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Lou’s demeanor changed all at once. His face darkened like a storm cloud, and his eyes flashed fire. He yanked roughly on Mackenzie’s arm, and held her firmly. “How did you finally figure it out, Princess?” he hissed.
“Ow! Lou! you’re hurting me!” she yelped. He held her tighter, and growled closely to her face,
“Answer me!”
“Lou! What’s come over you? I don’t-” she began, but was cut off by Lou shoving her against the wall, and pinning her there with his hands on her shoulders.
“You’re just like all the women, aren’t you? Always playing games, wanting your way. I’m in control here, and I said, how did you figure it out?” he rumbled. Then, “Aw, hell. What does it matter how you found out? It doesn’t, though I’d dearly love to know where I must have slipped up.” “Lou...why did you join the black market? You could have found your books elswhere!” she cried, the sting of betrayal still heavily felt. Lou paused.
“Wait. Books?”
“Yes. If you wanted the books so badly, why didn’t you just look for them in antique shops?” she questioned innocently. A racous laugh bellowed from Lou. He could barely conatin himself.
“This is over a set of books to you? Oh dear God, I KNEW you weren’t smart enough!” he exclaimed, and eased his grip on Mackenzie. She began to relax, but he pinned her to the wall again, not allowing her any leeway. “It doesn’t matter that you didn’t know. It’s too dangerous to have you around anymore, anyway. I’m going to have to kill you.” he said regret dripping from his voice, though excitment gleamed in his eyes. “You really don’t get it, do you?” When she shook her head, he began to snicker again. “What fun! Even the police suspected foul play, but you suspect nothing! How classic.” he murmured, strokeing her hair condesendingly. As the realization of his words hit her, Mackenzie’s eyes widened, and she shook her head again, this time in disbelief.
“You....” she whispered. “It was you....you killed them.”
“Oh yes!” he cried gleefully. “It was me, all me! I killed them AND stole your father’s corporation. Now, how many people do you know who can say that?” he asked. “Regretably enough, I will have to kill you. You know to much!” he explained with a smile bordering on the insane.
Lou release his hold on Mackenzie, and stepped back. She stood frozen in fright as he reached inside his jacket, and pulled a handgun out of his shoulder holster. He cocked his head, and let his eyes appraise her. “There is one thing that can save you from death....” he began, his eyes lingering on her figure before meeting her own. “You could become my partner in crime. We could find a most interesting new facet to our relationship. One that I suspect you’ve never even thought of.” he proposed. It was clear to Mackenzie that he considered the idea a most logical one.
“No!” she spat. “There is no way that I could ever be with you!” Lou’s face transformed into a mask of uncontrolable anger.
“That’s just what your whore of a mother said to me four years ago! I didn’t have to kill her too, but I did. You know why? She refused me, in the face of all that I offered her, she refused me!” he clutched Mackenzie’s arm in his hand and said causticly, “You look more and more like her every day!”
With that, Lou hauled her close to himself, and pressed to gun into her back, keeping his arm around her shoulder. “You know what I think would be a very nice notion? The thought of your little loverboy finding you lying in a pool of blood on his dressing room floor!” Lou’s grating laugh sent shivers up and down her spine, and Mackenzie knew that she was going to die.
“It’s probably nothing.” he said aloud to himself, but he did not halt his movments as he picked up the stack of personnel files that Mrs. Croft had faxed to them that very morning. Thinking he wouldn’t find anything, Howie had delayed his scrutiny of the files, but now, he flipped through them with unparelled enthusiasm. Quickly, he found what he was looking for. It was, of all things, a file of bank statments from the year 1995. It contained printouts of the bank statements of those who worked closely with Mackenzie’s father. Howie looked carefully at each one, until he came to a printout which had all of the requirements that he was searching for. As he read the name at the top of the page, Howie felt as though his entire body had been jolted. Rubbing his eyes, he reread the name to be sure. “Lou McKay” was typed clearly as the heading. Shoving the rest of the statements out of his lap and onto the floor, Howie picked up the payroll sheet, and laid it next to Lou’s bank statements. Performing some hurried calculations, Howie did the math nessacary. With a clarity he had never before known, Howie realized that he held in his hands, proof that Lou was the man who murdered Mackenzie’s parents, and did so to take over the company.
