Pathless
THE BURGLARY
There were lots of advantages being born a wiz kid in the twenty first century. Michael Franklin recognized the advantages soon enough.
Michael was born on the edge of Wulfe town. Sunny weather, clear blue skies, swaying palm trees, and gorgeous surfs. Downtown Wulfe Pulp is a haven to the most scandalous, and dishonorable criminals. They are born, breed, and dignified in hellish enclave.
Michaels father Edward Franklin, is originally from South Africa. Aged 16, His father, moved to Los Angeles to stay with an uncle, Marion Franklin. Regrettably two days after Edward arrived the town, his uncle is shot dead in his rented apartment
"Please you can take anything you want, but spare our lives," his uncle pleaded. Marion Franklin was made to kneel down, with both hands up.
They had been woken by loud voices in the living room. A group of masked men barged into their separate rooms, and roughly ordered them out to the living room, aiming guns at them. A tall, skinny, Mexican was leader of the group. His hair a huge dread, with long rough beard and tattoo’s over his body. Smoking weed and brandishing a really big gun.
He speaks to Uncle Marion angrily "Listen nigger. I would make this plain and simple. Just tell us where the money is. We know you got paid for a contract job” Skinny Tattoo twitches slightly, it’s obvious he is high on something. "Where is the money?” He snapped, and hit Marion twice in the face with the butt of the gun. "Please. Why are you doing this, there isn’t any money bro," his uncle begged. His face swollen and bloody.
This infuriates Skinny Tattoo. "You think you can mess with me? He points the gun at the back of Marion’s skull, and clock’s it. "I will count to three, either you tell me where you hid the money, or I will burst your brain all over this floor.”
There is a saying in Pulp city, that "When the darkness descended, it brought with it a host of demons. Stalking shadows that pick up the hat and the minister's coat, ready to ravage the night". Wild, and chaotic. Especially at night, Wulfe Pulp was known for gruesome murders.
Just as Skinny Tattoo starts to count. A member of the gang walks up to him, and whispers in his ear.
They made a mistake. They were at the wrong house. Skinny tattoo, removes his face mask "You sure about that nigger?" "Pretty sure man” the thug replied, pointing to a piece of paper he is holding. “Here on the receipt from the old pimp. It says 308 Johnson's Boulevard Wulfe. But the address at the door reads 308 Thompson's Boulevard. "What the hell!" Skinny Tattoo screams. "Grab all you can, we leave immediately!" He ordered his men. The next minute, they emerge with various items in there possession and scamper out the front door. Neighborhood dogs kept an incessant barking. Edward and his uncle remain on the floor, after the gang left, the entire moment felt like eternity.
Just when they imagine the worst is over. Skinny Tattoo returns to the apartment. He fires three times, point blank at Uncle Marion, in the chest. The booming sound reverberates in Edwards’s ear. He cover’s both ear in utter dread, his eyes closed. Edward has never heard the sound of a gun.
When the smoke cleared, Edward opened his eyes, to find his uncle lying in a pool of his blood.
His uncle's neighbors called the cops. An ambulance took the corpse away. Police cars with swirling red and blue lights are parked in front of the apartment. Edward is sitting at the back of an ambulance. A huge white towel wrapped around his body. The shock of his Uncle's death, knowing he was now alone in a country he barely settled were realities he tried to grapple.
Three days later, Edward is visited by a white gray lady, who says she's from Wulfe's Welfare Board. They provide assistance, for families and child support. "What's your name, boy?” Playmore asked Edward. Peering through dark rimmed spectacles. "Edward Franklin." Edward replies dryly. "Well, Edward. I guess you know you're more or less an orphan now in the United State." She says coarsely. Edward starts to cry. "Stop crying!" Playmore urges indifferently. "You should say your prayers, and hope we resolve your issue quick enough.” She's talking to Edward pathetically. Under the "irregular circumstance", since he has no surviving relation or parent, to be awarded custody. Arrangements would be made for his deportation back to South Africa. If he was willing, he could be assigned foster care in preparation for adoption. But in her opinion, he is too old to stay in a foster home. However, that was the last time Edward saw or heard from Daphne Playmore
One week later, after the lease on his Uncle's apartment expired, Edward finds himself on the streets. He toyed with the prospect of selling his uncle's bare properties for a plane ticket back to Africa. After a pawn shop owner approached him.
