Author's note: I stuck a toe over onto the dark side with this chapter. It's not too graphic, but I'm issuing fair warning anyway. If you're sensitive you might want to skip over the second paragraph. The same format as before for the timeline applies to this chapter.

I only own Alex and Adrian, but I'm not so sure that's a good thing.

Pleasure for your pain

20 hours previous

Alex sat down on the step leading to the garage and watched Adrian play with his latest toys, well, just one toy left now that the girl was dead. Such a pity; she was really cute. He couldn't help but match the joyous smile on his baby brother's face. Adrian really got a kick out of hearing people scream. Alex didn't really get it, but he loved to indulge his brother's quirky hobbies.

The cries of pain echoed off of the soundproof walls, growing louder with each wave of Adrian's well-sharpened filet knife. The blood ran in crimson streams down the peachy flesh into the rusted drain in the center of the tiled floor. At least he's keeping the blood confined to the tile this time. It'll make the clean-up easier. His eyes wandered to the far side of the garage where the girl's skinless body was still chained to the wall. Her mouth was frozen open in a permanent scream of pain from the saltwater Adrian had tossed onto the raw muscles. Alex had to admit that his brother knew his craft well; he managed to take the skin off in one piece that preserved nicely once cured and stored.

He looked up at his brother's excited laugh and noticed the boy had stopped screaming. Adrian was lifting several tool and chemicals, trying to determine which would be best to force the boy back to consciousness. Alex shook his head in amusement and decided now was a good time to interrupt.

"Dre," he called loudly. When his brother looked up with a predatory grin, he smiled back. "Looks like you're having fun there bro, but I think we better call it quits."

Adrian's smile dropped instantly and a cloud of anger and disappointment settled on his features. "Why?" he questioned petulantly.

"Sorry kid, but it looks like the cops are catching on," he replied wistfully. "James has been keeping tabs for me, and he says they have narrowed down a profile that can track back to us."

"A profile," Adrian huffed disdainfully. "Those profilers will never find us. We've played this too smart. A profile." With that Adrian turned back to his workbench.

"I'm serious Dre, they are getting close. We need to clear things up here and get on the road before we lose our advantage."

"Don't worry Al, they aren't coming here. You planned this remember? They won't figure it out. Relax, man."

"Listen Dre, I'm not playing around. We need to go."

"Then you go. Pack your things and head to the cabin. I'll meet you there when I've finished up."

"Do you hear yourself? The cabin? You don't think they'll look there once they figure out we're involved? Man, it's a good thing I do the planning bro."

"Yeah, whatever Al. Just go if you want to and leave me alone. You'll see-this whole thing will blow past and we'll be in the clear."

"How do you figure that?"

"Because we were careful, we didn't leave clues behind, and you are the genius master planner." Adrian flashed him a brilliant grin, but Alex just glared.

"Listen Dre, I paid James a lot of money to keep tabs on the investigation for me, and he's warned us to get out while we can. I'm taking him on that advice and I strongly suggest you do the same."

"Alex do you hear what you're saying? You're being a total wuss and a baby. Just let me stay here a bit longer and then we can get out of dodge."

"I'm telling you, we don't have much time. James estimated 5-8 hours max. We need to be well on our way by then."

"5-8 hours is plenty of time. You can give me one or two more."

"No Dre I can't. I'm out of here. I'm going to James' penthouse. Meet me there if you haven't been arrested."

"Fine bro, whatever. Now will you go so I can have some fun around here?"

"Sure Dre I'll leave. Just remember what I said and get out of here soon ok?"

"All right, I will. I'll meet you at the penthouse in a few hours."

"Ok then." Alex stood and walked into the house to collect his things. He mentally congratulated himself for the safety precautions he'd taken without Adrian knowing. When the police did show up, they wouldn't find any traces of him in the house. His different last name, separate financial records, and forged documents severed any trace to his less intelligent baby brother. Not that he savored the idea of throwing his brother to the wolves, but if Adrian wasn't smart enough to cover his back that wasn't Alex's fault. Sorry bro, but I won't go down for this. You should have listened to me.