The bank statement showed that Lou had been depositing an amount of cash into his accounts, aside from his paychecks, on a regular basis. The amount gradually grew larger, until one million dollars in these mysterious deposites had accumulated. Mackenzie’s father’s personal paperwork indicated that his corporation had been worth a grand total of 3.5 million dollars. At the head of Topper’s payroll, the gross income for his corporation was listed, and how this affected the breakdown of his employee’s salaries. The later was of no concern to Howie, however, the gross income was of extreme importance. It was listed at 4.5 million dollars....exactly one million more than it had been at the time of Micki’s father’s death. And who just happened to have one million dollars sitting in a bank account? Lou....or should he say, Topper?
Suddenly, Howie remembered Mackenzie. She had gone to meet him. “Oh my God!” he exclaimed, leapt off of the bed, and raced for the door.
*****
Lou continued to prod Mackenzie in the direction of Howie’s dressing room. She halted at one of the doors in the corredor. “This is it.” she spoke tightly.
“Don’t lie, dear. It doesn’t become you. I’ve been watching you for weeks, I know your routines. You don’t think I know which door is Howie’s?” he asked. Mackenzie realized that there would be no getting around this. She hated the thought of Howie finding her dead. There being no one in sight, Lou roughly pushed Mackenzie toward the next door, ordering her to open it. Mackenzie did as she was told, when a self defense lesson came back to her from many years ago. Mackenzie recalled her instructor’s voice well. “Remember, give the attacker what he wants. Even if that means surrendering your wallet or your purse, ok? Keep him talking. Distract him. Most would be assailants enjoy talking about themselves, meaning their conquests. Hopfully, if you stall him long enough, someone will arrive who can help you.” Mackenzie took a deep breath, and turned to face Lou, once they were both inside the room.
“Please Lou. I have to know. Why did you do it?” she pleaded, hoping her ploy would work.
“Oh, I see. Is this one of those “tell me now before I die” things?” he mocked her. “Actually, I don’t see the harm in telling you. I might enjoy the looks of revulsion which are bound to cross your face sooner or later.” he relented happily. “It all started when your father wouldn’t listen to me. I had done some research, and found that the black market is a very profitable place to be. I suggested we join New Leaf Enterprises, the best outlet for black market goods that I had located.” Lou’s expression grew shadowy, and he tensely clenched and unclenched his fists. “But NO! I didn’t know what I was talking about! I was just ‘Lou’, the sidekick! I’m not a sidekick, I’m a brilliant businessman. Your father never saw that.” he turned angry eyes on Mackenzie. “Your mother was the same way. I offered her a place beside me, and she rejected it.” he drew in a sharp breath. “And damn, rejection stings. I loved her...your mother. I would have made a good husband to, you know? But no. She was too saintly for her own good; she stayed with your father.” Lou’s face brightened. “I got even though. Shhh.” he put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell, but......I killed them!” the gleeful look on his face made Mackenzie feel as though she were going to be sick. “Your father’s probably REALLY rolling in his grave now. I converted the corporation into a prime black market manufacturer.” he concluded. “All in all I’d say I’ve been pretty successful.”
*****
The guys, Denise, and security sat in Brian’s hotel room, holding a pow wow. They were right in the middle of a merchandise dicussion, when the door to the suite was flung open, and Howie stumbled inside. AJ took one look at his paniced expression, and jumped to his feet.
“Where’s Mackenzie?” he demanded. Howie ran to him.
