A Villianous Spite

© 2020 Mike Connor. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  06/25/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-5431-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-5430-9 (e)

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Handing Over the Baton

Chapter 2     Jimmara’s Motel

Chapter 3     A Promise Remembered

Chapter 4     Things that Come Out at Night

Chapter 5     Finding Help

Chapter 6     Living Arrangements

Chapter 7     The Order of Things

Chapter 8     Odd Set Up

Chapter 9     An Old Threat

Chapter 10   Brief Respite

Chapter 11   A Knightly Tale

Chapter 12   Fighting Back

Chapter 13   Who Rules The Roost

Chapter 14   Tracking The Right People

Chapter 15   Relevations

Chapter 16   A Merry Send Off

CHAPTER ONE

HANDING OVER

THE BATON

CABBINGTON PARK - NORTH LONDON.

1st June 2010; Jack Landon always started the day sitting in the local park. He was twenty-three years old but life was stressful, being in the small but delightful park always cheered him up. The gardens were maintained, hedges neatly trimmed and there was a gorgeous stone fountain in one corner with a big expansive lawn just perfect for picnics.

There was a slight breeze offering respite from the heat. Jack always came here when he needed to think. He had a problem, his ‘roommate’ Kinro. How else was he to describe the relationship? Kinro would need constant monitoring and protecting. Being free and easy was no longer an option. Holidays were out because Kinro would need to come with him. Jack feared that his house would get burned down if Kinro was left alone. Besides Kinro was someone that had to be hidden.

Jack could feel the tension ebbing away as he sat enjoying the view of the tranquil park. A good relax was what he needed, a break from all the thoughts running around in his head. The weather was beautiful and the bench was one in direct sunlight. Dressed in a white vest and khaki shorts that was just right for a hot day. Jack was determined to be as suntanned as his best pal Max so soaked up the sun rays at every opportunity.

There was a loud bang that made Jack jump, it was a van hurtling across the grass towards him. Jack’s reflexes kicked in and he dived behind the big fountain to hide. He risked a peek and saw a side door open and a man was thrown out. The van screeched away. Jack got up and ran to the man that had been tossed out.

Are you alright? Jack yelled as he approached the man.

The man was in his fifties at least, his face was battered and he had a black eye. His grey hair was short and ruffled. Pain shone through the man’s grey eyes. He was clutching his stomach, his arm round the centre and his hand round holding the right. Blood was trickling through his fingers.

Jack knelt down and began assessing the situation, Are you alright?

No. The man yelled and glared at Jack pulling a face.

Sorry, silly question.

I’ve been stabbed. How do you think I feel?

Jack moved the man’s bomber jacket to get a better look, Move your hands I know first aid.

The stab wound was large, cutting through the man right side to the centre. It must’ve been a long knife. Underneath the jacket, the light blue shirt was soaking up blood.

Oh no, erm I need to stop the bleeding. Jack lifted up the man’s shirt gently and put his hands over the wound. It was bad.

You reckon? Oh I’m sorry. Help… please help me. The man gasped.

I’m here. I’m Jack. Jack looked up there was no one else around.

It hurts… I think they stabbed me quite deep. I don’t… I don’t feel well.

Jack took off his vest to try and stem the blood flow. It a matter of seconds the white cotton was stained red. Just breathe mister. Here hold my vest. Clot the blood. I’m calling for help. Jack got out his mobile phone and called his house, Kinro would be more of use than an ambulance. Kinro answered and Jack ordered him to the park pronto.

Jack ended the call, Kinro would be able to assist with such a bad wound. That was handy but the time of day was forgotten with the emergency at hand.

Help is on the way. Jack said as he put the phone down by the man, what is your name?

Qwerty… Qwerty Smith.

Jack saw how pale Qwerty was becoming, Kinro may not get here in time. An ambulance should be called. Jack went to pick up his phone to call an ambulance but Qwerty grabbed his left wrist.

Jack? Did you say your name was Jack?

Yes.

I don’t think I’ll last… They’ve got my son… please rescue my son.

Jack tensed the last man to grab his wrist was that odd Mr McKinney, he had comforted the injured man whilst he bled from a gunshot wound… the bank robbery… the event was so hazy… but McKinney had done something by touching Jack’s wrist - it became hot and Jack felt intense pain and blacked out… but nothing like this was happening via this injured man, so Jack calmed down.

Poor man he was rambling on due to his injury so Jack tried to calm him down, Just relax it’s going to be okay.

The man tried to sit up, Please… I won’t be able to… no getting out of this one. Please help… rescue my son. His name… is Ethan.

