The blue vortex opened up. Randy Heim was the first one to land. He looked at the timer he held. It was no use. Eve's idea was a wash.
A whir reminded Randy that he was not alone on their journey. He dotted away as Darnell Brown shot out of the vortex. He landed on his feet. His eyes fell on Randy.
"Any sign we are home, Heim?" Brown asked.
"Seems very unlikely," Randy said. Brown walked over to the ledge. Randy looked after Brown. He wished that Brown would open up to him.
Another whir sounded off. It was followed closely by another. Richard Hall fell on his butt. Eve Albright landed in his lap. He glared at her.
"You are getting too use to landing on me," Richard commented.
Eve stood up and headed for Randy. "Randall, do these crossings ever go smoother?"
Randy sighed in frustration. "Eve, we have been over this. My name is Randy."
Eve touched Randy's shoulder. "You will always be Randall to me."
A whir cut through the air. Melissa Clark shot out of the vortex. She landed on Richard. The vortex closed a few seconds later.
" Did it work?" Melissa asked as she stood up. "Are we-"
Randy looked at Melissa. Her eyes narrowed on the sight of Eve touching Randy's shoulder. Randy saw the look and backed away from Eve.
"The device I put in to shortout Logan's tracker hasn't kicked in yet," Randy said. "As for whether we're home or not..."
"We are not," Brown said. "Look."
Randy walked over to the ledge. He looked down at the street. Horses pulled carriages behind them. Women were dressed in hoopskirts. Men wore top hats and tails.
"Well, we are DEFINITELY not in Kansas, Egghead," Richard said beside him.
"What's going on here? Who are you?"
Randy turned around. The door to the roof was opened. A blond-haired woman stared at the five of them. Her hands were on her hips. Her eyes narrowed.
WHAT IF YOU DISCOVERED NEW WORLDS WITHOUT LEAVING EARTH? YOU'RE THE SAME PERSON AND IT'S THE SAME YEAR, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS DIFFERENT? MY FRIENDS AND I FOUND A WAY! NOW WE'RE TRYING TO FIND THE WAY HOME!
SLIDERS: ALTERNATE SPIN-SEASON 2
EPISODE 13: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
"Thank you, Beatrice," Melissa said as she spun around in the white dress.
The blonde girl smiled on the bed. "You can never trust this town. gang activity has increased so much...I am almost afraid to go out at night."
"How do I look?"
Melissa looked at the door. Eve stood in the door. She wore a black hoopskirts with a low top that exposed her breasts. Melissa frowned.
"Well...uh...it...is different," Beatrice managed. "I think...I will check on your friends." Beatrice made it pass Eve, but the blush was still on her face.
"Are you trying to draw attention to us?" Melissa asked.
"What I am doing," Eve said as she crossed her arms over her chest, "is having a little fun. Something I don't think you crossers know how to do."
"Sliders," Melissa corrected.
" Call it what you like," Eve continued. "We are here for a week. I am going to make the most of it. I advise you to do the same."
"I'll make sure not to take your advice."
"Hmmm. Maybe Randall will want to go out dancing."
"No, 'Randall' will not," Melissa stared at Eve. "'Randall' likes one girl."
"Maybe I can get him to loosen up."
Eve started to head out the door. Melissa made it over to the door in a flash. She grabbed Eve's arm.
"Back off!" Melissa warned.
"Or?" Eve challenged.
"You'll find out if you don't back off."
Randy sat over the timer. He wished there was a way to get to their home coordinates. Hopefully Eve and he would figure something out.
Eve. He did not know what to make of her being with them. It had been a week since they had slide with her. He thought she was not a team player.
Randy looked over at Brown and Richard. They sat in chairs glaring at each other. Randy must have been kidding himself. They were not a team. All they wanted was to get home so they could get away from each other. Especially now that they all knew Richard's secret.
"Stop looking at me," Richard said coldly.
"Or what, murderer?" Brown challenged.
"Me? Murderer? You got the market cornered on that, Proper," Richard shot back.
Brown managed an icy grin. "I did what needed to be done. What's your excuse?"
"It was an accident."
"Yes. One you will pay for when we return home."
"I'm not going to jail."
"You have no choice in that matter."
"And you do?"
"I will make sure you get to the church on time."
Richard's face grew darker. "Oh, really? Maybe I should just leave now."
Richard got out of the chair. Brown shot up quickly. He grabbed Richard and threw him back into the chair.
"Professor!" Randy yelled.
"He's not going anywhere," Brown said as he stood over Richard. "From here on out, you have no rights."
"Get out of my way!" Richard yelled.
Richard started to get up again. Brown grabbed him by his arms. He pushed Richard back into the chair.
"Hey!" Richard yelled.
