Your Biggest Fan

Part 2

Fear

By Nick Maro

Kimber knocked on Pizzazz's bedroom door but, she didn't respond. "Come on Phyllis, open up. I've been standing here and waiting for ten minutes. David told me that after you got the flowers, you became upset and left Misfits Music. Hitomi called David and he texted me. She said you were crying when you came in the door. I just want to talk. So please let me in."

After a few moments the door finally opened. Pizzazz peeked between the door and the frame. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy from sobbing. Her cheeks were red from wiping her eyes and nose, her voice was hoarse from crying. "It's funny. You're probably the only one who can understand what he meant to me. Funny because he chose you over me. Come in. I need someone who understands that pain." She opened the door to let Kimber in.

"Thanks."

Pizzazz shut the door after Kimber was inside. She sat on the bed next to Kimber and forced back a new round of tears. "He was a special man to me. One of the only ones I truly loved. We met in London when The Misfits first started. Sean was a hellraiser then. We partied pretty hard and fast back then. It was, in essence, a whirlwind romance, but damn, I loved him for it. Then when I saw him in Texas, well, old feelings came rushing back."

Pizzazz looked at Kimber with sorrow in her eyes. "I hated you even more after that, but deep down I knew Sean wasn't the same man that I loved in London. He was different. More soft. Mellowed out. He embraced his teen idol status. To be honest you two were perfect together. It's just too bad he never saw that. He had the perfect woman for him and he goes and cheats on her. I guess that was the true Sean. The spoiled brat we saw on Friday at the studio. That wasn't the man you or I loved. That was a man to be pitied." She sniffled once. "But he didn't deserve to die. No one does." She paused and looked up again. "Well, maybe a few people do, but not him."

Kimber pulled Pizzazz into a tight embrace. Pizzazz immediately began crying on her shoulder. Kimber smoothed and stroked Pizzazz's hair. "Let's just try to remember Sean when he was good to us both. It's not right that he died, but he did. Do you think we should attend the funeral at all? Would it be too odd if two of his ex's showed up together?"

"I don't care what people would think. I want to pay my last respects." Pizzazz sat up straight and wiped the tears from her face. "Anyway, let's change the subject."

"Yeah, good idea. I cried for an hour when I heard he was killed. V-TV was one of the last stations to find out about this. I was watching some TV movie when they announced it during a commercial break. I then went to a news channel and got the full story. No one was home, so I called Roxy. I went over there and cried on her shoulder." Kimber started playing with the ends of her hair.

Pizzazz gave Kimber a sad half smile. "I guess this kind of brings us closer together." Kimber smiled back in agreement. "Mary told me that you might be pregnant. Why haven't you said anything to David?"

Letting out a humorless laugh, Kimber gave a sad smile. "I'm not pregnant. I was just late. I was in the drug store buying a home pregnancy test, when I began to feel cramping. I was just overreacting again." She leaned against the wall and curled her legs under herself. "When did Mary tell you? I told her to keep it a secret."

"She told me after you told her about it. I've kept it secret. Mary and I keep no secrets from each other. I trust her with my life, but I'm glad you're not pregnant after all." She kissed Kimber on the cheek. "One day you'll give me a niece." She got up to leave. "Thanks for listening and talking. I feel better. I say we have a drink in Sean's memory."

Kimber hopped off the bed and followed Pizzazz. "I could use a couple of drinks, to be honest. Just remember to say kempai when you toast."

"What the hell does that mean? Nevermind. Probably some long complex thing that David taught you." Kimber laughed at Pizzazz and prepared the drinks for the toast.

David pulled up to the mansion and parked his car. The limo was already waiting to take The Misfits to the funeral. Kimber walked up beside him and took his hand in hers. He gave it a gentle squeeze causing her to flash a small smile. Together they walked inside the mansion.

Inside, Evelyn was pacing back and forth impatiently. She hugged both David and Kimber. "David, after the funeral I'm going to Japan for a week or two. It's been a while since I've seen Yuji. Talking on the phone nightly is one thing, but you got see your loved one as well. I'll call when I get there."

