Manuel Calavera stepped into 'Feline Meadows'. The sun was low in the sky and the building was quiet for now. The usual crowd of bettors was gone, awaiting the next race. Maximino was standing by the stairs waiting for him.
"Manny, thanks for coming on such short notice." He said, shaking his hand gratefully.
"No problem." Manny replied, smoothly.
Max had called him only twenty minutes earlier, he hadn't said much, only that he had something they needed to talk about and that it was urgent. When Manny had mentioned bringing Glottis along with him, Maximino had cut in.
"Actually, this has to do with Glottis. If you wouldn't mind not mentioning it to him."
That had made Manny hesitate, and when pressed, Max failed to elaborate any further. It seemed pretty fishy, but then again, Max wasn't really known as a very honest man. He had noticed some tensions between Glottis and Maximino; figuring perhaps Glottis had broken something when he was racing the bonewagon, or something like that. Anyway, Manny carried his scythe on him at all times. It wasn't a sprouting gun, but if things happened to take a turn for the worse, it was some sort of protection.
After Max had finished shaking his hand, he began to walk up the grand staircase leading up to the second story.
"Walk with me." Maximino said with a quick wave of his hand. Manny obliged as the two climbed the stairs.
"How's business been, Calavera?" Maximino asked casually.
"Pretty steady, we've got three roulette tables now." Manny replied.
"Ah, moving up I see! Better be careful, one day you might have a racetrack of your own!" Max laughed, giving the other a friendly jab.
"Probably not, I can't stand cats." Manny hissed with a shake of his head.
"Me neither! But they make good money." Max gave a hearty laugh at that. They made their way past the betting booths. Manny noted the demon security guards posted outside the hall to the VIP lounge. He had never seen them before. Business must have been booming here at the racetrack to warrant the additional muscle. That, or Maximino had landed himself in some pretty hot water and was afraid of someone coming to collect.
"Getting back to the matter at hand," Maximino conversed, pulling Manny's focus back.
"You know your demon friend has been spending an awful lot of time around here."
"Hm...That's news to me." Manny replied.
"Is it? I thought you too were virtually joined at the hip." Max asked, peering over at Calavera.
"Glottis is a big boy, I'm pretty sure I can trust him on his own."
Actually, Manny had been a bit uncertain about the demon as of late. He had caught Glottis sneaking out a couple of times during low periods at the club. He would wear this guilty sort of look on his face as he would exit the club. Manny never confronted him about it though. If it was that big of a deal, he knew Glottis would come to him. He had many times before, and if he thought Glottis was hiding something particularly important, then he would have no problem confronting him. Other than that, it wasn't really his business what his friend was getting up to.
"Well, it seems he's been racking up quite a bit of a tab," Max stated.
"Looks like he can't stay away from those kitties."
He gave an amiable jab as he called down the elevator.
"Now, usually I wouldn't mind too much… but it is getting a little out of hand."
Maximino ushered Manny into the elevator as it arrived and stepped in after him.
"I tried suggesting that maybe he should be spending a little less time over here, but the results so far haven't been… exactly as hoped." Maximino explained as the elevator chimed.
"I tried capping out his tab, but he always seems to scrape up just enough money, so he can gamble more. I've also tried banning him, but he still manages to sneak in anyway! I mean, how do you mistake a giant orange demon!" Maximino laughed, as they continued walking.
Manny paused, expecting them to head into Max's office to speak further, but the track owner instead headed for the kitchen.
"I need to take care of something in the cellar, if you wouldn't mind following."
Manny glanced back one last time, before accompanying the other. Max immediately picked up where he had left off.
"You know, I thought about threatening Glottis, but honestly I'm more afraid he'd snap me in half like a toothpick."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about Glottis, he's just a big puppy dog." Manny said with a wave of his hand.
"Still…" Maximino paused, as they boarded the lift in the kitchen.