Randy ran over to the chair. he grabbed Brown by his arm and pulled him back. Richard shot up and ran for the door. Brown struggled, but Randy held on to him. Richard ran out the door.
"The little thief is getting away!" Brown yelled.
"Let him go," Randy said. "He'll be back for the slide."
Brown snatched his arm out of Randy's grip. He glared at him.
"What is wrong with you?" Brown demanded.
"Me?" Randy said. "You're the one who's ready to go all Judge Dredd on Richard's butt!"
"You wanted this, remember?" Brown said. "Richard was hiding something and we now know. He killed a girl...and Bufford blackmailed him."
"You're right," Randy said. "I did want to know what Richard was hiding. Now I do...and I pity him."
"Either that or you're too happy with Miss Clark to notice," Brown snapped. "I do not care. I'm going to get him."
"Professor-" Randy started.
"Just focus on getting us home!" Brown yelled as he shot out the door.
Randy looked after him. Beatrice walked into the room.
"Is it safe?" Beatrice asked.
"Yes, Beatrice," Randy said. "My friends and i are just having a...disagreement."
"I understand," Beatrice said. "Me and Lily have those all of the time." She looked at her table. "Oh. What is this?"
Randy looked at the table. He ran for it and got the timer. "It's nothing. I...I'm a little bit of an inventor."
"Oh," Beatrice said.
"I think we should be going," Randy said.
"I think we should look for them," Melissa said as she looked out of the window of the carriage. "Who knows what Brown will do to Richard when he finds him?"
"How about someone ask him?" Eve asked on the other side of Randy.
Melissa glared at Eve. "How about you shut up?"
Eve glared back at Melissa. "How about you make me?"
"Girls!" Randy said. "I just went through this! Let's not have a repeat!"
"As you wish, Randall," Eve said.
Randy looked over at Melissa. He held her hands in his. "They both know when the slide is. Until then, I say let them blow off some steam."
"And if Richard turns up dead?" Melissa asked.
"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Randy answered.
"Besides, we should be out there exploring," Eve said. "Surely, you must wonder what your alternate is like."
The carriage came to a stop outside of the Lamplighter Inn. The driver's hand was out as soon as Randy got out. He paid him and the carriage pulled away.
"Are you sure this is San Francisco or did we slide to London?" Melissa asked.
"As if you're not use to fog," Eve commented.
"I'm not," Melissa shot back.
"Mr. and Mrs. Heim! Why, I do not believe it!"
Randy looked toward the Lamplighter's doorway. A tall austere man headed toward them. He remembered William Franks from two places. His university. And the world where the government had allow cloning.
Franks extended his hand. "Back from aboard so soon. I knew you would get bored! And Mrs. Heim...you look...interesting."
Randy looked at Eve. He could not possibly mean her...could he? Franks held out his hand. Eve put her hand in his. Franks kissed it.
"I thought it was time...for a few changes," Eve said. She smiled. "Have you met our new servant, Babette."
"Babette?" Randy and Melissa said in unison.
"She looks quite lovely," Franks said. He turned to Randy. "At least we can continue our conversation now."
"Conversation?" Randy said in surprise.
"God, man! You are absent-minded sometimes!" Franks said. "Remember...we were debating how the steam engine would revolutionize the world. Maybe horses will go back to where they belong."
"Well, evolution always occurs," Randy said. "Some things and periods evolve. Other things fall to the wayside."
Franks corked an eyebrow. "When did you follow Darwin?"
"Recent acquirement."
"How about we continue this at the pub down the street? I have been told that the waifs are quite lively."
"Of course," Randy said. "Eve dear, could you make sure to...work on our project?"
"I'm going with you...dear," Eve said as she held on to Randy. "That's what Babette is for."
"Excuse me?" Melissa said.
"You may go," Eve commanded. She then grabbed Franks's arm and led him and Randy away. "Come along, boys! You must teel me more about this...steam engine."
Randy said nothing as Eve led him away. He looked back at Melissa. She just glared at him.
Melissa left the Lamplighter after an hour. She just could not take it. The image of Eve leading Randy away made her see red. Who did she think she was?
Melissa turned the corner. The street was dark and deserted. It reminded Melissa of a ghost town. She hoped this was not an area of town that had gangs.
Melissa quickened her pace. A noise behind her caught her attention. It was just a newspaper flying in the wind. she sighed in relief and turned around.
Two men blocked her way. Their clothes looked ragged. Melissa could smell alcohol from where she stood. They grinned at each other.
"Looky at what we have here, Jacob!" one of them, a tall, lanky man said. "Some little girly out by her lonesome."
Jacob, a short plump man laughed. "Would think she knew better, Bill. Streets not being safe at night and all."
Bill nodded in agreement. "Never know what you might find." He pulled out a knife. "Or who you be running into."
