Page 3 of Some Like it Violent

And I couldn’t fucking wait to show them.

2

KANE

The bus rattled over cracked asphalt, and I let the steady roar of the engine lull me into a sense of calmness. I hadn’t moved since I sat down, and it wasn’t because of my chains.

I could feel the eyes of the guards boring into me, even if I didn't look at them. They were uneasy, their instincts telling them they needed to be wary. I kept my head down but lifted my eyes so I could make sure they were in the same places they’d been at the start of the trip.

There were four guards—two in the front, one in the center, and another in the row across from me. I knew their guns were at the ready, and the men themselves were no doubt convinced their weapons would be enough to stop the veritable monster I was.

I felt my lips curl into a smile. These motherfuckers had no idea.

The first half-hour of the trip was uneventful. I kept my focus on the terrain outside, watching the stretches of empty highway turn into more country, which surrounded the bus with dense forest.

Now, we were hours into the ride, and I intermittently watched the guards, taking note that they were tense and on alert. I made sure I looked unthreatening and subdued, but beneath that faux appearance, every part of me was alive like a predator getting ready to hunt.

As we entered a section of winding roads, I knew I’d have to make my move soon. They’d stop for gas in another ten minutes, if my calculations were right, but as if fate—or maybe the very devil himself—willed it so, a tire blew out with a near-deafening pop.

The bus lurched violently, skidding across the pavement as the driver tried to control the massive vehicle. The driver cursed, wrestling with the wheel, and then the bus slammed to a stop on the shoulder, the sound of gravel spitting up in a violent spray audible through the thick metal surrounding us.

The other prisoners lurched back and forth in their seats, chains rattling from the chaotic motion. I sat still and silent and just watched.

The guards were immediately on edge, the air around them crackling with energy. They got out of their seats and shouted out to one another.

“Everyone, secure the scene,” one barked, his hand hovering near his holster.

“Make sure none of them even think about moving while we sort this out,” another guard yelled and headed toward the back of the bus to check on the prisoners. I moved slowly, my chains rattling only slightly as I got into a better position. My focus was sharp and locked on every movement they made.

My pulse was calm, steady. I knew this was it. This wasn’t my plan, but I took gifts when they landed in my fucking lap.

This was the crack in their defenses I’d been waiting for.

I rose unhurriedly, and when the guard nearest to me saw the action, that's when I acted.

The other prisoners were also using this to their advantage, yelling and cursing, knowing chaos would make shit really hit the fan.

I moved swiftly, using the chaos to my benefit. The chains were inconvenient, but I used them to my advantage as well.

“Come here, motherfucker,” I said under my breath. I dislocated my thumb, holding in my grimace at the pain. I twisted my hand, now that I had more room, and slipped my left wrist free.

The pain was nothing compared to the reality that I’d soon be free. I lifted my hands and showed the guard I was uncuffed. His eyes widened, and he fumbled with getting his gun free, but he was sloppy from his fear.

In the confusion, I lunged at him, slamming my elbow into his throat so hard he stumbled back and crashed into the seat across from me. He crumpled, gasping for air, his gun falling from his grasp and clattering to the floor.

The other prisoners saw what I was doing and took it upon themselves to jump in on the action attacking the driver and other guards. But I focused on the incapacitated guard. I knocked him down and snatched the keys from his belt before he knew what the fuck was going on.

And then gunshots erupted, the sound deafening in the enclosed space. I ducked, moving fast, using the fallen guard as a shield as I shuffled backward to the emergency exit. The guard I held in front of me was dead, his blood oozing from his mouth and over my hands.

Now sticky and slippery fingers, I unlocked the chains around my ankles and then worked the lock on the door open. Kicking it hard with my booted foot, it opened. I threw the body forward, taking out the guard coming at me from outside as if he were nothing but a bowling pin.

I had the gun in my hand and was at the ready.

I was precise. Deadly. I looked back, fired three shots, and took out a third guard.

Blood pooled on the grimy bus floor and covered the walls and windows. Everything seemed to be at a standstill. The other prisoners stared at me wide-eyed, a mix of horror and awe etched onto their faces.

They knew who I was and what I was capable of.

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