The Human Instrument

Part 2

A View To A Kill

By Nick Maro

Time turned to slow motion as Clash pushed her way through the crowd. She caught glimpses of her friends in The Misfits as they tried to stop her from crossing the yellow police tape. She didn't remember yelling at an officer that she was the deceased's family. She only knew that she was now being restrained by an older officer and that she was screaming. Lying on the asphalt before her was the body of her missing cousin Video. Who was also known to her and the world as Vivian Montgomery.

A single bullet hole rested in the center of her forehead. Her eyes were closed and her arms were crossed over her chest. Investigators were looking over the scene. Video looked very peaceful and beautiful lying on the ground. One of the things Clash noticed that was odd right away was the fact there wasn't any blood on her. No blood on her or anywhere on the ground. She stopped struggling against the officer and took a step back.

She ran both hands through her hair and looked around. Clash started to feel dizzy, but caught herself as she continued to look around. She went to a knee and caught her breath, regaining her composure she stood up. "Officer," she said loudly, "I'm Vivian Montgomery's cousin Constance Montgomery." She pulled out her driver's license and showed it to him. "I filed a missing person's report on her about a week ago. I'd like to speak to the lead investigator right now."

The officer looked at her for a second and then called over an older man in a suit. Clash recognized him almost right away. The detective gave a sad smile as he walked over. "It's been a while Connie. I wish you would have waited for my call. I didn't want you to see her like this." He gave her a tight and comforting hug.

Clash returned the hug and sighed softly as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you got the transfer, Uncle Mike. What the hell happened? There's no blood on her or anywhere around the scene. This is weird." She looked up at him while wiping the tears from her eyes.

"You know I can't discuss this right now. I especially can't say that Vivian was murdered someplace else and dropped here. And it would be pure speculation to say it happened during the power outage this area suffered this morning." Her uncle gave a playful wink that made her smile despite herself. "Connie, I know you want to help with this, but I can't help you now." He looked at the two women coming towards Clash. "Come over for dinner tonight. It's been too long since I've seen you." Clash agreed as he went back to the crime scene.

Pizzazz and Stormer finally made their way through the crowd to Clash. They hugged her tight together. Pizzazz broke the embrace and looked Clash over. She was shocked to find the purple haired woman so calm when she was hysterical a few moments ago. "What did that detective say to you? It seemed like he knew you."

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Clash looked at Pizzazz. "Hmm? Oh yeah, that's my Uncle Mike from Mulberry." She looked back at him working the scene. "Well he's not my real uncle he's a close family friend. I'm meeting up with him after he's gets off from his shift. He'll keep me in the loop of things." Clash started to push her way from the crime scene. Stormer and Pizzazz followed her.

"How did you find out about this so quickly?"

Clash almost laughed at the question. "I've been listening to the police scanner almost day and night, Mary." She finally made it to where the crowds were much less congested. Leaning against the side of a building she looked at her friends. "Phyllis, can we head back to your place? I need a drink and to beat the ever living shit out of your punching bag. Holding my rage in is really starting to hurt." She tried to give her best smile.

Stormer drove Clash to the Gabor Estate as Pizzazz followed in her vehicle. Clash was glad she had parked her car at the Misfits Music parking garage. Inside she was shocked at how calm she was. She dreaded her family finding out about Video's murder.

Waking up to the sensation of a cool breeze, Max opened his eyes and immediately shielded them from the sun. He looked around while feeling his panic begin to rise. He was fully clothed in all black. He felt the weight of his gun in his jacket pocket. He glanced around again and found that he was alone in the park near the ocean. Pulling the gun out of his jacket, he sniffed near the ejection port. The gun had been fired recently.

He quickly put the gun in the inside jacket pocket and searched for his phone. It was in his front pants pocket. He then felt for his wallet and keys. They were in the pockets he kept them in. Max pulled his phone out and checked the time. It was after eight in the morning. He then checked the phone's GPS. He was at the park near his apartment. He checked his GPS history and found that it had been cleared. He cursed quietly and put his phone back into his pocket and hurried out of the park.

