The Loyal Servant

Chapter 11: Escaped

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, events and incidents in this story are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental

Fernand left the house with Mr.Calixtro and two men in black following them. Though it felt awkward, Fernand didn’t even say a word. He walked normally as he does, but remembering the scene earlier makes him lost in his thoughts. If that was his thing, surely my sister was also exposed to that thing. He thought and released a deep sight.

The woods are indeed wide yet, Fernand’s sight didn’t escape from Mr.Calixtro’s ear. He immediately walked fast to reach Fernand, worrying that he might have felt shocked about the things that happened inside the abandoned house. Mr.Calixtro successfully held onto his shoulder but It seems that Fernand was still not in his consciousness. “Hey!” he said in a loud voice. Fernand got startled and suddenly, he threw a punch. Fortunately, Mr.Calixtro avoided it.

“What the hell kid!” Mr.Calixtro exclaimed. His eyebrows meet each other making him look angry. Fernand felt sorry for his sudden movements, he touches Mr.Calixtro’s head ensuring that he didn’t hit him. “Sorry,” he apologised. Mr.Calixtro shrugged his head and replied, “it’s okay”.

Fernand felt something bagging his chest, his breath shortened as his eyes met Mr.Calixtro. He took his hand out from Mr.Calixtro’s head and turned his head away from him. “Uhm.. let’s go?” he asked. Mr.Calixtro nodded as an answer. While they were walking, Mr.Calixtro took their silence as an opportunity to ask Fernand, “Are you okay?” he asked without looking at Fernand.

Fernand who’s still in midst of his thoughts nodded and continued to walk. Mr.Calixtro found his response a bit weird, yet he said no words. They continue to walk but Mr.Calixtro ensures that Fernand won’t be out of his sight, every move Fernand, his hands are always ready to support him. He was worried that Fernand might fall or trip due to his absent mind. He was prepared for anything that might have injured Fernand except for the abrupt sound of a gunshot.

Mr.Calixtro held Fernand’s wrist and swiftly pulled Fernand to his back, hiding him from any danger. Unluckily, one of the men in black was shot straight to the head. Seeing the hole in its head, clearly, the gunman was not a beginner. They looked around but the gunman was not visible. “Sir, let’s go” Allan, the last man in black said and handed a gun to Mr.Calixtro. Good thing they were almost at their car’s location when it happened. They walked fast toward the car and noticed that the car’s window was open, MR.CAlixtro waved his hand and started to call the driver.

“MANG FREDDIE!!” Mr.Calixtro shouted. “START THE CAR!” he continued.

But no response or start of the engine was made. When they reached the car, the window they thought was open was actually broken, its glass was scattered on the ground with blood all over the wheels and glass. “Geez, those damn assholes.”Mr.Calixtro cursed as he looked at the dead body of his driver. He ordered Allan to move the driver's body out of the car. “Don’t look,”he said to Fernand and tightened the hold on Fernand’s hand.

Fernand turned his head even though he was not shocked or scared. He is used to seeing dead bodies, fresh blood scattering around, or even people killing a person, nothing will make him vomit or scared at all but he needs to look like he was just an ordinary person who’s not used to seeing those things.

“Sir, “ Allan notified Mr.Calixtro, opened the car’s door, and gave the key to Mr.Calixtro. With a nod, Mr.Calixtro pulled Fernand and ordered him to ride in the car. Allan holds his gun firmly while looking out, giving Mr.Calixtro and Fernand a chance to enter the car. “Get in.” Mr.Calixtro commanded Fernand. Fernand didn’t say a word and got inside the car.

Mr.Calixtro put out his handkerchief and wiped the blood stain in the seatbelt before locking it to Fernand. “Safety first.” he said and smiled at him. Fernand seems more shocked to hear Mr.Calixtro’s soft caring voice. He gulped when his heart started to beat again.

“Sir, you should go.” Allan said to Mr. Calixtro. Mr.Calixtro nodded and closed the car’s door. Before they walked around the car he ordered Allan, “Tell them to kill those bastards.” Surely, Allan is quick witted, without a second thought he responds “copy, sir.”. They were about to walk towards the other side of the car when loud gunshots suddenly rose. Allan instantly used his body to cover Mr.Calixtro, “get down sir,” he said. “I know!” Mr.Calixtro replied in irritation. When the gunshot gradually died, Mr.Calistro instantly checked Fernand inside the car. Luckily, Fernand dodged all the bullets and looks like he’s not injured. He knocked on the car’s window and asked, “Are you okay?”

