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Tower of Hell: Caged and Confused, Book 1, Chapter 123
🕑 Added 2022-11-29 03:49:58 +0000 UTCJonas and the rest of the crew continued to drink and chat in low whispers. Morale was down but steadily rising due to the flavor of the expensive alcohol, the unfamiliar breeze coming from the limo window, and the lovely voice belonging to Fiona Bridget from one of the televisions. She was a beautiful reporter narrating the ongoing events of Sun City.
"Yesterday afternoon, Overworld News Central shocked the citizens of Sun City with the story about the eldest son of CEO Robert Mack, founder of Mack Solutions, brutally murdered in his hotel room. This event marks a string of murders of high-profile individuals, dating back two months ago when security discovered singer/songwriter Jay-Jay Flame strangled to death in his home in Westingtown. President Mack called security to the scene, including detective Agent Monsieur, known to offer his services to the rich and elite.
Overworld News Central is happy to bring you exclusive access to this story, where journalists interviewed Agent Monsieur. There they discovered shocking details about the murder of Robert Mack Jr., brutally stabbed to death in what appears to be a robbery gone wrong. I'm here in the studio with reporter Rachel Ray, John Benzino, and Mark Strong. Let's start with you, Mark. Do you think this recent rise in celebrity deaths is something the public should be concerned about, or perhaps there's a conspiracy afoot?" Fiona Bridget shook her golden curls and smiled toward a moderately handsome man who wore an aloof expression.
"I said it last week, and I'll say it once more. Who the hell cares about celebrities and the children of CEOs dying? No one cares," Mark answered his own question. "These people, mostly Hellites, are not only raised in privilege, but most partake in sadistic social norms such as slavery, drug trafficking, and murder for fun. Do you think the world should care about Junior Mack? I don't think he's worth our tears. According to my sources, they found massive quantities of cocaine in his hotel room and two caged women who looked like they had been there for weeks."
"Chilling," said Fiona Bridget. "Tell the viewers more about this source who has first-hand information about the events at the Hellton Hotel?"
"You already named him, and the world knows his story. I was the journalist called to interview Agent Monsieur, brought to the hotel room by Robert Mack Senior, distraught over his eldest son's death."
"That's right, Mark. You brought Overworld News Central exclusive footage of this interview, didn't you?"
"That I did, Fiona. This afternoon I'll share a sneak peek at the chilling interview with whom some call the greatest detective in the Outlands, while we'll share the rest tonight on Prime Show Time, the greatest late-night show on the network." Mark flashed a brilliant smile and waved his hand to gesture his approval.
"Then let's take a look at that sneak peek, shall we?" Fiona smiled at the camera, and the scene flashed as an Asian man with intense eyes took most of the view, and the sounds of cameras flashing could be heard in the background.
"My name is Agent Monsieur of Outlandish Detective Agency, and I'm the representing detective at the scene of the chilling and brutal murder of my employer's dutiful son."
"We're here at the Hellton Hotel. Can you tell us more details about what went on in the room behind you? What exactly happened to Robert Mack Junior?" Mark Strong's voice asked the questions.
"Hotel maids discovered Robert Mack Junior stabbed to death, laying in a puddle of his blood on the floor of his penthouse suite," said Agent Monsieur. "There were signs of a struggle, while drugs and alcohol were present around the room. It appears that Robert Junior was partying with multiple people when one of them took a knife and stabbed the victim twenty-six times. I regret to inform the public that we found two women caged in the hotel room. It seems Robert used them as party favors for his friends, and according to my investigation, this isn't the first time."
"What about the drugs?" Mark Strong glossed over the part about caged women because it wasn't as interesting.
"Copious amounts of cocaine discovered on scene and confiscated by my detective agency," Agent Monsieur had a dry voice and didn't seem at all perturbed by the fact he was disparaging his employer's son. Jonas wasn't used to societal norms of Hell but figured Robert Mack Senior wasn't too happy with Agent Monsieur publicly announcing that his recently departed son had caged women and lots of drugs.
"So the death was caused by a feud over drugs?" Mark Strong asked.