Once he was at the street, he slowed his pace and kept his head down. Max avoided looking at any police officers in their cars. Deep down he knew he looked suspicious, but he kept walking. He made it to his street within fifteen minutes. A police car pulled up behind him and flashed the lights and turned on the siren. Max turned and looked briefly, the officer started to pull over. Max turned around and walked to his building. He held his breath waiting for the officer to address him over the intercom.

Max reached his building where he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys to open the door. He glanced at the car and saw the officer talking to a man on the street. The cop nodded in the car, turned his steering wheel and made a U-turn. The car turned on its siren and sped off down the street and vanished when it turned. Max let out the breath he was holding and opened the door. He ran up the stairs to his apartment.

He stood before his apartment door and tested the handle, it was locked. Again, he pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. He looked up and down the hallway and then slipped inside. He locked the door quickly and did a quick search of his apartment. Max checked each room to see if anything was out of order. Everything was how he remembered it from the night before. He opened his jacket and took out his pistol, ejected the magazine and the bullet from the chamber.

Going into his bedroom Max grabbed his gun cleaning kit. He sat down on his couch and cleaned his pistol to hide the fact that it had been fired. When he was finished, Max got into the shower and scrubbed himself clean. The whole time he tried to remember the last eight hours of his life. They were just a blank. He finished the shower, dried off and got dressed. He pulled his phone out of the pants pocket and called his son.

Craig's phone rang twice before he answered, Max cutoff his son quickly, "Craig, I need you to come over. Something's happened and I need your help." Max listened and hung up. He paced the living room while waiting for Craig to arrive. He looked on the coffee table and saw his gun and cleaning equipment were still out. He quickly put it where it belonged in his footlocker at the base of his bed. He went to the kitchen and started to make himself breakfast as he waited.

Letting himself inside the apartment with his own key, Craig found his father sitting at kitchen table. "Hey, did you hear about what happened on the news?" Max shook his head no. "Video was found murdered on the street between Starlight Music and Misfits Music. A single bullet hole in her forehead, everyone is baffled. No blood either."

Max stood up and cleared his throat. "Craig, it happened again last night. I blacked out and woke up in the park about a mile from here. I was fully clothed in all black and my gun was on me." He took a deep breath for the next part. "My gun smelled like it had been fired. I counted my rounds from the magazine and I'm missing one."

Craig stumbled back a little and almost missed sitting in the chair. His mind raced as to what to do next.

David hung up the phone and sat in his office chair. He'd been getting what seemed to be a never ending string of phone calls. As soon as the reports of Video's death hit the media everyone wanted to hear his thoughts. He felt like he was just repeating the same thing over and over. Getting his cell phone out of his pocket, David called his sister who was still with Clash.

The phone rang before going to voice mail. He left a quick message for her to call him back. Closing his eyes David leaned back in his chair and tried to relax. The sound of his office door opening made him groan in annoyance. He opened his eyes and sat up while giving a slight smile to his fiancé Kaori. "[I'm so sorry I forgot that you wanted to go out for lunch. It seems I've been giving statements to every news station.]"

Kaori sat on the edge of his desk, then moved to his lap and rubbed his shoulder. "[It's okay, we can go another time. I know you have a lot on your mind.]" She rested her head on the top of his. "[I didn't know Vivian like you did, but I liked her. She was really sweet and really loved her work.]"

"[She was a wonderful filmmaker and videographer.]" David clutched Kaori's hand in his and sighed loudly. "[I just wish we could have found her in time. Clash is devastated. Phyllis and Mary are with her now keeping her company.]" David pushed Kaori away softly and stood up. "[I'm suspending all projects relating to The Misfits that Vivian was involved in. It just seems like the thing to do. I want to wait and see if Clash wants to take over.]"

