Times A Tickin'

"She's clean." I heared Father Thomas say. "But I still am highly against adding her to your team."

"Good." I acknowledged, looking toward Jessica in the crowd. She looks onward, unaware of my glance. "I will speak with her privately before making a decision."

I began to hear Father Thomas retort, but I locked my mind and listened to the rest of the convention. After a few presentations, there was a scheduled 20-minute break. I glanced down at my watch. It was custom made by the parish to turn maroon when my mortality began to wane, which usually meant I had an hour left. The clock face is fuchsia, as I get up from my seat and button my suit. It was time to return to my cell.

"Mr. Cain." A thick southern accent rang.

I turn to see the older gentleman from Solat. He held out a hand, which I took. "Yes, sir. And you are?"

"Cain, it's time to get out of there." Father Thomas encouraged...as if I needed a reminder.

"Benjamin Cutter, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance." Our hands drop. "My, that accent. I can't quite place it."

"I traveled quite a bit as a child. I'm an army brat, so I'm sure my upbringing has a lot to do with the way I talk."

Even throughout my lifetime, my Mesopotamian roots remained. Yet, lies flew through my lips like honey.

Benjamin smirked at that, "I can relate. My father was in the Navy. I served a few years myself, and it was then that I experienced some extraordinary occurrences unknown to mankind. That's why I started Solat. I've followed your company for some time now, and I'd love to talk business. Maybe after the conference. I believe your AI can greatly aid in opening our eyes to the world around us."

I am slightly annoyed by the suggestion. "Sir, AI can do many things. However, ghost hunting? That's not part of my agenda. However, it was nice meeting you, Benjamin. Maybe another—"

I started walking away, but Benjamin grabbed my arm.

"Don't be so hasty. Tomorrow, come to our demonstration. It's sure to pique your interest."

I look down at his hand, for the one thing I hated most was to be grabbed. The mere sensation reminded me of Abel: his grasp upon my arm as I took his life. I want to throw Benjamin off, but it would be like swatting an insect. I had to appear like a mere mortal. However, I was, in this fake life, a millionaire entrepreneur and I noticed my bodyguards, Father Johnson and Migan, inching towards us. Usually, when fanboys became wily, they would react so I would not lose my temper and expose myself. Yet, my mind relaxed when Benjamin released his hold and I raised my hand lightly to alert the parish. I walked away from him, but I couldn't shake Benjamin's eyes. I have seen that fixated desire before, and I knew then to be weary.

"That was amazing, right! Doc Toshima's Virtual world?! Learning while fighting your way through levels! Hell, I'd probably never leave my house." Rand cheered.

"If you can find a way to continue to do your job, then I'm perfectly fine with it."

"Oh, believe me, I can do both with my hands tied behind my back."

As we reach the lobby, I looked down at my watch. The hue is now claret. Time was ticking. "Rand, you'll need to take my place for the rest of the day. If you need anything, I'll be a call away."

"Roger that boss man." He gives a thumbs up, as I thank him and take mu leave.

As I walk toward the entrance, Jessica catches my eye near the refreshments. Even though she is very well connected, she seemed lost in this world.

"Cain, you're cutting it close." Father Thomas pangs.

"Give me a minute, Father."

"Jessica." I call, as she turns around, spilling some water out of her cup.

"Oh, Alex!" That nervous smile still etched on her face. "You really killed it up there!"

Killing it is my life story. "Thank you, I do hope that you enjoyed yourself."

She shrugged a little, "I learned a lot, but I was also quite lost. I'm sure Rand got tired of my questions."

I laughed at that, for I'm sure he did. "You must walk before you know how to run. I can expand more upon that this evening if you are up for it?"

Jessica pulled some of her hair behind her ears. "This is not a Netflix and chill deal is it? Like my right of passage?"

I looked at her questioningly. Netflix and chill? The meaning of those words are lost to me. These are the times I need Rand.

She began to chuckle, the confusion etched on my face. "Let me guess, too busy to accustom yourself to social norms?"

I felt oddly embarrassed by that. It is been a long time since that has happened, so much so, that I had to force a laugh. Playing coy to mask a child painting my age.

"Yes, you're correct. Usually Rand keeps me in the loop with such things, but it's been a while since I've cared to socialize."

"You're a genius, Alex. But even geniuses need to live a little."

I sway my head, the smirk still stuck on my face. "Well, if you agree to dinner tonight, that could be a part of my social experiment. What do you say? The Riviera at eight sound fine?"

Jessica regained her confidence, slowly sipping some of her water. "Yes, that sounds great."

I was glad she agreed, saying my goodbyes as I took my leave. The valet brought around my car as I hopped into my Jaguar and drove back to my home.

"I will hurry us home." Abel spoke, as the car's windows darken to protect me from the sunlight.

My seat reclined as Abel took control of the Jag. I closed my eyes, having to laugh, for I feel my humanity waning. From the crowded streets of the heart of America toward my home took over two hours, and in that time my watch turned maroon. My canines sharpened, but not to the point where they were highly visible. My soul began to yearn for blood, but my wills kept it at bay. Yet, the second I felt the car park; my inner demon clawed at my mind. I know what is to come, as I stepped out of my car. My flesh instantly ignited as I winced, clenching a deep growl of agony, running to the front door of my home. Father Thomas rang through my head, since he wanted to install a safeguard to cloak me from the sunlight when I returned during the daylight hours. However, I would not have it. I wanted to remember my penance.

The second I reached the door; I slammed it shut: roughly exhaling as I slid onto the cool marble floor. Half of my body reeked of rotting flesh. Yet, I rest my head against the door, closing my one working eyelid: Abel came to my aid as my surroundings quiet. I had asked God for protection after I had been banished from his heart. Yet, never did I realize that the mark I bare would be a curse.

One I must uphold for all eternity.