Geri (this story is longer than most)

Geri woke to that oh so lovely sound of his digital alarm clock, that grating buzz sound. As Geri rose he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and dreams from his mind,7:00am time to get up. He sat up and swung his legs from the bed got up and stretched, grabbing his dressing gown he went through to the kitchen, stubbing his toe on the door frame he cussed (darn it) and skipped for the kitchen to make breakfast. Geri decided that he now deserved a cooked breakfast, 2x sausage + bacon went in the pan, hash browns in the air fryer and beans in the microwave, he put cappuccino pods in the machine. After about 15 mins he had his food all plated up and a good hot coffee, he placed it all on a tray and went through to the lounge, paying extra attention to the door frames, he was not attacked again. Once in the lounge he placed his tray down on his small table put the T.V. on and sat back into his favourite armchair to enjoy his breakfast. The usual morning program was on, presented by the aging guy that loves himself and the younger brunette with cleavage, but he didn't tune in for their bla bla bla oh no his interest was and to be honest the interest of many a man at this time of day, The weather girl no! The weather women. His breakfast finished Geri sat back with his mug, it was time for the weather. The camera panned across the studio and focused on, Miss Sally Nimbet, The six foot (in heels) tall women had a hourglass figure natural tanned skin (unlike her fake co workers) and perfect blond hair that reached her slender waist. Geri could see that her makeup was also perfect as she did that her self, as he watched her enjoying his drink he was well aware that other men watched the goddess after all she could of been a model if she'd wanted too, this didn't bother him as she was his girlfriend and only had eyes for him. Weather and coffee both finished it was now time to get ready for work, Geri went back to the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher, then went in to his bedroom laid his clothes out on the bed ready and hopped in the shower. Now dressed in smart grey combats and a pail blue polo shirt he was all but ready, he went through to the hall put on his shoes and grabbed his gear bag as he went through the front door to the drive where his trusted red Corsa sat waiting. As Geri (professional photographer) drove to his studio on the far side of town he thought about the handful of shoots he'd be doing that day. his studio was situated in a building, part of an old industrial estate, the site was disused now so was perfect and safe for any kind of shoot he might be asked to do. I know what your thinking why set up in a disused industrial estate, the answer is simple it was free and his, about 3 years ago his mother had acquired the site but since moved on letting Geri use it as he pleased. Geri pulled up at the gates stepped from his car opened and secured the gates, then back in his car and drove to park outside his studio. He had 2 big magazine adds to shoot, and portfolios to do for three new models they'd be accompanied by their hair and make up guy, a friend of Geri's. He unlocked a single door pinning it open with a small brass hook on the wall flicked on the lobby lights and passed through double doors to his studio. As he flicked the six switches on the wall he took in the place he called work (not really work when you truly enjoy what you do)... He had two backdrop bays for any number of shoots both could handle party's of six-eight and three makeup tables, the type with the large mirrors surrounded by lights. And of course he had his large hanger in the corner full of outfits and costumes with boxes of props for those family fun shoots, he did enjoy those.

Geri looked at his watch 9:25 ah James and the models would be here soon, he quickly finished setting up and yes was ready. With that James entered with a loud HALLO and a friendly hug " may I introduce my delightful models!" Bella a brunette, Chazz with striking Red hair and Gemma the blonde, they were here for a hair spray add. Hugs and kisses (euro) style were exchanged and after a offer of drinks was made they got to work. James set the Girls hair and Geri worked with them to create the magazine shoots. all was done by about half past four, it had been a long day but fun with plenty of laughs and smiles. Geri locked up with a satisfied smile on his face, he got into his car and drove to the far side of the gates, getting out of his car again so he could leave the site secure, he unhooked the left gate followed by the right, just as he brought them together to put the padlock back on when the heavens opened up. Geri swore under his breath as he dropped the lock and of course it fell in a muddy puddle, by the time Geri managed to get back in his car he was soaked through, cold to his core. He sat for a moment as the heaters had to demist the car and hopefully warm him back up. As he got going headed home, the cars whippers worked hard to clear the windscreen, this was no shower this was a storm he'd be glad to get home and have a well earned hot chocolate. If things weren't bad enough the storm had brought a tree down on the main road, he'd have to take the old road which added at least 30-40 minuets to his drive in good weather, at least he'd be almost dry by the time he got home. As he drove the harder the rain came, he was able to glance the river running bellow to his right he'd never seen it so fast and angry. As he turned a slight bend/curve in the road something white flashed across his path, he swerved and slammed the brakes on, the car lost traction and started to aquaplane and spin, Geri was out of control. His car hit the wall to his left scaping paint and blowing out one tire, this sent the car into a new spin, Geri was scared adrenalin was not helping him stop the car the brakes weren't working. the car still aquaplaning hit the barrier this didn't stop the car, rather it flipped the car, the car started to roll and slide down the bank, the storm was still raging. As the car made it's way down the bank it bent or snapped branches smashing head lights, windows and adding yet more damage to the little car, it suddenly slammed hard into a large rock, the impact snapped Geri's seatbelt and he was thrown face first through the windscreen a good portion of which lodged in his face, Geri and his car were now traveling separately down the bank, the car slammed roof first into a big tree it's journey now at an end. Geri was not shall we say as lucky, he seemed to keep gaining in momentum hitting every other branch or rock possible, the wind had been nocked out of him and after the third or fourth broken bone shock took him in and out of consciousness he came to rest against a stump, he some how managed to stand, cold, weak and socking wet from the still ongoing storm. He put wait on his broken leg, lightning pain shot through his body he blacked out and fell backwards into the ragging river.

