I almost feel like titling this story, "I Will Never Be Happy With This One, So Here Is The Latest Version". I have done some major tweaking and editing, once again. Most of it is different, some of it is the same. Please read, review and let me know what you think of the changes! Is it better? Worse? Did you like it?
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This was not going well.
Stuart narrowed his eyes as he stared down at the four Mafia mobsters in front of him. Man, it had been a crazy couple of days. Fuck Vegas. He was never coming here again, regardless of whom was getting married. Next time they would do Atlantic City. Infact, this was all Phil's fault to begin with. If he hadn't suggested they go to Vegas for Alan's bachelor party, none of this would have ever happened. Phil wouldn't have gotten kidnapped, Doug wouldn't have been punched by Woody Allen, and Alan wouldn't be wearing a Spice Girls T-shirt. This was all evidence of a night that never should have happened. Yet here he was, 30 miles out in the middle of fucking no where, bargaining with some low life thug for the life of his best didn't see Phil anywhere, and that made him suspicious. He had held up his end of the deal-the $4000 of cash was stashed safely in the bag he was holding-,but it seemed like the Boss-what was his name again? Luca di Something- had not.
"Where's Phil?" Stu asked in voice that sounded a lot stronger than he felt.
Luca just smiled and motioned with his hand. Two of the mafiosi backed away towards the black SUV and opened the back doors. In the bright morning sunlight, it was hard to see what was going on, but Stu heard the definite sounds of a struggle. A good sign, if anything it showed that Phil was still alive and strong enough to still fight. When they had woken up in the deluxe suite of Cesaer's Palace two days ago, with no memory of the night before, the first thing Stu had done was look for Doug. And to his surprise, he had found him spooning with Leslie Chow in the bathtub in a sparkly purple speedo cuddling an Oscar trophy. It was then he had realized, with deep horror that Phil was the one missing. Then they had found the ransom note taped to the window and realized what deep shit they were in. Apparently they had stolen four grand from one of the Mafia thugs while they had been skinny dipping in the Venetian waterfront that night. This guy, Luca was serious, Chow had said. No one steals from him and lives. Even Chow, who was scared of nothing wanted nothing to do with this guy.
Stu couldnt help feeling grateful towards Chow, who had been a groomsman in Alan's wedding and had accompiaed them to Vegas for the weekend. And for his leadership skills, with the little Chinese gangster they he wouldn't have survived the night t.
Luca tipped his cane slightly and gave a sublte bow. Then, in a thick Italian accent, he started speaking; "Good Morning to you all es-Stuart and friends. I thank you very much for coming at the time we agreed upon. I have your friend here-" and he gestured with his hands, Stu watched silently as thetwo thugs reached into the cadalliac and brought Phil into the view. Stu tried very hard not to gasp at the sight of his friend; Phil looked horrible. His hands were bound with rope infront of him and he was gagged with duct tap. The white shirt and tan pants he had been wearing were torn and smudged with dirt, and was that blood? Stuart couldn't tell in the blinding light if those were bruises or just dirt on his friend's face. Luca smiled, "We had a very pleasent time together, but now it is time I returned him to you" he said, then reached for Phil, and Phil jerked, no twitched away from his grasp. Luca paid no attention, gripping Phil's arm tightly he thrust him a few steps forward "Here's your boy, now please tell me where's my four grand?" he said, keeping firm grip on Phil's shoulder.
Stuart held up the bag, and then tossed it towards Luca-one of his thugs caught it.
"Four grand, in cash, just like you asked." Stuart confirmed as he watched the thug check the bag and give the okay. Luca nodded, mumbled something in itailan and shoved Phil towards them. Phil stumbled, then fell to the ground. Stuart saw Doug's lips purse with worry. He's just tired-exhausted. He'll be fine.
"I greatly appreciate your integrity, gentlemen, but let me tell you; next time you steal from Don Luca Di Claudio, I will not be so nice. I am a powerful business man and next time your friend will not be so lucky. Do you understand?" . Luca said seriously in his accented english. Stu looked up and nodded. "Yes sir" he said and he gave a small bow. Luca smiled and tipped his head.
"It is a beautiful morning, do not waste your time staying out in this desert. I hope you have a pleasant day." Luca said, and then with a twirl of his cane, he proceeded back to the cadalliac..Stuart gave a sigh of relief. Well, the easy part is over. Now we just have to find Chow.
