Post by Mack "The Knife" McKane on Jan 24, 2020 0:36:56 GMT -5
*Disclaimer: The following content may be too disturbing for some readers. It involves illicit drug use and deals with the topic of domestic abuse and home invasion. The scare tactics may make some readers outraged or distressed. PWS: Apex had no clue this was being created. This was the sole work of Levi Russow. I’m not going to apologize, I’m just giving you warning.*
(We see a younger, skinnier, visibly strung out Mack looking at himself in a mirror washing his face and running his hands through his hair quickly, looking at his tweaking reflection in the mirror...he doesn’t understand. All he understands is the pain is numb...but could he ever shake the demons from his past? He begins to talk to his reflection...his biggest enemy…)
Mack McKane: Right, what a fit piece o’ work you turned out ta be, innit? Fuckin’ waster…
(We hear a door open and keys hit the table as it shuts...Mack takes a quick frightened look towards the bathroom door and back at his reflection.)
Mack McKane: Get it together you fuckin’ mug.
Little Girl: MAAAAACK! WE’RE HOME!!! WE GOTS PIZZA!!!
Mack McKane: OH THAT’S MY FAVORITE, LOVE! GIMME JUST ONE SECOND!
(Mack turns back to his reflection…)
Mack McKane: ...what are you fuckin’ doin’ here you clod. You don’t deserve them. How could you let it go THIS fuckin’ far!?
(There’s a knock at the bathroom door and an older woman gently calls.)
Woman: Mack, honey? You okay in there?
Mack McKane: SOUND AS A POUND LOVE!!! JUST GIMME A SEC!!!
(Mack snarls at his own reflection in disgust as he ties the tourniquet around his arm...and glares even angrier as he pushes the plunger of poison into his veins. He snaps off the tourniquet and instantly his eyes roll back in his head and he hits the floor. The door flies open and a women we recognize as Katie rushes into the room. She surveys the scene and frantically starts smacking his face trying to revive him.)
Katie: Mack...Mack sweetie wake up...wake up!
(Mack comes around and gives a small grin through slanted eyes slurring his words.)
Mack McKane: Oi there angel, whassyername?
(In a moment where anybody else would be furious...Katie looks at him with heartbroken worry and almost...pity.)
Katie: Oh Mack, honey...again? I thought you were past this…
Mack McKane: Oh I am!...y’know...NOW.
(Mack laughs throwing the syringe in the trash as Katie almost has to deadlift him to his feet. Mack starts to shake his head.)
Mack McKane: I’m fine...I’m FINE!
Katie: No you’re not. You need HELP, Mack! Let me help you!
(Mack shakes his head and glares at her.)
Mack McKane: This is all I know.
Katie: ...well then I’m sorry Mack, I’ve called a treatment center. And if you want to remain in our lives...you have to go.
(This makes Mack VISIBLY agitated as he suddenly finds his feet backing her up.)
Mack McKane: ...You fuckin’ WHAT?
Katie: I can’t have this in front of Ashley! Look I...I LOVE you!
Mack McKane: Don’t. Don’t you say that to me. DON’T. LOVE ME.
(Katie starts to tear up as Mack backs her against the wall…)
Katie: Mack...please...for me...for ASHLEY...she LOVES you Mack! *I* love you!
(Mack grabs her face and pushes her against the wall that he viciously punches a hole through.)
Mack McKane: I DON’T NEED NO FUCKIN’ HELP!
Little Voice: ...Mack?
(Mack looks to the doorway and sees little Ashley standing there looking absolutely terrified.)
Mack McKane: Hey lil’ monster! How’s um...how’s my girl?
Ashley: ...pwease don’t hurt my mommy…
(That was it. That hit like an ACTUAL Mack truck plowing through his chest as he lets go of Katie and backs up looking at his hands...and the wall...and then he starts to cry holding his hands out to Katie who looks terrified as she rushes Ashley over to her and holds her tight.)
Mack McKane: I would never...I couldn’t...oh Gods…
(Mack starts to panic as he looks around frantically as Katie ushers Ashley behind her and steps forward.)
Katie: Mack, honey, calm down...take a breath.
(Mack holds her cheek much more softly this time as he looks into her eyes through tears streaking down his face...then he looks at little Ashley who looks afraid for her life.)
Mack McKane: Oh God...I...I’m sorry...I’m so so sorry!
(Mack turns and bolts from the bathroom as Katie rushes after him...by the time she catches up he’s frantically thrown the very few clothes and items into his tattered bag before zipping up his coat and flashing past Katie who’s trying to reason with him...everything starts to become groggy and jumbled as we fade into the modern day as we see Mack sitting in a stately loft apartment with his knees pulled up to his chest sitting by the window looking out over the city.)
(Mack still sits in the windowsill looking out on the city and letting his past eat at him...and as if a time went off, his cell phone starts ringing. He figures it’s Mattie calling to say she landed safely. But when he looks at the caller ID it says “Unknown” and something in the back of his mind compels him to answer this one...he raises the phone to his ear.)
Mack McKane: …’ello?
Woman: *screaming and hysterically crying* HELP!!! PLEASE, OH GOD, PLEASE! MACK!? MACK IS THAT YOU!?
Mack McKane: KATIE?
Katie: MACK PLEASE, I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT!!!
Mack McKane: Katiedid...WHO?
