The Savage: Memphis City Blues

 [The Savage vs. Crime Syndicate]

By: John Reeves 

1

The air was as heavy as ever, the city of Memphis was a place of sorrow and heartbreak. The blue grey sky was a somber mood of grief and despair.

Trevor and Sarah had been observing the crowd and had noticed suspicious behavior. Even the air felt thick with humidity, and the humidity alone seemed to weigh down on Trevor's chest.

As they walked together, Trevor and Sarah were suddenly approached by several gang members who seemed to be up to no good.

"He's here!" One of the gang members shouted. 

It became very clear that Trevor and Sarah were being watched. Trevor was on high alert for trouble. Sarah could see the tension on his face.

As they continued through the crowd, they kept a close eye on their surroundings. The Memphis night air was thick with humidity. It was making it hard for them to breathe.

A moment of peace fell over them, but it didn't last long. Trevor noticed something suspicious.

"You hear that?" Trevor asked Sarah.

Sarah looked around, listening. "Yeah, there's something off."

"Stay close to me." Trevor said.

Trevor's keen instincts told him that something wasn't right. The suspicious behavior caught his attention.

"Something's not right." Trevor whispered to Sarah.

Sarah nodded. "This whole situation feels a bit off."

They continued walking, the humidity weighing down on them.

A chill went up Trevor's spine. He was aware of being watched.

"Don't look," Trevor said, keeping his voice low.

Sarah could sense something was up too. Her eyes darted around, trying to catch a glimpse of whatever was being kept hidden from sight.

"What is it?" She whispered.

"Someone is following us." Trevor said, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Sarah's eyes widened, and she moved closer to him. "How do you know?" She asked in a hushed voice.

"I just do." Trevor answered, keeping his voice low.

The tension was rising, and the air felt even thicker. Sarah kept close to Trevor as they continued walking through the crowd.

They continued walking, the thick air making it challenging to breathe. Sarah's heart raced, and her senses were on high alert.

Trevor's sharp eyes remained alert, watching their surroundings carefully. 

"I can still feel someone's eyes on us." Trevor murmured.

"I can feel it too." Sarah said, keeping her voice low.

She could feel that they were being followed, and Trevor's sharp senses were picking up on it too.

As they weaved through the crowd, Sarah's anxiety was growing. The feeling of being watched only heightened by the thick, humid air.

"We need to get out of here, and fast." Trevor said under his breath.

They moved with urgency, weaving through the crowds, keeping a close eye on their surroundings.

Sarah's heart was pounding, and she could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She trusted Trevor's gut instinct.

"Keep moving." Trevor instructed.

They walked faster, with their heads bowed slightly. The feeling of being watched refused to leave them.

Sarah's head was on a swivel, trying to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. 

"Where do we go?" Sarah whispered.

"I don't know." Trevor replied, keeping his voice low.

They walked quickly, looking for somewhere to go. Trevor's sharp senses were alert, he could still feel the presence of their stalker.

Sarah's anxiety was growing. "We need to find a safe place to hide." She murmured.

"I'm trying." Trevor whispered.

They continued to hurry, their hearts pounding like drums. The feeling of being observed was unsettling, and the humidity only amplified the feeling.

Sarah's head was on a swivel, trying to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. She looked for any place to hide.

"Any ideas?" Sarah asked, desperation creeping into her voice.

"Hang on, I think I know a place." Trevor said, still keeping his voice low.

He directed them quickly, leading them down a few alleyways and into a small, deserted building.

As they entered the building, Trevor turned to Sarah. "Wait here. I'll check something."

Sarah nodded, her heart still pounding. She leaned against the wall, waiting anxiously for Trevor to return.

The building seemed quiet and secluded, but the feeling of being watched was still a lingering presence.

Ten minutes passed, but it felt like an eternity. Sarah grew more and more anxious. Trevor had vanished, and she was left waiting in the secluded building.

Her heart raced with worry and uncertainty.

What was taking him so long?

After what felt like an eternity, Trevor reappeared.

He looked winded and slightly disheveled but otherwise unharmed. 

"We're good here" Trevor said, his voice low.

Sarah's heart nearly skipped a beat in relief. 

"What took you so long?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Just had to check a few things." Trevor shrugged, adjusting his hair and getting his bearings.

Sarah exhaled, relieved that he was alright. "Who was following us?" She asked, still anxious.

"I'm not sure. Just some guys in dark clothing." Trevor said, his expression serious.

He approached her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I got us out of there, didn't I?" He said, trying to reassure her.

Sarah looked up at him, her anxiety calming down a bit.

"Yeah, you did." She said, still trying to steady her breathing.

She felt safer now that Trevor was right there with her.

Trevor wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.

"It's going to be alright," he murmured.

She snuggled into his side, her heart rate beginning to slow.

They stood there for a moment, just holding each other. The tension gradually began to fade.

"We're alone now," Trevor said, kissing the top of her head.

He felt protective of her in that moment.

Sarah looked up at him with a mixture of relief and affection.

"I was worried," she admitted. "I thought something bad was going to happen."

She snuggled closer to him, finding comfort in his presence.

"It's okay now," Trevor said, his voice soft.

He pulled her even closer, holding her securely.

"I won't let anything happen to you." He meant what he said.

2

In an office building high above the street C-Note listens to his crew. As they tell him about the visitor's refusal to speak with him. 

"Yeah, yeah...that’s what I expected if you were really dealing with The Savage." C-Note said. 

"So you think it's him, Cee?" 

"Oh...it's definitely him. I suspected that it was, but you have confirmed that. Now, as to how we need to handle this." 

"Do you want us to hit him up?" 

C-Note looks at his guy with a quick glare. "Do you know who this guy is?" 

"I mean...he's like the others, huh?" 

"No...not at all...he's nothing like the others. This man killed 5 heavily armed men by himself with a fucking hunting knife." C-Note explained. 

The gravity of the situation was sinking in for C-Note. This was someone with a reputation for being a dangerous man. 

He leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking.

The guy waiting for C-Note's response. 

"So, what's the move, Cee?" He asked.

C-Note glanced at the guy and gave him a serious look. 

"I think we need to tread carefully with this one." He said. 

He was not one to underestimate people based on rumors.

The guy took in C-Note's words, his expression serious too. 

"How do you want us to handle it, Cee?" He asked, deferring to his boss's judgment.

C-Note rubbed his chin, considering his options. 

"I'm gonna put a team on him," C-Note said, his mind already going over the details. 

"We need to know more about him. His habits, where he's staying." He added.

The guy nodded, understanding what C-Note wanted. 

"So, you want us to tail him, then?" He asked, making sure he understood correctly.

"Exactly." C-Note replied. 

His mind was made up. 

"I want to have eyes on him 24/7."

The guy nodded again, understanding the task ahead of them. 

