In The Middle Of A Gunfight

I wake up to a knocking at the door. I snap up in a sitting position, having forgot where I am. I look around at the room, remembering everything that happened last night and dread runs through my veins.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Gerard? It's me, Frank. I have more clothes for you. May I come in?" His words sounded so kind and genuine but it only proved to make me tense. He was playing nice now?

More persistent knocks sounded, he was starting to get impatient. I try to speak but my throat feels so soar, dry coughs erupt through my chest. "Come in." My voice finally allows.

The door opens and Frank steps in with clothes in one hand. He looks so different in natural light, more friendly somehow. He's wearing a white button down that's tucked into his black slacks, all ironed and clean, with black shoes. His hair is combed back, still damp from a recent shower. Both his eyes and his smile are much brighter compared to last night.

"Is everything okay, Gerard?" I should have offered you a drink last night but I figured you were tired..." He suddenly looked sad that he didn't offer me a small drink.

Almost completely different to man I met last night. Almost. that serial killer was still lurking in him some where.

"No. It's fine. I'll be good after breakfast." He looked happier after I said this. I visibly relaxed.

"Yes! Well like I said, I have some more clothes for you," he gestured to the small bundle in his arms and set them on the bed near my feet, "I'll let you get dressed and freshen up a bit. I'll be waiting for you downstairs." He nodded and gave me a smile that made his eyes squint.

After he shut the door I took a deep breath and put my head in my hands. Was there anything I could have done to avoid this? Good fucking job, Gerard. I swear under my breath as I tug at my hair. I need to get out of here as fast as possible. How much power to Frank have exactly? My thoughts were starting to run wild and I was taking more time than I should. I don't have time to ponder this. Frank is expecting me soon. It would be better to keep him happy than pissed off for doing something stupid like not being on time. He could kill me at anytime and no one would give a damn. I kept this in mind as I threw the covers back and set my feet on the carpet. Taking the clothes the bathroom, I set them on the toilet seat shutting and locking the door behind me. I look in the mirror and see the bags under my eyes aren't as prominent as before. I turn on the faucet and splash some more water on my face. I go through all the daily routines I haven't done in so long. It felt amazing to wake up in a warm bed and to take a shower. The next best thing would be if I could find a toothbrush. Sure enough, behind the the mirror is a blue toothbrush still in its packaging and a small tube of cinnamon toothpaste. I never liked the cinnamon kind but this would do. It seems like Frank had thought of everything.
The new clothes were a little tight, I had no doubt in my mind they were Frank's. leaving the old ones on the floor, I take another deep breath before heading downstairs. I slowly shut the bedroom door behind me.

"Excuse me, sir?" I hear behind me. I jump and turn around to see an older man dressed in uniform.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry for alarming you, sir. Master Frank sent me to bring you to the dining room." His voice seemed more nasally and high than I would have expected.

"Oh, um, that's fine. Please lead the way."

He gives a polite nod and begins to walk down the hall. He looks just as clean, maybe even more so, as Frank. Maybe he could tell me something about Frank or something about the house that could help me escape. I didn't know how long I could be here maybe I could make a friend. I walk along side him. Did he even know who I was? Maybe he knew why I was here.

"Hey, what's your name?" I ask him.

"My name is James, Sir. And yours, sir?" He gave me a friendly smile.

"My name is Gerard."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gerard. Frank is very excited that you're here. He spoke very fondly of you." I wasn't too fond of this myself.

"So Frank spoke of me, huh?"

"Yes, he did." He looked like he wanted to say something more but kept quiet.

"Hey, if you have anything to say, then please tell me. I-"

He stops walking and turns to me. "Forgive me for interrupting, sir. Frank becomes attached very quickly. He's very passionate about what he does. Frank has a temper and can be a little overwhelming at times, but he's always on time and gives his undivided attention. From what I've seen working for his family his entire life, Frank needs a stable friendship if nothing else."

I let that sink in. Frank didn't know that I was just as fucked as he was.

"Please, we don't have much time. Frank is waiting."

Notes

Hey, guys I'm sorry this is late and this chapter is so short. I may rewrite or delete this all together.

Bleh, I have exams and I'm sick. It sucks. Hope everyone's days went well.

Let me me know what you think of this chapter :)