Katie: THEY SAID THEY WANT YOU. OH GOD, OH MY GOD ASHLEY!!! MACK PLEASE! PLE-
(The phone suddenly goes silent...and Mack jumps up where he stands screaming.)
Mack McKane: Katie?...KATIE!?
(A growling all too familiar Southern snarl answers instead.)
Syn: ...hello boy…
Mack McKane: You sick son of a bitch THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!? YOU WANT ME, YOU COME GET ME!
Syn: Oh...my child...see ya just...ya don’t GET it...I’m SO COMFY right here! Y’know I..I SHOULD be thankin’ ya. That little facelift you gave me...WOW...was that ever painful! And it reminded me...that there are worse things than death…
...and you gon’ learn that firsthand, boy…
Mack McKane: YOU WANT THIS FIGHT YOU FUCKIN’ CUNT!? CAUSE I’M COMIN’...YOU TELL ALL YOUR LITTLE FUCKNUT CRONIES, I’M COMIN’...AND I’LL *SHOW* YOU HELL!
Syn: *cackling* ...hurry.
*click*
(Mack swings around flustered for a minute...all his friends were in Florida...going in there alone is a suicide mission but fuck it, We wanna die swingin’, don’t we? If it’s our time to fall or fly, we’ll…
Like a SHOT Mack grabs his gear, his knives, and a police baton he found in a warehouse…
...okay so maybe the cop was trying to arrest him for trespassing and he took it and clocked the cop to get away...either way…Mack slams the door and an undetermined amount of time passes and we see him almost skipping from door to door frantically looking down at a piece of paper until he comes to a regular door and he frantically pounds as hard as he could.)
Voice: WRONG DOOR!
Mack McKane: IT’S MCKANE...I...I NEED A FAVOR!!!
(There’s no answer and Mack throws his forehead against the door and it’s not long until the door swings open and we see Miles Kasey standing in his street clothes with a pipe in hand.)
Mack McKane: ...how did you-
Miles Kasey: Figured if it’s a favor for YOU, there’s a scrap involved. Bout FUCKIN' time too...tired o' sittin' on the sidelines.
Mack McKane: ...you CAN say no but it’s...it’s Syn...I think he’s got my ex-...well...he’s got two people that are...WERE...VERY important to me hostage and I’m charging headfirst i-
Miles Kasey: Bruv...you had me at “it’s Syn”. I been WAITIN’ for my turn to fuck up that backwoods babblin’ bitch. Let’s GO!
(Mack cracks a grin as they fist bump and take off down the hallway.)
(We see Mack and Miles bolting down the sidewalk as Mack hides behind a tree looking at the house...he’s horrified by what he sees as Miles walks up beside him. The half the front door is hanging, the other half is crashed through the front window...the fence, the paneling, the entire house is wrecked.)
Mack McKane: Fuckin’ motherfucker is gonna bleed for this one. Okay...here’s the plan…
Miles Kasey: Bruv...you got a knife, I got a pipe...we got our plan. Fuck it?
Mack McKane: ...fuck it.
(Mack and Miles bolt towards the house like a house of fire crashing through the front door as they both start searching for any signs, Mack starts screaming…)
Mack McKane: KATIE!? KAAAAAATIEEEEEE!?
Woman: Mack? MACK!? MACK I’M IN HERE!!!
(Mack flicks his knife open as Miles kicks open the door to the living room and they see a beaten Katie chained crucifixion style in front of her fireplace. Her shirt is tattered and she is crying...barely able to speak. Mack hurdles the couch as Miles sees Katie’s husband lying unconscious in the kitchen bleeding from his head. Mack slides up to Katie and cups her face in his hands as she winces.)
Mack McKane: Oh Katiedid...darling, what happened?
Katie: They...they just...BUSTED through the door! Grant didn’t...he couldn’t...they swarmed him and they grabbed me and they...and they...oh God, Ashley! Where’s Ashley!?
(Mack jumps up and unties the ropes holding Katie in place as he gently pulls her from in front of the roaring fire...her back has started to blister. Mack makes her look at him.)
Mack McKane: Where was she? Where was she last?
Katie: Her...her room...upstairs! Oh God Mack, oh God what if they-
Mack McKane: MILES!
(Miles comes running into the room and his eyes fly wide open as he sees the state poor Katie is in. Mack motions to him to come help him get her up. Once Miles nods that he’s got her taken care of, Mack hears a creak upstairs and holds his hand out to stop everybody. Miles grabs his pipe as Mack flicks his knife excitedly...with the dexterity of a puma Mack climbs the stairs without so much as a creak...and he sees the door to Ashley’s room cracked. He hears another creak from inside the room and his blood boils. He bolts ahead and crashes through the door and what he sees takes his breath away.)
Mack McKane: Fuckin’ Hell...ASHLEY!
(He throws himself into the trashed room that has been completely recolored red...and it’s believable it’s not paint. And sitting in the middle of a pentagram, also covered in blood and crying sits little Ashley who has a handkerchief tied in her mouth. Mack slides forward and frees her little hands and feet and gently unwraps the handkerchief as tears fill his eyes.)
Mack McKane: Little Queen...are you okay? Are you hurt?
Ashley: Wh-Where’s mommy!?
Mack McKane: Mommy’s downstairs, we’ve called for help. Everything is gonna be just fine!