"So how do we get started?" 

He asked, already planning out the team assignment.

C-Note thought for a moment, already visualizing the plan in his mind. 

"I already have a couple of guys that I trust for this." He said, leaning back in his chair.

The guy listened intently. 

"Who do you have in mind?" He asked, curious to find out who was going to be on the team.

"I've got a few good men who I can count on." C-Note answered. 

He listed a couple of names off, men he had worked with before. 

"They're highly loyal and skilled." He added.

The guy nodded. 

"Sounds good." He said, feeling confident in C-Note's abilities to choose the right team.

"One more thing." C-Note said, his demeanor shifting to a more serious tone.

The guy noted the change in C-Note's demeanor. 

"What is it?" He asked, ready to listen.

"This man...he's dangerous." C-Note said, his voice lowering. 

"I don't want any screw-ups. I want this handled professionally. That means no unnecessary risks."

The guy nodded, taking in C-Note's words. 

"Copy that, Cee." He said, understanding the seriousness of the situation.

C-Note gave the guy a stern look. 

"I expect nothing but the best from my guys." He said, looking at the guy with unflinching determination.

C-Note rolled his eyes at the mention of Christmas. 

"It's too close to Christmas to go losing men." The henchmen said. 

"Yeah, yeah. It's always Christmas with you." He said, his gruff demeanor still intact.

The guy tried to hide a chuckle at C-Note's response. He pictured his boss dressed like Santa Claus. 

C-Note noticed his reaction. 

"I'm serious." He said, giving him a deadpan glare.

The guy cleared his throat, hiding his amusement. "Sorry, Cee. I just..."

C-Note raised an eyebrow at the guy. 

"Just what?" He asked, clearly still not amused.

The guy sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. 

"I just find it hard to keep a straight face when you mention Christmas."

C-Note rolled his eyes again. 

"Of course you do," he muttered under his breath.

The guy tried to hide his smile again, but failed. 

"Come on, Cee. You know it's hard not to find it funny sometimes."

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." C-Note said, rolling his eyes again. "You weren't happy with your bonus." 

C-Note glowered at the guy, his eyebrows pinched into a stern frown.

"No, I was not." He said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

The guy chuckled. "You're still not happy about that?" He said, clearly amused.

C-Note's frown deepened, his irritation growing. 

"Of course I'm not happy about it." He retorted, his voice gruff. I take care of my men. Pay top dollar too. 

"And the bonus was a little short this year." He added, his tone still grumpy.

The guy held back a laugh. "It wasn't that short, Cee."

"It was short." C-Note shot back, frowning again. "Get to work." 

The men worked hard, and sure they deserved more, but in the end it wasn't bringing in what it once had. 

They had company that needed to be watched. 

If they weren't careful with The Savage he'd get them. That's why the proper play was to trail him. Keep an eye on him. 

3

Trevor and Sarah were sitting in the hotel room looking out window. There were four different vehicles watching them. 

"For some reason they're watching us. They were quick to find us, and never let up one bit since that point." 

Two plain clothes detectives drove through. They went into the office, and then they pulled out of the parking lot. 

"How could anyone have predicted that we'd make this our next move?" Sarah questioned. 

"That's a good question. Somebody is trying to create a mental breakdown, and make it look like they've got the jump on us." Trevor explained.

Things were definitely not going be as simple as showing up to Memphis and go hunting. That's definitely what Trevor had hoped for, but clearly not what was going to happen. There's always a secondary plan. The proverbial plan B. 

The room fell quiet for a moment, Trevor and Sarah both deep in thought. 

"So what do we do now?" Sarah asked, breaking the silence.

Trevor leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed as he thought. 

"I have a few ideas." He said, a determined look in his eyes.

Trevor's tone was serious. "First, we need to be extra careful. We don't know what we're dealing with. It could be a setup."

"And second?" Sarah prompted, her eyes fixed on Trevor.

"Second, we keep our cards close to the vest. We need to stay one step ahead of whoever is watching us." Trevor said, his voice firm.

"And we stick together," Sarah added, her tone determined.

Trevor nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We watch each other's backs."

"No one goes off alone." Sarah said, emphasizing the importance.

Once they made these important things known, and they understood the process of action they'd take, it was time to move.

 Trevor knew that they were being watched. So he walked straight out ,to the dock house on the east harbor.

Sarah glanced around nervously once Trevor had left. 

"This doesn't feel right." She said, her voice quiet.

Trevor heard Sarah's voice and turned to look at her. 

"I know." He said, his tone serious.

"We're being watched." Sarah said, stating the obvious.

"Clearly." Trevor said, his expression grim.

"What are we going to do?" Sarah asked. 

Trevor was still putting his plan into action, but if one of them were to step out of hiding, he'd kill them and set an example for the next brave one. 

"We should try to surprise them with an attack of our own?" Sarah recommended. 

"Take them by surprise?" Trevor asked, considering the idea.

"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" He raised an eyebrow at Sarah.

Sarah shrugged. "I don't know. Just seemed like a thought." 

Trevor didn't like the idea. It seemed too risky.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Sarah asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Trevor thought for a moment, his mind racing. 

"I have an idea." He said, his expression serious.

Sarah waited nervously, watching him expectantly.

"But it's going to require us to work together," Trevor went on, his voice firm.

"Of course." Sarah said, her expression determined.

"Let's plan this carefully," Trevor said, his expression serious once again. "We need to be ready for anything," Trevor said.  

As the hid down by the docks, Trevor knew that if they were found, then they'd know they were being followed.

"You don't seem to understand proper respect." Calvin 'EZ Money' Jones, said. "My boss told you that he needed to speak with you." 

Trevor looked at Calvin. On each side of him a muscle bound hitman. Sarah also noticed this arrangement. They observed the positioning of everything and everyone. 

"I'm doing your boss a favor." Trevor said. 

"How in the hell are you doing anything for him? You aren't doing anything at all." Calvin said. 

"By choosing to not meet with him I've spared him and his life. Because he's exactly the type that I enjoy killing." Trevor said. 

"Is that right? Well...let's go talk to him. See if this tough guy shit gets you anywhere." 

"Fine by me," Trevor replied, his expression serious. 

He could tell that Calvin was getting frustrated by this point.

"Let's get this over with," Sarah said, clearly impatient to end this conversation.

"I'm with her," Trevor said, nodding in agreement.

"Finally," Sarah said, rolling her eyes.

"Are you always this impatient?" Trevor asked, his tone teasing.

"Only when I have to deal with idiots," Sarah replied, her expression flat.

"Hey, I am no idiot," Trevor protested, feigning offense.

"Yeah, sure you're not," Sarah said, her tone sarcastic.

"I'm wounded," Trevor said dramatically, placing his hand on his chest.

