The Loyal Lieutenants Act Five Scene One Sub Scene One

 

Act Five

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

The first meeting.

 

Elliot was to have the hood removed when the vehicle stopped. He adjusted his vision to accommodate the bright lights. He looked to his left and saw the other person who sat there at the rear. There was one driver and another at the front.

“Mr. Ness, please step down. Our boss is waiting for you.” Elliot heard the request. He was frisked in the vehicle before the hood was placed over his head. He stepped off and looked at the surroundings. He was in a sort of huge building, probably a warehouse. There were the racks with the crates on them on both sides and to the far rear of the building. He saw then table with it seated was two figures.

“Welcome, Mr. Ness. This is our warehouse. My name is...”

“I am Elliot Ness, a Treasury Agent. You may be charged with...” Elliot cut in.

“Kidnap? We are not doing that. We just invited you over.” The figure on the left spoke. “If we were not there to take you off the street, you may be dead by now. Not by the coppers, but the Muddles would do a better job. You did kill their leader, Liam Neeson.”

“I did not kill anyone... Not until that day. I was... ambushed.”

“Hit upon or line up for one. It does not matter. The job was to kill you, and they failed.” The other figure seated there spoke. “You are safe here now. This place is secured, and if you are friendly to us, we will keep you in that form.”

“Who are you? Romans? Visigoths?” Elliot asked. “I am Elliot Ness, Treasury.”

“Mr. Ness, we are fully aware of your identity. Our friends at the Treasury sent over your profile. You are new to the task and do not have much to report on.” The figure on the left pushed the paper folder on the desk forward.

“You are not the top recruit, and your shooting results were above average. Those were cardboards compared to the last shoot-out. However, you have a remarkable record in analytics. Something Lucas Perry lacked. He was more of a brawn than a brain." The figure on the right spoke. “Please take the seat before us. We will have a decent conversation.”

“My name is Mark Antony, and this is Enobarbus. Pardon his dressing. His wife died recently, and so did the cat.” Mark introduced himself.

“Romans? I was expecting that you guys would have me shot earlier.” Elliot smiled. He then took the seat there and faced the two figures. He had not read all the profiles of the Romans but had heard of Enobarbus. The latter was a copper and then turned enforcer for the Romans. He held a reputation as a hard-case killer. He has a file with Treasury for his moonshine business. He was the Romans contact with the Middle States for the booze. It was a thin file, and the records were bare.

“The Romans are civilized in our killings. We do not shoot at random.” Enobarbus said to Elliot:.

“Yes, I read, unlike the coppers, who may get overzealous to do that at times.” Elliot looked at the other. Enobarbus was once suspended for shooting an innocent bystander. He was spared the punishment but handed in his badge soon after.

“For the record, I did not kill Liam of the Muddles... I heard of it, but I was not onto them in any case. I spoke to Liam Nesson earlier on the” Elliot was trying to clear up his involvement.

“We are not here to investigate that. I am sure the Muddles have their enemies, and Liam got killed as a result. However, the Muddles are hot-headed and pointed the finger towards you. We figured they killed ‘Best’ as it was him who brought you to see Liam.” Enobarbus laid out the facts.

“We thought that even the score, but the coppers took it onto you. That baffles us.” Mark added. “Unless the coppers think you killed ‘Best’.”

“Or the coppers were on Muddles payroll.” Enobarbus smiled. “Money ruled in Rome.”

“Rome is ruled by the Romans.” Elliot said. “And the coppers too.”

“Most of it, but why did you visit the Muddles?” Mark asked.

“I was there...”

“The captain told us your assignment.” Enobarbus spoke out. “Mr. Ness, we are here to keep you alive. Please be truthful.”

“I was asking about Lucas Perry.” Elliot looked hard at Enobarbus. “He was a Treasury Agent and may... I have reports that the Muddles are into the booze business.”

“So, you did. That was good of you to be truthful.” Mark said.

“I am truthful. I have nothing to hide.” Elliot was upset. In his status, he need not talk to any Romans.

“Was it to check on Moses that you met Liam?” Enobarbus was past the nice formalities and went for the kill.

“Yes, I was told to check on Moses death. I heard the rumours that he was killed by the Muddles too.” Elliot tossed the bait. Enobarbus leaned over to whisper to Mark.

