Neon is the Colour of Vengeance (Flappers and False Gods)

THE KNOCK

As he lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, Hugo knew he had missed his chance with Evan. The darkness of their joint circumstances had crept between them like he should have known it would. For the last few weeks, he had been kidding himself. Someone as kind, as good, as normal as Evan, would never be with someone like Hugo. He was a creature who lurked in the shadows, whose name was whispered in fear, hardly a good romantic prospect. Perhaps it was better that way. Hugo liked Evan. Evan wanted to have sex with Hugo; those were very different things. He had no right to want anything from a man whose life he had destroyed and yet, he wanted him.

The memory of his tongue in Hugo’s mouth almost brought a groan to Hugo’s lips. He had wanted to take Evan on the kitchen counter, face to face, hands digging into the backs of his thighs, before Flynn had interrupted. He could imagine what it would feel like, the mere thought made his skin tingle, and his cock harden.

Lost in carnal daydreams, he didn’t notice it at first—the soft sound of slow, careful footsteps across wood. He heard it now, however. There were several bodies, trying and failing to be quiet somewhere in the main living area. Intruders.

Immediately, Hugo checked his watch. It was well past midnight. Still wearing what he had gone to bed in, his boxer shorts, Hugo pulled his gun from the bedside table then went to listen at the door. He counted at least four people.

Cursing inaudibly, he ducked into his closet. He opened the concealed compartment and discarded his prized pistol in favour of a pulse weapon equipped with a suppressor. It was slick and black, and Hugo hated it. To him, pulse weapons were lazy and impersonal, they required no skill.

Silently, he moved back to the door. If he had been alone, he would have waited for them to find him and ambush them, but he wouldn’t risk Evan getting hurt.

Gently, he pulled the door open a crack and peered out into the hall. It was dark, but he could see the faint shadow of someone moving in the large living room. Keeping tight to the wall he stopped just on the edge where the hallway joined the main area, gun held ready.

The room was dim, lit only by the lights from billboards, and the Jonks soaring outside. Even in silhouette Hugo knew who the intruders were. They were family men. Who had sent them was anyone’s guess. Hugo had more than enough enemies. He counted four, but worried there were more in other rooms.

When one of them crossed his line of sight, he stepped out and fired a single shot. It landed perfectly on target, blowing a hole through the figures head and splattering the wall with the contents of his skull.

“Lights!” someone shouted, and the room was suddenly awash with light.

Hugo was in bigger trouble than he had first thought. There were five men in his living room, not including the slowly cooling corpse of the man he had shot, and one woman. It was Irene Rose, she had a large scar across her cheek, and a look of pure hatred in her eyes.

“He fucking killed Robbie!” a Black man in a green bowler hat that matched his waistcoat yelled.

“I told you we would come for you.”

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scarred.” Hugo let his eyes linger obviously on the neat red line.

“You fuck with my wife, I fuck with you,” said a stocky man from near the kitchen door. He was White and tall, holding a blackjack instead of a gun. Hugo quickly glanced at his other foes. Not a pistol between them. Idiots.

“You brought a sap to a gun fight; not smart.”

“I don’t need lead, I’m gonna tear you apart.”

“This sanctioned? I find it hard to believe Dill is this stupid.”

“He ordered us to hurt Samuel. To make a point. I think killing his golden boy is a good way to do that, don’t you?”

“Try it, I dare you.”

“I am going to enjoy carving you up,” Irene spat.

“Enough with the foreplay. Let’s do this.”

One by the kitchen, Hugo noted. Two by the front door. One between himself and the couch. One by the fireplace and one next to the coffee table.

Without a beat, he lunged for the man in the bowler hat. The man swung for Hugo who caught the punch and used it to twist the man around. He got his arm around his neck and exerted pressure before torquing his body. There was a crunch and then a snap, then the man fell to the ground dead. The whole thing had happened in seconds.

“That make two. If you want to back down, now’s your chance.”

“Fuck this guy up!”

