Several weeks passed since the night of the rave party and the traumatic events of that took place that night, and though some time had been put between then and now, the memory still lingered for all involved. Jake, through deep mediation managed to put the event in context, but nightmares plagued Bree day and night.
A simple knock on the door to her home that morning made her jump as she made her cup of coffee. She crossed the room to the door and opened it slowly, peering around the side as the outside world came into view.
“Jake? What are you doing here?” she asked with relief.
He smiled and handed her a pack of chocolates, looking at her tired eyes, her frazzled hair and sloppy attire. This was not the woman Jake knew, this was a traumatized woman who was suffering.
“I figured I owed you a visit. You come back to work today don’t you?” he asked.
She nodded, beckoning him to enter.
She sat on the lounge and let out a sigh, Jake sat opposite her on a soft, brown leather recliner.
“I just. I don’t know if I can go back there.” she stammered.
Jake nodded, letting her talk. He wanted to hear how she honestly felt with her most pure words; not polluted by verbal interjections or influence.
“I just can’t stop seeing him, that figure, those eyes. I can’t forget, I can’t even sleep with the fucking light off.” she cried.
Jake reached out over the coffee table and held her hands in his as she sobbed.
“I don’t know if I am ready Jake.” she said.
He stood up from the table, guided her to the centre of the room and sat on the shag rug. He gave it a pat, telling her to sit.
She sat beside him and Jake took out a small incense burner and lit up a stick, placing it on the floor in front of them. He placed one hand on his knee and took Bree’s hand in his other and closed his eyes. The incense burnt brightly and the sandalwood scent filled the immediate area.
“Close your eyes and think. Picture that night.” he instructed.
She attempted to close her eyes but her mind wouldn’t allow her to as if some self preservation was engaged in her brain to protect her from those thoughts.
“It’s okay, I’m here. Just breathe, feel the floor beneath you and let your eyes close.” he said.
Bree glanced at Jake who sat with his eyes closed, facing the front of the room.
“How could he possibly know that my eyes weren’t closed?” she thought.
Bree did as he said and took a deep breath, allowing herself to feel the shag carpet beneath her and the polished wood floorboards beneath that. Gradually, moment by moment, she allowed her eyelids to feel heavy and she closed them. She began to feel cold and the wind blowing against her. She opened her eyes to find herself standing outside the function room at the Capital Racing Club grounds. Standing before her, still holding her hand, was Jake.
“What? How?” she stammered.
“It’s okay. It’s a meditative trance. Don’t panic and just hold my hand. You’ll be safe.” Jake instructed as he led her towards the stairs.
“But why here?” Bree asked.
“You picked the location not me. It’s obviously still present in your mind and I want to help put it behind you.” he said, leading her up the stairs.
Bree looked at the storm blowing in, it felt so real. The cold hand railing beneath the palm of her hand, the biting wind, it was as if she were truly back there. They entered the function room and Jake led her down the stairs to the Finish Line Bar. As they entered, Bree stumbled and dropped to her knees, taking in the scene. Bagman held her against the wall, his grubby gloved hand around her throat with the other on her breast. Jake lie under a stack of tables as Andy fumbled with the lock of the shutter.
“That man. His hands, his eyes. I’ll never forget those eyes.” she whimpered as Jake helped her up.
They moved to the centre of the room behind Bagman and took in the scene.
“He had you against the wall. I was under some tables. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep you safe.” Jake said calmly.
Bree shook her head at him.
“No, you did. You did your best but he overpowered you.” she replied as the scene slowly started moving.
Jake slowly pushed himself from under the tables and then it froze again.
“No. I could have done more, I just didn’t allow myself to. Look.” he said, pointing to the image emerging from the stack of tables.
Bree crossed the room, still holding Jake’s hand and she looked at him.
“You look….scared? And angry.” she asked.
Jake nodded, remaining calm.