Richard and Sam got up Earlier than the birds, both were glad all was calm the storm had passed over around 3am. Rich and Sam put the kettle on then loaded their fishing gear into the truck, a 1950’s work horse. Their plan was to drive to the river, they might not catch fish but they’d have a nag free morning. After a good cup of coffee they locked up hopped into the truck and drove to the river, it only took about 20 mins to set up at a preferred spot. While Rich added some finishing touches to the rods Sam went down to the rivers edge to move some driftwood from what would be their swim. Sam screamed out, Rich jumped a mile and turned to scold Sam for making him nearly soil himself, but on seeing his friends face he ran over knowing this was no joke. “What’s up! Sam you scared me half to death” Sam didn’t reply he just stared down at the rivers edge at the body.. It took a split second for Rich to come back to the moment, “Sam come on man, give me a hand to unhook him from the drift wood, poor bastard” Rich could see how shaken his best friend was, “ Sam I got this, go up to the truck and call for help!” Sam nodded and ran up to the truck, Rich moved the last of the drift wood, at that moment the body twitched and moaned. Shit Sam tell them to shake a leg I think he’s alive!…

Sam returned to Rich with blankets, “they be on there way, lets pull him up the bank a bit and get him warmer”

As they rolled the body onto it’s back, onto the first blanket, they saw his face for the first time, clammy grey looking skin with cuts, some even had glass in them but worse was that one eye was missing, just the empty socket stared back at them.. After a few mins they could hear the sirens, they felt relieved someone else could look after this poor man.

Sam and Rich watched as the Ambulance drove off, neither felt like fishing anymore so they packed their gear back up. After leaving details and statements with the police they got in their truck and drove home to have a well needed bear or two.

Police officer Marria Demingez pulled her cruiser up into a bay outside the hospital. She approached the front desk. Once she had the nurses attention she identified her self and asked after the John Doe that was brought in from the river earlier. The nurse looked into the officers eyes, “ah yeah poor man, I’ll page the Doctor for you, please take a seat over there”

Demingez thanked her and took a seat, she didn’t have to wait long. Ah Officer Demingez I’m Doctor Travis, it’s not great news I’m afraid !

Oh? “ it’s a miracle he’s alive, he must have gone through hell before he was brought in”

What do you mean Doc?”

Well you already know about his eye and scares to his face, he has lost several teeth his lower jaw is broken, has a skull fracture several broken ribs, his left arm has three brakes his legs are broken and then there was internal bleeding, we’ve put him into a coma, somehow he was half continues upon arrival.

Married was taken for words for a moment, then job instincts kicked in, “ thank you Doctor, just one last question, Did you find any ID on him there was nothing at the River.”

Sorry we have no idea who he is at this point.

“Thanks again doc, here are my contact details , should you find anything out”

Demingez left the lobby and got back in her car

Poor Bastard she thought as she turned her key in the ignition and drove off.

We now jump to Midnight a year and a half later. A finger twitches, two fingers twitch and a eye flashes open, Geri is awake. Staring at the celling he knows his body is healed, however his mind was a jumbled mess, the 18 months spent in a coma had been what his body needed to heal but there was no such healing for his trapped and tortured mind, it had been like a living nightmare you couldn't scream yourself awake from. Over and over he relived his accident but for each time it ran through he died a different and more horrific way, from car exploding with him trapped inside to being impaled on red hot spikes when hurled from the car. You would think that bad enough, but worse even than the nightmares for Geri was the fact that he could hear everything that was said and done in his room day or night he was aware of it all. Every comment made by Doctors and nurses a like, such as: It's a shame about his face, I think we'll leave him under, or Quick in here he's a vegetable in a coma he won't know what you do to me, and then there was: Excuse me nurse, what is wrong? S sorry Doctor Cooper but I just had to bed bath that Jon Doe! Ah yes I see, take 5 nurse, a sweet tea will help. I can't believe nobody has come to visit him, or even make enquiries after him, oh yes this is one sad case, but at least in his coma he won't knows, hopefully he'll never wake up!

