Sixty Shades Of The Devil

Scarlett:

I hate myself for actually falling in love with someone I never should have. A murderer of my loved ones.

As hate and love tangled in my heart, I realised that the whole thing still wasn't as simple as I thought it was.

My whole world went grey the day my family begin to fall apart.

*****

How does it feel when one loses someone so dear to them? Someone they love with every single life in them. How does it feel when the one you love just slips out of your life with just a twinkle of an eye? That painful feeling is what we are experiencing right now.

I feel my entire world crumbling right in front of me and I am unable to do anything. How many more does my family have to suffer and for how long? This is too painful to handle.

My eyes narrow down to the frame that I hold tightly. Noise surrounds the atmosphere and I feel my tears pricking down my face. Loveable memories about Dora begin to play in my head and I couldn't help but wail harder. My sister was just a little innocent girl. Why does she have to die especially in a cruel way and especially at the hands of an unknown? We don't even know the culprit behind her death and why she was murdered by the person. No one knows.

" My condolences,"

I heard someone say from the living room. I am staying at the dining area because it is quite a distance from the additional trauma back there. I sniff in and bring the frame that contains my sister's picture close to my chest hugging it tight. Oh! Why now?

The pain of losing someone you love is something I never imagined. If only there was a way to go back in time, then I wouldn't hesitate to take her place.

Her death is a mystery. A shocking one. No one until now knows who did it. But could it be the person I think it is? But could it be the mysterious killer that everyone knows about? Could it be him? Mr. Strange!.

I've heard a lot of people talk about Mr. Strange and according to what I heard, he's a mysterious killer, probably out there waiting to ambush. When he kills, he leaves a mark 'S' on the victim with their blood and no one knows why. It's just absurd. Even the corps are yet to find out who he is.

I think he's responsible for my sister's death, but then there was no sign of any mark when she died. If it wasn't Mr. Strange, then who could it be?

I sniff in as I wipe my tears and keep the frame on the table. Tears still refuse to stop, they keep flooding out of my eyes, and I couldn't help but cry out.

" Scarlett,"

I heard someone call but I didn't respond or even turn to see who it was. Seconds later I hear the person walking up to me and pulling the chair next to me before sitting on it.

" Are you okay?"

No! I'm not... I am forced to yell at him but try to keep cool.

It's Sam, a co-worker.

" I'm sorry about your loss,"

I remain silent, not in the mood to speak to anyone.

" Here," He stretches a brown envelope to me. I simply stare blankly at it as I have no clue what it contains or maybe money.

" This is from boss Martinez, he said I should give it to you on behalf of the enterprise, the shooting has been postponed till further notice. You'll receive an email when we decide the day of the shooting, okay?"

I nod. At least I have some time to mourn my sister's death.

" Thank you,"

I mutter and he simply nods, staring at me with so much concern and pity in his eyes.

" I do appreciate..."

My voice cracks and I break down instantly. It is just too hard to bear.

" Hey, it's okay," He then leaves his seat and comes over to me and pulls me into his embrace. I settle down in his arms, a hug, that's something I desperately need.

" Everything is going to be fine. It's okay," he whispers to my ears as he gently smoothens my hair with his hands.

" Thank you,"

I close my eyes. I feel more relaxed than ever all thanks to Sam.

***

It's evening time and all the guests we had had already left. I am relieved of that. My mom is still in the living room while my brother, Max, had gone out of the house saying he needed some space while I sat lonely in my room just looking out the window. Oh! How devastating.

I sigh and decide to find something to do that can help with my thoughts about my sister. Apparently, I think reading a novel will do, at least something to take my mind out of its world.

I stand up and walk to pick one of my favorite novels, Fences. It's a novel I adore so much, always enjoying every bit of the pages, I can't get enough of it.

As I read through my book, I hear a car driving in. I take a look out the window and I see a red Mercedes Benz pulling over into the compound. I'm quite sure I haven't seen that kind of car in the neighborhood. Could they possibly be the new neighbors mom spoke about before the tragic news of my sister?

Woah!

New neighbors. I look out again and I see a man, quite old, pulling out of his car and going to the boot. He opens it and begins to offload it. I can tell how heavy the luggage is with the way he struggles to put it down.

" Ralph, Jessica, come down here and give me a hand."

He yells and I hear the annoyance that reflects in his voice. The door to the car swings open and simultaneously I see my brother walking in, a frown on his face and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. As he walks in two teenagers get out of the car, a teenage boy and a girl.

I couldn't see their faces, they weren't facing my direction.

My brother simply walked past them without saying a word. I shake my head as I watch him make his way into the house.

" Scarlett? Can I come in?"

That is my mom. Her voice is so pathetic that it makes me a little sad. It makes me want to cry. That woman has gone through a lot.