Fernand looked around his sides and turned to Mr.Calixtro, he made a okay sign and smiled to him.“f%*k!” Mr.Calixtro exclaimed as he noticed a small scratch on Fernand’s cheek. Fernand was startled by the curses of Mr.Calixtro, he was about to ask him but Mr.Calixtro shuffled his gun and stood up.

He aimed his gun at one of the trees and pulled the trigger. In just a bang a body fell to the ground making the rest of the gunmen shiver in fear. He continued to fire until his bullet died. Three bodies were now lying on the ground. Seeing this, Fernand suddenly thought of why people get scared of phoenix hives. They’re not just a huge mafia but also have the most extraordinary leader. “Geez, Kier didn’t warn me about this,” Fernand mumbled.

Mr.Calixtro rested his back on the car’s door, he looked at Allan, “let’s try to go to the other side, “ he suggested. Allan nodded and looked at the gunmen, he signed okay when the surroundings were cleared. He checks his magazine and does a cross sign before looking in the direction of where the gunshots are from to double check. He looked at Mr.CAlixtro without a word yet they seemed to understand each other.

Allan stood up first and fired his gun while Mr.Calixtro followed him on his back. “GO!” Mr.Calixtro shouted and they started to move to the other side of the car. They managed to open the driver’s seat door and used it as a shield. The gunmen still rain them with bullets however, the Car’s door is a great help to lessen the impact of it.

“Ahh!” Allan shrieked as his knee felt numb. He looked to his knee and blood was overflowing it. He held his gun firmly and gave Mr.Calixtro a sign to enter the car and move along. He moved his body away from the door and slammed it. The door closed leaving Allan on the verge of gunshots.“Sh*t.” MR.Calixtro said and immediately started the car. He steps on the gas and manages to drive the car to its maximum speed.

Allan tried to run as fast as he could to the nearest tree and hide his injured body. Blood dripped on his left arm that was shot when he ran. He shuffled his gun but there were no bullets left. “Geez,” he mumbled and threw his gun. He pulled out his radio from his left chest pocket and pressed the button that connected to the people in the abandoned house. “A5 speaking ordered from sir. Kill all” he said. He put down the radio and scanned his surroundings, when he felt it was clear, he walked out from where he was hiding. But not long after he heard the sound of guns clicking on his back. He raised his arm and turned around. He was amused to see a pin on the gunman's left chest.“Sampaguita?really?” he asked and chuckled. “F%*k you.” he yelled with his middle finger raised in front of the gunman. He smiled mischievously and put out his knife. “Bye.” he laughed and stabbed himself. The gunman tried to stop him but it was too late, he had already stabbed his chest. Blood scattered when he pulled out the knife. With a smile, Allan fell to the ground.

“F%&CK!!” the leader of the gunmen yelled. He kicked Allan’s body and called out one of his subordinates. “Did you follow them?” he asked. The subordinate responded, “ yes, sir Chael.”. Chael nods in relief, he was sure that he will have the head of The Phoenix hive today. He got his phone from his pocket and wrote a message. His smile widened when he clicked the send button. “Kier will love this.” he chuckled.

“Sir chael, “ the subordinate called him. Chael raised his eyebrow and turned around. “What?” he asked. “They have escaped. Sir.” the subordinate said nervously. Chael couldn't believe those words, so he made his subordinate repeat his words. Yet, the veins in his head popped out when he realized that he didn’t hear wrong. He grabbed his subordinate's neck and slammed it to the tree, choking it angrily. “HOW..CAN YOU… LET THEM ESCAPE!!” he roared, making his grip firmly to his subordinates' neck. In a second, the man in his hand died, he released a deep sigh, “Call everyone and burned that f*$king abandoned house.” he commanded.