Mr Rose and the man who was near the fireplace reached Hugo first. Rose swung his blackjack hard, but Hugo stepped deftly aside, causing Rose to hit his companion instead. The man dropped to the ground clattering into Hugo as he did so. Hugo might have avoided the blow, but his gun was knocked from his hand. It didn’t matter. He took the opportunity to kick the downed man hard in the face. The stomach-churning crack that followed told Hugo he had broken the man’s jaw. Clearly unconscious, he stayed down.

“That’s three. You can leave any?—”

Hugo’s words were cut off as Rose tackled him, sending them both careening over the couch. They landed on the glass coffee table and it shattered beneath them. Hugo’s ribs sung and his head pounded. It was in his best interests to end this quickly.

He rolled to the side and grabbed a jagged piece of wood that had been a leg of the table. He rammed it into Mr Rose’s stomach before scrambling towards the door.

Hugo rushed the man who was standing there to prevent his exit. He shouldered him into the door, following up with a jab-cross combo to the face, before landing a heavy uppercut to the man’s gut. Hugo grabbed his shirt collar and raised his fist to strike again when a frightened shout stopped him dead.

“Hugo!”

Hugo whipped around. Irene held a knife to Evan’s throat as she walked him from the spare room into the living area.

“Let go of Smith or I slice his throat.”

“Fuck,” Hugo snarled to no one in particular. He dropped Smith, who slumped to the ground groaning.

“Baby, you okay?” she called to her husband.

“Still kicking.” Mr Rose clambered to his feet, holding his bloody abdomen. “What about Donny?”

A grunt from behind the couch told all in the room that Donny was alive but injured. With groans of pain the man crawled into view, his jaw hanging awkwardly to the side.

“Move. Get on your knees. Where the coffee table was. Hands above your head,” Irene ordered.

Hugo did as commanded, subtly giving Evan a once over with his eyes. He appeared uninjured. Glass shards cut into Hugo’s knees as he knelt, but he barely noticed.

“He’s a civilian. You hurt him and you’re in a whole different kind of trouble,” Hugo said as Evan was forced onto his knees beside him. “Are you okay?”

Evan nodded. There was a defiant set to his features that only made Hugo want him more. He was scared, he must have been, but he was holding his ground. Time and time again Hugo was forced to marvel at Evan’s composure in the darkest of situations.

“Didn’t I see you on the news?” Mr Rose asked Evan as he dropped down next to Hugo. “Guess not. You got me good, Ford.” He gave a pained laugh as he examined the grisly wound on his stomach. Though he had pulled the wood out, there were still large splinters around the edges. “Smith, you with us?”

“Yeah, I’m here.” Smith was sitting with his back against the door. He looked slightly punch-drunk.

“Get me something to wrap this, will you?”

Smith nodded, spat blood on the rug, then got to his feet and walked falteringly into Hugo’s bathroom. No one spoke until Smith returned with some towels and handed them to Rose who started tearing them into strips.

Hugo’s mind worked frantically, trying to calculate a way out of this. If Evan hadn’t been there, he would have fought to the death—his or theirs—but he couldn’t risk endangering the man for whom his affections had grown alarmingly over the past few weeks.

“What’s the plan here?” Hugo asked, ensuring he sounded bored.

“I’m thinking of torturing and killing your little friend here while you watch,” Irene said with a bloodthirsty glee that surprised him. Fighting every urge in his body, Hugo didn’t react.

“Go ahead. He’s just some pro I picked up on the way home.”

“So, you won’t mind if I do this?” Irene slapped Evan hard across the face, he grunted in pain.

“If anything, I kinda like it.” Hugo’s heart was clattering against his ribs, his blood coursing through his veins in anger, but he didn’t let it show.

“You sure?” Irene grabbed Evan by the hair and dragged her nails across his face.

Hugo clamped down on his emotions, forcing them back. Evan had barely made a noise, but there were three identical bloody streaks marring his cheek. Irene would pay for that.