That was the next thing. Apparently, Chow was still a wanted man, even after his little escapade in Bangkok, and his escape from Marshall last year. Chow had left this morning, after he helped them win back the four grand for Luca. Since he was a wanted international criminal, he had told them where he was going and Stu desperately wished that he had. Earlier that afternoon, while they had been freaking out about Phil they had been taken into custody by an interpol agent who wanted Chow. Fortunately, Doug had smooth talked their way out, striking a deal with the agent; Stu's rather expensive, gold wedding ring and a promise to drop all criminal charges for harboring a fugitive for the life of Chow.
They waited until Luca and his men got back into his SUV and drove off, then Stuart walked over to Phil, who hadn't moved from the spot where he'd fallen.
"Phil?" Stuart asked, kneeling down next to his friend and tugging at the rope tying his hands together. Phil mumbled something incoherent under the gag, pulled his hands out of Stu's grasp, then sat up slowly.
"Hey buddy, how ya doing?" Stuart asked softly, pulling the tape off and putting a hand on Phil's shoulder. Immediately he felt Phil tense, and then Phil twitched away from his grasp.
"Phil? It's me, Stu. Can you hear me? Are you alright?" he asked again, his friend shuddered slightly, he ducking his head down and hunched his shoulders as if he wanted to fold into himself and disappear, but then he nodded before
turning his head away from Stuart and mumbling "I'm fine."
Stuart took out his pocket knife and quickly cut the ropes before Phil could flinch away again.
"Let's get you cleaned up, come on we still have the suite for another night." Stuart told him, and then grabbed his arm to help him up. Phil shuddered and twitched again right out of Stu's grasp. "I'm fine, I can get up myself." he murmured, then pushed himself up off the ground, swaying dangerously.
"Hold on buddy, let us help you. You look like you're about to fall over."
"I'm fine." Phil repeated
Phil pulled his shoulders back, stood up straighter then started walking towards the car. Phil gave Doug a nod of acknowledgment but when Doug reached out to Phil in a simple gesture of camaraderie, Stu once again saw the flinch.
"Hey Phil" Doug said softly and Phil froze, " We are so sorry about what happened. Chow drugged the cake. Come on, lets go get you cleaned up." and he opened the car door. Phil nodded silently and gave a slight smile, then got in the car. Doug closed the door and looked to Stuart.
"Should we get him to a doctor?" he asked
Stuart thought for a moment, we don't have time.
Doug seemed to be thinking the same thought, "Let's just get to the hotel. If it's really bad, then we'll go."
Stuart nodded, and then motioned to Alan, who was standing motionless, staring at the spot where Phil had fallen, "Come on Alan, lets go."
"They took it away from him, he can never escape it..." Alan whispered.
Stuart tried not to roll his eyes, he didn't want to have to deal with the eccentricities of Alan right now.
"It's alright. We have him now. Get in the car, Alan." he said, almost too sharply.
Alan sighed, then turned around and silently got in the car.
***
The car ride to the hotel was, if not anything else, odd. Phil sat silently, staring out the window, Alan tried to make non-sensical small talk, but all Stuart could think about was that flinch, and why, all of sudden Phil who always seemed like the leader of their little group, was acting so quiet.
"So, we're going to go to the hotel, get cleaned up and then find Chow so we can go home." Stuart confirmed, because he felt like he needed to say something to break this awful silence. Doug nodded, "Right you are, Stu. We're almost there. What do you say about a nice cold beer after all of this, eh Phil?" Doug asked lightly, turning his head to the passenger seat.
"That sounds great, Doug" he said, sounding so much like normal that Stuart gave a sigh of relief, maybe he was worried about nothing.
When they got to the hotel, they left the car at the valet and walked inside. Despite his protests that he was fine, Doug still took hold of Phil's his arm and lead him past the front desk to the elevator, voicing his concerns loudly about how Phil seemed like he was about to faint any minute. Phil argued in his usual way-making obscure, rather inappropriate jokes about Doug's love life and swearing away into oblivion. Stu couldn't help but notice that Phil refused to look any of them in the eye, orthe way Phil's breathe came in harsh gasps, or how his hands were balled into fists and-
"He's limping." Alan whispered softly.
