I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any characters. No copyright infringement intended.
Notes: Ok. Let's meet the baddie!
H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O*
CHAPTER TWO
"Here my love." Doctor Franklin Ray crooned lovingly to his latest divine find as he respectfully removed it from its specially designed shipping crate. Not quite yet his favorite, but a lovely specimen to round out his vast and quite illegal, collection. In fact, it was only the second water snake in his collection and he was giddy with excitement. It made him tingle with pride.
He sighed in pleasure as he inspected its markings and approved of its general health. Though by its rising anger, it was not only very hungry but building a fury against being handled so soon after an arduous journey. One that had brutally torn it from its rightful home in the open sea. It sought its natural environment once again foiled by strange human hands and foul scents.
"You're fine now that you're home." He whispered again, but wisely settled his new addition to a much improved snake-worthy glass encased habitat with expert care.
Doctor Ray could have waited for Riku, his professional Calcutta-bred handler, but his excitement was not to be surpassed as he uncrated and transferred the yellow-bellied sea snake to its watery environs. Ray had taken months studying the creatures and then more after to create a suitable environment in his hidden labyrinth of rooms under his Hawaiian mansion.
He took a very calculated risk handling the yellow-bellied sea snake alone; if not for the pre-injections of antivenin, he'd be dead in minutes if one tiny error was made. However, Riku was less than pleased about this latest arrival for it was greatly out his comfort zone and familiar expertise. Ray should have waited in case he had an issue, but he didn't. He justified his actions upon Riku's terror for he'd be no help and more of a distraction.
In fact, it was a reason why he'd sent the man, who often acted as his valet or trusted personal assistant, to run a few errands including to retrieve his dry cleaning that late afternoon.
Sent away for hours, Riku's other errand was a careful visit to Chinatown to fill the rear of the darkened van with feeder animals and other supplies for his employer's grand collection. Over the years, he had learned how to ask, who to trust, where to go and just how much money was needed to keep busy mouths and inquiring minds quiet. Riku was his blessing, his confidant and his best friend; when Ray failed, Riku always knew what to do and how to fix it.
For all of these things and more, Ray needed Riku for his skills and tightly closed mouth. Greatly appreciative, he paid Riku handsomely in return.
"Yes, you're home." Ray purred in delight as he set the sea snake free. "A divine creature you are. Pelamis platurus. Utter perfection."
Sighing happily as he reverently voiced its Latin genus, he watched the snake curl swiftly through the perfectly prepared warm waters to the farthest corners of its new den. Ray smiled in pleasure, approving wholeheartedly of this impressive end result which was an impressive seascape.
Completed weeks prior, it had then fueled his desire to have it occupied. He had prepared by adding additional antivenin and regular snake venom to his already well stocked refrigerated arsenal.
A stockpile that was extremely expensive to maintain for a very particular reason. Every twenty-one days, he self-injected himself with various graded snake venom. A method of hyper immunization, it would potentially cross protect against a variety of venoms from snakes within the same family or genera. The resistance was specific to the venom used and so, Ray required multiple monthly venom injections to protect himself. He insisted the same be done for Riku despite the Indian's distaste for the practice and the fact that it would not protect them from all of the dangerous residents, especially the vipers whose cytoxic venom did instantaneous cell damage.
Justly obsessed with his dangerous hobby, Doctor Franklin Ray had indeed at one time or another injected himself with grades of venom to cross-neutralize himself .. and Riku .. should they accidentally be bitten during their days of handling and managing their dangerous pets. Their last round had so included venom for the yellow-bellied sea snake, but still Riku was disinterested in catering to the aquatic creature.
Almost sixteen months later, his acquisition had finally arrived. There was a loud rumble external to the large room and Doctor Ray scowled angrily as he heard Riku coming home through the rear entrance. His disappointment showing only because he had to leave soon for a black-tie event.
It meant he had to shower and leave very soon. He would have to put on his formal face with the impeccable, high-class manners depicting his long lineage of fine breeding. He would have to act the rich philanthropist for which he was.
