A Zoo By Anyother Name

People. Some short some tall, some fat some thin, all of them observed by me as I stared out of the window of the night bus. The time was now three in the morning, my body clock had allowed me to sleep for a couple of hours and having spent time drinking up the west end had helped to drown my thoughts, but now my instincts were reverting back and the desire for sleep was beginning to return

. My name is Neil Hendon, I am twenty five and live in one of those rundown inner cities filled with rising tower blocks that seem to lock people in like they had been confined for observation, with only their family for company and a few chosen friends that had got passed the instincts that lead to mistrust and suspicions. I also have a few friends, one of them I was hoping to see tonight! In fact, I had been hoping to see her now for the past month. At first, we were very close but then she slowly stopped returning my calls! I expected it was to do with the pressure of things, you know her being a young person like myself and worrying about getting a job! “Her name’s Melanie by the way” yet I did not see that as an excuse not to return my calls; however that would have to wait until morning.

My house is on the fifth floor, most of the neighbors had become known only by sight, except for the few that had chosen to be courteous, the rest of them hid in their little cages for their was no other word to describe it,. When I entered having used my key, I saw there were some letters. Three to be exact, no doubt bills, yet I was tired and did not want to be troubled any further, after all Melanie was not in her usual bar and having texted her three times I had still not received any reply,. Summoning my strength I washed my face in the bathroom, then changed into pyjamas and fell asleep.

The next day I awoke at 11.06 the alcohol obviously contributing to my state. Yet somewhat wearily I made my way out of bed and decided first to confront the three letters before preparing to start another day. I was right, there was a bill, this one from the council, there was also a Dear Sir you have won a list of prizes, although I did not think it would help me with the oncoming bills that, if like me you were unemployed, made things far worse! Especially having a drinks problem and desperately looking for work.. The third one had my name and address showing through a plastic window, the letter itself was bright yellow, I tore it open it read:

Dear Mr. .Hendon

My name is Toby Tiger and me and my pals have all come to live at the Zoo,

Since you are my pal also I have enclosed a five pound voucher for you to enjoy when you come to visit us. Your first visit is free, the usual prices are £6.Adults and £3 for children with a discount for Students and the elderly. We are open weekdays 9.0 till 5.0 and weekends 12.0 till 4.0.

Please come and visit us we look forward to seeing you there, we hope you enjoy your visit!

Your Pal

Toby Tiger.

It was signed with a paw print at the bottom, no doubt to give it an air of authenticity, there was also a map showing me how to get there, this was enclosed on a separate piece of paper. I began to study it, “Strange, that area is completely empty.” I told myself, “Nothing but rubble and a corrugated fence, it was like that when I walked past it this morning on my way to the job centre!” I had hoped to see Melanie there, however no such luck!

Of course, I was curious! And because I did not fancy another day watching television I decided to make an afternoon of it, and besides I was a bit short of cash and when you have no money and no job, you’re grateful of whatever help you can get!

I set off around mid afternoon, expecting it to be a mistake! “They couldn’t have got things built that quickly!” I told myself, “Not with this bloody council and all the cut backs they’ve been making;

I was wrong! There as if it had appeared almost magically was the zoo, it had a curved entrance complete with an attractive blonde woman inside the booth who allowed entrance through the turnstile. I could see the usual glimpses of cages in the distance and a café with white tables and chairs where I hoped to get something to eat! The woman smiled at me and inquired:

“Good afternoon Sir, can I help you?”

“Erm yes, “I began taking out the letter, I received this and I thought I’d give it a try so to speak!”

She extended her hand somewhat politely, her fingernails were bright red and the fingers although long and slender seemed almost primitive! I ignored this, “Probably still half asleep from last night.” I told myself. Finally having confirmed the information she handed it back to me and stated:

“This is a brochure, it shows where all the animals are kept, plus the local café and the wash facilities!” She handed it to me and said, “Enjoy your stay Mr. Hendon!”

I was then allowed to enter through the turnstile and having done so began studying the brochure like some tourist in a strange environment. This was not as unusual as it sounded! first, there was a rather disturbing coldness about the place, a sort of malevolent presence that my instincts told me to flee from, however I was curious and my stomach had overruled my head, so ignoring this I began to look around using the brochure to help me to bide my time!

Of course the first thing I wanted to see was Toby Tiger. This was described as a rare Persian Tiger cub who lived with his Mother and was going to celebrate his one year old birthday in a few weeks, there was even a picture drawing of him wearing a pointed gold party hat complete with red streamers surrounded by cakes and a bottle of bubbly reddened liquid. There was a baby elephant holding a ice cream cone and also a monkey waving and holding a banana!

“What else?” I muttered.

“Ah, the Prince of Persia.” muttered a well to do sounding gentlemanly voice, I turned instinctively and was confronted with the image of a well dressed city gent in his late sixties, no doubt retired , wearing a blue pinstripe suit complete with bowler hat and umbrella, “My name’s Cartwright!” he exclaimed, extending his hand!

“Neil, I said, shaking it firmly, “Neil Hendon.” “There doesn’t seem to be too many people, “I stated, looking around” I only heard about this place. From this letter”

I showed it to him, he looked at it for a moment as if it was some sort of legally binding document and then he handed it back and exclaimed:

“Oh yes, we’ve all got one!” This is a very select place, you should consider yourself most deeply honoured, they don’t just accept anybody, whatever you may have been led to believe!”

I paused at his somewhat cryptic remark and then he stated:

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to the others, just so you know you’re not alone.”

I followed him as he swung his umbrella as if it was a sword, swishing at air as if cutting through a battlefield, I thought I heard him say “That’s another thing they want you to believe.” However I chose to ignore it!

There were other people. first of all their was the young newly wed couple, a man and a woman both twenty six, smartly dressed and sounding as if they’d just come out of college. He wore a black suit and blue shirt and red tie and had short blonde hair, she had auburn hair in half ringlets and wore a yellow cotton dress that showed off her arms. They both shook hands with me and to my surprise the woman kissed me on the side of the face! Her boyfriend who greeted me afterwards did not seem to mind!”

“Hello.” He said in a somewhat polite sounding accent, “You must be new here, my name’s Charles, this is my wife Charlotte, we have only been married a few weeks!”

He held up her hand to indicate the ring, she had her fingers outspread obligingly, “Very nice!” I stated, “Looks like real diamond.”

It was gold with an item of petrol type blue.

“It is!” He replied, “Very expensive, now all we have to do is sort out our bills!”

“When you get the job!” she replied, now clinging to his arm as if they were walking in lovers’ lane.

“Well that shouldn’t be too difficult, I just need to know there’s people I can rely on when I need them!” he replied, looking at me as if he’d made a comment and was now ahead on points .

“What do you do?” She inquired.

“I’m unemployed.” I replied, trying to make it sound neither one thing nor the other.

“Cartwright here works in the city, he owns his own business, going through a bad patch I’m afraid, isn’t it?”

Her voice had sounded somewhat mocking to me, yet if he noticed he refused to rise to the bait. Instead, he replied that the company “was indeed” going through a bad patch and that he had had to make some people redundant. He then spoke of his wife whom had divorced him a few years back because he was spending too much time at the office.

“Fortunately not in a double entendre!” he muttered, come on, let’s go and meet Analese and Clinton her son, there probably over by the walrus enclosure!

I followed them, included but distant ; the young married couple lovey dovey in a false display of affection, Cartwright taking it out on his invisible enemies with every swish of his umbrella, the place seemed warmer, it also seemed darker, and although I was with people I considered to be my friends, it felt very isolated.

We took the guided tour on Cartwright’s insistence, then when we arrived at the walrus enclosure I noticed there was a middle-aged black woman wearing a grey coat and having a motherly persona, the small black child of about seven holding her hand seemed to emphasise the point.. I was introduced to them and the child inquired how long I’d been coming here?

“This is my first day?” I stated, “I got an invitation from Toby Tiger!” “Do you like animals?” I inquired, not knowing what else to say to him.

“I like Tigers, and I like the Walruses.” “My Dad used to take us before-“

He stopped,, I sensed there was something he found difficult to explain, however his Mother offered a response by stating:

“His Father walked out on us, we come here quite a lot”

There was an unusual silence and then I noticed Analese clutch her son’s hands as if this was a prompt and state:

“Come on, we have other things to do!” “It was nice meeting you!” she added.