"Yeah, sure you're not," Sarah said, her tone sarcastic.

"Shut your fucking bickering up, or one of you two will get the bullet." Calvin threatened.

 Sarah immediately fell silent.

Trevor remained quiet as well.

Calvin smirked at the sudden silence."That's better," Calvin said, his tone smug. "Cee isn't gonna hesitate to kill one of you. No warning. You start going on like that and BANG!" Calvin laughed. 

Trevor swallowed hard, his expression serious. Sarah seemed just as uneasy. 

"Alright, alright," Calvin said, his smile widening.

"We got it," Trevor said, his voice low.

Calvin looks at Trevor. "So, you don't look like shit to me, but I heard that you killed five heavily armed men with a hunting knife. Is that bullshit, or do you own up to this claim?"

Trevor raised an eyebrow at the question. "Is this really the time to discuss my skills?" 

"Maybe not," Sarah said, clearly not interested in the conversation.

"Can we just go see this Cee guy already?" Trevor asked, his patience wearing thin.

"Get in the car." Calvin ordered. "His office is about 10 minutes away." 

Trevor and Sarah exchange a look before getting in the car.

C-NOTE

4 

Trevor and Sarah were escorted into the building where C-Note awaited the pair to join him for the meeting. Calvin had a gun drawn on them, and Trevor knew that he had since they'd been at the docks.

"Cee doesn't like folks coming in here, refusing to meet about these issues, and fucking up the business dealings for a lot of people." Calvin informed them. 

Trevor followed Calvin closely behind, feeling the heavy weight of his revolver pressed against the palm of his hand as they entered the building. He could almost feel the tension in the air as they made their way to the meeting room where C-Note was waiting.

"Cee has a point," Calvin acknowledged, his eyes flicking around the dimly lit room. "He always takes it personally when people don't keep their word, especially when it comes to business dealings. We know he's not a patient man."

It wasn't hard to sense the underlying tension in the air. Trevor's stomach turned as Calvin moved a hand into the pocket of his coat and casually pulled out a revolver, his fingers drumming against the cylinder. He tried to keep his face neutral, but it wasn't easy.

"Yeah, I kinda figured," Trevor muttered, his eyes darting around the cramped room. "He's not exactly known for his grace or forgiveness."

"You're right," Trevor agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Cee's a man who values obedience and loyalty. It's not like him to leave people hanging without consequences."

"I see you've been keeping an eye on me, huh?" Trevor quipped, trying to keep his voice steady despite the situation. He could feel Calvin's eyes staring back at him, studying his every move. It was almost unnerving, the way the young mafioso's gaze seemed to pierce right through him.

Despite the danger, Trevor couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity flicker within him. He had always been drawn to the dangerous and the dangerous was exactly what he was dealing with now.

Jose met them in the hallway and took the two visitors to the meeting room where C-Note awaited. 

Trevor followed Jose down the hallway, his boots thumping against the hardwood floor. He glanced at the closed door of the meeting room, his throat suddenly feeling dry.

The silence of the hallway seemed to stretch on for eternity. Trevor fidgeted with the cufflink on his sleeve, trying to keep his nerves in check. He could hear the sound of voices coming from inside the room, but he couldn't make out what they were saying.

Sarah stayed close to Trevor. She wasn't afraid, but definitely a little uneasy. Trevor appeared calm. However, he was afraid, but he was controlling his fear.

Trev was grateful that she had stuck by his side as they waited to be let into the meeting room. Her presence alone was enough to put him at ease, though he couldn't deny that he was feeling more than a little apprehensive about what was waiting for them inside.

"You ready for this?" Trevor asked Sarah in hushed tones, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah gave a small nod in response, though it was clear that she wasn't entirely sure. Trevor could see the mixture of anxiety and courage in her eyes, and it only served to increase his own determination. They waited together, their breaths mingling in the still air.

The seconds ticked by, each one seeming to stretch out into an eternity. Trevor and Sarah remained in their positions, neither of them speaking. They could hear the faint murmur of voices drifting out from the meeting room, but nothing more.

Without warning, the door slowly creaked open, casting a narrow stream of light onto the hallway. A man in a dark suit stepped out and gestured for them to enter.

"After you," Trevor said, nodding at Sarah to go first as he followed her into the meeting room.

The inside of the meeting room was dimly lit by a few flickering lamps scattered around the room. A large, polished oak table filled the center, and around it were several comfortable-looking chairs.

Trevor motioned for Sarah to take a seat, and he followed suit, sinking into the chair with a relieved sigh.

"What brings you here?" The man asked, his voice a deep, rumbling tone that commanded attention.

"I... um," Trevor stuttered, his thoughts racing. He had planned everything out, but now that it was time to talk, his mind went blank. He glanced over at Sarah, silently pleading for her to take the lead.

"We have a proposition for you," she finally said, her voice confident and unwavering. The man tilted his head slightly, indicating for her to continue.

"We've been keeping an eye on your operations," she said, her eyes never leaving his. "We think we have something to offer that you might be interested in."

C-Note looked at Sarah. "Listen, I'm trying to figure out what you're doing here in Memphis." 

"We're not up to anything nefarious," Trevor said, his voice taking on a defensive tone. "We just want to make a deal, that's all."

"We've got information," Sarah said, her eyes never leaving C-Note's face. "Information that might be of interest to you."

"And what kind of information are you offering?" C-Note asked curiously.

"We know some things that are going to affect your operation." 

"Is that right?" C-Note responded. 

Trevor hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. "Let's just say we've got our ears to the ground. Even though I came here to kill you and your men, my position has changed." 

"What position is that?" C-Note's eyes narrowed.

"Gerry Clayton wants both you and Perry Cooper dead. Out of his way." The Savage explained. 

"Gerry Clayton?" C-Note repeated, a frown appearing on his face.

"Yup," Trevor replied with a nod. "Gerry and Perry have been looking for a way to take you out for a while now. If you don't kill me, I can work as a middle man and keep them from coming after you."

"And why should I believe you?" C-Note asked skeptically.

Trevor smiled. "Can you afford not to believe us?" 

"That's a fair point," C-Note acknowledged. "But what's in it for you?"

"We want the cover of your men to help us escape Jameson Reed's relentless approach." Sarah said. 

"Why should we help you?" C-Note asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

Trevor started laughing. "Well...you are either a way out for us, or you're in our way, and that means you will be removed." 

C-Note leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he studied Trevor and Sarah. For a long moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of the occasional shifting of chairs.

"When I came here it wasn't to deliver Christmas gifts." Trevor said. "Infact I came here to kill everyone connected to the shipment of weapons." 

"Is that so?" C-Note asked, his eyes locking onto Trevor's.

"That's exactly why I'm here. Now, it's up to you. Save yourselves for another day, or I can start carrying out my purpose of being here." Trevor’s voice was a matter of fact tone. 

