Page 32 of Chasing Sarah

She doesn’t know the survivor’s guilt I drown in every day.

She doesn’t know that every day is a battle to run away from the pain I feel, and I don’t ever plan on stopping.

My chest rises and falls with each pant. Sweat coats my forehead, chest, and back.

“P-Please,” the man who hangs from the ceiling by his wrists begs. His pleas are distorted from the swelling of his face. He’s just lucky I didn’t use my brass knuckles this time.

“All of this can stop, Teddy, as soon as you say who you sold information to about Declan’s whereabouts.” I shrug with my palms up, feigning an apologetic gaze.

Blood, snot, and spit drip from his busted face. One of his eyes is so damaged, I doubt he’d be able to see out of it once it’s healed.

He whimpers when I circle him predatorily.

“I swear, I didn’t sell any information to anyone.” He cries.

“Hmm. So, the anonymous wire transfer of $15,000 to your account just days before we were ambushed is a coincidence?” I tut with a disappointed shake of my head.

I grip the hair at the back of his head roughly and jerk his head back. “You can either tell me, and I will put you out of your misery, or I can hand you off to Declan.”

All color drains from his already pale face.

“No! Please no!” He pulls frantically at his restraints.

Declan Moore – The leader of the Irish Mafia – slowly and painfully dismembers people for fun. His methods are known throughout the entire underground and very few have the balls to stand up to him.

Me? My methods, while lessJigsawin manner, are no less bloody. I enjoy the feeling of bones crunching under my fists. I thrive on the slight twinge of pain I feel in my knuckles. The strain I experience in my arms from exertion is euphoric.

Beating the shit out of people allows me to drop mylaid-back personaand let the beast inside out for some much-needed freedom.

People fear and respect me just as much as Declan. I might grant some people survival when I’m done with them, but they are guaranteed a life of never-ending pain. I leave them with disfigured limbs that cannot be corrected without surgery, which they are forbidden to receive.

Fuck with me or my family and I will fuck with you and yours.

I glance over my shoulder when I hear footsteps. Declan and Liam step into the room.

“Finish this up. We have a meeting with Antonio at Skyline,” Declan orders, lifting his chin at Tommy.

I bring my eyes back to Tommy and raise my brows expectantly. “Last chance.”

His mouth opens and closes but he doesn’t say a word.

I suck on my teeth sharply then raise my gun and press it to his forehead. I pull the trigger before he has a chance to beg for his life.

* * *

Bad Guyby Billie Eilishplays loudly through the club speakers. Beautiful women of all shapes, sizes, and races fill the space and dance with each other or the men and women who plan to take them home tonight.

I follow Declan up the steps to the VIP lounge and sit next to him at our table. A waitress is already waiting with our drinks.

“Thanks, gorgeous.” I wink and she blushes before scurrying off to do her job.

Declan checks his watch, then brings his glass of Irish whiskey to his lips.

“What are we doing meeting with Antonio?” I ask after sipping my drink.

“He only mentioned wanting to discuss a big order,” He replies. “He didn’t say how big, but he sounded on edge.”

I hum with a nod, then glance around the club at the partygoers.

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