(Ashley starts getting hysterical and shakes her head as Mack notices she keeps looking to his left where, seated and groaning in her little chair sits one of the Darkest Carnival’s fire eaters...both legs clearly shattered. Mack gently takes his hand and uses it to turn Ashley’s back to him.)
Mack McKane: Shhhh...there there love...he can’t hurt you.
Ashley: M-Mack...wh-...why? Where was you? You...you said you’d BE here!
(Mack’s heart shatters into pieces as he kisses her forehead and holds her to his chest. He stands scooping her up in his arms as he presses her face into his neck as he walks over to the fire eater who starts laughing.)
Mack McKane: ...I will be...RIGHT back for you…
Fire Eater: I’ll be here, traitor.
(Mack snarls and turns walking out of the room before looking at the messages and runes drawn all over the walls...above Ashley’s bed is the most eye-catching for Mack as the name “BELLA” is written in coarse red. Mack’s rage continues to build but he’s snapped back to reality as Ashley shifts in his arms. He takes her out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where Miles has revived Grant who’s holding an ice pack to his head mumbling some bullshit wannabe tough guy lines like “I coulda taken ‘em, they jumped me is all” and Miles, per her request, has a needle working on Katie’s back to take care of the blisters...but as soon as she sees Ashley in Mack’s arms she tries to throw herself forward but collapses, thankfully Miles is quick and catches her as he helps her up and towards Mack. Ashley turns and sees her mom and gently asks…)
Ashley: M-Mommy? Are you...are you okay?
(Katie bites her lip and kisses Ashley’s forehead taking her from Mack as she bounces her on her hip gently.)
Katie: Mommy’s just fine...I’m tough like Mack! Are YOU hurt, baby?
Ashley: No I...I just...scared.
(Ashley buries her face in Katie’s neck as Katie closes her eyes and breathes a sigh of relief. She looks at Mack who has his back turned towards them looking back up the stairs.)
Katie: ...what...what is it?
Mack McKane: We...will handle it...Miles?
(Miles lets go of Katie and follows Mack up the stairs...the next thing we see is the door...gently swing open as Mack and Miles stand side by side and the light from the hallway illuminates the fire eater who can’t even pretend he’s tough anymore as the two threats advance on him.)
Fire Eater: N-Now...now guys...I...I didn’t do this!
Mack McKane: Then why. Are you. HERE.
Fire Eater: I...I was just supposed to do my act! S-Scare ‘em a bit!
Miles Kasey: And your big act was to SCARE A CHILD!
(Miles throws himself forward and starts viciously pummeling the Carnival freak in the face as hard as he can until Mack pulls him off.)
Mack McKane: We need information...we can’t get that if you bust his lips open. Besides...you’re missing the obvious fun part.
Miles Kasey: ...fun part?
(Miles’ expression changes to discomfort at the sight of Mack McKane’s shift in demeanor as he turns around...actually almost swaying with his knife dragging it across the freaks legs.)
Mack McKane: ...I know how this works...you...have a message for me.
Miles Kasey: ...pretty sure that’s evident by...y’know...house...family bleeding everywhere…
Mack McKane: No no no that’s all...that’s all Syn throwing a temper tantrum...we’re in his head. But THIS motherfucker...he has a REAL message for me. He's a human tape recorder.
Miles Kasey: How you figure tha-
(Before Miles can finish his thought Mack has grabbed both of the man’s legs right above the kneecaps and squeezes as hard as he can as the freak shrieks in absolute agony. Miles covers his ears at the sound…)
Miles Kasey: Bruv what the ACTUAL fuck!?
Mack McKane: ...he left one of his…”children” behind...with a message…
...and he broke his legs what so he couldn’t get scared and run fer it…
(Mack leans in closer like a viper waiting to strike.)
Mack McKane: These people...are very...VERY important to me...and PATIENCE...is NOT one of my virtues, innit? So what say you an’ me just cut the bollocks...and you tell me what’s on your pretty lil’ mind, eh Princess?
Fire Eater: FUCK yo-
(Mack rains down devastating haymakers onto the man’s hamstrings right about where the breaks are as the freak whimpers and cries like an infant.)
Mack McKane: SPEAK!
Fire Eater: He...he wanted you to know...you may have gotten the Russow bastard back...but he wants...he wants…
Mack McKane: TODAY JUNIOR!
Fire Eater: He wants YOU to have a…”Family Reunion”...he’ll...he’ll let YOU know when it is.
Mack McKane: Bollocks to that, I KNOW where his little Carnival goes-
Fire Eater: Don’t you GET IT!? There IS...NO...CARNIVAL ANYMORE.
(Mack gets a very confused look on his face as he stands up and backs up by Miles who is looking at him with equal confusion.)
Miles Kasey: Th’fuck you MEAN there’s no Carnival anymore?
Fire Eater: You...you won the battle...you SCARRED him...on LIVE TV...and we...we couldn’t stop you. We couldn’t save him so he…
...he burned the Carnival.
Mack McKane: ...he’s just out there wandering aimlessly?
Fire Eater: Oh no...no no no...not WANDERING...he knows. He knows exactly where your “friends” are...he knows EXACTLY where to hit you...what stones to overturn...what skeletons to dance out of your closet...you can’t escape him. AND HE’S NOT...ALONE.
