[Max strolls into the bar and sits at a table, taking out a book and beginning to read]
Now we are free...
Maximus
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 Max180 |
Maximus |
Lead | |
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Posts: 482 (10/06/07 20:57:09) The General |
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uma252 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 1019 (10/06/07 21:11:49) The Mistress of the poison pen |
Maximus! Can I get you anything? Would you like some wine? A menu? A cigar? Your shoes shining? My body...? To kill my husband in as painful and slow a manner as you know how?
[Uma fusses with the table setting, taking a flower in a vase from bud's table to set on Maximus...'] There is a place you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy. Her heart... |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/14/07 05:33:53) Hand of God... |
Nice car. Seems to fit you.
Where you taking me, Maximus? What, I'm not good enough to talk to? [Long minutes go by with this man beside me resolutely engaged in his driving. He's only glanced at me once or twice; both times, with a distinctly haughty look down his nose. This should be quite fun. We get to the highway and head north.] Have you ever been to San Francisco? I used to know this girl there, daughter of a sea captain ... Even bad men love their mommas... |
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Max180 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 482 (11/14/07 18:32:19) The General |
Close your mouth. You're here to listen, not talk. It is only a matter of your sheer good fortune that you are not even now breathing your last. Her brother wanted you dead. I have no personal objection to that either. And I could still be persuaded....Don't even think of it! I know your capabilities, but I warn you - you do not have the first idea of mine...do not underestimate me...Mister Wade....
...You are here because this is what we do. You have a chance. I'm not sure you deserve one, but there it is. They are all very democratic here, you see. Whilst an admirer of some aspects of Greek thought, I have never really believed that the majority was the best judge of anything. In other words, I'm not a democrat.... [But he stops there and continues driving towards his estate lower down the valley] Now we are free... |
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Franki G |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 459 (11/14/07 20:25:51) Trouble on Wheels |
The big motorcycle is far from inconspicuous, but I do my best; I stay a few vehicles back when there's enough flow of traffic to hide in which isn't often enough. And I make a point of accelerating past them once a gas station comes in sight.
If luck is with me, I'll get a good look at the plate ... and maybe even figure out a destination. |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/15/07 07:28:49) Hand of God... |
[I don't sleep that night.
Not after what I've seen. I don't begin to say I understand it. I knew when he did it, that he did it to be brutal. Maximus, I have realized from early on, is comfortable with brutality as I am comfortable with survival. But in this instance, he chose not to warn me, not to prepare, not to explain. He walked into his home, a very nice home if somewhat spare considering the lush surroundings I spied in the beam of the headlights. Once inside, he tersely told me to sit on a couch. And then he pushed some buttons on what I know is a television, stuck in something round that I know is a DVD because Antonio plays them a lot. But then I saw my face. And Charlie, alive. And Dan, his boys ... I wouldn't look at Maximus just then. I didn't want him to see my confusion. He knew, though, and for that, I may not forgive. He said this was what I had to go through and it would not be easy but it would be deserved. After the thing was over, and I felt exposed totally before this other man, Maximus poured us each cognac. He sat opposite me, saying nothing, waiting on my questions. When I didn't ask any, he told me some blunt things that make no sense. But they also do even if I can't believe I'm not nuts to want them to be true. He told me about the others who look like us both. He told me what they know about coming to that restaurant and that they haven't got all the answers; in fact, they have few real answers about how we come there and why. I meant to ask only one question -- why the restaurant. He shrugged then said when he came there, Uma had been the owner but now it was one of "us" -- a guy named Max Skinner. But when he said that and I remembered how the men last night acted toward Uma, I had to ask about her. Maximus said little but the way he guarded what he knew about her told me volumes -- he did not trust me with information about her. I was adding it up and already, I knew one thing: she was going to prove to be a key player in gaining any advantage in this group. Maximus knew that she was a linchpin; he was not going to let me in on this until he got me to whatever state of mind he was intent on me getting to during my stay with him. He was proving a formidable challenge. I will need to figure out his price, his real desire, his weakness, his point of exploitation. I asked about the bookshop, about Ann, about Ralph. Again, Maximus said little until I told him what I'd told her before we'd left last night. He nodded then, as if he approved, but he said I should be aware that she may not be quite what she appears to me. Ah, then. This will also bear some study. The dynamics of this group will be my initial focus if I am to gain what I most need -- a way out of this madness. Our drinks gone, he showed me to a bedroom, told me we'd talk more in the morning and that he'd show me his story then, so I'd understand him as well as he understood me. I paced in the room for a while, finally settling into a chair and staring outside at the moon and stars. The thing that struck me was this: I take comfort in the fact that there's someone in my gang who's like Charlie Prince in one aspect only -- she was watching my back. Yeah, she knew I'd see her on that motorbike. Only one woman looks like that and rides something like that. Couldn't have been a coincidence. And I know she followed us far enough last night with one purpose in mind -- to be there to help me if I needed it. Looks like Franki is turning out to be the one person in this gang with some brains. After all, if they don't keep me around, they'll go back to the nickel and dime stuff that got her sent up to jail already. With me, so far, they've not even come close to being fingered by the law. She's a good girl, Franki. I'll have to reward her for her smarts... and I'll have to make sure to keep her closer, make sure she uses those smarts only for me... I've wandered outside in the morning's brisk air. My hair's wet, my beard's neatly shaved, I've taken a seat at the table on the patio. Maximus has already been up and out; I waited until I heard him leave before walking out of the house. I can see him off, down the slope, walking slowly, looking at the vines. He intrigues me enough to study him. As I do, I begin drawing him, without a lot of thought at first. But then I look down at the newspaper in my hand and see the rough beginnings of this study of his character. I'm deep into the drawing, perfecting what I see, when I hear his footsteps approaching. I look up at him with a smile. I already know how I will handle Maximus in this day...] What's next, boss? I believe you said I could learn all your secrets this morning? And, thank you for your hospitality, Maximus. I can't say the last time I've been treated so kindly by a stranger. Even bad men love their mommas... |
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Max180 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 482 (11/16/07 01:40:12) The General |
Hospitality was our way, even with our enemies. It is a mistake not to respect those who oppose you. That ways lies defeat.