My dad and her had divorced some months ago. She found him cheating on her and instead of apologizing he filed for a divorce, My mom was so disheartened and broken by the news that she refused to do anything other than cry. She loved that man with every single life in her, she didn't deserve to be treated that way.

" Scarlett?" she calls again with a swing of the door.

" So you decided not to open the door? Is that it?"

She walks in with a frown.

" Sorry,"

I apologize frantically and I hear her sigh.

" Whatever. Anyways, Max is back and right now, I'm starving."

" Oh really, I can make dinner, your favorite if you want,"

I say jumping off the stool. My mom chuckles.

" Well... I do prefer your cooking,"

She says jokingly and I could not help but laugh silently knowing what she means by that. It's about Max cooking.

It's horrible!

He once made breakfast that gave everyone in the house a running stomach, it was horrible that we had to trash out the remaining. Oh! That day was pathetic.

" Come on then."

She says and glances out of the window.

" New neighbors,"

I mumble as I take in a sharp breath and walk out of the room leaving my mom behind.

***

Dinner is ready and served. Mom and Max sit beside each other while I sit across them playing with my fork and my spoon. I have no appetite to eat. Soon enough, an email popped on my phone and I didn't hesitate to check, I'm quite sure it's a message from my workplace.

I open it to see a short email and I immediately drain out after reading it. I am to resume work on Wednesday which turns out to be next tomorrow. I sigh as I run my hand through my hair with a long face. He hates me.

" You alright sweetie?"

My mom asks. I guess my sour mood is quite obvious.

" Boss Martinez wants me to resume work on Wednesday. I don't know what I ever did to him that he hates me so much. Am I that bad?"

I say in frustration practically pulling down my hair. My mom simply glanced at me as she chewed her food. As usual, I continued playing uninterested with my cutlery.

" He's your boss Scarlett and he alone owns the rules,"

I glance up at my mom like she's insane. Does he own the rules? What the hell is she trying to insulate?

The night fell with me seated on my stool and looking out of the window. Something I am never afraid of doing since I'm quite used to it. My mind moves back to the email I received and I groan disappointedly. I can't believe my boss wants me to resume on Wednesday, I thought he'd say next week or so but not as early as on Wednesday.

Well, Mom and I both agree to go visit our new neighbors before leaving for the store tomorrow.

We're already running out of food items and money is something we do not have but thank God the money I found in the envelope is quite enough to last us for some time.

I check my ticking clock to see what time it is, it's kind of late, 12:38. I think it's best I get back to bed.

I lazily stand up and pull off my dress changing into my pajamas before walking towards my bed and lying cozy on it. I lie on my bed staring at the old and cracked dirty white ceiling, patiently counting it.

As I study the ceiling in the meantime, I hear the door opposite our house swing open along with a flashlight, then it suddenly goes off. Curiosity ran through my veins as I climbed off my bed and went to check through my window where I saw someone dashing away. I couldn't exactly tell who it was due to the darkness that clouds the place, the bright moon and stars only gave little brightness.

Being too adamant and curious in knowing who that person is and why he or she is sneaking out by this time I

quickly scurry to my box, open it, and pick up a casual black top and pants. I pull off my pajamas and immediately change into my casual wear.

I wear my black hoodie and then tie up my hair. I check out the window to see the person standing and scrutinizing around as if checking to see if anyone is following up or probably he/she is waiting for someone. My thought went wrong the moment I saw the person walking away.

I quietly run to my door, slightly push it open, sneakily step out of my room, and quietly shut the door. I am trying to stay quiet so I won't wake Max and my mom.

I walk to the living room, unplug my phone, and keep it in my pocket.

I walk to unlock the entrance door before stepping out. I look around and see the person walking, he or she is far from where I stand and I curse under my breath.

I follow quietly and stylishly, trying to clear any form of suspicion.

Moments later and we are already on the highway, few people move around and the street lights blink repeatedly. I sigh in horror. I don't know what I am doing nor do I know why I am doing it.

Suddenly the mystery death of my sister came roaming in my head, mentally knocking me off and reminding me of Mr. Strange, I shivered at his name.

" Ralph!"

I hear and see someone walking up to the person I follow, If I'm not mistaken, I heard him call him Ralph. Ralph... Isn't that the name of the teenage boy who just moved into my neighborhood? along with his family?

" Khalid," the Ralph guy called.

" What took you so long?"

" Sorry, Khalid. Family comes before anything else,"

I quietly listen to what they have to say. I wouldn't deny that I am already becoming scared. What if Mr. Strange is somewhere around here? The thought drains me.

"Did anyone follow you?"

The Khalid guy says and moves his head to the side to stare at me, though it's just a glance. Immediately, I turn around, pull out my phone, and place it on my ear, pretending I am receiving a call.