Hearing all of this and more thoughtless comments of a similar type really hurt Geri, maybe on their own he might have been ok, however mixed with the nightmares his mind had become twisted and dark, Geri was broken.

the next night came quick enough, he new the rounds and had a plan, he new as a nurse had just left his room that he had 30 minutes. Getting up he opened his window, the air outside felt fresh compared to the staleness of his room, checking all the cupboards the night before he new he'd need to find clothes else ware. He opened the door to his room slowly, and yes the corridor was clear, perfect! he slid from his room straight into the next room. As he'd ripped all his wires off in one go, he could hear the alarm at the nurses station down the far end of the corridor. It took just a few seconds to find clothes hung in the wardrobe and even a pair of shoes that fit and a hat, to hide his face. Now disguised he moved quickly to the stairwell, unseen he exited the stairwell in the lobby off to one side of a empty reception desk. Geri left the hospital the air embraced him as a long lost friend and the darkness hid his escape. After 5-10 minutes luck came his way a second time in the form of a taxicab. Geri got into the cab and had him drive him to his old industrial estate, the driver Jim was in a good mood and trusted Geri as he left the cab to unlock and open the gates, luckily Geri had found two bobby pins on the back seat, he used them to pick the lock. Geri returned to the cab and directed Jim to drive round the back, Getting out from the cab again he feigned slipping in pain, Jim moved quickly to help Geri, he was taken by surprise as Geri suckered Jim in the gut twice, Geri dragged the gasping driver to the side of the cab, placing Jim's head on the trim he slammed the door hard and repeatedly until Jim's head was a bloody mess, Geri through Jim's limp body onto the backseat and drove the car into the back of the old paint factor building. Geri dragged Jim's body from the car, about to dump it in the corner when he moaned, Damn Jim was still alive, Geri looked around for something to finish the job with, paint cans stacked in one corner some furniture and trollies off to one side. Geri smirked as he saw the dip bathes against the back wall (acid bathes for stripping paint) He dumped Jim's body hard kicking his head before checking the bathes, they'd never been emptied, in went Jim after Geri emptied his pockets of cash. As Geri stood watching the bath pondering his next move, little did he expect what happened next.

Jim's body rose eyes wide open, he let out a blood curdling scream that turned into a kind of choking gurgle as acid went in through his mouth taking lips and tongue as it melted his throat, Geri quickly grabbed a old broom from it's leaning post and pushed Jim's body under the surface of the acid, a moment or two later the surface bubbled red then fell still, Jim and the broom were gone. Geri upturned a wooden chair and sat down with a satisfied smirk on his face.

Well that was messy! yes it was Geri thought to himself, but now his mind was filling with ideas, he new what he must do, it was time for REVENGE! such a sweet desert. But first he had work to do, preparations for what would happen next, in his new House of Pain! He laughed at his own idea, it was not a pleasant sound.

First thing to do was deal with the taxicab, Geri set to it with a handful of tools scattered about the place and a lucky toolbox found in the cabs boot, he removed all the plates and signs on the outside, the meter, dash cam and of course the tracking gear all went the same way as Jim into the acid bath. Then Geri moved onto the cars colour, yellow just wouldn't do, so he went to the stack of paint cans. Not one can was full or the same colour, so Geri mixed them in a large barrel, once painted the car looked better than he'd hopped, from different angles the car seemed a different colour and when driven different still, this would make it hard to identify, this was good. Geri then set to creating his house of pain, gathering things from across the industrial estate, after a few hours it was all ready, so into the car he climbed and headed out. At night he parked opposite James's house, he watched James enter through a side door and a light came on. Geri moved swiftly across the road using the shadows and entered the house. "Hello James!" James was startled by this low menacing voice, he turned slowly and was met by a crowbar to the face, not only did it make a satisfying thunk sound but bone was broken as James's body slumped to the floor, Geri knelt down and checked "good not dead, there is much fun to be had!" Geri bound James so he couldn't move should he come round, Geri shot back across the road and got into the car, he reversed across the road onto the drive, into the boot went James. Geri turned off the light and drove back to the House of Pain. The real fun was about to begin!