“She’s at the venue, with Lou. AJ, man - LOU IS THE MURDERER!” Howie exclaimed. “I have proof, all of it. I’ve got the goods, and he’s got her! I know it! She went there to confront him about his involvment with the black market, the thing is......it’s not JUST the black market. Lou IS Topper!”
“Oh my God!” AJ shouted, and clasped his head in his hands. By this time, everyone was out of there seats and glancing back and forth between the two anxiously. “We’ve got to do something!” AJ moaned.
“Would someone mind explaining what’s going on?” Kevin demanded.
“Not now. We don’t have time. Mackenzie is in danger, and we have to help her!” Howie said frantically. Randy, being level headed in emergencies, took control.
“Howie, Brian, Rick, and Kev. You four come with me to the venue. AJ, you and the rest stay here and call the police. Tell them everything you don’t have time to tell us, and them come to the venue.” he ordered.
“Fine! Let’s go!” Howie rushed out of the suite, the others close behind.
*****
“How did you do it?” Mackenzie asked. Lou looked at her oddly.
“Do what? Kill them?” confusion was etched on his face, and Lou cocked his head at her. Micki took a deep breath.
“Yes. And how did you take over the corporation?” she added, making him laugh.
“You’re quite the little inquisitor, aren’t you? I really don’t think you are in much of a position to be so nosy.”
“Please......will you tell me?”
“Alright. If you must know, I usually do away with pests by beheading them.” he leaned close and whispered with pride, “That’s how I got my nickname. However, I felt that would be to crude in your father’s case, especially if I wanted it to come off like an accident. I had the plans all laid out. I cut the brake lines on his rental car, punctured the gas tank, and fiddled with the door mechanisms, making them hard to unlock. It was brilliant, if I do say so myself.” Lou beamed. Mackenzie felt herself grow sicker; she was running out of questions.
“Plans. You said something about plans.”
“Ah yes. Well, you see.....I had plotted this little change over for more than a year. Unfortunately, your father eventually noticed that I was embezeling funds. When he confronted me about it, I even admitted it. Why, you ask? Because. I knew that he was going to drive off in his little rental car with your mother - who just happened to be at the office that day, lucky for me - to think things through.” Lou leered. “Being the predictable man that he was, your father did just that. Then - Bang! A most unfortunate car crash took place. So sad.” Mackenzie felt a single tear roll down her cheek. The tear seemed to remind Lou that he was going to kill her. “Alright, that’s enough talk for now. Are you ready to die?” he asked seriously. When she didn’t respond, he frowned, and snatched her arm. “I just thought of a better place. You’ve made alot of friends here, and I think that they should find your lifeless body, center stage. Does that sound good to you?” With that, he jerked her arm, leading her out of the dressing room.
*****
Howie ran in the back of the venue with Kevin, Brian, Randy, and Rick hot on his trail. They rushed in, and immediately began asking those around them if they had seem Mackenzie. Brian spotted Anita. “Baby, have you seen Mackenzie?” he questioned, out of breath.
“Yeah....I saw her heading toward the dressing rooms with some guy a while ago. Why?” she replied, confused. Brian closed his eyes for a moment.
“Get out of here, now. Alright? Take as many of the event staff as you can and get out.” he ordered.
“Brian?”
“Just do it!” he cried. Then he called to the guys, “The dressing rooms! Mackenzie went toward the dressing rooms!” As they raced down the corredor, Brian was relieved when he heard Anita shout for the staff to listen to her and evacuate.
*****
Lou yanked Mackenzie along the corredor, keeping a tight grip on her arm, twisting it behind her back. She bit her lip to keep from yelping from the pain he was inflicting. They turned a corner, and were faced suddenly, with Howie, Kevin, Brian, and Randy. Lou cursed, and backed quickly away. As the four men let out cries of outrage and began to rush towards them, Lou fired his gun. The bullet struck Randy in the chest, and the other ricocheted off the walls as the remaining men hunkered down next to the walls, hoping to stay out of the line of fire. Mackenzie watched in horror as Randy crumbled to the floor, and she felt a scream tear from her throat.