Melissa backed away from the two men. She bumped into something. She turned around and gasped.
He wore a top hat. A cloak barely covered the black suit he wore. He swung his cane like an idle kid.
"Is there a problem?" he asked.
Melissa turned toward the two men.
"Only if you're looking for one, boyo!" Bill said. He lunged at the man.
Melissa barely had time to move. The stranger's cane shot out and hit Bill square across the face. eh fell into the street. Melissa thought she heard his teeth crack.
Footsteps brought her back to reality. Jacob was making it down the street.
"Are you all right, fair lady?" the stranger asked.
Melissa smiled at him. "Yes. Thank you. Shouldn't you be running after-"
"I am certain he will meet a very well-deserved end without my help," the stranger replied.
"And him?" Melissa asked as she pointed to the unconscious Bill.
"Him...we can leave for the police."
"Then I thank you again...Mr...."
The stranger took off his hat. Melissa's face went from admiration to disgust.
"Loveland," the stranger said. "Ben Loveland."
"I'll take another one."
The bartender put the beer mug in front of Richard. He gave the bartender his money. He was happy that they took normal money. He did not know what he would do otherwise.
He looked at his mug. So it had come to this. All of his plans to get back at the Egghead were wrecked. Everyone hated him for what he did...even Eve...and she was the newbie.
There was just one option left. He had to leave the group. He was not going to spend the rest of his life in jail. He would rather stay here.
A hand grabbed his shoulder. Richard jerked around. Brown glared at him.
"Do you know how many bars and taverns I had to search through to find you?" Brown demanded.
"Well...no one asked you to find me," Richard said as he turned back to his mug on the counter.
"You surely do not think you are staying him?"
"I seem to recall you wanted to stay on that world with Debra and-"
Richard found himself snatched from the bar. He was roughly turned around to find Brown shooting daggers at him.
"Don't you ever mention that name!" Brown barked. "She's way too good to have a cocky twit breathe her name!"
"Hey!" the bartender yelled. "No violence here! If you can't control yourself, you're out!"
Richard grinned. "So what's it going to be, Proper? Fight a la Celebrity Deathmatch or you let me go?"
Brown stared at the bartender. Then he looked back at Richard. Richard felt his feet touch the ground again. He fixed his coat tails and headed for the counter. A hand on his arm stopped him. Richard turned back around and frowned at Brown.
"What?" Richard said annoyed.
"Where do you think you are going?" Brown asked.
"I'm going to finish my drink," Richard answered. "Let me guess...you have a problem with that."
"Drinking makes it sound like you're having fun," Brown replied. He frowned. "You're not."
"You're not my father," Richard said.
"Thank God. Now come along."
"No."
"Do not make me get unpleasant."
Richard looked at his mug. "Yeah...wouldn't want that." He grabbed his mug. "You can have it!"
Richard tossed his mug at Brown. The beet went into his eyes. Richard did not even wait. He was out the door.
There were carriages moving away from the bar. Richard ran for one. He grabbed the back of one and held on tight.
He was not going to jail. Brown could try to make him. He would fail.
Randy walked into Melissa's room. There was no sign of her there. A hand touched his shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Eve asked. "No sign of Babette anywhere?"
"None," Randy said as he moved away from her. He sat on the couch and looked at the timer. It just ticked away.
The couch fell a little deeper. Randy turned to see Eve had sat beside him. He moved farther away from her.
"Maybe she finally got up and decided to explore the culture," Eve said as she inched closer to Randy. "I can't say I blame her. I am finding the culture quite...nice."
Eve was inches from Randy's face. He shot up from the couch. He looked at Eve like she was a piranha.
"What is wrong with you?" Randy asked. "You act like you're interested in me."
Eve sat up on the couch and smiled. "That's because I am interested in you."
"I'm spoken for."
"So?"
"I don't know about your world, Eve," Randy said, "but on mine we value relationships."
Eve stood up. "I think that I have made myself clare...I do not care about you and Babette's 'relationship.'" Randy backed away. He found himself against the wall. Eve stood in front of him. "What I do care about is myself and how much fun I can have with a culture." Her hands fell on Randy's chest. "I know what I want and I go after it. Is that a crime?"
"No, but-" Randy started.
"Fine then," Eve cut him off. She leaned in on Randy. Her perfume smelled of roses. "Stop fighting, Randall. The reluctant brainac just turns me on more."
Eve kissed him before he could stop her. He felt her need and stared to respond. Melissa's face shot into his head though. He loved her and was not going to screw it up after they finally had gotten back together. He grabbed Eve by her shoulders and pushed her away.
"Eve, this isn't happening!" Randy declared.
"Funny. Looks like it already has!"
Randy turned to the sound of that voice. Melissa stood in the door. Her eyes showed her pain at the sight of them.