(The fire eater starts cackling uncontrollably as Mack McKane starts to seethe.)
Fire Eater: You wanted your message? Here ya go…
...your Dad says hi.
(Mack absolutely snaps and starts beating the freak within an inch of his life as Miles finally pulls him off. Mack takes him by the throat and throws him across the room as he squeals in pain. Mack nods to Miles who almost reluctantly helps him scoop the freak under the arms leading him out into the hallway and when they get to the top of the stairs, Mack and Miles see the cops have arrived. Katie and Ashley are waiting for medical attention as Grant jumped in front of them being a hypochondriac. A cop sees them standing at the top of the stairs and draws his gun.)
Cop: FREEZE!
Katie: NO IT’S OKAY! The two holding him are the ones that saved us! The third one…
Mack McKane: Third one has all the information you need to know…
(Mack viciously whispers in his ear.)
Mack McKane: Don’t you.
Fire Eater: Please...please I’ll...I’ll tell them everything just...just spare me.
Cop:: Alright well...get him down here.
Mack McKane: Sure thing officer!
(Mack shoots Miles a look that Miles cracks a smile at as they both release their hold on the freak and he goes tumbling down the stairs. He starts writhing holding his ribs as the Cop looks up at the boys.)
Mack McKane: Sorry bruv he...just slipped!
Miles Kasey: He was wrigglin’ ‘round and...OOPS!
(Mack and Miles walk down the stairs and when the cop turns his back, they both make sure to step on the freaks legs as they cross the threshold. Mack and Miles stay until Ashley and Katie get their medical attention...Mack sits with Ashley on his lap. She’s still pouting at him.)
Ashley: Where go?
Mack McKane: I...I had to go grow up. You were so much smarter and better than I was! I had to go make you proud!
Ashley: But...I wuv’d you…
Mack McKane: And I, you, my Princess...but I...I almost hurt mommy...and I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.
Ashley: But...here.
(Mack brushes the hair out of her face and kisses her forehead.)
Mack McKane: Now now, little warrior...soon this will all just be a bad dream...I promise. You’re safe child, you ARE safe.
(Ashley gets scooped up and taken to have her head examined as Katie walks over in a blanket...she looks at Mack and Miles and starts sobbing uncontrollably...Mack rushes forward and holds her. He lifts her chin to look into his eyes.)
Mack McKane: I am so...so sor-
Katie: No...don’t apologize. I knew about your past and I...I foolishly-
Mack McKane: You took a chance on a down and out loser...because you’re a fuckin’ angel. And I...I let you down. I’m looking around and I’m...I’m never gonna be able to forgive myself for this…
Katie: FIND a way...I forgive you...for that night...for today...for it all...I...FORGIVE YOU…
(Katie kisses his cheek and buries her face in his chest as he gives her a gentle embrace as she pulls away wiping tears from her eyes as she turns to Miles.)
Katie: Oh gosh I’m a mess...look at me! Looking at my hero and I don’t even know your name! I’m Katie…
(Miles chuckles and wraps her in a gentle hug figuring she’s going into shock.)
Miles Kasey: I’m Miles.
Mack McKane: *cough*MILO*cough*
Miles Kasey: Bruv...really? REALLY?
(The three have a slight chuckle and converse a bit until Mack suddenly snaps back to reality and checks his phone...four missed calls and 8 text messages. Mack makes sure everything is taken care of and he starts to rush back home.)
(The front door to the apartment flies open and we see Mattie pacing back and forth as she sees Mack come rushing through and she’s raising her voice at him in Spanish which...is how you can tell she’s really upset. Mack doesn’t say a word, he doesn’t cease his motion he matches her speed and as soon as they connect with each other he scoops her in and delivers the most passionate kiss he has ever mustered. After a few seconds he pulls away and he shakes her head a little light headed.)
Mattie Cormier: ...where did THAT come from?
Mack McKane: I love you.
Mattie Cormier: ...well I love you to-
Mack McKane: No. Listen...I...LOVE you. My darling...I’m going to tell you...everything that happened tonight...but the main thing tonight I learned is I CANNOT...lose...what I’ve found with you and it’s my job...it’s my PRIVILEGE...to tell you and show you EVERY DAY...I love you, innit?
Mattie Cormier: What do you mean “everything that’s happened tonight”? What’s going on?
Mack McKane: ...I promise you...with every tired breath my world-weary lungs can muster...I WILL keep you safe...and I WILL...ALWAYS...come for you.
Mattie Cormier: ...Mack, you’re kinda scaring me…
Mack McKane: ...we should sit down…
(Mack leads Mattie over to the loveseat and takes her hands...and inaudibly he begins recounting the night’s events as Mattie’s hands fly up to cover her mouth in shock and dismay...and this is where I leave you...f
….for now.)
“Be strong and hold my hand…
Time becomes for us…
You’ll understand…
We’ll say goodbye today…
And I’m sorry how...it ends this way.
...if you promise not to cry…
Then I’ll tell you just what I would say if I…
Could be with you tonight.
I would sing you to sleep.
...never let them take the light behind your eyes.
...I’ll fail and lose this fight…
Never fade in the dark…
...just remember you will always burn as bright.”
Time becomes for us…
You’ll understand…
We’ll say goodbye today…
And I’m sorry how...it ends this way.
...if you promise not to cry…
Then I’ll tell you just what I would say if I…
Could be with you tonight.