“Moses was... may not be killed by the Muddles.” Mark tossed back a bait. “We …….”

“Work with me. I can use my office to get more information." Elliot jumped in. “I just want to move on the case.”

“Find out why Lucas was in Egypt.” Mark tossed the next bait. “Share with us the update. We will keep your life breathing.”

“You toy with us, and we will dangle you like a puppet for the Muddles.” Enobarbus threatened the other.

“It will be mutual. I will like to leave now.” Elliot stood up to leave.

“The three boys there will shadow you from now on. That is Albert. Speak to him about where you want to go. Your things are taken out of the motel to our safe house, where you stay.” Enobarbus looked at the Treasury Agent. “Be nice. Chapin, there will not be poison in your meals when he cooks them. “

 

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Five

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The Loyal Lieutenants Act Four Scene Two Sub Scene One

 

Act Four

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

The killing has never ended.

 

In the motel room, Elliot repacked his bags, which had never been unpacked since he arrived. He had worn the same suit fora few a few days. And another, and the previous one was in the laundry. The Treasury covers the accommodation and meals, but not the laundry.

Not even the bullets you fire. They supplied the gun and a standard clip, while the rest is yours to cover. If you lose the gun, you replace it with your own gun.

Elliot looked at the revolver he had worn on his shoulder holster. It was the S&W Model 1905; six bullets chambered were the issue at his graduation. He had fired the revolver many times in the range but never once in action. It was not necessary then.

In his assignment, he carried the Col, a, a M911; recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol chamberethe.45the.45 ACP cartridge. It was given to him by his uncle, who was previously in the military.

“Elliot, in the line of work, you may need the firepower to kill the one shooting at you.” The uncle, who served in battles during the last Great War, passed him the gun. “It saved my life then and will do the same for you as we are the untouchables.”

Elliot picked up the gun and weighed it in his left hand. It was manageable with the seven bullets clip, and it gave him confidence in the swagger to meet the gangs. He had practiced lifting the jacket by the side of the holster towards the mirror. It was supposed to intimidate the other then.

The other item he holds on him was the knuckle bus, which is, fitted and designed to be worn around the knuckles of the human hand as is was made from brass. He kept that handy in the right-side jacket pocket for fast access. He practiced hitting the wooden doors, but stopped when his knuckles ached. It was another item handed to him by his uncle.

“It saved my life when in close combat with the Huns. I broke some jaws with it.”

The brass lends weight to the item and is and is designed to preserve and concentrate a punch's force by directing it toward a harder and smaller contact area, resulting in increased tissue disruption or fracturing the bones on impact.

“Once I broke the puma’s snort with it.” That was probably an exaggeration by the uncle, who never left the wheelchair at the home after the war.

Elliot heard the knock on the door. He was not expecting anyone, and with ‘Best’ dead, no one would visit him or know he was there. He grabbed the M1911 and walked to the door. He stopped a few feet away and took a sideway to the door. The bed was facing the doorway, and where he was standing was next to the wooden closet. He stomped his feet several times and then stopped.

The bullets that riddled the door fired from the Tommy gun. The.45 bullets made some holes in the door and impacted through to hit the bed frame. The shooter then kicked the door and rushed.

“Fuck!” It was the surprise expression on the shooter when he stepped in before Elliot shot him in the right side of the chest and groin. The shooter went down, groaning, but the trigger on the Tommy was still pressed, and the aim was towards the bed. The bed was soon creaking from the bullets impact.

“Dan!” The backup shooter peeked in and saw Elliot there with the smoking gun. “He killed Dan. I …...”

Elliot had rushed to the other far wall for cover when the second shooter pelted the room with the double-gauge shotgun in the closet. That was a wild two shots, and the shooter was without any ammo. When he was reloading, Elliot stepped forward and shot him in the chest with his third bullet. He fell backwards toward the corridor.

“Arghh……”

Elliot, on reflex, crouched down when the third shooter took to fire wildly into the room from the doorway. The shooter was aiming the shots from right to left and back. He then leaned on the outside wall and called the second shooter.

“Move it, Shelby. We are done.”