"Melissa-" Randy started.
"I think...I'm going to see if Beatrice will let me stay over at her house," Melissa said bitterly. "Have fun, lovebirds!"
"We will," Eve cricked.
"No, we will not," Randy said. He turned back to the door. Melissa was already gone.
"Now...where were we?" Eve asked as she tried to touch Randy's shoulder.
Randy grabbed her hand. "I already figured out a way to short out Logan's tracker. How about you actually help get through Sarah's password so I can get my home coordinates?"
Randy released Eve's hands. He headed for Melissa's room. She would not be using it and needed to be alone. He shut the door without saying anything to Eve.
Two days, Melissa thought. It happened two days ago and she had not heard from Randy since. They had just started over a week ago. She could just choke Eve.
"Heads in the clouds again?"
Melissa looked away from the carriage window. Beatrice sat across from her with a smile on her face.
"I am correct, am I not?" Beatrice shrieked. "Is it because of Mr. Loveland?"
"No!" Melissa said quickly. "It has nothing to do with him."
"A likely story," Beatrice said. "I saw you two last evening on the porch."
Melissa said nothing. She needed someone to talk to and ben seem willing to listen. Brown was nowhere around and would not talk to her if he was. Richard...Melissa could not stand at all.
"We just talked," Melissa said simply.
Beatrice smirked. "Is that not how love starts?"
Before Melissa could reply, the carriage stopped abruptly. Beatrice looked out the window. The smile she gave Melissa was one of a kid in a candy store.
"We have arrived!" Beatrice replied. "I cannot wait to tell Lily of the latest happenings!"
Beatrice hopped out of the carriage. Melissa was right behind her. She looked around and felt her breath catch in her throat.
They stood outside a field. Crowds of people ran about the field. A few kids ran with little kites. Couples stood in line near the ferris wheel. Giant balloons sailed through the air. Melissa took it all in and smiled. It was so simple and uncomplicated.
A hand grabbed Melissa's arm. She turned to see Beatrice dragging her along.
"Come on!" Beatrice said. "I wonder if the races have started!"
"I still cannot believe you got me to do this," Randy whispered to Eve.
"Live a little and be glad our currency works here," Eve whispered back. "Besides did you want to blow our cover?"
"What are the lovebirds whispering about?"
Randy looked away from Eve. Franks stood next to them as they watched the horse races. He studied them.
"We were just concerned with the science exhibits," Randy said.
Franks frowned. "Exhibits?"
Randy mentally kicked himself. It was becoming more and more obvious that his double here was no scientist. The aristocracy seem to look down on them.
"Yes," Eve said as she squeezed Randy's arm. "We just wanted to see what those filthy inventors could have thought of next."
Franks laughed. "Does it matter?"
"Well, it seems to help you," Randy pointed out. "You get horses back to where they belong...and faster transportation. Are the balloons in the air prove that inventors are not stupid?"
Randy felt his arm sting. Eve's nails bit down hard into it. He looked at her. Her eyes betrayed a warning.
"What did you learn while you were aboard, Mr. Heim?" Franks asked. "You are really starting to frighten-"
Cheers from down the fence drowned out Franks's words. Randy saw that the race was over. People ran down the fence to congratulate the winner.
"Looks like I won the bet," Randy said.
"How did you know?" Franks asked.
"If you take the velocity of the field as well as the weight of the rider you can-" Randy started.
Randy was pulled to the left. Eve's lips were in his ear.
"Honey," Eve said, "how about we go and check out the ferris wheel?"
Randy grinned. "Sure thing...dear."
"Hall! It's your turn!"
Richard looked at the tent entrance. The tall man's arm crossed his arms over his chest. His forehead wrinkled up.
"Just let me finish, Sam," Richard said.
"I thought you needed a job, Hall. I must have been mistaken," Sam said. "I can fix that."
"No!" Richard snapped. "I mean...on my way, Boss."
The wrinkles left Sam's forehead. "That's more like it! Come along. There are couples waiting to get lovey-dovey."
Richard resisted the urge to vomit as he walked out of the tent. if he was to stay here, he needed a job. Sam was willing to give him a chance.
"The Oakland Ferry is back in business, folks!" Sam announced as he stood on a platform. He gestured to Richard.
The ferris wheel was controlled by one lever. All Richard had to do was pull it toward him to start it. It was pretty simple except for the long stretches of boredom. That was only interrupted by ticket taking for the couples. Richard had watched Sam earlier. He was surprised he was still there.
One couple gave him a ticket. Richard found a smile to wear. Another couple kissed in front of him. He thought the girl could have did better. Another couple stopped within Richard's sight.
"And here you thought he would just vanish," Eve said, all smiles. She turned to face Randy. "I told you we underestimated him. He did kill a girl after all."
