Jim explained, as he called Josh over.
Meanwhile, Kurt had gone back to Adam.
After Kurt and Adam had spoken for a moment, Damien was called out from the practice ring, and then Kurt, with Adam and Damien, joined Jim, Ethan and Josh, and they all went to the studio.
On their way to the studio, Brody, wearing his immaculate white Speedos, turned up after his examination by Dr. Lockwood.
Lockwood was with Brody, and had a document to give to whoever was responsible for the audition.
Once in the studio, Damien was sent to the photo studio changing room - to wait for further instructions, while Lockwood gave the document to Kurt.
"Give it to Jim here.
He's the guy in charge of the audition.", Kurt said casually.
Lockwood looked surprised - but passed the document to Jim.
Jim studied it for a moment, and then showed it to Josh and Ethan.
"It says that Brody's 'A1' as far as his health goes.
So what do I do with it now ?", Jim asked Kurt.
"Well if you let me have it I'll put it in his file - later I'll show you the filing system." Kurt said, taking the document from Jim.
"So if you and the guys come into Adam's office, I'll outline for you what were offering our guest here at the Combat Club.", Kurt continued.
Kurt's office was not large, but it was comfortable and tidy.
From the tidiness Jim instantly got the impression that Kurt had a professional attitude to his work.
Flipping open one of the filing cabinets, Kurt carefully withdrew a green file, and inserted Lockwood's 'bill of health'.
"I see there are diffident coloured files.....Jim commented, looking at the open filing drawer.
Does the colour have any significance ?", he asked.
"Green is for the 'greenhorns', Kurt replied, carefully closing the filing drawer.
Jim gave Kurt a puzzled look.
"A 'Greenhorn'.... it means a new guy... someone who's 'learning the ropes'.", Kurt replied.
"I guess your not from around here...", Kurt said, puzzled at Jim's lack of knowledge of the local idiom.
At that point Jerry, Adam's young 'gofer', popped his head round the door.
"Anything you and the boys want boss ?" (notice no capitals or apostrophes - Adam was only the boss of the studio), Jerry asked, showing off a cheery smile.
"Yes, 'Jerry-boy'...coffee for all of us !", Adam said.
Jerry then made a rather elaborate act of counting the heads.
"Right away, boss." he replied, and shot off.
Kurt settled back in the luxurious black leather arm chair.
"So let me explain how we do things for a new-boy here at the Combat Club.....
First we take a good look at the guy in the practice ring, mainly to judge his presence.", Kurt began.
"What do you mean by 'presence' ?", Ethan asked - puzzled.
"Well you've got to understand that this set up is as much about entertainment as it is about sport.
It's a bit like in the 'movie' and music businesses....a guy has to have something almost instantly attractive.
That attractiveness, of course can be expressed in a number of ways.....vulnerability, aggression, charisma, or just plain looks, not that looks can ever be plain in this business.
If he has that, then we decide to take a closer look at him - and that's where I come in.", Kurt continued.
"So doesn't it matter if he can fight or wrestle well ?", Josh asked.
"Well, it does help, but it's not difficult to teach a guy how to fight or wrestle, but you can't teach a guy presence and charisma - and that, for example, is what Brody's got.", Kurt explained.
"Now this new guy - Damien - I'm not so sure about, but we need to test him out by photographing him, and trying him out in different 'gear', in order to get a handle on the type of 'character' he's suited for - and that's what were gonna do now - so drink up."
So the 'boys' finished off their coffee - and Jerry-boy did make a good cup of coffee - much better than Ethan - and then they followed Kurt out in the 'photo-shoot' area.
"What's this business about a 'handle' thingy ?", Ethan whispered to Josh.
"No idea.", Josh replied, "But lets just see what happens, and maybe we can work some of this strange language out later."
"Right Jerry-boy, I'll set up the lights, and you look after Damien and his 'gear'......
Now those Speedos you fitted him up with might just work.
They show off his butt and 'bulge' real good, but maybe we try him out also in black.", Kurt told Jerry.
So Jerry went into the photo studio changing room, where Damien had been waiting nervously.
Jerry was there to sort out the 'gear', and help Damien change, quickly and efficiently - partly because Kurt didn't like to be made to wait - he said it affected his 'creativity'... so he said.
The photo-shoot continued, with Damien first posing in various styles of trunks, short and tights.
Eventually Adam took a set of nude shots.
Although Damien seemed quite adequate, Jim was not overly impressed.