The sound of David's cell phone ringing interrupted Kaori before she could speak. He looked at the caller and answered right away. "Hey David, I'm returning your call." He could hear Pizzazz close the door on the phone. "Clash is pretty torn up. Could you and Kaori stop by? I think she needs to see her friends."

"Of course we can. Kaori actually just walked into my office before you called. I just need to close the office down. We'll see you soon." David hung up his phone and turned to his fiancé. "[We need to stop off for some Taco Hut before we see Clash. I know what her favorite food is. I think she could use it.]"

"[I actually had the taste for it.]" Kaori giggled and smirked. "[I can't help it if I like junky fast food!]" She waited by the door for David as he shut down his computer and shut off the lights.

Watching the monitors in darkness of his room, he cleaned his silver pistols slowly. He watched as Clash and her friends scurried about looking for any leads to Video's murder. He smirked to himself as they tried in vain to find any evidence to who it could be. In the background he listened to the various news reports on the radio, knowing that killing Video as he did, was only a test and the beginning.

Straightening her jacket for what seemed to be the seventh time, Rapture knocked on the door. She felt kind of foolish for knocking, but she didn't feel fully comfortable to just enter the house anymore. A few moments passed before she started to wonder if anyone was at home. Reaching into her purse she pulled out a set of keys. She looked for the right one and opened the door slowly.

Listening for the sound of anyone in the house, Rapture slowly walked through the empty halls. "Ingrid? Rory? You guys here?" She stopped in the hall and let out an annoyed sigh. "I thought we agreed to meet up today," she said to herself.

Turning around Rapture jumped back and screamed when she saw Riot and Minx standing there. Her two friends began laughed as Rapture started to get her breath back. "Oh come now, Phoebe dear. You don't think Ingrid and I would abandon you?" Riot chuckled deeply, the smile on his face showing he was having more fun than he should have been.

"You two are dicks, you know that?"

Minx laughed loudly and hugged her long time friend. "I'm sorry, Phoebe. It was all Rory's idea. Ever since you did whatever it was you did, he's been in such a good and playful mood." She took Rapture's hands and led her to the living room and sat on the couch. "Listen, Rory and I both want to get The Stingers back together. But we need you. The three of us are The Stingers. None of us can be replaced."

Riot sat on the other side of Rapture he put his arm around her shoulder. "Phoebe, you saved me. I was so lost and alone without my sight and voice. I was ready to just end it all. But Ingrid, and seeing you when I could, got me through the rougher times. I really want to make a new album. One that shows what our friendship has endured." He smiled when Rapture finally looked up at him. "You and Ingrid are my two best friends. You're my sisters. We both need you."

Rapture looked at Minx and Riot then let out a soft chuckle. "I never left the band in the first place. You two are stuck with me." She hugged her two best friends and smiled wide. "The world needs to be reminded that The Stingers have never gone away." She sat back and the smile faded from her lips. "Eric is dead, who is going to be our manager?"

"I can talk to Phyllis the next time I see her and see what she thinks."

"Oh, so it is something serious. I had a feeling," Minx teased Riot with a wink.

"Wait, I go out and fight an Elder God, regain my control over magickal forces, and Rory here, is romancing Phyllis Gabor?" Rapture stared at Riot in disbelief.

Riot rolled his eyes. "I'm not romancing her! I've just gone out and talked with her. She's a great listener and I do like her company. We've become friends."

Rapture and Minx each teased their lead singer. After having a good laugh, they started making plans for their album. Riot hadn't felt this good in years. And it was good to have his two close friends by his side again.

Pulling through the gates of the Gabor Estate, David parked his car in his usual spot. Kaori gave him a closed mouth smile as she chewed her burrito. She swallowed the mouthful before she reached the mansion door. David held the door for her while carrying the tray with the drinks. "Hey Phyllis, we're here and we have food! Taco Hut!" He left the drinks in the kitchen and started searching the house.

