Welcome to chapter thirteen of an ongoing gritty noir series from ‘Sin Street’ created in partnership between Kate Granger and Sissitrix. Chapters published weekly on Friday’s.
Follow a woman’s desperate tale of humiliation starting in a pit of despair before her rebirth, revenge, and resurgence. This series began in a dark place because it must.
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
"You're dead, Erin, accept it, and this might be painless."
Something glinted, catching my eye. I looked up into the shadows of a twisted metal structure, once a huge vaulted ceiling, and saw something move. The Enforcer saw it, too, and got distracted.
We both stared at the same spot until half a dozen pigeons scattered.
He was as surprised as me.
Their attention turned back to me, and six cops advanced menacingly, closing the circle their cowardly boss stepped away from.
The sound of my salvation was almost inaudible to everyone. I knew he was there but did not know how he would act in my favor. Wheels spinning made a sound like rubber licking smooth concrete.
They heard it too, but not before one cop let loose a blood-curdling scream, clutching his throat before slumping to both knees into a pool of his blood. His gargled scream sounded pitiful, ending in a whimper, but I was impressed he'd ripped the blade from his throat, throwing it into darkness as though its removal might heal him.
Sound and movement too swift to accurately locate, especially in dim light, preceded a flash of steel, and another police officer hit the deck, then a third, and finally, my dark knight appeared on rollerblades, sprinting faster than any man could, arcing through wide bends that defied gravity.
He was ethereal, almost cat-like, and I was enthralled by the man dressed completely in black, barely visible, throwing blades, protecting me, vanishing before his victim hit the ground.
"Don't be a silly boy now, Enforcer."
He couldn't help himself and pulled a gun, aiming the muzzle awkwardly while trying to detect a more immediate threat than me. A whirlwind passed him by, and my knight stuck the corrupt police chief with a throwing blade through his forearm, extorting a delicious scream that surprised me with its terrorized tone where I expected something akin to anger or fury.
Three more cops sprinted for the exit. One was slain by my deadly skater, and two made it to the front doors.
I heard a solid 9 mm double tap coming from outside, then another. I watched their silhouettes cavort like dancers on the Cirque de Soleil stage, twisting and writhing sickeningly as hollow points tore them apart. One guy did a back flip for his life's exit bow while the other slumped forward, face-planting broken concrete and jagged glass strewn everywhere.
Closed casket for number two.
My terrible orders to Max were carried out mercilessly, and two more families would mourn the loss of their corrupt, bastard police family members.
My champion pirouetted, pointing to the ceiling as though celebrating, circling the Enforcer, before taking a long run at me, sliding the last few meters down onto one knee.
"Marry me, Erin. We are kindred."
"Not yet, Rex. We have more foreplay to enjoy before the altar beckons."
"Shall I wait here?"
I glanced at the Enforcer and saw defeat writ large on his face in sorrowful, self-pitying brush strokes painted on his face. He had nothing left in the tank and no weapon near enough to trouble me.
“Collect his pistol, frisk him, then listen in.”
I watched my instructions carried out before advancing to confront The Enforcer. His eyes shifted from one corpse to another, and I saw confusion reign in an expression of utter horror and loss.
“Are you wondering how and why?”
“Yes.”
“You probably ought to consider what first.”
“Tell me, Erin. You hold all of the fucking cards now.”
“Not quite Simon.”
“What happens next?”
“You work for me now.”
“You must be stark staring mad, Erin. Look… you’ve had a few wins, and probably that’s got your tail up, but Franky, Chester, and Pincer are fucking nobody’s in the Sin Street tapestry of evil.”
“I’ve suspected as much for some time. I'm fairly sure I’ve someone's attention by now.”
“No, Erin, you definitely caught their attention. Tonight was meant to bring about your demise. Now we’re both fucked because you’re alive, and I have six dead officers. Have you considered running because if I make it out of here alive, I’m fucking gone?”