“Where’s the fun in wailing on a civi? You’re here for me, so get it over with.”

“You’re putting on a good show, but I’m not buying it. Smith, kneecap him.”

“Ford?” Smith asked, picking up Hugo’s gun from the ground.

“No. His little play mate.”

Smith took his time taking aim, a taunt and a threat all rolled into one.

“Last chance before your boy loses his knees. No fun dancing without them.”

Even though it was a pulse weapon, Smith mimed cocking the gun for effect.

“All right,” Hugo snarled. “You got me. You touch him and there won’t be enough of you left to bury. Right now, he is the only reason you’re still breathing.”

“You cocky piece of shit.” Irene kneed him in the face. His eyes stung as his nose bled.

“Two of you are dead.” Hugo held one of his nostrils shut so he could snort blood onto the floor from the other. “Your husband is dying, and Donny isn’t looking so good. So really, that just leaves you and Smithy. I like my odds.”

Smith fired a shot. It hit the floor an inch from Evan’s left knee.

“I will kill you,” Hugo said, his voice low. It was a fact, not a threat.

“Come on then,” Smith said, taking clear and deliberate aim for Evan’s chest.

Hugo surged forward and grabbed Irene by the neck, he turned her around so her back was pressed to his chest as he wrapped both hands around her throat.

“You should all be ashamed to call yourselves made. I could snap her neck in a second. Drop the gun.”

“Looks like we’re at an impasse.” Mr Rose tried to get to his feet but couldn’t.

“Only if you like your wife alive,” Hugo said, pulling Irene along with him as he moved to stand between Evan and Smith.

CRASH.

The front door was kicked open. There were three muted bangs to signal the firing of three bullets. The first hit Donny where he sat on the floor, he slumped sideways, dead. The second narrowly missed its target in Smith, who dove to the ground with a loud thud. The third was for Mr Rose, who gave a little jerk on the couch then moved no more.

Still holding Irene, Hugo spun around to see Bobby standing in the doorway. They were wearing a long black trench coat and holding a gun aloft.

“You aren’t the only one the Kellys hit tonight. Go put some clothes on, I have some questions for Mrs Rose.”

Hugo released Irene and pushed her towards Bobby, who in turn threw Hugo their gun. He caught it and moved quickly over to Smith who was cowering behind the couch. The man was dead in seconds, the small bullet hole in his forehead forming a billowing pool of blood on the floor underneath him. He hadn’t had a chance to react.

“Hugo—” Bobby began.

“One second.”

Hugo grabbed Evan and tried to pull him towards the bedroom.

“Where are we?—?”

“You don’t want to know what happens next, let’s go.” Evan allowed Hugo to drag him away from Irene and Bobby.

Once inside the bedroom, Hugo quickly pulled on a shirt and a pair of trousers, before handing Evan the same.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I…I think so. They were going to kill us.”

“Yes. Let me see your face.” Without waiting for a response, Hugo took Evan by the jaw. There were three angry scratches on his cheek.

“I will kill—” Hugo’s sentence was cut off by a muffled scream of pain. Evan looked towards the door, his eyes wide, but said nothing. “Just look at me. Everything’s fine.”

Hugo grabbed a clean shirt from the dresser and used it to wipe the blood from Evan’s face. “I’m sorry you had to see?—”

“I think I get it now,” Evan said, talking right over him. His voice had a dreamy quality. “Your world is a dark place. The rules are different.”

“I know?—”

“How do you do it? All of you. All that mindless violence, like it’s nothing.”

Hugo got the feeling Evan was recalling something more than recent events, and stepped back, assuming his touch was unwelcome.

“You saved my life, and you put your life on the line for me. You didn’t have to do that. You could have let them kill me. It would have solved all your problems.” He seemed afraid, but calm, like he had witnessed this sort of violence before.

“We made a deal.”

“Are they torturing her?” There was no emotion in Evan’s voice.

“If they have to.”

