Chapter 15 - Afterlife

   As I started to come to, I remembered what had happened. I was still confused. I'm dead. I know that much. Then this is the afterlife. I felt a sudden slight elation. There is something after all this. That's good. I can now be with my precious Wizzy. Panic's dead, too. I can be with both of them? Or, they're the same man.

   Either way suits me fine. Either one can have me, and if its both? Well, I'm strangely satisfied with that prospect as well. I've never been shared by two men, not even one after another. And to have both of them using me rough at once? Well, that's a yum.

   The spinning. Like a tadpole caught in a whirlpool. But its slowing down. I'm going to risk an eye being pried open. That slowed the spinning down some more. Good. If I'm in heaven, or hell, or wherever it is I was sent to? I get Panic. He's stirring. My head sort of snapped back all at once.

   I'm not dead. Panic is alive, too. I got my hand on his shoulder and pushed. He's blinking. He's trying to clear up and come to.

   "I guess I'm not dead."

   I tried to sit up, and a quick spin cycle came back to teach me that wasn't the best idea I ever had. I tried again and again, and each spin cycle was slower spinning and lasted a shorter time. I finally got my hands behind me and pushed up. By keeping my eyes closed, things settled down a little more.

   "No. And if you keep your eyes closed, it helps you sit up."

   He joined me. Within a few minutes, we were something we could call awake, and with it. Still weak, but its clearing. I asked the obvious.

   "What do we do now."

   "We're alone. For now."

   "We are. I mean, w---"

   "I know what you mean. Step one. Stay calm. Freaking out won't get us anything. A calm head, is a head that can think."

   I waited a few seconds.

   "Okay. Why, do you think we're alive."

   He sighed, and shook his head again.

   "They might want information."

   "I'll ask it. You ever, let anyone go that tried to kill you?"

   "No. That's why I'm still alive. Its generally not considered prudent, to give a man a second chance."

   "So, what do you think happens now."

   "Want me to lie to you?"

   "Sure."

   "They invite us to another of those luxurious dinners."

   "And if you told me the truth?"

   He sighed.

   "Pretty sure you can guess that part."

   "Yeah."

   "I'd ask if you have a plan, but."

   "I'm going to play along. And if I get my chance? I'm going to snap his neck like a chicken."

   He looked at his hands.

   "Amateur hour. If I captured my enemy? I wouldn't let his hands free. If they separate us? That's your plan, too. "

   "And if they kept us together."

   "You ever watch what the cat sometimes does to the mouse, if its not that hungry?"

   I nodded.

   "They play with it."

   "They might want information. Or, just to gloat a while. If they keep us together. If you see me make a move. Don't hesitate. These are amateurs. Keep looking for something to use as a weapon. Coffee mug. Pen, pencil. An electrical cord, for around the neck. If you wrap a newspaper up tight enough, then bend it over? You'd be amazed how good of a little billy club you have. Act defeated, until the moment you jump."

   He put his ear to the metal wall.

   "If I can get to a wall that touches the water? SOS banging. Rob has a little sonar. We already put him on alert, but my beacon never got activated. He's waiting, wondering. He gets a sonar SOS... anything could happen."

   "What would he..."

   "Get close, act like any other yahoo ship, seeing the big pretty boat. He has scuba gear. He might make his way here. He might try to hang onto the boat without being noticed. Come up after dark. If we hear and feel any kind of explosion? I'll bet that's my Little Robbie, blowing a hole in the hull. It won't drop the boat, but it'll scare the shit out of everyone. And it'd be a great time for me to get my hands around his neck. Diversion. And any chance we get? Just jump overboard. Remember. You're not dead, until you're brain dead. Keep your cool, so you can think. And if you can get overboard without me? Do it."

   "We had a Plan A. And a plan B. What plan is this."

   He snickered.

   "Welcome to plan Z."

   I sighed.

   "If we, don't..."

   He nodded.

   "I know. I love you too."

   I nodded back.

   "And. What is the, official tough guy way to say goodbye. At such a time, as this."

   "You know what a rally point is? When it all goes to hell, and you get scattered and taken out."

   "Yeah."

   He looked me right in the eyes.