“I’ve thought about it every day since. I’ve meditated, I’ve reflected and acknowledged the whole night. I was scared, but not of him.” he explained.
“Then what?” Bree asked.
Jake shook his head once more.
“We aren’t here for me, we are here for you.” he explained as the scene began to move once more.
Jake’s form emerged from the tables and sprinted at Bagman, delivering a flying kick to the back of Bagman’s head. As he stumbled, Bree watched herself fall to the floor, his knife falling from it’s sheath and her keys tearing off her skirt. Bree then grabbed the knife and looked to Jake.
“That look there. That was the look of strength. You didn’t look for help, you looked for acknowledgment.” Jake said as Bree looked at the determination in her own eyes.
Bree brought the knife down on Bagman as he spun to her and the scene froze as the pair circled around the room and stood between the figures, the knife embedded deep in his shoulder.
“Look at your eyes, that isn’t fear. That is strength, the desire to live and the will to survive.” Jake explained.
Tears welled in Bree’s eyes and rolled down her tired face.
“Don’t let that night rule you. You are stronger than you know.” he explained.
The whole scene flashed in bright white as another lightning stike filled the room, Jake and Bree now standing atop the balcony once more in the wind, Jake’s form leaning on the the rail and staring at Bagman. Bree watched as he embedded the knife in the tree and took off into the darkness.
“He left the knife behind?” she asked.
“Yeah. I think it was a sign that he wasn’t done with us” Jake sighed, the image starting to blur as he let go of Bree’s hand.
They opened their eyes at the same time and Bree looked to Jake who was holding the large knife in both hands.
“What, why have you got that?” she asked, shuffling aside, scared momentarily.
“I took it before the police found it. It could be useful if he shows back up.” Jake smiled, holding it out in open palms.
“You want it?” he asked.
Bree grinned.
“Well it could serve as good bit of home defence.” she smiled.
They both stood up and Bree sat the knife atop the fireplace.
“Thank you Jake.” she said, wrapping her arms around him.
“No worries, just know that I’m always around if you need to talk.” he said.
“That and more.” she winked, grabbing him on the buttocks.
Jake stood by Bree in support while all the Racing Club employees assembled at the elevator near the Finish Line Bar. Drew stood alongside Steve and prepared to address everyone and unveil the now finished High Stakes Bar. Roy and David stood with Andy who was drinking his favourite diet cola and typing away on his phone.
“Come on lets get this underway, we’ve got shit to do Drew.” Andy called out.
Drew glared at Andy and then looked to Steve to see if he was ready. Steve took a swig of his whiskey and nodded.
“Well it’s done guys and girls. Our bar is complete, cheers!” Steve said raising his glass and taking another swig.
Drew leant across and took the top card out of his hand and put it at the back.
“That was the last part of the presentation Steve, we haven’t even shown them around yet.” he explained.
“Well I know that, but none of these cards involve a toast. If we start on that card, go through the whole presentation and then end on the same card, we can toast twice. Think about it Drew.” Steve explained holding his hand to his hand and then making an explosion sound with his mouth.
Drew shook his head in frustration and looked to the group, Jerry sidling up to the front so that he could see.
“So lets have a look shall we?” Drew said as the elevator door opened.
The group stepped inside and Drew took his ovular shaped, grey plastic FOB and held it in his hands. He raised his eyebrows and then gestured to the small, black rectangular receiver on the wall.
“We get it Drew, we literally use one of those to get into the office every day. We’re not fucking retarded.” Andy said.
Jake lightly elbowed Andy in the ribs disapprovingly and glanced at him.
“Sorry. We aren’t as slow as Roy, when it comes to learning new things.” Andy replied.
Roy leant forward and rested a hand on Andy’s shoulder.
“So when you told The Machine that he can’t put on bets while at work, did you mean like, ever?” he asked.
“Yes Roy. No betting at work.” Andy sternly repeated.
“Yeah Mum, he said no.” he said holding the phone up to his ear.