While Adam, Jim and Kurt stood by the side of the ring - with Adam taking the photos, Josh and Ethan watched intently. "Josh.... does that guy Damien remind you of anybody ?", Ethan said - his voice sounding a little tense and strange. "Now that you say it....yes !", Josh replied. "Someone that Faunus showed me when he was showing me people and events from our past...... a slave boy.......possibly someone involve in the murder of the 'Dominus' - or some plot, anyway.", Josh continued, accidentally slipping into Latin. "Yes, well shut up about it now.", Ethan said, being remarkably serious and responsible for once. "We'll talk about it later." As the ‘shoot’ came to an end, Kurt suggests that Damien and Brody should have a practice bout in the training ring. Jim agreed, and then excused himself, to use the bathroom in the photo-studio changing room. Meanwhile the boys, with Kurt, Adam and Damien made there way to the training ring. The two boys, Damien and Brody, then climbed into the ring, and then everyone waited for Jim to return. Kurt turned to Jerry and Ethan. “Go and get Jim to hurry up – we need to get this bout under way !”. Moments later, Ethan returned, with Jerry looking looking distinctly alarmed.
“He’s not there !”, Ethan blurted out.
“What…. not there..?
So where is he ?”, Kurt replied, incredulously.
“Kurt... he’s not there ! - Jim's not there !”, Ethan said firmly, but obviously panicking, and Jerry nodded
Kurt instantly punched a number into his mobile and spoke – presumably to the building’s security.
“Lock down ! And search the building !”, he ordered.
“What...? You think there’s a problem ? Josh asked, obviously concerned.
“Yes !”, Kurt replied.
“People don’t just vanish – not in this building !”, Kurt answered, as he looked around nervously.
Then, not wanting to create a panic, Kurt ordered Damien and Brody to begin their practice bout.
Kurt then turned to Josh.
"OK.... Jim hasn't just walked off..... so.... what do you think has happened to him ?"
Josh looked shocked.
"It's weird.... I think it's something bad."
"OK... then I must tell the 'Boss' !, Kurt said decisively.
While Kurt was 'phoning the'Boss', Ethan could hear the security team moving around the building, opening and closing doors, herding staff out of rooms, and then 'locking down' the rooms that they had searched.
Josh could hear the 'Boss' 'talking', if that was the word, to Kurt on the 'phone - and the 'Boss' was obviously angry - very angry.
Kurt looked over to Josh.
"He's sending his security team, and Zac, over here now - and I'm in the shit !"
And they didn't have long to wait......
The 'Boss', accompanied by Zac, and a ten man strong security team soon entered the building.
Despite the fact that the building had been 'locked-down', Zac had a security 'over-ride', and so was able to gain instant entry.
The ten man team quickly spread out, joining the building's internal security, while Zac disappeared into the office of the 'Boss', and was instantly accessing information on the computers.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the relative confusion, Brody had Damien tangled up, upside down on the ropes .
With a series of downward chops, Brody viciously attacked Damien's bulging groin, obviously pulverizing the helpless boy's 'nuts', while Damien squirmed, and moaned loudly.
Brody looked to where the 'Boss' was watching, and grinned.
The 'Boss', distracted for a moment from his frantic search for Jim, nodded and smiled, as Damien sank writhing on the ropes and clutching his mangled groin in obvious agony.
"Well done , Brody !", the 'Boss' called, "but leave him alone now... I want to talk to you !".
Brody sauntered over to the edge of the ring, and squatted down, leaving his helpless opponent to squirm in agony on the ropes.
"Brody... we've got a problem with Jim... he's missing.", the 'Boss' said, obviously concerned.
"Now you live in the same apartment block, so I want you to get dressed, and speak to the security boys.
They will want to search your apartment later, as well as the rest of the building... OK ?", the 'Boss' explained.
"OK 'Boss'.... but I have nothing to do with Jim disappearing.... honest !", Brody said.
"I'm sure you haven't.... it's just a formality." the 'Boss' said quietly.
So Brody went off to get dressed.
Meanwhile, Jerry was being 'grilled' by two of the 'smarter' security detail - trained interrogators - who had a lot of questions for the terrified boy, as he was one of the last people to be in the same room (the changing room of the photo-studio) before Jim disappeared.
The 'Boss' then went to his office, where Zac was poring over CCTV images taken that morning.
"Anything, Zac ?", the 'Boss' asked wearily.
"Yes.... a blurred image of two guys in dark suits taking Jim out of the building - but no clear enough to identify them."
The 'Boss' sighed, and sat down heavily opposite Zac.
"Well at least we know he's not here." Zac said.
"So what about this new guy - Damien ?", the 'Boss' asked.
