Page 84 of Kortlek

The plan I have for him is the most fitting for this situation, and it will be one hell of a way to go out. He won’t see it coming — he won’t see me coming. I’m still figuring out which weapon exactly to use and how to properly let all of the pent-up anger out on him. I’ll figure it out, though. Perhaps it’s best if I go with the flow and see how I’m feeling and what mood I’m in when the time comes.

I shake off the thoughts, walking further into the warehouse.

Wyatt’s here. Some of his little gang friends are here, too. I can sense them, and I can tell where a couple of them are hidden. I don’t attempt to lure them out of their hiding spots or to confront them. No, my main priority is Rose.

Their eyes follow every step I take, every time I turn down a hallway. It takes me approximately ten minutes to skim through the first two floors and the attic. Around seven people are around, some more silent than others.

Though, Rose isn’t anywhere to be seen.

Which only leaves the basement.

Of course it’s the fucking basement.

Shivers start spreading through my body, and I shudder. The cold air coming from the broken windows, water dripping down the pipes on the walls, and the creaking under my feet as I walk down the stairs cause the small hairs on my neck to rise.

It’s creepy, and it’s dark.

I take my phone out and turn on the flashlight. My heart starts beating rapidly against my chest, and I swallow, determined to continue walking. I’m not scared of the dark. I’m not scared of being alone here. But that’s precisely the problem — I am not alone.

I’m unsure who the morons are, but they’re not being as subtle as they think they’re being. Their footsteps are heavy, and although they’re trying to conceal them and be silent, it’s impossible. My senses are too keen, and I easily pick up on them when needed.

Soon enough, I reach the end of the stairs. There’s only one room, and I can feel in my bones that Rose is in there. My free hand grips the weapon in my pocket, and I turn the flashlight off, tucking my phone away before grabbing the doorknob.

Without having any time to think about it, I push it open, step inside, and close the door behind me. A quick inspection of the place causes a weight to be lifted off my shoulders because no one is inside. No one but Rose.

Immediately, I’m next to her, crouched down as I slowly remove the gag and the makeshift blindfold. Rose blinks, trying to adjust to the dimmed light of the flickering bulb above us. Once her eyes meet mine, relief washes over her.

“Thank God,’’ she breathes out, her voice shaky. “I thought no one was coming to get me.’’

“Don’t be ridiculous.’’ I give her a soft smile, albeit forced. “I’ll always come find you.’’

“Cheesy.’’

I roll my eyes, starting to undo her ropes. A couple of curse words slip from my tongue at the realization of just how thick the ropes are and how many knots they have. Wyatt really didn’t want Rose to be able to escape, and he tied it around her body too tightly. At least five double knots are on the ropes, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands.

“Are you alright? Did the bastard hurt you?”

Rose shakes her head. “Not physically. Well, my stomach hurts. He fed me terrible food.’’

I snort. “Besides that, are you okay? He didn’t hit, torture, or try to extract information out of you?”

“No,’’ she looks directly into my eyes, and I see sincerity. “I’m fine. I promise.’’

The remaining burden seems to vanish off my shoulders, and I’m able to relax slightly. I don’t lower my guard, though. My ears are perked for any footsteps or any sounds outside the room we’re in. My fingers fumble the knots, and I manage to get one undone.

“That’s good,’’ I sigh out. “Did he happen to tell you anything?”

Rose struggles against the ropes, trying to help me. Soon, she stops squirming, realizing it’s futile. Her eyes are focused on the door, almost as if she’s waiting for Wyatt to enter. After a few moments of utter silence and no one coming in, her attention returns to me.

“I tried asking him a lot of questions,’’ Rose starts explaining. “Mainly, what were his plans with you? He wouldn’t give me a straight answer, but I did gather that he is pissed.’’

A scoff leaves me, and I can’t suppress the urge to roll my eyes. “Yeah, he’s pissed I got him banished, isn’t he?”

“Not quite.’’

I get the second knot undone and pause momentarily. “Go on.’’

“He’s pissed you moved on.’’

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