“Help me with Dan. We cannot leave him here.” The one named Shelby held onto his guts with his left hand, trying to pull Dan along. The third shooter leaned in and took another shot of bullets to deter Elliot. Then he assisted Shelby in dragging Dan out. Elliot remained crouched, listening to the sound of the assailants retreating. He then sat down on his haunches, and the shakes came to his hands.

Elliot Ness had just fired his gun in killing and survived a shootout.

“I …….” Elliot’s shakes reached his chest, where his heartbeats were fast. He dropped his gun and grabbed his knees towards his chest. He heard the sirens in the distance, but all that mattered then was to remain stupid.

“A word of stupidity when in a shootout. You do not think and fire; you fire and continue firing till it's over. Then you may think,” The instructor had reminded him. “The bullet is not your friend. It is to ensure you shoot it at the other. If you think, you are stupid.”

Stupidity also comes with fright.

It took the coppers an hour to arrive, and when they did, they reported back that Elliot was still alive.

“There goes my dollar on him being dead.” That was the comment from the desk sergeant. The report was later filed as a shoot-out at the motel, with no dead bodies seen or found. One Treasury agent survived miraculously. There were no witnesses, and the case was considered close.

However, two days later, another funeral was held for an officer who was shot dead on duty.

“Detective Daniel Dobbins was...” The captain read the eulogy then.

It was while Elliot was released from the infirmary. He stepped off the infirmary steps and stood on the sidewalk. A T-Ford stopped before him.

“Agent Ness, Mark Antony would like to see you.” Elliot was handed the hood to place over his head.

Romans do it their way. 

 

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators 1 of Part 1

 Part 1

 

1              The theorist

 

“The dualistic model explains the development of personality as occurring through several clashes of the two different instincts, that towards sexual activity and that towards death. The resultant behaviours from these conflicts would produce distinct personalities in everyone.”

(https://homework.study.com/explanation/how-does-freud-s-dualistic-model-explain-the-development-of-personality.html#:~:text=The%20dualistic%20model%20explains%20the,distinct%20personalities%20in%20each%20individual.)

The professor in the science of neurology made his statement across the attendees of the hall: unpaid peers and curious attendees who want to spend their evenings there, and of course the opponents to the professor on any of his theories.

“These differential personality traits come from the superego, ego, and the id. The ego, a critical component of psychoanalytic theory as well, serves as the mediator between the id and the superego. It seeks to satisfy the desires of the id in a way that is both realistic and socially acceptable. Essentially, the ego strives to balance the primal desires of the id with the moral and ethical standards imposed by the superego.”

(extract fromhttps://vusf.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/the-enduring-duality-of-humanity-lessons-from-freud-and-the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/).

“Another of your sexual’ fantasy, Doctor?” The distinguished attendee interrupted the professor on his presentation. “Or your superego? I take your presumptions; if I may say that to describe your... theories are unfounded on factual evidence. I …...”

“From my own works and those collaborated by others, the personality of the person is a sequence of mental patterns; collective unconscious that are ingrained in them through memories and learnings. It is integrating to be a part of their self-realization.”

“I stand...” The professor intervened there.

“Clearly, you do hold a stand on your ego, but mine is based on research and factual evidence.” The doctor paused to clear his throat with the whopping, loud cough. He then blew his nose to the annoyance of some others. “Medically unproven. Like how a doctor will diagnose with...”

“I am also a doctor...” The professor had to intervene rudely there.

“A doctor? Perhaps of fallacy and dreams but unproven...” The doctor rudely intruded in the statement.

“Psychology is a new science of learning the thought process...” The professor interjected.

“The new frontier of medical findings, but yours are purely... fictional based on the realm of sexual fantasy. It is frowning on by...”

“Doctor, sexual fantasy, as you stated, is not new to mankind, but the depth and width of it were never explored till now.” The professor was then irate by the other.

“On my land, we are more discreet in our works on topic of sex …...” The doctor there had defended the subject of sex.

“Yet, the current era on your land was characterized by paradox of rigid morality and anti-sensualism, but also by an obsession with sex. Sex was a main social topic, with progressive and enlightened thought pushing for sexual restriction and repression.” The Professor stated the obvious to the doctor.

“On our land, the concern of society had given thoughts on the cause of famine, disease, and war. Conflicts that led to war had often been due to the conflict of sexual desire.”

