I haven’t laid a hand on any of them yet. They’re chained to a brick wall, with bags over their heads, and tape across their mouths. They’re aware someone is here, but not who. I suspect Craig might know, only because he watched me kill his friend.
That’s my wish for them as well. To bathe in their blood, record their screams like it’s my own personal theme. Listen to how their bones crack as my hands snap each one.
So why aren’t I?
Because no amount of torture I can inflict on them will ever be enough before snuffing out their lives. Which leads to contemplating allowing them to live. The problem is, they still need to suffer. There needs to be consequences because the law is unable to act. Not that I’d allow anyone else to dole out punishment.
“Have you thought about her at all?” My voice sounds so much louder after the lengthy period of silence. All three men startle, rattling their chains. “Or have there been others? Before or after Lake?”
Truthfully, over the years, I’ve tried hard not to think about that too much. Because if there were girls before Lake, that means they could have been stopped. Somebody could have prevented her violation.
The mumbling behind the tape and hoods grows increasingly annoying. “In case you were unaware, my name is Saint Rivers, and Lake Sutton has been my forever since before you ever set eyes on her.” They all froze at my name, so now I know they’re aware of who I am. Good. They should be afraid.
“I’ve plotted your deaths for years. I’m a little sad that Caleb died so quickly because what I have planned for you three will be a lot of fun for me.” Lying to them while formulating a plan will keep them hyperaware and stressed until I make my move.
“I have to leave for a while, but don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.” Standing up, my chair scrapes loudly across the cement floor, eliciting a whimper from one or two of them. Leaning down close to Jeremy, my parting words make him squirm even more. “See you soon.”
With Lake out with Aria, Hadley, Scotty, and a couple of the other wives for the day, and grandparents watching children, I’m not surprised to find King, Carver, Luther, Nolan, Holden, Bishop, and Easton here when I exit the dungeon.
“Anyone still breathing?” Nolan smirks, knowing how badly I’ve wanted to get my hands on them for all these years.
“All of them.” Scowling as I pass the men on my way to the kitchen, the clock tells me it’s nearly dinner time, so I grab a cold beer and chug it down before turning around to find everyone watching me.
“Why?” Holden asks, obviously confused about my choice.
Sighing, I explain my desire. “I want them to suffer. And not just for a short time, knowing death is coming. I want them tormented the same way Lake has been. They don’t deserve just to die, they deserve to be reminded of her every day for the rest of their lives and know she’s the reason they’ll never be the same again.”
“Death is too nice,” Luther murmurs with a nod, agreeing with me.
“You have a plan then?” my father asks.
Shrugging, I meet Luther’s cold gaze, because if anyone could persuade me otherwise, it would be him. “They need a day or two to percolate and wonder. Then, I’d like to castrate them and send them home.”
Bishop and Easton share a look, enjoying my idea, while King whistles out his amusement. “Impressive, kid. They’ll remain here until you’re ready for them. Now, I have a grandson looking to kick my ass at some game.”
Holden snorts, “He’s got your number, and you know it.”
King scowls, but the two walk away bickering at each other over who’s better at video games. I think Sawyer’s going to kick some ass.
“Lake coming to the fight?” Bishop asks what I have yet to answer.
Glancing at Nolan and Luther, neither object. “I mentioned it to her earlier, and she seemed interested.” I was also balls deep inside of her pussy when I mentioned it after breakfast. Sex still makes her nervous, and her comfort spot is on top, so when she slid into my lap at the table completely naked, I wasn’t about to turn her down.
“We need to leave soon,” Easton says, checking his watch.
The fight is later in the evening, the drive to Destin is about an hour, but I need some time to warm up and get into the headspace needed to knock some sense into an asshole or two who think they can take me out.
“Let’s get going then,” I respond.
“Saint, a word,” Luther asks as everyone leaves.
“See you at home, son. I’ve got a few granddaughters who haven’t gotten nearly enough attention from me.” Dad leaves with a smile on his face. Aside from my mom and Scotty, not many people can draw that kind of happiness from him, but my three nieces do it for both of us.
“What’s up?” I ask Luther when he remains silent.
He blows out a breath, appearing aged. “You know I’d do anything for my Lake, Ariel, Bea, hell, any of the women in the family. I’d kill for them; I’d die for them.” Agreeing, I allow him space to continue at his pace. “I’m not getting any younger, and much as I’d like to join you in executing your plan for those young men, because Lord knows they deserve it, I’m stepping aside. You and Nolan get the pleasure of deciding their fates, you understand?”
Searching his eyes, I do grasp his meaning. One of us needs to keep our hands clean in case they’re moronic enough to go to the cops afterwards. “I think that’s best.” He holds my stare for a beat before nodding and leaving me alone.