“Yeah, put five dollars on number 2 for the win. Yep that’s in race five. The Machine will just watch it here.” he said, conversing with his mother.
“Okay can we PLEASE pay attention?” Drew asked in frustration.
“Uh oh, it’s that time of the month for Drew again.” Andy laughed.
“Drew, I think they’re talking about your menstrual cycle.” Steve whisered, leaning in closely.
Drew sighed and swiped the FOB.
“So we swipe it, the elevator goes down and we are in the tunnel. This way assholes.” Drew said angrily as the elevator quickly descended into the tunnels.
The group stepped out into the beautifully lit hallway. The majestically painted walls were lined with portraits of every great horse in racing that stretched all the way underneath the tracks and into the centre of the course. As the group walked, they marvelled at the intricate work that had been carried out and the unintrusive lighting that gave off a mysteriously classy feel. Eventually, they arrived in the High Stakes Bar, that kept with the same theme from the hallway. All the biggest names in racing were hung on the wall, with none more impressive than the great King Kingsly, the only horse to ever win all his races whilst wearing a crown.
“This is incredible.” Bree remarked, spinning around to take in all of the room.
Roy stood in awe at the row of television that were displaying all races that were currently taking place around the world. He felt a strange movement in his pants as he glanced up at the giant television that took up an entire wall. Drew sidled over to him and admired the wall.
“Pretty incredible huh. It’s an experimental technology. The only tv in the world that can display 100k resolution.” he explained.
Roy felt himself grow harder.
“The Machine’s piston rod needs some servicing.” he said, excusing himself to the nearby bathroom.
“Uh Drew, we have a problem.” Steve called out.
Drew turned towards Steve, finding him at the bar. Steve stood with his arms outstretched and looked around the room.
“Where’s the hunks and hotties?” he asked.
“They’ll be here on race days.” Drew said.
“Pretty piss poor first impression if I do say so myself.” Steve pouted, pouring himself a gin and tonic.
“Alright, take it all in and I’ll meet you back in the car park. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Andy added, heading back down the hallway to the elevator.
“The important thing is, if you are required to bring someone to the High Stakes Bar, you must blindfold them using the provided blindfolds, BEFORE you swipe your FOB. It is important that the location remains a secret to maintain the mystique behind it.” he explained.
“That’s right!” Steve added, standing with his drink.
“Nothing sets the mood more than being blindfolded and putting your trust in another person. Whether it’s entering an elevator with a complete stranger or trusting that when you take the blindfold off it’ll still be Drew’s mother on top of me and not her hot neighbour, Nancy.” Steve explained, pausing briefly to catch his thoughts.
“Where was l? Oh yeah. So consent is at the forefront of every sexual encounter. Always get a yes and if possible, record the whole thing on video as evidence in case they try to stiff ya.” Steve added, sitting back in the luxerious leather couches.
The group nodded, entertaining Steve’s ramblings and spent a little more time admiring the bar while Drew stood quietly in front of the liquor storage area before filing out of the bar, one by one.
Back in front of the main office, Jake exited the elevator, followed by David and Roy.
“So anyway, my wizard used this spell and it took out three of the goblins that were holding the villagers captive.” David explained to Jake.
Jake nodded, enthralled in the story.
“So how do you play…what’s it called again?” Jake asked.
“Damsels and Monsters. It’s all fantasy and you make characters and then roll dice while the Game Master decides how the story moves forward. You should play with me some time.” David added.
“That could be fun. You’ll have to teach me how to play.” Jake said, stopping in front of Andy.
He looked at his workers and then back to his binder.
“Alright, we’ve got a shitload of work that needs doing to set up for the Cup Carnival in a few weeks.” he said handing the list to Jake.
Jake browsed the list, raising his eyebrows at the sheer volume of work. David peered over Jakes broad shoulder and then stepped back.
“No way boss. There’s no way we can get all that done.” David proclaimed.
“Stiff shit, it needs to be done.” he said.