We all watched them leave and then feeling hungry I decided to do the same, nobody inquired where I was going, it seemed they were all engrossed in there own problems.

I went to the café and ordered an all day breakfast and a slice of fruitcake for £3.50 I considered this a bargain, especially since they were also offering a free cup of tea..

I assumed this was a promotion gimmick although I was not complaining.

Afterwards I brought an Ice cream and a paper, which used up my voucher, and then I walked around admiring the animals in their cages, eating my ice cream and holding the newspaper in my other hand. It did however seem strange that there was nobody else in the Zoo! I looked all around and found no keepers or any other visitors. I know these places don’t always do as well as intended, however usually there are people on hand in case of any incidents, however apart from the blonde woman on the turnstile there seemed to be none! After a while I became bored and thoughts of Melanie began to occupy my mind! Her Parents lived not far from here and I decided to pluck up courage and go and inquire if she had come to visit? I did not consider the consequences as I was only interested in understanding what had happened and why she was refusing to return my phone calls!

“Are you coming back soon Mr. Hendon?!” Inquired the woman on the turnstile as if she knew me.

For some reason I felt a feeling of disturbance, it was not unusual to try and entice a customer with professional courtesy, however there was something about the way she said it that I did not like! Infact despite her smile and typical blonde good looks, I did not like her instinctively. There was something about her smile and her nails that made me aware she was not what she seemed!

“Yes.” I said, I probably will, when I’m not too busy!”

“Well we’re always here for you?” she exclaimed smiling.

Melanie’s Parents lived a few yards away on a rundown estate that was far worse than where I lived. They were a nice couple and I assumed it was because me and Melanie had studied at the same college that we all got on so well! They told me of their hopes of going to live somewhere else; however, they were both unemployed and no doubt were relying on their Daughter to get a job.

“Not much chance of a job in these parts!” I muttered, as I made my way up the steps till I reached their house. I knocked and a few moments later her Mother answered.

“Hello Mrs. Creswell, Is Melanie in?” “I’ve just come from visiting the zoo.”

“I’m afraid she’s not Neil! “She stated. I didn’t know there was a zoo in this area!

“Who is it?” Inquired her husband shouting from the frontroom.

“It’s Neil; he wants to know if Melanie’s here?”

“Tell him we haven’t seen her, she hasn’t even phoned!” “Ask him if he’d like to come in and wait just incase?”

For some reason I felt this might be intrusive and so, I smiled and stated:

“That’s Ok Mrs.Creswell, when Melanie comes tell her I called!”

“We will!” shouted her Mother, looking directly at me as if she shared the concern about her Daughter. “If she rings I’ll phone you!” she added.

“Thank you.” I said, smiled and walked off,

I still held the paper under my arm,. There was wasn;t really much to do. I could go and visit Melanie I suppose, but something told me that when she was like this it was not a good idea to rush things. So I took a bus, where to? It does not really matter, however I read the paper, I read of the increases in unemployment, of people finding it hard to cope together under stress with the loss of jobs and finances. Then I read about increases in crime and domestic violence, whilst all the time looking out for the zoo!

It was there, yet it seemed shrouded it an aura of darkness, that appeared to blind anyone else to it because when I looked they all seemed unaware! It was as if I was the only one who could see it.

When I got home I checked for letter, Bills, “Always bills>” “You can rely on bills!” I told myself . However, it seemed I could not rely on Melanie. Not yet anyway.

So I drank a couple of beers and watched television. I had an urge to return to the zoo.

The next day I awoke and instinctively decided to phone Melanie. The phone rang, it kept on ringing and I knew instinctively two things. One, that she was there and two that she was not going to answer. I became angry, and not just at her.the news was talking about more and more people enclosed in inner cities, cooped up like animals, I glanced around at my own personal cage and knew I needed to get out!

It was 12.07 when I finally left, I had wasted time because there wasn’t much else to do when you were in my situation. However, the zoo was still there. Or was it, people walked past it as if they did not notice and when I glanced for them to see they looked at me as if to say “What is it?” We can’t see anything.

“Hello again Mr. Hendon.” It’s nice of you to join us, “I’m afraid it’s the usual fee now, although you’re always welcome here!”

I paid her the money and smiled silently. She seemed to know by my body language what I really thought of her and smiling replied: “You’re friends are waiting for you!”

I went to visit them. However, this time they seemed different, I could sense it, there was even something telling me, something that was part of the zoo! Analese and her son were by the walrus enclosure as usual however there was something different about them. Her son was away from his Mother his head bowed low, his face had a reddened mark on it and his Mother was leaning over the walrus enclosure with her hands on the black rail.

Clinton noticed me with an half turn and I began to approach, instinctively his Mother turned and as if in compliance to some primitive instinct shouted:

“Get away from us.” “Go to your own space, we belong here not you!”

“What happened?” I enquired, plucking up the courage to do so.

“You’re just like your Father aren’t you?” she shouted at her son, useless, can’t stand up to responsibility, you come over here and I will kill you!

I watched the savage look on her face and wondered whether to fight or flight. Something dark yet reassuring seemed to say, that it would never be that bad, that there were barriers even in this place! “For whose entertainment?” I muttered as I turned and walked away.

“So you didn’t get the job!” You can’t do anything, I don’t know why I ever chose to marry you!

It was the woman, she was screaming and it seemed to be coming from the Avery! This was confirmed by the flapping of wings and her husband’s response of “Shut up!” “Shut up you bitch!”

“Bastard.” Can’t keep a job!” “Can’t keep it up!” “I hate you; it’s because of you they brought us here!”

I was running when I heard the sound of a heavy thud mingled with an half scream silenced in mid sentence. I could see the winged birds of non-dangerous species flapping around, the young man was standing over his wife whom was lying on the floor. I rushed in just as he was about to kick her in the stomach shouting” I’ll see to it you don’t have any children at all, I know all about your other men you filthy whore!” “That’s why you want me out of the house isn’t it?”

This time instinctively I did interfere, I lashed out with my fist punching him in the face, I felt something silent as before this time urging me on, I knew instinctively what this place was and why I had been sent here. I was about to follow up with another blow in line with his stagger backwards, however I felt his wife grab my legs and force me over on the floor. The birds were flying faster as she began to climb on top of me, her fingers poised like talons aiming for my eyes, they reminded me of the woman on the turnstile.

“We’ll kill you!” shouted her husband, now circling around as if trying to kick me this time and not his wife!

I was holding her hands back yet she was hysterical and it was somehow increasing her strength, I felt her husband was ready to kick me as hard as he could and that if he did so he would not stop, none of them would. I raised my knee into her stomach, somehow managing to force her off my hands steering her wrists for guidance. His foot kicked into her back and she screamed more like an animal than a human. Whils he was confused I got up and ran out. I could see Cartwright in the distance, he was standing near Toby Tiger’s cage, he was screaming and laughing hysterically banging the cage with his umbrella. I could hear a roaring that was of a fall grown animal and not a cub.

“Come on, I’ll take you all on!” “Do you think you bastards can walk all over me, take away my job, my wife my money?” “I’ll kill all of you!”

He turned to look at me, his face reddened in demonic urge!

“You want to see Toby Tiger?” he muttered, “You want to see him, take a look!” he held up the point of his umbrella, it was covered in what looked like thickened red rope.

I looked in at the cage, Toby Tiger was dead, his stomach was ripped open, blood was pouring out of it and his Mother was lapping it up with her tongue as if it was milk. I glanced in horror and then turned to Cartwright’s umbrella as if I needed confirmation. I was right. It was the animal’s intestines.

Cartwright came at me swinging his umbrella shouting. “You want some?” “Come back here and I’ll kill you!” “You hear me?” and then he began laughing hysterically.

“The woman on the turnstile seemed to know, as I left she smiled and stated:

“See you tomorrow Mr. Hendon!”

“No, I muttered to myself, I’ll see you this evening!” I had to know what this place was.

When I got home I phoned Melanie, again she did not answer. I became frustrated and even started swearing at her even though she had not yet responded..