   "The rally point? Is hell."

   "Cute. You ever get to, use that one before?"

   "Yeah. Think I told you before. I put myself down with Morphine, once or twice. After letting them know where I was hidden, injured. You don't want to get everyone else killed, because one man is injured. I describe my injuries. I mark my position. Your buddy tells you. Okay. We'll get you, after we mop up. And if we don't? The rally point is hell."

   "And what do you say back, when the other guy says that."

   "There are other worlds to fight in, than these."

   He grinned.

   "Keep your head. Look for an opportunity. If you get it? Take it. Don't look back."

   He gestured with his chin, towards the door.

   "But I think we have company. Always? Try to keep them talking. Buys time. If you get to an outer hull? Make the SOS. Try to get a few hours of sleep, and stay up at night. If Rob and Skykid come? It would be in the middle of the night. If we get held in separate rooms? I'm trying to get to the electrical. I'll wire the door. Fry whoever touches it. Hot wire to the handle. Ground to the floor. Water so when they step in it? They ride the lightning."

   "How would I know which one is the hot wire."

   "The hot wire will spark. Don't do it but just a tiny one, or it'll throw the breaker. And if you hear anything resembling hell being raised, particularly in the middle of the night, w---"

   "That's probably Rob and Sky."

   I paused.

   "Does sound like company's coming. Anything else."

   "I love you. Rally point's in hell."

   "I love you too. There's other worlds to fight in, than these."

   He gave me a quick kiss.

   "Found you again once, right? I'll do it again."

   I managed a weak smile.

   "And just in case you and Wizzy really are two different men?"

   "Hmm."

   "Don't get jealous. You had two wives. I'll just have two husbands."

   He grinned. The door opened. It was our host, and there were several men in the corridor. We were obviously in one of the guest rooms, but it was an empty mattress and little else.

   "Ah. I see you are, up and... at, them."

   I smiled sweetly, and gave him the finger. Panic was more direct.

   "You like American phrases so much. Would you like another, for your collection?"

   "Oui, always."

   "Go fuck yourself."

   "Ah. Not, in the best mood. And, I can understand these thing. I could see, where, you are the bear with the sore, ass."

   He came just inside the door, and several of the men filed in and spread out behind him. More filled in the space they had left. Looked to be a number of the engine crew.

   "I must apologize. For, this unfortunate circumstance. These, were not the plans I had for us."

   "You know. I always heard. The French men? All faggots. But? I'm actually friends with a couple. No, they were straight."

   "Is that so."

   Panic nodded.

   "So. I guess, its just you."

   "Ah. Gentlemen? Please to stay back. Our guests, are a little bit, what. Miffed."

   "What did you bring your boyfriends for. Still don't have the guts, to do it yourself, huh? How typical."

   The Devil smiled, and gestured.

   "Ah. I understand. I will not take, the bait. You will not get? My, goat."

   "Oh. Still can't admit it. Well? I hope you at least kiss the goat, before you fuck it."

   "Please. Continue. When you are ready? We will talk, once again."

   "Still trying to get in my pants, huh."

   "I will wait. Is your, head... clear? Or, would you like more time. The, dizzy will go, fairly quick. You should have, a dry mouth. Perhaps a drink of water."

   I couldn't help it.

   "Argo."

   "Eh? Are... go..."

   "Argo."

   He gestured, what.

   "Argo fuck yourself."

   "Ah. If I could fuck myself, then I would have no need, of my beautiful wife. Who I do love, very dearly. She is, quite precious, to me. Much more, than any of my trinkets I have."

   I still can't help myself.

   "Good thing you have all that money. A real man, could satisfy his wife without buying her off."

   I mean, if he's trying to piss him off and make him lose his cool? I'll help. Probably figures if he loses his cool? He might lose his presence of mind and come close arguing. So he can snap his neck.

   "Ah. Please, to continue. It is, amusing. Gauche, but only a little bit. It is fine. I understand."

   "Do you? Pity you can't see it."

   "And what, can I not see."

   "Its why she's sometimes difficult. If you could get it up better? You could put a smile on her face."

   "Mm."

   I kept it up.

   "Your mistress? She already left you. What's that saying for your... ability. Not, very, much."