Lou brutally pushed, shoved, and yanked her toward the stage. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that Howie had recovered, and was resuming the chase.
*****
As Randy fell to the floor, Kevin knelt beside him. “Go!” Randy weezed, and Kevin along with Brian took off after Howie, soon catching up to him as they followed Lou and Mackenzie. They seemed to be headed in the direction of the stage. A shocking thought struck Kevin.
“Brian! What about all the event staff? If Lou’s got a gun......” he trailed off. Brian thought for a second. “Go help Anita! Evacuate everyone that you can!” he shouted over his shoulder, resuming his pursuance of Lou along with Howie. Kevin starred after them for a moment, then ran back through the halls, organizing the staff who had become frightened by the gunfire, leading them out of the venue.
*****
Howie’s legs pumped faster as he sprinted after Lou and Mackenzie. The thought of Micki coming to harm made his head swim and his heart scream. Catching a glance of Lou darting onto the stage, dragging Mackenzie with him, Howie followed without caution.
“Stop right there.” Lou hissed, levering the gun at Howie. “Not another step, or she dies.” he threatened, tightening his arm around her throat and shoving the gun into her side. She clawed at his grip, and thrashed weakly. Howie felt torn in two as he watched Mackenzie struggle in vain.
“Let her go.” he demanded softly. Lou cackled.
“You,” he shouted, “are hardly in a position to be issueing orders!” Lou kept his gun in his right hand, pressed against his captive’s ribs, and holding her tightly. Freeing his left hand, Lou trailed one finger down the side of Mackenzie’s cheek. “You’re so beautiful.” he whispered, then gazed at Howie as he spoke his next words. “Don’t you think she’s beautiful?” he dared. “Is she as wonderful to touch as I think she is?” he asked. Howie’s jaw tightened, and his hands balled into fists. Suddenly, Brian rushed onto the stage behind him, knocking him unintentionally, causing Howie to take an involuntary step forward. Reacting quickly, Lou transfered his hold of Mackenzie into his left hand, and leveled the gun at Howie’s heart with his right. Brian reached out a hand to steady Howie, as he quickly took in the situation, and wished that he had proceeded with more caution. Lou waved shifted the gun between Howie and Brian alternately, silently challenging either one to move. He finally settled his aim on Howie.
“No!” Mackenzie gasped, her voice hardly louder than a whisper. “Please...Lou....No.”
“Tell me something.....do you love him?” Lou mocked. Mackenzie could only nod as tears rolled down her cheeks. She starred into Howie’s eyes across the stage. He reached a hand out to her plaintatively, which elicited a wimper from her. Lou’s lip turned back in a snarl. Just then, Rick entered the stage, coming onto the scene from behind Lou, who heard his footsteps. Lou sidewinged, so that he could see both directions.
“Look out, Rick, he’s got a gun!” Brian warned. Rick kept walking, until he strode up beside Lou and Mackenzie.
“What do you know? I’ve got one too!” Rick responded, withdrawing a pistol from his waistband.
“Shoot him then!” Brian exclaimed, the same time Lou asked impatiently,
“What took you so long?” A deathly silence filled the venue. It was finally broken by Lou’s sick laugh. “Betcha didn’t see that twist coming!” he sniggered. “The plot thickens! I must admit it was helpful having someone keep an eye on you two! Now then, where were we?”