My secrets? Yes, I will share them with you. But be prepared to be shocked. My presence here is even more fantastical than yours. You are looking at a dead man with nothing to lose. That has to make me the most dangerous man you'll ever meet. So, by all means, try your charm on me. But do not expect that I can be taken in as easily as the men in your film...or the women...Come, inside...there is a long day ahead of watching movies... Now we are free... |
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Franki G |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 459 (11/16/07 20:35:14) Trouble on Wheels |
Big Sur has this reputation for spirituality. Maybe it's even deserved. All I know is that it's like any other place in that you can buy anything if you know the right people.
I know the right people. I made a deal with one of them; a couple hours later I delivered a 'new' BMW Z4 Roadster to a chop shop in Salinas and in return Papa Thor arranged for someone at the DMV to run a couple of plates for me. The license plate was registered to an address in the Napa Valley. Expensive place to live. I should know; my mother and father have a place out there for when mom wants to play at living in the country. So whatever Wade was up to, money was in it somewhere. And just on a hunch, I paid a little extra to my 'new friend' at the DMV and he gave me another address, one for Ben Wade. And it wasn't that little house in the hills he'd tucked us in at yesterday. Wade had a place in San Diego. That was something I was going to check out. (continued in Ben Wade's thread) |
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 annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/17/07 07:22:34) Lady Godiva |
[While I'm waiting for Kathy and Uma to join me to watch the new DVD of the gangster guy Jack Corbett's met, my eyes catch sight of the scarf on my desk. Touching it now, I get a flash to last night. So I pick up the phone... it's answered on the second ring. He's always that way.]
Maximus? Good morning -- it's Ann. I was calling to check that you're all right. And to thank you for doing this for us. Is everything okay? He's not -- I mean, he's not... Is it going to work out with him? Can you tell yet? Are we going to be safe?    |
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Max180 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 482 (11/18/07 17:54:14) The General |
He behaved himself but your concerns are warranted. I do not trust him especially when he cooperates. He has an agenda and I suspect it supports only one cause - his own. For now, he is hampered by a few things. Firstly, he is still struggling with the period, whatever he pretends. There is so much he does not know. Up until now he has managed to disguise his ignorance but he is no fool. He knows this state of affairs cannot continue and that we are the only ones who can realistically help him.
But I suspect he does not enjoy being beholden to anyone. He will not enjoy this sense of vulnerability and loss of control. We must all be vigilant. But for now, I think we may relax a little. It is not in his current interest to do us any harm - and he knows he has met his physical match in many of us. More important to me now, however, is you. How are you? Do you need anything? You know there is nothing I would not do for you if you needed it... Now we are free... |
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annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/18/07 19:13:58) Lady Godiva |
Oh. I don't know what to say. That's really so kind of you -- to be concerned about me. I think I'm okay, Maximus. It's just -- hard to process. I never thought one of you would ever hurt me. Physically, I mean.
I guess that was naive of me. That's why I'm so grateful you were here to take charge of this. I trust you. We all do, I mean. All of us. Will you let me know if you need anything? Maybe you would need help running errands or picking up groceries while all this is going on with him. Just call and let me know. In the meantime, don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself. |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/18/07 19:30:19) Hand of God... |
[Never imagined I'd feel pounded on like this. Don't like the way I feel -- disoriented, insane, unclear.