   "Hmm. It is true, my mistress, will no see me anymore. One of the things, that monsieur Macaroni, has taken from me. You see, she is the actress. And, when a man is no longer popular, in his own country? Well. She can not afford, to be seen with me. It is... regrettable."

   "Regrettable. As is your pathetic little dick, I'm sure."

   "These things, I understand. Perhaps, you two would like a little more time. To, compose yourself. Perhaps then, we could have pleasant words again."

   Panic tried again.

   "If you want to talk? Just give us some privacy. I'll explain it to you."

   "And you will explain, what. How I am to, fuck myself. I remember. It was not so long ago."

   "Look. Just get it over with. If you don't have the guts? Just let one of them do it."

   "I would wait, but I do not think, that time would make you more pleasant. And so? With your permission, I will begin."

   "Oh, great. You mean to bore me to death."

   "Monsieur. You are a clever man. If I wished you dead, do you not think, you would not already be dead? Think about it."

   "Then you want something. Very much. I guess tips on how to fuck your wife properly. I guess I'll tell you that. No reason for her to keep on suffering. Putting up with you? Poor girl's suffered enough already. But its you, a French faggot. You'll have to get creative. See, you buy one of those, strap on plastic dicks. I mean, you won't get much out of it. But your wife? I'm thinking of her. Get the one that vibrates. Oh. And another tip? If you're curious."

   "Yes?"

   "You, should get on top. The plastic dick? Its for you to wear. Not her. Like usual. Or? Just send her for a night out with you're buddy. Macaroni. He's been fucking your country long enough? He can probably handle one more bored French wife."

   "Again. If I mean you harm. You would be dead, or harmed. Not, what I wish. And, information? I would first ask. I am not, keeping you alive? For any purpose. I quite simply, do not wish you harm."

   Panic giggled.

   "I came to kill you. If you're dumb enough to give me a second chance? Hey. I was going to say, you're not as dumb as you look. I guess that's my mistake."

   "I try again. And? I am serious. What would be the point. If I wanted you dead, you would already be dead. Or? I could have you killed now. I do not wish information from you. Or, I would ask. Then, threaten you when you do not answer. None of that. Will you not admit, at least, that much. Some, curiosity."

   "I'll have to give you that one. Continue."

   "And there. I mean, what I say earlier. I do not sleep so well, with the many things that happened. You did say, liberty or death. Well? I tell you. My own death, would be a... liberty of a kind. I am past the point, where I would think about, doing this thing myself. As my grandfather said to me, after the... shit, was over. Do not do your enemy's work for him."

   "I do not know how I could convince you, but I will try. We both experienced, the same thing. Ah, and before you point these thing out, I know. You, saw the things up close, and you took many risks. I tell you. I am not a dangerous man that way. Can you appreciate, that a man such as myself... it would be very bad on me. I started something, and when it went to shit? It was too far along, to stop it. Like, little snowball. Rolling down the mountain. It became an avalanche."

   "Get it right. It was hell on earth."

   "Yes. It was. My grandfather, I told you. He was French Foreign Legion, when he was a very young man. When that was over? He came back, and wanted only to make the baguettes. When I tell my father, how it was for me? He said. Talk to your grandfather. You sound like him."

   I asked.

   "How was it."

   "Shit. I did not, what your husband went through. But, I am not a dangerous man, like he is. I was like the villagers. I was, baby? In woods. If this lowers me, in your eyes. That I am not, dangerous that way? Then? I am less of the man. My grandfather, though. He was dangerous. And? He talk with me. What was shit for me, was also shit for him. Same, shit."

   I was curious now.

   "Describe the shit."

   "I see it. It, does not go away. I never believe in ghosts? And I still do not. But I tell you. You see it. Every time I talk about these thing, it makes me see it. I thought, I was insane. My grandfather, said that was normal. He sees his own shit. And no, he said it never goes away. But? You can learn to live around it."

   He's describing PTSD images.