He saw the man move his right hand and struggle to pick something out of his jacket pocket, it was a photo.

My son… Ethan. He has a custom leather jacket… brown with a yellow stripe down the left hand side.

Ethan? Look you’ve got to lie down and try not to move mister. Jack looked at the photo in the man’s hand. Ethan looked between late twenties to early thirties. The man had a big mop of blonde hair but his face looked thin, his cheeks were gaunt and he had black bags under his eyes. He looked older because if it.

They took him… Qwerty’s face was getting paler, sweat was pouring off him.

Listen. You’re going to be okay, just lie back please.

I’m not going to be around much longer… it’s my own fault. I felt young again… stupid… I’m not eighteen anymore… but I was never one to sit down when there… there was a rescue needed. Qwerty’s eyes became glazed. He flopped to the ground and dropped the photo.

Mr Qwerty! Jack managed to get his hands behind Qwerty’s head before it hit the ground, he softened the fall.

My son in trouble… Qwerty said, trying to speak but Jack could see it was costing him, my stuff is at the local motel… Jimmara’s…room… seven…

I live round here. I know that motel.

Please… help him… I can’t…My laptop… the password is rattlebay44…no capitals. Qwerty wheezed, his breathing becoming more laboured.

Jack was in complete distress, It’s okay. Help is coming. He won’t be long. I have a friend coming, he knows surgery… just hang on please Mr. Qwerty.

Qwerty coughed blood, I didn’t think it would end this way. I should have… got help… it’s funny… how you think yourself younger than you are… and how often you can kid yourself…you can do it all.

Jack noticed Qwerty’s grip was slacking on the wound so he grasped the vest instead, Stay with me Mister Qwerty. It’s going to be okay. Jack grabbed his phone with his left hand, it was difficult using touchtone one handed, he managed to dial the emergency number though.

Ambulance! Urgently! He bellowed when someone answered. Where was Kinro? Jack thought as he spoke. Using his other hand to keep pressure on the knife wound, but his vest was sodden with blood. It wasn’t clotting I need an ambulance to Gambledenmeade Park, a man’s been stabbed. The wound’s not clotting… yes I’m by the benches… it was a van they tossed the man out and drove off.

Qwerty’s breathing became shallow and he was relaxing. Tell Ethan I’m sorry… we fought… he just doesn’t do so well on his own…he’s become addicted to painkillers…it‘s taken over… Qwerty took several breaths, Jack I…I told him if he didn’t get help… he could get out and never come back…he has to stop… Tears formed in Qwerty’s eyes, I didn’t mean it… he gets me so mad…stubborn idiot. That… was the last time I saw him. I saw the van, they took him…

Jack felt Qwerty’s pain at having bad words as the last memory. The fight with his parents, a huge row that ended when he stormed out shouting he hoped the roof would fall down on them; a stupid argument because he wanted to go to a concert. It had all spiralled out of control… Jack stayed out all night and upon his return the next day, there had been a storm and the roof did collapse and they were gone…

Let him know I love him… please…Jack please. Qwerty begged.

Jack looked at him, he felt an instant kinship with Qwerty, they shared the same pain. His own parents were dead… the hurtful words could never been undone. Looking at Qwerty though, Jack could help him. Find Ethan and tell him Qwerty did love him.

I will help you, I’ll find your son and tell him.

Bless you Jack… oh thank you… Qwerty tensed again, oh please… please phone my friend Nathan, oh please… Qwerty moved to look around him, he seemed to see something to his right, Dorothy is that you?

Jack looked round but he couldn’t see anybody else, there was only a grey rabbit sitting nearby, the poor man must be delirious Jack thought, It’s okay, I’m Jack. Just keep breathing, I’ll phone your friend. Nathan? Is he in your phonebook?

Yes. Nathan Grundol… oh I failed Jack. Failed.

Jack put the phone down, he could feel Qwerty relaxing, his breathing was very shallow, No, no, stay with me.

Qwerty’s eyes became very unfocused, Oh look at that Jack, it’s so pretty… look at it…

Jack instantly looked up at the sky where Qwerty was gazing, but apart from some clouds there was just blue sky. When he looked back down, the man was dead.

No, please. Hang on… help is coming! Jack let go of the vest and shook the man and then began administrating first aid. But after five minutes he knew it was too late. He just froze, as he realised the man had died.

There was a new sound, someone running up to him. He looked up, it was Kinro.

