Page 33 of Most Of All

Footsteps echo loudly and the two bull dogs instantly quiet down, must be the boss man, Donovan coming to dish out his anger. But I hear the voice before I see the person, and it’s not Donovan, it’s none other than the man himself, Grey Archer.

Fuck, yes! Isn’t this my lucky day? He walks in like he hasn’t a care in the world. This cunt really does think he’s something big.

He walks into the room muttering, before stopping right in front of me, glaring down with a menacing look. “Well, well, well, what do we have here boys?” He says, clapping his hands together.

“Isn't this a blast from the past?” I reply sarcastically.

Unimpressed, he stands glaring, a grimacing scowl plays on his lips. “All grown up now I see, but I also heard you are up to your same tricks.” His voice is setting my teeth on edge, so I don’t respond. I’m too busy trying to reach my hand into my back pocket without anyone noticing.

Lucky for me, Grey turns around and starts whispering to one of the men. In all seriousness, the man looks like he's been chewing a bee. I don't try to make out what they are saying. I couldn't care less either.

The only thing I’m bothered by right now is getting this rope off my wrists so I can stab the fucker in his eye. It takes a bit of time, but I finally get the knife out of my pocket. Slowly and carefully, I start cutting the rope. I’m only doing it a small amount at a time. I don’t want to risk anyone seeing my arms moving.

Before I can get the rope cut off completely, Grey turns back to me, “So, Jack, what did you do for my son to hold you hostage like this?”

Disgusted, I snigger at him, “You’re the same as always Grey, blaming me for everything. Even after all these years you haven't changed, have you?”

“Grow up Jack, for fuck’s sake! You're not in the playground anymore,” he shouts.

“Fuck off, Grey,” I spit at him, the hatred I feel for him shining through. “I don't have to explain myself to you, come to think about it, I don't have to explain myself to anyone.”

I’m grateful he doesn’t engage me any further. He shrugs me off, turning his back to me. I continue my efforts with the rope. Thankfully, it doesn't take long before it finally breaks apart, but I keep it in my grasp to prevent it from falling to the ground, gripping it tightly so I don't alert them that I'm free. I scan around the space, taking in what’s happened while I’ve been focusing on the rope. I make sure that they are all preoccupied before I creep up from the chair silently. I bite down on my lip, in order not to make a sound as I make my way over to them. The moment I’m close enough, I grab Grey into a headlock, squeezing his head tightly, swallowing down the strong urge to tear his head off his body. With a malicious laugh, I hold my knife to his neck, the sharpness digs in, piercing his skin and a wave of triumph washes through me. I shout to the bull dogs, “Call his son, get him down here, now!”

ThoughIconsiderednottelling Raine and leaving without her, there was no way I could keep her in the dark. She needed to know about Jack, especially now that he’s holding my father hostage.

Much to my disapproval, Raine insisted on coming along. I didn’t want to put her in harm's way, but I couldn’t push her away any longer. To my surprise, she took the news about Jack with remarkable strength, so I gave in. Regardless of my thoughts, she was going to be there, no matter what.

When we pull up to the compound, I ask her to stay in the car. Naturally, she doesn’t listen, and instead, trails behind me.

I’m not going in guns blazing; I have no care for the old man, but I can’t risk Raine facing Jack again. Cautiously, I keep her behind me as we creep inside, our footsteps barely making a sound. Jack wanted me here, but I'm not sure if he expected Raine to follow. With every step, I make it clear to myself that I'm in control of this situation and that whatever happens next, I will protect her from whatever Jack has planned.

Once we reach the double doors, I pause. The weight of the moment settles heavily on my shoulders. The air feels thicker here, charged with tension and uncertainty. My mind races as I try to weigh my options. How can I keep Raine safe while confronting Jack? The dilemma gnaws at me, why did I let her come with me in the first place? The thought of her getting hurt adds an edge of desperation to my resolve. I turn to Raine, my voice steady but pleading as I urge her to stay outside. “You need to let me handle this alone,” I plead, fighting the rising panic in my chest. After a moment that feels like an eternity, she reluctantly agrees, her eyes flashing with concern.

“Fine, but promise you’ll be careful,” she replies, a hint of fear lacing her words and I nod.

Gratitude and relief floods through me as I hand over my car keys.

I watch her walk away, her silhouette gradually fading. I feel a small sense of relief wash over me. Each step she takes toward the car allows me to breathe a little easier. I know she’ll be safe there, at least for now. Still, the knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach as I turn back to face the doors before me, mentally preparing for what lies ahead.

“Jackie boy. You called,” I shout sarcastically as I walk through the doors. A massive grin spread widely on his face as his gaze locks with mine.

“Took your time, golden boy. Now stand back against that wall.” He nods in a direction and I head to where he directed, not taking my eyes off him as I do.

I don’t trust him, not one bit.

I scan the room, he has my father in a headlock with a pocket knife to the back of his neck. If he thinks he can use my father to blackmail me, he’s sorely mistaken, he would be doing me a favor if he kills him. Raine is the only person I care about right now.

Quietly, I stand waiting for him to speak but he doesn’t. I wonder if he thought this all through? “What do you want me for, Jack?” I speak up.

“You…You are going to help me get out of here, otherwise I will kill Daddy dearest here.”

I can’t help myself, I start laughing, “You think…You actually think that I’m going to help you in order to save him,” I answer, still laughing. “For someone who thinks he’s smart, you sure are a stupid fuck,” I add.

“I will kill him,” he shouts out furiously. “Don’t think I won't.”

“You can do as you please. Why should I care?” I answer with a shrug.

“I don't know what you expected here, Jack; you really didn't do your homework properly, did you?”

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