King of Spades (Read 5,211 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 14

CHEATIN' HEART
Spades had just finished up another of his stand-up routines. He was sitting at the bar, talking to some people who had been in the audience. Roman walked up.
SPADES: Commissioner. Hi. What can I do for you?
ROMAN: I need a word with you. Outside.
Spades turned to his guests.
SPADES: Excuse us.
Then, he turned back to Roman, and followed him outside.
SPADES: What, uh, what seems to be the problem?
ROMAN: You seem to have everyone in this town fooled. They all think you're just a stand-up comedian. My best detective, Hope Brady, seems to think differently.
SPADES: But you don't agree with her. That's why you let me off.
ROMAN: I let you off because the prints came back negatively. But I know very well that tests can be faked. I also know very well that Hope would never lie to me, especially not about something as important as this. So, I'm giving you a warning. If I find out that you had anything, anything at all to do with the murder of my son, Detective Hernandez, or Serena Mason, I will see your prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Understand me?
SPADES: Well, I can imagine how you must feel, losing your son. But, I assure you, I haven't done anything.
ROMAN: We'll see.
Roman turned to walk away.
SPADES: You ever play cards?

SALEM PLACE
NICOLE: When I first met him, he gave me his “card”.
Nicole hands the card to Celeste, who drops it seconds after touching it, and gasps.
NICOLE: What? What is it?
CELESTE: It's the card! I sense great evil in this card, darling!
NICOLE: What do you mean?
CELESTE: The person who gave this to you is filled with evil.
Celeste rummaged around in her purse and pulled out her deck of Tarot cards. She shuffled them, then picked up four and planted them face down on the table. She flipped the first one over.
CELESTE: The jester.
She flips another card over.
CELESTE: The magician.
The third card was flipped.
CELESTE: The moon.
Celeste flipped the final card and gasped.
CELESTE: Death.
There was a brief silence.
NICOLE: So, as fascinating as all that was, what does it mean?
CELESTE: This man comes to town in the guise of a Jester, or a fool. But, he's really a Magician. He puts his spell over everyone he meets. Like you, when you first met him. Did he come off as charming when you first met him, darling?
NICOLE: I wouldn't say charming. A bit creepy, actually. Although, he was kind of charismatic, I'll say that.
CELESTE: And that's where the Moon comes in. Things that seem benevolent in the day turn very dark and terrifying in the night. It shows his true colors. The last card only confirms it. Death. He has only been here a few weeks, and has already brought it upon this town. And I fear that there will be more death because of him before he has left this town.
NICOLE: What am I gonna do? What are we gonna do?
CELESTE: We have to stop him. We must beat him before he gets to anyone else in this town.
NICOLE: You're not suggesting what I think you are, are you?
CELESTE: It's the only way. I don't like it anymore than you do.
NICOLE: You and me.
CELESTE: As a team.
NICOLE: Great.

[heroicmuse]

Wow this is heating up! Can't wait to see what Nicole and Celeste do!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 15

SALEM P.D.
Hope was in her office writing out some papers. There was a knock on her door.
HOPE: Come in.
The door opened. Celeste and Nicole walked in. Hope stood up.
HOPE: Celeste? It's good to see you!
CELESTE: Good to see you too, Hope.
Hope and Celeste hugged.
HOPE: Nicole.
NICOLE: Hope.
HOPE: What are you two doing together?
CELESTE: We need to speak with you, darling. Do you have a moment?
HOPE: Always. Take a seat.
Hope sat behind her desk. Nicole and Celeste sat on the other side.
HOPE: So, what's going on?
CELESTE: I had a vision, darling.
HOPE: A vision, what is it?
CELESTE: It's a part of my psychic powers that results in a premonition of things to come. But, that's not important right now.
HOPE: I mean, what was your vision about?
CELESTE: I saw a man who is going to cause a lot of trouble for the good people of Salem. I spoke with Nicole recently, and this man has already appeared.
HOPE: And?
CELESTE: Darling, unless this man can be stopped, everyone in Salem is in grave danger!

