Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 FINALLY, AN END



   > At long last I would be free of this cell, this purgatory, four years
and counting, counting toward forever.  < Hannah had screwed up badly and
the cell was her reward.  She and her boyfriend had figured that they were
smarter than anybody else was and thus their plan was foolproof.  No not
just foolproof, brilliant, inspired even.  Nobody smuggled drugs into or
out of this small island nation and therefore nobody would check a shipment
coming from there.  Turned out that the locals weren't quite as dumb as the
plan called for.  A raid, gunfire, lots of noise and confusion and total
disaster, boyfriend dead, one cop shot, Hannah in cuffs.  There was a very
short trial where the judge decided to be merciful.  Life without parole
instead of the death she had earned.  > Some mercy.  I am stuck in a ten by
ten cell with no windows.  Not allowed to wear anything ever, not even a
blanket to cover the foam pad on the bed.  I see somebody once every two
days when a male guard brings me a towel and watches as I shower. 
Everything happens in this goddamn cell, I haven't been out of it in over
four damn years.  No books, no human contact, lights on 24/7, always on
camera, just let me die.  <

   The offer had come some time before; the state was offering prisoners
like her an out.  If she wished, she could be executed instead of spending
the rest of her life in her box.  Method and time were not mentioned but
the offer was the answer to her prayers.  Some time ago, a different man
had brought her towel and instead of just leering as she showered, he had
told her of the offer.  The next bath time he had returned for her decision
and she had accepted the only way out that she knew would ever be offered.

   Nothing happened for a long while and the hope in her had faded. 
>They're just fucking with me, I'm stuck here forever.< But she had not
counted on the time it takes any government to reach a decision and now
there were two men entering her cell and it was not shower day.

   "Miss, we are here to discuss your acceptance of your chance of status
from life imprisonment to awaiting death sentence.  Your application has
been reviewed and approved pending the outcome of this meeting.  We will
explain a few things to you and if you agree, you will be executed shortly.
Do you understand?"

   "I'll agree to just about anything if it means I can get out of this
hole.  Being dead has got to be an improvement."

   "That may be so but we still must talk.  One , the method of execution
is up to the executioner- there are no restrictions on him except for a
guideline not to cause extreme pain or suffering unnecessarily, two- once
you agree there will be no reversing your decision, three- at the present
time if you choose to die today you will be dead before another week is
out. Do you understand this also?

   "Say yes and be out of here inside of a week, even if I have to die to
escape.  Hell yes, sign me up."

   "Also, there will be no special meals, no fancy clothes, nothing extra
at all.  You will wake up and at some time on the chosen day, you will be
taken from here and executed.  That is the offer and your executioner may
make the only changes.  He and he alone will have the final say but he will
contact you before your day to discuss things.  If you agree you must sigh
this form and we will leave you to make your peace with your god."

   Needless to say, Hannah signed and as she did the weight of the world
lifted from her.  At last some control and freedom, even at the price of
her life it was worth it.  All that was left was for the man who would kill
her to stop by and set up the details.  How would she die, would he be
gentle as he killed her or would he enjoy making her pay as high a price as
possible?

   "Good morning Hannah, we need to talk.  I am the executioner who will
free you from this place.  I have an offer for you.  As you know, I can end
your life almost any way I see fit.  My position does not pay well and I
have a large family therefore I am always looking for a way to increase my
income.  One way I do that is by filming my executions and selling the tape
to people who are willing to pay well for them.  I have a long waiting list
for different types of executions and only so many chances.  You are a gift
that will make me much money.  I am also a moral man who feels that before
I profit from your death you and I must come to an agreement.  To just use
you without your receiving something in return feels to me like a sin. 
This we need to discuss and come to an understanding about.  Normally I
would take you to a small room just down the hall where you would be
strapped tightly to a post.  I then would place the muzzle of my pistol in
your mouth and fire.  The bullet would enter you skull at the base and
angle up to destroy your brain stem and the back of your brain.  Death is
instantaneous and painless.  While there are some willing to pay for the
viewing of such I fear that they are few.  No those who are willing to pay
wish to see other things, hangings, garrote, impalements, firing squads,
beheadings, poisonings, and almost any means of killing that you have ever
heard of.  That you are a young and pretty woman only adds to your value to
me.  It a sellers market and I will give you whatever I can in return for
your cooperation.  No matter how you die, there will be no more than a few
minutes of suffering and in return I can offer much.  Are you interested?"