I decided to watch television until ll.0 when I knew what I had to do. I did not know if there was any irony but I watched a program about Deer, and how they responded in the rutting season, I wondered if humans had similar stress levels moved on by similar means.

I waited, I knew the zoo would be empty, it always was. Except of course for the blonde woman on the turnstile that I now know only a selected few could see!

At 11.0 I made my way out into the street, I was careful not to make contact with anyone, especially drunks or gang members, the zoo had heightened my sense of awareness, that was one good thing at least!

I kept my head down, avoiding people, covered by my own personal darkness’ that awaited me. I arrived outside the zoo. The gate was locked and this time the blonde woman was not there. However, it was not going to stop me, I was determined to discover the truth. I glanced around instinctively, yet I knew somehow I could not be seen, then I began to climb over the fence. I could sense a strange presence as I began to make my way along in familiarity. There was silence, yet I sensed their presence as I walked slowly, staring at the cages as I did so. Then I began to hear growling sounds, they were coming from the animals’ cages, except this time, it was not the usual sounds but exaggerated, as if they were somehow being impersonated by something that had taken possession from within. I stopped to listen and then the sounds became growls and the growls became roars. The animals began to throw their selves against the cages, baring their claws and fangs as if to get at me. There were even sounds coming from the walrus enclosure and the Avery, infact anywhere they were. I knew they were trying to get at me, that very soon they would tear the cages apart and then I would remain in this hellish place forever!

I ran, I ran to the fence and began to climb as the sounds became more ferocious combined with the aggressive roars. I turned to look back and saw the hideous looks on the animals’ faces. They were exaggerated like a distorted mirror and somehow it reminded me of the faces on the humans I had seen at the zoo! I climbed over just as I heard what I believed were the cages being forced open, and then I ran swearing never to return to that place.

I did not want to go home just yet, I needed a drink to calm my nerves, so I went to an all night café.! Coincidently Melanie was there. She was sitting alone at a table in the corner, there were other people in the café but they were choosing to ignore her! However she noticed me and smiled. I waved palm up and made my way to the empty seat opposite!

“I’ve been worried about you!” I exclaimed, holding out my hand, “Why haven’t you returned my calls?”

She clenched my hand in a confirmation of a greeting and looked up at me and stated:

“We need to talk Neil, I think you already know what it’s about!”

She indicated at her arm, she was wearing a short sleeve yellow dress. I looked down at her arm. Her arm was covered in scratches!

The Chateau

The Chateau has life, it is filled with vibrancy and like fine wine over many years it continues to age and mature, what deep knowledge awaits us, well, concluded the female guide to the coach load of tourists in the French region of Marseilles outside the ancient looking building “We are about to discover”

Two people however had not been enticed by the eager enthusiasm of the young woman in the blue company uniform and the megaphone allowing her to address her flock so to speak, Instead they had come not independently but as connoisseurs of a wine company situated in England, their names were Cedric Ennis and Susan Renton they were in mutual competition, both equally ambitious having met each other on the orders of their superiors they had wined and dined at one of France’s top Restaurants and even slept together at a Hotel, now he noticed she was becoming distant as if he was merely part of some social ladder for her to climb and so whilst she admired the splendor of the old monastery that people were entering he decided to join them to prove his determination.

Realiising what was happening she too made her way in with the tourists mingling deliberately as if to prove her independence from her competitor as she now referred to him in thought, her mind however became occupied by the historic lesson now being given by the female guide who stated:

The Monastery or Chateau as some refer to it dates back to the early days of Christianity the monks inside have not taken a vow of silence and so they are prepared to answer your questions and even allow us to sample their wine, however this is a sacred place and so we hope you will appreciate that some places are off limits to the public!

Are these Christian monks? Inquired a man standing with his wife who wore a large straw hat to match her yellow summer dress, he himself wore black trousers and a half open white shirt drenched with sweat, he had a camera around his neck in typical tourist fashion as he began taking pictures.

Well we aren’t certain of the exact origin according to our notes the monks originated from Corinth in Greece during the time of the Apostle Paul they lived in small villages and were said to be rather introvert, however they have been classed as unorthodox and have not been identified as part of any known religious order, “Now if you will follow me down this path you will see a table where we can all sample some wine!

Cedric knew it was probably shop brought, the monks probably relied on tourism to support the upkeep of their decaying ancient Monastery, the tour was £26’s for adults and £12’s for children, special rates for the elderly and the disabled, There was a elderly looking monk in a green robe with a lined almost mosaic face, he sat at a stone table there were already poured out glasses of wine small aperitifs the glasses from some shop:

“Probably the same place they got the wine” muttered Cedric who was standing well back in observation”

“What?

He turned to see Susan smiling as if she had caught him in some company fraud..

Are you going to have a glass? She inquired; we are here to discover and bring back new wines or is this off the beaten track in your expert opinion?

He ignored the deliberate sarcasm and for a few seconds watched the amateurs being conned as he put it before replying that this was no doubt cheap wine and definitely not suitable for such a renowned Company as Juniper Lees, None the less he continued I will sample it so you cannot say in your report I was being uncooperative!

She watched him wait his turn until he was allowed to take a small glass; the monk repetitiously told whoever did so to “Please accept this as part of our ancient tradition”

Cedric drank the wine smiled politely and muttered thank you then went to rejoin his business competitor.

Well? She inquired.

Cheap Cabinet Sauvignon mass produced perhaps added with a touch of Merlot to give a contrasting flavour either some shop mass produced hybrid or they did it their selves, “It’s nothing special, merely for tourists, “Would you like to try some?

No thanks, “She glanced at a large rope attached to two poles the kind you saw in Museums announcing a place was off limits to the public there was a sign on the wall in some ancient language she did not recognise” I came to get an order for wine, We know according to our sources the monks produce some of the greatest vintages known to connoisseurs-“

Well we apparently know! He concluded, I mean it’s a good marketing ploy everyone associates monks with wine same way as they associate farmers with eggs and milk or Bakers with bread if you ask me this stuff is all mass produced”

For the tourists! She stated, although I bet if we look for it we can find what we want;

She indicated to the rope and he glanced at her as if needing encouraging, “We’ll just wander around pretend we’re looking at the walls some of them have ancient writing and the structure of the architecture is very interesting sort of Pre-Christian I would say!

Susan had studied a course in theology so he knew she was correct and if they did get caught she could explain that she was educating him about the origins and that may work in their favour when it came to negotiating a sale, “Of course she’d want to take all the credit” he told himself, “None the less he stated:

Alright, we’ll do it your way and when it comes to explaining ourselves-“

Leave it to me! She reassured him watching the tourists and their guide make their way down a long catacomb type archway, their voices echoing simultaneously with a dripping sound coming it seemed from somewhere yet to be discovered, in a few seconds the monk will leave for prayers I read it in the guide book, “She smiled at the monk who smiled back and then as predicted went to join his colleagues!

They’re a small order! She confirmed, I don’t know much about them except what I read in the guide book, I tried to find out what I could but there isn’t much information!

He followed her over to the rope, she stepped over it and seemed to disappear down a dark unlighted tunnel, all other areas had artificial light from some source for the tourists benefit, and this however deliberately did not!

We can’t see much, we’ll have to turn back! He stated.

I thought of that; she said, taking a small torch out of her blue trouser pocket she wore a yellow blouse as well, he himself wore an expensive dark blue suit. Now at least they had some light though it was limited.

We’ll go this way! She insisted holding the torch as if taking on the unofficial role of guide!

She tapped with her foot, then continued all the time looking down at the grey stoned floor that despite it’s ancient surroundings seemed newer than everything else as if it was for some reason cleaned on a regular basis, “She began to feel curious yet now mingled with apprehension something was telling her to turn back, however she put it down to uncertainty and pointing the torch directly ahead confirmed that if there was good wine as he had suggested, it would be kept in one of the rooms!

It’s possible they have private buyers, You know wholesale trade and all that, there are lots of people into wine the same way people are into paintings, some of these people have been known to pay a fortune!

