Chapter Four

The Beginning of the End

It was old. Very old. The sign which had once been hanging up high, beckoning people to drive through and fill up their petrol tanks with 'the cheapest petrol for miles' was lying in the shabby grass by the side of the road. There were tyres and old car parts littered everywhere. The building had completely fallen down and it looked like no one had been there for years.

'So this is it?' Kevin asked folding his arms.

'Yep. Isn't it perfect?' Richard gave him a friendly slap on the back which sent Kevin flying forward. 'At first I thought that it was too good to be true.' Kevin looked blank, 'I mean how likely was it that I would find an abandoned garage with all the space we need! This is great, don't you think?'

'Yeah, sure.' Kevin replied sarcastically. He personally thought that it was a complete dump.

Richard however obviously did not think the same. Kevin realised that he must have either been really stupid or he did not understand the meaning of sarcasm, for he said, 'I knew you'd like it!'

'Actually I think that…' Kevin was interrupted by James who stopped him before he insulted the man who was about to help them make a lot of money.

'It's great! Isn't it Kevin?' James prodded him in the back.

'Umm…yeah, great.'

Richard smiled and turned to the boys. 'Now, once we get this place cleaned up, we can get to work. There are loads of places to nab cars from around here. Most of the security cameras have either been smashed up or broken and no one can be bothered to fix them. That means that this is the best spot to start our…little business.' Richard laughed to himself. 'Are you two still cool to start working soon?'

James and Kevin nodded. They were both very excited and eager to start but neither of them had any idea what they were doing.

Richard could see this on their faces and said with a laugh, 'Look don't worry about it. I will teach you guys everything you need know but first of all…' he picked up an old ripped tyre and through it at Kevin. Kevin was not expecting this and stumbled backwards into James. 'We need to do a clean up.'

After two long hours of hard work the three of them stood back and examined their work. Kevin had to admit that it looked a lot better. They had cleared up all the tyres and car parts and swept the floor. The building was still a mess but Richard had said that he would have someone bring a skip and have it all taken away. The only thing left to do was talk.

They walked back to the flat and sat at the kitchen table. Craig, the guy in charge of selling the cars was expected to arrive soon to help explain what was going to happen. James was feeling pretty excited. The only thing which he really wanted was to have money in his pockets. He wanted to be rich and know that he didn't need to worry about not having a place to stay or enough money to buy food. Kevin on the other hand just wanted to feel like he was doing something useful with his life. He needed to be doing something and not just sitting at home or going out to get drunk. He was not very pleased with what he was doing with his life, but it was better than nothing.

A few minutes later a knock sounded at the door. Richard got up from the table and went to answer it. James and Kevin exchange quick glances. They were not sure what to expect but what they saw was a complete surprise.

Craig Durum was of middle height and had short brown hair, tinted with blond. He was wearing a suit and smart polished black shoes and he had a briefcase in his right hand. He marched into the room and plonked himself down into one of the sets. He placed his hands onto the table and began.

'I realise that you have found a perfect location to work and you are ready to start. I just firstly need to tell you about my job and how I fit in. After you have dealt with the cars, I will send some guys to collect the parts and they bring them to me. I will then find customers in need of the parts and make a sale. Then money will be sent to you about a day later. I…' Craig stopped and stared at the two boys. Richard did the same.

'Are you two ok? Do you understand what we are on about?' Richard asked.

'Yeah, we understand.' James replied. 'Why?'

'Oh it's just you both looked a little bewildered. Are we going to fast?'

'NO! No it's fine. Continue.' James was eager to know everything there was to know about Car Jacking and he was interested in what Craig had to say.

'I was thinking that you guys could get ten percent of the profit,' Craig continued. 'That means for one car you would probably get ab…'

'What! Only ten percent! Are you kidding me?' James was outraged. He stared at Craig as if he were insane.

Richard looked as if he was going to pound James on the head for being so rude but Craig kept calm. He smiled at James and laughed.