Kaori followed him while starting to her third burrito. David shot her a look over his shoulder. She shrugged and spoke around her mouthful of food. "[What? I was hungry! I ordered three for myself. I love burritos.]" She swallowed the mouthful of food. "[I'm a growing girl.]"

"[Yeah, growing a belly if you keep up that kind of eating.]" David checked in the living room for his sisters and Clash.

"[Ass.]"

David chuckled and smirked at Kaori's comment. "[Yes, and you love mine.]" He stopped in the hallway and looked around confused. "Where in the bloody hell are they?" He put his hands on hips as he looked up and down the hallway. He went back into the living room and looked out the rear window in the backyard. A streak of green hair flashed through the window of the pool house. "[Found em.]"

Throwing her burrito wrapper into the trash Kaori followed David out to the pool house. Inside Pizzazz, Stormer and Clash were in the pool relaxing. David knelt down and hugged Clash from behind. She put her hands on his and smiled a little. Kaori did the same but kissed the side of Clash's cheek who nodded a little. "Thank you, you two. Before you can ask, I'm still in shock, but I'm fine." She pushed herself out of the water and started to towel herself dry.

"There's Taco Hut in the kitchen. David and I picked some up on the way over."

Clash looked at Kaori and David with a grateful expression. "The two of you are fucking angels, you know that right?" She rushed out of the pool house and ran to the main house. She returned a few minutes later with the bag of fast food and the drink tray. She had one of the tacos in her mouth as she entered the pool house. Setting the drinks and bag down, she took the taco out of her mouth. "Oh this is just what I needed."

Stormer helped Pizzazz out of the pool and handed her a towel. "Thanks, Mary. Now that Clash has been fed and we're all here, I wanted to discuss what we're going to do about finding Video's killer." Pizzazz finished drying off and sat on a pool chair, she took the taco that Clash offered her. "Chip and Techrat are checking the surveillance camera footage by Starlight Music and Misfits Music. So far they all of the footage they've found is blank, mainly due to the power getting knocked out."

"Chip has been talking with Spike in Autobot City. He's getting the Skyspy footage right now." Clash took a sip of her drink and sat forward to discuss their plan of action.

David reached into the bag and pulled out a burrito. He unwrapped it but didn't take a bite. He just stared at it for a moment and then looked at the women sitting before him. "Kyoko and Yukio are in town with Maiyumi and Ryo. They came to tell me that the Caustic Brothers are training Kyoko's uncle's Yakuza men in martial arts. We really can't rule them out. I'll ask Ryo and Maiyumi to head back to Japan and see what they can find out there. I should have mentioned this sooner."

Pizzazz hung her head and sighed, "I thought we were done with those assholes." She looked at the others and stood up. "Let's take this inside." The others agreed and followed The Misfits lead singer to the mansion. They discussed what they should do for the rest of the day.

Sitting in the airport waiting area Kimber checked the clock. Her sister and her new brother-in-law were arriving from their honeymoon. Stormer sat and watched her best friend with an amused smirk on her lips. Their flight should have landed an hour ago. "Will you relax? Their flight is just circling, like the announcement said. LAX is just backed up. They'll land soon." Stormer stopped Kimber and led her to the nearby gift shop.

"Yeah I know, Mary. It's just with everything going on I'm a bit on edge." Kimber looked at the rows of candy and snacks, but she was unfocused. She moved to the refrigerated drinks. "Vivian was an unofficial part of the Starlight Music family. All of Jem's videos were shot by her. I'm just now asking myself now what?" She opened the door and grabbed a juice drink. "This is a huge blow to me and probably an even bigger one to my sister. I'm just worried about her."

Stormer exited the gift shop and waited for Kimber to pay for her drink and snack. While waiting for her, a man with a camera came running up. Before Stormer could say anything, the man started taking rapid fire photos of her. She put up her hand to block the blinding flash. "Stormer! What is your reaction to the murder of Vivian Montgomery? Is it true that she and her cousin were having a fight over the company? Were you there to see the body? Is it true there was no blood at the scene?"