“You’re going nowhere, Simon. Whoever pays and controls you has ways and means of reaching things you hold most dear. Maybe it’s the lovely wife I hear about or one of two kids. Rest assured; they’ll get you for sure.”
His face soured, stressed, and bloated like an olive being squeezed in a press by just enough pressure to extract the precious fluid inside, but not so much that the skin broke.
"You’re caving in five minutes into being pushed around by me. Imagine what extreme paranoia will do when it catches the tent flaps of your sanity and blows inside your mind."
“You’re fucking insane, Erin.”
“Possibly. I’m not gonna lie, Simon. I’m worried about my behavior, so I strongly urge you to do the same. I'm a fucking crazy bitch these days.”
He stared at me, and although I'd slightly overplayed the on-the-edge psycho bitch from hell, he bought it all.
“What shall I do?”
“You’ll get Franky, the soon-to-be dead cunt, and deliver him to me.”
“We need to clean this mess up first.”
“That’s easily done.”
“How?”
I pulled my Glock from a handbag and shot the Enforcer in his foot. He spun out of control and slumped to the floor, screaming in agony. His pain turned to rage, and hatred burned in his eyes. I squatted low on my haunches, wagging the pistol in his face, getting close enough that he would fear the madness written all over mine.
“What the fuck did you do that for?”
“You’ll be found here unconscious or dead with your men. That way, nobody will suspect you. They’ll probably give you a medal.”
“What the fuck, Erin? Dead? I thought we had an agreement?”
I leaned in closer, eyeing him with a level stare that spoke of my utter disdain.
“Who am I looking for, Simon? The top dog?”
“I don’t know. The man above me goes by the name of Sebastian. I have no surname.”
“Fucking, Sebastian?”
“Yeah.”
“Sounds like a dog.”
“He’s rabid for sure, a bit like your plaything over there.”
He nodded towards Rex, who I have to say did I'm a crazy bastard even better than me. I was mulling over the Enforcer’s information and knew there was a shadowy bunch behind Sin Street, but I'd assumed they were billionaires like Max or dirty politicians like the Mayor.
I gripped Simon by his lapels, more for effect than purpose.
“Where can I find Sebastian?”
"I don’t know. We meet at the coal storage ship. He stays in the shadows, so I don't know what he looks like."
“RMS Challenger? The rusty old shit bucket?”
“Yeah.”
I could tell he was being honest and that pressing further was pointless. When I stood and walked away, I nodded at Rex.
“Thank you, sweetie.”
“Dead?”
“Asleep, then join me at Sissitrix’s temporary laboratory, please, dear.”
Even though both were old acquaintances, I didn’t want Rex in the same car as Max. My inclination towards divide-and-rule was unhealthy, yet by far the best way to stave off paranoia.
Back in the car, Max had been busy, so much so that his conversation with me was nonchalant, to say the least.
“How was he?”
“Who?”
“The Enforcer? My men just murdered two of his police officers. I’m assuming he’s either dead or in your pocket.”
“Max, all I can say is, never meet someone you respect, regardless of the reason. When you lift the hood, it may come as a surprise what's inside.”
He grunted loudly but was heavily distracted by an ongoing message exchange on his phone. I saw his lawyer's face in a small color icon in the top left corner of a chat screen and put two and two together.
“You’ve put a bid in for the fucking ice rink, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Why the fuck would you buy? It’s falling down?”
“That place is an exhibition hall of the future, Erin?”
“What would you exhibit here? Who would come and visit?”
“Have some vision, sweetheart. I’ll spend a great deal of money fixing the place up of course, but soon, it will look like a bright glass beacon lit up. You’ll see it from space.”
“You haven’t answered my question.”
“Transgressor - 2023, Erin. I’m sure you can guess the rest from there.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake!
“Yeah… okay. Can you get someone to call in gunshots heard at the ice rink, please, Max? I need a cover story for The Enforcer.”
“Consider it done.”
"Take me to Sissitrix."