He felt indignant; did she think she was talking to an idiot? He ignored this because right now he needed her and so he followed her till they came after what seemed like many twists and turns to a door, an arch shaped light yellowey brown door with a metal black medieval type pattern the kind found in castles yet it was clear this had been put in recently to keep people out, She turned the handle, to her surprise it began to open, As if to reassure both of them \Cedric glanced round to make certain they were alone, “They were, “This part of The Monastery or Chateau as some referred to it was strictly out of bounds and no one knew they were here!

She opened the door wider slowly at first fearing someone might be inside taking communion, The place was empty, it did however have a stone table and what appeared to be scripture in an ancient language, this one she did recognize on approaching, It was ancient Greek, dating back to the year of Corinth, delicately she leaned over afraid to come in contact with the parchment incase it disintegrated, yet it was clear what it was about it was about wine, not from the Bible or the Muslim or even Jewish tradition, This was of the ancient Greek God of Wine whose name she stated:

“Dionysus” It has come to our knowledge that The Roman Leader Constantine has been appointed as Emperor of all \Rome, his support for the Christians and their beliefs have caused us to fear for our safety and so we must flee to protect the old ways that have been handed down to us, already they seek to drive us from our homes by burning them in the belief that this will bring about the second coming! Susan paused then continued, we are referred to as Pagans and Heathens though our beliefs go deeper, and they claim their beliefs are the only way,

What does that mean? He inquired.

Dionysus was the Greek God of wine he was the son of Zeus who supposedly impregnated a Earth woman called Semele , Dionysus followers believe he was the only way to Heaven, He also performed miracles and had twelve followers!

Sounds a bit familiar,

“Jesus Christ and the Virgin Birth, the Christians were said to have driven out the Pagans after Constantine became Emperor of Rome Three Hundred Years after Christ’s ascension!

And what has this to do with wine since you know more about this than I do?

Well the Christian faith because Christ is a pacifist took wine and used it as a symbol to replace blood “.in what is referred to as the old religions it was the other way round, people drank wine to become intoxicated and to fight sometimes they mixed it with blood and drank it and offered sacrifices to their Gods!

Dionysus!

Yes, the Mycenaean Greeks from 1500 to 1100 BC he started off as a man with a beard a bit like Christ then became more Demonic, his followers included satyrs with erect penises and Maenads female followers who would dress in Fawn Skins and hold a thyrus!

What’s that?

A staff made out of fennel!

He paused, this sounds like Devil worshipping to me, are we supposed to believe these people fled Ancient Greece because of the Christians and their ancestors came to France and these people are keeping up the tradition!

Well wine is associated with the Devil, Pan; Dionysus Azazel the Hebrew God also known as Satan, if you study ancient Mythology you will find many of these connections!

“So, do we sup with the Devil? He inquired, I mean maybe these people are idiots but we do need to get the contract!

What you mean? She inquired,

We came here to get the contract and that is what I intend to do, we’ll say we got lost, you can impress them with your knowledge and we’ll give them the name of some private wine connoisseurs and clinch the deal!

He began to walk away, “Where you going? She inquired,

To speak to them about buying some wine!

These people are Devil Worshippers!! She stated holding his arm; I think we should get out of here!

He looked at her, “I know what you’re trying to do! He said, you’re trying to frighten me off so you can get the deal yourself, Well my dear it’s not going to work!

And briskly he went off, leaving her to continue studying the ancient parchments if she so chose!

Something strange began to occur, first she felt as if to follow him would be to admit somehow he was right, and yet the place now had a evil presence about it, She could hear chanting in some language she did not recognize, she shone her torch ahead and now it seemed somehow the path had changed, had she took a wrong turning, the place now seemed more mazelike and now she felt the ground becoming more hollow and she stopped and knelt down, she shone the torch on one of the stones and saw it was loose, she began to move it, slowly it slid across to reveal a staircase leading downward, To say she was afraid was stating the obvious yet her curiosity got the better of her and slowly she began to descend down the steps the smell of wine now mingled with the smell of what she could only describe as sulphur and goat’s flesh, yet she had to discover the truth.

When she reached the ground she saw that the floor was covered in bones, large ones and small ones as well as skulls, those of adults and children, some having turned to dust because they were from ancient Greek times and yet some seemed new, and on the walls were paintings of Vines filled with grapes and people drinking wine from reddened filled goblets some of them covered in its blood like substance!

She paused feeling a foreboding as the smell of goat’s flesh and sulphur became stronger, then instinctively she shone the torch upward and saw a painting on the ceiling that terrified her, “There was a man with two horns and a glass of wine in his hand, his legs were astride as if he had had an horse pulled from under him and his legs were that of a goat, his feet were cloven hoofs and he had blackened finger nails and a goat’s beard

His top half of his body was that of a man and it was clear whom he was meant to represent, “Ancient traditions sometimes got crossed over, they took from other faiths and it was clear their interpretation of Dionysus was a much more primitive one than that believed by ancient scholars,

“This was why the Christians drove them out” she muttered.

Suddenly she heard a scream and the sound of murmurings not only of men also women as if insane and the bleating of what seemed like a goat! She began climbing back up the steps then when she was once more upon the surface she began to walk towards what she hoped would lead her to the entrance, and yet infront of her stood a small congregation of four monks they turned and she screamed one of them was holding the severed head of her business partner the other three held goblets as blood dripped onto the floor, She turned to run and saw there were more of them coming towards her, the other tourists had gone she was trapped there was no way out, she lashed at some although it was of no use and grabbing her arms they overpowered her and then she felt a sharp knife rip into her back and blood began to pour as the bleating of the unseen goat became louder and then she fell to the floor dead!

The Chateau has life,. Its vineyards feed on blood for that is the life vine and so long as there are sacrifices, it shall continue

Th End

The Cost Of The Show

He hated the winter months, it usually meant he had to put on his coat and go round to one of their rundown flats in the east end and tell whoever was responsible that, immediate action would be taken if payment was not forthcoming! The advertisement frequenting the usual tabloids read:

NEEDALOAN?

FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE CONTACT

Timothy Ackroyd

Mobile phone number supplied:

Was usually not clearly scrutinized by those in dire straits or other means of desperation until the truth began to emerge, and by then it was usually too late.

Timothy walked up the steps of the building whose lift still remained broken, despite the fact the local council were praising their selves over local successes in connection with the local elections.

“Don’t do any good!” He muttered to himself, remembering his life as a child in the rundown slums of the East End until he found a way out through use of criminal errands, rather than moral employment. He pressed the intercom and stated with authoritarian intimidation:

“Mr. Richards, its NEEDALOAN.” “Your payment is overdue, I need to talk to you and your wife, if you don’t let me in things will only get worse!”

There was a pause, perhaps even neighbours looking up or peering through windows, this was the kind of area he had hated living in and had not achieved any empathy towards the people that still suffered its authority. However he knew that Mr. and Mrs. Richards were a broken elderly couple whom like all his clients gave in after the use of violent intimidation! And so feebly in more ways than confirmed, Mr. Richards opened the door by removing the door chain and turning as if trudging away in thought stated:

“You better come in!”

“Thanks!”

Inside the moderate flat with its somewhat working class Seventies decorum, along with a new set of Dining Chairs and table no doubt purchased from the loan, Mrs. Richards was seated in her armchair nearest the television. Her hair white and her arms reddened and thin, due to the stress and under nourishment the increased payments had caused along with her arthritis. Even the new purchases mentioned seemed distant rather than surreal, and now they both wished now they had never answered the advertisement, because they knew what was coming next, though the last dice throw of a feeble protest was still in order:

“We can’t pay you any more!” “She began, her face tearful and her voice going almost into illegible pitch. “We can’t keep up with these increases; we’ll pay you what we can!”. “We’re honest people, we won’t let you down!”

Timothy knew this and of course he did not care, because Money Lenders always put up their interest rates so they are not repayable, because they don’t want to lose their clients until they have taken everything from them, and therefore although the protest was logical it was not to be acknowledged:

“I’m sorry, but you’re both too far in debt.” “That is why I’m sending in the bailiffs unless you can come up with the payments this afternoon at three, I’ll phone you then!” “I’ll see myself out!”

Mr. and Mrs. Richards glanced at their home as they watched him leave thankful that they still had each other.