"Stop taking my fucking picture!" Stormer grabbed at the camera, but the man jumped back slightly avoiding her hand. She started to run after him when Kimber grabbed her shoulder. "God fucking damn those paparazzi! It should be legal to hunt them down." She took the bottle that Kimber handed her, when they both heard the announcement that Jerrica's flight was landing. "Come on let's go greet your sister." She looked over her shoulder trying to calm down.

Kimber and Stormer raced to the gate and waited. An endless sea of people came out the small exit. Stormer and Kimber each waved and smiled to the fans that recognized them. A teenage girl around thirteen and her younger sister who was about eight approached them. "Excuse me, I'm a big fan and I was wondering if I could get a picture with the two of you?" the teenage girl asked very politely.

"Of course you can." Stormer crouched down next to the younger sister, while Kimber put her arm around the shoulders of the older sister. They smiled and posed for the girl's father who took a photo. Stormer smiled at the father. "One more, okay?" She and Kimber switched places. Stormer smiled as the picture was taken. Afterward she reached in her pocket and pulled out a business card and handed it to the girl. "Email me the pictures. I love getting my picture taken with fans."

The girl just giggled excitedly and nodded. She ran to join her family. Kimber stood next to her best friend. "And it's moments like that makes everything we do worth it, isn't it?" Stormer just nodded and smiled. Kimber let out a loud squeak of surprised as she was hugged from behind and lifted a little. She turned to find Rio and Jerrica waiting behind her. She ran up to Rio and hugged him tight, then hugged her sister and stayed in her arms.

Jerrica brushed and stroked her sister's hair and spoke softly. "I know. Viv was a great friend. Rio and I came back as soon as we heard. Thanks for meeting us."

Kimber pulled back and wiped a tear from her cheek, she giggled as she did. "It's just so good to see you and the past few days have been emotional." She walked with her sister and Rio to the baggage claim. Stormer helped carry the bags for the couple. "Mary, I've been thinking, and I think I saw it on your face too, maybe we should cancel the Skylarker issue. And ask for the pictures back."

"Goddamn woman, you do know me too well." Stormer giggled. "It was after taking those pictures with the girls, wasn't it?"

"Yep. It made me realize we really are role models and we do have young fans."

"I, for one, am glad to hear you both say that. I was trying to stay out of the way and not say anything, but I thought it was a bad idea from the start." Rio took one of the heavier bags from Kimber as they exited the airport. "I'm happy to see you're growing up, Kim."

Trying her best, Kimber couldn't hide the grin. "Thanks. I'll give James a call when I get home. I just hope he can still cancel the issue and has a back up pictorial." Kimber helped Stormer load the luggage into her car. She left the parking garage when they were finished with a good feeling about herself.

Sitting in the waiting room for Skylarker Magazine, Jerrica looked at the covers of past issues for the magazine. She looked over at her sister who was talking to the receptionist. Kimber was getting louder the more she talked to the woman with the fake blonde hair. She hoped that Kimber could keep her temper in check until James Thomas would see them. Jerrica hid a yawn from her jet lag.

"Could you please just tell him its Kimber Benton here to see him? I need to discuss the issue my friend and I did a photoshoot for." Kimber braced her palms on the desk and leaned in a bit. "I called him two hours ago and he told me to come in to discuss things."

"Ms. Benton, if you'll have a seat Mr. Thomas will see you as soon as he can. He's in a meeting with his investors and cannot be interrupted." The receptionist looked up at Kimber with a slight glare. "Now please, have a seat."

Letting out a grunt of frustration, Kimber sat next to her sister. She crossed her arms across her chest and let out a heavy sigh. "Coulda just told me he was going into a meeting," Kimber mumbled under her breath. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and texted Stormer. "He's in a meeting. Hopefully it won't take forever. I'll pick up something for dinner." She put her phone in her pocket and closed her eyes. She took a few calming breaths and tried to calm down like David had taught her.