Mr.Calixtro manages to escape from the gunmen who followed them, even though their car is filled with holes from gunshots, he and Fernand are luckily uninjured. When they reached the main road, Mr.Calixtro parked their car in front of the gasoline station. “Aren’t we going back home?” Fernand asked. Mr.Calixtro didn’t pay attention to his question, rather he turned to Fernand and held his chin. “Does it still hurt?” he asked and softly wiped Fernand’s cheek. ”AH!-” Fernand flinched as he felt a sting in his cheeks. Mr.Calixtro instantly regretted his action, he moved his hand away from Fernand and turned around to open the car’s door. “Let’s go,” he ordered Fernand.

They both left the car and waited outside. MR.CAlixtro dialed a number on his phone and in just a minute a ford ranger parked in front of them. “Sir.” the man greeted Mr.Calixtro after he got out of the car. It handed a key to Mr.Calixtro and bowed his head. Mr. Calixtro didn’t give him a slight glance and walked straight to the car. He started the engine and was about to move along when he noticed that Fernand was still not getting inside the car. His forehead creased as he called Fernand. “What are you going to do there?” he shouted. Fernand was astounded of Mr.Calixtro’s behavior. “Tsk. how could he manage to change his mood in just a sec,” he mumbled and walked towards the car. Mr.Calixtro opened the door from the inside, “Can you make it faster?” Mr.Calixtro rolled his eyes. Fernand wryly smiled and hopped in the car. “ How capricious,” he whispered. “I heard that.” Mr.Calixtro said and started to drive the car.

Fernand looked outside of the car, the darkness of the night felt very comfy. He leaned his head to the car’s window and was amused by the trees swaying with the wind. “Can we open the window?” he asked out of the blue. MR. Calixtro didn’t say a word yet, the window suddenly opened. Fernand moved his head away waiting for the window to get fully opened. “Thanks,” he said and smiled. Even Though he was not looking at MR. Calixtro, felt the smile form on its lips.

The breeze is cold enough for his skin. In just a day multiple things happened. He almost got caught, people are following them and he even rode Mr.Calixtro’s extreme speed car. All of this is not new to him but having someone besides him makes him feel something wrong with his heart. It keeps on beating someone he was about to kill.

“The wind is cold, you might feel sick.” Mr.Calixtro said and pulled Fernand towards him. “Enough with looking outside.” he whispered to Fernand and pressed a button to close the window. His left hand is holding a wheel while his right hand is holding Fernand’s left hand. Fernand didn't know how to react, so he stayed seated holding Mr.Calixtro’s hand. “Are you okay?” Mr.Calixtro asked him in a soft voice.

Mr.Calixtro didn’t hear any response from Fernand, he took a glance at him and returned his sight to the road. He smiled when he saw Fernand leaning to his seat while his eyes were closed. “You might feel exhausted.” Mr.Calixtro said. He continued to drive until they reached a hotel. He drove inside its parking lot and parked his car near the hotel entrance. When things are good he looks at his side, Fernand is still sleeping. He taps his shoulder and slowly wakes him up, “Fernand.” he said.

Fernand slowly opened his eyes. He looked around and found himself still in the car. “Wake up.” Mr.Calixtro said. “Are we home?” Fernand asked. Calixtro shrugged his head, “No, we can’t go back. The road is still dark.” he replied. Fernand got up from leaning his back and looked at Mr.Calixtro. “Where are we?” he asked in a husky voice.

“hotel.”Mr.Calixtro replied and opened the car door beside Fernand. “Let’s move,” he said and turned around to open the door beside him as well. They both got out of the car and went inside the hotel. Since the parking lot is in the basement they still used the elevator to get into the reception. When the elevator opened, a gold and grey theme lobby welcomed them. The atmosphere is good, however, there are no many people there.

“Good morning sir,” the receptionist greeted them. Fernand's forehead scrunched when he realized that it was already 3 am in the morning. “Hi, Two rooms please.”Mr.Calixtro said to the receptionist. The receptionist told them to wait a few minutes as they ready the rooms. Mr.Calixtro looked at Fernand and offered to sit in the chair near the reception. “Still okay?” Mr.Calixtro asked. Fernand looked at him back and nodded. They both sat quietly while waiting for the receptionist to call them.