He's probably the only 'loose end' in this business
Has anyone had his things searched ?".
Zac look stupefied.
"Shit, why didn't I think of that ?", he said angrily, and went off to get some security to check out Damien's locker.
Moments later there was a crash, as Damien's locker was forced.
"Sorry, Sir - my fault.
I should have got that done first thing.", Zac said, feeling horribly foolish.
"No matter - but let's see what they find.", the 'Boss' replied.
One of the senior security team then reported back to the 'Boss'.
He handed a plastic wallet containing the various items, - keys, money wallet cards etc. that had been extracted from Damien's pockets.
"Just the usual stuff 'Boss' - except for this - a business card belonging to a.. psychiatrist......
Now what would a boy like that be doing going to a psychiatrist ?". the security operative said, obviously puzzled.
"Let me guess....", the 'Boss' said, with an odd smile playing over his lips.
"The psychiatrist was a Dr Karl Brandt."
The security operative looked startled.
"You knew, 'Boss' ?", the security operative asked, obviously surprised.
"I guessed.", the 'Boss' replied.
"Right, Zac.... get to the computer, and start looking into Dr Brandt's profile, meanwhile I'll get Kurt to question that little shit Damien.", the 'Boss' ordered, while looking closely at Brandt's business card.
"Shit ! My fuckin' nuts !", Damien, who was still tangled up in the ropes, moaned, as he clutched at his crushed testicles.
Kurt, in his own inimitable way, then conducted his own interrogation.
Pulling away the tiny pouch of Damien's red Speedos, Kurt grabbed the helpless boy's naked, exposed 'balls', and cruelly twisted the kid's bulky 'manhood'.
"No ! Please !", Damien squealed.
When this didn't produce any useful information, Kurt, realizing that time was of the essence took the 'butterfly knife' that he always carried, along with his 'piece'.
"If you don't give us some information, kid, I'll have no option but to slice your 'nuts' off - one at a time.", Kurt growled menacingly.
Stupidly, Damien presumed that Kurt was making an idle threat, but as Kurt's knife began to slowly slice through the skin of his bulky, shaved scrotum, Damien instantly started screaming and 'blabbed' everything - but too late, as his severed testicles fell onto the canvass.
Moments later, Kurt went over and reported to the 'Boss', leaving Damien, who painfully and humiliatingly had lost his 'manhood', writhing and squirting the last of his 'juice' on the canvass, and sobbing hysterically.
"He says that he was paid to cause a distraction while Brandt's men took Jim.
According to him he allowed himself to be tied up in the ropes and kicked in the 'nuts' in order to get everyone's attention - so that nobody would notice Jim being taken from the changing room.", Kurt explained.
"OK Kurt... that's all we needed to know from him.
Get rid of him - now .... while he's on the canvass !".
"Yes 'Boss' !", Kurt compliantly replied, as he took a Beretta 92FS from his back pocket, and screwed on a 9 mm silencer.....
The 'Boss' walked off - to join Zac in the office.
As he walked away, Damien could be heard pleading for mercy, as Kurt pulled Damien up and leveled his Beretta at the boy's head.
Moments later there was a dull thud as the bullet entered Damien's skull, passed through the castrated boy's brain, and sped out the far side, and slammed into the plaster of the nearby wall.
Damien, with a startled look on his face, jerked and twitched for a fraction of a second - urinated forcefully on the canvass, and then went limp.
And there was surprisingly little blood.
The 'Boss', accompanied by Zac, and a ten man strong security team soon entered the building.
Despite the fact that the building had been 'locked-down', Zac had a security 'over-ride', and so was able to gain instant entry.The ten man team quickly spread out, joining the building's internal security, while Zac disappeared into the office of the 'Boss', and was instantly accessing information on the computers.
With a series of downward chops, Brody viciously attacked Damien's bulging groin, obviously pulverizing the helpless boy's 'nuts', while Damien squirmed, and moaned loudly.
Brody looked to where the 'Boss' was watching, and grinned.
The 'Boss', distracted for a moment from his frantic search for Jim, nodded and smiled, as Damien sank writhing on the ropes and clutching his mangled groin in obvious agony.
"Well done , Brody !", the 'Boss' called, "but leave him alone now... I want to talk to you !".
Brody sauntered over to the edge of the ring, and squatted down, leaving his helpless opponent to squirm in agony on the ropes.
"Brody... we've got a problem with Jim... he's missing.", the 'Boss' said, obviously concerned.
"Now you live in the same apartment block, so I want you to get dressed, and speak to the security boys.