Sadly, the day he sold the items. He is robbed in broad daylight, near the pawn shop. Mugged by a group of hooded black thugs. Three men and a mean looking broad surround him, pointing guns. He was knocked to the floor, he’s neck and hand’s forcefully penned, disabling him. They stole the cash in his pants. Edward is thankful he wasn’t shot. Penniless, with nothing but a loose slack and a trench coat. Edward Franklin begins to roam the cold streets of Wulfe Pulp.
ON THE STREETS OF WULFE PULP
Jacky Slumdog slashing Edward twice with a horse whip he is holding. Edward screams and leaps away, holding his back. Jacky asks Edward “Sure tastes nice, doesn’t it?” Edward stares back, stupefied. He attempted to apologize. Then, felt a slap so hard across his face, he turns the opposite direction. Jacky's say's again with a scowl “there is every reason to be sorry. You wouldn’t imagine how much these shoes cost.”
Jacky Slumdog works for Baron Santiago, managing waste in Wulfe Pulp. Santiago Hudson is a government official. Like others Santiago syphons funds meant for the people into his personal accounts. Jacky's crew handled payments to homeless citizens for trash.
Bereft of income, Edward Franklin picked trash around Wulfe Pulp’s metropolis. When credit cards were ready to be distributed. First in line was Edward Franklin. But a scuffle ensued, and someone shoves Edward, who steps on Jacky Slumdog.
Getting let-off from criminal gangs is Edward’s biggest challenge. It wasn't enough to be strong on the streets. One had to be mean, and ruthless. He learnt to be crafty and street wise. Steering clear of drugs and the hoodlums, keeping mostly to himself.
The rest of the afternoon, Edward spends it in his make shift abode. An old, double decker train abandoned at the dead end section of the rail station.
Turning around uncomfortably on cardboard bedding. His back felt sore, and his jaws still hurt. He feels an inward bitterness. But at the same time, he is thankful, he wasn't shot. People got whacked for less offence. He was without his card. Another long week with nothing to eat." The damned city." he muttered, but he hadn't enough sleep for almost a week. Soon he is nodding off to sleep.
Edward slept and didn't bother getting up, till it was almost sun down the following day. What he didn’t know however, there was a runaway train at the grand truck station that afternoon. Army Hudson, daughter of Santiago Hudson was returning from school with her headphones on. Loud screams from stupefied bystanders rudely woke him. Army is on the track of the runaway train, speeding towards the terminal. The clamor and yells fell on deaf ears.
Edward froze, when he saw the horror about to happen. At the same time, he accessed the situation. There was a chance; he could reach her before the train. Next instant, he was out of the confine and racing towards the girl. Back in South Africa, Edward is a famous athlete. In high school, he is number one 100 meters race champion.
Edward amazes himself. He sprints so hard his lungs felt like bursting. He forgot he put himself in danger racing in front of a speeding train. He manages to reach Army on time. Grabbing her, and diving off the tracks himself. The speeding train meters behind, race pass with ferocious swiftness.
Crowds gathered, Army Hudson is shaking terribly. Edward is the center of attention around the station. That day Edward got to meet Santiago Hudson. A barrel set man, visibly appreciative of what Edward had done. In front of his apartment, next to the station. He takes Edward into a computer retail shop, he owns to have a chat with him.