"What?" Stuart asked
"Phil. He is limping, look." and alan pointed.
Phil must of heard, for he turned around to look at them, "I'm fine, Alan. Stu, stop worrying." he said, not quite meeting him in the eye.
As they waited for the elevator to come down, Stuart was finally able to really look his friend over;
Phil was a mess, Stuart was actually surprised that the receptionist or valet hadn't said anything. What stood out the most though wasn't the ripped clothing, or the blood and dirt that covered his friend's neck and hands, but the vast, darkening bruise that spread across Phil's face. Like someone had backhanded him. Hard.
Phil shifted underneath Stuart's gaze, seeming determined to memorize the floor pattern. When the elevator finally came, he jerked his elbow out of Doug's grasp and walked inside with shoulders held high. Like nothing was wrong. Stu and Doug exchanged glances, Phil seemed different, on edge, almost brittle.
They remained silent as they elevator climbed up to the highest floor, and deposited them at the deluxe suite of Cesar's Palace. The same suite that they, not twelve hours earlier, been laughing and well, normal. Now everything was different. As they entered the suite, Alan gave a sigh "Home suite home" he murmured, and then collapsed on the couch. Stuart couldn't help but smile. They could relax, at least for a few hours. Then they needed to find Chow.
Stu silently looked around the room and wondered how on earth they were going to contact Chow and convince him to let them hand him over to interpol. Deep down he knew Chow didnt trust them, and even though he was close with Alan, he always was distant with Stu and Doug. Stu knew Alan was their only hope of getting the chinese gangster back, and if they didnt? He shuddered slightly at the thought of being incarcerated for assisting a fugitive. They would all spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Stu's eyes rested on Phil's aviators laying on the table, something wasnt right with Phil, but he couldnt put a pin on it. Phil seemed on the edge of falling apart, and he had no idea why. What had Luca done to him? Stuart sighed, despite his eagerness to get going, right now the health and sanity of Phil seemed more important than anything else.
Stu turned to see Doug sitting at the bar, pouring himself a drink, and Phil...Phil was where? He turned around, searching but then he heard the shower start in the main bathroom. He's just taking a shower. Relax. He walked over and joined Doug at the bar, accepting the drink Doug held out to him, the rays of the early sunrise highlighting the dark circles underneath his eyes. It seemed like ages ago that found that ransom note that threatened Phil's life if they didn't somehow come up with the money. Stuart couldn't believe that it had only been two days.
"Hell of a night." Doug sighed, exhausted.
"Ill toast to that." Stu smiled and raised his glass.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Doug asked, motioning towards the sleeping form of Alan. "He saw a lot more than anybody should ever see last night."
"I don't think it's him we have to worry about." Stu answered, and Doug frowned.
"Luca was never supposed to tor-cause any harm to him. That was the deal. He was just supposed to be a hostage." he lamented
"We have to find out what happened."
"Will he tell us?"
Then the shower stopped, and they heard the door's lock unclick and a soft thump, but Phil didn't emerge.
"I'll go find him some clothes." Stuart mumbled, and stood up. He headed towards Phil's room. Once he had gotten the clothes- a long sleeved black button up shirt and dark jeans- he knocked on the bathroom door.
"Phil? Phil, I have some clothes for you."
There was a pause, and then a muffled "Thanks." but Phil didn't come to the door.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." but the phrase did nothing to comfort Stuart. If anything, it sounded like Phil was anything but fine.
"May I come in?" Stu asked, and after a moment he took the silence for a yes.
Phil was sitting on the floor, wrapped in one of the hotel's white robes, kneeling over the toilet and dry heaving into the bowl.
"Phil? Phil are you sure you're alright?" he asked again , coming closer.
Phil started to nod, but then froze, "I-I-I..." he stuttered, and clutched the bowl. "Stu-I-can't-make it stop-ple-"
Stuart knelt down next to Phil, noticing how Phil seemed to flinch away from him, but maybe this would be easy, "Make what stop, Phil? Please, tell me what's wrong."
Phil shuddered, and then brought his head back up, pushing against the toilet and propping himself up on the wall. He squeezed his eyes shut and sat still for a moment, but then his eyes flashed opened and he gave a small smile, "it's-it's nothing. I'm fine." he repeated, seeming to come to himself just a little bit.
Stuart remained where he was, studying his friend. What had they done to him?