"It appears so, but we're still investigating," Agent Monsieur ran a hand through his hair, and Jonas noticed a red tattoo in the shape of a bullseye.
"Hunter," said Jonas. "That agent guy is a Sinner," Simon and Johnson nodded their heads, but the rest of their crew turned to watch the television because they had been too busy drinking their sorrows.
"He did that on purpose, right?" Simon's voice drowned out the television, but the interview sneak peek was over, and the scene turned back to the newsroom where Fiona, Mark, and John discussed the events of the murder. "Why would he show off his Sin Scars?"
"It's his way of saying that the death was Sinner's business. I think," said Jonas. "He's sending a message to other Sinners, but I can't be sure what he's trying to say.
"Well, people are getting murdered. No different up here than it was down there, is it?" Johnson smacked his lips and sunk his hand deep into a bag of chips. "It sounds like Junior Mack got what he deserved. Fuck any man that puts people in cages, honestly."
"Agreed," said Yuki. "I do think it's interesting that multiple celebrities have died. It seems someone is targeting them for some reason. I wonder why?" Jonas furrowed his brow in deep thought.
"Perhaps, it has something to do with the Sin Assessment or the Hell Challenge?" He recalled the way Agent Monsieur showed off his Sin Scars.
"Perhaps," Simon nodded in agreement. "It's strange watching television after years of being deprived of technology or news."
"Very strange," Jonas agreed and took a sip of his beer. "It shouldn't be long until we're at the Glatorius mansion. We'll be able to shower, and Phillip will throw a feast because he loves food very much."
"We need showers," said Johnson while sniffing the air. "This limo won't ever be the same after having us in it," Jonas agreed because they were all still covered in filth, blood, gore, and swamp.
"Sir, we'll be reaching home base in less than five minutes," Toby's voice was on the speakers. It wasn't long before the limo came to a stop, and security opened the doors for them. Jonas was the first to leave the limo, and he stepped onto the front driveway of the Glatorius mansion, which looked just as impressive as it did the first time he saw it. Brown cobblestone walls with a tall cathedral-like roof and large windows gave the home life and an inside view into privilege, power, and wealth.
The front doors swung open, and the massive figure of Philip Glatorius stepped into view. He hadn't changed much over the last two years, but Jonas thought he looked slimmer.
"Jonas?" Phillip was opened-mouthed because he hadn't registered who the person in front of him was. "Is that you?" In front of Phillip was a young man with long golden blonde hair, covered in blood and filth, and a body like an old roman statue.
"It's me," Jonas pushed his bangs out of his face and revealed two sapphire blue eyes, a youthful expression with strong cheekbones, and a white smile. They both stepped forward and firmly shook hands. Phillip's massive paw swallowed Jonas' bloodstained hand. "Did you lose weight? You look good."
"A pound or two," Phillip smiled. "You've gained weight. Also, you look like you've been to Hell and back. You need a shower."
"Living in a cage in a sewer will do that to you," As Jonas shook hands with Phillip, he confirmed one thing: the giant was not a Sinner, though Jonas had suspected he might've been hiding his Sin Scars the same way Old Louie could. "I've officially confirmed that you're not a Sinner."
"Did you just figure that out?' Phillip released Jonas' hands. "I told you I knew a little about Sinners, but I didn't think that meant you assumed I was one."
"I'm a Sinner now," Jonas lifted a hand and revealed the glow of his cross-shaped Sin Scar. "After I became one, I wondered whether you hid your powers from me. I was wrong."
"You're wrong, but you had good reason to suspect. I'm not a Sinner because I never figured out how to evolve past my deformity. We'll speak more about this later," Phillip looked behind Jonas and saw a handful of intimidating people standing outside the limo. "You should introduce me to your friends."
"Where's Amberlee?"
"Inside. Nervous, I think," Phillip sighed. "Her depression has gotten worse this past year. She doesn't go out much anymore," Jonas could hear the concern in his voice.
"Damn. I'm sorry. Let me introduce you to everyone, and then I'll say hi to Amberlee after," Jonas waved his crew over. "Guys, come meet Phillip Glatorius. This man is my greatest benefactor since I've been in Hell."
