Page 113 of Tempting God

Ryans openly cries when he sees who stands before him.

Charles crosses his arms. “So you thought you were going to kill my cousin?”

“I wouldn’t have done it! I swear!”

“I saw the bruising on her face.” He punches Ryans in the face, making Ryans’ head jerk to the side. “That’s for hurting my cousin!”

Jim Jones says, “Easy. We don’t want to accidentally break his neck.”

The way he says it makes me think something similar happened with these two. I find I hold each man in a higher respect.

Jones meets my gaze. “What? You think you, Henderson, and Moretti were the first ones the Brotherhood used to do their dirty work?”

Brooks grins. “I knew I liked you.”

I turn my attention to Ryans.

“You were dead before you touched my wife. After hearing what you were going to do, I’ve decided that your death will be drawn out.”

Walt whimpers, “Please.”

“Oh, I know he’s not begging,” Brooks says. “We haven’t even played eyeball golf…”

“Fuck eyeball golf,” I say. “I’m thinking we go big or go home.”

Brooks’ eyes widen. “Welcome parade?”

“Welcome parade,” I agree.

Jones says, “I’ll give you credit, it’s different. Charles?”

Blanc nods. “Welcome parade.”

“What in the hell is a welcome parade?” Ryans asks, fear in his eyes.

I say, “It’s simple, really. We let you down. If you get to the door, you’re free.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” I motion for Brooks. “Of course, that’s a big ‘if’.”

Brooks crosses the room, pulling out the weapons rack. Jones and Blanc each choose their weapon. Brooks lifts a bat, turning to me.

“Your turn.”

I give Ryans a smile before joining the others at the rack. There’s a variety of things to choose from. Bats. Barbed sticks. Axes. Spears. Guns, of course. Knives. Chains. Brass knuckles. Tools, like pliers, hammers, and saws. I reach for the knife I’ve used before.

“Hello, old friend.” Turning to Ryans, I say, “The chains will drop in a moment. Good luck.”

What he doesn’t know is that the lights are about to turn off again. And those chains? Well, they’re going to fall from the roof, but they’ll still be on his arms and legs, making it difficult to run. He’s not getting out of here alive. But, oh, is he going to suffer.

Charles asks, “Do you understand the rules?”

Ryans says, “Just let me go. Please!”

“I’m not going to ask again.”

“Yes, I understand. The door. I have to get to the door.”

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