"Eve!" Randy hissed.
"What!" Eve yelled. "It's the truth!" She glared at Richard. "Is that not true, Richard? You think working here will make up for it? You think that will clear your conscience?"
The couples behind the two of them stared at Eve's scene. Richard looked at them. Their eyes looked at him with contempt. One of the couple whispered.
"What are you doing, MRS. Heim?" Randy asked coldly.
"Having a little fun, MR. Heim," Eve answered. "You're not willing to play, but I bet Richard is. Aren't you, murderer?"
The crowd stirred at that one. Richard thought he saw someone's boyfriend run off. Was he getting the police?
Richard jumped off the platform. His feet led him away from the crowd and their whispers. He needed to get away.
He saw their looks of contempt. They were similar to his thoughts over them. Laura Carmichael's face filled his mind. The look of shock on her face as he slammed on the brakes. He thought he could stop in time. He thought she came out of nowhere. He thought everything would be okay. Everything went wrong.
Richard bumped into someone. He jumped back to run pass. A hand tightened around his throat. Richard tried to yell, but nothing came out of his mouth.
"Good chase, Mr. Hall," Brown said as he stared at Richard. "You forget that we were trapped on a world together. I know how your mind thinks. You love to hide in plain sight."
Richard moved his feet back. Brown only tightened his grip on Richard's throat.
"I think I have come to a decision," Brown continued. "I refuse to let you just stay here. You would always try to escape. maybe I should just kill you now."
"No..." Richard managed. "Not...killer."
A small grin crept over Brown's face. "Really? I have an Other, an ex-wife, and quite a few others who think differently. I seem to be quite good at it." His grin vanished in seconds. "Let us experiment a little."
Melissa let Beatrice run ahead of her. She looked around at the various clothes the people had on. She felt like she was in a play. A fun play at that.
Melissa looked next to the tent. Her smile left her face. She ran for the side.
"Darnell, no!" Melissa yelled.
Brown did not look up. He was focused on his two hands. They wrapped around Richard's neck like a noose. Richard's hands were on Brown's arms. He struggled against Brown. He was too focused on Richard though.
Melissa grabbed Brown's arm. "Darnell, stop!"
Brown stared at Melissa. "Not going to work, Miss Clark."
Melissa pulled at Brown's right arm. He swung it. Melissa lost her balance and fell onto the ground. He stared at her with contempt.
"You really should walk away, Miss Clark," Brown said. "Mr. Hall is paying for his crime. I would hate to see you pay for yours."
"My crime?" Melissa managed.
"You let a serial killer loose that I told you to watch," Brown said. He focused on Richard who was like a rag doll. "After Mr. Hall, maybe you should be next."
Melissa thought of running. Her feet was rooted to their place. She had to do something.
Footsteps brought Melissa out of her thoughts. She looked up and saw a figure shoot at Brown. He fell to the ground with Richard. Brown flipped the figure over his head.
"Well, is this not amusing?"
Melissa looked away from the three men. A crowd had gathered next to the tent. Randy and Eve were among them. Eve grinned in amusement. Randy's eyes looked like they would fall out.
Randy headed for Melissa. A shadow moved out of the corner of Melissa's eye. She turned and gasped. Ben Loveland held a hand out to her.
"Are you all right, my lady?" Ben asked.
Melissa extended her hand. "I am now."
"I see trouble seems to follow you no matter where you go," Ben commented.
"Ben?" Randy said as he walked up.
Ben frowned. "Have we met?"
"No," Melissa said. "He's my...what are we exactly?"
Randy stared at Melissa. His face looked like a drowned person.
"I think we should gather your friend up and get him to a nurse," Ben suggested.
"I agree," Melissa said.
She turned toward Richard's body. She realized something. Brown was gone.
Brown made it to the exit to the fields without incident. He flagged down a carriage and jumped in.
"Take me to-" Brown started.
"-the nearest pub!" Eve finished as she pushed Brown into the carriage.
Brown sat across from Eve. He studied her. She just grinned.
"I have to say...I'm impressed," Eve finally said.
"What do you want?" Brown asked.
"The same as you it seems," Eve said. "Richard to die. He has taken from both of us. It's about time he paid for it."
Brown did not know what to say. Eve did have a point. Randy did not have the guts to do it. Neither did Melissa. He could do it. He would do it.
"Just think...if it was not for Richard, you would be home," Eve said. "You would not have seen all that you have seen."
Brown did not say anything. He did agree with Eve though. Heim would have shown off his machine. Then he would have been back to his office grading papers. He sighed. It all seem like a different life now.
"How about we have a little chat?" Eve asked.
Brown came out of his thoughts. "What do you have in mind?"
'What are we exactly?'