In reality, Franklin Ray didn't mind playing the game for he was a people person who enjoyed good company and fine food. As a well-traveled and well-read entrepreneur, he enjoyed the companionship of other people. He enjoyed culture, and all the excitement that a new peoples had to offer. However, such as now, there were times where he simply preferred the solitude of catering to his children.
Much preferring to remain with his newest arrival to enjoy its special internment within his deep collection, Ray focused on the few remaining afternoon hours. He consoled himself because the sea snake needed its own private time as well to calm and settle within its loving new home.
"Beautiful." Captivated once more, he peered into the expansive tank before straightening and beginning to neatly pack away the sizable materials for storage.
Scarcely a moment later though, he was distracted by the happenings in another enclosure. Smiling paternally, he gazed at the black and white necked female and her group of slithering infants. "Hello, my dear. Such a lovely surprise to learn you were pregnant."
His other favorite was this stunning Rhinkals because of its innate nature to be deceitful; she had also been elevated in status by her unforeseen pregnancy and Ray was as proud as a new father.
The Rhinkals did not lay eggs as other snakes might either. Instead her birthing was to a mass of thirty live, writhing young snakes readily slithering amongst each other. She had been a rather new acquisition, but her unanticipated motherhood had spurned Ray into more activity. He was already building out new tanks and enclosures for her young, while simultaneously conducting the discreet contacting of other aficionados or extreme Ophidian's like himself.
He would arrange for the sale of the young. After which, Riku would astutely manage the utmost care in their transport as plans were solidified for each baby snake-let. Said transport was made even easier since Franklin Ray was a certified pilot; often picking up or transporting inventory himself from smaller airports where questions were rarely asked.
It was a core reason as to why Franklin Ray had quite literally flown under the radar for so many long years.
"Such beautiful babies. You did so well. Such a surprise for me." He spoke to her often because he dearly appreciated the favored Rhinkals. But even for that, he might waffle when pressed as he glanced appreciatively towards the Black Mamba who seemed to be staring back in mutual adoration.
In truth, the Mamba was merely sated after devouring a healthy rat. Franklin Ray loved the Mamba as if it were his only favored child. The large snake was the pinnacle of his impressive and very illegal collection. As such, its enclosure was elaborate and the epitome of perfection to cater to its needs. Though if given the opportunity to counter that very human belief, the snake would likely disagree for the blandness of diet and finite terrain which greatly limited its desire to move. As a fierce predator and one of the most venomous land snakes, it was also the fastest snake in the world - able to move at ten to twelve miles per hour. So, though its special enclosure was more than adequate by zoo standards, it was far from the Mamba's preferred reality.
It was the first snake that Riku had greatly feared, too. He was an expert handler and fifth generation within a family of Calcutta charmers. However, that was for the various species of his own native land. This particular deadly African reptile came with a dire reputation.
Ray had found Riku twelve years earlier when his desire to own the illicit reptiles had first become a true yen. As a young man and destitute, living on the streets of Calcutta, Riku himself had captured the first of Ray's acquisitions and so had continually impressed the wealthy and very exciting American.
Money had changed hands. The doctor had returned and then a deal had been struck to give Riku prestige and a modicum of wealth.
But over time, the doctor's desires had only escalated for more dangerous exotics which not only taught Riku new skills, but had fostered true fears. At first appearing to merely want to broaden his general knowledge, his employer had slowly changed to show a darker side. At times, Riku dared to think the man possessed by irrational demons.
Doctor Ray always wanted more and that need forced increasing responsibilities onto the wiry Indian's shoulders. His fear of the Mamba was outweighed now by his fear of the yellow-bellied sea snake.
Riku both wanted to stay and longed to leave in order to return home. But the money he wired to his family could never be duplicated; and so, he remained tied to his odd employer by a complicated web of trust and mutual need.
"Doctor." Riku materialized silently to hover in the distant doorway with two rodent-filled crates in hand. More crates were still in the van and he'd bring them in to stack his charges food-stuffs in another climate-controlled room. He also had bedding, medicinals and other things deemed necessary to keep in stock by his avid employer.