'What are you laughing at?' James felt stupid for being laughed at. He scowled and turned to Kevin for help. Kevin caught his gaze but shrugged.

Craig stopped laughing and looked at Richard. 'They are a good laugh, you were right.'

Richard smiled quickly, pretending to find this funny but the truth was he had no idea if Craig was angry or not.

'Look son, your job is easy. All you have to do is take a load of cars apart and fix 'em up a bit. I have to make sure that no one suspects what you are doing, find customers and make the sales. I think that considering there are three of you, you two can live with only ten percent. Now if you want to work together, you might just want to shut your mouth or you might just find that the cops are after you.' Craig raised his eyebrow and smirked.

James glared at him and muttered to himself. He was obviously annoyed and Kevin could tell that the only thing he wanted to do was garb Craig around the neck and smack his head down on the table.

* * *

'Is this right?' James beckoned Richard over to examine his work.

'Yeah, that's good. Well done, keep it going.' Richard patted James on the back and strolled over to the other side of the car where Kevin was trying to take off the wheels. Richard bent down to have a look. 'This is good, but you might want to try using this one instead,' Richard reached over Kevin and picked up another spanner from the box, 'this should be easier.'

Kevin smiled at him. 'Thanks.' He got back to work and within five minutes he had successfully removed two of the wheels. He got up and wondered over to James side of the car. James was easily using a spanner to remove the exhaust pipe from the bottom of the vehicle.

'You're very good at this. Come to think of it you are very good at most things.' Kevin watched as James slid out from under the car and looked up at him.

'What makes you say that?'

'Well, you can drive a motor bike, drive a car, speak four languages fluently, you can fight, you are ace at maths and you know an awful lot about gambling. Face it James, you are extremely talented.' Kevin held out a hand and helped heave James onto his feet.

James brushed himself down and ruffled his hair. 'So I'm talented am I?' Kevin nodded. 'Well what about you.'

Kevin looked startled. 'What? I don't have any talent whatsoever!'

James laughed. 'Come on! You have to have some talent.' Kevin shook his head. 'Well…you're a writer.'

'Ha! You haven't even read anything I ever wrote! How do you know if I'm any good?'

'I'm sure you are. Why don't you let me read something?' James wiped his hands on a cloth and pulled off his sweaty t-shirt.

Kevin felt embarrassed. He stared at James's muscular body and turned a deep shade of red.

'Wow! What's wrong with your face?' James peered at Kevin which caused him to blush even more.

Kevin turned away and tried to cover his face. 'Nothing. I think it's just…um…the Sun.' He stumbled backwards and tripped over the wheel he had just removed from the car. Pain shot up his back as he landed on the concrete ground.

James laughed out loud at this. He wiped a tear from his eye and made his way over to Kevin.

Kevin felt like a complete idiot. Whenever he was around James he felt extremely self-conscious. He wanted to hide and not let James see how uncomfortable and unconfident a person he was. As James made his way over, Kevin tried to get up on his own but his back was throbbing with pain. He gasped and rubbed the small of his back.

James smiled down at him and put his arm around Kevin's back. He helped him slowly off the ground. 'There you go.'

'Thanks' Kevin murmured quietly. He brushed the dust off of his t-shirt and looked up to see James watching him. 'What?'

'Nothing, it's just…dude, guys don't blush. It looks strange!' James laughed and patted Kevin on the back and then strolled over to the building a few metres away.

When they had first gone to have a look at the garage, the building had been nothing more than a pile of bricks. Craig however had had some men come and clear it all away and within a week a new building had been made. It was not very big but it had everything they needed. A fridge had been installed and a desk for Richard was at one end of the room.

As James entered he saw Richard sitting at his desk, staring at his computer screen. The phone rang just as James was about to speak. Richard put up his hand and picked up the phone.

