Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #11 February 2015 | Page 10

I carry on. “Ambition, drive – it’s fine but you need a focus for it. I tried all sorts. I even tried singing – if you can believe it. I wasn’t very good but well, these days, you don’t have to be. Anyway I tried all kinds of things and sure, I was successful in lots of fields – even made a bit of money.” I sip at my coffee. The steam warms my face. “I’ve never been very far from you, you know. When you started seeing those other women – Jane, Lucy, Abbie, Claire and a few one night stands, oh and of course there was that experiment with Dave. Seeing them - that was when you really stoked my flames.” He looks at me, with wide eyes. “You’ve been spying on me – stalking me.” “Ssshh,” I tell him, “Jealousy. It sounds odd but you helped me find my calling. It awoke something in me – well it leaves me breathless.” I see a flicker of anger in his face. “You’re mental, you know that, mental!” “Sticks and stones, John. I’m thanking you here. You ignited my passion.” He still looks like he’s fighting not to cry as he says, PAGE 10 “Look, they all left me. I’m alone. No one stays for long. So there’s no need for you to be jealous. I’m sorry I shouted. We’re not together, we haven’t been for years – let’s just be friends. What do you say?” “Sure. Best friends. Don’t worry, they didn’t leave you – I killed them. Every - single - one.” He pulls against his chains in a futile effort to get away. “Calm yourself John. It’s nearly time. I’ve perfected my methods now. It’ll be painful – very, but that’s what makes it so exciting. You only saw the reserved me. Wait ‘till you see what I can do now. It’ll hurt like hell and then in a crescendo of pain for you, and pleasure for me, you’ll die.” He sobs, “Please, please – I don’t want to die. I’m so sorry.” “Ssshh, that’s no way to behave. Be a big brave boy. Remember, I love you. This is what you helped me find – my talent, my ambition, my passion.” I push my coffee cup aside and pick up my favourite scalpel. “Now – scream for me baby.”