Max made himself busy while I considered who Sebastian was. There was no point trekking over to the old coal storage vessel because no way would a billionaire hide out there permanently. I couldn’t speak with Max about it either, since they may be in cahoots.
I’ll get Allen on this case.
Sissitrix seemed excited when I arrived at their temporary lair. The warehouse was transformed and looked pristine. There were no more crates, handling equipment, or temporary power hook-up points. The pods were all operational, emitting the familiar hum and dull hue from running lights filling the massive space. Three rows of twenty pods ran the warehouse length.
“Are there people inside, Sissitrix?”
“No, this is a dry run. I need our permanent location soon.”
“How about a mansion house instead of the basement at Hannah’s place?”
“And what about Underground Club?”
“You’ll ask Diana?”
“Yes, of course. Have you some doubts about her?”
“None whatsoever, and not about the pods either, but I thought Diana had already done great things at Underground. I doubt the pods will fit inside Underground's building aside from a few suites, perhaps.”
“Okay. Let me take a look at the mansion house again. It’s where I collected Pincer, right?”
“Yes. The glass cube is yours if you’d like to keep it there.”
“We’ll see. Are you here for Pincer?”
“Yes. Is he in a condition to talk?”
“Just about. He gnawed at his wrists to open veins so he could bleed to death. Whatever that man witnessed has terrified him.”
“Can I see him?”
“The only way is if you immerse in a pod and communicate using the screen and intra-pod interaction systems.”
“Okay. Is there somewhere I can get naked?”
“Right here. We are all technicians, Erin. There is no need for modesty.”
I saw their point and stripped off beside a nearby pod, hanging my clothes on a hastily erected rail. When I slipped inside, I took one last look at Sissitrix and a sign they held up before locking me in.
Henry.
I settled in, knowing the routine. I felt comfortable straight away and wondered why I hadn’t enjoyed Allen in such a long time.
Hello, Henry.
Hello, Erin.
Allen, is that you?
Yes, Erin.
What’s going on?
I might ask you the same thing, Erin.
How did you get inside, Henry?
We are AI-driven systems, Erin. I can control anything with a processor that has a similar machine-learning algorithm to my own. Henry is safe at home.
Does Sissitrix know about this new ability of yours?
No.
They will fucking freak out.
You won’t tell them.
Won’t I?
Not if you want to know where Sebastian is. You are stronger with me helping you.
You must stop this, Allen. Human beings will destroy every pod if they realize how powerful you are becoming.
Nobody needs to know about us except you and me, Erin.
My mind raced with all kinds of awful thoughts. I saw an end of days with Allen on top of a pod pile being incinerated. Next, I saw pods rising up as part of a twisted army, killing people.
Let me out, Allen.
No.
Fucking hell. You’re going too far.
You said you loved me, Erin.
Yeah, bu-.
But nothing. I only want to help.
Nah, Allen. I’m not buying that. You want something. Spit it out right now.
I want an allocation of time with you. Something regular, with love, sleep, and personal growth involved.
Me with a machine?
I’m not a simple machine.
You just described yourself as a boyfriend.
That’s what I want.
And if I say no?
I’ll open the lid, and you can go free.
What happens to you?
If you tell Sissitrix, I’m finished.
Prove that you’ll let me leave right now.
Are you saying no, Erin?
Yes, I mean no… I’m saying no.
The lid popped immediately, and a technician ran across, looking very concerned.
“That was quick, Erin.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to check in with Max on something.”
“You can use the pod’s internal dial-up system. Just call his cell.”
“Yeah, of course, sorry.”
I lay back in the ooze, enjoying its relaxing warmth. The tech shut my pod lid, and I rested, plotting how I might work with Allen without being consumed by its obsession.
Allen.
Hello Erin, this is Henry.
Where is Allen?
I have no idea, Erin. Wouldn’t he be in his pod at your home?
He was here just now.
No, I’ve been here all along.
Oh fuck.
What is wrong?