C-Note leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair. "Can I ask you something, Trevor?"

"Yes, sure. Go ahead." Trevor answered. 

"How would you feel were the positions were reversed?" C-Note said, studying Trevor's expression intently.

"Well...I guess I'd be putting my men into position. I wouldn't underestimate the competition. If you know me, and I suppose you do know things. You'd know I'm not bluffing." 

C-Note's expression darkened slightly. "You're not bluffing, huh?"

Trevor leans forward and said, "You know that I'm not." His voice unwavering. 

"I do know that." C-Note answered with a nod.

Trevor's eyes locked in on C-Note. Knowing that he probably didn't like hearing these things. 

"Then I suppose we're on the same page," C-Note said. He looked from Trevor to Sarah, who was sitting quietly on the other side of the table.

"I don't know whether or not I can trust you two. See where I'm coming from, aye?" 

"We have nothing to gain by lying," Sarah said confidently.

"I suppose that's true." C-Note responded, studying Sarah intently.

"So what do you say?" Trevor asked, his voice steady.

C-Note leaned back in his chair once again, a small frown on his face. He was silent for a long moment, weighing his options.

Trevor and Sarah both sat watching and waiting for a response. 

"I have one condition," C-Note stated finally, his voice low.

"What's that?" Trevor asked, his voice steady.

"You keep yourself and Sarah out of my businesses." He said, his eyes meeting Trevor's.

"I suppose that's fair." Trevor responded.

"Agreed," Sarah chimed in, her voice just as firm.

C-Note nodded, a satisfied expression on his face. "Good. I believe we have a deal then?"

5

Trevor suspected that C-Note would hold up his end of the deal and pull his men. They'd apparently been expecting the Savage Duo all along. Everyone involved would come out of the situation better than expected. 

C-Note and his men were not going to die. That wasn't the destiny Trevor originally planned for them, but one that would get them out of Memphis safely. It would potentially throw Detective Reed off their trail. 

"We need to get the hell outta here." Trevor said. 

Sarah agreed completely, but their car was missing from the garage. 

"What in the hell?" Sarah asked 

A man walked across the quiet parking garage.The man's shoes were the only thing that made a sound, and then he spoke. 

"So you come into town making deals with criminals, huh?" The man asked. 

"I don't know who you are, but I do know you're about to regret walking upon us this way." Trevor said coldly. 

"Is that right?" The man continued. "You don't seem to understand how things work here." 

"Well...you better start explaining it to me then, because I have been as patient as I can be." Trevor said. 

The man chuckled "Oh...you think you're calling the shots. How cute." 

Trevor moved toward him. Keeping a sharp eye on him. Sarah immediately drew her weapon. The man wasn't alone and he was overly confident. 

"She know how to use that thing?" The guy asked. 

Trevor didn't answer. Instead his focus on the man who he was about to take out of the game. That was before a handful of his men stepped out from various areas of the garage. Sarah and Trevor were surrounded. 

"Alright...things are about to get bloody." 

The man chuckled, his smile never leaving his face. "You really think you know everything, don't you?"

"I know a thing or two. I don't know if that's necessarily enough, but..."

"Enough to get yourself into trouble," the man interjected, his eyes locked on Trevor.

The man chuckled. "You're a brave one, aren't you?"

"I'm ready to die...if you are the one to get the job done. I'm prepared to find out." Trevor said. 

The man raised an eyebrow, taken aback by Trevor's response. "Really?" the man asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Trevor nodded, his eyes meeting the man's gaze.

The man looked Trevor up and down, his expression unreadable.

"And yet you're still standing here," the man said finally.

"Like a bad case of the clap...I hang around and I torture those taking chances." Trevor answered. 

The man let out a small chuckle. "Quite the way with words."

"You're not what I expected," he finally said.

The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "They?" he repeated.

"Yeah, those lucky or unlucky enough to come face to face with a killer." 

The man's eyes narrowed. "You consider yourself a killer?"

"I don't...but I know the law does. I'm just a man looking for a way to stop these crimes affecting families." Trevor leveled with him.

The man studied Trevor for a moment before responding. "That's...unexpected."

"Is it?" Trevor asked, tilting his head.

The man shook his head. "Most men like you are looking for something different."

"What? Money? Fame? Recognition?" 

The man chuckled. "You're quite astute."

"Yes, but who are you? Where do you fit into this mess?" 

The man hesitated for a moment before replying. "I'm a businessman."

"What type of business do you run?" Trevor asked.

"Transportation," the man answered vaguely.

"Transportation?" Trevor echoed.

The man nodded. "That's right."

"What do you transport?" Trevor inquired.

"Many things," the man responded cryptically.

"You have an answer for everything, don't you?" Trevor mused.

"It comes with experience," the man replied with a shrug.

"I see," Trevor mused, studying the man.

"We are leaving Memphis." Trevor said. "So unless you plan on stopping me...get out of the way."

The man's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Leaving, huh?"

"Yes, that's right. For the time being we are. Make no mistakes about it, though...we will be back here. This place is riddled with crime."

The man's expression darkened. "You'll be back, will you?"

"Yes...that’s an almost a certainty." Trevor answered back. 

The man grunted, clearly not pleased with Trevor's declaration.  

"That doesn't sit well with you, huh?" Trevor asked. 

The man's jaw tensed. "No, it does not."

"Yeah...I didn't think that you liked it, but see, I know you're up to something." Trevor said. "With all these men, and weapons, you're afraid of what I might do." 

The man's gaze hardened. "Afraid is a harsh word."

"Well...then you tell me what this is all about. Because I know you could've attacked me, and you decided against such actions." 

The man remained silent for a long moment before speaking. "You're observant."

"I try to be," Trevor replied with a shrug. 

"It's a valuable trait," the man agreed.

"So how about you save everyone the trouble of what's to come, and just tell me what you really want, huh?" 

The man's expression softened slightly. "Always so direct."

"Yes, i don't know any other way to be. So start talking, before I go to killing." Trevor said. 

The man raised an eyebrow. "You think it's that easy?"

"Yes, i do believe it's that easy. I've done it, many times." Trevor answered. 

The man chuckled. "You're confident."

"I'm not just confident, I'm crazy, I'm lost, and I have no sympathy for criminals." Trevor said. 

The man's expression darkened. "You make a lot of bold statements."

"Well how about some bold actions. My assistant is about to start putting bullets in your man. Unless you want to move out of my way, or tell me who you are." Trevor said in a matter of fact tone. 

The man glanced at his men, who were bristling at Trevor's words.

"You think I'll allow that?" the man asked.

"I'm not sure what you'll do, but I suppose we're going to find out." 

The man's eyes darkened. "You're playing a dangerous game here."

"I think you're right about that," Trevor acknowledged.