Jake approached Andy and tapped him on the shoulder.
“A word?” he asked.
Andy nodded and then waved Roy and David away. Jake walked with Andy as they head across the lush green grounds and browsed the list.
“We could really use a bit of help here man. Setting up the marquees alone will take an extra set of hands, not to mention picking up and positioning all the extra cool rooms and alcohol. You know this right?” Jake asked.
“I know mate, but the well is dry here. There’s no decent workers around, even on a casual basis.” he explained.
“Then look outward. I think you know who I mean.” Jake suggested.
Andy nodded.
“Get him on the phone. I’ll make it happen.” he ordered.
Jake smiled and glanced back across the grounds to David and gave him the thumbs up.
Jake arrived home that afternoon at 4:27pm and dusted off all the sand he was covered in after manually meshing the sand tracks after one of the tractors broke down. He swept the pile of sand into the nearby garden and head through his home to the telephone. He punched in the phone number and then waited.
“Hello?” they answered.
“Joe. It’s Jake, how you doing mate?” he asked.
“Oh hey man, yeah I’m good. How’s life in Canberra?” Joe asked.
“Yeah it’s great. That’s why I’m calling actually. How’s work for you?” Jake replied.
Joe sighed.
“It’s shit. Sick of delivering pizzas.” he laughed.
“Cool, well we need help setting up for the Cup Carnival. Andy wanted me to ask if you’d come down here as a casual work member?” he asked.
Joe gasped and without a second thought, agreed.
“Well you know Andy. Get here ASAP and if you do a good enough job I’m sure he will swing a full time position for you.” Jake added.
“Cool, so I can crash with you right?” Joe asked.
“You don’t even have to ask.” Jake replied.
The pair finished up their phone call and Jake called Andy to deliver the good news before heading to the bathroom to soak his naked body in the tub.
Back at the race course, Steve stepped out of the office and lit up a cigar, taking in the afternoon.
“Another day done Steve. You’re crushing it.” he told himself, taking a long drag of the cigar.
A white van pulled into the parking space, not too far from where Steve stood, and out stepped three people in grey overalls; two men and a woman with rainbow coloured hair.
Tech Head looked to Bruiser and Nikita and nodding and taking the lead, approaching Steve.
“Hi there. How are you this afternoon?” he asked Steve.
Steve smiled and lowered the cigar from his mouth.
“Brilliant, just brilliant! What can I do for you on such a fine afternoon?” Steve asked.
“We’re from Cloud Racing. We’re here to do a check on all your televisions in preparation for your big day. I believe you were expecting us.” he explained.
“Ah yes! Well, you should be familiar with our setup. The only other units are in the new bar we put together.” Steve explained.
“The High Stakes Bar? I heard the advertisements.” Tech Head replied.
“Haha yeah, just one of my brilliant ideas for the club. You need a special device to enter it though, so why don’t you come and see me when you need to go in there?” he explained.
“Why don’t we just start there. That will save us having to find you later?” Tech Head explained.
Steve pondered a moment before slapping Tech Head on the back.
“HAHAHA! You’re sharp! Alright let’s go.” he laughed.
Nikita stepped forward.
“I’ll just grab the toolbox from the van.” she said.
Techhead nodded and Steve’s eyes widened.
“Look at that hair! It’s like a rainbow! You got a pot of gold hiding under there somewhere?” he joked.
Nikita wordlessly walked away to the van, her back towards the group. She slid open the side door of the van and began looking for the toolbox.
“Hmm, where is it? Oh, there it is big boy, you were hiding it.” she whispered, rolling the naked corpse of a Cloud Racing employee out of the way.
“You stay right where you are, talk to your friends a little.” she said as she looked at two other corpses propped against the back wall of the van.
She skipped back over to the group, tool box in hand and duffelbag across her shoulder, which she passed off to bruiser. Steve guided them to the elevator and leant in, swiping his FOB.