“What’s your name son?” Edward is still trying to catch his breath. He is holding a bottle of water handed to him by Army Hudson. “Edward sir” he replies. “Edward who?” “Edward Franklin.” “Where you from son” “South Africa”. “I see, so you are from Africa. What are you doing in the US? Where did you learn to run like that?” Edward frankly replies, describing a bit of his past. Including the unfortunate incident with his Uncle. “It’s a sad case for you son, and regrettably a crime ridden city to be in. Serial killers, rapist, and muggers are running the show. You need to be careful around these parts. So how did you learn how to run like that, and have you previously meet my daughter?” "I learnt to run back in school sir, and no, I have never met your daughter." “And you went on to save her life; you can’t imagine how glad I am. How old are you?” “Would be 21 in June sir.” “Can you read and write?” “Yes I can. I concluded basic education in South Africa, before I joined my Uncle” “Have you any other skill apart from sprinting like a gazette?” “I know how to cook sir, my mother is a food vendor, and I worked with her often.” “Is that so, I was hoping you could be handy around here at the shop. Sometimes I get saddled with multiple demands. And Army has to go to school. I wouldn’t mind teaching you the bit I know about computers. We have a store room, with space enough for you to sleep. That’s if you are interested, getting off the streets?"
Edward is indebted. It was his resolve; one didn’t need to be born with a silver spoon to achieve great things. He is eager to set aside his drawbacks, convinced he was given a second chance. He promised not to disappoint Santiago Hudson.
THE BOY MICHAEL
Ten years after the freak incident at the Railway Station. Edward Franklin proposed to Army Hudson, daughter of Santiago Hudson.
They grew close, from constant interaction at the retail shop. Edward, the homeless beggar treated Army with chivalry and respect. Unlike the uncultivated manner of Santa Monica's men folk.
His prowess, effectively managing her father's business, was notable. What captivated Army most was Edward’s sense of sacrifice.
Apart from whisking her away from death. The homeless man was extremely selfless. At their apartment, he helped her father build a kitchen shelf from reclaimed wood. On a spring break, he helped them plant a garden of cherry blossoms behind their apartment. And once she was down with flu. He offered to paint her bedroom a fresh coat of spring green.
One day, at the computer shop. They found themselves together and alone. Edward is handling repairs on some electronic gadgets, when they mistakenly wrack up on each other. Next minute they were face to face embracing themselves. In the heat of the moment, Army says to Edward "You are not the kind of man I hoped for. But it’s obvious, I have fallen for you. You are different." Then she revealed, "I have never been kissed before. I want to know how it feels." She is trembling, looking into his eyes, and breathing hard. Edward is pleasantly amused, and equally breathless. His response betrays his desire “I have always wanted to do this” Their lips are parted, and intertwined in an earnest, nerve-racking, sparks flying, kiss.
No one around, they fall deeper in the pool of desire, and returned shuddering, with a climatic finale.
After they had sex, Army wonders out loud "What do we do now?" Edward smiles "We just take it as it comes" he replied planting a kiss on her forehead.
At first, Edward wasn't sure Army Hudson would fancy his low-life background. Her father was a powerful crime boss in the city. He knew well to keep his innervation to himself. Things changed after that, however. Knowing they were in love, kicked off a deeper level in their relationship.
Months later he proposed to Army at her father's house. At the back of the apartment, under the cherry orchards. On Christmas Eve, Santiago Hudson organized a party for his loyal customers. After the fireworks and fanfare. He held her hand and took her to the back of the apartment. Looking into her eyes, he said. "I confess my life has been way better because I met you. And because you are a part of it, it feels exciting. Nervously he asked her "Will you marry me?” Army's breathe catches, her eyes light up and her heart skips a beat. She kissed him roughly on the lips. And replies "I love you. I am honored." Edward is pleasantly surprised.
The first few months he joined the Hudson’s family. He looked like an odd egg. His presence induced polite raised eyebrows. Now, it turns out he's several steps, ahead of everybody else. There was no indication, of the ruthlessness that got him that far.
At the retail outlet, his sales idea is aggressive, and effective. When customer demands skyrocketed 70% after the first two years. Santiago Hudson rented additional space, and Edward employed more hands to cope with sales and maintenance.