“Stay on the subject, Doctor.” An audience called out which the doctor ignored.

“To curb the threats of overpopulation, especially of the poor and to solve other social issues that were arising at the time, sex was socially regulated and controlled.”

“God save the Queen!” Another audience called out.

“New sexual categories emerged as a response, defining normal and abnormal sex.  Heterosexual sex between married couples became the only form of sex socially and morally permissible. Sexual pleasure and desire beyond heterosexual marriage was labelled as deviant, considered to be sinful and sinister. Such deviant forms included masturbation, homosexuality, prostitution, and pornography.” The Professor interjected. “It was the work of the mind to overcome the barriers.”

(extract from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_erotica)

“Hail thee, thy greatness. Pornography rules hard in us.” One of the audiences praised the Professor.

“Watching pornography is scopophilia – “the obtaining of sexual pleasure by looking at nude bodies, erotic photographs.” They different types of this scopophilia, namely an active (masculine) and a passive (feminine) variety.” The Professor added.

(Extract from https://roosdesnaeck.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/playing-with-oneself-in-front-of-the-other-the-dark-side-of-representation-perversion-pornography-and-psychoanalysis/#:~:text=According%20to%20Freud%2C%20it%20is,a%20passive%20(feminine)%20variety.)

“I will not be drawn into this argument today.” The Doctor was upset at the depth of the topic. It was not his true expertise.

“Clearly, my peer here is an example of the superego, but of late I doubt he held the tool to express himself except to huff and puff at my findings.” The professor retorted back to the other rebuke on his works. “Perhaps in his fantasy, he will be seen effective.”

“I am not impotent, Professor...” The doctor defended his ego, but the professor was insistent on stressing his view on the issue.

“Perhaps, Doctor John here may, in his... fantasy, be blowing down pigs’ abodes once too often.” The professor smiled at the doctor. The doctor held the expression of a howling wolf with the garish long side burns and hooked his nose with the affinity to puff at the tobacco pipe held with his right hand.

“I …… I will not listen to you anymore, Freud. You are an embarrassment to the fraternity of the medical profession.” The doctor stood up and glared at the others who were there to hear the talk.

“I will suggest that all of you do the same as I am and leave this deranged man to his dreams…...Yes, to me, they are all dreams and not intellectual works of brilliance.” The doctor then turned to leave before he was stopped by the professor.

“John, I would suggest that you retrieve your cane and hat you left behind at the chair.” The professor smiled at the medical doctor. “And your trouser is not in its proper order.”

“What do you...” The doctor looked down and saw the front of his trousers was not buttoned. He was at the privy prior to attending the talk. His expression was alternating between embarrassment and anger then. He stormed off from the hall, followed by his aide, who retrieved his cane and hat. The other attendees roared out in laughter before the professor raised his arms to stop the laughter.

“As I was to express my...” The professor was then interrupted by another who walked in.

“There’s been another murder.” The statement was heard by all, and the attendees all in turn walked out. “It is on York Street.”

York Street was nearby the hall.

“I do apologize for the interruptions, Professor." The city rep who had extended the invitation to the professor apologized.

“Narry your fault, young man. Pardon me if I were to borrow an expression of yours. I will be here for the next few weeks, barring any calls from my home. I can return to do the continuance.”

“Thank you, Professor, but I have other matters to attend.” The young city rep was off on his way to check on the latest murder.

“I guess the murder took precedent to the works of my theory.” The professor sighed while he watched the hall empty then. “Duplicity knowledge ignored or whichever offers more excitement. I guarantee I will see my pet sooner than expected.”

“Yofi may be lonely by now.” Yofi is the pet dog of the professor whom he left at his hotel room. The Professor put on the gloves over his hands, and adjusted the sleeve of his shirt.

Preys and Predators Prelude

 PREY AND PREDATORS

The Heroes

 

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

 

The seven are to meet soon.

Professor Freud

Sherlock Holmes

Doctor Watson

Dr. Henry Jekyll

Count Vlad Tepes

Rosa Quasi

Mary Reid

 

Jimmy Loong

Some days during OCT 2024, after a lapse of ‘blank creativity’, the urge of typing prompted the mind to rebuilt its function….

18^th Oct, I am still at it.