“Alright, have fun and if you see a vampire use this.” he said, handing them a wooden stake.
Bruiser took the stake and looked at it puzzled as the door began to close on the lift.
“Go for the heart. Failing that, take off the head!” Steve shouted as the door shut in front of him.
“That guy’s wierd.” Techhead said.
“I dunno, I kinda like his energy.” Nikita said, rubbing the ball of her foot along the floor.
The lift stopped and the trio of spiteful spies entered the bar. They paced the length of the hallway and Tech Head stopped, placing a hand out to stop the others. Nikita bumped into him and grinned, her breast resting in the palm of Tech Head’s hand.
“You know, the last guy to do that had to buy me a drink first.” she blushed.
Tech Head pulled his hand away and grinned.
“Then I cut it off and made him eat it.” she added with an evil grin.
Unphased, Tech Head pointed to the ceiling.
“We’re right under the finish line. You plant explosives along here. I’ll set them to explode at the right time.” he said.
“I’ll keep watch on the elevator.” Bruiser mumbled, tossing the duffelbag to Nikita.
Nikita pranced along the hallway` from point to point, setting the well hidden explosives to the ceiling and running the wires between each one. Tech Head stood in the bar rigging up a complicated mechanism while Haskill relayed the instructions over a headset to him.
“I want it to explode right as the first horse crosses the finish line in the last race, understand?” he ordered.
“Yes, I know. The set up will work, trust me.” Tech Head replied in frustration.
He installed the sensor with ease and Nikita and Tech Head packed up their bags in the bar when a voice broke the relative silence.
“What are you doing in here?” the monotone voice asked.
They spun around to find an Indoctrinate stood before them in a white lab coat. Tech Head looked down the hall to find a confused Bruiser looking back at him and then rushed the lab man. He tackled the him to the floor and struggled as Bruiser lumbered down the hallway to the group. Nikita stepped in and pressed her heel down on the mans throat as he kicked and struggled for air. She smiled as life exited the Indoctrinate’s form and he gave up the ghost.
“Aw he’s asleep now. Poor little guy.” she chuckled.
“Where the hell did he come from Bruiser?” Tech Head asked, Bruiser responding with a shrug.
“Not the lift.” he replied, picking up the corpse with one hand.
“Hide him in the back, over there by the alcohol. Cover him with something.” he ordered.
Bruiser stashed the body behind a stack of expensive looking cartons and then covered it with a fancy table cloth. They then regrouped and head back towards the lift, which dinged as they were a mere few feet away. The door slid open and Drew emerged, running his eye across the three of them.
“All done down here. Just got to grab a few things from the van” Tech Head explained as they entered the lift.
“Alright.” Drew replied, turning his back and entering the bar, placing his phone back up to his ear.
“One of the life monitors went offline minutes ago.” Madam Shadow reported.
“It looks all clear down here so far. Nothing seems out of place.” Drew explained, looking around the room.
“Well their last location was in that bar, so they are there somewhere.” she replied.
“Alright I’ll find them. Talk later.” he said, ending the phone call.
Drew searched the room high and low and found himself in the storage area of the bar and an out of place table cloth caught his eye. He pulled it back and was greeted with the fresh body of an Indoctrinate. He shook his head and stepped away and tapped on the adjacent wall three times. It slide aside to reveal a large steel door with a green control panel to the side. Drew took out his cigarette case and waved the base of it to the panel, which beeped. The doors clunked as the giant locks rolled out of the way. He looked through at the hundred or so Indoctrinates who were hard at work and what appeared to be two giant mechanical legs. Drew waved one of them over and took them into the bar, pointing out the body.
“We had an intruder or three. They didn’t find the lab?” he asked.
“Nobody has entered and this one was the last to leave.” he explained.
“Okay. Good. Deal with the body and increase security.” Drew ordered, leaving the bar.
Source: reddit.com/r/eroticliterature/comments/sxiot6/back_to_his_roots_chapter_11