   "I know what it is, that do these thing to me. But, that only makes it hurt, a little less. I spend my life? Trying to make it up. And I come to realize. If I leave, early that way? Some other man, like me. Who will not be trying to make it up. No. I learn a big lesson. I raise my boys, to not make mistake I made. You can, ask anyone, anywhere. If they really know me? They can tell you. I will not hurt a woman, a child. An old person. I will not so much as yell at an animal, much less kick it. The other investor? Were like me. We are in big office building, some of us lose our food, just hearing it, of what was happening."

   Then? The Devil was quiet for a little while.

   "Leave."

   No one moved. He turned his head.

   "I said leave. Go. Close the door, behind you."

   They slowly left and gently closed the door.

   And? The Devil broke down and cried. It wasn't the wailing blubbering, snot running sort of thing. It was just streams of tears. I know some actors can cry on demand, but I don't think this was it. It took him some time, to stop.

   "There. I let you both go. You can go and tell the whole world? You saw, The Devil cry. You want to make fun of me, call me, what. French faggot. I am not. You see these thing..."

   And he made one of his dramatic gestures. With the dainty finger sweep.

   "And that is not, gay. French? Is a beautiful language. People that do not speak it? Still love to hear it. The gestures? Are meant to add more beauty, to the words. Our food? Is meant to please. To look beautiful, as well as taste beautiful. As is our language. It should sound beautiful? And it should look that way, as well."

   Another dramatic effeminate French gesture.

   "What did we give the world. Only everything good in it. Science. Art. Literature. Ballet. Say the word? Ballet. It sounds French, no? Look at our, architecture. Beauty. Our women? Many are beautiful. And what are French women, known for, eh? To please a man. A French woman love you? She will do anything for you. She will give you, every part of her body. With no regret. Yes, with her mouth, but everything else too. To be truly French? Is to want beauty. And to please."

   He wiped an eye.

   "And what are French men known for? Oh, yes. You want to make the fun. To get... my, goat. French men? Are known for fucking a woman, with our face. You are to do it? Until she screams with the pleasures, and more. Until... she all but dies from pleasure. It is? The, le petit mort. The, little death. It is no accident, that all these thing, have French words, for them."

   "We give the world? So much. It is true, that time is over. But, we give it. We had a conversation, we were going on. Before, you tell me what you come for. Your blood? It was hot. Your blood, has cool off some now. I can see that. But? I... pick up. Where we leave it. Your American ideas. Liberty. Equality. Those begin, as French ideas. Our writers. Voltaire, and the others. Your, country fathers? They quote these men, in their... pamphlets. You know this is true. What we were close to having? You Americans, you have it first."

   We said nothing.

   "And? Not, long, after. We have our own, revolution. That women, have standing? It is French idea, as well. For you see. Our women? Start the revolution. They shame, the men. The women? A little group of them. Went to the king's palace. Not to kill him, to tell him, of what he might not know the people were suffering, so much. The women. Not, the men."

   He wiped again, before continuing.

   "Yes, it got bad. It turned to shit, and quickly. The women? Kill the guards. They were parading their heads around, on... pikes. They take the king, and the king's son, back with them. It was the start, of the French revolution. And? When France gets, the cold? All, of Europe? Sneezes. It spreads. The other countries? This happens there now. And yes, the big, shit. The, guillotine. Robespierre. Finally? Napoleon rose up. He put a stop, to the shit. He went around, and put a stop to all the shit. And until the end of his, first reign? All the people, all of Europe. He, was like a god."

   "I am not a dangerous man, like you are. Can I not still be, what. Bravery. Here. I show you, brave."

   He walked to the door. He opened it.

   "Go. Leave us. We have reach? An understanding. Let, us be."

   He closed the door, and locked it from the inside.

   "I am sure, you have some, plan. From where you were? I am thinking, you go over the side. Yes? Is fine. The men? They disperse. We? Are alone now. As before. You did see, the key. Watch, these thing I do."

   He went over to the far door, on the opposing corner of the big room. He unlocked and opened it.

   "I can smell, the salt. Now? Watch, carefully."

   He dramatically nudged the door closed, and clearly didn't lock it. He further proved it, by pushing on the handle. As he went back to where he had been sitting? He tossed Panic the key ring.

   "There. You turn right, out that, door? Your nose, will easily guide you. You can smell, the ocean. If you think the men linger? And they well might. They? Are in that corridor. Not? That one."