31^st Oct 1417hrs…. done at 61,935 words at over 50 chapters……

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and soon you have a dozen. – John Steinbeck

 

 

 

 

XX here .... I was asked

 Dear Jimmy, 

Where do you get your ideas to write?

My reply is here.

If I were to borrow from a great writer which I had read his books a long time ago, his words discovered by me lately, speaks of the way a novel could be created. 

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen. – John Steinbeck

I do not have any planned script but only a keyboard and many ideas (some times) from an image, a word, or just wild imaginaition, I will take it upon myself to fantasies and then write. If I do not, i might forget it. My memory is like the RAM in the computer; it remained only then until the power is turned off. 

What I may pen down are my dreams, my aspirations and on many occassions my darkest thoughts. To be honest, it can be embarassing to relate in person to another. I guess I hid myself behind the tale. 

So be it, I have reveal enough for now. 

Cheers

HAPPY HALLOWEEN..... Just completed my new tale.  

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Four Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Four

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two

Caesar’ said

 

Caesar held the meeting at the library with his lieutenants; they were Agrippa, Menas and Lepidus. Mark was invited there too. Jeeves served the drinks and left the chamber.

“I am to leave for Egypt for stay. I am intrigue by the influence of Rome to be there.” Caesar looked to the gathered. “In my absence, all three of you will share the responsibility here. All decisions will be with the vote and the majority command.”

Caesar knew that the three will joust for influence. He does not trust Menas for the lieutenant was once with Pompey.  Lepidus was a neutral in the trio; he had not shown any affliction to any Consult members and may needed his scrutiny. He has faith with Agrippa; the devoted lieutenant of his.

“If ever all three of you needed to discuss matters outside, that person will be Mark Antony. He will act as my liaison to the three of you.”

That appointment surprised the trio for Mark Antony was not a member of the trusted circle of Caesar.

“I want Mark to be Consulted on if ever you need a fresh view.” Caesar looked at the trio. He knew by declaring Mark there, he was providing them a wedge in the trio, but it was his way of sharing power. He needed Mark to be the unknown factor in the trio during his absence.

“Caesar, we could always reach you ……” Trust for Menas to voice out.

“You could but the need for quick decision needed all three of you to act and if there is a stalemate, Mark will be my ……... intervening voice. “

Mark was stunned by the appointment. He was away most times from Rome to handle the delicate tasks.

“Caesar, if I may……” Mark was to speak but Caesar continued.

“I placed my faith in Mark to be ……. Decisive. He had handled some tasks of ours and came back with good results.” Caesar looked at the trio. “His inexperience at Rome needs your guidance.”

“Be aware of Pompey, Cicero, and ……... some other Consul members. They may have Rome in their heart but not me. I trust you will all work to avoid that.” Caesar smiled. “I may be away for one season or two, so keep the Romans at the helm of things at Rome.”

Caesar dismissed the trio but Mark was asked to stay.

“Yu may be surprised that I asked you to be the fourth member of the new triumvirate of Rome.” Caesar smiled.

“You did not say ……” Mark was cut off.

“Triumvirate? Yes, I did not mention that. The trio can manage Rome well, but they need a fresh perspective as I do. You done a great job with the Sicilians. Now, I need to strengthen Rome's's influence in the South East, and Egypt will be the beginning.” Caesar looked at Mark.

“I will be direct. Rome is secured for now. The Romans ruled supreme, but we are one too many. The Sicilian was to engage us in war, but your negotiations averted that. Besides them, we have the Visigoths, the Muddles, and the Tongs, along with Pompey. He has been relieved of his role as Consul, but he held the influence of many there. Brutus is one whom he befriends. And, Cicero, you wife’s enemy.”

“Our last was the civil war between me, Pompey, and Crassus caused us more damage than was reported. We lost the loyalty of some of the boys and split between factions. The war ended fast, and we learned the truth from our enemies. If the others knew, the Romans would be attacked.”

“Pompey knew that and promised me that he would keep his boys with the Romans. He knew that if he went on his own, he would be taken over by the others. We swore an oath to keep the Romans the power in Rome.”

“The Consuls remained but smaller in numbers to better control them, but they are still split by factions. Brutus leads one faction to overthrow me. Pompey remains on the sidelines for the battle.”

