Volume I

Chapter 5

6:00PM

The door to Jacob’s cabin opened as he kicked it gently with his foot. With two bags in each hand, and two beside his feet, he struggled to carry them inside before dropping them abruptly at the front door. He turned and grabbed the other two, doing the same. He was in a rush, it was thirty to six, and he needed to make sure he had enough time to arrive to Blaire’s without being late.

Closing the door behind him, he grabbed the bags and struggled to carry them towards the closet in his hallway. He opened it, pulling out various items such as a vacuum, some shoe boxes and storage containers. After clearing the closet, Jacob got on his knees and began to feel around the carpeted floor. Upon feeling two screws barely hidden by the carpet, he carefully gripped them with his fingers and steadily pulled a secret compartment hidden beneath the floor.

Inside was a shallow space, maybe two feet deep. It was piled with cash, maybe a few hundred thousand. Jacob took each bag and began to dump the millions of dollars he had obtained into the compartment, but after dumping half of the second bag, it was already filled to the brim. There was no way he’d be able to fit all ten million inside.

“Dammit,” Jacob cursed under his breath.

He sighed as he stood to his feet. He scratched his head, unsure of what to do. He didn’t feel comfortable leaving the cash in the open, or even tucked away somewhere. It was better to hide it completely, but his compartment wouldn’t fit the rest.

‘What the hell am I supposed to do now?’ Jacob thought to himself. ‘I’ll figure it out later, I don’t have time for this.’

Jacob put the cover back over the compartment, before grabbing the two and half bags left of cash and stashing them as far back into the closet as he could. Then he stacked the storage containers in a way that concealed the bags, before then stacking the shoeboxes to hide them completely. Putting the vacuum back inside, he closed the closet door and decided it would have to suffice for the time being.

Walking towards his living room, Jacob approached his couch and sat down, exhausted after dragging the weight of the bags back home. It had been nerve wracking, to be caught with such a large amount of cash would be suspicious to anybody. Luckily Valdez was a small town, and he knew enough routes back home to expel any unwanted attention.

His eyes shifted towards the coffee table in front of him, as he contemplated everything that had happened as of recent. While he had gotten the money he requested, the act of selling his employee, Liz, to the organization still did not sit well with him. He was bothered by it, something he wasn’t accustomed to with previous deliveries, but Liz wasn’t like the others.

He had worked with her, gotten to know her even. More so than the ‘dates’ he had gone on, or ‘acquaintances’ he had made on hikes when males were on the menu for the organization's clientele. Liz had been grateful for the job, she loved cooking and was good at it. It was hard to get a job anywhere else, because nobody could understand her and it was too much a hassle to try and communicate with a mute woman.

Jacob knew sign language, not an expert but it was enough to communicate fluidly with the young cook. He had given her a stable job, enough to pay her bills and give her a decent life in the remote Valdez, Alaska. Whatever future she may have had, Jacob snuffed out without a second thought at the behest of Deita. Why had he done it? He didn’t even think twice, he didn’t even stick up for her. He could have shrunk a number of other potential victims, was it because Liz was easy?

Sighing again, Jacob leaned forward and laced his fingers. He brought his hands up to his head, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth in frustrated thought. Again he was making excuses, gaslighting himself into a mistruth, any truth that might offer an ease on his mind. The truth was that Jacob knew precisely why he had so callously decided to shrink Liz without a second thought.

Blaire, that was the reason. Something about her made him yearn to know her more. Her beauty was beyond reason, her personality mystifying and interesting. It was clear she had a depth that most women failed to achieve. Whether it was true or not, it was true for Jacob. Dating was always a struggle for him, because of his past. Every woman he tried to date, or get to know, ultimately brought him back to the trauma during his childhood.

Their selfish, prideful demeanors. Their self interests and lack of broader reasoning. The men too, not just the women. All of the friends he made in an effort to get more product, he had no qualms with his actions. Every man he met was a horny pig, always talking about women like objects and fuck holes. Over the years Jacob had become increasingly hateful of the world and its populace. Everyone was for themselves, even if it meant walking over the feeble and lesser beings of the human race.

That’s why Blaire was different, he could tell. He had to make sure, he couldn’t let that opportunity pass by him, not without trying. Every time he spoke with her, he was increasingly interested in her character. She was hiding something from him, he knew it. Jacob suspected that Blaire came from a wealthy background, but if that was the case, then why would she leave it all behind and move to the remote Valdez? A nobody town, a place where old folks retire, or young people yearn to escape the moment they are able.