"What an intimidating group of warriors," Phillip exhaled as he took in the presence of their group. Jonas introduced them one at a time, and Phillip noticed how each of them had Sin Scars on their hands. When the security consultant shook hands with Ralph, Jonas noticed Ralph was taller, but Phillip was thicker.
"You have a nice place," Simon looked around impressively at the garden statues and fountain.
"Thank you. You will all be safe and taken care of while staying in my home, so please don't worry," though his words did nothing to ease the skepticism of Jonas' friends. They didn't believe that anyone in Hell was generous enough to take them in, clean them up, feed them, give them jobs, and allow them their freedom or expect nothing in return.
Phillip ushered them inside the house, and they marveled at how clean and expensive everything appeared. It was a far cry from the mossy stone they had lived among for so long.
"It's like a castle," Yuki touched the smooth glossy interior walls. "I can't believe luxuries like this exist."
"I have been blessed to be born a descendant of a rich and powerful family. However, I am a bit of a black sheep and have since made my living with my security company. I don't rely on them," Jonas heard a bitter tone in Phillip's words that surprised him.
"We can't choose our family," said Johnson. "But we can choose our friends. You've done well for yourself."
"Thank you, uh, Johnson?" Phillip asked, and Johnson nodded his shaggy head.
"Miss Calina," Philip called to a middle-aged maid. "Prepare a room for each of our guests. Make sure they have fresh clothes, and stock the bathroom toiletries for them," Phillip turned to Toby, the head security guard. "Toby, inform the chef to prepare a feast for ten."
"You better make it twenty," said Jonas. "We haven't eaten a real meal in years."
"You heard Jonas. Tell the chef to make it a feast for twenty."
Miss Calina and Toby nodded and left to perform their duties, and ten minutes later, she was ushering them up the stairs and towards the west wing of the mansion, where there were plenty of empty bedrooms.
"Shower, nap, do whatever you need to do to relax," said Phillip as he creaked the stairs after them. "You'll have fresh clothing awaiting you all," Jonas left the group, found his old room, closed the door behind him, and sighed deeply. It was the first time he had been alone since the events at the Hurts gang. The room had been untouched since Jonas left the mansion so long ago, and even the closet still had fresh pairs of prison scrubs.
He found his way to the bathroom, stripped his filthy, torn clothing off his body, and stepped into the large walk-in shower. The hot water poured down his back as he turned the taps, and he watched as the white tile floor became dirty with all the filth pouring off his body. It took Jonas ten minutes to finish scrubbing the disgusting build-up of gore, and when he finally stepped out of the shower and began drying off, he felt much lighter than he did before. He opened the bathroom mirror and found his old toothbrush, which he used to scrub the blood and grime out of his mouth. When he finished grooming, he walked naked toward his bed and found not prison scrubs but a t-shirt and jeans that the maid had put out for him.
Simon had been one of many people to teach him the importance of clothing in Hell because it signified someone wealthy, influential, or unafraid of being robbed. Jonas wasn't rich or famous, but he wasn't afraid of much anymore, and his hard work earned him the right to wear clothing. Phillip must have said something to Miss Calina because she would have brought him prison scrubs otherwise. Prison scrubs were the mark of a commoner, and not many dared to wear clothing in the outside world.
Jonas slid the jeans over his legs, put on the t-shirt one size too small, and used a brush to tackle some of the tangles in his golden hair. He stepped outside his room and saw Amberlee, who had just left her bedroom. She was as pretty as ever, but she looked thinner and paler than he remembered seeing her.
"Jonas?" She looked confused, and her voice was hoarse as if she hadn't used it much. "Is that you?"
"I told you I'd come back," he gave her a warm smile, and she knew it was him. They hugged, and she couldn't believe how much he had grown in his time away, and he couldn't believe how frail and delicate she felt in his arms. Neither tried to pull away, but after a minute, Jonas was the first to excuse himself from the embrace, and he pulled back to look at her. "I'm sorry it took so long."