" Hey guys, come on in,"

I hear another different voice but it's that of a female. I am afraid to look over to see what they are doing but just to clear any thought of suspects, I remain still, still pretending I am receiving a call. I am really scared, my heartbeat increases, my palms sweat and my body is fragile.

Screech!

And I hear a car take off. I slowly turn around just to see a car driving away at a high speed. The Ralph guy and the other guy are gone, I see them nowhere. They already left with the car.

"I had a nice time, thank you Mrs. Will," I hear a voice and I turn in the direction of the voice.

I see a fat-looking man from behind me walking in my direction. He walked past me heading to a taxi that I did not notice at first.

Could he possibly be a taxi driver? I do not know but I begin to follow him until he gets into his taxi.

" Excuse me,"

I say softly and he glances at me with arch brows. He is already sitting in the driver's seat and holding the steering wheel with both hands.

" Yeah?"

He spoke, the softness I saw in his eyes disappeared within seconds and was replaced with a harsh one. I can perceive a smell of alcohol, his voice is a little husky and I don't know if or not I should request help.

" I need help,"

I am a little timid as I speak.

" So?"

Came his reply.

" I'm sorry to bother you but_"

" You got money?"

He didn't even let me finish and he spoke. Money? I didn't bring a penny with me.

Damn Scarlett! you screwed up.

" No, I don't but_"

" No money, no offer,"

The man says and turns on the engine. My heart nearly jumps inside my mouth with a fear that If I don't leave this place I might have an encounter with Mr. Strange. Though I want to, I'm scared to.

" I can give you my address, I promise to pay you in double just please help me out,"

The man stares at me for a while before sighing. His gaze softens.

" Listen, pretty girl_"

He begins but I don't give him the chance to complete his statement as I clasp my hands together and mutter a 'please'.

Again, he sighs.

" Get in,"

He finally says and immediately, I get into the back seat. Thank goodness.

" Where are you heading?"

He asks but I don't answer immediately. Where should I head to? Should I head home or should I follow Ralph and his colleagues?

" You saw that car that drove off a while ago?"

I say to my surprise.

" Uh? Is it Khalid's and his colleagues?"

I heard the slight shiver in his voice when he spoke, was he afraid?

" Yes, you know where they are?"

Why am I so curious? but whatever the reason behind it, I hope it leads me to what I want to know.

" Huh? How do you expect me to know?"

I sigh at the answer he gives me.

" Okay, just drive,"

I say with false hope as I lean on the seat with my eyes closed.

Moments later the driver keeps driving away heading to where I do not know. No cars, nobody seen on the road, it is just too quiet and dark that I begin to freak out. Soon, the car comes to an abrupt stop.

" Okay miss, I'm a few miles away from my house, could you do the honor by getting down?" The man says and I couldn't help but freak out.

What? Come down? I can't... I don't even know where I am, like... How the hell am I going to return home... Ohh!

I shouldn't have done this, I should have just laid on my bed until I fell asleep, I should have minded my own business.

" Get out,"

" Can you please_"

" Cut the crap and get out of my car,"

The man yells angrily.

" I'm sorry,"

I say gently and quietly open the door before stepping out. Oh! What am I going to do now?

" Close my door,"

Says the man and I realize that I haven't shut the door yet.

" Sorry,"

I whisper to him and calmly close the door and without a second, he takes off leaving me to myself in the middle of nowhere.

What have I done

No signal! No signal! No signal!

I have tried calling the house but it keeps on saying no signal. What am I supposed to do now? I am literally in the middle of nowhere and I can't reach the house. God! I should have just stayed at home. I should have.

I return my phone to my pocket and begin walking away, at least to find a place to stay in the meantime.

As I walk, my mind drifts back to Ralph and Khalid as I wonder who exactly they are and what they are up to. I don't know... But I feel something strange about those boys... Strange, Mr. Strange.

I shiver at the mention of his name and instantly gasp. Mr strange. What if he's out here wanting to ambush, what will I do?

I begin running, running as far as my legs can take me. I can't afford to lose my life... I just can't, so I continue running.

I run to the extent I feel tired, my legs are already hurting and my breathing is erroneous. I couldn't go any further so I stopped to catch my breath when I heard a piece of music coming from the opposite direction.

I turn to have a look and I see cars parked outside. There is a clubhouse at sight.

I see a guy leaning on one of the cars.

The clubhouse is sparkling with bright and colorful lights. Wow! Why didn't I notice it in the first place? Maybe... Just maybe, Ralph and his gangs are there.

So I take a turn, heading for the club. The closer I get, the louder the music.

I get close enough and stand for a while trying to examine the place. Well, it is kind of nice, at least for a club. I walked further until I finally got to the clubhouse. I perceived the toxic smell of alcohol and cigarettes.