Her eye's flickered open, they felt heavy. They closed again then opened wide, her head felt groggy, she couldn't remember going out last night. Then like a slap to the face, her mind became sharp and focused, she couldn't move! She could feel leather straps or belts on her legs and her wrists, head and across her waist, they were tight, WTF! Then it dawned on her she was also naked. As she realised she wasn't cold she was able to calm enough for her censes to work, all seemed quite well there was a dripping sound somewhere, before she could focus on that sound the smell hit her. A acrid smell hit her first, then a musty in fact several unpleasant smells came to her one at a time, each hitting like a slap to her confused mind. Then the worst found her, like a burst sewer mixing with cross winds from a abattoir on the hottest day of summer. She started to gag and retch but her throat was dry and stomach empty The taste of the smell made her feel worse, so she shut her mouth and tried not to breath in as deeply. Her eyes started to sting and water, then she tasted it, warm and coppery, Blood! she ran her tongue round her mouth, all her teeth were gone and her gums a mess, oh god she felt a new panic, where who why too many questions, she coughed and blood dribbled to her chin to help stain her white skin with the dry blood already there. At this point a noise from across the room distracted her from her horror, she had to blink a couple of times as the sound came again, yes yes it was over there. A muffled whimper, she was not alone! as she gassed around she could see six chairs, each had a person strapped to it each was naked each had their own blood stains at least one of those appeared to be dead. She focused more closely and saw one was missing their legs and over another lay a dirty blood stained sheet, OH god! what was all this, what had she done to deserve this hell. She was about to scream when the sound of scrapping wheels came to her, and worse it seemed to be getting closer.

Ah Miss Nimbet you are awake! Ah formality formality, no need for that is there Sally. She stared into the twisted face of the one eyed man as he came to her side. GGgeri ? Ahh the bitch duff remember, didn't visit the hospital though did you Sally! he sat her name. She went to speak, ah Geri raised his hand, never mind what's done is done. that's the past and you're future is about to begin. Geri dragged two covered trollies into view, it was them that had made the noise before. As he placed a trolley on either side of Sally they rattled grating on the censes. Yes yes before the fun lets have a little entertainment, with that Geri wheeled over another trolley with a tv and video player on it, making sure Sally could see he turned it on, Geri's image came into focus, Hello Sally I hope you are sitting comfortably, his image stepped to one side, a man was strapped to a chair just as she was and also like her he was naked, however he was gagged by silver tape. You remember the stylist James don't you?

With a wave of his hand Geri said "matters not" you know he never visited me either. With that tv Geri swung a large hammer at James's left ankle, there was a loud crack of the bone breaking and a strange sound of flesh taring his foot went limp, James physically strained against his straps and released a muffled cry of pain. Geri picked up another hammer 'PAUSE' Sally had closed her eyes, "oh no my dear we can't have that you must watch, Geri walked over and turned the tv off, returning to Sally he said " you must watch, I made these videos for you!" at Sally's side Geri used his left hand to mop her tears and to gently stoke a stray hair from her face, with his right hand he stuck a needle to her neck and squeezed and Sally shortly passed out. Now asleep Geri set too with plyers scissors and a scalpel to remove Sally's eye lids, she would watch tv when she wakes, Geri sat back and grinned to himself. Geri looked at his watch, he had at least 30 minuets and it was lunch time, he went for a sandwich and a cup of tea.

Sally stirred to the sound of music playing somewhere, She focused her eyes and tried to blink, nothing happened only pain, in her mind a scream rang out. Geri turned off the radio, he had been watching Sally waiting for her to wake.