"Look, I'll tell Glottis to stop coming, don't worry, he'll listen to me. But if that's all you called me down here for, then I really should be heading back to my cafe soon." Manny said, glancing at his watch. He still needed to make sure the kitchen was prepped for tonight, Saturday nights were always particularly busy.
"That's not why I called you here." Max said plainly, staring straight ahead.
Manny was jerked out of his thoughts. He furrowed his brow, looking at the other in confusion.
"What? Then why did you…" Manny trailed off.
Just then, the elevator doors opened to the cellar, and in it, two large skeletons greeted them. They each held a sprouting gun in hand, and they were trained on Manny. Maximino stepped off the lift and stood next to his hired help. Manny held his hands up in surrender and gave Max an icy glare.
"You see Manny, I figured if I can't get through to Glottis, maybe I can get through to you." Max said.
Manny swallowed thickly, he had walked right into this trap. He needed to find a way out.
"Whatever you and Glottis have going on, it has nothing to do with me, comprende?" Manuel said, speaking quickly. Maximino gave a hearty laugh at that.
"Quite the contrary, Mr. Calavera. Glottis put the club up as collateral, the same club, as you just previously stated, you two co-own. This is every bit your debt, as it is his."
With a quick word from Max, the guard on his left promptly grabbed Manny by the arms and secured them behind his back. The other came over and patted him down.
Manny wracked his brain trying to think of something to convince Max to not go through with his plan. Clearly he was afraid of Glottis, which was why he had him here. Maybe if he could use that fear to his advantage.
"Max, whatever you plan on doing, it's just going to piss off Glottis. I may have said before he was just a puppy, but when he's angry he can have a real nasty bite."
"I'm sure you noticed the extra security I had posted outside. Clearly, I planned for that."
Manny cursed to himself, still trying to figure out something to say to get out of this mess. At this point he was running out of angles. The guard in front of him had finished removing all the wares on his person, and placed them on a table. His scythe was included with the paraphernalia. Guess it wouldn't be protecting him after all.
"Don't worry too much, Manny. I promise you'll leave here with everything you came in with." Max said, pulling out a cigarette. He knew he wasn't just referring to the stuff on the table.
The guard reached over some barrels and grabbed a bat. Manny jerked in his binds.
"Max, you don't need to do this!" Manny cried in a last fit of desperation.
Max had his lighter out now. He glanced over at Manny, before igniting the cigarette that hung from his mouth. He took a deep drag before letting it out. He plucked the stick from his mouth carefully.
"Sorry, Manny," Max said. "It's just business. You understand, right?"
Max signaled to his hired goons to proceed.
The guard wound up the bat. Manny braced himself, even though it was entirely pointless. The wood came crashing into his abdomen, and with it, a violent expulsion of air was wrung from Manny. Giving him no time for reprieve, the bat was swung again, and again. On the third hit Manny retched. The guard pulled back knowing what would happen next, as Manny threw up. The partial remains of his lunch splattered thickly on the floor. Manny gagged again, his stomach twisting painfully, like a knife was being stabbed into him. How the dead could experience so much pain was incomprehensible, especially when he didn't seem to even have a stomach anymore. His guts twisted one last time, drawing only a wheeze of pain from Manny, before it stilled. He took in shuddering breaths, trying to keep from passing out. His head drooped, as darkness clouded the edge of his vision. He made out the image of a fist headed straight for him, before the darkness completely engulfed his vision. Darkness, then...
Suddenly he was back, a second fist jerking him back to life. Though, he couldn't be sure it was indeed the second blow that roused him. Who knows how many more hits the brute had snuck in while he was out. The guard finally pulled away completely.
Everything hurt. If he had skin, Manny was sure both eyes would be swelling shut. He was pretty sure his ribs were cracked, and his head boomed like a rock band in an empty hall.
Maximino came into view, his cigarette nearly fully smoked now. He extinguished it on Manny's exposed collar bone, drawing a short hiss from him. He flicked the leftover filter away.
"How 'you feeling, Calavera?" Max inquired.