"He's here, Riku, and he's stunning." Gently goading the Indian, Ray had to smile as Riku remained rooted to the spot with each cage swinging back and forth as the live rats shimmied about as if understanding what would one day come.
"Yes, Doctor." Riku finally murmured before steadfastly going for the rear room to restock. With an understanding chuckle, Ray shook his head in amusement about the man's refusal to come closer.
"Your clothes are already upstairs for the fundraiser."
"Thank you, Riku." Sighing patiently, Frank chuffed a noise under his breath as he reluctantly checked the time. The fundraiser was important and he was expected to arrive promptly with a proverbial checkbook in hand. Part of him looked forward to the event, while another distinctly resented the intrusion on his other world where he'd prefer to immerse himself.
"Once you finish with the supplies, take the evening off." Frank said distractedly. The collection was well catered to and the sea snake required utter quiet to calm its nerves and become more acclimated to its new surroundings. There was no need for Riku to stress himself or do more that very day; they would resume together in the morning.
"Yes, Doctor." Already storing away the sixth and seventh crates, Riku relaxed at the confirmation of what he'd anticipated for that evening. Based upon their detailed feeding and care schedule, all the reptiles were up to date and could be left to their druthers until the next day. The new one was evidently a healthy specimen as well and could be left alone. For that, Riku was most relieved as he continued to unpack the van from its inventory.
But there was more and Riku paused thoughtfully while halfway in the van. The young lady. The one the doctor had found walking in the rain near the aqueduct supposedly on the way home from a day job as a receptionist. When Riku had left earlier to run his errands, Doctor Ray had mentioned she was still sleeping in one of the spare guest rooms.
Riku didn't know her name and it was better that way. This one was blonde .. fake blonde .. and older once he'd seen her up close, with a hawked nose, stringy lank hair, and bruised lines on both of her arms. They were old and healing. She had been neatly attired, though her clothing was worn and used.
Drug abuse had ruined the skin on her arms. Riku knew from past experiences with the darker side of the doctor, that that particular evidence put her in a lower class. An expendable realm that he was permitted to infiltrate. Because of those marks and a disbelief that she actually had a real job at all, she was therefore considered even more expendable than the last.
Reluctantly, Riku re-entered the lower rooms. He hesitated, staring at the broad back of his employer before asking. "Where is she?"
"Hmm?" The sound emanated softly to barely make it over the stiffening shoulder. Ray had already forgotten about the woman because of the new arrival and Riku had to push and prod.
"The blonde lady. The one from last night."
"Hmm. Ah, yes." Ray turned with an entirely different expression gracing his face. Nearly unrecognizable now as a content wealthy gentleman of stature, Riku chewed his lip and felt his body tense. This Doctor Ray was mean, disgusted and even resentful of being challenged and Riku sighed loudly in exasperation through his nose. He knew that he should proceed with caution and be afraid, but he was simply too angry.
"She's dead." Riku dared to provoke him more in a foul temper of his own as he rubbed his wiry but strong arms, bravely angered at the doctor despite the metamorphosis. "You can't stop and it failed again. You promised."
"The next one will work. Mind your place." Ray growled in warning at his employee, a threatening fist closing to anchor manicured nails into the palm of his hand. "I'm so close, Riku. So very close."
"There will be no next one." Riku solemnly vowed with a peculiar look in his eyes. The two stared at each other in a moment of very mutual rage. Two years earlier they'd fled the States for the islands to resettle after Ray couldn't stop his experimentation and the authorities had gotten too close. Much too close.
Ray had promised that a move would change things. That he in fact, would change and focus only on the health of his collection for which Riku had solely been hired to manage. Two years had happily passed to prove that truth, yet something had changed after all and Riku was trembling in a fury.
"You promised. The project is bad enough." Riku's voice was shaking as he gestured widely with his arms. Just over two years had gone by well enough, but now a second woman in five months worth of time had wandered too close to the doctor's realm. The Honolulu Police Department had found the first woman and an investigation had been opened. But then thankfully, it had led nowhere.
It led to nothing only due to Riku's diligent caution. He did not wish to duplicate his steps yet again.
"We came here to escape inquiry. We came here and you promised to stop."