After last night, seeing that DVD on my life just before I woke up here in this time? I thought maybe by today, things would begin making some sense. Thought I'd begin getting an inkling on what I really want to know: what happened to me and how do I get back. But this morning, Maximus has show me two more DVDs. One was of his life, at least the part of it that was taking place just before he said he came here. It has made me look at him differently, made me feel I may have a different angle on him. Honor, ruthless justice -- these are elements of his life, if I read this right. And no wonder those two women last night, Uma and Ann, insisted it be Maximus to hold me here. His price isn't readily apparent, even watching his life. If anything, it seems he may be the first man driven not by a price to be met, but an inner pendulum of right. Next, he had me watch Cort's DVD. Interesting choice, that. Since I know my dear old cousin told them last night how we're familiar with each other, I was expecting that the next DVD would be one of the other men. I'm glad to have seen it, though. My cousin, the reformed killer. No wonder she said what she did about him. When the film was over, I sat in the chair, silent and listening to the subtle sounds in the house. I was waiting on Maximus. He seemed to simply appear when the time to change DVDs came. But instead of hearing his footsteps, I only heard his voice. I followed it; he was standing in his kitchen, talking on the phone. I heard him talking -- about me. Assessing me. I wondered who he was giving such a cold rendition to until he paused -- finished talking about me -- and then talked to her about how she was. So that's it. There's a connection there. I slip back, head to the bathroom. Make noise there with flushing and running water. Let him hear that I'm up and about. He's said the next DVD I'd watch would be of someone else not of this time but a whole lot closer to it than him or I. A cop. Someone he wanted me to be sure and understand would be a force to be reckoned with. Something about him also having his own way of justice. I open the bathroom door with a loud bang. Let him think I've not overheard his little conversation. I can put it to use -- sometime soon, if I'm not mistaken.] Even bad men love their mommas... |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/19/07 20:46:36) Hand of God... |
[By afternoon, close to evening, my head's throbbing and my eyes ache. So far, I've learned about Maximus and Cort, met Bud White, Terry Thorne and now I'm most of the way through Jack Aubrey.
In between each film, Maximus strolls off, out to do some chore around his stretch of land. So when the phone rings in his house, he's gone and I'm feeling the weight of the last two day's developments. I put Jack Aubrey's life on pause and go in to the kitchen where the phone is. There's a small device, similar to one that was in an office of a guy Antonio introduced me to. It shows the phone number calling in. I was curious to see who'd call Maximus. Since I'd been there, he'd only had the one call from Ann. Looking into the little window, I see not a number but a name ... it makes me smile. Ah, nothing like learning the little ins and outs of people.] Hello? Even bad men love their mommas... |
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annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/19/07 20:49:16) Lady Godiva |
Maximus? It's Ann ... I wanted to take you up on your offer to help me. Remember? What you said this morning?
The money in that deposit bag -- we need it. I can't afford to let any of my bills slip right now because, well, because of what Skinner's trying to pull. So, I was wondering if you could maybe force that bastard Wade to give it back to us? Or if he won't do that, maybe he could give us cash to make up for the money he stole from us? Maximus? Are you ... chuckling? |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/19/07 20:50:35) Hand of God... |
Hello, Ann. So lovely to hear your voice again ...
Even bad men love their mommas... |
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annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/19/07 20:51:36) Lady Godiva |
What are you doing answering his phone? You bastard. If you've hurt him, I swear, I'll ...
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/19/07 20:53:57) Hand of God... |
Calm down, calm down. No need for such threats, ma'am. I haven't touched the noble Maximus. He's become my guardian angel in this new land of milk and honey.
He's out and about. I was doing him a favor, answering his phone. But how fortuitous it is that it was me who answered your call, wouldn't you say? For, after all, it's me you need the help from -- not Maximus. Now if you'd just ask me nice and sweet -- I'm sure we could come to an arrangement on the money. Even bad men love their mommas... |
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annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/19/07 20:56:22) Lady Godiva |
I wouldn't ask you for the time of day, Wade.
I want my money back. The money you stole from me. So just tell me yes or no and shove all the other stuff, okay? You really don't have a choice. Might as well just tell me when you'll send it to me -- because if I ask Maximus to help me, something tells me he'll get it out of you whether you want to give it up or not. Now, about my money? |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/19/07 20:57:48) Hand of God... |
For shame, Ann. That wasn't really sweet enough. A man needs a bit of sugar if he's gonna do right by a lady.
Even bad men love their mommas... |
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annsmac |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 2902 (11/19/07 20:59:20) Lady Godiva |
A gentleman would never say such a thing to a lady. He'd consider it his duty to be honorable.
But I forget to whom I'm speaking, I suppose, expecting you to be a gentleman. Fine. Have it your way, Wade. I'll just ask Maximus. |
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BenWade07 |
Re: Maximus | ||
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Posts: 396 (11/19/07 21:02:32) Hand of God... |
Pehaps it's all karma, don't you wonder? You believe in karma, don't you, Ann? Maximus has told me so much about you -- all so very interesting.
I feel as though I know you so well that we're friends. Close friends. In the way of friendship, I believe it will my extreme pleasure to grant your request. It does seem the thing to do -- to make right what I've caused to go wrong. I'd hate to think of a lady such as yourself at the mercy of a nasty man. It's this Max Skinner who's causing you such trouble, is it? Hmmm. Perhaps you'd like me to have a talk with him when I return? Even bad men love their mommas... |
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