He wasn't sure how to respond to that. The answer was obviously 'like shit' but how he was supposed to convey that, when his jaw felt cemented to the rest of his rattling skull, he wasn't sure. Instead he said nothing. His laboured, wheezy breathing retorting in his stead. That seemed good enough for Max.
"Alright, let's wrap this up."
Manny began to relax, the nightmare seemingly over now. The thug that was holding him began to move, but he didn't head back to the elevator. He brought him deeper into the cellar. Manny was confused. Maybe Max was taking him out a different way, some back entrance, so he didn't need to drag Manny's mangled body back through the high roller lounge. Instead, he was released over a sideways cask of wine. He was pushed roughly, so he lay sprawled over top of it. Manny was too sore and tired to even turn his head back to see what they were doing, but he quickly got an answer. He felt hands at his hips, then his pants were removed. White hot fear twisted in him harder than a knife. He was keenly aware of the sound of zipper and cloth. He tried to protest, to fight them off, but he could barely move, barely speak. Not this! Beat him until he was completely unconscious, break his legs, take his hand, do anything but this. Anything but this!
He felt someone grab his hips, lining themself up. A whimper tumbled out of Manny. It was so pathetic and tortured, he didn't know he could make such a sound, that something could even drive him to that point. Maximino came around to face him. So he wasn't the one he currently felt dry humping him.
"Please…" Was all Manny was able to get out.
He wanted to beg him to stop, to call off his gunmen, he'd made his point. But the sick bastard just looked at him, looked at him apathetically, as if this was like any other part of his assault. He grabbed Manny's chin, tilting it up to look at him.
"Sorry, Manny. It's just business."
Just business.
The words echoed in his head, as the first scream was yanked from him. His body lurched, as he was mercilessly plowed into. His aching ribs were slammed against the wooden cask and his head swam with each of his cries. He didn't know how many times they would go. If both guards would go until they had their fill, however many times that would be. Maybe Maximino would have a turn too. Maybe they would become impatient, and two of them would use him at the same time, filling both of his holes as he lay there uselessly, like an oversized sex toy. Thankfully, Manny wouldn't have to stick around and find out. His teary, blurring vision became further obscured, as the darkness returned, threatening to swallow him up completely now. The last sensation he was aware of was the sudden hot wetness between his legs.
Glottis sat at the piano, plucking at the keys absently. Dinner service had come and gone, and Manny was nowhere to be found. It was completely unlike him. Usually the cafe owner would be moving around from table to table, talking to all his patrons, asking them how their meal was. Glottis had tried to pick up the slack for Manny in his absence. It had been difficult, but he'd managed to survive. He'd been asked multiple times where Manny was, but he couldn't give them an answer.
Glottis didn't know what to do. If Manny didn't show up soon, should he go to the police? Everyone knew they were corrupt though. If he went to Chief Bogan would he just laugh in his face? Maybe he should round up a search party. Glottis continued to tap at the keys, a forlorn rendition of 'rusty anchor' filling the empty room. Maybe he should talk to Velasco. He probably has some experience with men going awol.
The sudden high-pitched scream made Glottis shoot upright. He jumped off the piano and dashed up the stairs to the source of the commotion. There, he found Lupe. She was facing the door and slowly backing away from it. Her eyes were wide and her hands covered her mouth in shock. Glottis rushed forward, preparing to take out whatever was threatening his cafe and employees. When Glottis got to the door though, he froze. Now he saw why Lupe had screamed, he wanted to scream too. Laying in a heap on his side, was Manny Calavera. He looked completely awful. His clothes were in complete disarray and like someone had thrown him through a meat grinder. Manny let out a pained moan.
"I heard him moaning," Lupe whispered, teary eyed. "I thought it was some drunk camped outside the building. I was going to shoo him away."
"Lupe, tell everyone to go home. If they refuse, tell them I'll kick them out." Glottis said soberly.
"What about Manny?" She replied shakily.
Glottis stooped down and gently cradled Manny in his arms. He picked him up carefully, and brought him in close, shielding him from the world, from any further torment. Manny whimpered quietly.