I would sing you to sleep.
...never let them take the light behind your eyes.
...I’ll fail and lose this fight…
Never fade in the dark…
...just remember you will always burn as bright.”
-FLASHBACK-
(We see a younger, skinnier, visibly strung out Mack looking at himself in a mirror washing his face and running his hands through his hair quickly, looking at his tweaking reflection in the mirror...he doesn’t understand. All he understands is the pain is numb...but could he ever shake the demons from his past? He begins to talk to his reflection...his biggest enemy…)
Mack McKane: Right, what a fit piece o’ work you turned out ta be, innit? Fuckin’ waster…
(We hear a door open and keys hit the table as it shuts...Mack takes a quick frightened look towards the bathroom door and back at his reflection.)
Mack McKane: Get it together you fuckin’ mug.
Little Girl: MAAAAACK! WE’RE HOME!!! WE GOTS PIZZA!!!
Mack McKane: OH THAT’S MY FAVORITE, LOVE! GIMME JUST ONE SECOND!
(Mack turns back to his reflection…)
Mack McKane: ...what are you fuckin’ doin’ here you clod. You don’t deserve them. How could you let it go THIS fuckin’ far!?
(There’s a knock at the bathroom door and an older woman gently calls.)
Woman: Mack, honey? You okay in there?
Mack McKane: SOUND AS A POUND LOVE!!! JUST GIMME A SEC!!!
(Mack snarls at his own reflection in disgust as he ties the tourniquet around his arm...and glares even angrier as he pushes the plunger of poison into his veins. He snaps off the tourniquet and instantly his eyes roll back in his head and he hits the floor. The door flies open and a women we recognize as Katie rushes into the room. She surveys the scene and frantically starts smacking his face trying to revive him.)
Katie: Mack...Mack sweetie wake up...wake up!
(Mack comes around and gives a small grin through slanted eyes slurring his words.)
Mack McKane: Oi there angel, whassyername?
(In a moment where anybody else would be furious...Katie looks at him with heartbroken worry and almost...pity.)
Katie: Oh Mack, honey...again? I thought you were past this…
Mack McKane: Oh I am!...y’know...NOW.
(Mack laughs throwing the syringe in the trash as Katie almost has to deadlift him to his feet. Mack starts to shake his head.)
Mack McKane: I’m fine...I’m FINE!
Katie: No you’re not. You need HELP, Mack! Let me help you!
(Mack shakes his head and glares at her.)
Mack McKane: This is all I know.
Katie: ...well then I’m sorry Mack, I’ve called a treatment center. And if you want to remain in our lives...you have to go.
(This makes Mack VISIBLY agitated as he suddenly finds his feet backing her up.)
Mack McKane: ...You fuckin’ WHAT?
Katie: I can’t have this in front of Ashley! Look I...I LOVE you!
Mack McKane: Don’t. Don’t you say that to me. DON’T. LOVE ME.
(Katie starts to tear up as Mack backs her against the wall…)
Katie: Mack...please...for me...for ASHLEY...she LOVES you Mack! *I* love you!
(Mack grabs her face and pushes her against the wall that he viciously punches a hole through.)
Mack McKane: I DON’T NEED NO FUCKIN’ HELP!
Little Voice: ...Mack?
(Mack looks to the doorway and sees little Ashley standing there looking absolutely terrified.)
Mack McKane: Hey lil’ monster! How’s um...how’s my girl?
Ashley: ...pwease don’t hurt my mommy…
(That was it. That hit like an ACTUAL Mack truck plowing through his chest as he lets go of Katie and backs up looking at his hands...and the wall...and then he starts to cry holding his hands out to Katie who looks terrified as she rushes Ashley over to her and holds her tight.)
Mack McKane: I would never...I couldn’t...oh Gods…
(Mack starts to panic as he looks around frantically as Katie ushers Ashley behind her and steps forward.)
Katie: Mack, honey, calm down...take a breath.
(Mack holds her cheek much more softly this time as he looks into her eyes through tears streaking down his face...then he looks at little Ashley who looks afraid for her life.)
Mack McKane: Oh God...I...I’m sorry...I’m so so sorry!
(Mack turns and bolts from the bathroom as Katie rushes after him...by the time she catches up he’s frantically thrown the very few clothes and items into his tattered bag before zipping up his coat and flashing past Katie who’s trying to reason with him...everything starts to become groggy and jumbled as we fade into the modern day as we see Mack sitting in a stately loft apartment with his knees pulled up to his chest sitting by the window looking out over the city.)
-ATTACK-
“Wait…
It’s just about to break…
It’s more than I can take..
...everything’s about to change.”
“Wait…
It’s just about to break…
It’s more than I can take..
...everything’s about to change.”
(Mack still sits in the windowsill looking out on the city and letting his past eat at him...and as if a time went off, his cell phone starts ringing. He figures it’s Mattie calling to say she landed safely. But when he looks at the caller ID it says “Unknown” and something in the back of his mind compels him to answer this one...he raises the phone to his ear.)
Mack McKane: …’ello?
Woman: *screaming and hysterically crying* HELP!!! PLEASE, OH GOD, PLEASE! MACK!? MACK IS THAT YOU!?
Mack McKane: KATIE?
Katie: MACK PLEASE, I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT!!!
Mack McKane: Katiedid...WHO?
