HTFour

                           CHAPTER FOUR- TRANSFORMATION

"Man, I just can't believe how different you look!"

Xavier allowed the smallest twitch of a smile to appear before taking a sip of his coffee. "That good, Calvin?"

"Shit, yeah." The older man studied Xavier frankly from across the restaurant table, shaking his head in disbelief as he took in Xavier's form. Gone was the dark hair he remembered, replaced by a freshly shaved head. Cal could have sworn his friend had brown eyes, only now dark green stared back at him. The nose was different, smaller yes and more streamlined. There was something about the chin. Cal couldn't place it, but it had changed too, less square and more prominent. All in all, an astonishing transformation. Not to speak of the shocking weight loss. That, above all else, is what threw him when he first laid eyes on Xavier. Cal began to chuckle, his hoarse laugh turned into a hacking cough, and he leaned over to clear his throat. "I've known you. . . what, ten, eleven years? I 'd never believe it was you if you hadn't proven it. Damn! It's amazing."

Xavier leaned back against his chair and stretched expansively, satisfied. It meant a lot to him to know that one of his closest acquaintances has not recognized him. Now, the months of painful recovery seemed more than justified. Even the agony of a broken jaw. Xavier corrected himself. Especially the broken jaw. It had been the catalyst that had started this whole change, the metamorphosis of one former being to the current one sitting here right now. Xavier thought back to the moment of his one careless mistake. He should have known better than to leave himself unguarded. Brian's well-aimed kick to his chin during their brief struggle on the bus testified to the fact. He had fractured his jaw. The pain had been excruciating and he had been fortunate to escape, finding a skilled surgeon in Mexico who had wired him up with no questions asked. The first two days after surgery had been pure hell, alternating with cold then heat to ease the throbbing pain. Sleeping on his back was a must, even the slightest pressure to his injured jaw sent him into spasms of agony. But the worst pain was the pain he didn't even feel. Unable to eat solid foods, his diet consisted of nothing but liquids. Use to a high-caloric diet, his weight dropped dramatically. He tried to maintain a high level of protein-enriched drinks but after three weeks gave up, disgusted by the thick, soy-tasting mixtures.

Tequila now became his new choice of drink, followed closely by whiskey. If his weight was going to plummet, then by God, he was going to do it the fun way. And he did. He lived in a state of near stupor, his sister the only one brave enough to care for him during that time. Xavier snorted. Brave, my ass. He had paid her, and paid her well, along with a few choice threats to make sure she didn't abandon him. She left the day the wires were removed from his jaw. He was glad she left, taking Elizabeth with her. He had had more than enough of her brat, hardly able to contain himself as she continuously whined, wanting to know all about her favorite Backstreet Boy.

Cal droned on and on about the incredible difference and Xavier ignored him, tired of his chatter and from sitting too long in one place. He winced slightly as he shifted his weight, trying to find a more comfortable position. Every stab of pain reminded him of another nasty injury he had received, this time courtesy of his idiotic friend, Abe.

He knew his desperate leap from the small truck had saved his life, but it came at a cost. His hip was never the same, aching constantly, even in the warm climate of Mexico. Xavier took another sip of his luke-warm coffee and smirked inwardly. All in all, he guessed it was a fair trade. A bum hip in exchange for Abe's life, physically and figuratively. Abe's untimely death became a godsend to Xavier, presenting him the opportunity to start over with a new name and new existence.

The authorities had been idiots, as he expected, not giving time or consideration to the mutilated body that was pulled from the wreckage. It had been a fairly simple task for him to switch identities; a few words here, a few more dollars there, and the deed was done. Abe's papers at the morgue were now identified as one Xavier Delgado, deceased. To no surprise, no one claimed the body, and so "Xavier" was given a proper burial, Mexican style, which consisted of a common grave, unmarked.

'"Xavier?   Hey. . . Xavier?"

Xavier frowned, taking the time to look at his grizzled-haired companion. "Abe," he replied bluntly.

"Oh, yeah, sure." Cal gave a sheepish grin, looking guiltily around him. "Uh, sorry. . . Abe."

"No problem. Don't ever do it again." And he meant it. The last thing he needed was to have someone fuck up his plan by mistaking his name. He stared hard at the contrite old man, wondering if it wasn't better to get rid of him right now, before he caused any more problems.

With a sigh, Xavier nixed that idea, shelving it for later deliberation. Right now, he needed Cal more alive than dead. With a quick flick of his wrist, he signaled for the waitress to bring the check. "So, everthing's in place? There's no problem?"

Cal nodded, relieved to see Xavier's grim face disappear. "Yeah, everything's fine. You're in. You're replacing George, the maintenance guy. He's been there forever, so they were desperate for someone when he suddenly quit."

Xavier grinned. Well, that sounded familiar. Ah, there's nothing like having contacts, especially ones who are desperate to repay a favor. Cal had been trying to for years. Xavier had wisely refused, patiently waiting for that one special time when he would need it. Cal had been ecstatic over Xavier's sudden phone call, promising anything and everything. Taken aback by Xavier's simple request, Cal offered to do much more but Xavier waived him off, saying that if he could honor this that his debt was paid in full.   Cal had completed the request within twenty-four hours.

"You're expected to start on Monday. George had a small apartment at the rehab facility, so you'll be expected to be on call for emergencies."

Xavier nodded, he had all the information right before him. He smiled wickedly. And then some.

Cal threw Xavier a quizzical look. "You know, you'll be expected to take a drug test and be fingerprinted."

Xavier gave the old man a patient, accommodating look. "I know."

Calvin snorted, almost forgetting whom he was talking to. "Yeah. Sorry. I'm sure you've got it all under control." He watched as Xavier threw down two twenties for the waitress and then rose to leave. Xavier gave him a cool look and Cal shifted uncomfortably, aware that his tall friend was dismissing him. Cal stood up, stuck out his hand and cleared his throat nervously. "Well, good luck. I hope you get what you want."

Xavier disregarded the hand, a sneer instantly forming on his face. "There's no luck about it. I always get what I want."

Mouth agape, Cal watched as Xavier abruptly left the restaurant, noticing the slight limp as Xavier strode angrily into the parking lot. He shook his head, troubled by Xavier's dark vow. He was suddenly thankful he wasn't at the receiving end of that promise.

And God help the person who was.

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CHAPTER FIVE