At the time Michael Franklin, was born six years later. Edward devoted himself to teaching children at the Saint Andrew’s Grammar School, Wulfe Pulp. He believed he finally figured the one thing the town desperately needed, after living fifteen years in the jagged Pulp. And that was the education of its youths. The few kids at school were there because they saw a shimmer of light in the building.
Michael, his third child was born a normal baby boy, healthy and full of life. But two years down the line, the boy still hadn’t uttered a word. It was established he could hear, but he could not speak. When he was 4 years and still silent, Edward and Army’s apprehension turned to panic, with regular sleepless nights and many distress calls to the pediatrician.
One evening, Army accidentally dumped the family's groceries into the trash bin outside the house. She only remembered after waste management got rid of the contents.
That evening she called the leading gynecologist at the Wulfe Medical Center
"Is everything okay," he asked. “How are my sweethearts, and Michael?' "'They are tucked in bed Jerome. It is I who is finding it hard to sleep. You wouldn't believe I threw groceries I bought today into the garbage barrel thinking it was trash?" ‘Did you?' said Jerome finding it hard not to laugh, and snubbing out his cigarette. “The past few weeks has been difficult, I keep finding it hard to concentrate.” "But there's no point at all to worry. The kid is fine; he will come through soon enough." "But why can’t he speak? Today, he dashed pass me after he heard the sound of his father's car outside, even before I got out of the kitchen." “But that's exactly the point. If his speech delay is accompanied by other symptoms, then I would say there is an underlying cause. But for Michael the signs are different, he show’s no visible defect. Like I said it’s possible, he has willed not to talk, and there's a broad range of what's deemed normal when it comes to childhood development." "How long do we have to wait doctor, till he begins to speak?" Amy started to cry quietly. "Stop beating yourself Army, the delay is only temporal, he would resolve the dilemma soon enough. Encourage him to talk often. Read to him if you have to, it will speed him up." Army Hudson follows the doctor’s instruction, best as she can.
Incredibly Michael began to speak the following year. Not only did he begin to speak, two months later, he astonished the entire family, after he went on to learn to speak and read French, German, and Chinese, all by himself.
THE GOLDENEYE
At 5 Michael exhibited an IQ of 170. Extremely rare for his age. His thirst for knowledge kept increasing. He spent his time reading all kinds of stuff. He learnt calculus, algebra, and trigonometry all by himself. In no small way bewildering his parents.
In third grade Michael is allowed to participate in his schools 5th grade science fair competition. That year, his invention won the competition. He astonished the entire audience after he tackled advanced concepts in math's and physics like he was having a piece of cake.
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, including Leslie and Daisy his sister’s, were at the fair. They supported him, at different stages of his preparation. At the end of the fair, a reporter approached Michael while the family prepared to leave. Michael is reluctant to grant the interview. The reporter decides to engage Edward Franklin instead.
Reporter; "What exactly was your role in Michael's achievement sir?
Mr. Edward; "From as little as one year old, Michael showed keen interest in learning. He would sit alone reading all kinds of books. At 4 Michael would finish a synopsis in the Britannica and tell you virtually everything in it. Math's is his best subject. I work as an IT consultant and Michael's aptitude for software programming has been amazing. My library is like his home."
Army Hudson, was eager to join the interview. "His assimilative ability is way phenomenal. He would listen to our conversations and give us ideas, from what he knows. Though his progress can sometimes be frightening, my husband and I decided not to make him skip classes. We want him to have a normal upbringing like other kids."
Giant software companies offered the young prodigy juicy job offers. But Michael insists he wants to be left alone to figure out what he really wanted.
In final year he started work on a multi complex software program. His father nicknamed the 'GoldenEye'. First he purchased a Pixel protean smart phone recently launched into the market, and turned the device into a "hacking powerhouse".
He spent long hours in the basement of his father's computer lab, rebuilding the phones complex programming. And replacing most of the hardware from scratch.