"You'll take care of it? Yes?" The secondary change was as fast as the first. Riku watched in fascination as Ray's shoulders collapsed in upon themselves. He was suddenly smaller and much less threatening in his stance.
"No, I've had enough." Riku considered him with a worried frown. Though he had seen it before, he didn't understand what was happening. He watched as his careful whisper caused another reaction as if the sky had fallen in around the doctor.
"What?" In complete shock, Ray's eyes flew up to the small Indian's face. Once dangerously aggressive, the timbre of his voice changed to nearly a plaintive whine. "You can't leave me."
"I'm leaving and you'll have to take care of this mess yourself." It was difficult to be so firm. In fact, Riku had once threatened to leave before they'd moved, but Ray didn't quite believe the truth of it. His anger was so very real now, that Franklin Ray's eyes widened in fear as his longtime employee and friend solemnly delivered his final decision.
"I'm done, Doctor. I am not doing this anymore."
"No. No, you can't. I'll stop. I can .. I was so good for almost three years .. I can do it again. Permanently." Ray was almost babbling as he looked around the room at his collection, the lovely newest addition and then back to his friend and employee.
"I need you, Riku. I don't trust anyone else, especially with the project. Please stay .. she was the last .. she is the last .. it failed and I know now that I must stop."
There was a mile of silence between the two as Riku considered the doctor's terrified eyes. He was unable to find his voice though as Ray strode over to fearfully clasp his shoulders. Confused, Riku forced himself to stand his ground as normal changed to a fury which had now become a child-like plea. Through his thin shirt, Riku could feel Franklin Ray's fingers as they bore hotly into his skin. The man was suddenly desperate. Nearly nose to nose, Ray was on the verge of tears as he pleaded.
"Please. I don't know what happened or why I did it. It won't happen again though .. Riku, I promise. Just take care of her and she's the last one. She is."
The HPD police had recovered the first woman where Riku had left her in a remote drainage ditch. Badly decomposed, the body still held traces of coral snake venom. The medical examiner had issued a short public statement and then nothing else. It had flared briefly across the news stations and then had eventually dimmed as nothing more was discovered. Riku's relief knew no bounds but the doctor had promised then; he had promised five months earlier to stop. Yet once more, they were revisiting the very same distasteful conversation.
Riku had avidly watched those old news reports. He heard the medical examiner, understood the summary of findings, and had waited. The typical fear across the public sector had skyrocketed regarding snakes entering the islands via the shipping docks. HPD had nothing; there was no proof and no trail. A week's long stream of news sensationalism and then .. nothing.
They were only lucky and that would hold out for so long if Ray didn't cease his crazed obsession to kill.
"You lied to me before we came here and you lied to me five months ago. Today .. today there is yet another." Cursing in Hindi, Riku rocked in place when Ray gave him a friendly shake which continued to beg for his continued understanding. Unable to shake the doctor off, fingers tightened in earnest to nearly leave bruises.
"Please, Riku." The small lean Indian ground his teeth because in a way, he had no choice. Shaking his head, he grit his teeth harder and failed at dislodging Ray's hands. He could feel the doctor's heated stress continually baking through his thin shirt.
He groaned under his breath, resenting each word that fell from his lips in a dire whisper. "This is the last time."
"Thank you." A smile creased Ray's face as he warmly caressed Riku's shoulders and then was unable to prevent himself from delivering a small hug. A solid thump on his back released the smaller man who backed up quickly. Now free and refusing to return embrace or smile, Riku took full two steps away to indicate his continued disapproval.
"Where?" Arms by his sides, Riku's look was intentionally bland as he readied himself.
"In the stables." Ray motioned towards the distant rear of the property. Rubbing his eyes, Riku heaved an enormous sigh before turning on his sandaled heel. They had three equines on the property. Not for riding, yet more than expensive looking lawn ornaments.
After milking a snake, Doctor Ray would dilute and then inject the venom derivative directly into one of the horses. The horse would undergo an immune response to the venom, producing antibodies against the venom's active molecule which would then be re-harvested from the animal's blood.