Katie: THEY SAID THEY WANT YOU. OH GOD, OH MY GOD ASHLEY!!! MACK PLEASE! PLE-
(The phone suddenly goes silent...and Mack jumps up where he stands screaming.)
Mack McKane: Katie?...KATIE!?
(A growling all too familiar Southern snarl answers instead.)
Syn: ...hello boy…
Mack McKane: You sick son of a bitch THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!? YOU WANT ME, YOU COME GET ME!
Syn: Oh...my child...see ya just...ya don’t GET it...I’m SO COMFY right here! Y’know I..I SHOULD be thankin’ ya. That little facelift you gave me...WOW...was that ever painful! And it reminded me...that there are worse things than death…
...and you gon’ learn that firsthand, boy…
Mack McKane: YOU WANT THIS FIGHT YOU FUCKIN’ CUNT!? CAUSE I’M COMIN’...YOU TELL ALL YOUR LITTLE FUCKNUT CRONIES, I’M COMIN’...AND I’LL *SHOW* YOU HELL!
Syn: *cackling* ...hurry.
*click*
(Mack swings around flustered for a minute...all his friends were in Florida...going in there alone is a suicide mission but fuck it, We wanna die swingin’, don’t we? If it’s our time to fall or fly, we’ll…
...wait a fuckin’ minute…
Like a SHOT Mack grabs his gear, his knives, and a police baton he found in a warehouse…
...okay so maybe the cop was trying to arrest him for trespassing and he took it and clocked the cop to get away...either way…Mack slams the door and an undetermined amount of time passes and we see him almost skipping from door to door frantically looking down at a piece of paper until he comes to a regular door and he frantically pounds as hard as he could.)
Voice: WRONG DOOR!
Mack McKane: IT’S MCKANE...I...I NEED A FAVOR!!!
(There’s no answer and Mack throws his forehead against the door and it’s not long until the door swings open and we see Miles Kasey standing in his street clothes with a pipe in hand.)
Mack McKane: ...how did you-
Miles Kasey: Figured if it’s a favor for YOU, there’s a scrap involved. Bout FUCKIN' time too...tired o' sittin' on the sidelines.
Mack McKane: ...you CAN say no but it’s...it’s Syn...I think he’s got my ex-...well...he’s got two people that are...WERE...VERY important to me hostage and I’m charging headfirst i-
Miles Kasey: Bruv...you had me at “it’s Syn”. I been WAITIN’ for my turn to fuck up that backwoods babblin’ bitch. Let’s GO!
(Mack cracks a grin as they fist bump and take off down the hallway.)
-Katie’s House-
“Nobody gon’ show you the way, now…
Nobody gon’ hold your hand, now…
Nobody gon’ show you the way, now…
...Devil is Kind.
“Nobody gon’ show you the way, now…
Nobody gon’ hold your hand, now…
Nobody gon’ show you the way, now…
...Devil is Kind.
(We see Mack and Miles bolting down the sidewalk as Mack hides behind a tree looking at the house...he’s horrified by what he sees as Miles walks up beside him. The half the front door is hanging, the other half is crashed through the front window...the fence, the paneling, the entire house is wrecked.)
Mack McKane: Fuckin’ motherfucker is gonna bleed for this one. Okay...here’s the plan…
Miles Kasey: Bruv...you got a knife, I got a pipe...we got our plan. Fuck it?
Mack McKane: ...fuck it.
(Mack and Miles bolt towards the house like a house of fire crashing through the front door as they both start searching for any signs, Mack starts screaming…)
Mack McKane: KATIE!? KAAAAAATIEEEEEE!?
Woman: Mack? MACK!? MACK I’M IN HERE!!!
(Mack flicks his knife open as Miles kicks open the door to the living room and they see a beaten Katie chained crucifixion style in front of her fireplace. Her shirt is tattered and she is crying...barely able to speak. Mack hurdles the couch as Miles sees Katie’s husband lying unconscious in the kitchen bleeding from his head. Mack slides up to Katie and cups her face in his hands as she winces.)
Mack McKane: Oh Katiedid...darling, what happened?
Katie: They...they just...BUSTED through the door! Grant didn’t...he couldn’t...they swarmed him and they grabbed me and they...and they...oh God, Ashley! Where’s Ashley!?
(Mack jumps up and unties the ropes holding Katie in place as he gently pulls her from in front of the roaring fire...her back has started to blister. Mack makes her look at him.)
Mack McKane: Where was she? Where was she last?
Katie: Her...her room...upstairs! Oh God Mack, oh God what if they-
Mack McKane: MILES!
(Miles comes running into the room and his eyes fly wide open as he sees the state poor Katie is in. Mack motions to him to come help him get her up. Once Miles nods that he’s got her taken care of, Mack hears a creak upstairs and holds his hand out to stop everybody. Miles grabs his pipe as Mack flicks his knife excitedly...with the dexterity of a puma Mack climbs the stairs without so much as a creak...and he sees the door to Ashley’s room cracked. He hears another creak from inside the room and his blood boils. He bolts ahead and crashes through the door and what he sees takes his breath away.)
Mack McKane: Fuckin’ Hell...ASHLEY!