“This is bad, right? It’s the start of something not the end.”

“I will protect you, no matter what. I swear.” And he meant it. The thought scared Hugo slightly.

Hugo turned to leave but Evan grabbed his hand.

“I trust you. For the record, I trust you.”

“Then stay here.”

Evan nodded and sat down on the bed. Hugo gave him one final glance before heading back out to meet Bobby.

Irene was face down on the rug, a halo of blood slowly expanding around her head. Bobby was kneeling beside her as they checked her pockets.

“Did she tell you anything?” Hugo asked, regarding Irene with disinterest.

“Nothing we didn’t already know. Dill Kelly is gunning for Sam. They attacked Alice too.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yes, but she made one hell of a mess. Speaking of.” And they nodded towards the front door which opened quietly a moment later.

A team of individuals dressed in white coveralls and blue latex gloves entered, each carrying a large black bag. Hugo could tell nothing about them. The only part of their bodies not encased in the white suits were their eyes and even those were hidden behind wide plastic glasses.

None of them paid Hugo or Bobby any mind. They set to work, removing the bodies and cleansing the apartment. In less than twenty minutes not even the most discerning of detectives would have been able to tell anything had happened here, let alone seven deaths. The only difference to the room was that there was no longer a coffee table before the couch, but all remnants of the one that had been there were gone.

Both Hugo and Bobby remained silent until the team had concluded their work and left.

“You stupid motherfucker.”

Bobby rounded on Hugo and punched him hard in the face. Caught unawares, Hugo clattered to the ground. “Did you think I wouldn’t recognise him?”

It was exactly as Hugo had feared. Bobby, whose job it was to know everything now knew of his deceit. Slightly dazed, Hugo got to his feet.

“It’s not what you think.”

Again, Bobby punched him and again he fell to the ground.

“You know what Sam will do to you. Why would you do something so stupid?”

“He saved my life,” Hugo said, wiping his bloody lip on the back of his hand.

Bobby knelt down and grabbed Hugo by the shirt front. They landed another three thunderous blows on Hugo’s face before Evan came running into the room.

“Get off him. Stop it!”

Evan tried to pull Bobby off, but he was no match for them. Bobby swatted Evan away with ease. Letting go of Hugo, they stood with almost preternatural speed and trained their gun on Evan.

“No. Don’t!” Hugo sprang to his feet and positioned himself between Bobby and Evan. He was breathing heavily, all too aware of the gun now pressed to his chest.

“Why?” Bobby demanded, their eyes searching Hugo’s face. “I don’t get it. You get the job done, that’s who you are. Why would you risk everything for?—?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t. But I can’t let you kill him.” Hugo knew exactly why; he just couldn’t explain it to Bobby.

“If Sam finds out that you lied—that you betrayed him, he will tear you apart. He will drag it out. He’ll destroy you. Is this guy worth it?”

Hugo didn’t answer, he just stared Bobby down.

“God-fucking-damnit, Ford! Kill him or I will.” But Bobby let the gun fall limply to their side.

“Now who’s lying. You don’t kill unless you have to. Not since Has?—”

“Don’t talk about things you don’t understand. I killed to save your ass tonight, and I’d kill to save mine.”

“He’s leaving town.” Hugo knew when not to push, and now was one of those times. “He’s leaving the colony. I’ll have him relocated to Caligo City.”

“You’re turning me into a liar, too. If this goes badly, if Sam finds out, you won’t be the only one who’s punished.”

“He won’t find out. I swear.”

“I can’t take that chance.” Bobby made to raise the gun, but Hugo grabbed their wrist and forced it down.

“I don’t want to fight you, but I will.”

“You’d throw me to the wolves for a mark? I’m your best friend! Your sibling!”

“I can’t let you do it.” Bobby tried to pull their wrist free, but Hugo held fast. “You’ve never beaten me in a fight, Coop. That’s not going to change today.”