KINNEY ROBOT ONE:

Kinro had a secret. On the outside he looked like an old man but underneath he was a powerful robot. His designation was Kinney Robot One, Jack had shortened to Kin Ro One. Which wasn’t much better at hiding the fact he was a robot. Initially he made up a story that Kinro had Japanese ancestry so it was written and pronounced Kin Ro Won but Jack wasn’t satisfied. Eventually he changed his name to Kinro Landon. Now he was a second cousin to Jack, removed four times. Kinro was not impressed.

Why four times? That’s rather a lot.

Be quiet!

Kinro had those handy ankle thrusters that could get him to the local park within a matter of seconds, which is why Jack called him first. He forgot that Kinro would not be able to deploy them in broad daylight, old men did not usually have rockets sprouting from their ankles!

Initially Jack thought that having a futuristic robot would be a good thing. However there were drawbacks as well.

For one thing Jack used to live in Richford in South London and had worked in retail shops and more recently call centres, hardly the places you would expect to pick up a robot. Neither were banks but going to one started things off. The event etched into his mind forever.

Kinro belonged to Old Mr. McKinney. The first elderly man to die in his arms, bleeding out in Richford bank. Armed robbers invaded and things had gone bad. Jack had to admit it felt wrong to be in the bank, something deep inside him knew he was in the wrong place. A lecture hall popped into his mind but he put it down to the stress of the robbery.

McKinney tried to tackle one of the gunmen but got shot. Jack rushed to help, one minute he was comforting the old man as he lay dying then the next McKinney suddenly grabbed his right wrist. The sensation was terrifying as if his whole body was on fire. His world went black and his last memory was hearing the screams and the blood seeping across the floor.

It was afterwards he found out the old man had died. He would never forget the wrist grabbing though. So much had changed in his life since and he wasn’t happy. That’s how he ended up with ‘the old bugger’s’ robot.

Kinro informed him that he was bound to Jack by his creator’s last command, sent via his custom electronic watch. Jack remembered the man touching it…

The robot found him by searching the entire town of Richford, it took him three days to locate Jack although it was vague about how it had found him. Not just anybody with the name Jack Landon would do - it had to be him.

How do you know I’m the right Jack Landon? He once asked the machine, who with latex coverings passed for a version of McKinney, base code commands disabled him from permanently changing his looks. He even had a long haired wig in the same shade of grey. Altogether he did look like an odd version of Mr McKinney. One who had been through one too many facelifts.

DNA match confirmed. The robot had originally a soft southern English accent.

What? My DNA? …but I’ve not given any.

Your DNA is inside you, it does not have to be given to me to be seen.

The robot was one reason Jack moved to another town. It was vital to start afresh but Jack didn’t want to leave London completely so going north seemed wise.

SCANNING THE PARK.

Master? Kinro brought Jack back to the present.

Oh Kinro… he’s dead… I tried to save him… Jack pointed to Qwerty.

Fatal stab wound to the right kidney and right round into the stomach, a deep blade is responsible for the penetration marks. He required an operating theatre.

Jack backed away and began to weep, I’ve called an ambulance… but I was thinking of you coming by your rockets.

I would have arrived within fifteen seconds deploying those.

Poor man, Jack looked about, there was nobody else around, he died alone.

He wasn’t alone. You are here.

Jack looked at the robot, he felt so guilty I didn’t save him.

This man only had seconds to live. Help needed to be administered within those seconds. That is beyond your current abilities.

Jack looked about. Tears streamed down his face. The park was so empty looking, apart form the van’s tyres that had marked an otherwise flawless lawn. When he looked to the left, that was when he spotted the rabbit nearby looking at them. The large grey rabbit had the most loveliest blue eyes Jack had ever seen. It was crying. The rabbit was crying.

Look at that rabbit. Jack said aloud.

The rabbit looked up at Jack and then bounded away into some nearby bushes.

What rabbit sir? Kinro asked.

It was over there. Jack pointed.

I am detecting no other life forms in the vicinity.

Well it’s gone now! Jack answered, it had blue eyes. A blue eyed rabbit, it was grey, bigger as well and it was crying.

I am detecting no other life forms in the vicinity. The robot repeated.

Jack looked back to Qwerty, I’m sorry Mister Qwerty. He picked up the photo of Ethan, remembering he said he was going to find him. Jack put it in his pocket.

Kinro reported the ambulance was coming and a police car.

I’ll do the explaining… I better.

Of course.

CHAPTER TWO

JIMMARA’S MOTEL

A policeman took Jack’s statement whilst the paramedics checked Qwerty over. The coroner was called. Jack said he didn’t manage to get the license plate number of the van. He hadn’t seen the men in the van or who was driving, it happened so fast. He had no idea who the man was, he saw him being in trouble and came over to help.