Timothy of course only cared about business, and naturally his wife, whom he had met whilst working as a heavy for more immoral members of the criminal fraternity. She was nothing more than a gangsters mole, pretty, yet now in her early fifties she had grown into something of a east end caricature, slightly over weight with too much make up they could usually be seen in certain areas mixing with certain people, some who he ironically employed as bailiffs if ironically is the right word.

Timothy was a few years younger than his wife, and who had caught who and who needed who seemed irrelevant! They were both the same, addicted to greed and its immaturities; this was no doubt proven when he came home and entering the door with a key. Called out

“I’m, home.” He entered the posh Dining room where his wife sat on the settee holding a remote control and watching the new satellite station Future Tell.” He kissed the side of her face and said:

“They can’t pay, I told them I’ll call back at three and if they haven’t got the money I’ll send in the bailiffs, “Even if they do come up with it I’ll still increase the payments, “You know me, “He smiled” I’m never one to let matters go ;

“It’s their own thought isn’t it!?” Said his wife, remembering how her time in the East End had made her unsympathetic to the plight of others, rather than empathic to those who had suffered as she herself once had. “These people are filth, with their money grabbing fingers and want of a quick buck; we should take them for all we can get;

Timothy did not reply, not only because he was already in full agreement but because he was curious at the advertisements for new shows coming up usually from the States.

“Can we upgrade?” She inquired, her hand poised on the control in a somewhat bored yet critical manner.

“Whatever you want” he smiled, “Listen I’ve got to make a few phone calls, tell the bailiffs to stand by I’ll be in the spare room if you want anything!”

He took out his mobile and left. As if simultaneously his wife turned over the television and noticed something she had not seen before! “a young couple in their early twenties and for some reason recognizable as Americans, seemed to be lost amidst swirling white smoke amidst a film noir type series alleyways, as if this was some colour remake of a 1930’s Private Detective film. “She watched it and concluded to herself:

“Must be some new American cop show”

However as she watched more intriguingly the scene introduced a shadowy silhouette of a man medium height within a deserted alleyway.

“Can you help us please?” inquired the young man nervously holding his wife’s hand as this would become clear, “We’re looking for bargains!”

The figure seemed to savor the moment’s tension then replied:

“So you want bargains?” “You’re a young married couple and your looking for the top sales money can buy-“

There was a yellow illuminating light. The silhouetted figure now stood clarified wearing a silver sequined suit, white shirt and red bow tie, He had short black hair with faded white and a craggy face and black rimmed glasses, he looked like someone out of a Hollywood Gangster film, though somewhat reinvented”

“

Come with me, this way, down the alley, past the corridors, past the entrance door”

This had a silver dressing room Star, the camera followed yet the introductory couple were no longer to be seen since they had played their part, “To-, “The Bargain Basement”

Cut to American audience clapping and going hysterical and Elaine Ackroyd concluding in commiseration out; loud:

“Oh great, another Home Shopping Channel, might be worth a look, see how stupid these people act-“

“Hi Audience!” Stated the host his microphone clipped to his lapel of his shirt so he could apparently seem more natural as he moved around”

“Hi Chuck!”

The name Chuck Wayland came up on screen and Elaine seemed to notice a slight shot of light as it did so though she put this down to television interference”

Chuck Wayland made his way over to a man in his thirties wearing a white shirt, and black trousers and a blue jumper as if this made him more trustworthy than casual. He was standing in front of a demonstration table with a blender the name:

Al Cavelli appeared underneath; despite this the man spoke with a broad Chicago accent rather than an Italian one.

“Hi Chuck, Let me show you and your audience here and at home, this new blender that in the shops would set you back over one hundred dollars and I’m offering it for ninety six., let me give you a demonstration”

Whilst her husband attended to business she watched a typical demonstration of, whisking eggs, and slicing vegetables, and of course detaching the bowl and cleaning it out with a spatula, also included in the price.

“All this for ninety six dollars do we have a deal audience?” Exclaimed Al Cavelli now sounding as if he was going to burst into song in a Frank Sinatra Movie.

“

I don’t know Al? Stated Chuck as part of this shill double act, “What do you think audience “Is it a bargain?”

They apparently had buzzers. A commiserating horn type sound heard on quizzes when contestants answer questions wrongly, confirmed their automated response.

“I’m sorry Al, stated Chuck putting an arm around his friend as if he had blown the chance to win a car, “You know I’m afraid they do have a point!” Can you perhaps do better?”

As if taking his cue, as he had no doubt done when working the streets doing Find the Lady or any other game that took money from gullible people, he began to add on extras!

First a set of four white ramekins/ Soufflé dishes with the emphasis on the word soufflé because of the eggs /egg whites demonstration, followed by a spring cake tin. Turning to his partner in crime he stated: “And these are free at no extra cost”

For some reason Elaine’s instincts told her not to believe this however this was soon to be irrelevant”

“Well let’s ask them shall we?” Began Chuck turning with a look of Game Show Sincerity on his face, “Do we have a bargain?”

This time the noise from the buzzers was more positive, and cries of “Yes!” and “We do!” was heard to back up the statement and dispense any doubt:

Then with a loud American type shout Chuck Wayland stated, what was obviously his catchphrase:

“IT’S A BARGAIN!!! “And if you want a bargain, and guys don’t forget if you wanna impress your lady, then Cheryl is on tonight at nine with some fabulous jewelry that will really impress, “And remember we’re called The Bargain Basement because we offer top goods at generously reduced prices, I mean in this time of recession we all gotta save so be smart!” “Know a bargain when you see one”

“Another catchphrase no doubt” stated Elaine to herself.

We’ll be back after these advertisements don’t go away!” Exclaimed Chuck Wayland.

A star appeared, the kind used in old TV Black and White 1950’s advertising, followed by clean cut housewives selling stuff for the American dream “from the husband’s point of view of course” except this star was in bright yellow, it swirled and created debatable patterns that had gone along with other things into her subconscious, and now for some reason she had an overwhelming desire to pick up the phone and make a purchase! But of course this show was being broadcasted from The United States Of America and she was in the more up market part of the East End of London, where councils had tried to entice those in the city in some cases at the expense of local residents due to increased house prices and other financial activities” Elaine felt a mixture of relief and disappointment, one perhaps more than the other,

Then after a series of advertisements of well known brands, and a young woman telling her same age female neighbour why she can afford all this stuff when they both have the same income and her friend can’t “The bargain basement” Chuck Wayland appeared amidst a swirl of Las Vegas type dancing girls, all blonde and ditsy, swirling around in orange and white dresses, looking like something sinister. Chuck was led on with a girl on each arm then they all dispersed as if he was about to tell jokes, however the matter was going to get far more serious:

“And don’t forget, if you don’t live in the states then don’t worry!” “We have branches all over the place, so if you live in China, or Spain, Or even Europe, then phone one of these numbers and you too can purchase a bargain!”

“Where’s England’s number?” began Elaine moving closer to the television screen, She went over to the dresser that had her husband’s pen and log book on it, and doubled as a cocktail cabinet. Taking up both that were near a decanter of expensive brandy,, she stared transfixed and wrote down the number. Then picking up the white phone also on the dresser, she dialed the number and an English woman in her twenties and probably blonde stated:

Good evening your through to Amy, welcome to The British Section of The Bargain Basement, do you have an order?”

A strange thing occurred, the type of thing usually praised as a memory feat on quiz shows, yet this was more the work of her own prompted subconscious: Elaine reeled off a list of things she wanted to buy, “Some she couldn’t remember seeing.” And then the woman replied:

“And do you have a credit card?”

She and her husband had a joint account, for some dubious legal precaution advised by his Lawyers for some reason, though for some reason she considered that statement irrelevant!

“Yes, she began picking it up also from the dresser and holding it near the light of the window, “She then read out the details”

“Thank you Mrs.Ackroyd!” “Your orders will be with you in five working days!” “Do you have a mobile we can call you on in case of any reason?”

This time she felt it sufficient to give her own mobile number rather than her husband’s, although it was too late to make any difference to their situation”

“Thank for choosing to shop with The Bargain Basement, have a nice day” Stated the young English woman and Elaine heard the phone click out of existence?

Somewhat confused she poured herself a brandy and with hands trembling, though not clearly knowing why, she sat back down as her husband came in, just as another set of advertisements were beginning!