“I don’t know what’s happened to you, but I don’t like it. I’m giving you a day to reconsider this insanity. Kill him and be done with it, or I will do it for you. Sam expects a report in the morning.” Bobby wrenched themself free and stepped back replacing the gun inside their long coat. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Evan Carter.” The use of his full name was a clear threat.

Hugo watched them out of the apartment before turning to Evan.

“Are you all right?”

Evan looked shaken but he nodded. There was something slightly off about his reaction to the whole situation, but Hugo was too worried to notice.

He gave Evan a weak smile. “We have to get you out of Tenebrium. Things have changed now that Bobby knows.”

“Nothing has changed and I’m not going anywhere. Not yet.”

“Bobby is my friend. Just think what my enemies will do to you. We already waited too long. I will get you your answers, but you need to leave, or you won’t be around to hear them. Get some sleep, we’ll have a lot to do tomorrow.”

Hugo cursed under his breath as he made his way to his bedroom. Once inside, he sat on the edge of the mattress and stared out the window. The ever-present lights of the city seemed to mock him as he fretted in darkness. What a fool he was, to have entertained a relationship even for a second. He knew nothing about them, he’d never been in one, but his desire to be close to Evan had put them both in danger. He knew who had killed Julian Carter—it was Dill Kelly. They had run out of time to divine why. Evan would have to make his peace with that and move on. The prospect made Hugo’s heart ache. It was an unfamiliar feeling, and he hated it.

A gentle knocking on the door had Hugo rising automatically to his feet as if drawn to the person he knew was on the other side. He pulled it wide and was confronted by a smouldering Evan.

“That’s it?” Evan demanded.

“What?”

“I see you kill a man, and you try to kill me. I save your life. We talk. We laugh. You cook for me for fuck’s sake. We get attacked and you fight for me, you lie for me, risk your life, stand in front of a bullet for me and now it’s all just ‘See ya, you gotta go’.” He was nearing apoplectic.

“What do you want from me?” It was almost a plea. “You can’t stay here. You’ll get us both killed.”

“You called me beautiful.”

Hugo opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by Evan’s lips. He took hold of Hugo’s shirt and pulled him back into the living room.

“Stop,” Hugo breathed, pushing him away. “We can’t do this.”

“Why not? We’re both adults. You want me, I want you.”

“No, you don’t, because this—” he pointed roughly to his bruised face, “—is my life. Has tonight taught you nothing?”

“It has. Life is fragile. It can be ended with terrifying ease. But I refuse to be afraid. If I have to leave, I want you before I go.” Evan dropped his hands, waiting for Hugo to make a move. “We might not get another chance.”

“Why?” This was exactly what Hugo wanted, but he couldn’t fathom why Evan wanted it too.

“I’ve been sleepwalking through life, but you…you make me feel alive.”

The seconds ticked by as Hugo fought with himself not to get lost in Evan. It would only set him up for more pain. The man was leaving.

“Hugo?”

All the reasons why he shouldn’t forgotten, Hugo pulled him in, crushing their lips together in a fierce kiss. Evan reeled back almost instantly and shoved Hugo away, he stumbled a few steps. Doubt crept into his thoughts and Hugo feared Evan had changed his mind already. But then Evan shoved him again, hard. His back hit the wall and before he could think, Evan was pressing himself against him, re-capturing his lips. His ribs ached but he didn’t care.

Their tongues danced together as Evan’s teeth grazed his bottom lip. His hands found Hugo’s hair and pulled. Hugo let out a moan of pure pleasure. He wrapped his arms around Evan’s waist holding him close. Evan broke the kiss, breathing hard, and put a hand around Hugo’s throat. He used his thumb to force Hugo’s face to the side as he nipped and sucked at his neck.

Hugo could hardly believe this was real. He was desperate to touch Evan and the man knew it. His green eyes glimmered with desire. He was enjoying taking control and Hugo was happy to let him, for now. Hugo grabbed the bottom of Evan’s shirt and pulled it over his head. His body was glorious. Evan was slighter than Hugo, his waist tapering into a ‘V’ and not as broad, but just as muscular. There was a thin smattering of hair on his chest and a tantalising trail that led under his belt. Hugo wanted to lick it.