"I'll take care of him," Glottis said. His voice was so subdued; it sounded strange coming from the usually loud and energetic demon.
"Go home and get some rest. We'll figure things out tomorrow."
Lupe stood nervously for a moment, before ultimately nodding and heading downstairs to pass on the message of the cafe's impromptu closure. Meanwhile Glottis went upstairs to Manny's room. He was mindful of each step, making sure not to jostle his friend too harshly. One handedly, he moved the covers of the bed, before delicately laying Manny down among them. He removed his shoes and slid off his jacket, which barely lay across his arms to begin with. He placed the comforter delicately over top of him, and just sat there staring at him despairingly. He didn't want to leave his side. His heart ached thinking how someone could do such a thing to his best friend. Suddenly, Manny's eyes began to flutter open.
"Glottis?" Manny muttered. His voice came out hoarse, like he had screamed it raw. The thought made Glottis' stomach tighten.
"Manny, I'm right here. What happened? Who did this to you?" Glottis asked in a flurry, the concern for his friend overwhelming him. Manny closed his eyes again, scowling slightly. Glottis' outburst radiated in his already thrumming skull, but that wasn't the only reason why he scowled.
"Manny?" Glottis repeated, softer this time. Manny was quiet for a moment, trying to parse his clouded thoughts. Trying to get his sore, dry mouth to translate those thoughts into words.
"It's nothing." Manny murmured finally.
"Nothing?!" Glottis cried, forgetting himself, causing Manny to flinch again.
"We found you passed out in front of the cafe," Glottis hastily tried to decrease his volume again. The most he could manage to reduce himself to was a loud, angry whisper, past his onslaught of emotions.
"Someone attacked you, then just dumped you outside your home and you say that's nothing?"
"Just forget about it. I'll be fine." Manny said, squeezing his eyes shut further.
"Please, Manny." Glottis begged.
"Do you remember what happened?"
How could he ever forget.
"Do you remember who did it?"
Like he could forget his face.
"Do you have any idea why?"
Why?
"Why!?" Manny repeated aloud harshly. He had asked that question too, but then again wasn't the reason right here, standing in this room?
"Feline Meadows, and Maximino that's why!" Manny snapped.
There was a moment of stunned silence.
"Max…" Glottis whispered, before falling silent again. Manny stared hard at the ceiling, hurt and angry tears prickling at his sockets. He felt the bed shift, and finally glanced at Glottis. He immediately regretted his thoughts and words. Glottis kneeled on the floor, face down in the bed.
"This is my fault." He croaked, shoulders quaking.
"I… I didn't think… I thought, if I was hurting anyone, it would just be myself."
His fists clenched in the covers tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Manny!"
Manny sighed. No it wasn't Glottis' fault, it was horrible of him to even think it was. It was Maximino's. If he truly didn't want Glottis showing back up at his racetrack, there were hundreds of things he could have done. Instead he chose to do what he did. Letting his anger out on his friend wouldn't fix anything.
Manny brought his hand out from under the covers. He tentatively placed it over top of his demon friend's. Glottis peered up at him, his face was a sloppy mess. His eyes were wide and teary, and his nose was running like a waterfall. Manny fixed him with a lopsided grin and gave his hand a little pat. Glottis managed a shaky smile back. He used his free arm and wiped it across his face.
"I know I have a gambling problem," Glottis lamented. "I never should have let it get this far. I never meant to get you or anyone else involved. I'm really sorry, Manny. As soon as you're better, I'll go see someone about it."
Glottis gave Manny's hand a little squeeze. His demeanor shifted then, his eyes went dark, a clear malice to his whole form.
"We'll get Max back for this." Glottis snarled. The anger in his voice actually frightened Manny, he'd never seen the demon filled with so much animosity. He realized just how right Maximino was to fear him. Manny gave his hand a little squeeze and Glottis came back to himself, his anger not subsiding, but temporarily pushed aside to focus on his friend.
"We will, mano," Manny said "For the both of us."