"You're unpredictable," the man said.

"I've heard that before." Trevor responded.

The man chuckled dryly. "I can only imagine."

The man's eyes flicked to Sarah. "Don't even consider that."

"Well, then you need to start talking. Telling us what this is all about. Who you are and so on" Trevor said. 

The man's jaw clenched. "You're quite demanding."

"Sure...I know that I am, but I think it's time to figure this out." Trevor responded. 

The man studied Trevor for a moment before responding. "You're persistent."

"That's one way to put it," Trevor agreed.

"I'm taking over things here in Memphis, and it's just a matter of time." The guy explained. 

Trevor was starting to figure out exactly what was going on. "Don't stand in my way, and I won't hang around to be in yours." 

6

They settled in a small town in the northern part of Texas. The area was less populated and they were able to lay low, keeping a low profile.

In Memphis they'd left a string off bodies. They took names and dished out justice in its primal form. They left those near twenty victims dead and brutally beaten behind them. 

"Better?" Sarah asked.

Trevor nodded. "Much better."

"It's so quiet here," Sarah observed.

"You like the quiet," Sarah noted, a smile on her face.

Trevor chuckled. "I do. It's refreshing."

They both were glad to get out of Memphis for Christmas week. There was a struggle for position in the city. That keeps things at a volatile level. Trevor knew that it needed to be cleaned up, but he also knew that the time wasn't right. 

Sarah went over some maps. She was looking into our next move. While she went through the books, The Savage went hunting. 

He walked across the small town. He looked up the address and went to the house. It was in the Willow Point subdivision. Trevor knocked on the door. He waited for William Phillips to come to the door. He did just that, but Trevor hid. Watching him he noticed a handgun on the hip. 

Trevor climbed a tree, and he jumped over to the rooftop. He popped the window. Within the next few minutes he was standing in the house. He found his way into William's bedroom. The man lay there in bed watching the television. 

"Hello William." Trevor said. 

"What in the fuck are you doing in my house." William shouts. 

The man of his late fifties went for the pistol, but Trevor quickly grabbed him before he could get to the weapon. Instead Trevor got it and slid it in the pocket inside his jacket. 

"You don't need that where you're going." Trevor told him. 

"What are you doing here?" His voice laced with fear. 

"Come on, Willie...you know why I'm here." Trevor’s voice was angry. 

"You think I molested them kids, don't you?" William asked him. 

Trevor in true Savage form slapped him across the face. Then he grabbed him by the throat and continued to repeatedly slap him. Blood began pouring from his face, and slowly the beating would continue.  

"So you like little boys, huh?" Trevor taunted him. "Say it...you sick son of a bitch." 

The Savage beat him for the next hour and a half. William was severely injured and bleeding profusely from various areas of the body. Finally, after what time had passed went by, Trevor sank the knife deep in his gut, and he twisted it ripping as he cut his guts out.

"Now...you paid for your crime." Trevor said, as he stood above his dead body. 

Trevor disappeared into the night. The job was done. The Savage went home. 

Sarah looked up from the charts. After nearly thirty seconds of silence, she spoke. "You look pretty rough."

Trevor let out a sigh. "It's been a long day."

Sarah nodded understandingly. "Anything in particular wear you out?"

"No, just...everything." Trevor answered.

"I know the feeling," Sarah sympathized.

"Let's go get in the bed and give it a go tomorrow." Trevor suggested.

Sarah chuckled. "You're tired."

"Yeah, I am," Trevor admitted.

"What can I say? I pay attention," Sarah commented.

"That you do," Trevor agreed.

We knew that we couldn’t stay here; we had to keep moving if we wanted to stay one step ahead of Reed.

"We definitely can't afford to stick around here," Sarah agreed.

"You're not wrong," Trevor responded.

They debated the whole morning about where to go. Back to Memphis or back to Houston.  Maybe somewhere else all the way around. They packed the vehicle, and then sat down to look at the map. 

Trevor noticed two unmarked cars pull up into the parking lot. 

7

The air was thick with the smell of stale cigarettes and worn carpeting, mingling together to create a stale odor that clung to our skin like a damp shroud. As we walked, I could feel eyes upon us; every instinct told me that we were being watched from hidden vantage points all along the corridor.

Sarah picked up on the vibe as well. "We're being followed."

"Definitely," Trevor confirmed.

"Any idea by who?" Sarah asked.

"No, but they’re coming for us," Trevor whispered urgently, he grabbed the map and stuffed it into his backpack.

"What?" Sarah looked alarmed.

A group of rough-looking men stood at the far end of the alleyway, their eyes flicking between Trevor and Sarah as she fled past them.

Trevor knew he had to act fast, so he shouted, "This ends now!" and braced himself for the inevitable confrontation.

The men's eyes widened in surprise.

"Now what?" Sarah whispered to Trevor.

"You stay back," Trevor instructed her.

Trevor in true Savage form opened up on the group rough looking characters. He punched, kicked, stabbed, and shot, them all. He stood the lone man above the others. Sarah looked on in complete disbelief. 

Sarah stared at Trevor, speechless.

"Did you just...?" Sarah began.

"I did," Trevor confirmed.

"That was...impressive," Sarah said.

They quickly hopped into the car and they took off down the road. Those men had followed them from Memphis. Trevor didn't know exactly why, but he was going back into the heart of the situation. 

"What are we going to do?" Sarah asked. 

"We're going back into Memphis and we're going to settle this thing." Trevor said. 

The city was a volatile mix of two deadly and powerful gangs. Neither had hoped to mix it up with Trevor, but neither of them were about to let him dictate the city. Both sides just wanted to see 'The Savage' stay out. 

"Why are we going back to Memphis." Sarah asked. 

"We have to settle the score." Trevor explained. 

The unsettling facts remain. The pressure applied by these gangs were hurting others. Their principles and practices were damaging to the very people that they were meant to protect. 

"We aren't going to change anything." Sarah commented. 

She was probably right, but there were natural progressions that needed to be resolved. 

Trevor and Sarah sat in a Memphis hotel room debating their next move.

 They both knew that the heat was on. 

Neither realized how much they knew, but both of them expected the worst.  

Detective Reed hadn't figured out that Trevor and Sarah left Houston. By the time they went back he had figured it out. 

Trevor and Sarah sat side by side on the worn-out couch, sipping coffee from chipped mugs. The hotel's faint smell of incense filled the room. They sat facing each other, the air around them heavy with unresolved tension. Sarah sipped her cup, her gaze fixed on the window, as if she was trying to see through the rain pounding on the other side of the glass. 

"We should talk" Trevor started.

The words hung in the air, and the sound of the rain seemed to be louder than ever. Sarah nodded slowly, set her mug down on the coffee table, and turned to face Trevor. 

