Free Piecemeal June by Jordan Krall

chest. Kevin, all things considered, was holding up pretty well. His main focus was fucking up that guy Max. Asshole, fucking sleazy piece of shit motherfucker... And then it dawned on him: he recognized this guy from some porno movies. Kevin remembered some videos that he saw; the degradation and misogyny 68 Piecemeal June made him sick to his stomach. This was the guy. He thought of him doing those same things to June. Fucking cocksucker. Simon walked into the living room and stood face to face with Max. And you. I no longer needed your services, I dismissed you and you have the gall to use my assassins for your own purposes? He motioned for Macchu, Bacchu, and Frank. They came out of hiding and stood behind Simon. Max, I hope you fully understand that youre now in a world of shit. Maxs eyes were bloated and fearful. His face turned red and with all of the bravery he could muster, he squeaked out one last attempt at machismo. Fuck you. It was barely audible. Simon chuckled. As King Dallas once said Ask not what your body can do for you, ask what I can do with your body. He put his hand on Macchus shoulder. I forgive you. Now take care of this piece of scitte. I want him part of my harem by tomorrow morning. Before Max could cry out or fight, the three creatures that, earlier that morning where snuggling in bed with him, proceeded to rip him to shreds in a matter of seconds. Frank especially took great pleasure in the kill; he had always taken reservation with Maxs letting Macchu pick the restaurant theyd get takeout from. Latrina put her hand on Simons shoulder. Are we done now? He didnt answer. Mushy, who just got finished pounding Pops skull into paste, walked up to Latrina and knelt down. Take me home, take me home, take me home, I dont want to go to Shadow Hills, dont want to crash, dont want to die. She nodded. Simon bent over and took June by the hand. I know youre confused, filled with a million memories that dont feel like your own. I want to help you make sense of it all. But you have to come back with me. Youre part of a love I once knew. She looked him in the eyes and tried to force herself to feel as if she 69 Jordan Krall had no choice in the matter. It would have made it a lot easier. But she knew that wasnt the case. She had a choice. Every one of her consciousnesses screamed to stay with Kevin. Im staying, Im sorry. She pulled her hand away. Simon turned around to Latrina, hoping for some support but was shocked at the sight of her on her hands and knees as she allowed Mushy to climb into the hole. Simon was heartbroken. His true love had committed suicide and now the only remnant of that love was being denied to him. Normally, in his world, he would have solved things by force, by some sort of authoritarian order. Unfortunately, Simon knew that not all of his powers extended to this reality. Besides, he didnt want to take her by force. He wanted her to want to go. Otherwise, what was the point? Mushys head was peaking out of Latrinas hole. He looked over at Kevin and June. Im going home! he yelled and then was completely swallowed in a brown splash. Simon turned his back on June and Kevin. Fine. He threw himself into Latrina who then fell into the pond of sewage that was covering the floor of Kevins apartment. She slowly disappeared beneath the surface. June and Kevin exchanged a tight, passionate hug. She put her plastic lips to his and breathed into his mouth. I love you. Though he tried not to, Kevin started crying. I love you, too. He blubbered into her cheek. I love you. As if sensing the affection and wanting to be in on it, Mithra came running out and turned over, revealing his belly. Kevin rubbed the cat and continued to cry. June wiped away his tears. Kevin? Yeah? I think Im pregnant. 70 EPILOGUE The Orange Dukkha was filled to capacity and Simon had a front seat for the event. Steven Sigil came out into the ring and shushed the audience. As you know, Im well known for being somewhat of a great