Before Lou could answer his own question, Kevin ran down one of the isles, and launched himself at Rick before either Rick nor Lou could react. Lou watched calmly as Rick and Kevin struggled for a moment, Rick finally knocking Kevin over the head with his pistol. As Kevin sank in an unconcious heap to the floor, Lou gleefully spun Mackenzie to face him. “One down, two more to go!” he observed. “However, I do believe I will let them watch you die first. What could possibly be better tourture that that?” he shrugged, then contemplated her for a moment. Lou’s eyes narrowed as he appraised her. “Before you go......” he murmured, then swiftly pressed his mouth against hers, forcing a deep kiss upon her. Mackenzie beat her fists against his chest ineffectually, and struggled hard. Howie and Brian were forced to look on, as Rick’s steady hand, extending a gun, held them to their places. Howie emitted a low growl as he watched the woman he loved fight against her captor; Rick grinned as he observed Howie’s frustration. Having tried everything else, Mackenzie was ready to give up, when a wave of strength flowed into her, and she bit down as hard as she could. A shrill scream tore from Lou’s throat, and he shoved her away harshly, throwing her against the wall.
The dull thud of Mackenzie’s body hitting the solid surface, and Lou’s cry of outrage, distracted Rick just long enough for Brian to hurl himself at him. Howie rushed toward Mackenzie as Lou wiped the blood gushing from his mouth. He didn’t get very far before Lou came to his senses and thrust the gun in Howie’s direction, forcing him to stop halfway to Mackenzie.
Meanwhile, Brian tackled Rick to the ground, and with a burst of adrenaliene, gained the upper hand, grasping Rick by his shoulders, and slamming his fist into his face. Rick finally lies unconscious, and Brian, breathing hard, gets up off of him, only to find Lou waving his hand gun alternately between the three of them. Mackenzie stood on wobbly legs, and held herself against the wall for support. Howie longed to go to her.
“Don’t move.” Lou ordered in a threatening, no nonsense tone; his voice devoid of expression, and his attitude is deathly serious. Blood continued to drip down his chin and neck. “You’re all going to die. It’s just a question of who will be the first to go.” with that, he pointed his gun at each of them in turn. “Eenie. Meanie. Minie. Mo!” he shouted, then levered the gun at Mackenzie, and pulled the trigger.
“Micki!” Howie screamed. Seemingly in slow motion, Mackenzie brought her hands up to shield her face, and turned partially into the wall. She waited for the impact of the bullet, and was knocked to the ground brutally with the force of the blow.
Brian was shell shocked with the events that have transpired, and stood there shaking. Mackenzie wondered why she couldn’t feel anything other than a dead weight on top of herself. She summoned the courage to open her eyes, and when she did, emitted a terrible cry of horror. Howie lay on top of her, sheilding her body with his own. She looked into his eyes which are filled with pain. “Micki....” he moaned, his voice no stronger than a whisper.
She shoved Howie off of herself as gently as possible, feeling the tears course a river path down her face.
“Oh my God.....Howie.....”she murmured. A red spot grows on the fabric across his chest. “No...” Mackenzie placed her hands over the red blood, as if trying to hold it inside of him. “No...” she groaned.
Lou loomed over them. “Say goodbye Mackenzie.” he murmured sinisterly.
“Stop! Halt in your places! This is the Springfield Police Department! Lou McKay, you are under arrest! Drop your weapon!” The police chief orders. Officers surrounded the stage, and held their guns on Lou. He smiled, glanced down at Mackenzie, and pulled the trigger.
Lou crumpled to the stage floor, a stream of blood oozing from where he shot himself in the head.
Exhaling a deep breath, police officers swarmed the stage, attending to Brian, Kevin, and Rick. Mackenzie could hear Brian’s voice in the background, telling the police that Rick was an accomplice. Her gaze returned to Howie, who layed in her arms. His eyes are closed, and his brow furrowed in pain.
“Please! We need help! A paramedic!” she called. The officers standing over her and Howie move aside to let a team of medics through. Howie’s eyes opened.
“I love you, Micki.” he whispered softly.
“I need you Howard Dorough. Don’t you dare think of leaving me!” she warned him through her tears. He smiled weakly.
“Don’t worry....I’ll be here to hold you....All through the night.”
Thanks for reading, please keep going to the Epilougue!
© 1997 crunkgrl62382@yahoo.com
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