"I brought you some clothes, here." he said, holding up the bundle. Phil nodded, and wrapped the robe more tightly around himself, pulling the sleeves down over his hands.
"Thanks Stu."
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When Phil emerged, fully dressed from the bathroom, he seemed better, less brittle than before. He offered Doug and Stuart a smile before sitting down at the bar and pouring himself a drink, like he would on any other day, the only thing that was different was the dark bruise across his face.
"So, what's next? Did I miss anything while I was away?" he asked, almost too brightly.
Doug paused before he answered, "Well, yesterday we got taken in by Interpol. They want us to help them find Chow, in exchange for our freedom. . it's the only way won't be arrested for assisting an international criminal."
"Chow was able to help Alan win the money we needed for Luca, but he did'nt stick around after we won." Stu added, noticing how Phil winced slightly at the boss's name.
Phil nodded, tapping his fingers on the glass.
" So, they're going to arrest all of us if we don't find him? Do we have any idea where he is?"
Stuart shook his head, "I'm afraid not, he left this morning so he couldnt have gone far. Bknowing him, he might be still in Vegas."
Phil nodded. "Right. Well, I guess all we can do is look. Find leads, and hope that we find him. When was Chow with us? And what happened last night? I don't remember anything."
" Actually it was two nights ago. He was with us from the begining, and then he disappeared for a while after Woody Allen-"
"We met Woody Allen?" Phil asked with a small laugh. "Man, I wish I could remember."
"What do you remember, Phil? We've been trying to piece the night together." Stu asked
Phil closed his eyes and tapped the counter, "I remember…." he trailed off
"I remember...we had dinner at-at the buffet in the Bellagio and Alan ate a spoonful of wasabi. And...and-man I think that's it. When I woke up-I was-I dunno somewhere else, it was very dark, I couldn't move much..." Phil paused and shuddered slightly.
Stuart tried not to notice how Phil continuously spoke to the glass, instead of them, how he tried so desperately to not look them in the eye as they spoke.
Phil shook his head, " But that's not important. Stu, I know how important this is to you, so where should we start?" Phil asked
"I was thinking we could first recoup, go get something to eat, get our barrings and then go check out that strip joint next to Harrah's. That seemed like a very Chow-like hangout." Doug answered. Phil's forehead creased, "Like take a break? Don't we have a time limit or something?"
Stuart nodded, "We have until tomorrow evening at 6:00. Plenty of time to take a breather."
Phil's eyes lighted on the sleeping form of Alan, "Yeah, you guys could use a break. Especially Alan, poor guy."
Doug nodded, "We have been up all night, right Stu?"
Stuart smiled, "Yup, we're pros at it now. But you should get some rest too."
Phil's smile faded, and Stuart saw his hand twitch, "I'm fine, I don't need to rest."he stated, almost defensively.
Doug took a step closer to Phil, "Are you sure? You look beat." He took another step and reached towards the dark bruise on Phil's face, lightly touching it with his fingers "We should get that check-" but before he could finish Phil flinched away his head away, standing up from his chair and taking a few steps back.
"Phil?" he asked, Phil flinched again and took another step back and Stuart saw fear flash through his eyes.
"Wha-"
"Please...don't" Phil interrupted in an almost inaudible whisper and Doug dropped his hand. Phil shuddered slightly, and gripped the chair.
Doug sighed, and then backed away, "Alright, it's alright Phil."
Phil straightened up, "Im-Im sorry, I just-I-I-" he stuttered, balling his hand into a fist.
"It's okay Phil, we understand." Stuart answered, trying to be soothing, "You are safe now, no one is going to hurt you. Your going to be fine."
Phil's head shot up, and he shot a glare at Stuart, "I am FINE!" he said angrily
"Phil, we know you're fine, we just want to understand what happened to-"
"Fuck. NOTHING happened to me. I am fine. Look!-" and Phil walked towards Stuart and wrapped his arm around Stu's shoulders.
"See, I'm fine. Fucking Fine!" he shook Stuart to conceal the trembling in his arm.
"Nothing is wrong with me."
"We never said anything was wrong, we're just worr-"
Phil shoved Stu away from him, and took a few steps backs "Dont be." he stated flatly, and then turned around towards his room. Not quite slamming the door behind him.
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Please let me know how you liked it! Thank you for reading!