   "I don't know what to ask for; I mean what is possible and what isn't.
How much time will I have to enjoy my rewards?  I just don't enough."

   "OK let me tell you what I can do and you decide.  Would you like a good
meal, sex with someone, a walk in the sun, music, to pick your method of
death, a good bath, a back rub, a pretty dress, a good stiff drink, to sit
and talk with someone, or maybe something else that I missed.  I can do
much but some things will require time to prepare so we must decide now."

   "I want all of it that I can get, everything you mentioned sounds
wonderful.  Tell me more."

   "We are on the edge of an army base, unused and quite pretty.  I have
quarters here.  With a big bathtub, a full kitchen, large comfortable bed.
Nearby there's a beach and woods with some lovely grassy clearings.  I have
a large collection of music.  My eighteen-year-old son is a very nice boy,
handsome and strong.  He has been the last lover for others in your place
before and is reported to be a very kind and caring lover.  You can have
almost all day and will be without most of the chains you came here in. 
Usually you would only need a light pair of leg irons and a control collar.
Much like a dog training collar, you misbehave and I can give you a shock,
a shock that will drop you to your knees and can kill if I keep applying it
long enough."

   "The hell with the dress but I want everything else, as soon as we can,
I do not want to spent any more time in this hellhole than I have to."

   "And your way of dying, may I offer a suggestion.  My best costumer
would like a garroting.  You ask for much and I think it only fair that I
get much in return.  As deaths go, it is not a bad one and we could do it
anywhere.  You could die watching the surf and listening to the birds of
music."

   "I want to go to the beach but let's end it in one of those grassy
clearings where I can sit in the sun at the end.  I trust you for some
reason, we have a deal."

   She spent the rest of the day deciding what she wanted to eat and drink
and wondering about the son.  >I hope the kid is as good as the old man
says, I need to get laid really badly.  Maybe he's still at the
always-ready stage.  At eighteen, he should know something.  Maybe he'll
even eat me, a good eating and a good long fuck would be worth it all. 
Even if it takes ten or fifteen minutes to die, it'll still be worth it for
a day of wonderful things and never having to come back to this hell.  <

   The old man came back two more times to smooth out any rough spots and
on the last visit.  "Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day; we will come
for you early.  A fine breakfast, a walk , a nice hot soak, some music, a
long quiet time with my son, then more good food, a time at the beach,
perhaps more time alone with your thoughts or with my son, then we go the
woods.  Does that sound fine to you?  It is not too late to change the
details but no matter what tomorrow will be your last day on earth.  If you
wish I can visit you tonight and we can talk about life and death and what
comes after or I can leave you with your thoughts until tomorrow."

   True to his word, the next day began early.  She was awoken early and
after being outfitted with a full set of chains and cuffs for the first
time in years she was led outside.  >My God, the sun, blue sky, there is
still a world.  A breeze, it's been so long.  I can die happy now.< she was
loaded into a small car and after a short ride they were at a small house
set by it's self.  The beach was only a short walk away and behind it she
could see small woods.  Birdsongs carried by the breeze reached her ears
and she stood and watched the gulls wheeling over the surf.  > So this is
the place, it's just as he promised.< Her attention to the scenery was
broken as the door to the house opened and the executioner and a younger
version of him walked out onto the porch.  They walked over and after
signing some papers turned to her.  "Hannah, welcome to my home.  Come in
and we will get those restraints off and you can eat or bathe.  Which do
you want to do first?  This is my son, you may call him Eduardo, Eduardo
this is Hannah, the girl I was telling you about."

