I yawned and glanced over at the cat, which had been glaring at me from across the room for hours now.

"Seriously," I said, "what's your problem?"

The cat tilted its head in the air, as if to acknowledge my question. Then it resumed its staring. I sighed. Talking to this thing was as good as talking to Cyborg. Actually, I think I'd rather talk to the cat.

"Well, I'm gonna go get some food," I told it, "ciao."

POV: MURDOC

That little bitch.

That little fuck had taken my key- it had to be him. He could make one or two mistakes here, who doesn't? But you don't steal from me and get away with it.

But how could he have found it? 2D didn't know, Noodle didn't, Russell didn't… so unless it was Cyborg?

No, that's crazy- I programmed her m'self. There's no way that big of a malfunction could happen. I grabbed a bottle of rum and began to drink.

Let Dante enjoy himself for another hour or two. Then I would teach him his lesson.

POV: DANTE

I walked downstairs, eating gummy bears as I went. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a blue figure waving at me.

"Hey," it said, smiling. It- it was the ghost!

I almost dropped my bag of gummy bears, I was so surprised. I recovered, stuffed them in my pocket, and approached the figure.

"Hello," I said, "what's your name?"

"Del," the voice said, still grinning.

"Del," I repeated, "so then, Del, could you tell me why your haunting me?"

"Naw man, I ain't haunting ya', I'm tryin' to help ya'!" Del said.

"Well, excuse me if I come off as a bit of a dick, but why should I trust you?" I asked.

"I know where Shawn and Rey are being kept," Del grinned.

My eyes opened wide- I had totally forgotten them!

"Wh- where?" I asked.

"They're being kept right below Noodle's room," he told me, "even she don't know. Look man, I dunno how ta' get down there, you'll have to figger dat on your own. By the way, keep an eye on that cat. Got some crazy mojo comin' from that thing, you dig?" with that, Del vanished.

"Thanks for nothing," I muttered to myself. I stood there for a minute, then pulled out my bag of gummies and resumed eating.

POV: MURDOC

I threw my rum bottle at the wall, then watched it shatter. I gritted my teeth, then took a deep breath. I couldn't kill Dante. Much as I wanted to, I couldn't. I had already sold his soul, and to go back on that deal would mean disaster. No. Just shake him up a little. If he broke a bone or two? Too bad. When I got done, he wouldn't be as much of a pretty boy anymore.

"Cyborg!" I called.

"Yes master?"

"Get your nightstick," I growled, "and follow me."

POV: Dante

2D and I laughed and joked, until we heard a knock at the door.

"Who's dat?" 2D asked.

Cyborg kicked open the door, then stepped to the side. After a moment, Murdoc strolled in from behind her.

"Dante," he hissed, "where is the key?"

My mouth dropped. How did he know?

"Key?" I asked, "What key?"

But that was the wrong answer; as soon as I said it, Cyborg marched over, and punched me in the face. My head snapped back, and the pain was excruciating.

"Lay off 'im, Muds!" 2D shouted. Cyborg took a step towards him, and he whimpered and cowered in the corner.

Nice, 2D. Real nice. Remind me to confiscate your man-badge when I get out of this.

"Where," Murdoc asked, "is the key?"

"The fuck are you talking about?" I asked.

Cyborg pulled out- was... was that a nightstick?

The next thing I knew, I was clubbed in the gut, and hit in the back of the head several times. Murdoc asked again. I didn't reply; I couldn't. It hurt too much to even think. Once again, Cyborg commenced her beating. 2D began to shout something, and I was vaguely aware of Noodle's presence, who was also shouting something.

"Look at me," Murdoc ordered.

I raised my head, but I could only open my right eye. My face felt swollen and bloody, and I thought my nose was broken.

"Where is it?" Murdoc asked again.

"P-p-p-… pocket," I stammered.

Murdoc smiled, then Cyborg reached into my pockets and fished out the key. She handed it to Murdoc.

"Good boy," he said, now smiling.

I smiled back. At least now the beating was over.

Then Murdoc gestured to Cyborg, who threw me to the ground. The she climbed on top of me, and began to hit me in the face until I blacked out.

When I came too, I was on the roof with a rope tied to my wrists.

"Well," Murdoc said, "now it's time for your punishment. Don't worry, I assure the rope is attached securely."

I didn't know what he meant by that, but I soon found out. Murdoc kicked me in the back, and I plummeted off the top of Plastic Beach.

Finally I stopped, but when I did, the pain of the rope digging into my wrists was unbearable.

And so I hung there, face smashed, ribs broken, and wanting to die.

Then Murdoc called, "See you in thirty-six hours!" And I blacked out.