Page 26 of Ruthless Deliverance

“Yes. I’ll grab it.” I walk off before Keith can voice the objection I see coming. Thankfully, he’s momentarily distracted when someone shouts his name. Making my way to the keg, I glance over my shoulder and notice Luna is now seated on the tailgate of a truck, her feet dangling, eyes dropped to her hands on her lap. Why does she come out if she’s so miserable every time? Or maybe she’s always miserable and being out is more appealing than being at home. That I can relate to in my current living conditions. Though we’ve found a way to coexist a little easier, it’s still not exactly smooth sailing.

Stepping up to the keg, I grab a plastic cup and fill it about halfway. I don’t plan on drinking it but figure it might be a better way to blend in. Not that anyone seems to be paying attention. No sooner had I replaced the beer line on top of the keg than a guy steps up next to me, slightly bumping my arm before reaching over to support my perfectly steady cup. I spot a tribal tattoo slithering up his arm.

“Damn. Sorry about that. I’m Sebastian.” His genuine smile is refreshing, and I place him as a member of the football team and give him my name in response. I don’t recall much about his part in the game, mostly because I sat through it counting the minutes until it was over. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the sport in general, but this school seems to put all of the game on one player. Creed. And I found myself secretly cheering him on too despite the nagging feeling of wanting him to face-plant on the field as he led the team to their first victory of the season.

“Great game.” I take a sip of warm beer.

“Thanks,” he holds up his cup before chugging some then topping it off again. “This tastes like piss but better than nothing until the other stuff kicks in.”

“Other stuff?” I want it to be pills but I don’t. The little I knew of Sebastian, I liked because he was nice as opposed to the usual brutes I’ve been dealing with on his team.

He glances around, leaning closer. “Just a little something stronger to relax and take the edge off before I feel every hit from tonight tomorrow.”

Yep. That’s what I’d thought, even if I hoped the guy wasn’t dabbing in the shit. “I know what you mean. Not the football part, but I could use something to take the edge off. Have any more?” Please say no.

“Nope. Took all I had.”

Score. Sort of. “Do you know who would have some?” I muster up the best smile I can manage as he looks to me with a bit of hesitation.

“Yep. Check with Marco. He hangs out over by the field near the concession stand. Tell him you have the munchies.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

I turn to walk away as Sebastian says, “I’ll walk you over.”

“I’m good. Maybe I’ll find you later.” I won’t, but I need to not be too standoffish in case I need to get more info from him later. Hopefully, whoever Marco is will be enough to lead me to the next person up the chain.

“Alrighty, see ya in a few,” he calls out as he joins a nearby group. The dudes welcome him with a hoot and some fist bumps.

Walking across the field, I make my way around the side of the stadium. It’s mostly vacant except for a few partyers who have chosen to keep their sexual encounters more discreet yet still in the open. I’m almost to the side of the bleachers where the concession stand is when I spot another couple going at it. Shit. Beau. Only, it’s not his girlfriend he’s screwing from behind.

“Always fuckin’ up my good time,” Beau says between thrusts as I keep walking, doing my best to ignore the two idiots as they keep going at it.

Stepping around the corner, I walk the few steps to the concession but don’t see anyone. Heading back to the field, and away from the jerk who eyes me as he fucks someone else, I hear him say, “Don’t tell me Miss Perfect is looking for a taste from Marco. Why else would you be here if it’s not that or to get fucked.” He emphasizes the last word with a thrust into the girl he’s banging. She doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by my presence, the fact that his attention is not fully on her, or that he’s got her bent over a trash can. I hate to be judgy, but she should up her standards for location and partner.

“You’re disgusting.”

Yeah. He knows. And laughs in response.

It’s not him fucking some girl that bothers me. It’s that he’s using her now, then later he’ll be kissing on Armani. I’ve had very little contact with her, but she’s been sweet and the least-deserving person of this dickhead’s escapades.

“You know you love it,” he shouts, still pounding into the girl. “Marco went out front to get more from his stash. He parks at the school in case some unwanted visitors arrive to search vehicles.”

Yeah. That visitor is here, though I won’t be searching any vehicles. But the field party still has plenty of substances for any officer to hit the jackpot. “Fantastic.” Because I know where to look and not have to hang out here, watching Beau as he picks up the pace.

Swiftly walking away from the sight, I know it’s one that’ll take a while to get out of my head. I slow once I’m around the corner and spot another couple who are just chatting. Once near the front side of the stadium close to the visitor’s side, I scan over to the nearby school, spotting a shadow along the edge of the path in the direction I’m heading. I slow a bit, watching who I’m headed towards until the figure moves slightly into the light. From my angle, I can’t tell exactly what’s over his face, but it damn sure looks like a costume mask of some type. There’s no reason for anyone to be lurking around in a disguise unless he’s up to no good.

At this point, turning back seems like the better option, being that I don’t have backup nor my service weapon, both of which might not be necessary, but I’m not used to being without either. And these damn kids make me want both back instead of dealing with their juvenile asses. So, taking my best available option, I head back. My hand on the rough brick wall to ground my nerves as I begin to walk back. Only, when I take a few steps, another masked figure appears. And he’s standing directly in my path. The couple who’d been chatting are off in the distance, walking back to the field. An ominous shiver moves through me as I remain fixed in place. Screaming for help is an option I give consideration to for a few seconds until I imagine that between the loud music and rowdy partygoers, nobody will hear me back at the field.

Taking a few steps forward, I swiftly make my way down the path that runs behind the visitor’s section towards the opening on the opposite side until another figure steps into the middle of the opening. Shit. When I look over my shoulder, the two behind me are slowly walking my way. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone and hit Luna’s contact. The line is ringing when I see the door along the brick wall to my left. Clutching the phone to my ear, I turn the knob, thankful when the door opens. I slip inside, turning the dead bolt behind me as I hurry down the corridor. It has to lead somewhere, and it has to be better than the creepers playing some sick game.

Luna’s line has gone to voice mail, so I click the phone off. Once I reach the end of the corridor, I shove the door open and hurry into the room. It’s a weight room, and I’m halfway through when I realize it’s not empty. Across the space stands a figure in a mask, only now there’s enough light to see exactly what it is. A clown. A demented one.

Rotating, I head back the way I came when two more demented-looking clowns step in front of the door. My fear is heightened when I realize they’re the same masked figures who’d been blocking my path. They were lurking. They were corralling me.

“Stay the fuck away from me.”

I hear a low laugh as one takes a step in my direction.