   Breakfast was fluffy eggs and some kind of shellfish, toast with fresh
fruit spread and good coffee.  The tub was large enough for two and after a
good soak; there was a knock on the door.  "I thought you might like me to
scrub your back or wish something."

   Eduardo was wearing only a loose pair of shorts as he stood by the door.
>Nice , very nice.  Shit girl, stop looking and take him up on the offer.
Not much time left.< " why don't you join me in here and do a good job of
it." The back scrub of course quickly led to other more intimate things and
they were both still wet and excited as they moved to the bedroom.  His
tongue and his fingers both knew what to do and where to do it.  She was
gasping and mewing with pleasure even before he slid up her body and
entered her.  She met his thrusts with needy movements of her own and the
world shrank to the place where they were joined.  Timeless moments and
wonderful feelings later she felt him move toward his climax and joined
him. She tried to pull him deeper inside herself as they ground against
each other while their passions exploded.

   > I think that was the best fuck I ever had.  Hey, kid, need references,
give you a good one.  God he's still moving, doesn't he ever tire.  If he's
giving I'm willing to take.  Wow .< Without even leaving her he soon began
to move inside her.  She thrilled as she felt him harden up and soon they
were once more lost in the heated passion their needs fired.

   By the time the knock on the door came they were both sated and were
just quietly laying in each other's arms enjoying the special afterglow
that only great sex brings.  Lunch was as good as breakfast.  More seafood,
fresh baked bread, veggies still crispy, a good wine, and behind it all the
sounds of her favorite music.  The three of them talked of life and of
small things, Eduardo wanted to become a doctor and his father spoke of the
boat he was building.  >Man this is weird, I'm going to die today but here
I sit eating and enjoying myself.  Somehow dying just doesn't seem
important.  I'm so full.  One more dish of iced fruit maybe, I think I've
got room.<

   Lunch was followed by a walk on the beach.  The leg irons and the collar
seemed a small price to pay as she waded and fed the gulls.  Out on the
horizon there was a fishing boat and just for a moment the reality of her
situation hit her.  > Ah hell, they're free to sail away while I'm stuck
here.  What have I got left, four maybe five hours.  Damned if I'm going to
ruin it by worrying.< There was a small enclosed garden behind the house
and she was led back there to enjoy some more time with Eduardo.  This time
however their lovemaking was softer and more loving.  Somehow he knew that
she wanted to share time with somebody who cared and understood.  There
were no words needed as they joined and she rode him for the last
lovemaking of her life.  Even soft and slow brought her to a climax that
shattered her soul and reformed it into something peaceful and rested.

   A short walk in the woods refreshed her, she stood and listened to the
birdsongs and watched as they flitted from branch to branch.  Bright colors
in the sun and shade, moving with a freedom she had lost.  The trail led to
a clearing, a small pond with grass around it, sun dappled and blue and
green.  Yes, there was time to stand and enjoy.  No one had said anything
but she knew that this was the place chosen for her to die.

   "Come Hannah, we need to go over there now.  It is time." She followed
around a small grove of bushes by the water's edge.  For the first time she
saw the instrument of her death.  A wooden killing machine was waiting for
her.  A single post about a foot square with crossed feet at the base. 
Staked down so it was solidly anchored it was about seven feet tall.  A low
stool was mounted on one side and there was some pieces made of steel lying
on the ground next to it.  Telling her it was for her own good and only
until she was safely held in the embrace of the garrote he cuffed her hands
to a belt and led her to sit.

   >Help me God, I'm going to die and I'm scared.  I don't want to die,
take me back to my cell, I'll spend the rest of time in darkness.  Just
don't kill me.< As her thoughts raced and she shrank away from her fate he
strapped her upper body to the timber.  One around her chest and another
around her head secured her.  She saw the first piece of steel as he placed
it around her neck.  A U shaped bar with a flat spot in the center, it slid
through a slotted piece of steel on each side of the upright.  She could
hear him assembling more parts behind her head.  > I guess this is it. 
Somehow, this thing is going to snuff out my life and there isn't a thing I
can do about it.  I asked for it.  I traded my life for a walk on the sand
and a roll in the sack.  Shit, I've really fucked things up good this time.
Hell, I'll try to be brave.<