"It's okay, Mom, I understand. Could you visit with Mariko and Ayumi? I know they'll love to see you again." David hugged his mother. "Well, Kimber and I are driving to the funeral in my car. So I guess we'll see you at the funeral parlor. Is Suzaku still here?"

"They're in the living room. I'll see you at the funeral." Evelyn gave David and Kimber another quick hug. Kimber kissed David on the cheek and ran up the stairs to see where The Misfits were at.

David entered the living room and cleared his throat. Kyoko and David's oldest friends turned to look at him. "Hey guys, I just wanted to thank you for doing this. I know you didn't know him at all, but still it's nice. Kyoko, you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah, I have to go to Japan after the funeral as well. I have some, uhh, family business to take care of. No big deal, just an annoying matter with my uncle. So I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. I was just talking with Ken and he said that he, Hitomi and Eiji want to come with so they can visit their families. So I was thinking that maybe Kimber could come with. Suzaku could play a few clubs and get some publicity in Japan. What do you think?"

"I think I'll need to pack a bag first," Kimber said coming into the room. David gave her a somewhat disapproving face. "Oh come on, David. I need the vacation. Besides a little club tour sounds like fun. Plus, you'll have me out of your hair for a while so you can work on The Misfits with their tour, but if you want I'll only stay a week or so."

David rubbed the bridge of his nose and then ran his hand through his hair. "All right. I think it would be a great idea for Suzaku to do a mini-tour. Kyoko, it's up to you to book the shows like Eric taught you. Kimber, you never need my permission to go on a vacation. Just let me know when you're going so I know you're safe. I'll help you pack when the funeral is finished."

Kimber kissed David deeply and gave him a tight hug. "Oh thank you, David! This is going to be so much fun I just know it." She kissed him again. "We can now work on the album as a group."

Pizzazz walked into the room and got David's attention. "We're ready to go. So whoever is riding with The Misfits get in the limo." Kyoko and Suzaku walked past Pizzazz as they headed toward the limo. Pizzazz hugged Kimber and David. "Thanks for coming. I'll see you guys there." She left quietly without saying another word.

"Well, let's go, Kim. I think its bad form to show up late to a funeral," David giving her a smirk. "Then afterwards we'll go back home and pack for your trip. Just be sure to take some pictures. I don't want you guys just sitting around playing video games all day." He glanced at her as they walked back to his car. "You already do that here." He smirked again as Kimber stuck her tongue out at him. They got into his car and followed the limo to the funeral home.

The funeral for Sean Harrison was a quiet one with a small turn out of mourners. The Misfits, Jem and The Holograms, Suzaku and The Stingers huddled together on one side. The Blue Bloods and various current and former members of Sean's band stood on the other with his family. Sean chose to be buried in the United States because he had come to love it so much.

The priest gave the signal to lower the casket into the ground. Sean's family each threw a handful of dirt and a flower into the grave. Slowly the other mourners followed their lead. Pizzazz threw a rose into the grave and wiped a tear. She stopped and talked with Sean's family for a moment and then hugged each of them. She walked slowly to the limo and waited for the rest of her friends and family to join her.

Each of The Misfits waited with Pizzazz by the limo. Jerrica, Rio, Jem and The Holograms stopped to see how they were doing. David and Kimber joined the group of friends and suggested they go back to the Gabor Estate to talk. Everyone agreed and went to their respective vehicles.

Clash and Techrat rode with The Misfits on the way back. Video needed go back to her and Clash's home to get something. Stormer looked up at the couple confused. "Coming to this funeral reminded me of something. When we found the boot imprint in the mud outside my house, it said Reno on it. One of you said that it Reno was Zipper's lackey's last name. Why didn't we go after him right away?"

"Oh, I thought I explained it," Clash began. "Reno is indeed one of Zipper's lackey's last names, but it seems that wasn't the case here. Turns out it was coincidence that he was wearing those boots. There's a boot manufacturer named Reno Boots. I guess he liked that brand, but we couldn't have had gone after him since a boot imprint isn't enough to go on. That's why."

Stormer sat back and shrugged. "Makes sense to me."