Now he had been invited on a date, at her own home for that matter. She had promised to reveal more of her past, after using his charming abilities to sway her. He wouldn’t fool himself, Jacob was manipulating her against his own desire. It was his nature to deceive for his own benefit. Instead of it being for cash, however, this time it was because he genuinely felt something for Blaire, and he had to explore it.

That’s why Jacob was bothered by the fate of Liz, because despite his lack of interest in the young cook, she wasn’t like the others either. Just like Jacob, her disability lessened the interests of others, and she was an outcast just like he was since childhood. He knew she deserved a better life, but if it meant clearing Blaire of Deita’s interest, he would do it again and again if it meant keeping Blaire off of the organization's radar.

Having enough of his own thoughts, Jacob pushed them aside and looked at his phone. He had fifteen minutes to get to Blaire's, and she was about ten minutes away. He figured being a little early would show interest, so he stood to his feet and headed out the door.

The sound of a door creaking open echoed throughout the dimly lit hallway. It wasn’t too spacious, and only ten feet long or so. Jinshin closed the door behind her, the sound of her boots echoing with each step as she approached the only door at the end of the hallway.

Reaching the door, Jinshin paused briefly as she took a deep breath. Composing herself, and adjusting her outfit, she hesitantly lifted her hand and knocked on the door. There was a brief moment of silence, as Jinshin waited patiently in front of the door. Eventually, a muffled voice could be heard on the other side.

“You may enter.”

Upon hearing this, Jinshin opened the door and entered a room that resembled a large office. On the left side was a tall bookcase that spanned the entire length of the wall, and stood over eight feet tall. There was a ladder trolley attached to a pulley system, to reach books higher on the shelves.

The right side of the room hosted a large aquarium, all sorts of exotic saltwater life inside. There was an octopus, blending itself into the fake rocks below. Colorful fish swam around the tank, an eel poking its head out from a hole in a large boulder that was its home.

At the far end of the room, was a large oak table with a shadowy figure sitting in a chair behind it. The room was only accented with Edison style lighting, which was dimmed down meaning it was very difficult to make out the figures' appearance. The man had his hands locked together, elbows on his desk as his concealed face seemingly gazed across the room and towards Jinshin.

“Thank you for coming on short notice,” said the man.

“Of course, Avaramix,” Jinshin bowed with respect, before approaching him and sitting in a chair placed across from the table. “What do you require?”

“Details on your call with Deita,” Avaramix answered. “What has she learned?”

“Quite a few things,” Jinshin answered. “Jacob’s abilities are permanent, as you suspected. Furthermore, he can apparently adjust the final size of his victims from half an inch, up to three inches. Also, they are apparently more dense and durable when shrunk, so they aren’t as fragile as we initially suspected. This could be a great sales pitch for future transactions.”

“Interesting,” Avaramix leaned back in his chair, bringing his hands up to his chin.

“The shrinking process is relatively instant, leaving any non-organic material to crumple to the floor after the process is complete.”

“Was he born with these abilities?”

Jinshin shrugged. “If he was, those details were spared.”

“It seems viable that our plans may be set into motion then. Assuming Deita does not fail me, we could use these abilities of Jacob’s to obtain mass products and increase our profits tenfold. I am very pleased with you both. Your efforts especially, Jinshin.”

“Master… I only do what you ask of me,” Jinshin blushed, appreciating his admiration.

“Learning of Jacob and his abilities was the first step, and Deita is owed that in the days to come,” Avaramix said. “But without you, we wouldn’t have the clientele's interest in Jacob’s products. It’s because of you that we have reached this pinnacle within our organization.”

“Regarding Deita, there is more you should know,” Jinshin swallowed nervously.

“Yes?”

“I suspect she may have contaminated the recent specimen, the one being delivered here tomorrow,” Jinshin revealed.

“How so?”

“She didn’t admit anything, but she insinuated her interests in the newest delivery. A mute woman, who cannot speak. She claims she’ll make a larger profit, but I suspect that Deita was interested in having her for herself as well. She may have indulged herself, master.”

There was another brief silence, and Jinshin feared that she may have put Deita in the hot seat. After a few moments, Avaramix leaned forward. While his upper face was obscured by shadow, the light of the room illuminated the smile that spread across his face.

“Deita is always breaking the rules, isn’t she? No matter, we are beyond that point. With everything going according to my plans, it won’t matter soon enough. Deita can have her way this time, in fact she could have this new product if she’s that inclined. We’ll be getting much more in due time, which leads me to your gift.”

Jinshin showed an expression of shock. “Gift? F-for me?”