'Hello?...Oh hi…OK sure. That's fine.' He smiled at James and said, 'I think they're ready.' A few moments later he put the phone down and interlocked his fingers. He watched as James got a Ginger Beer from the fridge.

'What was that about?' James asked before gulping half the can.

'You.' Richard grinned at the confused James and explained. 'Craig has found a customer who is interested in buying some car parts. We however have just sold the last of our parts so that means that we are behind.' He gave a James a look and continued. 'This means that we need to get some more cars in. Now, I would usually do that on my own but I need your help.'

'Me?' James was surprised.

'And Kevin too. I need you two to come with me and help. Is that OK?'

'That would be great…I mean yes, thanks' James grabbed another beer for Kevin and ran out to tell him the news.

* * *

'James, shut up! You idiot, you'll get us caught!' Richard snarled quietly to James who was whistling to himself.

'Why? There's no one here!'

'Still, be quiet.' Richard, Kevin and James were standing with their backs to the car pack. There was no one around but Richard had insisted on a brief check. They searched the car park then studied the road. It was almost deserted as it should be at three in the morning. 'I think it's OK.' Richard turned to the boys. 'You know what to do?' the boys nodded. 'Good. Let's go.'

Richard led the way. He wondered over to a Jaguar XKS parked at the furthest end of the car park. He looked up to the block of flats to check that there was no one watching them, and then he beckoned James and Kevin over. James went to the front of the car and began to remove the number plate. Kevin did the same at the back of the car while Richard worked at unlocking the driver's door. He pulled a long, thin piece of wire out of his pocket and slid it into the lock. Within moments the door was open and Richard had dived into the seat. He quickly began to disable the car alarm before it woke up too many people. They all knew that once they had the car unlocked, the alarm would sound and they would have to be as quick as possible.

James had by now pulled the number plate off and he broke it in half and shoved it into his coat pocket. He looked over the top of the car and saw that Kevin had also finished and had climbed into the back of the car. James did the same. The two of them watched closely as Richard fiddled around with endless wires. They had no idea where they had come from but it looked as if Richard had taken the whole of the inside of the car to pieces.

As James watched, he was sure that if he had the chance, he could figure out how to jumpstart the car. Whilst at Cherub, he had learnt a lot of handy things but jumpstarting a car had not been one of them. This was because when James was younger, one of his friends had been taught how to start a vehicle and had hijacked a member of staff's car as a joke. He was given two hundred punishment laps and had been banned from going on missions for six months. James had thought that this was extremely unfair but it had been the head of Cherub's car, so he was not surprised.

This reminded James of how much he was hiding from Kevin and everyone else. His whole life was a lie. He badly wanted to tell Kevin everything but he knew that if he did, Kevin would not believe him.

Kevin turned to James and found him staring at him. Kevin looked away from him. His feelings for James had grown a lot over the past few months and it was hard to keep it a secret. Whenever James talked to him, Kevin had to think twice about his answer before saying anything, just in case he said anything dumb. Kevin had never had feelings like this for anyone before and he didn't think that he would ever again.

* * *

As the half moon rose slowly above the houses, a tall figure stood and watched a car pulled up into a driveway and two boys get out. He watched as they went inside the block of flats and disappeared. The figure walked towards the flats then waited. He saw the lights of the top flat come on and a hand come out of the window to pull it shut.

About five minutes later, all the lights were off and the street was silent. He looked around, got into a car and drove off. It was time to find Richard Mungo.

* * *

'Hey James. Can I borrow this shirt?' Kevin lifted up one of James's white shirts so James could see it.

'Yeah, sure but you do have your own.' James sipped his coffee while eyeing Kevin.

'I know I do but I like yours better.'

'In that case, why don't you buy some yourself?' James walked over to Kevin and opened up the top draw. He pulled out a blue shirt and studied it. 'I should really throw this old thing out.'

'Why? That's just a waste of money.'

'Kevin please, we have all the money we will ever need! I told you that this car jacking thing would work.'