   Her resolve lasted as she felt the bar snug itself up against her soft
tender throat.  She even thanked the old man as he removed the last of her
chains.  The cameras went unnoticed as she sat and looked at the beauty of
her dying place.  She felt the panic behind the wall she had constructed in
her mind as both Eduardo and his father disappeared behind her.  The wall
that would be surely be tested in the moments to come.  > I will be brave,
I will be brave, I will not panic and thrash around, I will die with
dignity, I'll show them, I will.< Brave thoughts but no match for the steel
holding her around the neck.  The steel that would squeeze and crush that
soft and pretty throat until she was nothing but a piece of dead meat.  But
for now she clung to her dream of somehow beating it, of somehow winning
over the need to breathe.  It was a valiant effort and a fine attempt but
she had no idea of the forces that would whip her.  Forces that would drive
everything from her mind except the fight for even one sip of air.

   At the first sound of the threads turning and at the first tightening of
the steel she started to hyperventilate.  Trying to store up as much oxygen
as possible before it was denied her.  The man behind her smiled as he
listened to her attempt to live an extra few seconds.  This was going to be
a good movie part of his mind thought while another part grieved for the
girl, so young and pretty.  He had sent Eduardo away before he started;
this was something he did not want his boy to see.  Better that he remember
her as she was while they made love.  What she would become in only a few
seconds was not something he wished his son to see in his dreams.

   By trying to breath as much as possible she was able to postpone the
panic for a few more seconds.  Her breath sounds were noisy and labored
before he stopped turning the screw.  She was still getting air but she was
working very hard for even small amounts.  The wall was crumbling under the
assault of her desperate need to breathe.  Her hands tried to pull the
strangling steel clear and failing that reached back to loosen the screw
but it was just beyond her reach.  She kicked and pushed against the ground
trying to loosen or escape the crushing force of the garrote.  That the
cameras were recording her struggles, taping the view of her heaving
breasts , recording the exposure of her pussy, the flying drops of semen
and other love juices left from her time with the boy, and noting the
almost sexual movements as she fought was less than nothing.  Time stopped
for her she had always struggled thus and would struggle until the end of
eternity.  The saliva running down her throat threatens to drown her, her
tongue is forced out from between her darkening lips and still she fights.
Blood drips from the corner of her mouth to stain her pale body, shockingly
red against the pale skin.  Now more leaks from her nose.  He notices a
slowing of her struggles and checks his watch - almost ten minutes.  She
cannot believe it.  For some reason she can breathe more easily as she
hears the turn of the screw.  Only a little bit, not enough to ease her
struggles but only enough to prolong them.  She sucks greedily at the extra
air and the small part of her mind still functioning behind her wall hates
him for allowing her extra time to undergo the agony and pain of the
garrote.  She has dug long deep furrows in her neck.  Her nails dig at the
unforgiving steel until they too are no match for it or for the hard wood
it is mounted on.  Her fingers now have no nails on their raw and bleeding
tips; they have been torn away in her fight.  The stool she had been
sitting on is kicked away and she is hanging as she strangles.  Finally he
takes pity on her and the bar moves back toward the post.  She whistles and
gasps as the last small airway left is slowly crushed.  No longer does she
have the strength or the will to fight.  She hangs with only small
movements in her broken body.  Once or twice, her hands try to lift and her
feet try to find traction under her but it is really all over.  Peace
descends over her tortured soul as she now hears the birds between the
thunders of her pulse.  With a last shudder, her body loses the battle and
the control over itself.  She is still as the sound of liquid hitting the
base of the garrote frame mixes with the sound of the breeze in the leaves.
A last few quivers and twitches and she is still for all time.

   He sits and studies her body and reviews her death in his mind.  It was
almost perfect and his customers should be pleased.  She is left hanging in
the embrace of the steel and wood for an hour before she is removed and
taken out to sea to be dumped overboard with the rest of the trash. 
Unknown, unwanted, unloved, and forgotten.