"What do you want to talk about?" Sarah asked quietly.

Trevor took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "We need to talk about us. About what we're doing, about what's happening."

There was a hint of frustration in his voice, mixed with a hint of vulnerability, as he struggled to find the right words.

Sarah's eyes widened, a flicker of fear crossing her face before she quickly pushed it back down. "I know" she said in a quiet voice.

Trevor knew C-Note wanted to see them dead, and Detective Reed would stop at nothing to catch them. Trevor was planning to beat them to the punch. To get them before they could kill them. 

"Then we should get moving, don't you agree?" Sarah asked, her voice unwavering. She picked up a piece of crumpled paper from the floor and started to straighten it out without looking at it.

"Where should we go?" Trevor asked after a brief silence.

"The docks." Sarah recommended. "We should get going before the rain gets worse." 

Morris was walking upon the shoreline down by the riverside warehouse. Trevor came out of the darkness and grabbed him. 

"Where is your boss?" Trevor asked, and his voice a low growl. 

"I-I won't tell you," he stuttered, trying to sound brave.

My lips curled into a sneer as I looked at him.

He wasn't brave; he was a coward who preyed on the innocent.

"Tell me," I growled, pressing the barrel of my gun against his forehead.

His eyes widened in fear as he stared up at me.

I could see the fear in them, the desperation to live.

It was a look I had seen many times before, and it only made me more angry.

"Tell me," I repeated, my voice growing louder.

"Or you will die...now."

Morris let out a terrified gasp, his body tensing up. The fear in his eyes was evident as he stared up at Trevor, his voice trembling.

"Please..." Morris pleaded, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "I-I-" he stuttered, unable to find the words.

He looked at Trevor, who was towering over him, eyes full of anger and determination.

"You know the one rule we have," Trevor said, his voice low and firm.

Morris shook his head, his face pale and sweaty.

"Say it," Trevor demanded.

"I-" Morris's voice broke as he began to speak, fear and panic etched across his features.

"Come on," Trevor repeated, his voice growing louder, "Say it!"

Morris swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly feeling dry. "Please..." he pleaded, his voice barely above a whimper.

"Please what?" Trevor questioned, taking a step closer.

"Please..." Morris repeated, his voice catching in his throat.

Trevor's gaze hardened, "Say. The. One. WORD."

"Please..." Morris tried once more, the word escaping his lips in a hoarse whisper.

"I'm going to allow you to survive for now, but you go tell C-Note that I'm going to kill him." Trevor said. 

Morris's eyes widened in a mixture of fear and confusion. "I-" he started, but his voice caught in his throat.

"You better pray that I let you live." Trevor warned, his eyes cold and unwavering.

"You heard me." Trevor said firmly. "Go tell him that I'm coming." 

Two guards stood by the side of the room, keeping a close eye on the operation. They were well-trained and knew how to make sure everything went smoothly. 

Trevor's struggles against the operative were futile, but he continued to fight. The guard's skill and precision had made it nearly impossible for Trevor to break free. 

With a quick movement, his foot connected with the second guard, knocking him to the ground with a sickening thud. The guard slumped motionless, and Trevor looked around for an opening.

Morris ran back to tell C-Note that Trevor plans on killing him. "He's down at the warehouse by the docks. He could have killed me, but allowed me to live so I could come tell you that he was here."

C-Note's eyes widen. 

"What? He's here?" C-Note asks, his voice betraying the seriousness of the situation.

"Yeah, and he's pissed" Morris replies.

C-Note clenched his jaw, processing the gravity of the situation. 

"What do you mean he's pissed?" he asked, his voice taut.

"He's looking to settle some scores" Morris said, a shudder running through him. "And he's got a score with you"

C-Note's heart skipped a beat at the news.

"With me?" he repeated, his mind racing with the implications.

"Looks like you two have business to settle" Morris said, his voice uneasy. 

C-Note's heart pounded in his chest, the realization settling in. "And what exactly does he want from me?" he asked, gripping his gun anxiously.

Morris looked at C-Note, understanding the weight of the situation. 

"He believes you've been hiding something from him" Morris explained

C-Note's mind raced with possible scenarios. 

"What could I possibly be hiding from him?" he asked, baffled.

"Let's go talk to him." C-Note said, and checked the amount of bullets in his gun. 

"Okay, but be careful" Morris said, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"I am" C-Note said, his grip on his gun tightening.

He followed Morris to the dock, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

"He's waiting for you" Morris said, leading C-Note to the warehouse.

C-Note called, Jose and Terrell to assist him with an issue at the warehouse by the docks. 

Jose and Terrell arrived at the warehouse, their expressions serious.

"What's going on?" Terrell asked, looking between C-Note and Morris.

"Trevor's here" C-Note said, his voice taut and low. 

There was a moment of silence as they took in the news.

"The Savage? That Trevor?" 

Morris nodded, his expression grim. "The one and only."

"What's he doing here?" Jose asked, his voice tense.

"He's here to kill everyone involved with our gang." C-Note answered. 

"Kill us?" Terrell's eyes widened in horror.

"All of us?" Jose said, his face paling.

"He's not bluffing" Morris said, the fear evident in his voice.

"He's serious about this?" Jose asked, disbelief lacing his voice.

"Deadly serious" C-Note confirmed, his face filled with grim determination.

"What do we do?" Terrell asked, the weight of the situation heavy on him.

"We need to face him" C-Note said, his voice steady.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

"But he's planning to kill us!" Jose protested, the fear evident in his tone.

"I know" C-Note said, his face hard. 

He could see the hesitation in his friends' faces.

"What's your plan?" Terrell asked, his voice betraying his fear.

"COME ON OUT, TREVOR!" C-Note shouts. 

There was a moment of silence, and then a cold voice echoed through the warehouse. "I'm here."

C-Note's heart pounded in his chest as he heard the voice of his rival. 

"What do you want, Trevor?" he called out.

"You know what I want" Trevor's voice rang out, his tone flat.

"Yeah...you want to kill out my gang...but we cannot allow that, Savage. You know we can't." 

There was a moment of silence as Trevor weighed C-Note's words.

Finally, he spoke. "And what makes you think you can stop me?"

C-Note gritted his teeth, his hand tightening around his gun. 

"We've survived worse" he said, his voice tinged with defiance.

"Have we?" Trevor's voice was laced with skepticism.

"We have" C-Note insisted, his determination unwavering.

"Surviving is different from thriving" Trevor shot back, a chilling edge to his voice.

"I'm aware of that" C-Note replied, his jaw set.

"But can your little gang of rejects really stand up to me?" Trevor's challenge hung in the air.

"They're more than capable of doing so" C-Note retorted, his voice firm.

"Is that so?" Trevor replied, a hint of mockery in his tone.

