Page 104 of Rather: The Therapist

Twenty-one.

The hunger in my belly intensified as I observed, making my way through the crowd to gain leverage and deplete the distance. Though I could end every one of their lives from where I stood, too many innocent lives hung in the balance.

Eighteen.

Seventeen.

I reached my destination. The gap near their section made things a bit sweeter. I planted my feet firmly on the floor and aimed my weapon. The silencer would make their deaths swift and quiet, just like I wanted them.

Fifteen.

The first bullet split the skull of one of the six men.

Fourteen.

The second one hit the chest of another.

Thirteen.

The third was a neck shot, ending the life of the third soldier.

Twelve.

A fourth succumbed to his injuries immediately.

Eleven.

Between the eyes of an unsuspecting victim, I lodged the fifth bullet.

Ten.

The last member of the crew received an honorary bullet to his chest in addition to the one in the center of his face.

Nine.

I pushed through the crowd, slowly making strides so I didn’t become the center of attention.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

I made it to the other side, following the line of people who weren’t crazy enough to stick around during the outage.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

I sat in the Kia and before the door closed fully, I tapped the gas. The power was restored as I pulled off the lot. Unfortunately, the cameras wouldn’t be. Not until Kofi was home and safe.

I opted for the scenic route. Without fault, I abided by every traffic law known to man until I reached the overpass between The Tops (Mount Clarke) and the rest of Clarke. In the emergency lane, I shifted the gear into park and stepped out.

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