Page 43 of Most Of All

Four hours, it takes me to get to this stupid place. Who was to guess the bus would take the longest route ever and stop at every stop along the way. Well, I didn’t. I can’t quite recall what possessed me to stash my belongings here, but it feels as if I’ve stepped into a different world, like a bustling city compared to our quiet little town. This is why I picked this place; who would pay attention to someone hiding their life in plain sight among these crowded units?

Once I finally retrieve my items, a wave of relief washes over me. I navigate my way to the nearest high-end motel, still hindered by my lack of a fake ID, which prevents me from checking in anywhere more conventional.

The moment I step into the shower, the hot water feels like heaven washing over my weary body, though the sting from the cuts and bruises serve as a reminder of my recent struggles.

After the shower, I emerge feeling rejuvenated, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With a rumbling stomach, I treat myself to the biggest meal on the menu. It’s a small yet meaningful indulgence. I can’t remember the last time I had a proper meal. I savor each bite, reveling in the rich flavors and the comforting satisfaction of filling my belly after what felt like an eternity of deprivation. I settle down in the bed to devise a strategy, it has to be unshakeable, a fortress of a plan. No room for chaos this time; I learned that lesson the hard way. I need to reach Raine and then kill her swiftly and without a trace. Simple enough in theory, right? But with the golden boy now stepping in as her bodyguard, things become a tangled web of complications. He’s clever; I’ll grant him that. But if I play my cards right, I can outsmart him.

Once I'm confident that I've crafted an airtight scheme, I carefully stack all my dishes on the nightstand. Without a care in the world, I pull the comforter tightly around myself, seeking solace in the warmth of my bed, ready to plot the next move in this intricate game. I’m going to sleep well tonight, because come tomorrow, these fuckers won’t know what hit them. Tomorrow is going to be a bright, bright sun-shining day, for me at least.

DonandIspentthe night in deep conversation, the hours slipping away as we unpacked everything weighing on our minds. He recounted the events of his meeting, not skipping even the smallest detail.

As the conversation shifted, he shared the unsettling news about the email regarding my mom’s body. We found ourselves engulfed in a long discussion about her funeral, navigating through the logistics with a mix of sorrow and joy.

Today, we’re set to make the necessary arrangements for her cremation. I know it feels almost too fast, but with Don’s experience in the industry, we both agree that prolonging the process serves no purpose. It’s time to let her rest in peace.

This morning, I dedicate my first few hours to reading to my dad, his frail form nestles under a blanket as I struggle with the unsettling reality of his condition. Despite my fear, I know I can’t allow it to overshadow the precious moments we have together. When he drifts off, I quietly slip away to lend a hand to Don.

I find him in his office, the soft glow of a desk lamp illuminates the pile of papers around him. He’s on a phone call, his voice steady but emotional. Wearily I take a seat beside him, allowing my head to rest lightly on his shoulder, seeking comfort in his presence. The conversation comes into focus, as I pick up snippets of his sister wanting to meet him. Reluctantly I try my best to respect his privacy, though the curiosity tugs at me, especially since I can be nosy at times. I decide to wait patiently for him to share the details once he hangs up.

As soon as he hangs up, I look at him with eager anticipation. His eyes sparkle with emotion as he goes over the details of the call. Jeff has successfully located his sister and spoke with her just last night. The excitement in his voice is palpable, revealing how much he longs to reconnect. She plans to come here, along with her two bodyguards or boyfriends, Jeff couldn’t work out which. Either way, the three of them are on their way. I notice Don’s nerves bubbling beneath the surface, so I cuddle up to him for comfort. “Penny for your thoughts?” I mumble into his chest. He wraps me warmly in an embrace, directing me to straddle him.

“It’s just...it’s been so long since I last saw her. Fifteen years, to be exact. She was only five when I last saw her. I’ve spent my whole life fighting for her. What if…”

I cut him off. “No ‘what ifs.’ Let’s just agree to take everything as it comes, okay?”

I pull him into my chest, running my fingers through his hair, feeling his tension slowly dissipate. We stay cocooned in this moment, but I wish it could last forever. Reality comes crashing back, reminding me of the tasks still awaiting us today.

We rise from the comfort of his office, but part ways once outside. He heads to the back rooms to ensure everything is perfect for my mom’s arrival, and I venture to the front of the house. I want to see how the place is shaping up, to make sure it meets my mother’s expectations. When I step into the expansive room, I’m completely awestruck; it’s breathtaking. The floral arrangements are a feast for the eyes, and I’m certain she would be overjoyed. As I admire the intricate placements, warm tears unexpectedly spill down my cheeks. A lump tightens in my throat, making it hard to breathe.

Panic surges through me, and I flee outside to the garden. I take slow, deliberate breaths, inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth. I manage to take small, tentative steps among the towering sunflowers, hoping nature will soothe my racing heart. I pause midway through the garden, feeling calmer, and consider returning inside. But just as I turn, something suddenly envelops my head. A rush of panic grips me, and I instinctively claw at it, desperate for freedom. Someone seizes my arms, pinning them behind my back with an iron grip. I try to scream, but the pressure forces my head down into the dirt, suffocating me. Panic escalates as I struggle for breath, darkness closing in, until just when I think I’m going to pass out, my head is lifted, and whatever was covering me is yanked away. Gasping, I whirl around, searching frantically for my assailant, but I find nothing but emptiness. What just happened? I glare down at the ground for the item that had covered my head, but there’s nothing there. Seriously, what is going on? Fear binds me in place, my eyes scanning the surroundings, but I’m all alone.

I pull out my phone and text Don; there’s no point in calling him. I can’t wrap my mind around the words to make sense of what just happened. I stay rooted, waiting for his arrival, glancing nervously around me. Am I losing my grip on reality?