"What happened to you?" She examined him with great interest. "Phillip said something about a gang capturing you and making you live in a sewer."
"Yeah. That happened," Jonas grinned. "It took almost two years, but I finally escaped them. I'm a free man now."
"Your hands," Amberlee noticed the faint Sin Scars. "You're a Sinner?"
"I didn't think you'd recognize them."
"My dad was a Sinner," she sighed. "Of course I recognize them."
"You and Philip hid a lot from me," Jonas raised an eyebrow. "I can see why."
"I didn't think you were ready to know what Sinners were. If I'm being honest, Phillip and I thought you'd hit a dead end and come back to us. It was a mistake not to tell you," there was guilt written on her expression as she stared at the crosses on his hands. "I'll tell you more later. First, I need to meet the rest of your companions, and then we'll feast."
"Phillip also said later," Jonas shook his head. "You both have some explaining to do."
"Agreed, and I'll give you answers," she led him out of the hallway, downstairs, and into the dining room, where Phillip, Simon, and Pete sat at the long table.
"You look good," said Jonas, who hadn't seen Simon so clean. "Nice digs," both of them were wearing non-scrub clothing too.
"As do you," Simon faintly smiled because he still felt uncomfortable in jeans after so long.
"Jonas, how are you feeling?" Phillip nodded approvingly at Jonas' outfit. "No more scrubs for you. Clothing is the mark of someone who belongs in Hell's society."
"I don't think I belong, but you're right: I'm no longer a commoner," he and Amberlee took their seats at the table and waited for the rest of Jonas' crew to finish bathing and join them.
"So, you and Amberlee have kept some secrets from me. Well, I'm just too ignorant to have noticed the signs. First, I doubt two non-Sinners could have such a big mansion, be so wealthy, and keep it all safe from the psychos of Hell. I mean: you're both not Sinners, but you're not ignorant of them either. You know way more than you let on when we first met," Jonas gave Phillip a look.
"After dinner?" Phillip saw the look in Jonas' eye and realized he wasn't waiting any longer.
"Me and Amberlee, we've separated from our families. I'm a Hellite who originates from the Glatorius family of Sin City. They're one of the most powerful families in Hell, and most of their members are Sinners. I was the middle son of the family Patriarch, but I separated from them when my abnormality became clear. Hell's society calls people like me an Outcast. We're Hellites who have birth defects due to Sin. We come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, but other Hellites treat us terribly because most of us lack the ability to Sin, and we're usually very strange and ugly."
"Jesus," Jonas furrowed his brow as Johnson entered the room wearing clothing and looking very clean. "So you're a black sheep who left home because you're an Outcast?"
"Precisely. I still use my family name and some inheritance to build my security empire. However, my parents don't hate me. They often look after me from the shadows, but they know it's better for me in the Outlands. They call us Outcasts because we don't belong in the Inlands. The Glatorius name commands respect while I'm here in commoner society. However, when I'm back home, I'm scum who only lives because my family name protects me," Philip exhaled, and Jonas could see how much it pained him to explain his background.
"I'm sorry," Jonas could only imagine the pain of leaving his family because he was born differently. "That had to be hard."
"It was decades ago," Phillip shrugged his massive shoulders. "My father is powerful, but he couldn't bear to see me suffer any more than I had growing up. Hellite youths are murderous, Jonas. Can you imagine a bunch of hormonal teenagers hopped up on Sin and with no consequences for their actions? My life was miserable. I left the Inlands, and I don't regret it because I would have eventually died."
"No, I can't imagine," Jonas pictured guys like Wolf, Garth, or Howard Hurts, only stuck in teenage bodies and belonging to influential families full of Sinners. It was a terrifying thought. "What about you, Amberlee?"
"I'm the same, an Outcast. Our parents introduced us, and we came to the Outlands together. We were friends at first, but eventually, we fell in love and married. Our stories were so similar, and we both experienced the same pain growing up, so we were able to bond. Not all Outcasts are physically different; some suffer from mental or emotional issues. Outcast society is difficult to explain sometimes. I knew people who looked strange but still were capable of Sinning, so Hellite society begrudgingly accepted them. Then you have people like me: regular appearance but incapable of Sin. People like me get outcasted because we can't protect ourselves."