Kevin smiled as James slipped on a new black t-shirt and pulled on his new trainers. They had been working with Richard and Craig for five months and during that time they had gained thousands of pounds. While James had spent a lot of money on things he didn't really need, Kevin had decided to save his money for something useful. He still hoped to go to collage one day but he wasn't sure when that opportunity would come around.

'When do you think we will stop working with Richard?' Kevin followed James out into the living room.

'What? Why would we stop working with him?'

'Well I thought that we were only working with him to get enough money to look after ourselves, and then we would stop car jacking and do something constructive with our lives.'

'Why stop now? Look, if we keep on with the car jacking, we can be millionaires in no time.' James picked up a magazine from the coffee table and began to read.

Kevin just stood and stared at him. James looked up. 'What?'

'James, I don't think we should keep doing this anymore. I want to do something else you know, like got to collage or get a proper job. Don't you want that too?'

'Why would I bother with that when I have all I need right here?' James laughed at Kevin then slumped onto the couch. He flicked the TV on and propped his feet up on the table.

Kevin sat down next to him and watched him closely. He realised that James didn't care about anything apart from money and where his next beer was coming from. When they had first met, Kevin had thought that James was kind and fun to be around. Now he understood that James was selfish, lazy and a bit of a brat.

'I can't believe you!' Kevin was angry at James for his childish behaviour.

'Excuse me?' James sat up quickly.

'You? When did you become so…so…stupid?'

'What?' James instantly took offence to this and clenched his fists.

'So stupid and selfish and immature. You told me that you were only going to do this ridiculous car jacking thing until we had some cash. If we keep doing this we'll get caught!'

'Oh so you think it's ridiculous do you? Then why are you still doing it?'

'Because I have to!' Kevin jumped up from the couch. 'The only reason I'm doing this is because of you. I have to stay to make sure that you don't do anything stupid!'

'Shut the hell up! If you don't want to be here you should just leave! I don't need you to baby sit me so shut up or get out.' James's face was right up against Kevin's. He badly wanted to beat him to the floor but he knew that if he did, Kevin would not be able to fight him back and he would end up hurting him.

'This is my flat too. If you remember, I paid for most of it. Or have you forgotten how you spent all your money and mine for that matter!'

'SHUT UP!' James once again resisted the temptation to hurt Kevin. Kevin on the other hand did not. He grabbed James's wrist and twisted it violently to the right. James was startled but a second later he had ripped Kevin's hand off of his arm and had bent it behind his back. Kevin let out a yelp then looked down. He lifted his knee and kicked James in the crotch. James let go of Kevin and doubled over in pain. Kevin had kicked him hard and he could hardly stand. Kevin stood back. He felt awful. He watched as James stumbled over to the couch and drop down. He went to James side and knelt down.

'Sorry. Are you OK?'

James through him a disgusted glance which indicated that he was in no mood to talk. 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It was just…just' Kevin tried to find the right word. 'It was an automatic reaction.' He put a hand on James's shoulder but James shrugged it off.

'Right.' Kevin sat on his heals and rubbed his knees. 'I should go now.' He slowly stood up and headed to his bedroom. He quickly changed from his pyjamas to a clean set of clothes and then headed for the front door. When he got there, James was still on the floor clutching his stomach. Kevin couldn't think of anything to say, and decided to leave.

After a long drive Kevin decided to go and visit Richard. He and James had not seen him for a few days and he had not picked up his phone or returned their calls.

As Kevin pulled up to Richard's house he noticed something weird. It was midday in the middle of September but the house lights were all on. Kevin climbed out of the car and walked up to the door. He pressed the buzzer and waited.

When no one came to the door, Kevin became suspicious. He knew that even if Richard was not in, his wife should be. He rang the bell again but when no one came once more, he knew that something had happened to them.

Kevin pushed on the front door and it slowly swung open. He peered through the crack, his heart beat increasing by the second. His heart nearly stopped however when he saw the inside of the house.