The limo pulled through the gates of the Gabor Estate a short while later. Each of the occupants got out and made their way to the backyard. Evelyn and Kyoko waited for David and Kimber inside. They arrived after Eric and The Stingers showed up. Evelyn told David that she was going to leave later that evening to Japan. Kyoko told Kimber that they were going with Evelyn to Japan. The jet was going to Tokyo first to let Evelyn off and then they were going to Osaka. Kimber nodded that she understood.

In the backyard, Pizzazz was discussing the soundtrack concept with The Stingers. Pizzazz and David decided that The Misfits wouldn't be able to do the album after all. It was simply bad timing. However, Pizzazz didn't want to leave Howard out in the cold, so she decided to pitch the idea to The Stingers. They were somewhat hesitant on the idea but Stormer offered to supply the songs. The Stingers said they'd think about it.

David came out and tapped Pizzazz on the shoulder. "Phyllis, could I see you in the study?" Pizzazz excused herself from The Stingers and followed her brother inside. David shut the doors to the study. "Phyllis, Detective Evans wanted to show you some letters they've received."

"Ms. Gabor," Detective Evans said in a somber tone, "we received a letter after each murder. The department chose not to let these be shown to the public because of the nature of the letters." He pulled the envelopes out of his jacket pocket and laid them on the desk.

Detective Evans pointed to the first letter. "We received this after Monica Goldwyn was murdered. The note didn't say much just that another will die. We didn't know what the author meant by another, but what is interesting here is the handwriting. It's Monica Goldwyn's. We tested it to make sure." Detective Evans placed the other two letters down. "Both of these are written by the victims as well. Obviously the murderer is killing off those who have hurt you in the past, Ms. Gabor. If you want I can post a guard here for you."

Pizzazz sat in the chair and processed what the detective had shown her. She looked up at David and felt her worries vanish. "It's okay Detective. I have all the protection I need right here. My brother is more than enough, but thank you for showing me this and for the offer of protection. Some of the people who have hurt me in the past are now my best friends. I'll tell them to be careful."

"The offer still stands if you change your mind, Ms. Gabor. You have a good day now." Detective Evans followed David out of the study to the front door. Pizzazz stayed in the study and paced the room. She looked up at the portrait of her father and smiled. She left the study to warn her friends about the murderer.

Jetta opened the drawer she kept her pistols in. She slid the cartridge in and pulled the slide back. She was concerned that the murderer may come for her or Roxy next. Doing so with the other pistol Jetta sat on her bed and sighed. A soft knock on her door caused her to turn her head. Roxy peeked in and smiled. She came in without Jetta's permission. Jetta could see something was on Roxy's mind.

Jetta tapped the spot next to her for Roxy to sit. "Wot can I do for you, luv?"

Roxy sat on the bed close to Jetta. "I just have a lot on my mind is all. I'm glad Evelyn and the rest did go to Japan. They'll be safe there. This is all so fucking surreal. Phyllis has a stalker-slash-serial killer killing those who hurt her in the past. Why us, huh?"

"I know wot you mean. It's like we're bloody cursed or somethin' for strange shit to happen to us. I'm just waitin' for a plague of frogs or locusts to show up. The frogs might be fun though. But locusts, I couldn't handle those buggers." Jetta laughed softly with Roxy. "So wot's really on your mind. I can tell that's not all."

"It's not. I've just been thinking about things. Been thinking about—" The doorbell rang cutting Roxy off. "Shit. Talk about lousy timing." She stood to answer the door.

Jetta pulled Roxy back down. "No, finish wot you were about to say."

Roxy stood again when the doorbell rang a second time. "It can wait. Besides it's something I can't just blurt out and rush to the door. Tell you later." She answered the door before Jetta could argue. Stormer stood in the doorway looking a little nervous. "What's wrong, Mary?"

"It's David. I have the feeling he's in trouble. Will you and Sheila come with me to the Gabor Estate? I don't like the fact that he's guarding Phyllis by himself. Yukio is watching over Eric and The Stingers. So that's a relief. Everyone is almost certain that Eric would be next. I'm not sure if David was able to contact Kevin Ross to warn him. Frankly I don't care if he did. At least Jerrica took the police up on their offer." Stormer looked around nervously. "So will you go?"