Jack purposefully kept from the police that the man’s son called Ethan had been kidnapped. Something told him to keep quiet about that. The feeling was very strong.

The young constable thanked Jack for the help he did try to give, It’s a bad wound. I don’t know what’s going on lately. It’s definitely got more violent round here.

Jack was allowed to go after he left his name, address and number in case he was needed later on.

When they got near the park entrance, Kinro handed Jack a replacement vest. I detected you required a new top.

Jack took the vest and put it on, this one was grey.

You are upset. The robot stated.

Yes… Jack answered, everything was a blur at the moment. He felt he was just going thorough motions.

The man was badly injured, you couldn’t have saved him.

Jack stopped, It doesn’t make me feel any better.

You wanted to save him? You barely knew him. This is a strange behaviour I’ve observed.

Everyone matters. Everyone.

At least you were with him. You did try and help.

Jack suddenly remembered what Qwerty had told him, Qwerty was his name. Qwerty Smith. He had a room at the local motel. Jimmara’s. We need to go there.

That’s not far. Also there maybe additional clues there as to why he was in a van and got stabbed.

We’ll go home and take the car. He asked me to help his son… that is something I can do.

The police is better suited to locate missing people and administer aid. The task you choose is riddled with danger. In fact you didn’t tell the policeman any of this information.

Mister Qwerty asked me for my help, it was his dying wish and he’ll get it. We’re looking for his son. You said you would always help me.

My primary function set by Mr. McKinney was to assist you.

Then let’s go.

Very good master.

My name is Jack.

Base Code command five, all management function holders must be addressed as master. You will need to revive Mr. McKinney had have him change the base code commands.

How am I meant to revive him?

I am not supplied with that information. Shame, really.

On the way, Jack found Qwerty’s friend Nathan in the phonebook. He dialled the number and relayed the bad news about Qwerty. It happened so fast, Jack remembered saying. Nathan sounded shocked and said he would come as soon as he could but he was looking after Qwerty’s young daughter. He would need to find somebody to look after her before he could travel. Jack felt sorry for Nathan, he had the task of telling the young girl.

Jack said he would call back later with an update but the police were investigating. It was amazing what had occurred, a simple trip to the park had yielded such dismay. How was he going to find this Ethan amongst so many people?

The motel was very basic and run down. Jack pulled a face as he pulled into the car park.

Look at the state of the place. It’s horrible.

Kinro looked about and because his scanners picked up far more than eyesight, he was able to tell Jack about the rats and mice.

Rats? There’s rats?

Located in rooms two and five.

Scan room seven. That’s where he stayed.

Scans underway, The robot could scan the entire place from where they sat, there’s a laptop which is turned off under the bed in a carry case. There are some clothes in the wardrobe and in the bathroom some toiletries.

Can you access the computer? Jack asked.

Not whilst the device is turned off.

Jack groaned and got out of the car, We’ll have to go in there before the police arrive.

That does not sound very… legal. The robot had searched for the right word.

He asked me for my help. I couldn’t save him but I can help him by helping his son. Would you please help me get inside?

Kinro got out of the car, I will assist you as I can. Illegal activities are prohibited unless ordered by Mr. McKinney. This function is ingrained in my base code. Removal by instruction is not valid. Unless you can revive Mr McKinney and get him to perform a retina scan.

Well I’ll do it then. You can keep lookout. I assume that’s acceptable.

Kinro thought about that, Yes, it would fall under keeping you safe.

Jack hadn’t a clue what he was doing, he had seen people on TV pick locks on shows but he never had to do it himself.

Honestly… having to do it myself. I might as well do everything myself. Jack grumbled. He needed a paperclip or credit card or something.

Kinro had come alongside him and handed him a thin nail, I believe this instrument would be satisfactory for picking the lock. Which is what I’m assuming you are going to do.

Fine. Jack answered in a huffy tone and took the pin, doesn’t handing me a pin to pick a lock fall under your illegal activities thing?

Not if I don’t look at what you’re doing with the nail. Shades of grey master.

Jack was stunned by this, You are so complex. One minute you say this, then you do something else.

I can always take the nail back.

Jack shook his head, No, look away. Jack picked the lock and entered. He found the case under the bed.

Any other computers or something else in here? Anything under the floorboards?

Kinro stood just outside the doorframe, No other devices detected. Only mice are under the floorboards.

Jack picked up the case and zipped out of the room pronto, I don’t like rats or mice.

He closed the door and put the padlock back on, he used the bottom of his vest to wipe the lock and door handle.

Wipe my fingerprints off. Now let’s go home before we’re caught.

NEAR MISSES.