“Who do you trust, Caesar?” Mark asked.

“No one. Not even you, but we are soldiers of the Romans. Legionnaires, we took an oath to protect each other. I trust you will remember the oath.” Caesar smiled. “I have my faith in Enobarbus and maybe Lepidus, but not Menas. I kept Menas neat to know what he was up to.”

“And Brutus?” Mark asked. 

“Brutus Sextus and myself go along way long way back. We are like...like... blood brothers but not Legionnaires.” Caesar smiled. “I hold another secret to share with you. I have a half-brother, younger in age named Octavia. He is away doing his studies. If I am to die, he will be the next Caesar. That is my legacy.”

Mark was disappointed there. Why would Julius Caesar not appoint one of the Consul members to be the next Caesar? Why the unknown half-brother?

“Mark, I trust you will be at his side.” Caesar made the line toward Mark. “As a Legionnaire, you will carry out the oath.”

“I ……” Mark was confused.

“I know you are confused. Please believe in me. One day, you will have your own territory to rule. Perhaps east of Rome and Octavia in the west, where he will be Emperor but he will not intrude on your territory. You will however, ensure that with him all of Rome will always have the Romans as supreme.”

“What of Pompey, Fulvia, and Cicero?" Cicero?" Mark asked.

“I like you for thinking ahead. Anyone who is not your friend is your enemy.” Caesar smiled. “I entrust it to you, Enobarbus. He can be trusted.”

“I have not spoken to him on the case of Moses. And Issac.” Mark looked away. “We were......”

“Find out who shot you. It could be any of the names I mentioned here.” Caesar told Mark. “Do be careful. And do not even trust Fulvia. She may be your wife, but she has her own plans. Cicero is a fence sitter. He will lean on whoever is winning, except Fulvia.”

“Look up the new Treasury Agent. They know more than we do at times.” Caesar said.

“I am leaving for Egypt tomorrow.”

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Four Scene One Sub Scene One

 

Act Four

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

Remembrance and Remedy

 

Elliot stood a distance from the uniformed officers at the funeral. He felt himself as an outsider and decided to remain inconspicuous. He saw the captain looking at him during the speech, praising the loss of a good officer, and the attendees were about two dozen nodding their heads. The speech went on like this.

“Law enforcement is a unique endeavor; some would say it is a profession, while most involved would say it is a calling. It is a noble calling for the protection of our community. It is a service to make a difference in the community. No one shall ever question that service or remain silent on our role here in law enforcement.”

“This is the work of Frank ‘Best’ Bastile, one of our best. Our tasks are inherently dangerous, with the unknown out on the street every moment. We do fear confronting any suspicious acts or danger, guarding the weak, and removing the treacherous. Frank was one such officer.”

“The turnout today is not only a tribute to their service in our community but an acknowledgment of the amazing individuals that they were. It is a testament to the impact that they have had on their families, friends, and the community.”

“His squad mates gave him the nickname "Best Player"; he was ranked as one of the elites, and his soccer skills are unrivaled. Just as in his works, he played well for the team, although in soccer, we ranked the lowest in Rome. Play on, ‘Best’. We will win on the ranks one day.”

It was the usual tears from the ladies, while some kids took their fun running around the tombstones. The ceremony ended with a gun salute and the final wailing of the ladies. Elliot saw the captain approaching him.

“Good……” Elliot was cut off by the captain.

“Elliot, your boss called me. You are to remain here till further notice.” The captain told Elliot. “There will be no local partners for you. You are on your own.”

“I …….” Elliot was to protest when the captain added.

“I am without any spare officers. More to it, with Best gone, you are a pariah in the precinct. So was Lucas.” The captain looked at Elliot. “Get some bandages ready in your pockets. You may need it.”

“And just to let you know this: The Muddles are looking for you. The best was your partner.” The captain walked away.

Elliot was confused as the captain walked away. Was he to continue with the investigation, pack up, or go back to his other role? He decided to pack his bags and leave the work.

Across the city, Enobarbus was seated in an armchair in his living area. He was still in his bathrobe over his nightwear and nursing the glass of water to take with his medicine. He had complained to the doctor that he was fine.

“It was a nick on the flesh.” But the doctor was insistent. Unknown to him, he was also testing for heart ailments. Caesar was told of the condition.