“Yes,” Avaramix answered as he reached under his desk and pulled out a small chest the size of a music box. He placed it on the table and slid it towards her.

“This was the second specimen Jacob ever gave us. His attitude put him off to any potential client. With the next steps of our plan going into motion in due time, I’ve instead decided to gift him to you. Do with him as you please, whatever desires you most. You’ve earned it, Jinshin.”

“Master! That isn’t necessary…” Jinshin blushed, this was not at all expected.

“Please, take him,” Avaramix insisted. “I understand my previous ruling on such matters, but I’ve changed my mind. The risk is none, they have nowhere to run or hide. You more than deserve it.”

“If you insist…” Jinshin hesitantly grabbed the little chest, lifting it up slowly as she unlatched the lock and opened it up.

Inside was a peculiar sight. He was around an inch tall, same as most of the victims of Jacob. He had short, spazzy hair that was dirty blonde. To Jinshin’s surprise, the young man had bright, blue eyes. He was very muscular and cut, quite handsome at that. While Jinshin was not a sexual deviant by any means, she would deny the attractiveness of this specific individual. Unlike Deita, Jinshin was not the type to indulge in raging, hormonal fantasies of the sadistic nature. Not unless it involved business, and the punishment of insubordinates.

“Well? Does he live up to your expectations?” Avaramix let out an evil, twisted smile.

“Absolutely. Thank you master…” Jinshin bowed, as she peered into the chest for a brief moment longer.

The young man appeared to be very young, perhaps twenty years old, maybe even eighteen but she wasn’t sure. His hands were bound behind his back, a piece of scotch tape that had been cut down to size and wrapped around his wrists to bind them. He must have really been a troublemaker after all, he even had another strip of tape wrapped around his mouth and head to silence him. After all, he supposedly had a bad nature of spitting profanities and generally being a nuisance. Not a single customer wanted him, the females seemed to be the most popular purchases anyways, for obvious reasons.

“When Deita arrives with the newest arrival, she’s free to have it for herself,” Avaramix declared. “Or she can have a future specimen, with our upcoming plan in motion, we’ll have far more product anyways, doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. The three of us will have a lot of talking to do. I'll be sending you both back to Valdez to get Jacob accustomed into his new role as a security consultant, including delivery of the in-transport delivery of many individuals of which have yet to be converted into more products.”

“Of course, whatever you desire, consider it done.”

“I know, Jinshin. Now go, enjoy yourself for the time being.” Avaramix dismissed her.

Closing the chest and sealing the young, tiny man back inside, Jinshin bowed once again, holding the chest to her bosom. Then she turned around and left the room as ordered. Unsure of exactly what she might do with her new gift, a few ideas began to cross her mind. Jinshin wondered what Deia might have done to Liz, but anything that crossed her mind made Jinshin recoil. She was always the modest type, and she had never been in a relationship with any man, so she was an inexperienced virgin to the highest degree.

Whatever fate would await the blue-eyed, blonde treat that she now possessed in her hand, Jinshin would have to find a use for him. One that fit her nature.

The clock struck 6:00PM on the digital clock of Blaire’s stove top. Dinner was almost ready, she had already strained the alfredo noodles and had begun to turn the heat down for the sizzling chicken that was nearly ready. A saucepan filled with a smelly aroma of alfredo sauce sizzled on the stove top, as Blaire began to question whether Jacob was going to show up on time.

To answer her question, a knock on the door came almost immediately. Jacob had indeed been on time, and Blaire smiled with excitement as she quickly jumped on the balls of her feet as she rushed to the front door.

Immediately she composed herself, containing an overwhelming smile and taking a deep breath, Blaire grabbed the handle and opened the door promptly to see the handsome Jacob standing on her porch with a big grin. There was a bottle of wine in his hands, as he lifted it up to show it off.

“Room for wine?” Jacob asked seductively.

“If you’re ready to eat! The food is almost done.” Blaire let Jacob inside.

It was a cozy cabin, that was for sure. It was located near the edge of Valdez, a more private abode and not easily spotted by the road. The wood pellet stove had been running, and the cabin had a cozy warmth to it.

Jacob couldn’t stop inhaling the delicious scent of the chicken alfredo that Blaire had made, as they took a seat at her table and helped themselves to a generous portion. After grabbing some wine glasses, Jacob popped the cork and poured each of them a glass. The wine was a classic red, a bittersweet aroma with an extra kick in the after taste. Jacob was pleased to see Blaire take a sip, and looked quite impressed.

“Jacob! This wine tastes expensive…” Blaire noted, being a bit of a wine connoisseur.