The look on Melissa's face came back to Randy. The face was one of innocence. the tone was deadly sarcastic and very serious.
He looked over at Melissa now. She was talking to Ben's double. Her smile was on her face as he told her some story. Randy felt the knife twist in his back.
"Mr. Heim, there you are!"
William Franks entered the tavern. He headed for Randy like a man on a mission. He grabbed Randy's arm.
"We have to go!" Franks announced.
"But-" Randy gestured to Melissa.
"No time!" Franks cut him off. "Your maid will have to wait."
Randy let Franks drag him away. He turned around at the door. Melissa still was into Ben's story. He felt like he had lost her.
The door parted. Randy's feet followed behind Franks. He turned around to see where he was going. He stopped walking.
A carriage stood before him. A figure looked out at him. It was his double.
"I say!" his double exclaimed. "It is as you said, William. He is very...very...flawless."
"He does not have your stature," Franks said from behind Randy. "What will we do with him?"
"Obviously, he is one of those inventors," Randy's double said. "Must have invented a device to get here. We cannot have him endangering our way of life." His double stared at Randy. His eyes looked hollow. "Bring him."
"Where did Randy go?" Melissa asked.
"Does it matter, my fair lady?" Ben asked as he sat across from her. "Perhaps he went to check on your friend again?"
"Trust me. That is very unlikely," Melissa said.
"How so?"
"They hate each other's guts."
"Oh."
Ben reached out and grabbed Melissa' hands in his own. She looked into Ben's eyes. They reminded her of another Ben. A Ben who she went on one date with back home.
"Perhaps we should forget about both of your friends and focus on how you are feeling," Ben suggested.
Ben's hands tightened on Melissa's hands. She pulled her hands away.
"I'm sorry," Melissa said. "I can't do this. You deserve the truth."
Ben's face wrinkled up. "The truth?"
"Randy and I...we're together," Melissa said. "He's been busy and it was getting to me. It doesn't even help that Eve's been breathing down his neck like an animal in heat and-"
Ben put a finger to Melissa's lips.
"Perhaps he really wants her," Ben said.
Melissa removed Ben's finger. "He doesn't."
"Then where is he?" Ben asked. "Why is he not here tending to your needs like a gentleman would?"
"I don't know," Melissa replied.
"You see! He does not even care enough about you." Ben said as he leaned into Melissa's face. "I, on the other hand..."
Ben leaned in closer to Melissa. Melissa shot out of her chair. Ben shot back quickly. He fell out of his chair.
"Sorry," Melissa said as she ran over to the other side of the table.
Ben refused Melissa's hand. "I am all right."
"I love Randy," Melissa said. "It took me a while to realize that. He loved me long before I loved him. We know we should be together. I am going to find him and clear this up."
Melissa turned toward the door. A hand touched her shoulder. She looked back to see Ben staring at her.
"Ben-" Melissa started.
"Let me help you find him," Ben suggested. "It is the least I can do."
Melissa grinned. "Thanks."
Richard's eyes opened. The room was dark as a closet. His eyes adjusted to it though. He was in a bed in someone's house.
He sat up in the bed. Across from him was the door. To his left was a window outside. A drawer was next to the window. On the right of him was a closet. He started to get out of the bed.
The doorknob twitched. Richard laid back down on the bed. His eyes laid half-open as the door opened. Two figures stared in at him.
"He still looks sleep to me, nurse," a deep voice said.
"I thought I heard something," the nurse replied.
"Perhaps it came from outside," the voice said. "Let us check."
The door closed again leaving Richard to the dark. Richard waited a few seconds. Then he sat up again. How had he gotten here?
His eyes narrowed. Brown. He had tried to kill Richard. Richard rubbed his throat. Brown had been close. Too close.
Richard's feet touched the floor. He headed for the closet. He needed his clothes. After that, he would make Brown pay.
Richard swung the closet door open. Hands gripped his throat again. Brown's face came out of the shadows.
"I was not finished yet," Brown hissed.
Melissa exited the Lamplighter Inn. There was no sign of any of her friends. it was like the city had swallowed them up.
Ben walked toward her now. There was no sign of her friends with him either.
"I'm starting to worry," Melissa declared.
"Let us try the pub up the street," Ben suggested.
Melissa looked down at the ground. She had just gotten Randy back. If something had happened to him now...
Ben wrapped his arms around her. She looked up into his face. It held so much warmth.
"Do not worry, my lady," Ben said. "We will find them."
Melissa just nodded. She allowed Ben to lead her down the street. They turned a corner. She remembered a few days ago thieves had attacked her here. Ben had helped her.
Suddenly, Ben stopped. Melissa waited for him to move. Ben was as still as a statue.
"What is it, Ben?" Melissa asked.
"It is just...this!" Ben snapped.