OUTSIDE THE CHEATIN' HEART
Roman turned to walk away.
SPADES: You ever play cards?
Roman stopped.
ROMAN: Pardon me?
SPADES: (under his breath) Wow, people in Salem must be deaf or something (out loud) I said, “Do you ever play cards?”.
ROMAN: I have, in the past.
SPADES: Wanna play a round or two?
Roman looked back. Spades was smiling.
SPADES: Just a harmless game. I'll even let you shuffle.
ROMAN: I don't think so.
SPADES: Your choice.
Roman turned to walk away again.
SPADES: Did you know that in a standard deck of cards, the King of Spades is looking the opposite direction of the other three Kings? Isn't that weird?
Again, Roman stopped.
ROMAN: What does that mean?
SPADES: You'll figure it out soon enough.
Roman turned to look at Spades.
ROMAN: What is your game, exactly?
SPADES: Oh, anything, really. Crazy 8s, Rummy, 12 Card Stud. Heck, I'll even play War, if you want.
ROMAN: No, I mean, what are you up to?
SPADES: Nothing. Just trying to get to know the town police commissioner.
There was an awkward silence.
SPADES: I knew a guy once who had this huge German Shepherd. Every morning, he used to do his business on our lawn. Sometimes, he even brought his dog with him.
Spades smirked. Roman grew ever more confused. Without another word, he turned and walked away.
SPADES: I'll see you soon, commissioner.

[heroicmuse]

Spades is getting creepier and creepier. I'm still holding out hope that all these deaths are fake.

Great chapter André DiMera! Can't wait to see what happens next. Will there be previews?

[André DiMera]

Indeed, you do, heroicmuse!

Next Week

Celeste and Nicole tell Hope the full story.
NICOLE: There's just a bit more to it.

Then, the three make a plan.
HOPE: Are you sure about this?

And Nicole gets a bit too close for Spades' liking.
SPADES: Is this what you want, Nicole?

All this and more next week on THE KING OF SPADES.

[Kpatch]

Roman has no sense of humor but I'm glad he isn't agreeing to play Spades' game.

Celeste and Nicole teaming up is awesome, my darling.

Next week sounds scary. Thanks for the previews!

[fluffysmom]

I just got caught up. I fear that Spades will kill Hope.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 16

SALEM P.D.
Nicole described most of the story to Hope, leaving out her own involvement with Eric.
HOPE: So, he definitely killed Serena and Rafe.
NICOLE: Yes. Although I didn't see him kill Serena, I know that he killed her. I was joking when I said that he should, but he didn't take it as a joke.
HOPE: I see. So, we have an account for those two murders, but not Eric.
Nicole looked down.
NICOLE: Well...
HOPE: Well, what?
NICOLE: There is just a bit more to it.
HOPE: What do you mean?
NICOLE: I mean there's a part of the story that I've been trying not to mention...until now.
HOPE: Nicole, do you know something about Eric's murder?
NICOLE: Yes.
HOPE: Who did it?
NICOLE: I did.

CHEATIN' HEART
Spades went back inside was confronted by Clyde Weston.
CLYDE: Gotta say, you did a real good job up there. That was some funny stuff.
SPADES: Thanks.
He and Clyde shook hands.
SPADES: Wait a minute, aren't you Clyde Weston?
CLYDE: I sure am.
SPADES: Do you have a minute?
CLYDE: I suppose I do. Why? What's up?
SPADES: Come take a walk with me.

SALEM P.D.
HOPE: You killed Eric? Why?
NICOLE: Look, it wasn't as simple as murder, okay? I didn't intend to kill him.
HOPE: Then what did you intend to do?
NICOLE: Get him out of my face, for one.
HOPE: Okay, why don't you start from the beginning?
NICOLE: Okay. So, I was investigating Serena Mason. I had a feeling that something wasn't right about her. That's when I ran into Spades...
HOPE: Spades?
NICOLE: That's what this guy calls himself. He calls himself the King of Spades. I never knew his real name. Anyway, later that day, I was at work, and Eric came to see me. Apparently, between me meeting Spades and Eric going to my office, Spades had found Serena and harassed her. Eric thought that I was behind this. I hadn't asked Spades to do anything. I just didn't say no when he asked if I wanted Serena dead. Whatever he did was on his own. Eric was getting all up in my face about it, though. He got all up in my face, and used a very threatening tone. I was genuinely afraid. I asked him to leave once, and he flat out refused. I asked him a second time, more forcefully. He still refused. I asked him several times after that, and he still would not leave. So, I...(voice breaking) I hit him with my purse. Just to get him out of my face. Apparently, I hit him so hard that he fell backwards and cracked his skull open on the wall. I...I didn't mean for it to happen.
Hope gave Nicole a minute to collect herself.
HOPE: Why didn't you go to the police?
NICOLE: Yeah, like anyone would have believed it was an accident.
HOPE: If that's the case, then why now?
NICOLE: Nothing to lose, really. I can't go back to my job. Nobody in this town wants anything to do with me. Plus, this Spades guy really creeps me out.
HOPE: I see. Well, we'll figure out what's going to happen with you later. First, we have to figure out what to do with this alleged King of Spades.