“Are you sure?” Hugo panted. He needed to know that Evan wanted this as much as he did. His response was to wrench the two sides of Hugo’s shirt apart, sending buttons flying in all directions. Smiling, Hugo made to put his arms around Evan, but again Evan pushed him back to the wall.

“Stay,” he ordered.

Evan knelt in front of Hugo with a wicked grin. His trousers were becoming uncomfortably tight, and he groaned as Evan made quick work of his belt and fly. Evan paused and looked up at him, silently asking for consent. Hugo nodded, thinking he could get lost in those beautiful eyes forever. As if he was capable of saying no to this.

He screwed his own eyes shut as Evan took the entirety of him in his mouth. The feeling was almost too much to handle, he was afraid if he watched it would be over too quickly.

“Fuck,” he moaned. Hugo splayed his arms, palms down against the wall, digging his nails into the wood as he struggled to stay on his feet. Every brush of Evan’s lips, every lash of his tongue nearly sent Hugo over the edge.

“I’m close,” Hugo panted, barely holding it together.

With a final slow suck, Evan released him. Hugo let out a hiss as cold air replaced the warmth of Evan’s mouth. Evan stood and kissed Hugo deeply, but that wasn’t enough anymore. Hugo gently walked him backwards, never breaking the kiss, until they hit the side of the long couch. He deftly spun Evan to face away from him, bending him over the arm rest and pressing his erection into his back.

Hugo leaned over Evan, kissing his way up his spine until he reached his neck. He held them there, both panting slightly with anticipation.

“Do you want this?” Hugo whispered in his ear.

“Yes.” As if to emphasise the point, Evan reached behind himself and gave Hugo’s cock a rough stroke before leaning further forward and bracing himself on the couch. Hugo didn’t need to be told twice. He dragged Evan’s slacks down his thighs and used his feet to part his legs just a little.

As their bodies joined, Hugo let out a cry that could have been a prayer. He reached around Evan and wrapped one arm across his chest to pull him upright, the other took hold of Evan’s cock. Evan moaned his name as he fought to hold himself still, his hips already trying to grind against Hugo’s. Hugo gave them both a moment to acclimatise to this new connection, then started to move. His pace was relentless, every snap of his hips devastating. It was hot and rough and quick. He had built up this moment in his head for too long to be able to hold himself back. When Evan cried out his release, Hugo followed him over the edge into a climax that made him see stars. They both slumped forward breathing heavily, sweat sticking Hugo’s chest to Evan’s back.

After a moment, he kissed Evan on the shoulder then eased himself from him with a pleasant little shudder. The nearest armchair was too far away, so Hugo just allowed himself to flop onto the floor. The cold wood was a salve to the fire of his skin.

Panting, Evan stayed where he was for a few seconds longer before he straightened up and laid down on the floor next to Hugo. Hugo reached for him, hoping he wasn’t pushing his luck, and pulled him in. Evan laid his head on Hugo’s chest and draped an arm lazily over his stomach.

“You’re going to have to get that couch cleaned.”

“A small price to pay.” Hugo laughed and kissed the top of Evan’s head. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Everything. Meeting you in that alley. I destroyed your life. I’ve taken everything from you. I want you—I have since the moment we met, but I have no right to.”

“I have felt more fear in the last few weeks than I can ever remember feeling. I have done things I could never have imagined doing. I should be mad. I should be hurt. I should hate you for everything you’ve taken from me, but I’m just not. The truth is, I was bored before. I was drowning. I should have been happy, but I wasn’t.”

Hugo didn’t know what to say. Evan pressed a chaste kiss to Hugo’s jaw, then closed his eyes. They fell asleep right there, exposed on the living room floor and when they awoke hours later, Hugo had never felt more rested.