Sally Sally Sally you must try and control your self! you don't wont to upset our guests. Geri gestured to the other chairs around the room. Now that you are awake it's time to carry on with with James's video, he clapped his hands and a crooked smile added to Sally's torment. Sally croaked as she spat out , No no please no her voice broken and dry. Geri glared at her for a second, his face and tone softened as he said "Hush now shhh hush!" and pressed play. On screen Geri changed hammer and swung it into James's ankle, bones cracked flesh tore blood flowed and James screamed, Geri cooed at his once friend " I know I know it hurts" and with a grin parting his lips Geri a stick in his hand started to sing, tapping his foot sending pain throughout James's body, the foot bone is connected to the (poke) ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the shin bone (crack went the lump hammer) a bruised welt of nasty colour appeared instantly, to which Geri smiled, James somehow still conscious whimpered and wept. Geri turned his back until James stopped blubbering. Geri started to sing again as he slowly turned round a brick hammer in one hand and a claw hammer in the other "the shin bone is connected too" James started to beg to plead. Geri sang louder as he swung both hammers, shin bone is connected to the knee bone, again and again Geri swung until a bloody pulp of broken bone was all that remained of James's knees. James somehow found his voice and spoke "Geri please no more no more, God man what did I ever do to you!?" This made Geri see red as he turned away, with a scream of strength Geri picked up and swung the sledge hammer straight into James's head, it exploded like a water melon, blood brain and bone sprayed the camera turning the tv screen red, before the tv turned off you could here Geri laughing. Grinning Geri said to Sally " now wasn't that fun". Sally's jaw was working soundlessly, her eyes were blood shot, Geri walked over to her "here drink this" she drank the water, Sally looked at Geri with fear and discussed, Geri took the bottle away and poured what was left on the floor, "kindness I show you kindness and you repay me, by looking at me that way!" As punishment for you're glair, Geri brought over a fan aimed it at her exposed eyes and turned it on, then went to make another cup of tea. After a brief moment Geri returned and turned off the fan and move it away. Sally had a relieved for a moment as she shivered, her naked body was covered in goose bumps. Geri turned back round, Sally" Nooo please Geri no god nooo" Snip Snip, Geri pinched Sally's belly in two places and cut using Tin snips, two bits of flesh fell across her belly then to the floor. Sally was screaming as Geri walked away after sealing the wounds with a blow torch. Geri didn't return that night.

Just as Geri was returning to Sally's side, the large screen image froze and lights in the hall came back on. "ok! class, that was the horrific case from 10 years ago, of Geri Mathews! Any questions?"

Mr Chambers Sir, A young looking Hispanic girl raised her hand. Yes Jenny what is your question. How many people did Geri kill? Well what we know is Geri took 7 people from their homes, from the videos and evidence found it's possible he killed more than 7. What we know is of the 7 people taken he killed, James Greaves a stylist, Bella Chace and Chazz Carter models Geri had worked with, Also there was Charlie Burke a orderly from the hospital that treated him, the remains of 4 other people were found in the so called house of pain. As for the other people known to be kidnapped were, Gemma Carter model, Nurse Heather Stamp from the same hospital and of course there was his tv star girlfriend Sally Nimbet, they all survived their ordeals, well that is to say they lived, however they are all receiving special care to help them deal with the mental and physical trauma. Any other Questions?

Ah Tommy! After seeing that Geri had the perfect location, in that he had isolation the site was in his mothers name, surely he could have gone on forever, so what I'm asking is how did he get caught?

Well it appears on either the night of James's death video or the night after, something quite random happened.

Four young lads after having a bit too much to drink, the 3 older ones were also a little high and after somewhere to chill. They broke into what they thought was a abandoned buildings, they were wrong!

Those lads were: Jamie Lake (19) Bobby Crane (18) Mike Hitch (18) and Hitch's little brother Johnny (16) They had no idea. All was ok at first and if they'd only stayed in the back room they'd broken into things might of ended differently. However they decided to wonder and explore and of course they found Geri's kill room. Johnny had stayed back feeling the booze in his system, later he admitted something scared him into holding back, the others laughed at him calling him light weight and stepped on into the room. The lads found the circle of seats, Bobby Crane was supposed to have said "wow great dummies man! must be a film set or something". hey Mike touch one, Mike not wanting to seem the pussy stepped forward, he reached out and touched the legless body of Nurse Heather Stamp, her body quivered cold to his touch, then she moved, the boys stumbled back screaming at the knowledge, not dummies but bodies real people. From behind them came a loud angry voice "WHAT THE HELL!" it was Geri. Johnny was scared stiff glued to the spot in the shadows by the door, he gave a statement later say what he couldn't help but witness.

Geri raised the nail gun in his hand and pulled the trigger hitting all three lads, they fell to the floor, Bobby and Mike lay screaming in pain but not Johnny's brother for Hitch lay dead eyes wide open cold and staring at nothing. Geri stepped forward reloading the nail gun, He unloaded into both boys heads silencing them for good, Geri dropped the nail gun and stooped grabbing Mike's ankles. I would just like to add that it took 7 months of one to one with Johnny to get anything from him so bad was his personal trauma. Johnny still glued to the spot not really believing what he was seeing, Geri dragged Johnny's friends and brother over too the bathes, in they went to be consumed by the acid. The smell flicked a switch and Johnny turned and ran for his life. Geri never realised that Johnny had been there in the shadows, he'd ran straight to the cops, Geri unaware had carried on his little game and was surprised when surrounded by cops, they cuffed Geri and took him away into custody.

Um Sir one more Question please, What is your question Zane?

WHERE IS GERI NOW?