The first thing he saw was his reflection. As he stepped over the thresh hold, he heard a crack. He looked down and saw himself in a broken mirror. His face was pale. He realised that the hairs on the back of his neck were beginning to stand up. A cold chill ran down his back when he looked up.

Sprawled over the sofa was a body. It was covered from head to toe in blood. Kevin knew who it was but he didn't want to believe it. He carefully walked over to the body trying not to slip on any of the blood that plastered the floor. When he reached the sofa, the smell hit him like a slap in the face. It was so strong he could hardly breathe without feeling sick. Kevin quickly backed away from the body. He covered his mouth and nose and turned to face the wall.

He breathed slowly through his hand. He had to find out what had happened and why.

As Kevin examined the room, he heard a strange noise. He stared up at the ceiling then he looked back at Richards decaying corps. He realised that the sound he could hear were the hordes of flies hovering above Richard. They were buzzing insanely over his head. Kevin took a step closer only to see that his whole face was black with feeding flies.

Kevin almost burst into tears. His friend was dead and seeing him like this made him feel sick. He ran out of the house and shut the door behind him. Kevin pulled out his mobile and dialled James's number.

At first he did not pick up but Kevin had expected this. He hung up and dialled again. He had to try three more times before James picked up.

'What do you want?' James asked angrily.

'You need to get down to Richard's house. Now!'

* * *

'Oh my God!' James gasped when he saw the room. He put his hand to his mouth and fell silent. Kevin watched him. He could tell that James was upset but he was trying not to show it. 'What happened?' When Kevin shook his head, James made his way over to Richard. He took at quick look then recoiled. He screwed up his face. 'This is sick!'

Kevin nodded. He couldn't bring himself to speak. His eyes stung with tears and his hands were shaking violently. 'Wh…what should we d…do?' he swallowed and tried to control himself.

'God, I don't know.' James gave Kevin a grim look. 'I guess we should take a look round the rest of the house.' James examined Kevin's face. He was extremely pale and his eyes were wide with shock. 'Are you OK?'

Kevin didn't move. His eyes were fixed on Richard's body. James walked up to him and grasped his shoulders. 'Come on. Let's go have a look round. Kevin…Kevin?' James shook him.

Kevin finally looked into James's eyes. James smiled at him then led the way out of the living room, passed the kitchen and into the dinning room. On the floor was a safe. It had been broken into and there was nothing inside.

James studied the safe then saw that there was paper littering then floor. He picked up one of the pieces of paper and began to read. 'Shit!'

'What is it?' Kevin bent down to look over James's shoulder.

'It's about our business with Craig. It's one of the sales he made.'

'Why would Richard have it?' Kevin was confused. He reached forward and took the paper off of James to read it himself.

'I don't know. I guess Craig and Richard thought that it was the safest place to keep it.'

'Well they got that wrong.'

'Hmmm.' James stood up and walked to the stairs. 'Kevin, pick up all of the papers while I go take a look up stairs.' Kevin nodded and began to collect up the papers.

James took a deep breath and jogged up to the first floor. All the lights were still on. He flicked a switch and they all faded out. He looked round a few doors and found nothing. There were only five rooms on the floor and the only ones he hadn't checked were the main bedroom and the on-suit.

James opened the door to the bedroom. At first he couldn't see anything strange but when he stepped inside and close the door he saw it. A huge pool of blood had seeped through from under the bathroom door. James gulped. His hands were clammy and his heart pulsed madly under his shirt.

When he reached the door, he had no choice but to stand in the mass of blood. He expected it to squelch under his foot but there was no sound. James looked down and realised that the blood was almost dry. Who ever this blood had belonged to, must have been dead for a few days. He closed his eyes for a few seconds then pushed open the bathroom door.

James had never felt so sick. His stomach turned and he suddenly felt extremely dizzy. A moment later James heard a blood curdling scream. It was Kevin.

Please R&R!