The Savage walked out of the shadows with a gun in each town. The gang had their eyes on him, but nobody was moving an inch. They watched Trevor closely with a mixture of fear and confusion. 

8

There was a moment of tense silence, both men sizing each other up.

"You know I could take you out right now" Trevor said, a hint of arrogance in his voice.

"You could try" C-Note shot back, his face set in determination.

"You're all the same" Trevor sneered, disgust in his voice.

"We'll see about that" C-Note repeated, his tone unwavering.

"You're delusional" Trevor shot back, his voice dripping with condescension.

"You're the delusional one" C-Note retorted, his anger bubbling just below the surface.

"I'm just stating facts" Trevor said, a cruel smirk on his face.

C-Note remained resolute in his stance, while Trevor's smirk only deepened.

The tension between the two men was palpable as Trevor's smirk widened.

C-Note maintained his stern demeanor, unmoved by Trevor's expression.

The standoff continued, neither man budging an inch.

The two men stood facing each other, locked in an intense stare down. 

"I have no problems with killing all of you." Trevor said in anger. 

"Oh yeah, then let's do it. Let's see you do it." C-Note said. 

Trevor dropped his guns. C-Note did the same and the two men met in the middle.

"Oh, you just made a mistake." Trevor said.  

C-Note took a swing at The Savage, but Trevor dodged it effortlessly. He followed up with a couple more, but nothing got through. 

"Come on...you son of a bitch." C-Note growled in anger. 

"Come on, boss." Jose said. 

Sarah had her weapon pulled on the two guards that were watching their boss fight The Savage. 

"Do you feel lucky or unlucky?" Trevor asked. 

"I feel lucky enough, and I will show you." C-Note said. 

He grabbed Trevor in a bear hug and slung him around. His grip squeezed tighter. C-Note grunted as he attempted to inflict damage to Trevor. Finally slinging the vigilante to the ground. 

C-Note followed up with a kick that caught Trevor in the ribs. He quickly recovered to his feet and back on guard. He was ready when C-Note moved in on him again. The move was swift, clean, and quick. However, he came up empty. 

"You're strong." Trevor said.  

C-Note laughed at the comment. "You're going to find out." 

"Oh yeah...you know me. That's exactly what I had in mind." Trevor told him. 

The tension in the air persisted, but there was a subtle change in the atmosphere. C-note seemed to be preparing himself for what came next.

Trevor hit him with a series of quick punches and kicks. His hands turning over quickly and violently. C-Note stopped it with a backhand that dropped the attack from Savage. He recovered quick. Delivering a couple of leg kicks on C-Note. 

"You think that your speed will save you, huh?" C-Note said. "I'm gonna snap you in half, boy." 

Trevor jabbed him. C-Note ate the shots. He continued to pressure him. The speed of his hands too fast for C-Note to handle. Still, he finally caught him. The shot again dropped The Savage. 

"I hope that they didn't tell you I wouldn't kill you." C-Note told Trevor. 

"Come on then, you mother fucker. Kill me...take me out. I don't think you can." Trevor snapped back. 

C-Note laughed at his words.

"You must have a death wish, boy. Well, well, well, you've come to the right place for execution." C-Note replied. 

The two men again engaged in a pretty intense battle of hands. Both men took as good as they dished out. 

C-Note grabbed Trevor again, and he slammed him on the ground like a roped calf. The force knocked the air out of him. Trevor kicked his way out, and then started pounding C-Note with repeated violent punches. 

"Damn...you fucking punk." C-Note growled. 

"I'm going to kill you. You mother fucker." Trevor said, as he poured on the damage. 

The punches kept coming, but C-Note was fighting back as they rolled around on the ground fighting it out. Neither man could get the upper hand on the other. 

Sarah watched on. Trevor was in a tough fight she wasn't use to seeing. "Come on, Trevor." 

That's what he was doing. He had C-Note on the ground. Blood flew from his hands as he punched the crime boss continuously. 

As the intense battle continued, both C-Note and Trevor traded blows with equal ferocity. Their fists and feet connected in rapid succession, creating a flurry of punches and kicks. C-Note's speed and precision were on display, and Trevor seemed to be able to keep up with the onslaught.

However, despite the intensity of the fight, neither man was able to gain a decisive upper hand. They grappled for control, their bodies rolling across the ground as they fought for dominance.

"Damn it you..." Trevor grunted.

"You're a tough son of a..." C-Note retorted, his voice filled with frustration. The two men continued to exchange blows, each trying to overpower the other.

Despite the intensity of the fight, it was clear that both men were equally matched, neither able to gain a significant advantage. 

The fight seemed to go on for an eternity, both men fighting with a ferocity that was almost mesmerizing in its intensity. 

Finally, C-Note managed to land a series of powerful strikes, and Trevor found himself on the ground.

He moved as quickly as he could, but it wasn't as quick as he'd been. C-Note was exhausted.  Trevor dove on top of him. He grabbed the big man by the throat, and tried to choke him out.

"I'm gonna kill you." Trevor roared. 

9

They drove out of Memphis the following morning. The job was done. It was time for whoever was next to move into place. Hopefully someone with leadership skills and a willingness for change. 

Nothing ever really seemed to change. Regardless of whoever would take over next. The results of the streets wouldn't change much. Likely not to change at all. The streets were what they'd always been, and they'd be what they were always intended to be. Some things would never change. 

Detective Reed was likely just around the dimly lit corners. Always looking to remain a step ahead of the game. Looking for any angle that he could get. The Savage alludes him like a dream. The constant pressure applied would eventually break him. 

Sarah looked around at the familiar sights of Houston. The crime still running rough shot across the city. 

"This place is like a story that never changes. The same old song and dance." Sarah said.

Sarah's words hung in the air, adding a sense of gloom to the already dark surroundings. The familiar sights of Houston were all too familiar, and the crime and disorder seemed to have been etched into the very fabric of the city.

Detective Reed, always on the prowl, seemed to sense something in the air, sensing the shadows and the tension lurking in the darkness.

 Sarah's unwavering loyalty and razor-sharp intellect made her an invaluable asset. As the duo developed their strategies to bring down the syndicate's operations, the stakes only grew higher. It was a dangerous game they were playing, one where even a single misstep could cost them their lives.

 Their plans became more complex, and the danger they were walking into only seemed to increase with every step. Sarah and Trevor were like a well-oiled machine, their bond a source of strength and support in the face of the mounting threats.

They knew that they were on the verge of making a dent in the syndicate's operations, but at the same time, they were well aware of the risks involved. 

It was a dangerous dance of chess pieces, with Sarah's mind plotting their every move and Trevor's brute strength serving as their shield...

The pressure was mounting on them, and Sarah and Trevor needed to be at the top of their game. 

Every move, every choice had to be calculated and precise, or it could lead to disaster. They were walking a fine line, and one wrong step could make all of their efforts collapse.