Kimber opened her eyes feeling calmer and more focused. She retrieved her phone when she felt it vibrate. It was a message from Stormer telling her what to get for dinner. She replied with an okay and checked a few news stories on her phone. Her feed was dominated by stories of Video's murder.

The receptionist tapped Kimber on the shoulder getting her attention. "Mr. Thomas is free now. You and your sister may go in anytime you're ready." She turned on her heel and walked briskly back to her desk.

Jerrica stood and stretched, she followed her sister into James Thomas' office. She noticed that the Skylarker covers lined the office walls as well. She tried her best not to roll her eyes and shook James' hand. "It's nice to see you, James. I'm just here to support my sister." Jerrica took a seat and rubbed her eyes with her thumb and index finger.

Kimber cleared her throat and remained standing. "James, I need you to cancel our spread in our issue of Skylarker. Mary and I have had a change of heart and don't feel comfortable having it printed. The interview is fine, but the photoshoot is something we don't want published. It's just with everything that's happened with our friend Video." She had started pacing without realizing it. "It's in our contract to opt out of it."

Looking somewhat shocked James spread his hands out a bit. "I'm sorry Kimber, but it's already heading to publication. There's nothing I can do without delaying the issue. You missed your window to change your mind. As for your contract I suggest you read it again. It only says that you can opt out before it goes to press. It's a standard release form."

The shock of being told she couldn't stop the issue left Kimber speechless. Her jaw worked up and down as she looked for the words. Jerrica stood up and looked down at the businessman. "Listen, I read the contract, as did our attorney. You said it was heading to publication, not that it's at publication. You also said that the issue would get delayed if this spread was removed. I don't see a problem with that. My sister wants this stopped and so do I. Now, if you don't want a lawsuit on your hands, I suggest you halt the issue where it's at. Both Mary and my sister want the photos from this shoot."

"Just who the fuck do you think you are? And how dare you come into my office and make demands of my magazine!" James stood and stared Jerrica in the eye.

"I'm Jerrica fucking Benton! I'm also Jem! But most importantly, I'm Kimber's older sister and we have a whole cadre of lawyers at our beck and call waiting to tear you and your rag apart. So don't you dare fuck with me or my family!" Jerrica pointed at James as she spoke. Kimber had rarely seen her this furious.

James just pointed at the door. "Get out of my office before I call security. My lawyers will be in touch."

Kimber gave James the finger and left the room. Jerrica followed her, slamming the office door behind her. She caught up to her little sister as they boarded the elevator together. "Don't worry, I have a plan, Kim. I just need to talk to David first." She shot Kimber a mischievous smirk.

Knocking in a rhythmic pattern on the door, Craig opened it and entered his father's apartment. "Hey Dad, are you ready for dinner? You still have to tell me where I'm taking you." He began searching the apartment by checking the kitchen first and then ran into the bedroom. His father wasn't anywhere to be found.

Craig called his father on his cell phone. "Hey Dad, its Craig. I'm at your apartment. Give me a call back when you get this. I'll be here." He was about to put the phone in his pocket when he paused and then called his sister. "Hey Mary, is Dad there by any chance? I'm at his apartment now and he's not here. We were supposed to go to dinner tonight." He listened for a moment. "Okay. I'll let you know if I hear anything here. Thanks. Love you."

Sitting on the couch Craig looked around the small apartment. He hoped his father was okay.

Stormer rubbed her eyes and yawned wide. She hoped that Kimber would get back soon, she was starving. As she was sitting down, there was a knock at the front door. "Right on time." Stormer walked to the door. She spoke as she opened it, "What's the matter, Kim? Bought so much food you couldn't open the door?"

Standing before her were two masked people. The larger man pressed a cloth over Stormer's mouth before she could scream. The smaller person caught her as she collapsed. They carried Stormer to the waiting van and sped off.

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "MAXWELL'S SILVER HAMMER"

PART 3 OF THE HUMAN INSTRUMENT