“Mr.Calixtro?” the receptionist called them. Mr.Calixtro immediately stood up. “Wait here,” he ordered Fernand and left without waiting for Fernand to respond. He walked toward the receptionist and asked, “yes?”

“Mr.Calixtro?” The receptionist confirmed. Mr.Calixtro nods at the answer. “Here’s the card sir, our hotel staff will guide you. thank you.” the receptionist said in a very sweet voice. However, Mr.Calixtro didn’t move in his place, the receptionist found it weird so she asked him, “is there anything sir?”

Mr.Calixtro with his straight face answered, “yes.” The receptionist was astounded by his straightforward answer. “Could you tell me that there’s only one room left?” Mr.Calixtro said without hesitation. The receptionist was dumbfounded by his request. “I’m sorry, sir. What is it again?”. Mr.Calixtro seemed impatient; he brushed his hair with his right hand and said, “Take this card back and tell me there’s only one room left.” He handed the card.

The receptionist can’t help but frown. She was clearly confused about what he was doing. “S-sir, I-I-” she stuttered as her face scrunched. Fernand, who was looking at them, felt something was wrong. He stood up from his seat and walked towards them.

“What happened?” Fernand suddenly said in their conversation. Mr.Calixtro turned his head to Fernand. “I told you to wait,” he said and raised his eyebrow. Fernand mumbled, “But you look like something is wrong.” Mr.Calixtro did hear his words but chose not to care.

The receptionist got an idea that these men are together, she cleared his throat and called their attention.”Uhm. sir?”. Both of them looked at her. “What?” Mr.Calixtro asked. The receptionist handed him a card. He smirked as he received one room card. “Why is there only one card?” Fernand suddenly asked. He's a bit confused since there are two of them.

MR.Calixtro placed his elbow on the counter. ”She told me there’s only one room left .”Mr.Calixtro said and pointed his thumb to the receptionist. Fernand seemed a bit doubtful so he turned his gaze to the receptionist. “Is it true? Even the regular one?” he asked

The receptionist was startled by his look, she had no idea of what to do. Mr.Calixtro crossed his arms and looked at them like he was about to watch a drama. He raised his eyebrows when the receptionist looked at him.

“Uhm. Yes, sir. We apologise for that.” the receptionist stammered. Finally, she gets what Mr.Calixtro was blabbering about a while ago. She looked at the guy who insisted on her lying, she was surprised to see his straight face.

Fernand shrugged his shoulders, “There are two beds right?” he confirmed. The receptionist immediately agreed. “That’s okay, let's take it,” Fernand said then yawned. Mr.Calixtro smiles eventually but he hides it instantly and faces the receptionist. “Thank you,” he said.

The receptionist called for the hotel staff to help them find their room. “This way sir,” the male staff said. “You go first, I have to make a call first.” Mr.Calixtro told Fernand. Due to his exhaustion, Fernand agreed and followed the staff. Mr.Calixtro looked at the receptionist and asked for her name. “It's Marissa sir,” she replied. Mr.Calixtro nods and gets his phone from his pocket. He dialed a number and with one ring the call was taken. The man on the phone immediately greeted him “ Hello sir” it said. Mr.Calixtro looked at the receptionist while saying his words.“Hello Cale, Contact Mr.Cabudlot and tell him to make Marissa- wait.” He waved his hand and told Marissa to come closer. “What’s your full name?” he asked the receptionist. Marissa doesn’t know what was going on but she still gave her name, “It’s Marissa Calleja sir,” Mr.Calixtro nodded and continued to talk on the phone. “Contact Mr.Cabudlot and tell him to make Marissa Calleja the hotel manager, Right now!” The receptionist was shocked when she heard those words. After Mr.Calixtro put his phone down, she immediately asked Mr.Calixtro, “s-sir? Did you just say Mr.Cabudlot?” MR.Calixtro raised his eyebrow and answered, “yes, the owner of this hotel.”

After he responded to the receptionist he walked out of the lobby and entered the elevator. “Sh*T! Wait what room are we?” he asked himself and immediately texted Fernand. Luckily, Fernand was still awake and sent him the room number. Instead of feeling angry, He smiled at the little angry emoticon that Fernand sent him. “Cute,” he mumbled.