(He throws himself into the trashed room that has been completely recolored red...and it’s believable it’s not paint. And sitting in the middle of a pentagram, also covered in blood and crying sits little Ashley who has a handkerchief tied in her mouth. Mack slides forward and frees her little hands and feet and gently unwraps the handkerchief as tears fill his eyes.)
Mack McKane: Little Queen...are you okay? Are you hurt?
Ashley: Wh-Where’s mommy!?
Mack McKane: Mommy’s downstairs, we’ve called for help. Everything is gonna be just fine!
(Ashley starts getting hysterical and shakes her head as Mack notices she keeps looking to his left where, seated and groaning in her little chair sits one of the Darkest Carnival’s fire eaters...both legs clearly shattered. Mack gently takes his hand and uses it to turn Ashley’s back to him.)
Mack McKane: Shhhh...there there love...he can’t hurt you.
Ashley: M-Mack...wh-...why? Where was you? You...you said you’d BE here!
(Mack’s heart shatters into pieces as he kisses her forehead and holds her to his chest. He stands scooping her up in his arms as he presses her face into his neck as he walks over to the fire eater who starts laughing.)
Mack McKane: ...I will be...RIGHT back for you…
Fire Eater: I’ll be here, traitor.
(Mack snarls and turns walking out of the room before looking at the messages and runes drawn all over the walls...above Ashley’s bed is the most eye-catching for Mack as the name “BELLA” is written in coarse red. Mack’s rage continues to build but he’s snapped back to reality as Ashley shifts in his arms. He takes her out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where Miles has revived Grant who’s holding an ice pack to his head mumbling some bullshit wannabe tough guy lines like “I coulda taken ‘em, they jumped me is all” and Miles, per her request, has a needle working on Katie’s back to take care of the blisters...but as soon as she sees Ashley in Mack’s arms she tries to throw herself forward but collapses, thankfully Miles is quick and catches her as he helps her up and towards Mack. Ashley turns and sees her mom and gently asks…)
Ashley: M-Mommy? Are you...are you okay?
(Katie bites her lip and kisses Ashley’s forehead taking her from Mack as she bounces her on her hip gently.)
Katie: Mommy’s just fine...I’m tough like Mack! Are YOU hurt, baby?
Ashley: No I...I just...scared.
(Ashley buries her face in Katie’s neck as Katie closes her eyes and breathes a sigh of relief. She looks at Mack who has his back turned towards them looking back up the stairs.)
Katie: ...what...what is it?
Mack McKane: We...will handle it...Miles?
(Miles lets go of Katie and follows Mack up the stairs...the next thing we see is the door...gently swing open as Mack and Miles stand side by side and the light from the hallway illuminates the fire eater who can’t even pretend he’s tough anymore as the two threats advance on him.)
Fire Eater: N-Now...now guys...I...I didn’t do this!
Mack McKane: Then why. Are you. HERE.
Fire Eater: I...I was just supposed to do my act! S-Scare ‘em a bit!
Miles Kasey: And your big act was to SCARE A CHILD!
(Miles throws himself forward and starts viciously pummeling the Carnival freak in the face as hard as he can until Mack pulls him off.)
Mack McKane: We need information...we can’t get that if you bust his lips open. Besides...you’re missing the obvious fun part.
Miles Kasey: ...fun part?
(Miles’ expression changes to discomfort at the sight of Mack McKane’s shift in demeanor as he turns around...actually almost swaying with his knife dragging it across the freaks legs.)
Mack McKane: ...I know how this works...you...have a message for me.
Miles Kasey: ...pretty sure that’s evident by...y’know...house...family bleeding everywhere…
Mack McKane: No no no that’s all...that’s all Syn throwing a temper tantrum...we’re in his head. But THIS motherfucker...he has a REAL message for me. He's a human tape recorder.
Miles Kasey: How you figure tha-
(Before Miles can finish his thought Mack has grabbed both of the man’s legs right above the kneecaps and squeezes as hard as he can as the freak shrieks in absolute agony. Miles covers his ears at the sound…)
Miles Kasey: Bruv what the ACTUAL fuck!?
Mack McKane: ...he left one of his…”children” behind...with a message…
...and he broke his legs what so he couldn’t get scared and run fer it…
(Mack leans in closer like a viper waiting to strike.)
Mack McKane: These people...are very...VERY important to me...and PATIENCE...is NOT one of my virtues, innit? So what say you an’ me just cut the bollocks...and you tell me what’s on your pretty lil’ mind, eh Princess?
Fire Eater: FUCK yo-
(Mack rains down devastating haymakers onto the man’s hamstrings right about where the breaks are as the freak whimpers and cries like an infant.)
Mack McKane: SPEAK!
Fire Eater: He...he wanted you to know...you may have gotten the Russow bastard back...but he wants...he wants…
Mack McKane: TODAY JUNIOR!
Fire Eater: He wants YOU to have a…”Family Reunion”...he’ll...he’ll let YOU know when it is.
Mack McKane: Bollocks to that, I KNOW where his little Carnival goes-
Fire Eater: Don’t you GET IT!? There IS...NO...CARNIVAL ANYMORE.
(Mack gets a very confused look on his face as he stands up and backs up by Miles who is looking at him with equal confusion.)
Miles Kasey: Th’fuck you MEAN there’s no Carnival anymore?
Fire Eater: You...you won the battle...you SCARRED him...on LIVE TV...and we...we couldn’t stop you. We couldn’t save him so he…
...he burned the Carnival.