“You get that a lot on American television” he stated.

One was not however for purchases; it was from a program on The History Channel about Prohibition in the 1920,s! it showed two men in suits and hats using axes to smash a barrel of illegal alcohol with the male voice over stating:”

“Tonight on The History Channel, we look back at how greed and ambition for individual; social success was exploited by unscrupulous means!” “And how the men of The FBI sought to tackle this ever increasing problem, that some say is still very active, although in many different forms!”

Timothy did not seem to notice what his wife had done, and therefore allowed her to continue watching whilst he went back into the spare room, this time to check on some paperwork before the bailiffs he employed, “who were merely heavies with criminal records” phoned him to verify the situation. However the call came through quicker than he expected, “Hello Timothy.” stated the first who appeared to be calling from a phone box directly opposite the flats where Mr and Mrs. Richards lived, “There’s a lot of Police and an ambulance outside, there’s a cordon and they appear to be bringing out two bodies on stretchers”

“Is Patrick with you Graham? Inquired Timothy, more curious than concerned”

“

Hold on I think he’s coming over!” “He seems to have been talking to some of the residents”

“Timothy soon learned from his two henchmen that Mr and Mrs. Richards had gassed their selves because they could not keep up the payments, “I think we may have to back off a bit on the intimidation” stated Patrick-“

“Hold on I give the orders, I’ll tell you when to back off!” Anyway this will probably show we have to be taken seriously, “Look I’ll call you back”

Timothy Ackroyd turned to leave when it rang again. Thinking one of the two bailiffs was phoning with some more information, he instinctively answered his mobile and heard the same woman his wife had spoken to stating:

“Hello Mrs. Ackroyd!” “It’s The Bargain Basement Delivery Store, thank you for placing your orders the total comes to five hundred pounds, your order will be with you as stated. “We just phoned to confirm that-“

“Hold on who is this?” “How did you get my mobile number?” “What you mean orders, my wife hasn’t ordered anything;

“I’m afraid that’s not true Sir, and I’m sorry for phoning the wrong number by mistake, however we have your wife’s credit details-“

“Is this some kind of a joke? “Who are you?”

“We are the British Section of The Bargain Basement, the new improved value for money Home Shopping Channel!”

“Wait there” stated Timothy, going into the Dining room to confront his wife, “Elaine did you place any orders with something called The Bargain Basement?”

“I think so.” “Yes I purchased a blender and some other stuff, though for some reason I can’t remember entirely what exactly”

“Well I can tell you it comes to exactly five hundred pounds!” “Look you know it’s not the money but I would like to have been informed, I mean we do have a joint account”

“I’m sorry” she stated as if somehow confused.

Timothy spoke to the woman on the phone telling her it was alright, and then he turned off his mobile and stated:

“We may have to increase our interest or get the payments somewhere else!”

“What you mean?” Inquired his wife now watching a program about how shopping centers try to entice customers by putting goods in certain positions, especially confectionary near the check out counter”

“Mr and Mrs.Richrards are dead, I just had a call from Patrick, they’ve committed suicide, gassed their selves”

“That’s not our problem is it?” she inquired with a hint of concern, though for her and Timothy rather than Mr and Mrs. Richards.

“Well Patrick said we may have to lay off the pressure, but you know how worried he gets when there’s any real pressure-““What exactly did you order?” He inquired

“I can’t entirely remember!” She stated somewhat confused.

Timothy became somewhat concerned, something strange appeared to be occurring and he inquired somewhat apprehensively:

“Did you give them my mobile phone number?”

“Why would I do that, I didn’t use a mobile”

“Then how did you call them?”

“On the main phone”

“Something’s not right here!” He muttered, going out the room.

Timothy went back into the spare room and phoned Patrick on his mobile. He was still at the scene with his colleague, although they were thinking of leaving because of the Police presence and the fact they were getting some suspicious looks..

“I need you to find out what you can about something called The Bargain Basement!” It’s an Home shopping Channel on Future Tell and probably some other satellite television stations!” “Why?” “Because they’ve got hold of my bloody mobile number and I don’t like what’s going on!”

Patrick agreed and Timothy went back to speak to his wife. He was surprisingly empathic, or perhaps he just didn’t think he’d get the answers he wanted, and so he waited. knowing that the next day when his two colleagues arrived he would have the answers from them.

There was something strange about the way his wife seemed! Her desire to watch the station, even though he sat with her and insisted they watch other programs, this was bordering on addiction!

He was pleased to say the least when he received a phone call from Patrick in the morning saying he had the information, and that he and Graham were coming over. And that to say the least he found it disturbing!

Timothy thanked him and replaced the phone. “His wife was still asleep; somehow the activity whatever it was had affected her. And now he was looking at the wires that provided their satellite connection. All of a sudden taking the initiative he phoned the Future Tell customer service line. After giving him and his wife’s customer service number he stated to the woman on the other end of the phone:

“Er, I’d like to cancel The Bargain Basement”

I’m sorry Mr Ackroyd, She stated. “I’m afraid we cannot do that;

“Why not?”

“It’s a free channel, not part of the package!”

“Yeah well we don’t want it; I mean what if we just go to basic!”

“You’ll still receive it.”

“Alright I want to stop the service.” “Call your engineers, tell them we’re canceling our subscription!”

“Just a moment Sir”

There was a typing sound and then:

“I’m Sorry Mr Ackroyd, we cannot do that at the moment-“

“Why not?

“Because your wife is in a contract with The Bargain Basement for goods provisionally purchased not yet paid for!”

“Well what’s that got to fucking do with it?” He inquired frustratingly.

“We cannot interfere with the contract!” “I’m afraid we will not be able to remove your satellite dish, or cancel you or your wife’s subscription!” “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“He slammed down the phone without answering though in a way it was clear he had.

The intercom sounded and nervously for some reason Timothy Ackroyd went and inquired “Who is it?”

“It’s Graham and Patrick” stated Graham.

Timothy let them both in. Patrick stood holding a DVD disc in his hand as if it was incriminating evidence, “I recorded the program yesterday, I think there’s something you should see!” “Put it into the recorder and I’ll show you what I mean!”

Timothy went through into the dining room with the disc Patrick had given him, and did what he was told, whilst his wife waited on the settee watching some documentary about people trying to cope during the recession”

“Ay I was watching that” she said.

“This won’t take a minute Elaine!” Stated Timothy, “Alright, what do I do next?” He inquired of Patrick

“Play the tape forward but at slow speed:!” Stated Patrick.

Timothy did this and began to watch Chuck Wayland, then, when the advertisement break started and the lights type images appeared! He noticed there were pictures somehow caught in the lights, as if of two tapes mixed together, and now he could see words stating:

BUY THIS PRODUCT, YOU WANT TO HAVE THIS! YOU WiLL ENJOY BUYING THIS TV, CAR, COOKER Etc.

“It’s called subliminal brainwashing” said Patrick “They show you an image very quickly and it goes into your subconscious, because your eye only notices it for a second it’s implanted on your brain so to speak.” “I done some research and spoke with some of the old guys, “You know the retired lags who used to hang around with the Americans during that era!” “Chuck Wayland was a small time entertainer who was always trying to make it big, he had Mafia connections though not as big as some of Hollywood’s Entertainers if you get what I mean,” “So he had to make do with playing The Las Vegas Circuit when he wasn’t acting as look out in the places where they couldn’t bribe the cops, “For years he sort of faded, now he’s back and respectable, or so it seems”.

“Yeah well not for long; Stated Timothy, “When I make copies of this disc I’ll expose these people for who they are, I’ll teach them to try and get one over on us!”

“So what you want us to do?” Inquired Patrick/

“Well you can both wait here!” “I have to go to the Bank and make a withdrawal, it won’t take a moment!”

Timothy looked at his wife who seemed mesmerized by the television, it was as if she was suffering from some kind of withdrawal symptoms waiting for her program to come on, even though he knew the only thing on was the subliminal brainwashing tape! He hoped it would make her understand!

Timothy left, he was unaware of the telephone van with the two engineers apparently tapping into his phone line, or indeed if he did notice the van marked Future Tell he seemed oblivious to their true motives! None the less he still had his own causes for suspicions. As he crossed the road and inserted his credit card into the cash machine directly outside his bank, he decided to check his account and to his surprise received a Zero Balance”

“What the-?”