   He brought his chair closer.

   "Here? I am. We? Are all alone. I will not do these, all night. Go, the... rounds, with you. Around, the barn. Nothing? To stop you. It was, as you say, personal? You, blame me. Fine. I? Accept, your blame. You had, no weapon on you. And so? You can, no doubt to it, do it with your hands. Do me the little favor, and make it... quick. I take your trouble away, so you can do me that kindness. I think, you would trade your life for mine. And? You no longer, must risk that. There? Is the door. You no longer, risk."

   He brought his chair closer, scooting forwards. He held his arms out, in the sign of the cross.

   "Here? I, am. I give you. Freely. My life. I am not, a man of danger, as you are. I can not do, brave things. But. Is this not, bravery. To be unafraid, to die. Take it. Do it now. You are not, monsieur Testavino. There is no monsieur Testavino."

   "What. You, want to kill. Come. Kill. It, was to make you happy. I make you happy."

   Panic just stared at him. Bug, on a pin.

   "You? Come, to kill me. I do not kill you. I have my big chance. I did not want it. I give you, your life back. Now? I offer you more. My life. Here. I close, my, eyes."

   He inched in more, and lowered his head. He stuck his neck out.

   "Do it. You live for this, for many years? My, gift. Then? Go. And, be happy."

   "I am waiting. How long must I wait."

   "Must I, what. Take, your, goat. Oh, all right. Monsieur Testavino? He has, what. Little, dick. Oh. I can pleasure, your wife? Better, than you can."

   "Why, am I still here. Are you, what. Coward. You do not? Even have to see, my, face. From what you tell me? You already see, too many faces. I will not add to your suffering. I? Know that suffering. I? Will not add to it."

   Still hanging his neck out, looking down. He spoke to the floor.

   "Do, you need your things? That you had on you, when we were alone, before these thing started. I will have them brought here. Perhaps, you need them. To, make your, what. Your... get, away."

   "You are in international water. No, police. There is no witness. We have no name, to give."

   He waited another minute or so.

   "Do it!"

   He stayed like that, I don't know how long. I can't tell you, it was as if time stood still. The cat? No longer had to chase the mouse. The mouse? Was no longer sitting willingly with the cat. It had bitten the cat on the nose. Apparently? The mouse wasn't done. Not yet.

   His head rose up.

   "What. Where, is my death. I must be, in the end of all times. In the revelations? It says. And men shall seek death, and yet it shall elude them. Where, is, mine. Here? I sit. I wait. No? You play the cards. I play? My, last, card."

   I was reminded of a quote. The devil knows the scriptures.

   "Perhaps? Your blood, need to be, hot. Here. I? Heat it up for you. My words, were not enough, perhaps."

   He hauled off, and smacked Panic. Right across the face. A hard, open handed slap. A perfect bitch slap. He wouldn't know, that has no effect on Panic.

   "There."

   He hung his head, his neck back out. He waited, as before. Finally, he raised his head.

   Panic finally spoke.

   "Are we done?"

   "With these thing? So it would seem. Can we now talk?"

   "We're talking."

   "I do not know, what else, I can do. So that you believe me. When I speak. I know, I am not a dangerous man. But, am I a coward?"

   "No."

   He nodded.

   "And that? Is, at least. A start. Not the good start, but a start? None, the, less. Perhaps, we can begin, actually to have a conversation. One that will mean, something. Eh?"

   "They say, out of the worst things? Can come the best things. And these thing, will be one of them. You will hear me, and listen. And? That is all."

   "Fine."

   He put his hands on Panic's knees. He just looked down at his hands, then up into his face.

   "Perhaps, now? You will believe me. When I tell you. I am sorry, for the things, that went on. I am sorry, you lose friends. Your, brothers. I understand when you say you lose brothers? My grandfather, was a dangerous man. The French Foreign legion? These are dangerous men. My grandfather? He called his men, he fought with. His brothers."

   Panic said nothing.

   "It is too soon, I know. To expect you to, what. Forgive me. Perhaps, later. I am sorry, for what happen to the villagers. So? I understand, you can not forgive me. Not yet. Maybe, that will come. I ask only, that you tolerate me. Just? A little bit. For a little while. Can you do this?"