Ben turned around. A cloth was in his hand. He put it to Melissa's mouth. She could not scream. She tried to struggle, but her fist was slow. Ben wrapped his free arm around her.
Melissa passed out in his arms.
All his life. All his schemes. It led to this. Richard being choked by a man he had called friend.
"No!" Richard barked.
He grabbed Brown by his throat. He dragged him from the closet. Brown released Richard. he swung a fist at him. Richard fell on the bed.
"We...were friends," Richard managed.
"Just something that would ot have happened if you had not kill Laura Carmichael," Brown replied.
"I'm sorry okay!" Richard snapped. "I was an idiot for thinking I could drive that night I shouldn't have. I wish I haven't."
"Liar," Brown hissed.
"You think that?" Richard asked. "If you do, then you don't know me at all. Laura's face hunts me all the time! You're right...I should not be happy...and I was at home. I did a lot to get into trouble because I didn't deserve to be happy. I saw sliding as a way to escape that."
"Are you finished?" Brown asked.
"No," Richard answered. "Sliding made me happy for a while. Then Egghead was getting happy, too and getting what I wanted. It's...he shouldn't have been so smart. I anted to make him wish he never found me."
"And he does. In the end, your hatred for him was your undoing," Brown smiled. "He started to dig to keep you away from him and Miss Clark. Now you screwed up."
Richard stared at Brown. "Maybe I wanted to."
Brown smirked. "Unlikely. You are only sorry that you were caught. If not, you would still be messing with Heim's life. Now...you have none!"
Brown lunged at Richard. His hands tightened around Richard's neck. Richard did not fight this time. He deserved to die.
"Stop right there!"
Brown shot away from Richard. Before anyone could stop him, Brown jumped out of the window. The doctor ran to the window.
"Find the authorities, Nurse Ross," the doctor instructed.
Richard rubbed his throat. He looked at the window. The doctor frowned at him.
"Are you all right, Mr. Hall?" the doctor asked.
"Great," Richard mumbled.
"I do believe that was the same man who assaulted you earlier today," the doctor commented. "Any idea why?"
"He has me mixed up with someone else," Richard replied.
The doctor just nod. "It is a good thing that Miss Albright warned us of this."
Richard's jaw dropped. "She what?"
"Wake up, my beauty."
Those were the first words Melissa heard when she woke up. Her eyes opened to find that she was in a kind of motel room. It had a fireplace in the corner. She was in a large black chair. Ben stood in front of her. She jumped back to find her arms bound to the chair's arm.
"Nice to see you awake," Ben said. "I was thinking I would have to do this while you were unconscious."
"Do it?" Melissa managed.
Ben walked away from Melissa. He walked over to a table in the corner. A cloth was over some objects. Ben lifted off the cloth. There were various daggers and knives on he table. Ben picked up a knife that resemble a stick.
"Why...kill you, of course," Ben remarked. "You should not have been walking the streets alone. Do you not read the papers?" Ben grinned at her. "There is a murderer on the loose."
Melissa's eyes widened. "You mean..."
Ben nodded. "I believe you will be victim number four. I remember them all though. Rebecca Pryce. Nicole Harris. Wade Welles." Ben approached Melissa now, knife in hand. "You were different though. I will actually mourn your passing."
Melissa struggled in the chair. The ropes around her arms were firm. She wished she had never gotten herself into this.
"I always did like fire," Randall Heim said as he held a match to his cigar. "There is just something about how it can burn away everything completely." He looked over at Randy. "That is what we are going to do with you."
Randy wished he could just jump up and hit his double. His hands were tied behind the chair though. He had to bear his double's lecture.
"You could just let me go," Randy said.
"No," Randall said flatly. He smiled. "An accident with your...invention sounds like a better idea. Franks."
Randy heard a stirring behind him. Franks appeared on his left with a container. Randy's nose shook. The strong smell of gasoline hit it and shocked him.
"It is done, Randall," Franks said.
"Good work, William," Randall replied.
"What about his wife?" Franks asked.
"We will think of something," Randall remarked. He stared at Randy again and smiled. "Survival of the fittest and all that, right, Mr. Heim?" He picked up a torch out of the fireplace in the room. "William tells me you are a fan of Darwin. I would think you would know where all the wild things are. Only they will live on. that is how our society works. We are not going to let you brainy little peasants ruin what we have here. Farewell, my doppelganger."
Randall had no time to react at all. Randy shot out of the chair. His fist connected with his double's jaw. He threw the loosen ropes at Franks. They hit his face like snakes. He fell on the bed. His container fell across the floor.
"Good thing you aristocrats do not know a thing about tying people up," Randy said.
Randy ran for the door. His hand touched the knob when the explosion went off. He turned around. The gasoline had ran over to the fireplace. Fire shot through the room like a shark through water. Lines of fire touched Franks's pants. He screamed as the fire devoured him.