When the GoldenEye was turned on, it interfaced with other nearby electronic devices, segregating and scanning their vulnerability, and gained access. In the "close call" contact, the artificial intelligence went on to clone the hosts programs, and cleared track. Routing information to the mainframe of the GoldenEye undetected. Whatever the technology, cellular, computer, gaming or security cameras so long as the device was within 30 feet of the GoldenEye signal radius. It hacked the external device under four minutes or less.
Michael was 15 when he created the GoldenEye. His parents agreed the device was unprecedented and futuristic. Edward Franklin especially is indecisive whether the world is prepared for the gadgets super smart intelligence. He cites security implications of its use. He argued, if inadvertently, the device fell to the wrong hands. It can threaten world peace.
Weeks to his graduation, Michael has the following conversation with his father. In a Locker room, he rearranged as a mini laboratory, at their apartment. “Has the school assigned garments for the graduation? His father began. "They gave the go-ahead, but class representatives are yet to distribute them." "Have you concluded final tests on the GoldenEye?" "I made a few adjustments. But It should be ready before presentation day." "Have you filled out the forms? " "No dad, project office is yet to announce the requisition open, we expect any time soon" "Did you talk to anyone about the GoldenEye. Including Rajan, your science teacher. Does anyone know about the gadget?" "No dad, haven't spoken to anyone. Besides half the class are keeping their projects a surprise. At least until the forms are out". "That's good son, because I intend to talk to you about that piece of device. Your mother and I concluded for your best interest, the GoldenEye should be kept a secret. Which means it would be unwise to showcase it at the graduation." "But dad, I spent an entire year building the GoldenEye. It's the best model I have so far" "Trust me Michael; the world isn't going to see it that way. Like some elementary grad school science project. The world is way more dangerous than you imagine. People can get killed if they comprehend its ability. And you know it's illegal to hack people's devices without permission." "So we won't be attending the graduation ceremony?" "Believe me son everything will be fine, we will come up with an excuse. It's a one day event. Everyone knows you are way ahead and would graduate top of the class already.”
Michael was flabbergasted "Can it be really that dangerous?" "Yes son. We talked about it, Leslie and Daisy inclusive. A device with such powers can bring more harm than good, if it gets out to the public. I have confidence in you son, there are many amazing device's you are yet to build. But this one. Shit is way more dangerous than you imagine." "Okay, I will handle it". "That's like a good son. We all have faith in you Michael. I especially am proud you are my son". "Thank you Dad".
Sadly that year, Michael skipped his schools Graduate students research presentation and award night. He however graduated top of the class with flying honors.
Rajan Drought his science teacher, including the President of the student’s alumni expressed their disappointment. They knew he was working on something special. After Michael concluded tests, on the gadgets performance. The entire family kept the almost omniscient brilliance of the GoldenEye a secret.
THE ANGEL OF DEATH
Two am in the morning. In his room Michael is preoccupied with his latest invention. The GoldenEye hacked mobile phones, office computers. Including street and front yard cameras around his neighborhood.
He watched people on the streets. Proceedings in offices, stores, and hotel rooms. There were explicit scenes of people bathing, undressing or having sex. Flicks containing domestic, and gang related violence were also reeled-in.
He was home alone. Over the weekend, Leslie and Daisy returned from school at the University of Wulfe. That evening, his parents drove them back to their doom at the University.
Just before midnight, he heard a knock at the front door of the apartment. Two police officers were outside the front porch. They showed their badges. One of the officers calmly informed him, "His entire family was involved in a fatal vehicle accident." It turned out they were driving through a snowstorm and ran into a GMC truck. For several minutes Michael stood transfixed. He couldn't believe the story offered by the cops. But then, the reality dawned on him, and the world suddenly felt like an enemy. Santiago Hudson had to identify the bodies. Sympathizers kept coming and leaving the apartment, a combined funeral was arranged.
Over the next couple of days Michael Franklin became acutely withdrawn, and struggled with a medley of emotions.