The guy I saw stared at me with a somewhat look and I quickly lowered my gaze and walked into the club.

Woah!

What the... I think I made a mistake coming here, I'd say.

The first thing I notice when I step in is the stripped girls and the shirtless dudes and the noise and music that fill the entire place.

The whole place is filled with stripped girls dancing, drinking, smoking, and all awkward things. The atmosphere is clouded with smoke. I see most girls sit awkwardly on each guy's lap slowly twerking their waist and earning moans of ecstasy from them. Ah! That gets me wondering, What's so special about naked girls that most guys do find amusing?

Looking in another direction, I find another.

Two girls, lesbians to be precise are kissing. The way they hold onto each other makes me want to puke.

I found it hard to look away as I watched as they pulled from the kiss. Even without realizing it, a heavy sigh escaped from my mouth like I was relieved.

Okay! This is ridiculous.

I think I should leave...

But where? It's almost midnight and I have no place to go. This club is my last option.

" Hey there,"

I hear a muscular voice call and the hair on my body suddenly straightens. I huffed and then took a turn to see who it could be but holy motherfucker, I almost walked into him, my face hits against his large chest, I scoots over from him nearly losing my balance.

Watch it rascal!.

" Hello,"

I say, somewhat shy.

" You want a drink?"

He offered me a bottle of vodka but I turned it down.

" I don't drink,"

I saw the surprised look that flashed across his eyes when I said those words. I don't drink and it's simply not a big deal. Right?.

" Why not?"

Came his reply, one which I found silly and funny.

" It's a choice,"

I reply with a thin hope that he will leave me alone, but damn he didn't.

" What's your handle?"

Okay! Why is he suddenly asking for my name?

" Sarah,"

I force out a tight smile knowing that I just lied.

" Sarah?"

I nod.

" Oh! My name is Jones,"

He says and stretches out his hand for a handshake but all the same, I decline.

" I don't shake hands,"

This time, I saw him flinch a bit as he slowly redraws his hand. I bet he's probably wondering what kind of a human I am. Of course, I'm quite different and I'm glad about that, I think.

" What are you even doing here?"

The Jones guy says sarcastically with a slight annoyance in his voice that appears to change drastically from normal to harsher.

I say nothing but shake my head as my eyes move away from him and search the place for any comfort. Yes! I see a stairs that leads up to another floor.

" Excuse me,"

I say slowly and I walk away without him making any attempt to stop me. Well, that's good.

I struggle to make my way through the crowds before I can finally get to the stairs. No one from the crowd seems to notice me. Well, who will anyway... No one, absolutely no one.

I walk up to the stairs and begin walking through the hallway. At each door I pass, I either hear a moan or music blasting out with giggling everywhere but when I get to this room there's no moaning or music, it is quite quiet except from the small talks I can hear.

Wait! I lean in closer to the door, putting my ear on it.

"...they were almost caught, it was a good thing they managed to escape,"

That voice, I can recognize it, it's Khalid's.

" But they delivered the goods in exchange for gold,"

" Really!"

I hear another voice, this one deeper than any other.

" Yes Chief,"

Another voice that I recognize says, Ralphs.

" That's good, what about the one to be delivered in Chicago, did it go?"

" Delivered,"

A voice answers and I can't help but wonder what they are talking about. I know this isn't my business but I am just curious, This is literally what any lady in my shoes would do if she ended up here, probably, I think.

There is a pause. I hear no one talking and I become scared, are they already walking towards the door? Then I need to leave, I don't want to get caught, and just as I want to redraw my ear from the door I hear,

" Have that money,"

" You can use it on girls if you want but be watchful,"

The husky voice I hear says again.

" Yes Chief,"

" And..."

" Make sure you burn off Michael's body where no one sees you, I want a standard job, a clean one so I'm counting on you all,"

" Yes Chief, what should we do to the girl?"

Another silent step in as I try to stop myself from panicking.

" I don't know, it's up to you but she must brutally die. Easy death is an easy escape for her,"

Unconsciously, a loud gasp leaves my mouth but I immediately

shut it by placing my hands on my mouth.

I am so terrified that I begin to run down the stairs before they get the chance to see me. The moment I reached the last step, I heard the opening of the door along with voices.

" Could it be that someone was eavesdropping?"

" It seems like it,"

" Oh shit! What do we do now?"

I hear but there is a brief silence.

" Follow me,"

A voice says as the loud footsteps fade away while I on the other hand hide beneath the stairs. No one seems to have noticed anything, all they do is drink and dance to loud music and other sorts of things.

I sigh, my body trembling. I made a grave mistake coming here, I should probably head back outside.

As I turn to leave, My eyes unconsciously scan through until I lock eyes with him. He glares at me as if he is ready to pluck out my soul with his eyes.

I became fragile, I think he saw what happened.