Of course hiding the fact Kinro was an advanced robot was hard. At the supermarket last week was one near miss. Small wires around the robot’s head enabled him to move the latex covering when it was applied. He could move the latex mouth in time with his metal one but once one of the wires snapped and the robot ended up speaking first then moving the latex mouth afterwards, looking like something out of a badly dubbed film. Jack had to whip him out of the supermarket quickly. That was a close one.

Why did we have to leave the supermarket so quickly master?

You know why.

Analysing situation… mouth movements must match issuing voice.

What?

Alignments must be perfect. Agreed. New alarm activated if future misalignment occurs.

Jack didn’t quite understand some of the things the robot said. After they got back from the supermarket, that night he had a nightmare where MI5 agents swooped in. He didn’t go out for two whole days fearing the police had found out and were coming to take Kinro away.

He got his sleeping bag and slept in the hallway so he could hear anyone come at the door.

Kinro had come down the stairs on the second morning and said, I think someone needs a rest.

Be quiet. I’m perfectly fine. Jack glared at him with wild eyes looking anything but fine along with his unkempt hair and his pyjamas on inside out.

One thing he did do was make up a skin disease Kinro suffered with to explain the rubbery appearance. He allowed him to go for a wander at night-time in the park but always went with him.

‘Scovenitis’ sounded awful. As people only saw Kinro briefly or in very dim lighting; like neighbours over the garden fences, people bringing the post, people in the park in moonlight (Jack frequently smashed most of the bulbs in the lamps in the park, the proposed cameras still hadn’t been installed), they bought the lies. Outside Jack addressed him as Kinro. When Jack yelled how painful Scovenitis was one time, the robot dutifully bent over and groaned loudly.

Although when maintenance was carried out the robot usually ending up telling him what to do as the books were very complex. That was a sight, Kinro on the kitchen table face down, (his scanners gave a three hundred and sixty view) whilst Jack pulled up his back panel to twiddle with the various gizmos with a spanner and screwdriver.

You need to go more to the left master. You should read the notes I left you, the screwdriver needs to be at a 45 degree angle. McKinney would use a diamond head screwdriver to access the thermostat. He would comment and correct frequently and often complained Jack was too rough. Yes, just like a patient being awake and back seat driving during their operation.

Whose doing this maintenance you or me?

I cannot service my own back but you need to do it correctly.

So now I’m doing it wrong?

You are not an engineer, yet. With training I have every hope you’ll succeed. You have to give the a screwdriver a firmer grip.

I can’t win, now I’m too gentle. Make up your mind.

Although Jack was glad one time for the commenting, when he was about to take out a small silver oblong box to get to the thermostat dial behind, removing the filament conducting regulator box will cause implosion.

Jack quickly jumped back with his hands up in the air and dropped the tools.

THE NEXT DAY.

Jack stayed on the path, something inside him knew the minute he left it there would be trouble. One advantage of living in Cabbington was the green belt, huge forests were nearby and they were expansive. Nature trails had been made to follow. He needed a time out but was careful not to go into the bushes though.

His anger though threatened to distract him. Not only did he have someone to find but Kinro had inferred it was the amount of protein bars consumed that was hindering Jack’s performance. They were not. A ludicrous suggestion. Kinro just liked interfering, getting in on the act.

They are high in sugar master. You might find Ethan faster if you weren’t always high on sugar. It’s unhealthy.

Kinro spoke in posh manner now, his appearance was always pristine his long grey hair was neatly brushed and his green tunic ironed. Jack did try and iron things but they always got burned.

I’m going for a walk… a long one. Alone. A hike. I need to think and I don’t not eat too much sugar!

Grammar alert. Master, remember the time limit. Three hours only. Get the number fixed in your mind. Embrace three hours, become three hours. You’ll forget otherwise. You must be back within my range, I cannot stress…

Yes thank you Kinro. Jack snapped and stomped out.

Hiking helped him think. Though by allowing his mind to wander, he came off the path. Rather than follow the curve Jack ploughed straight on, mumbling about rudeness and unfounded accusations.

He went straight into the thicket of bushes and fell down a steep slope. Jack screamed as he tumbled down and hit the bottom. That hurt. He got on his hands and knees, his shoulder ached. Where was he? He noticed the light shining on the ground. The sky was clouded over, so the light shone brighter. He looked about for the source and saw it when he turned, the portal by the side of the clearing.

THE PORTAL.

Jack had seen one of them before, it was passage into a dimensional realm called Tinetass. The shape of the portal was oval, it resembled a frosted mirror but it bore no reflection of him or anything else. Now he could fulfil that