“Dear, I am to go out now.” His lovely wife of twenty years, or was it shorter, but he was not counting at all. She registered her name as Jean Mortenson. For all he cared, she could be any Jane Doe, but he needed a wife then. Soon they were married, and the daughter came much later. There was love, some sex, and, on occasion, the silent stares, but Enobarbus was more married to his work. She knew his work, but it was the money that mattered. Enobarbus did not care much, for Vera, his wife, was a former dancer on the stage and needed to feel the glamour of the scene. His wife alternates between their daughter and the pet named Lover for the numerous activities, including a huge walk-in closet with dresses and gowns.

Enobarbus saw a cat named Lover being rubbed against his left leg by his wife.

‘Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster that mocks
The meat it feeds on.’ (Othello by Shakespeare.).

“Boss, can we talk to you?’ It was three of his boys: Albert Buddy, Castella Louis, and Chapin Spenser. Enobarbus nodded.

“We followed her.” Albert reported then. Chapin imitated their mode of walking as if it were hiding behind the vehicles and lamp posts. “She did not see us. She was uncaring at all.”

No one dares to approach Enobarbus’ lady unless they want to end up dead in the alley. Or be having incontinence for the rest of their lifetime.

“She went to a few places: cafes and stores, and always to the small tailor shop. We could get in there but had a... Albert was cut off.

“She was there with the tailor for a long time—an hour or more.” Castella was cut in. “We …….”

“We checked, and she is...” Albert took back his cue.

“Enough! Give me the address, and I will take care of it. Not a word out.” The boys knew their sworn silence. Enobarbus dismissed them and then stopped Albert.

“Take the cat. Roll it over dead.” Albert grabbed the cat and left with the others.

“On the street in front of the house.” Enobarbus called out to the departing boys. “Fuck you, lover.”

He then picked up the book on Shakespeare plays. He knew the passage he was to read. He saw that the spine of the book was frayed from the constant reading that he did.

“You are Hermia.” (Hermia is one of the three sisters in the Midsummer play by Shakespeare.)

“O me! You juggler, you canker blossom, you thief of love! What, have you come by night and stolen my love’s heart from him?” Enobarbus spoke of the passage that he had read many times.

“Daddy! Lover died. She was run down on the street.” His daughter came rushing in with tears.

“I am so sorry, but the cat must have used up all its nine lives.” The father told the young girl. “We all wished we had one more extra life.”

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Four

 

Act Zero

Scene Four

 

Liam Neeson stopped the truck he was driving. It is an International Model H 3/4-ton with the two seats in the front and the Renault-style sloping, coffin-shaped hood. The driver in the open cab is bundled up against the cold weather, as in the open compartment in the front. He was dressed in his work clothes, the dark overall, zippered in the front to the neckline, and rubber boots. He had just transported the crates of frozen beef to the grocers when he got the message that Best was looking for him. They had thumped Copra’s team a half dozen goals, though Best was not in the winger position.

Liam stepped off the truck near the farmhouse, where he was to meet Best. He saw the other person waiting there with another figure. He fingered his right pocket on the overall for the revolver he pocketed there.

“What gives, ‘Best’? Another newcomer I need to meet?”

“Nay, I brought a mutual acquaintance.” Best motioned to the figure standing behind him by the T-Ford they came in. “He is from Rome.”

“Romans huh? I had never seen you before.”

“You may not be. He just returned from Rome.” Best looked at Liam. “We are here to talk about Lucas.”

“Lucas? That gobshite is history. We left the rumours that he was done by us, but we did not touch a hair.” Liam shook his head. “Why are you keen to bring it up?”

“Well, the Romans felt that the records must be right. He was on their payroll.” Best looked at the other.

“Lucas was taking every bit of crumbs he could get, including mine. I needed him to turn a blind eye on the shipments.” Liam was cursed out. “He was gobshite.”

“I know, but still, he was in the Romans’ books. With him gone, the new agent arrived, and that guy is harder to handle.” Best sighed. “Elliot Ness is wet behind the ear, and...”

Liam never saw the shot that ruined his lunch. The bullet tore the stomach and damaged the liver. He slummed forward, and the next shot took him in the face.