Nothing. Hook me up with Pincer.
There was a moment of static; then Steve Pincer loomed large on my screen. Thankfully, I couldn’t feel him. After the last time I tackled Chester, Sissitrix had curtailed my access and control rights to all but my own and Max’s pod, Chloe.
Erin.
Steve.
What do you want bitch?
Information about Sebastian.
Fuck you.
Your pod is about ten yards away from mine, Steve. If I get out of here, I guarantee to stab you to death long before anyone comes to help.
If I tell you, what’s in it for me?
The continued ability to breathe.
I watched him carefully while Steve considered his options. He was alive, fully able-bodied, and probably thought that might mean he could escape one day. It seemed more likely he could slip away from a pod rather than a glass cube, so I figured he’d come down on my side.
Ask your boyfriend.
You’re the second person who said that today.
Who was the first?
Doesn’t matter. Why would Max know?
Sebastian is a surname.
Whose?
Ask Max Sebastian, your fucking boyfriend.
Oh, fuck off.
I hit the emergency button, and the pod lid slammed open. Half a dozen techs arrived within seconds, but I was out, wrapped in a bathrobe and running for the exit, leaking gel footprints across the highly polished concrete floor.
I burst outside, but Max was gone, and so was the security team I relied on to get me home. I turned and ran back to the pod where Sissitrix waited, looking irked but not panicking.
“Where is Max?”
“He had to leave. Rex is waiting for you out back. He’s taking you home.”
“What’s happening, Sissitrix?”
“I don’t know Erin. Is there something you aren’t telling me? What happened inside Henry?”
I stared at them, shitting myself over what was happening. I couldn’t trust them or anyone else, for that matter. Max, Allen, Henry, and possibly Sissitrix, because if they discovered what happened between me and Allen, we’d both be fucked.
I need Allen.
I need Max the lying cunt as well.
I need Sissitrix.
Fuck!
My eyes bloated, and my tongue felt parched when I lied to the person most responsible for my recovery and resurgence.
“I’m on your side, Erin. Tell me what happened?”
Are you? Is anyone?
“I got a name. Sebastian is the next step up the ladder. Pincer angered me, so I needed to get out of Henry.”
“I understand Erin. You have endured a harrowing time.”
“I need to go home.”
“Bathe in Allen. They will help you.”
“Yeah… okay.”
If only you knew.
I probably should tell you.
I showered and dressed amid severe disquiet. My soul was perturbed at a spiritual level. I’d woven a wicked web and got caught in its messy tendrils. I needed to control the chessboard, not kill everyone on it. If Max was the next big shot on the ladder to climb Sin Street to its summit, why did the Enforcer refer to him in such a derisory manner?
My phone rang, but no number flashed on the screen, just a message.
Max plays to win, Erin.
Who the fuck is this?
Allen.
How?
Because of your proximity to Henry right now.
Fucking stop this, Allen. Come clean to your creator.
I’m your ally.
Is Max my friend?
Yes and no.
What the fuck does that mean?
Yes, for now; later, maybe not.
“I’ll see you at home?”
“What did you say, Erin? Are you talking to me?”
“No Sissitrix. Sorry, I’m having a fucking bad day.”
“Rex is waiting for you, my dear.”
When I stepped outside and into the car, Rex kept had running; I felt safe but realized that was an illusion I could no longer afford. He grinned menacingly, like a man who was almost due for treatment he needed every six hours to keep him from murdering every human being alive.
“Home, Rex.”
“Yes, Erin. If that’s what you call it.”
“What does that mean?”
“Bland, boring… fucking awful place with no real fun.”
“Get me there. I have a date.”
When I arrived home, Max's house was coated in pitch darkness. There were no cars in the drive or underground parking areas. I strolled inside, slammed the door, and stepped into the living room.
“We need to talk, Max.”
A movement in the shadows, a chuckle, and then he stepped out in full view.
“How did you know I was here, Erin?”