Timothy went into the Bank. Fortunately it was empty. He went over to the young woman in a black skirt and jacket with crisp white blouse. She had blonde hair and was slightly overweight. Although still attractive with matching earrings. He inquired:

“Could you check this card please, I think there’s something wrong with it?”

The woman checked it in her machine and Stated:

“It seems alright to me Mr Ackroyd, this is a joint account for you and your wife I believe!”

“Yes that is correct,. Then fearing the worst he inquired:” Can you tell me the balance?”

“The balance on the account is zero!”

“No, hang on that can’t be right!” “Can you check anything?”

The woman tapped at her computer screen then exclaimed:

“Ah here it is, a payment was made to The Bargain Basement for refusal to make payment on certain goods purchased over others!”

“Well can’t you cancel it?” He inquired trying not to sound hysterical though seemingly about to give that impression, “I mean who do these people think they are?” “I want my money put back in my account!”, “It’s my money!”

“Well actually it’s you and your wife’s money Mr Ackroyd, and I’m afraid we cannot put it back into your account because it’s been withdrawn!”

“I want to speak with whoever’s in charge!”

“Sir, everyone one is on their lunch break!” “Now please keep calm or I will have to ask you to leave!”

“You’re working for them aren’t you you fucking bitch your in on it!” “Well I have evidence, you hear me!” “And I’ll go to the Police.”

Timothy stormed out as the woman picked up the phone/….”

He did not go to the Police, not yet anyway, if indeed that was his full committed intention. Instead he went back home and slinging his credit card on the table stated:

“They’ve cleared us out” “Bastards have taken money from our joint account!” He noticed the concerned look on Patrick’s face and inquired:

“What’s wrong?”

Both men were seated in chairs though opposite each other, it was Graham who answered as he seemed to glance at the phone continuously:

“Timothy we got a phone call from the Police!”, “First of \all due to an inquiry into the apparent joint suicides of Mr and Mrs. Richards, your license to lend money has been suspended!” “And there was a coded bomb warning telling everyone who works at NEEDALOAN OFFICE to vacate the premises, five minutes later a bomb blew the building to bits!” “Fortunately no on was hurt!”

“Who do these bastards think they are?” “Get the staff, I want to talk to the staff-“

“I’m sorry but we were told it would be best if you did not, until matters concerning financial matters were resolved!”

“They’re doing this to me!” He stated, “This bloody American Bargain rip off!” “Well I’ll show them; “Listen do we still have that bent copper working for us, I mean is he still on our payroll?”

“Timothy, I’m frightened “began Elaine, “We, we can get the money, I don’t want anything to happen to you!”

“Look nothing’s going to happen Elaine!” He exclaimed going over and removing the disc! “We’ve got the evidence!” “These people are crooks, all we have to do is go to the Police and we’ve got them”

Elaine had the kind of unconvinced look he had experienced when he tried to fool more astute clients; however he gave his most reassuring smile and gave Patrick the disc! He watched them leave then stated as he held his wife’s hands with both his:

“Elaine, I’m going to disconnect the Satellite cable connection, we can’t trust these people they’re trying to control our minds!”

Elaine watched her husband as he disconnected the cable from the DVD player and television, then a strange thing happened, the words:

WELCOME TO THE BARGAIN BASEMENT came on the screen!

He picked up the control and began to frantically change the channels as if it gave him an illusion of control, it was on all stations!

“Who do these people think they are trying to control our lives, they’ve got no right to intimidate us?”

His colleagues were on their way to the Police Station, and because it was not in the area they had to travel on the main road, they appeared to be unaware of The van marked Future Tell coming upward at the right side a Truck coming towards them in the opposite direction, “Patrick signaled to the driver of the truck and he swerved almost expertly as if obeying his part. Then the Future Tell Van struck the side of Patrick’s car_”

A few minutes later Timothy received a phone call, he picked it up and inquired:

“Patrick?”

“Hello Mr Ackroyd!” Said the woman from Future Tell called Amy whom he had spoken to earlier, “I’m afraid there’s been a terrible accident on the main road, your two colleagues have been killed!” “Would you care to accept a phone call?”

“Yes” he said, somewhat deflated.

There was a silence and then he heard a heavy accented Chicago New York voice state:

“Hello Mr Ackroyd.” “This is Chuck Wayland, I believe we need to meet up, “We’d like you and your wife to come to our London Studio, we can arrange for a limousine to pick you both up this evening at 7:30 if that’s alright with you both?”

“And what if we refuse? He said, trying to sound intimidating which for once wasn’t working.

“I think it would be wise for you both to cope, especially under your circumstances,”I don’t think you fully realize who you’re dealing with! Stated Chuck, trying to sound emphatic as opposed to intimidating.

Timothy Ackroyd. self made businessman which in his case was a euphemism for money lender, loan shark, crook-, “Studied the parasitical hedonistic home other people had paid for, and with a plan, agreed to Chuck Wayland’s demands:

“Excellent. We’ll see you at 7:30!”.”Oh and I’m sorry about your two colleagues!” “The Police say their car must have veered out of control, though I assure you you and you’re wife will have a safe journey, “Well I have to go now!” “That’s Show Bossiness as they say.” “Goodbye”

Timothy waited until the phone was clicked out of existence because he feared he was being listened into, then as if still suspicious he muttered softly: “You will be mate, when I go on the air and tell everyone what a bunch of bloody psychopaths you all are, I have friends, don’t think you’re getting away with this any of you;

Timothy and Elaine sat quietly not watching television, or even listening to music on their CD Player or even listening to the radi,, If there was any irony in what they were facing they neither saw it, instead they chose to be comforted by their own selfishness and naivety! They did however watch the clock on the mantelpiece and were distracted at 7:30 by a phone call!

“It’s them” said his wife, “I know it is;

Timothy picked up the phone and sounded somewhat frantic which was the truth, though he had wanted to continue his aura of confidence: “Hello.” Who is this?”

“Ah Mr. and Mrs.Ackroyd’s residence I assume, began an LA sounding voice that although not English did show signs of a well to do education!, This is Carlton, Sir, I’m you’re Chauffer I’m outside your house, “I’ve come to take you both to the studio!”

“Hold on” stated Timothy and put the phone on the table leaving it off the hook and going to the window to check, There standing next to an expensive looking Silver Limousine famous in Hollywood and in some cases quiz Shows, was a smartly dressed 36 year old American Chauffer with a somewhat warm welcoming smile, he waved palm up to indicate he was ready!

Timothy was not even though he tried to convince himself he was, and the fact he had been seen meant of course that they had no choice but to go through with it, “Whatever it was”

“Come on” stated Timothy to his wife after replacing the phone without making a confirmation to the Chauffer, “Let’s get this over with”

“Timothy please I’m frightened!” “Can’t we just say I’m not well?” “I don’t trust these people I have a feeling something terrible is going to happen!”

“Look, Elaine, they’ve taken away my job and our money, if we back out now they probably will kill us!” “Now listen to me, when I get on that show I’m going to exposé them!” “We, We can’t be the only people they’ve done this too, there must be others, all it takes is for someone to speak out!”

This time when his wife looked at him she did see the irony when she thought of the people who had gotten in debt and tried to stand up to them! However she agreed and they both went outside to meet the Chauffer who shook hands with them both automatically. He then told them to wait a moment whilst he got a couple of items from the dashboard!

“Americanism” muttered Timothy trying to sound in control”

Elaine was more shocked than her husband to see two eye-masks with no slits, the kind favoured in quiz shows brought on by blondes in silver sequin leotards, and worn by contestants about to be asked a series of questions. however Elaine feared for their safety and had a question of her own;

“Why do we need to wear these?” she exclaimed trying to make it sound more like a plea than a protest”

“The location is a closely guarded secret” exclaimed Carlton handing them their blindfolds “You’d be wise to cooperate!”

