Prescriptions – 8

The military boat docked next to Thomas’ yacht. It was one of those small patrol boats. Army green with that .50 cal on the front. There were three soldiers, one steering and two in the back, rifles slung. They waved Thomas and his crew on.

I yelled but no one heard me.

Large cargo boxes were stacked in the back. One was definitely medical supplies. The three soldiers pulled it down. They flipped it open. Inside were plastic bags filled with pills. Each labeled with handwritten names. These were to be handed out to everyone living there. This shipment happens once a week, from people, soldiers, who were perfectly healthy. They stood there laughing at what something Thomas said. Probably some stupid joke. I knew he wasn’t genuinely trying to entertain them. He had another motive. To kill them.

I wanted to warn them. Somehow. But, it wasn’t going to happen. If I could have closed my eyes, I could. They remained open. I had to watch the whole thing.

“What’s this name?” Thomas pointed down to a bag. “I can’t read that.”

“Oh c’mon,” one soldier leaned over.

“I don’t think it’s even in English,” Thomas insisted.

They laughed.

“You forget how to read out here?”

The soldier picked up the bag.

And just like that, Thomas planted the knife through his back. The soldiers smile curled. Thomas had this stern look. Not menacing, not jovial, it was this look, void of any emotion. He hid this face. Once he turned to his crew, he was all smiles again. The others had a hold of the soldiers. Everyone had the look of shock, even Thomas’ crew. I don’t think killing was part of the plan. Without any hesitation he threw the first soldier overboard. Then stabbed the other two. One each. They died instantly. Thomas personally dumped the bodies. When the carcasses were out of sight, everyone was back to normal. As in laughing and talking.

They began to open the other boxes. They were filled with alcohol. Everyone cheered and grabbed all they could. Others carried the boxes over. They were definitely going to bring it back to the cruise ship. They were going to party. Some had already started.

My blood was red hot. I was pissed.

Thomas went under the canopy. Over to the controls. He went through all the drawers and shelves. Looking for something useful. He did. He came back out with a boom-box. Holding it high he turned it on. The music was pounding and everyone roared.

Prescriptions – 7

I was out of breath by the time I got to the cruise ship. Not that I running. The boat before the cruise ship was a scrawny little fishing boat. So the wooden foot bridge was pretty steep. And I wasn’t in shape like before.

I leaned against the doorway.

A few people laughed when they saw me. I must have been pale.

Inside was a long hallway. At the end were these two red ornate doors, with brass trimmings. Both handles were side by side, central to the opening. They were the kind of doors you’d swing open with both hands to make your grand entrance. I could hear the music pounding and voices shouting and cackling from where I stood. I was about two hundred yards away.

My face was cold and sweaty. I wiped my face. My hands felt foreign and clammy.

I made my way to the door and peeked in.

There were swarms of people. I’d say at least a hundred. They were drinking and dancing in what used to be a posh tea room. All the furniture was pushed against the wall. People were jumping on these curvy, bubbly, wood-trimmed peach couches, the type my grandparents would like, mashing the cushions into the worn springs. You could hear it pleading for mercy. Next to it, were these chicks dancing barefoot on the coffee tables, all acting sexy and provocative, giving everyone a show. While the guys below danced, tearing up the carpet with their muddy soles. In the center was this crystal chandelier hanging dangerously low. Everyone was taking turns swinging on it. Probably to see who could tear it down. It was a mad house. The music was coming from a boom-box in the far corner of the room, where Thomas was standing. Greeting everyone with a big smile.

I made my way over to a couch where Helen couldn’t see me. I sat at an empty spot. I tried to relax. The people jumping next to me didn’t help. Nor did the all the noise.

I closed my eyes.