OUTSIDE THE CHEATIN' HEART
Spades led Clyde to the back of the bar, where there was a table and chairs set up.
CLYDE: What's this?
SPADES: Just thought we could have a more private conversation out here.
Spades pulls his deck of cards out.
SPADES: You ever play cards?
CLYDE: Do I ever play? Back in Poplar Bluff, I was the best card player they'd ever seen. The King of Hearts in more ways than one.
SPADES: Wanna play a round?
CLYDE: Sure, if you think you can beat me. Let's go for it.

[heroicmuse]

Hmm... If Spades kills Clyde he will probably be let off for the other.murders, as he will be considered a hero...

Great chapter André DiMera! Very interested to see what happens next.

[Kpatch]

The King of Hearts vs. The King of Spades! I think Clyde is about to meet his match.

I am shocked that Nicole confessed!

[fluffysmom]

Maybe they will kill each other!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 17

SALEM P.D.
Roman had arrived at the station and was updated on the situation. Together, Hope, Roman, Nicole and Celeste had come up with an idea of how to get Spades.
ROMAN: It sounds great, but who would be willing to do it?
NICOLE: I would.
ROMAN: Surely you can't be serious.
NICOLE: I am serious, and don't call me Shirley. I want to help out with this case. I know, I'm as much of a part of this as he is, but I want to help in any way that I can. Besides, I met this guy way before anyone else in this town did.
HOPE: By a few hours, maybe.
NICOLE: What?
HOPE: The night he killed Serena Mason, I pulled him over because he had an out of date liscense. He threatened my family and then drove away before I could do anything about it.
NICOLE: Okay, so it was within a few hours, but still, I met him before anyone else. Let me lead him to you guys.
HOPE: Are you sure about this?
NICOLE: No. But, what other choice do we have? He won't come quietly. But, if I can trick him, then maybe he won't suspect anything.

OUTSIDE THE CHEATIN' HEART
Spades was shuffling his deck of cards.
SPADES: Eights are wild.
CLYDE: Aren't they always?
Clyde chuckled, which Spades returned with a weak smile. He dealt the cards, and the game play began.
SPADES: You know, you can learn a lot about cards.
CLYDE: Like what?
SPADES: Did you know that the Nine of Diamonds is also known as the Scourge of Scotland?
CLYDE: No, why's that?
SPADES: Many years ago, the crown of Scotland used to have nine diamonds in it. One day, those diamonds were stolen, and the king decided to tax the Scots heavily to make up the money he'd lost.
CLYDE: Interesting.
Clyde threw down his last card, which was the King of Hearts. Spades smirked.
CLYDE: Not bad, huh?
SPADES: Not bad at all. Let's go for another round.
Spades began shuffling.
CLYDE: You in a losing mood, or something?
SPADES: No, I just think my luck's about to turn around.
He dealt the cards and play began.
CLYDE: I got one for you. You know that my favorite card, the King of Hearts, is called the Suicide King?
SPADES: One of the first things I learned when I started playing. It's not hard to tell why though, is it?
CLYDE: Well, he put his sword through the back of his head, of course.
SPADES: Exactly.
CLYDE: Interesting stuff, isn't it?
Spades nodded.
SPADES: Here's another one: did you know that the King of Spades is the only King looking the opposite direction of the other three?
CLYDE: That's almost more obvious than the Suicide King one.
Spades put down his last card, which was, of course, the King of Spades. Then, the pulled out his gun and shot Clyde, dead.

[heroicmuse]

Good for Spades. Lol. Though I thought for a second he had met his match in Clyde.

Looking forward to seeing Nicole's plan.

[Kpatch]

I wonder why Spades targeted Clyde.

I like the trivia you included about the deck of cards André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

I'm not sad that Clyde is dead. I hope Nicole doesn't get killed trying to trick Spades.