After wrestling in the dumps for a month, his ingenuous mentality began to re-examine his new reality. He figured he needed fresh perspectives, since he was left to decide what he purely wanted.
He started to read biographies of people who led wealthy, conservative lives, deciding to live as one.
He also commenced to build an e-commerce website over the internet. His plan was to start a fully, data driven Telecommunication and Robotic company of his own. But before the portal is published. The plan was to find a trusted ‘foreman' to manage, the business while he remained in the background.
In the meantime, he needed to generate a robust cash capital for the smooth take-off of his grand plan.
Action was always hot in Wulfe Pulp. Gambling table's attracted hordes of wild cards looking to try their luck at the Wild Bill. A highest paying table in the city was the Broadway Hotel and the Casino Seven Stud. Michael successfully hacked the two casinos the same day.
He hacked the betting slots separately, at their locations with the GoldenEye. By decrypting the program 'seed'. An advanced random, make-believe number generator, he is able to predict given outcomes on the slot machines.
In his hotel room, he took time to practice the etiquette, and was tip top on the rules at the tables. At a quarter to midnight, Michael walked into the Broadway Hotel. In a tuxedo, a mustache, and an afro hair style. The disguise was typical of Chicago and Washington DC upper class graduate students, passing through Wulfe Pulp. More amusing, he acted the part off a jettisoned date, drowning in self-pity and indifference.
The cash master was a burly, fellow "Can I speak to the pit boss?" Michael inquired. Minutes later, the pit master appears. He looked Chinese American, with a clean bald. "How can I help you sir?" He asked Michael with a blank stare. "What is the minimum bet?” “And what game would you like to play sir?" "The slot machine" Michael replied. "How old are you?" "Twenty one" "You need $8 to play the slot machine." The pit master replied." I will make a $50 Bet" "That's huge. Ever won the jackpot?” "Lady Luck was with me once, I won a $ 200,000 jackpot in Chicago" "You were definitely lucky. Maybe you will win big tonight." This way please". He said to Michael.
Michael's first bet was a flawed number, which reduced his stacks by half. However, tracking the slots progress. He went on to win every spin in four consecutive draws. The total jackpot was $500,000. A mountain of colored chips accumulated on his table, so also a large crowd.
"Would you like to cash-in your winning sir?" The Pit Boss asked Michael. “You can cash your stacks, or make the devil's spin."
Michael looked screwed. "Can I get a drink" He stuttered. "Of course.” the pit master replied. Michael buys himself a drink. Gulps down the content, and orders a round for the house. The crowd cheers, and applauds with ripples.
After acting the part, evaluating his options. He says to the Pit master "I will make the spin!” The crowd gave a murmured of surprise, and an ovation. "I am surprised at your decision, Mr. Ross" the pit master exclaimed. He started to gather the stacks of colored chips from Michael's table. After, he prepared the spin. He asked Michael to place his bet.
The crowd gave a suspenseful murmur just before Michael dropped the ball. The ball did the rotation and “Jackpot!” the crowd resounded excitedly.
Minutes later, cash under his arm, Michael crossed the street to a rented Limousine. At the back, he changed into a hooded jacket. And covered his afro with a baseball cap. Transferring the cash into a knapsack. At the next subway, he alighted, and lost himself in the crowd. He needed another two hours at the Casino Seven Stud. He would shave his afro hair, for a different disguise.
Located on Springfield. The Casino Seven Stud was more privileged and glittery. Age consent was lower and they made larger payouts. An hour and half later, he masterfully cashed $2 million from the joint.
The plan was to leave Wulfe Pulp and move underground. It was easier to stage a disappearance, in a city one didn't grow up.
Two hours, later he was in New York. After he checked into his hotel room. His first visit was to the bank where he deposited the cash in boogie accounts. Then to a theatrical shop, were he acquires a set of fake noses and teeth. Including an assortment of disguises. With no photograph or active information of him on the Internet, Michael was well prepared to conduct his business away from the public.
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