Moments later, Don bursts into the garden, his voice ringing out as he calls my name. Panic etches his features as he rushes toward me, lifting me off the ground and carrying me back to the house. I struggle to articulate everything that just transpired, but the words jumble in my mind, the shock overwhelming me. Holding me tightly, he takes me upstairs into his room.

Once inside, he gently places me on the bed and pulls out his phone, pacing back and forth as he speaks. I struggle to comprehend his words, the shock still ricocheting through me. When he finally hangs up, his face is ashen, the weight of his news pressing heavily on his shoulders. He sinks down beside me, running a hand over his face in disbelief. “Jack escaped.” A jolt of fear races through me. “Was that him in the garden?” My voice trembles, bracing for the answer.

“Most likely,” he replies, standing up and pulling me into the safety of his embrace. “We will find him, Sweetheart; I won’t let him hurt you.” I bury my face into his chest, sobbing as despair washes over me. Will this nightmare never end? Today was meant to be about my mom; a day for mourning and reflection. Instead, I find myself consumed with fear, constantly looking over my shoulder for a vengeful psychopath. My heart aches at the thought of him hurting anyone else I care about. I know he’s capable of anything. I just don’t understand it; he got his revenge. What more could he possibly want?

Ican'twrapmyhead around how he managed to escape; he was firmly chained. How on earth did he slip out of those restraints? And how did he even make his way into the garden? I knew better than to leave those same two incompetent men in charge of watching over Jack. Once again, my poor judgment nearly cost Raine her life.

Raine is trembling uncontrollably, and I can't fathom his twisted reasoning for subjecting her to such terror. It just doesn’t add up. In moments like this, I want to scream in frustration at myself. Why didn’t I seize the opportunity to let Raine finish him off when we had the chance?

Unable to cope with the task myself, I send Tony to handle the two dickheads who were meant to be keeping a close eye on him. Right now, I can’t focus on that, there’s far too much on my plate. We’re in the middle of planning a funeral, and that’s something we simply can’t postpone. Howard is in dire straits, the uncertainty of how his condition will evolve lingers over us like a dark cloud. Meanwhile, Raine is just trying to find a way to lay her mom to rest with dignity.

To ensure everyone’s safety, I call in extra security. I also need to have a few of them investigate how Jack managed to infiltrate this place in the first place and, more importantly, where he is now. Is he still lurking around here? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. I’ve made the decision to keep Raine close by, just as a precaution.

As we make our way back downstairs, I hold Raine’s hand tightly. We run through the checklist for the day, but I can sense her discomfort; fear is etched on her face, and who can blame her? The uncertainty is suffocating, and I wish she didn't have to bear this weight. If only…I can’t afford to finish that thought. It’s precisely what Jack wants, to instill fear within us.

Rose is due to arrive shortly, and I need to head to the back rooms of the funeral home. Raine has never stepped foot back there, and I wish to shield her from the sight of her mother in such a vulnerable state. My instinct is to lock her in one of the farthest back rooms, bolt the door, and keep her away from all this chaos, but I know she wouldn’t agree to that. Instead, I ask her to stay in her dad’s room, ensuring she has Linda by her side for support.

To maintain a solid line of defense, I station three fully capable men at the door. I need to make certain that Jack won’t stand a chance of getting past them. Her safety is my top priority. I hesitate outside the room, my hand lingering on the door handle. The weight of the moment hangs heavy in the air; I can feel it in the pit of my stomach. I really don’t want to leave here, but I know I have no choice. I’m the only one who can sign off on Rose’s body. Gritting my teeth, I turn away and make my way toward the back rooms. Each step I take feels heavier than the last, and I can’t shake the nagging sense of dread clenching in my gut. This entire situation is a chaotic mess, a nightmare that seems relentless. We need to find Jack, confront him, and put an end to this once and for all. It’s simply unbearable to keep living like this, something has to give.

When I finally arrive, the transport team is already waiting for me, expressionless but ready. We quickly dive into the paperwork, the tedious nature of it all gnawing at my patience. Every signature feels like an acknowledgment of the pain surrounding us, something I dread but know must be done. After everything is finalized, I take a deep breath and gently bring Rose inside. Carefully, I hand her over to Daniel, my trusted man who is tasked with preparing Rose. There's a deep sadness in parting with her, but I know she’s in capable hands.

As I head back upstairs, a piercing scream cuts through the stillness like a knife. My heart begins to race, pounding violently against my chest as I quicken my pace. I burst through the doors with more force than intended and my eyes fall upon Raine, standing by the window, her screams echoing against the walls. Linda is behind her, desperately trying to calm her down. Without hesitation, I rush to Raine and pull her into my embrace, tucking her gently under my chin. “Shh, I’m here now,” I murmur softly, attempting to soothe her trembling form. She sobs into my chest, every cry laced with fear and confusion. I direct my gaze to Linda, who looks just as bewildered. “What happened?” I ask urgently. She shakes her head, bewildered and frightened. She claims everything was fine until Raine looked out the window, and then chaos started.

Gently, I excuse Linda from the room with a grateful nod, kneeling in front of Raine to meet her gaze. “What happened, Sweetheart?” I ask, my voice a whisper laden with concern. Through her tears, Raine hesitantly recounts her experience. She tells me that when she looked out the window, a dark figure had suddenly appeared before her. In that instant, the figure had slapped a note against the glass, the words ‘SEE YOU SOON’ glaring ominously. As she speaks, her sobs erupt again, and I feel my heart ache for her. I do my best to comfort her, all the while pulling out my phone and texting security, informing them of the distressing events. They respond quickly, telling me that no one has shown up on the cameras despite their thorough checks, but they will conduct a sweep of the property immediately.

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