Page 57 of Ashes

“Then let’s do it.”

“I’ll get my tools.”

And just like that, his entire demeanor changed as he rushed from the room to get histoolsfrom his room.

His hammer. His favorite skinning knife. His razor blades.

They’d get the job done or we would.

I wasn’t a good guy either, so I went to my room and grabbed my own tools.

The night was about to get lit.

CHURCH

Ididn’t knock on the door to room three-one-five.

I simply kicked it in and strode through the entrance like I owned the place.

Riley Danvers stared at me with wide eyes before he stumbled out of his chair and backed up. His fear ramped up as his jaw quivered.

Maybe it was the look in my eyes that got him. Maybe it was the knife in my hand. Or maybe it was the fact he knew I’d kill him first and then Ashes would burn his fucking corpse before he got to kiss his mama goodbye.

“Hey there, Riley,” I said softly. “Looks like you’re about to have a really bad fucking day.”

“Church, man, whatever it is you think I did, I swear I didn’t.” He held his hands up, his back against the wall. “I’ve been here all day. I-I swear.”

I cocked my head at him as I stepped deeper into the room.

“Oh, I’m not interested in what you did today,” I said.

“I-I haven’t done anything, man. I fucking promise I haven’t.”

“We’re just here to get some information on Asylum,” Ashes said, flipping his Zippo. “No one has to get hurt as long as you’re honest.”

I smirked at Riley. “Probably. I may need to prove a fucking point.”

Sweat dotted Riley’s forehead as his gaze darted to the closed door.

“Door or window, Riley,” I said. “Either is going to fucking hurt.”

He made his decision. Then he snapped forward, rushing at us like a scared rabbit, attempting to dart around.

It was nothing to me.

Ashes swept his leg out and knocked Riley to the ground.

I kicked him onto his back then kneeled beside him as he quivered, my knife in my hand. I twirled it and smiled at him.

“So. Here’s the thing. My girl was hurt a few days ago. Asylum was found with her. I want to know who helped him get her into the fucking coffin they were in.”

Riley’s eyes widened. “I-I don’t know. It wasn’t me.”

“Wrong fucking answer.” I swung my knife down and caught his hand as he tried to block my blow to his face.

Blood oozed out as he let out a cry. He tried to scoot away from me, but I swung my knife again and put it through his pant leg, pinning him to his floor.

“Just tell us what you know,” Ashes said gently. “Then we’ll go. We won’t tell anyone how we found out.”

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