“Damn, Menas. We were supposed to talk.” Best turned towards the figure who shot the Muggle leader.

“I lied. Caesar wanted him dead.” Menas stepped toward the dead leader. “He was a loose end on the hit.”

“I am a copper and...”

“We cannot do any hits with you as a witness.” Menas levelled the gun at Best. “The Forty-Five calibre does not leave much for your mother to recognize you.”

“Hold on, Menas. I …….”

“It is Mr. Menas to you, Copper.” Menas drew his rank.

“Okay, Sir. I say we leave now. I know Liam would have told his boys about his meeting. If he does not turn up, they will be looking for me.”

“Unfortunately.” Menas shot Best in the chest. “Dead men tell no lies.”

Menas then took the gun he was holding and placed it in Best’s right hand. He took out Liam’s gun and fired a shot into the field. Once that was done, he walked out of the field to the road, where another vehicle awaited him.

“It is done. I ended the Muggles end. We can now go back.” Menas got into the vehicle.

“You are telling Brutus this?”

“It is my role to keep him informed, Lepidus. You just keep on the good side of Caesar.” Menas tooms the other revolver from the bottom of the seat.

“Darn, that was one of my favourite guns.”

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Three Scene Two Sub Scene Two

 

Act Three

Scene Two

Sub-Scene Two

When is a fuck not one?

 

“We had an arrangement, Julius. You keep Cicero off my back, and I will consolidate your influence on Curio boys towards you.” Fulvia stormed into the library. She closed the door on her entry and faced the boss there. Julius was reading the reports on Egypt. At that personal library of his, he was wearing his reading glasses.

“Fulvia, this……” Julius took off the glasses. “Where is Jeeves? I was not to be...

“I know your personal sanctum. I am here to talk to you on Cicero.” Fulvia stood before Caesar. She was in her element—the riding suit with the wide-brimmed hat, the dark jacket, and the breeches with the high boots. She held the leather horse whip in her left hand. Unlike her, Caesar was in his toga.

“And what about him do I need to know?” Caesar was upset.

“He was seen in Rome and near my children’s school. I want him out.”

“I will see to that. Now can you leave?” Caesar was to dismiss her.

“Mark was shot at today.” Fulvia looked at Julius. “Just now. I saw him downstairs.”

“No, I did not know. I was...”

“Never know it all, Caesar. I will take my leave now.” Fulvia turned to leave. “You can continue with your female fatales.”

“I ……” Caesar was without a reply, and the lady had stepped out of the library.

“I should have the door latched.” Caesar sighed.

“You should.” The voice came from underneath the table. “I think your desire is back to lame.”

Julius looked below and smiled.

“I am afraid it is. That will be coitus moratus (latin for coitus delayed).” Julius reached down with his hands to pull the lady up onto the table. She was Lady Servilia, his previous tutor, and the mother of Marcus Brutus; his young days rivaled for love. She was dressed in a loose and longer tunic than the men's toga, which went down to their ankles and fastened at the shoulders. Her long hair was braided and reached her hips.

“I see that you are going to teach me now.” The lady smiled when she raised her legs to the side rails of the chair while pulling up the hem. Caesar, like a good student, applied his techniques.

“Quicquid in nobis est, id quod sentit, cogitat, desiderat, animat, coeleste, divinum est, ac per hoc incorruptibile.” (Whatever is within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable; quote by Aristole.) Lady Servilia moans these words.

“Do not stop. I am....” The lady leaned back on the tabletop.

“Nunc inseram desiderium meum." (Now I shall insert my desire.) Caesar stood up.

“Quid, obsecro?” (Need I beg?) The lady was ready for that. She reached up and unfastened the stola strings for her lover.

“Do in me difficile tuum Lectio latina.” (Do your Latin lesson hard into me.) The lady moaned, and he turned her vocals to the peak of silent screams.

After all, walls have ears.

But silent mouths.

“Jeeves, did my mother come? It was Brutus who had just arrived.

“Yes, I believe she did.” Jeeves looked at Brutus. “Latin lessons?”

“Tell her I am here.” Brutus told him. “I need to get to the bathroom. Long drive.”

“Second door to the right and down the corridor before...” Jeeves was ignored because Brutus was in dire need of the bathroom.