ASHES: 6

 Lucas woke up suddenly. He just had a nightmare. A nightmare he couldn't remember. He sat up and held his head. The paper ruffled in his hand. He looked at it as memories of the previous day flooded in his mind. He had thought of going to the Eastern Bank but now that resolve seemed to waver. He tried to find his phone then remembered he had thrown it against the wall smashing it. Sighing he got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

 He took a shower and wore a navy blue suit and black leather shoes. Should I really go? he asked himself as he headed downstairs. The letter was neatly folded and was in his shirt pocket. For some reason, he couldn't bring himself to destroy or have it away from his line of sight. 

 The smell of fried eggs hit his nose and he rushed to the kitchen. His older brother, Jake, stood behind the cooker, turned and said, " Good morning care for a meal"? He didn't wait for an answer instead continued," Mom was upset after you hang up and called me up. She gave me quite the earful and wanted me to check up on you unfortunately it was raining so hard I was unable to..." Lucas drowned out everything else he said. Something made him feel sick and nauseous. For some reason, his limbs seemed to move mechanically towards the kitchen counter. He sat on the stool like a child awaiting breakfast before running off to catch the bus.

 Leave now run!  The inner voice screamed in his head. He looked at his brother and was surprised. He was smiling darkly and evilly, as if he had just conquered some 'thing' and all that was left was to take the spoils. His mind panicked but his body refused to move. " Tell me something bro," his brother continued sweetly, his smile growing wider and darker. " Where's that letter right now"? 

 Fear ran up Lucas' spine. This wasn't the brother he knew. " Oh its right in your shirt pocket hm? Then don't mind if I take it ok"? Jake leaned forward trying to take the letter. Move body move! Lucas shouted in his head. His body wasn't listening. Dammit move away now, he kept screaming in his head. His brother inched closer and closer. Then, at the last second, his body moved. 

 He fell back onto the floor and looked up. Jake was surprised. He broke free? he thought amused. Wasting no time, Lucas scrambled to his feet grabbed the first keys his sweaty hands could find and headed for the garage. Jake still hadn't registered what was happening. He was busy feeling amused that he didn't see him leave. It was the sound of the motorcycle engine as it was bring driven off that broke his reverie. "Shit," he cursed as he ran out only to see his brother driving off into the distance. Why did I leave the freaking gate open? he wondered as he took out his phone and placed a call.

 Lucas drove his motorcycle all the way to Eastern Bank. Now he was definitely sure. There was something about this letter that had rattled everyone. Whatever it was he was going to find out. He parked the motorcycle and headed in. Inside, it looked like any other normal bank with high walls and even higher ceiling large open windows and well polished floors.

 Unsure of himself, he headed towards the first free teller. " Hello, I'd like to retrieve my account," he said his voice cracking around the edges. The teller looked up and, as if realizing who it was calmly tells him," Alright please go to that teller," he said pointing at a woman who was standing behind a desk. Muttering his thanks, he slowly walked up to her and repeated the same sentence. However, she looked up at him and said," You finally came." He looked at her puzzled. She continued," I honestly didn't expect you here this soon so ," she walked past him and headed to the elevator. He followed. " I believe you have it "? she asked," The letter"? He touched his shirt pocket. It was still there. He nodded. 

The elevator stopped at the topmost floor. " This is your account sir," she said. Lucas stepped out. " If you need anything please press the button on the table I'll come to help". The doors closed. Lucas looked around. It looked like a typical penthouse complete with an outdoor pool whose reflection showed on the marble ceiling. " Looks like she owes me quite the penny," a deep voice said putting him on guard. " She said you would appear one day . I told her you wouldn't but who would have thought", the voice continued. " Who are you? Show yourself. " Lucas said loudly, his voice back to normal.

 " Oh right sorry my bad I should properly introduce myself." A man who had been standing in the shadows, slowly stepped out into the light. " Hello I'm Drake von Kirt," he said, " Your safe deposit." Lucas stood there dumbfounded. He even dropped his keys. The man looked exactly like him completely. It was like looking into a mirror. Just then his stomach growled. He hadn't eaten anything since yesterday afternoon. Drake smiled and said," How about I tell and show you everything that she collected as well as evidence needed while we eat." He led the way to the kitchen. Lucas followed and again sat down on a stool. A hot plate of instant noodles appeared before him. He ate hungrily. " I do hope you're ready for what I'm about to tell you as well as show you." Lucas nodded. 

 That was the beginning of him becoming unhinged.