Randy ran over to his double. He was still out from Randy's punch. He reached out to pick him up.
A scream stopped him. A familiar scream.
"Melissa?" Randy said as he turned to the door.
A hand caused Randy to gasp. He managed to turned back to his double. Randall was awake again. His hand tightened on Randy's throat.
"I think not," Randall said.
Ben's hand fell over Melissa's mouth. She tried to aim her teeth at it. Ben just grinned.
"Oh, yes," Ben said. "You are as feisty as I thought." He raised the knife up. "I will miss you."
A knock sounded on the door. Ben paused. He was like a statue. Melissa turned to the door. The knock sounded off again. It was louder this time. She turned to Ben. His face was conflicted.
Her leg shot out. She hit Ben in the crotch. His hands reached for it as he fell to the ground.
"Help!" Melissa screamed as loud as she could. "He's going to kill me! Help!"
The knocking on the door became a pounding. Melissa looked at Ben. He glared at her now.
"Witch!" Ben hissed.
"Been called worse!" Melissa shot back.
The pounding on the door became a thump. Ben's eyes shot at it again. Melissa's leg shot out again and caught Ben in the face. He fell over onto the floor.
The door gave way. A figure ran in.
"There's a fire!" the figure yelled. He paused. "Melissa?"
"Randy?" Melissa said. "What happened to you?"
"Long story," Randy said. "I got to get you out of here."
Beatrice's eyes widened. "I still cannot believe it! You were almost murdered by the San Francisco Rapist? Surely you are blessed with adventures, Melissa."
"I would not call myself blessed," Melissa said as she put on her jacket.
A knock on the door caused Melissa to jump. She breathed out in relief when she saw Randy in the mirror. He walked over and hugged her.
"Are you okay?" Randy asked.
Melissa nodded. "Just a little jumpy."
"I think I will see if the other gentlemen are all right," Beatrice said. She winked at Melissa as she walked out of the bedroom.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Randy asked again.
"Maybe I should ask you that," Melissa said. "You never did say how you got away from your double next door."
Randy looked away for a second. Melissa touched his cheek and turned his face to look at hers. His eyes were like a lost child.
"He...said it himself," Randy said. "It was survival of the fittest. Had to get down and dirty. The fire was almost on us. I just...pushed him into it."
"Oh," Melissa said.
"The fire got him," Randy said. He backed away from Melissa. "I'm a killer."
"Randy!" Melissa snapped. "It was you or him." She grabbed his hand. "You did the right thing."
Randy's face crept into a small smile. He stared down at Melissa. "And if I didn't?"
Eve sat on the porch stairs as Richard walked toward it. A sly grin crossed her face. She corked an eyebrow.
"Well, this is a surprise," Eve commented. "I thought you were staying on this world."
"Changed my mind," Richard said. He managed a smile. "As for surprises...you got the market cornered. Saving me...I don't know what to say."
Eve frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
"The doctor told me what you did."
"Did he?"
"You tipped him off," Richard said. "Thanks."
Eve stood up. "Believe what you want."
"Did you warn the doctors?"
Richard watched Eve turn around. Brown leaned in the door. His arms crossed his chest. His eyes accused Eve.
"No...I did not," Eve said as she approached Brown. "You know what our common goal is."
They both stared at Richard. Their grins caused Richard to shiver.
"Why are you here, Mr. Hall?" Brown asked. "Ready to die, are you?"
Richard approached Brown and Eve. Brown tensed up as if he thought RIchard would attack him. Richard held out his hand.
"I surrender," Richard said.
Brown's face went wrinkled. "What?"
"It's about time I did something right," Richard said. "I'm yours. When we get home, I'll turn myself in."
"Looks like a trick to me," Eve said.
"Listen to me, Brown," Richard said. "If I was not telling the truth, I would not be here."
Brown stared at Richard's hand. He grabbed it and shook.
"Good choice, Mr. Hall," Brown said.
"What choice do I have?" Richard asked.
Brown stared out the window. The night was still pretty alive as carriages shot pass the inn. He could hear youthful laughter coming up to the window. It made him think of the choices he made lately.
"You cannot turn back. You do know that?"
Brown turned to see Eve approaching. She wore only a sheet.
"You did beautiful, Darnell," Eve said. "In fact-"
Brown grabbed Eve's arm. "Do not call me that. If the past is passed, I have no use for that name."
Eve smiled. "Very well then. I think I am going to like this game." She leaned in and kissed Brown. "Now come back to bed. I was getting cold."
Brown said nothing as Eve led him back to the bed. He enjoyed her company. He loved the wildness she seem to bring out in him. Together, they would make Richard pay.
THE-END
Back to Season 2