They will want to search your apartment later, as well as the rest of the building... OK ?", the 'Boss' explained.
"OK 'Boss'.... but I have nothing to do with Jim disappearing.... honest !", Brody said.
"I'm sure you haven't.... it's just a formality." the 'Boss' said quietly.
So Brody went off to get dressed.
Meanwhile, Jerry was being 'grilled' by two of the 'smarter' security detail - trained interrogators - who had a lot of questions for the terrified boy, as he was one of the last people to be in the same room (the changing room of the photo-studio) before Jim disappeared.
The 'Boss' then went to his office, where Zac was poring over CCTV images taken that morning.
"Anything, Zac ?", the 'Boss' asked wearily.
"Yes.... a blurred image of two guys in dark suits taking Jim out of the building - but no clear enough to identify them."
The 'Boss' sighed, and sat down heavily opposite Zac.
"Well at least we know he's not here." Zac said.
"So what about this new guy - Damien ?", the 'Boss' asked.
He's probably the only 'loose end' in this business
Has anyone had his things searched ?".
Zac look stupefied.
"Shit, why didn't I think of that ?", he said angrily, and went off to get some security to check out Damien's locker.
Moments later there was a crash, as Damien's locker was forced.
"Sorry, Sir - my fault.
I should have got that done first thing.", Zac said, feeling horribly foolish.
"No matter - but let's see what they find.", the 'Boss' replied.
One of the senior security team then reported back to the 'Boss'.
He handed a plastic wallet containing the various items, - keys, money wallet cards etc. that had been extracted from Damien's pockets.
"Just the usual stuff 'Boss' - except for this - a business card belonging to a.. psychiatrist......
Now what would a boy like that be doing going to a psychiatrist ?". the security operative said, obviously puzzled.
"Let me guess....", the 'Boss' said, with an odd smile playing over his lips.
"The psychiatrist was a Dr Karl Brandt."
The security operative looked startled.
"You knew, 'Boss' ?", the security operative asked, obviously surprised.
"I guessed.", the 'Boss' replied.
"Right, Zac.... get to the computer, and start looking into Dr Brandt's profile, meanwhile I'll get Kurt to question that little shit Damien.", the 'Boss' ordered, while looking closely at Brandt's business card.
"Shit ! My fuckin' nuts !", Damien, who was still tangled up in the ropes, moaned, as he clutched at his crushed testicles.
Kurt, in his own inimitable way, then conducted his own interrogation.
Pulling away the tiny pouch of Damien's red Speedos, Kurt grabbed the helpless boy's naked, exposed 'balls', and cruelly twisted the kid's bulky 'manhood'.
"No ! Please !", Damien squealed.
When this didn't produce any useful information, Kurt, realizing that time was of the essence took the 'butterfly knife' that he always carried, along with his 'piece'.
"If you don't give us some information, kid, I'll have no option but to slice your 'nuts' off - one at a time.", Kurt growled menacingly.
Stupidly, Damien presumed that Kurt was making an idle threat, but as Kurt's knife began to slowly slice through the skin of his bulky, shaved scrotum, Damien instantly started screaming and 'blabbed' everything - but too late, as his severed testicles fell onto the canvass.
Moments later, Kurt went over and reported to the 'Boss', leaving Damien, who painfully and humiliatingly had lost his 'manhood', writhing and squirting the last of his 'juice' on the canvass, and sobbing hysterically.
"He says that he was paid to cause a distraction while Brandt's men took Jim.
According to him he allowed himself to be tied up in the ropes and kicked in the 'nuts' in order to get everyone's attention - so that nobody would notice Jim being taken from the changing room.", Kurt explained.
"OK Kurt... that's all we needed to know from him.Get rid of him - now .... while he's on the canvass !".
"Yes 'Boss' !", Kurt compliantly replied, as he took a Beretta 92FS from his back pocket, and screwed on a 9 mm silencer.....
The 'Boss' walked off - to join Zac in the office.
As he walked away, Damien could be heard pleading for mercy, as Kurt pulled Damien up and leveled his Beretta at the boy's head.
Moments later there was a dull thud as the bullet entered Damien's skull, passed through the castrated boy's brain, and sped out the far side, and slammed into the plaster of the nearby wall.
Damien, with a startled look on his face, jerked and twitched for a fraction of a second - urinated forcefully on the canvass, and then went limp.
And there was surprisingly little blood.
'Zac looks up Dr. Brandt on the 'Bundes Archiv' - Berlin site on the internet - and everyone is in for a big surprise - and then the race is on to find Jim.'
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022