It was a tricky process and Ray had above-standard equipment. However, it was certainly not within the recognized standards of a valid pharmacopeia.
The apartment above the stables had been renovated into a small scientific theater for snake milking and to manufacture their own stockpile of certain antivenins. It would have been relatively fine if things had stopped there, but they had not.
A few months earlier, it was also where the primary project re-established itself: the coral snake project. Their first focus on acquisition and maintenance of a water snake. But this was a reincarnation of a project which Riku had vehemently argued against because it was a horrific prelude to a resurgence of a possible killing spree. Of which, the tangible proof would soon be literally in his hands.
The project had first begun because Doctor Franklin Ray's father had been killed by a coral snake. The much younger Franklin had seen it happen, had watched his father die, and had learned the hard way that the antivenin was barely stocked, if at all. Then production had ceased all together in 2003 since purported cases were "too small to warrant the cost". Doctor Ray had taken that decision quite personally since his father had fallen into the less than three percent affected by the deadly reptile.
Franklin's father hadn't mattered. He hadn't been cured. There was no profit in manufacturing an antivenin for less than three percent of a global population. Production had also ceased because of a very real difficulty in finding enough of the elusive snake to meet manufacturing requirements. Doctor Ray was personally going to resolve that costly issue. At least for himself.
However, with twenty of the coral snakes now housed in the stables as part of his 'venom line', he had yet to perfect the antivenin. He had failed in the States and was failing in Hawaii.
In his desperation for perfection, using feeder animals to test the final product hadn't ever been enough. Always striving for more, Ray had resorted to using live human subjects.
Expendables.
People who would not be missed according to one Doctor Franklin Ray. Special people who could serve another higher purpose should the antivenin actually work. He would prove that he could have cured his father; he would prove that the antivenin was needed. But it was not the whole truth.
Only Riku knew the entire truth though because coral snakes were not always used on Ray's victims and an antivenin not always administered. This coral snake project had become an excuse … it was a very large, expensive sham. What was more truthful was that the young Franklin Ray had been both mortified and mesmerized by his father's death. Reading about various toxic symptoms was not enough and over time, he developed a flair or flavor to watch death happen.
Using his father's death as that excuse, Ray had started watching his reptiles dispatch and consume their live foodstuffs. The infatuation had escalated and then moved on to watching what would happen if only envenomed or bitten, cataloging the animals physical reactions and subsequent time to die.
He had studied antivenins and medical cases. Purposefully envenoming animals led to his attempt at then saving them from certain death. Most times, it hadn't worked but there were some occasional times when Ray had a few odd successes.
They were enough to make him feel like a god and he gained confidence. He learned about injecting himself with graded doses of venom to build up his own antibodies.
His first personal bite had been purposeful to validate the self-injections and he'd been gleeful in its success. It hastened his feelings of omnipotence and might - nothing could touch him and his pets could not kill him. They became his children and he, their steadfast protector. Their father.
He wanted more and those sickly experiments with small animals or even himself had escalated quickly to other subjects. Human subjects.
He liked to watch .. real time .. what would happen when a human was bitten by a lethal reptile. The fascination would continue to see how long he could wait before using an antivenin - sometimes.
Over time, the thrill of playing god was simply too much for him to contend with. As Riku now knew for certain, Ray couldn't stop. It left Riku to pick up the badly desecrated pieces and he was no longer willing to do so as his employer escalated and his strange behaviors matured.
"No more." Stopping just inside the doorway Riku turned to find the doctor staring after him. He veritably hissed at his employer, knowing that Ray understood he knew the project to be a sham for his insatiable need to create death. He was seething inside as Doctor Ray continued to smile because he'd gotten his way. At least in the short-term.
"Go upstairs and change for your fundraiser." Terribly angry, Riku was definitely overstepping his usual cultural boundaries and very respectful manners. "Your dry cleaning is hanging in the closet."
As he walked away with the keys to the van fisted in his hand, Riku distinctly heard Ray's words of thanks and disingenuous promise. Riku refused to answer in order to further make the finality of his own vow sink home.
After this final time, he would need to leave because Doctor Ray simply could not stop.
~ to be continued ~