“How much do you think I paid for it?” Jacob asked, smiling vibrantly at the young woman.

“Oh I don’t know,” Blaire giggled heartily, “at least eighty dollars! No, ninety!”

“If I told you, you wouldn’t want to drink any more,” Jacob teased. “Don’t worry, I can afford it, I promise. I wanted to offer something in return for your delicious cooking, this chicken alfredo is incredible. Far beyond any alfredo recipe I’ve ever tasted, really. Consider the wine a thank you.”

“Oh Jacob… How much was this wine!?” Blaire was curious now, especially if Jacob wasn’t answering right away.

“Do you really care that much? I suppose I’ll tell you,” Jacob winked at her. “Four hundred dollars. Bought it at a winery up the street on my way here. That’s why I was late, my apologies by the way.”

“Four hundred?” Blaire was impressed, she couldn’t deny that. What better way for Jacob to show his obvious interest in her, if not bringing a four hundred dollar wine on their date. “Well thank you, I won’t complain! I promise. And you were hardly late, you couldn’t have been more on time!”

“On time is ten minutes early, for me at least. Usually,” Jacob responded. “I know it’s been a short while, but in that time I’ve really enjoyed talking with you Blaire. At this point, I’ll just start being forward. I’d love to get to know you more, if you’ll let me.”

“I feel the same way,” Blaire assured him. Her cheeks were bright red, always flushed around the charming man. Something about him just seemed irresistible.

“So you promised to tell me more about where you came from, and your background,” Jacob brought up. They had mostly finished their meals by now, and it was nearing eight O’ clock in the evening. The night seemingly rushing by, Jacob couldn’t end the date without getting a deeper look into the life that Blaire had come from. He had to know more.

“I did promise you, didn’t I?” Blaire leaned back, a bit anxious. She smiled innocently at him, before nodding and lifting her hands to relent. “I just don’t want you to think differently of me. It’s quite the shock, I promise you.”

“Try me,” Jacob spoke, locking his charming gaze with her own.

“Well,” Blaire sighed nervously, and decided that she trusted Jacob. “I came to Valdez from Seattle. The truth is, I was born in a very, very wealthy family. But after a lifetime of them trying to control me and every aspect of my life, I couldn’t take it anymore and fled here to get away.”

“Seriously?” Jacob was shocked, but at the same time his suspicions had been correct. The mention of the house made at the diner had struck him odd, and he suspected this much.  “What did your family try to control? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I couldn’t have friends that they deemed poor, or boyfriends who weren’t of the same wealthy status they were,” Blaire explained. “I was often punished for my lack of interest in college, and going into business. I always wanted to explore the world, have a family and just be a mother. But that wasn’t enough for them, they wanted me to continue the trend of capitalizing on our wealth, and furthering our generational wealth. I just never cared about the money, though. It seemed pointless to me, money could never buy what I truly wanted in this world.”

“And what is it you want, Blaire?” Jacob asked with his charming smile, listening intently to ensure that Blaire knew he cared about what she was saying.

“I just wanted to fall in love, have a family, move to a cozy cabin in the mountains somewhere, I don’t know…” Blaire scratched the back of her head nervously, looking up at Jacob sheepishly. “Here I am, an ex-rich girl complaining about her old wealthy family and meanwhile there’s starving children in Africa. I must sound stupid, selfish…”

“No, you don’t,” Jacob assured her. “I completely understand. You wanted to become your own person, and your family prevented that. Shame on them, for trying to change who you are. If money doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. The fact you gave it all up to move here and start your own life, that just proves to me why I was so interested in getting to know you at all.”

“It… I-it is?” Blaire was touched by his statement, but Jacob seemed to take on a serious expression now.

“Ever since I first saw you, admittedly, I had to know who you were. I had to know Blaire, the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

Blaire blushed immediately, averting her eyes as she smiled slyly. “Oh Jacob…”

“It may be forward, and I know this is a bit soon, but it’s true,” Jacob insisted. “This meal was wonderful, and I’ve had such a great time with you so far. I hope it doesn’t end anytime soon.”

“I’m willing to bet it won’t,” Blaire chimed. “Thank you Jacob, I was really nervous to get that off my chest. You’ve made me far more comfortable on the matter, and I really appreciate that.”

“My pleasure,” Jacob smiled. “Besides, I can assure you of one thing. There are far worse people in this world, than an innocent, beautiful woman like you could ever compare to. Not even a little bit.”

“As far as I’m concerned, Blaire. You're as sweet as an angel.”