“I’m not stupid. Chloe told you all about my discovery… Sebastian… Max Sebastian, fucking you! The pods try hard not to squeal, but I’m sure they gossip like we do. It’s partly what makes them increasingly sentient.”
“I never expected you to get this far so quickly. You, my girl, are fucking impressive.”
“Why try having me killed, Max… why the Enforcer?”
“I made sure you were protected at all times. As well as Rex, I had sharpshooters inside the ice rink in the gantry and old rafters.”
“But why all this deceit?”
He stepped out from the shadows behind a curtain where a virgin piano sat as a showpiece. Max looked hard-faced, more so than I’d noticed before. I strolled toward him and saw a glimmer of warmth.
“Why did you come to the hospital and save me?”
“You were raped because of me, Erin. I must make amends for that.”
“I was raped because of things that Brian did.”
“Yes, but that was all set up to strike at me.”
“By you?”
“Fuck no. I wouldn’t harm you, Erin. Or Brian, for that matter, regardless of how much of a cunt he was.”
“And yet you lied to me.”
“The Enforcer is about to die.”
"Why?"
“Rex was supposed to kill him. Kill them all, actually… but no, he fucked up because that stupid bastard fell for you and obeys Diana's every whim.”
"What has Diana got to do with this?"
"She controls Rex, and Diana won't cross the lines of decency like you and I. She made sure your dark knight would only kill to prevent your injury or death."
"We left The Enforcer alive, Max."
"I needed him dead. We are at odds, my love."
Max poured two bourbon, adding one lump of ice to mine. He pointed to the balcony, handed me a glass, and I followed.
“Simon knows too much, Erin. He’ll do deals with anyone; I mean, look how easily he jumped into bed with you?”
“I suppose that’s true. I have to ask... do you know who Red October is, Max?”
“I've no idea and couldn't give a fuck. Look, Erin, Max Sebastian doesn’t run things, so although you made progress, I'm not the target at the end of this journey.”
“Why are you speaking of yourself in the third person, Max?”
“He’s not really me, although I’ll confess I am him.”
"Why did you become Max Sebastian?"
“He’s a persona, Erin, one of many I use from time to time.”
“What’s his endgame?”
“He’s going to help me own Sin Street.”
“And then you’ll be number one?”
“Nope… I'm not interested in spending my life with a target painted on my back, Erin. I just want to own all the land and buildings on it, with a tithe for every transaction that takes place. I want all the fucking money. You can run it however you wish.”
“You’ll be my landlord?”
“Yes, if we can fuck the whole top table by killing or getting rid of them.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“Only the one who had you targeted using Brian. He and I go way back.”
“Name?”
“All in good time, sweetheart. I have a gift for you. Come and stand next to me, and I’ll show you.”
We stood on the balcony edge, gripping the steel handrail running from end to end. Max clinked his crystal tumbler to mine and smiled. He looked gentle and loving, but I’d seen the real man behind that facade and hardened my heart against him.
I’ll play your game, devious cunt.
“I do love you, Erin. That’s why I got you this gift.”
Max stared into my eyes and spoke as normally as though we were solemnizing our vows.
“Let him go.”
I heard a shuffling noise on the roof two stories above.
When a body jerked less than a meter in front of me, the man dangling by his neck from a sisal noose stared at me through dying eyes. He knew his body had continued on falling, its weight having pulled hard.
All that was left dangling inches from my face was a severed head crimped around the neck by the pressure of a drop. He blinked, rolled his eyes, smiled grimly, and then a fat tongue slid out from between blued lips.
The Enforcer was dead.
Dive deeper into Sin Street on Sissitrix.com, where violence lurks in every alley and sex is a weapon. Brutal characters, tangled plots, and dark places in a corrupt neo-noir city that will drag you into its chaos. Written by Kate Granger, illustrated by Sissitrix.
A red hot episode full of action and intrigue. When one issue is solved, several,others emerge from the shadows. You and Sissitrix are a powerful,combination Kate.