Reluctantly they both agreed,

In the back of the limousine whilst listening to The Pastoral Suite for some obscure reason, perhaps to subdue them?! Timothy Ackroyd an East end lad who knew the turnings like the back of his hand, listened for sounds and familiar smells of shops, such as takeaways and Restaurants and Bakers, anything that would allow him to give a description to the Police when the time come, He was however thrown from his confidence when the car being driven by the Chauffer seemed to be rolling somewhat downward. For a moment both Timothy and Elaine had the impression that they were going over a precipice or somehow being driven into the river. However the Limousine regained it’s correct position, yet now there were no sounds of other cars or even people, instead all they could hear in the distance was a recording of Chuck Wayland transmitting an episode of The Bargain Basement.

“We’re here” stated Carlton, “You can remove you’re blindfolds now”

Quickly Timothy and Elaine did so and were shocked to see their selves surrounded by silver type steel walls, it was now clear that somehow the road had opened up and they had driven through a secret tunnel that only few people got to know about!

“Soon everyone will, then you’ll are be finished”! Said Timothy in thought as he and his wife got out the car. an attractive blonde female make up artist appeared and shook hands with them both”

“Hello you must be Elaine.” she concluded, “You have to come with me please!””Er will you show Mr.Ackroyd through to Mr Wayland’s Room, he said he would like to speak with him!”

“No, I want my husband with me, do you understand?” She screamed raising her voice in the obviously soundproof secret underground room, “I want Timothy with me”

Timothy Ackroyd was allowed to embrace his wife in reassurance and kiss the side of her face, he then whispered in her ear as softly and as clarified as he dared:

“Do as they say, I’ll get us out of this, I promise.”

With a tearful smile Elaine agreed and went with the make up artist whilst Timothy went with Carlton. Fortunately for a while they walked together though remained in thought and did not speak, then before any of them could say anything they were propelled down different corridors to face their interrogators! Or so they considered.

Timothy now stood outside a Hollywood type dressing room with a silver star with the name Chuck Wayland on it. Timothy waited whilst Carlton knocked discretely as if this was Las Vegas and Chuck Wayland was about to go on, “Still amounts to a con” thought Timothy to himself as he felt a sense of isolation and began wondering how his wife was.

The door opened and Chuck Wayland remained seated with a towel around him as a different make up artist, this one a woman with black hair applied the finishing touches before leaving, smiling courteously at Timothy as she did so.

“Mr. Ackroyd to see you as you instructed Mr.Wayland.” “Would you like me to remain?”

“No it’s alright Carlton, You can leave us, “I think Mr.Ackroyd knows the score, and I believe we do owe him an explanation!”.

“Very good Mr.Wayland” Stated Carlton and then replied “Goodbye Mr.Ackroyd” and left. Shutting the dressing room door.

Immediately Chuck Wayland turned round, and removing his towel and placing it on a spare chair that just happened to be next to his swivel chair, began his explanation:

“Let me tell you how all this Started Mr.Ackroyd, like you I was also born into poverty or to be more exact my Father was.” “He started off in Chicago for the mob working in the prohibition racket and keeping a look out for that dumb jerk Elliot Ness,then when Prohibition became legalized it was clear we had to find a another way to get people hooked!” “Of course there was always drugs but that never very much appealed to him , I mean it’s so stigmatized and he wanted to present a more family element, “If you get my point” “So that left consumerism, people wanted stuff and they wanted a bargain, so when I took over we did our research and found that there were shall we say, subtle forms of enticement to encourage people to become hooked on materialism!” “In a way the legalizing of prohibition worked in our favour, because now that people could drink openly and socialize they also wanted to impress their friends in other ways, New appliances for the home, new Jewelry, new clothes, anything that made them feel accepted by increasing their social status,!” “However we decided to increase their desires in a more direct way so to speak”

“Subliminal Brainwashing” stated Timothy as if threatening to expose the truth though he probably didn’t really think it would cause Chuck Wayland to back off!

“You can use that term and you’d be right, but don’t think it hasn’t been used in other more subtle forms, why’d you think shopping centers put sweets near the check out or have freshly baked smelling bread, or buy one get one free offers, and do you really believe all that crap about lotions and drinking the right beer making you irresistible to women?” “No, it’s all lies, it’s all part of the same advertising plan we had under prohibition, but this is much more addictive.” “This is the future of the world we live in,!” “Control of the individual through addiction to merchandise and consumerism!” “We are not some cheap outfit like the one you used to run Mr.Ackroyd, we have Senators, Businessmen and other authority figures including well known celebrities and high ranking officials from all over the world, including Police Officers working for us!” “Oh some by choice but others are addicted to our products!” “Our exploitation of third world employees and the need to remain in status, “Despite the collapse of the banks and the recession.” “And soon when the time comes we will go public, and then people will know that it is us who call the shots and not the politicians, or their rich friends who fund their election”

The door opened and the woman who had been with Elaine smiled and said, “The show’s about to start Mr.Wayland can I take Mr.Ackroyd to make up now?”

“Where’s my wife?” he screamed, “Where is she, what have you done with her?”

“Your wife is fine” stated the make up artist, “Please come with me, you will soon be together I assure you!”

Timothy expelled all thoughts of physical confrontation, even though he could easily have taken both Chuck Wayland and this woman, he knew it would not be a good move because of what they might do to both him and his wife if he did not cooperate! So he went with her past white pristine corridors, the smell of cleanliness and the sound of insane mumbling and laughter far different from the kind usually found on light entertainment shows of this kind made him apprehensive. Though what really unnerved him was the men and women dressed in white, they reminded him of medical doctors, with the women in blouses and skirts and the men in trousers and thin top jumpers and matching white coats though all that mattered now was him and his wife getting out of this place and going to the police!

Chuck Waylabnd came on the stage amidst dancing girls, messed about in a dancing manner a little bit then began by stating:

“Ladies and Gentlemen: welcome to The Bargain Basement and as you will know we always like to welcome new members to ask them how things are going, so who do we have with us today?”

The neon light showed Timothy Ackroyd’s name in green like a traffic road sign rather than an Hollywood introduction as intended, however Chuck Wayland’s announcement:

“It’s our newest member Timothy Ackroyd” more than made up for it, and as if on cue the audience clapped as one of the dancing girls in a silver sequined leotard brought Timothy on holding his arm and smiling for the benefit of the people obliviously watching!

“So Timothy, began Chuck Wayland putting an arm round Timothy’s shoulder as the woman smiled at the cameras and left, “Can you tell us how you came to discover The Bargain Basement?”

The audience, it was so dark. why couldn’t he see the audience?

“Yes, I usually have this affect on people that’s why my wife chooses to ignore me!” “Just kidding darling if you’re watching, and if you’re not then-,”No seriously, Timothy welcome to the show, are you nervous?”

“A bit”

“Well don’t be!” “Tell us how you found out all about us?”

No one would believe him now, not the way he was acting, all he had to do was find Elaine and get out. “My wife discovered it, she’s a big fan, infact she came here with me but we appear to have got separated,. I think she might be in the audience!” He stated hoping this would somehow up his hand!

“Well let’s see shall we?” Exclaimed Chuck Wayland,, “It appears to be a bit unclear from where I’m standing, can we have the lights up please?”

Whatever sight he was expecting it was not this one. The entire audience were strapped into chairs with wires protruding from their heads and chests as they moved spasmodically like patients in some state mental hospital, though what really horrified him was the TV Screen that had showed him and Chuck Wayland now showing a normal audience, this one no doubt being broadcasted so that people at home did not realize the truth about this place that they not only took your money they took everything perhaps even your soul! The audience seemed to be laughing at him the way the kids in school used to laugh at him when he was a child and his family was impoverished, before he found a way out and that is what he needed! Timothy broke into a run not caring what anyone thought. He ran down the white pristine corridors hearing screams as he raced towards the entrance and out into the street only to be faced with a huge cage filled with people marked STUDIO AUDIENCE. inside was his wife reaching out through the bars with other screaming hysterical people who now realized what they had become involved with. and that for them as for him there was to be no escape. Suddenly he felt his arms being grabbed by two men in white outfits he had seen earlier and as he felt a gentle pinprick stab into his arm he became giddy, and as they forced him into the cage amidst the screaming hysteria of his wife and those who were also trapped in the want of consumerism, he knew he had finally lost everything he had owned, this being the price some people have to pay

TH END