   "We'll see."

   He clapped his hands lightly on his knees.

   "All right. You came to kill me. And they say, that the French are the rude. I have you? Palm of my hand. I give you, your life back. I then offer you? My life. In exchange, for what happen. I? Am not your enemy. You? Only think, I am the enemy."

   Panic just stared at him, like a bug on a pin. The Devil, gestured at his face, and body.

   "These thing? I am sorry, I make you like these thing, you have become. You? Were all smiles, and laughter. And then? I see you change. When it was time. You can not enjoy these thing. To be like this. No man? Should have to live, as we live. Like these way."

   "Life is shit."

   "It is. And? For men like us? It is more shit. When it was all over, the shit. Everyone clapping and cheering. He has brought Alsace-Lorraine back to us. The television, the medals. All the dinners, and the talks. It did not make me feel better. It? Made, me, feel, worse."

   His signature dramatic pause.

   "The more my father, my grandfather? Were proud of me. For saving my country. More, guilt. My family. We were good people. I was raised, to be good. To do good things. And I thought? I was doing a good thing. To save my country. But, when I saw, what it cost?"

   He was streaming tears again.

   "I was, ashamed. We were in the church, but. Not, what is the American phrase. The... holy, rollers. But I believe, in some god. Where, was my punishment. I get only rewarded. And? In some way, that was more than punishment. It, was torture. I could not sleep. I, see things, that are no there. I know, it is... I know what it is. Does not make it good, though."

   "I wanted, to be dead. But I have a beautiful wife. And? I had two little boys. And I can not kill myself. I went to the priest. I asked, for forgiveness. He said, it would take time. I keep going to him. He finally says to me. Son, you are forgiven. I forgive you. God, forgives you. He says, it must all be part, of god's bigger plan."

   "But? This does not make me feel better. What. I say, some magic words, so many times. And it is all gone? No."

   He cried more.

   "That? Was worse. I keep going to him. Father, what do I do. If god has forgiven me, where does it get better. I ask him. What. If I give all of my money, away. Give my trinkets, away. Will I feel better."

   He slowed down the tears.

   "He says. I know what it is. I ask, tell me. He says? I must forgive, myself. And I can not. I keep going. He finally, tell me. Is not order. Is suggestion. Maybe? God is calling you, and you can not hear him. I asked him. What does he want."

   I asked him softly.

   "What did he tell you."

   "He says? I, must figure that out. For myself. The hell good are you then. If I could do these thing myself? I would do it. He says. When the time is right? It will come to me."

   "And did it?"

   He nodded.

   "He says. To read about Joan of Arc. And I do. Every book I can find on her. I have, a whole shelf of my books, to just this. I finally decided. I want to do this thing. What she did. But, I can not. I am not a dangerous man. I went back to the father. I told him all this."

   "What did he tell you."

   "He says. I am praying for punishment. And weakness. He said that is not working. Instead? I am to pray for strength. To be strong. To endure this thing. And when I feel a little better? To come back."

   "And did you?"

   "Eventually."

   "And?"

   "He tells me. You have been tricked. And that? Is the devil's way. He can do nothing, by himself. He has no power. He can only trick the good man, into doing his work for him. And now? You feel better. I said, some. Then? That was my answer. He said, later on. It was time."

   "Time for what."

   "To fight them. The people? That do these thing. He said, god will give you the strength, to see it through. And you will not be afraid any longer."

   "Did it work?"

   "I no longer fear death. I, did good things, with the blood money. The blood coal? It brought money. The money? Was the, talents of silver that the man that betrayed Christ got. And after a time? Yes, I got better. The guilt? I could bear it. And? It seemed, that the more I tried to do the good things, the worse... some things got."

   "What things."

   "How can a man, be sorry. And try to spend his life now, doing only good things. And the more you try? The more I am, the salmon. Swimming, against the current. I do not quit. Joan? She never quit. And that was when it started."

   "What."

   "My enemies. I see them? As the money changers, in the temple. They pointed at me, and began to call me?"

   I had to ask, though I knew.