"That's interesting," said Johnson, and Simon gave him a look. "What? It is interesting."
"I'm not offended," Amberlee flashed a brilliant smile, but Jonas noticed that she didn't have the same energy she had when they first met. Instead, she looked tired, and her voice lacked enthusiasm. "Most commoners don't know much about Hellite society, and it's interesting from their perspective."
"I feel bad for you, I do," Johnson looked embarrassed and waved his hand. "I think it's better that you both came to the Outlands. Those Hellites sound unbearable."
"They are," said Phillip. "My last name saved my life more than once."
"As did mine," Amberlee stretched a delicate hand and patted Phillip on the arm. "My maiden name is Truman."
"The Truman family is an ancient and well-known family that makes yachts and ferries. Fun fact for you, her family helped construct the S.S. Sinner."
"The S.S. Sinner?" Jonas had a feeling he knew where the conversation was going. "That's the ship where the Sin Assessment takes place, isn't it?"
"It is," Amberlee nodded. "My great-grandfather helped design it. Do you think the Titanic was big? The Sinner is ten times the size. It's the biggest ship in all of Hell," Jonas suddenly thought of Pride, and the thought made him sad. What a coincidence that Amberlee was related to the family who constructed the ship where the sin assessment would take place. The Man of Light probably had his fingers in that too. Perhaps Jonas had only been purchased by Phillip Glatorius because his Overlord had decided it. No, Jonas needed to focus on the present and to learn more about what the Glatorius' knew about the sin assessment.
"Do you know where the ship is? Or how to get a ticket?" Jonas looked over and saw Bannji enter the room, as well as Yuki. The maids had given them regular clothing, and it seemed that Yuki was wearing one of Amberlee's dresses. Theo entered the room behind them, but he was wearing prison scrubs.
"Come in, sit down, please," Phillip smiled at them all and gestured to the empty chairs.
"Yuki, correct?" Amberlee smiled at her. "I hope the dress fits okay."
"It's beautiful. Thank you so much," Yuki politely smiled and sat next to Jonas. "That shower was well needed."
"I agree," Ralph was the last to enter the room, and Jonas noticed he was wearing baggy clothing that must've belonged to Phillip.
"Now that's everyone?" Phillip asked.
"Everyone that's still alive," said Jonas.
"So my big question for you, Jonas. What happened to you?" Phillip was curious how a naive pretty boy from Earth could get captured for two years and come out a muscular Sinner with the aura of a Hellite.
"I wanted to know about the ship," Jonas wouldn't let the topic go, and Phillip could see the resolution on his face.
"Listen, Jonas. I'm not going to hide anything else from you, but I need to understand what happened to you before I can feel comfortable advising you on the things you want to know. So please, just take ten minutes to tell me what happened after you left our house nearly two years ago."
"Fine," Jonas sighed. "But I'll need more than ten minutes. It's a long journey that starts with me buying drinks for an old quack and ends with my friends dying."
"Dinner will be ready soon," Phillip grabbed a bell off the table and rang it. A butler came from the kitchen. "Bring drinks, please."
"As you wish, Sir," the butler nodded and left for the kitchen.
"We'll need something to drink if you're sharing a long tale. Start from after you left my house."
"The story starts before that," Jonas shook his head. "After I got beat up at the Dark Fly Auction, Boss James called this old quack to come and heal me. He was my first experience with a Sinner, and he made me whole again in just a few seconds. I asked him about Sinners, but James didn't want him to tell me anything. Instead, the old man told me to find him in the sewers."
"So that's where you went after you left my house, right?"
"Exactly. I paid a trucker for some information, and it sent me to the abandoned sewage plant on Exodus. Then I sent money to the Von Trip gang and made my way to Little Wrath City. I found Old Louie; he took me as his student and started to teach me about Sinners, Cardinal Sins, and Sin Scars. We both got drunk. I blacked out and was in a cage when I woke up. That's where my journey begins."
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