The weight of their mission hung heavily on them as they continued their work. They had to make sure that they didn't let their guard down for even a moment, or everything they had put in so much effort to accomplish could crumble in an instant.

Despite the immense pressure and the threat of danger that loomed over them, Sarah and Trevor continued on, their determination keeping them focused on the goal. Their connection was a source of strength and hope, fueling their resolve to see their mission through till the end.

Sarah and Trevor continued to strategize and work through their plans, their bond growing even stronger with each passing day. They knew that they were walking a tightrope, but their trust in each other kept them steady, even in the face of danger.

Despite the danger, Sarah and Trevor continued on their mission, their alliance a source of comfort in the face of the unknown. 

They relied on each other's skills—Sarah's strategic mind and Trevor's physical prowess—to guide them through the dangers that lay ahead.

"Hello, Dave." Trevor said. As he continued to approach the man. 

"Who are you?" Dave asked. 

"Come on now, Dave. You know who I am, don't you?" Trevor asked. 

"No...why would I know you?" The man asked. "Are you supposed to be somebody?" 

"Yes...Dave. I'm known as The Savage in these streets." Trevor answered. 

Dave quickly pulled out a knife. "You better get away from me." 

"No, Dave...I'm not going to do it. Leaving you alone isn't in my plan." 

Dave moved around trying to keep The Savage at bay. I swear that I'll cut you up. Stay away from me." 

He swung the knife at him and continued to do so when he missed the first several attempts. 

Trevor ran in and punched Dave. He stumbled backwards and fell. The knife dislodged from his grasp. He tried to get to the blade, but he wasn't allowed to get to the knife. Trevor kicked it away. 

"You are about to receive your punishment for hurting Cathy and her children." Trevor said. 

"Fuck you...I didn't do anything to those stupid kids." Dave said. 

Quickly followed by a quick punch in the face. Trevor opened up with hard power shots. Dave's face pouring out blood. Trevor continued to smash his face in. The child abuser wasn't trying to fight back, but trying to escape the wrath of the Savage. 

Dave lay dazed, clutching his jaw as Trevor loomed over him, his anger still visible.

"You've got some nerve, huh, Dave?" Trevor said, his voice tense with anger.

Dave tried to back away, clearly terrified of the power and aggression emanating from Trevor.

"You thought you could get away with hurting Cathy and her kids?" Trevor hissed, his voice dangerous.

Dave cowered at his words, his face still bloodied and swollen.

"You should've known better than to mess with family." Trevor said menacingly.

Dave whimpered, his fear palpable. Dave looked ready to cry, his eyes filled with tears of terror.

Trevor let out a growl, his anger still lingering. He ran in again and snatched Dave up off the ground.  He continued to pour the beating on him. 

"Please don't kill me." Dave begged.  

Trevor laughed at his cowardice way when he was being abused. Trevor pulled out his 9mm pistol and fired one shot into Dave's forehead. His lifeless body tumbled to the ground. 

"Now you've paid your debt to society." Trevor said, his voice low and menacing. 

Sarah had been there watching Trevor beat and torture the child abuser. She couldn't believe the savagery that Trevor killed these pedophiles with. Just flat out disregard for their lives or dignity. 

10

The following morning Dave's dead body was discovered in the vacant lot where Trevor had killed him. 

Detective Reed and Monroe were on the scene investigating the attack. The man had been beaten before he was shot between his eyes. Brutally murdered for his crimes. The investigators knew that this was the work of 'The Savage.' 

"This guy is a cold blooded killer." Monroe said. 

"Yes...if he thinks you weren't punished severely enough, well, he carries out this type of brutal force on them for punishment. He's like a killing machine. Reed said. 

"His name 'The Savage' fits this one for sure." Monroe said. 

Reed nodded grimly, his expression dark and disturbed. "Yeah, The Savage is known to be brutal and ruthless. He's not someone to mess with."

The evidence of the violence was all around them. "Looks like he was beaten up pretty badly before he was shot," Reed remarked, studying the body more closely.

Monroe, was clearly disturbed by the level of violence. "If someone gets on his bad side, he takes things to extremes."

"Yeah, his methods are brutal and unforgiving," Reed said, shaking his head in disbelief. "He's not just about getting revenge, but sending a clear message at the same time."

The silence grew heavier as the detectives continued to look over the scene. The gravity of The Savage's methods was not lost on them.

"He's making an example out of everyone," Reed said finally, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, the way he's carrying out these attacks, it's like he's sending a message to anyone who crosses him," Monroe agreed somberly.

The air filled with unease at the gravity of the situation. The detectives continued their investigation, carefully noting every detail of the crime scene. There was an odd sense of unease as they worked through the evidence together.

Reed and Monroe silently worked their way through every angle of the scene, taking meticulous notes.

As they worked side by side, they exchanged worried glances, silently acknowledging the severity of what they were dealing with.

Reed's hands were folded in front of him as he reviewed the notes they had made so far.

Monroe stood silently next to him, eyes scanning the evidence they had collected.

"Looks like The Savage isn't messing around," Reed said, his voice low and measured.

As night fell on Houston Trevor and Sarah were ready to go. They were headed to the west. Trevor knew a couple of high rollers on and private investigators in Los Angeles. He knew that things were bad out there, but they had to leave Houston. 

Trevor and Sarah left Houston just after midnight. 

The steady hum of the engine was the only sound that could be heard as they crossed the city limits, leaving Houston behind them. As the miles stretched out before them, it became clear that they had a long road ahead of them.

The roads were empty, the city still and silent. Only the occasional headlight of passing vehicles broke the stillness, punctuating the monotony of the journey.

Trevor and Sarah rode in tense silence, the weight of the situation weighing heavily on them. The journey was far from a vacation.

The city lights receded in the rearview mirror, and the landscape shifted from concrete to fields and trees. They were leaving behind the familiar for the unknown.

The endless stretch of night gave them respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, there was only the sound of the wind and the soft hum of the vehicle.

The journey seemed to stretch on forever, but they had no choice but to press on, their destination looming ever closer on the horizon.

The night wore on, but their journey was far from over. There was still a long way to go. The silence was heavy as they continued on, the only sound being the low hum of the engine and the occasional clatter of road gravel.

The miles rolled by, and the city lights became fewer and farther between. They were crossing a frontier, leaving everything behind them.

The landscape changed from built-up to rural, the lights of cities giving way to the star-filled sky.

The journey was taking on a new flavor now, the rhythm of the road different from what they had left behind.

This new terrain was a different world, the absence of the city lights making the night feel all the more vast.

Trevor and Sarah both wondered what new obstacles and challenges lay ahead. They weren't in search of gold, but in search of a new plan. Maybe even a new way of life. The open road continues. 

The road goes on forever.