   "Le diable. The, devil."

   I couldn't say a word.

   "The more I try to make it up, the more I am called, The Devil. I ask the father. Why is this. He says. That? Is how you know it is working. Those? Are the devil's people. You will fight them. The way you fight. You will use? Their gold, against them. They fear you. They are afraid? Of good men, using their golden swords, to do good things. Do it more. And the more good you can accomplish? The more they will say that. The more they hate you? The more you will know it is what is right."

   Panic has a saying I've heard enough before out of him. If you're taking flak? That's good. You know you're over the target. This priest. Knew the same thing, he just said it in a different way. Francois? He was done crying now.

   "And so? I am now, The Devil. And le diable? Is a good man. I must suffer the name. They now? Have most of my own country. They pointing at me, and calling me, The Devil. And? I am not, the one who is fucking France, in its ass. They are. But? I am, a holy warrior. I am called by god."

   Holy shit. And sorry for the pun.

   "I have been, assembling? An army. Of men? Like me. It is as if? I can now look into a man's eyes, and see what he is about. I can see through, their lies. I have slowly weeded out? The men with gold, that only wanted trinkets, and more gold. And, who would not help people, with it. Then? I slowly, formed my plan."

   I said it.

   "The Liberian project."

   "Yes. The father said, when you have it right? It will get easier. The easier it all comes together? You will know, that is god's will. That he is working, through you."

   He paused.

   "And? Very soon. It will be here. The time? Is close. I am very soon? Going to hold the back of the neck, of that fool Macaroni, in one hand. And his horse faced bitch that ran Germany into the ground? The back of her neck in my other hand. And I am going to put? Cock, to, ass. I will give them? The fucking, they deserve. God? Is going to deliver my enemies. I am using? Their own weapons, against them. I am doing, to the real devils? What was done, to me."

   Panic looked at me. Then back to him.

   "Why the United States. Why, this president, coming back."

   "More than one reason. But? I would ask you, to but have dinner with me. And we will talk more."

   He patted his knees gently a few times more, before retracting them, and standing up.

   "And now? I will leave you. You? Are in no danger. Go. I will have your things, you have on you, when you come to kill me? Delivered to your room."

   I was flabbergasted.

   "You can leave. I have no doubt, you had, some men somewhere near. I have little boats. Do you wish, for me to give you one? That you can escape the clutches, of the mad devil. I will leave instructions? At the bridge. That if you ask for it? You can take the boat. Keep it, if you wish. Or, simply return it to any port. I will get it. I do not care. It is, merely a trinket."

   He paused.

   "There is one thing I want from you, however."

   Panic murmured.

   "Mm."

   "My keys?"

   "Oh. Here."

   "Thank you. Leave. Stay. As you wish. Talk to each other, for a time. Then? If you wish. Join me, on the captain's, sun deck. The, engine men? They are all former French Foreign Legion. They are all good men. I will go out that door. I will instruct the men, and my wishes are always obeyed. Only them? Not, you. I tell them to say nothing of this? It will be, as if it never was. A mere, misunderstanding."

   "No other passenger, or other crew? Know of this thing. If you wish to use, that door? Do so."

   He went to leave.

   "Oh. I would ask you."

   Panic looked at me, before answering.

   "Yes."

   "You have come to kill me, yes. In, what is my own house."

   "I did."

   "I could have, kill you in your sleep. I did not. Then? I offer you, my life? In exchange, for what you had to endure. Now I ask you. Did I not, show mercy. Did I not? Forgive, my enemy. Did I not, love my enemy."

   Panic looked at me, before answering him.

   "I guess you did."

   "I ask you. Is that the actions, of The Devil? I ask only, that you judge me. By what you know. Not? By what you have heard. I want? Nothing from you. I? Will only, give to you. And, if you still wish to kill me."

   He shrugged.

   "You still can, and at any time. But you will know, you are not killing the devil. You are raising your hand? Against a man god has sent, to set things right. What is the phrase here? Food, for, thought. And? You two can, chew on it. I bid you adieu. And please. Join me, on the deck."

   "Maybe."

   "Eh. As I say. It is? A start."

   I guess that was it.

   "Adieu. Do as you will."