Page 79 of Rage

Mason’s eyes meet mine, dark with promised violence.“What do you say, Doc?Where should we start?”

A cold smile curves my lips as I survey our prisoners.These men thought they were untouchable.That their money and influence would shield them from consequences.How wrong they were.

“Well,” I drawl, trailing my fingers along the tray of instruments.“As a doctor, I believe in being thorough.Perhaps we should start with a full physical examination?”

Mason’s answering grin is all predator.“I like the way you think, darlin’.”

I approach Peterson’s father first, scalpel glinting in my hand.“Now then,” I purr.“Let’s see what makes you tick, shall we?”

The man’s eyes widen in terror as I bring the blade to his skin.“Wait!”he cries.“You can’t do this!Do you have any idea who I am?”

A harsh laugh escapes me.“Oh, I know exactly who you are.A monster who raised a monster.And now?”The scalpel bites into his flesh, drawing a thin line of red.“Now, you’re going to pay for every life you’ve ruined.”

As I work, methodically peeling back layers of skin, the room fills with screams.The other men watch in horror, knowing their turn is coming.

Mason and the others move between prisoners, dealing out their own brands of justice.Bones crack.Flesh tears.Blood flows freely.

Through it all, a cold satisfaction settles in my chest.This is right.This is just.These men thought they could play God, destroying lives on a whim.Now they’ll learn what true power feels like.

My dad and my grandpa, along with Mason, stand by my side the entire time.

Then suddenly it hits me that I’m just exhausted.Mason notices and takes my hand, leading me away.“You ready to stop, sweet girl?”

I close my eyes and let my head fall into his chest.“Yeah, I’ve gotten what I needed.”

My dad walks over to us and kisses the top of my head.“We can handle it from here.”

My grandpa nods in agreement.

“Okay, I will let you men handle the rest.”

I leave the room with deep satisfaction, knowing that Peterson is not leaving here alive.

* * *

MASON

As Meadow’s footsteps fade, I turn back to face Peterson.His eyes, wide with terror, dart between me and Liam.Good.Let him feel the fear he inflicted on others.

“Now then,” I start, cracking my knuckles.“Let’s have some real fun.”

Liam steps forward, a wicked glint in his eye.“Been waiting for this,” he says, voice low and dangerous.

I grab Peterson by the hair, wrenching his head back.“You thought you could hurt Meadow?Threaten what’s mine?”My fist connects with his jaw, bone cracking beneath my knuckles.“Big mistake, asshole.”

Blood and spittle spray from Peterson’s mouth as he gasps for air.“Please,” he whimpers.“I’m sorry.I’ll do anything.”

Liam’s laugh is cold and humorless.“Oh, you’re going to do plenty.Starting with screaming.”

He produces a set of pliers, the metal glinting under the harsh light.Peterson’s eyes widen in recognition and terror.

“No,” he chokes out.“God, no.Please!”

But his pleas fall on deaf ears.Liam grabs Peterson’s hand, pinning it to the arm of the chair.The pliers close around a fingernail.

“This is for every woman you’ve hurt,” Liam snarls.

With a sharp tug, the nail comes free.Peterson’s scream echoes off the concrete walls, raw and agonized.Blood wells up from the exposed nail bed.

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