He stepped off…
…and landed 10 yards away, gently lowered by the wings of a hundred blurbs. A taxi took him further, stunned and dizzy.
But Max and Jimmy reached the hospital first. Apparently Crawl had found identification in Benny’s jacket, plus his address. Not that Crawl needed any of this, but it was best to keep to the rules, especially with the cameras on him. He’d rung Hackle from the hospital, after he’d sorted everything out according to Mister Million’s instructions. One day he’d like to get to meet this Million guy, and shove his new job up his…
But the extra lovelies were more than extra lovely.
Hackle and Jimmy were kept waiting in a separate room, whilst Crawl gave them the speech: ‘The young man attempted to take his own life. It is most unfortunate he chose to do this in front of our establishment, but rest assured the AnnoDomino Company will do everything in its power, including any outstanding medical bills, but really… there’s very little chance… according to the doctors…’
Hackle grabbed the PR by the throat. ‘Let me fucking see him!’
‘Of course, Professor. He’s asked to see you, actually. Alone.’
Hackle went in. A nurse was fiddling with some equipment beside the bed, keeping guard on a bleep and sine wave. Benny was stretched out, covered in a sheet, his chest wrapped with bandages, a tube connecting him to the equipment. His eyes were closed.
Hackle looked at the nurse. She nodded to him, yes.
‘Benny…’
‘Joe?’
‘No. Max.’
‘Where’s Joe?’
‘They said you wanted to see me.’
‘Want Joe.’
‘He’s on his way. Jimmy rang him.’ The door opened behind him. Expecting Joe, Hackle turned to see. Only Executive Crawl, Mr Bonefucker, worried about his company’s precious image. Benny was reaching out for Hackle, making him turn back round…
‘Where’s Joe?’ Benny had his eyes open now.
‘Oh, Benny…’
‘Where is he?’
‘What happened, Benny?’
‘Had to.’
Hackle came close, sitting down. ‘Why?’
‘Had to. Made me.’
‘Who made you? Who? Your last words, saw them on television. I’m not doing it, you said. Not doing what? Benny! Benny!’
‘Uhhh…’
Hackle realized he was shaking Benny by the shoulders. The nurse stepped closer to caution him. Hackle waved her away, but she wouldn’t go.
That’s OK, nurse,’ said Crawl, ‘I’ll deal with this.’ The nurse left. Hackle turned to Crawl. ‘What’s going on here?’
‘Your friend needs you. Please be kind, Mr Hackle.’
‘Get out of here.’
‘I’d rather not.’
‘Take your image and stuff it.’ Crawl smiled. ‘Joe…’
‘No. It’s Max. Max, remember?’
‘Joe…’
‘What is it?’
‘Come here.’
‘I’m here.’
‘Kiss me.’
Hackle turned to Crawl again, the man still smiling. What did he want, a photo of the kiss?
Hackle bent down and kissed Benny lightly on the forehead. Benny grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him down, making a groan. Benny’s lips were on Hackle’s neck…
‘Woh, careful… you’re…’
‘I love you, Joe. Sorry for this…’
‘There’s no need—’
Benny kissed Hackle’s neck, and then bit down firmly, just enough to break the surface. Hackle raised his hand to his neck, a sticky smear of blood. Embarrassed, he looked at Crawl, who was smiling, smiling and nodding.
‘Go ahead.’
‘What is it?’
A blurb was banging against the window. Hackle started to feel the change. Against his wishes, why were his hands moving, stroking Benny now, real love, unembarrassed. His hands, gently, around Benny’s fragile neck, gently squeezing…
‘That won’t be necessary, Mr Hackle,’ whispered Crawl, close now, watching the operation. ‘He’s already gone.’
The wave a flat line, the bleep a drone.
Hackle lay on top of Benny’s body for a few seconds, slowly came up. There was a commotion going on outside the ward, cries. Seconds later the door burst open, broken by Joe and followed by Jazir. Joe pushed Hackle off the body roughly, not caring about hurt, not caring… just…
Play to win
Dark time in Hackle House. Jazir was in charge, now that Joe had become empty. Sad to see, the once cool-without- caring Joe Crocus sitting on his and Benny’s bed, heavy head in wet hands, make-up smudged. Jazir, so hopeless at this kind of stuff, keeping quiet, planning…