The Permutation

Results (Part 9) Vergil

Karen Wilson couldn't wrap her head around the fact that maybe he didn't want to be reminded of her every single day while he wasted his life away in Lancet Falls. Ever since he was little, she'd regarded him as the last hope of the Wilson line, and Vergil had been crushed underneath the weight of her expectations. He never was the boy she'd seen him as, and he wouldn't ever get over that.

It was a toss up, but Vergil decided food won out over sadness for the night. He only had to stay there for one night, and then he could find a more permanent solution. Albert was speechless for the first time since Vergil had known him, when the dog saw the mansion that Vergil had grown up in. The two had stood there speechless, each for different reasons. Albert broke the silence. "Why in God's name were you living in that hovel when you had a domicile like this at your disposal?'

"I'll tell you some other time," he replied. Albert must have sensed something in his tone, because all questions ended there.

As it turned out, most of the food still there had gone bad, but some non-perishables still proved edible. He gorged himself on stale potato chips and beef jerky. The dog accepted the jerky reluctantly, but at least he ate it. Vergil searched the grounds for alcohol, but there was not a drop to be had. His mother had always made sure of that. At that point, there was nothing left to do but twiddle their thumbs and wait for 10 p.m. to come around. He laid down on his bed and got lost in his memories. The next thing he knew Albert was telling him it was time to go meet Saul.

One advantage of living in a small town, was that most places were in walking distance of each other. Even with the loss of his bike, he could make it to just about anywhere on foot in thirty minutes. Toting Albert in his backpack, Vergil headed to O'Connell's not quite sure how he was going to explain his acquisition of schnauzer, but he didn't care. He felt excited. It must be the effects of the violet energy kicking in. Currently, he felt the reservoir of power filled to just below his knees.

"Tell me again how you know this Saul fellow Vergil," Albert demanded.

Vergil's response was curt, "He's an old friend of my mom's."

The dog huffed in exasperation, "Well, that certainly explains how your mother knows him."

"Knew him."

"Oh dear, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Now you do."

The next few minutes passed by in silence until Albert piped up again, "Why would a friend of your mother's buy alcohol for an alcoholic. That seems terribly irresponsible. It's no wonder you're so spectacularly screwed up with these types of role models."

"I don't care what you say about me, but I'm not going to hear you badmouth Saul around me. Are we clear?"

"Somebody is a bit testy, but I shall respect your wishes."

After a pause, Vergil continued, "He's buying me drinks because he's trying to convince me to take a job."

"Forgive me if I'm not understanding something. Why would somebody in your... unique position turn down any job offered him?" Albert asked in an abnormal attempt to be diplomatic.

"I don't need anyone's pity," he paused before continuing, "But I think I'm going to take him up on it this time. Everything feels different now."

"That's quite the understatement," the dog muttered.

O'Connell's was another five minutes away or so, and the two hadn't felt the need to add anything to the conversation. Vergil was okay with that. Main Street loomed in front of them with nary a soul to be had. Lancet Falls had always been a sleepy, family-oriented town, and after dark, most families had turned in for the night. The only signs of life emanated from O'Connell's pub. Neon lights and the occasional bout of raucous laughter the only indicator that it wasn't as vacant as the surrounding storefronts, but tonight was different. An ineffable pall coated this particular night.