"Yeah, let me get Sheila, okay?" Roxy turned around to find Jetta behind her. She smirked. "Well, what kept ya?"

David spun his sword around and sliced the three apples in half. He rushed forward and caught all three in his free hand. He offered a slice to his sister who took a piece and started eating it. He looked around the training room. "Are you sure you don't want to stay down here, Phyllis? It's safer down here. There's only one exit and no windows."

Pizzazz fished the apple top and grabbed one of the bottoms. "Yes. I'm not going to live my life in fear because of some crazed lunatic. If I did that everytime I got a threat before, The Misfits would've gotten nowhere. I'm sure you've seen the threats I got when we were constantly fighting with Jem. Sure this is the worst, but I won't show weakness now, if we do that this psycho will win."

Sliding the sword back into the scabbard David watched Pizzazz for a moment. Finally he slumped his shoulders and sighed. "You're right. I don't like it but you're right. When did you start listening to my speeches anyway?"

"Oh ho, the humble David Gabor is getting an ego now? It's just how I feel about the whole situation. I don't like feeling like a prisoner in my own home. I'll make you some dinner. I'm getting better at it. Mary has been teaching me a lot about cooking."

David made a face as he followed Pizzazz up the stairs. "In any case, Mom put poison control on speed dial. We can always use that in case of an emergency." He casually sidestepped a blind backhand from his twin. "What did The Stingers say about doing the soundtrack? They seemed kind of interested."

Pizzazz began pulling out pans and started preparing dinner. "They said they needed to think about it. I also need to call Howard and let him know The Misfits can't do the album. But Mary says she has the time to write so we'll see. Kimber said that she could help Mary out if she gets writer's block."

"That's always good. So what are you making?"

"Stir fry, been having a craving for some for a while now. Could you hand me the box of rice? Water is almost ready." Pizzazz took the box and thanked him. She worked in silence for a few minutes while David began setting a place for each of them. "Can I ask you something? Something that might sound a bit odd?"

Setting a plate down David looked at his sister. "Of course you can. You can talk to me about anything that's on your mind."

Pizzazz let out a breath and poured a packet of frozen vegetables and meat into the frying pan. "I was just wondering how odd it would be if I asked Richard Xanthos out. I mean, I like him and all, but I was afraid to do so before because of the age difference and how I was before. It has nothing to do with the fact he's rich. He's a great man. But the age difference might raise a few eyebrows."

David let out a short chuckle of amusement. "After all the stunts you've pulled you're worried about age difference? I say go for it. I can tell he likes you."

"After the police catch this psycho, I'll ask him out. Thanks for the advice." Pizzazz finished making dinner and served David a plate of food. They talked about whatever was on their mind. When they were finished David collected their plates and put them in the sink.

"You know, Ken has been teaching me how to play a few of his fighting video games. Challenge you. Winner has to do the dishes," David said with a smirk. Pizzazz was about to answer when Stormer came running through the front door and charged at David. Roxy and Jetta were close on her heels.

"David! You're in danger!" Stormer yelled while tackling him to the ground. Seconds after she tackled her half brother the window David was standing in front of shattered. The three women dove to the floor.

Everyone waited a couple of moments before standing up again. The window was completely shattered. Jetta looked at the opposite wall that David was standing in front of. There was a small hole that looked to have been made by a bullet. She looked at her friends. "I think you better rethink the police protection, 'zazz." Pizzazz silently agreed.

The police arrived an hour after the shooting attempt. Detective Evans turned to David and Pizzazz as he headed out the front door. "Officers Richards and Daniels are going to stay the night. I'll be by in the morning after with their relief and to discuss further precautions. Get some sleep. I'd advise the other Misfits to stay here for the night as well." Detective Evans closed the door behind him.

Pizzazz offered a kind but shaken smile. "Can I get you officers anything? Coffee? Tea? Something to eat? You must forgive me. I'm still pretty much in shock."

"Nothing for me, Ms. Gabor, I'm fine," Officer Daniels said putting his hand up.

"I could go for some tea. That is, if it's not much trouble."

"No trouble at all, Officer Richards. I mainly drink tea myself so we just had a pot brewing." David led Officer Richards into the kitchen where he poured her a cup. "I don't know how you like it, but the sugar is in that holder and there's cream in the fridge. Help yourself."