Mack McKane: ...he’s just out there wandering aimlessly?
Fire Eater: Oh no...no no no...not WANDERING...he knows. He knows exactly where your “friends” are...he knows EXACTLY where to hit you...what stones to overturn...what skeletons to dance out of your closet...you can’t escape him. AND HE’S NOT...ALONE.
(The fire eater starts cackling uncontrollably as Mack McKane starts to seethe.)
Fire Eater: You wanted your message? Here ya go…
...your Dad says hi.
(Mack absolutely snaps and starts beating the freak within an inch of his life as Miles finally pulls him off. Mack takes him by the throat and throws him across the room as he squeals in pain. Mack nods to Miles who almost reluctantly helps him scoop the freak under the arms leading him out into the hallway and when they get to the top of the stairs, Mack and Miles see the cops have arrived. Katie and Ashley are waiting for medical attention as Grant jumped in front of them being a hypochondriac. A cop sees them standing at the top of the stairs and draws his gun.)
Cop: FREEZE!
Katie: NO IT’S OKAY! The two holding him are the ones that saved us! The third one…
Mack McKane: Third one has all the information you need to know…
(Mack viciously whispers in his ear.)
Mack McKane: Don’t you.
Fire Eater: Please...please I’ll...I’ll tell them everything just...just spare me.
Cop:: Alright well...get him down here.
Mack McKane: Sure thing officer!
(Mack shoots Miles a look that Miles cracks a smile at as they both release their hold on the freak and he goes tumbling down the stairs. He starts writhing holding his ribs as the Cop looks up at the boys.)
Mack McKane: Sorry bruv he...just slipped!
Miles Kasey: He was wrigglin’ ‘round and...OOPS!
(Mack and Miles walk down the stairs and when the cop turns his back, they both make sure to step on the freaks legs as they cross the threshold. Mack and Miles stay until Ashley and Katie get their medical attention...Mack sits with Ashley on his lap. She’s still pouting at him.)
Ashley: Where go?
Mack McKane: I...I had to go grow up. You were so much smarter and better than I was! I had to go make you proud!
Ashley: But...I wuv’d you…
Mack McKane: And I, you, my Princess...but I...I almost hurt mommy...and I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.
Ashley: But...here.
(Mack brushes the hair out of her face and kisses her forehead.)
Mack McKane: Now now, little warrior...soon this will all just be a bad dream...I promise. You’re safe child, you ARE safe.
(Ashley gets scooped up and taken to have her head examined as Katie walks over in a blanket...she looks at Mack and Miles and starts sobbing uncontrollably...Mack rushes forward and holds her. He lifts her chin to look into his eyes.)
Mack McKane: I am so...so sor-
Katie: No...don’t apologize. I knew about your past and I...I foolishly-
Mack McKane: You took a chance on a down and out loser...because you’re a fuckin’ angel. And I...I let you down. I’m looking around and I’m...I’m never gonna be able to forgive myself for this…
Katie: FIND a way...I forgive you...for that night...for today...for it all...I...FORGIVE YOU…
(Katie kisses his cheek and buries her face in his chest as he gives her a gentle embrace as she pulls away wiping tears from her eyes as she turns to Miles.)
Katie: Oh gosh I’m a mess...look at me! Looking at my hero and I don’t even know your name! I’m Katie…
(Miles chuckles and wraps her in a gentle hug figuring she’s going into shock.)
Miles Kasey: I’m Miles.
Mack McKane: *cough*MILO*cough*
Miles Kasey: Bruv...really? REALLY?
(The three have a slight chuckle and converse a bit until Mack suddenly snaps back to reality and checks his phone...four missed calls and 8 text messages. Mack makes sure everything is taken care of and he starts to rush back home.)
-The Apartment-
(The front door to the apartment flies open and we see Mattie pacing back and forth as she sees Mack come rushing through and she’s raising her voice at him in Spanish which...is how you can tell she’s really upset. Mack doesn’t say a word, he doesn’t cease his motion he matches her speed and as soon as they connect with each other he scoops her in and delivers the most passionate kiss he has ever mustered. After a few seconds he pulls away and he shakes her head a little light headed.)
Mattie Cormier: ...where did THAT come from?
Mack McKane: I love you.
Mattie Cormier: ...well I love you to-
Mack McKane: No. Listen...I...LOVE you. My darling...I’m going to tell you...everything that happened tonight...but the main thing tonight I learned is I CANNOT...lose...what I’ve found with you and it’s my job...it’s my PRIVILEGE...to tell you and show you EVERY DAY...I love you, innit?
Mattie Cormier: What do you mean “everything that’s happened tonight”? What’s going on?
Mack McKane: ...I promise you...with every tired breath my world-weary lungs can muster...I WILL keep you safe...and I WILL...ALWAYS...come for you.
Mattie Cormier: ...Mack, you’re kinda scaring me…
Mack McKane: ...we should sit down…
(Mack leads Mattie over to the loveseat and takes her hands...and inaudibly he begins recounting the night’s events as Mattie’s hands fly up to cover her mouth in shock and dismay...and this is where I leave you...f
….for now.)
-SONGS USED FOR INSPIRATION-
"The Light Behind Your Eyes" by My Chemical Romance
"War of Change" by Thousand Foot Krutch
"Devil is Fine" by Zeal & Ardour