The officer thanked David. Roxy and Stormer went into the entertainment room and put on a movie. Pizzazz told the other officer that she was going to bed and Jetta went upstairs to take a shower. David went over the estate layout with Officer Daniels.

When morning came David was meditating lightly to get his energy back. He was still aware of everything around him, the doorbell rang and he didn't open his eyes. Officer Richards went to answer it. "I'll get the door, officer," he said quietly, startling the young policewoman. David got to his feet and opened the door. "Good morning Detective, any idea who took a shot at me last night?"

"Sorry, David, nothing yet. How did the night go?" Detective Evans asked entering the mansion. "I hope Officers Richards and Daniels did their job."

"They were perfect." David waved Detective Evans further into the mansion. "I was discussing what happened with Officer Daniels. We're both confused about something. If this was the serial killer trying to kill me, why didn't he kidnap me first? This didn't seem like the same m.o. that we're used to. Maybe he's changing tactics."

Detective Evans sat in one of the chairs in the living room. "Our profiler at the station was wondering about that as well. He said that the killer might be changing tactics because we now know what to expect, but he also said this might be someone else." He leaned forward and looked David in the eye. "Mr. Gabor, do you have any enemies that would like to see you dead?"

David tried to hide his smirk and laughter. "I'm sorry. It's not that it's funny, well it is in a way, but yes I do. They're either in Japan or international terrorists. I don't think either would be trying now. For one, my enemies in Japan are all dead. As for the international terrorists, I just don't think they'd do anything to me. I'm too small of game."

"Yes, we knew about your troubles in other countries. What I meant was here in America. What about Kevin Ross or this band Illegal Limit? Would they try to kill you at all?"

"No, not at all. For the most part both are mostly harmless. Ross wants to destroy my family financially and publicly. Madison and Thorn of Illegal Limit are out to humiliate my sister and Roxy. I'm not sure what Gemini's game is but they've shown no hostility towards anyone. I'm about as stumped as you are, Detective, but I'd appreciate any updates you can give me."

"Of course I will, Mr. Gabor. I'm assigning Officers Lee and Parker for the day shift. I'll be here around five this evening with the next shift. But I've heard stories of your martial arts ability so I'm sure you and your sister will be in good hands. I'm leaving a bullet proof vest behind for you and your sister just in case. Stay safe, okay?" Detective Evans left with Officers Richards and Daniels.

Once again David showed the layout of the mansion to the two new officers. Afterwards, he introduced the new officers to The Misfits once they had awakened.

The storm raged that night with lightning arcing across the sky and thunder shaking the windows in their frames. Roxy, Jetta and Stormer had gone out for the evening. David stayed behind with Pizzazz and the officers that Detective Evans had assigned for the night shift.

Pizzazz had gone to bed early with David and Officer Kilmer sat on either side of her bedroom door guarding it. Officer Slater was outside patrolling the grounds. The shattering of glass caused both men to jump in their chairs. Pizzazz jerked her door open and looked at them nervously. David smiled and calmed her down. He looked at Officer Kilmer. "I'll check it out." David pulled his sword so it was ready for a quick draw.

David walked down the stairs slowly and silently, his hand on the hilt of his katana. At the bottom of the stairs, he looked around. A window in the living room was broken open. He moved as quietly as he could while rain poured through the broken window. He carefully checked out the window he spotted a broken tree branch laying outside. Thunder made him instinctively jump. He began carefully searching the rest of the mansion.

When he was satisfied that everything all clear, David went back up the stairs. He found Officer Kilmer asleep in his chair and the door to Pizzazz's room wide open. Pizzazz was in her bed. "It was a tree branch that broke a window nothing to worry about. Nice of Officer Kilmer to fall asle—"

Thunder crashed and cut David off. When it stopped he fell forward on his face with three bullet holes in his back. Blood began forming around the wounds. A young man with dark hair and a wild grin stood before Pizzazz. He held a gun with a silencer on it. "Hello, Pizzazz. I'm your biggest fan!" The man laughed at some private joke.

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "MADNESS"

PART 3 OF YOUR BIGGEST FAN