Page 22 of Rhet

“Where the fuck is Marcus now?”

“We don’t know,” the dark skin one replies.

I can hear a dripping tap in the background.

“Who ordered the killing? You must know.” I don’t believe they don’t know. They’re frat brothers, they know.

“Look, man, I told you I don’t know. We didn’t kill your brother,” The red head screams his green eyes wild in light from the window.

“You’re fucking lying.” I can feel my patience running thin.

“We didn’t mean to kill him. We roughed him up, but we didn’t mean to kill him.” The red head begins to cry.

“It’s a pity, because I mean to kill you.” Another shot rings out and I watch the red head’s body flop back against the wooden floor.

“Man, listen, I didn’t even know about this. I was only the driver for the night. Please man. I didn’t even know who your brother was.”

I stand and gather my thoughts, deciding if I should kill this guy or not.

“I didn’t even know who your brother was. I just went to hang out with my friends,” he cries, spittle hangs from the side of his mouth.

“You should pick better friends.” Another shot rings out and the last boy slumps over screaming.

I pick up my jacket and throw it over my forearm. After taking one last look at the house, I leave.

Walking to my car, I pop the trunk, the green military steel jerry can sits neatly in the corner. It holds the dino juice, a perfect combination of gasoline and other liquid explosives. Throwing the jacket in the trunk, I unbutton my sleeves and roll them up to my elbow.

Lifting the can, I loosen the cover and walk to the side of the house. Throwing gasoline mixture on the walls as well as the red mulch. My feet crunch on the white gravel as the liquid sloshes out of the can. As I make it to the back, I hear someone groaning on the inside of the house. I didn’t need to go in. If the bullet didn’t kill them, the fire will. I continue walking to the other side of the house, my nostrils burn, and my eyes water from the pungent scent of the dino juice.

My legs carry me to the front of the house sloshing liquid up the stairs. I throw the can on the porch.

I walk down the stairs slowly wiping my hands on the back of my pants. Reaching for my silver lighter, I take my cigar case out of my pocket and walk to my car. I grab my jacket and tie out of the trunk, then close it. Throwing my jacket and tie through my open car window, I lean against my car, looking at the beauty that’s my brother’s house. Opening my cigar case, I take the cutter and cut my cigar.

“We could have had great times here, bro,” I say out loud as if Trent can hear me.

I took my silver lighter out, cup my hands over the cigar and burn the tip. The flame of the light still flickers.

“I’m so sorry. Until we meet again, brother. I will find your murderer and make him burn in hell.” I throw the lighter toward the house. The dry grass doused with dino juice catches fire and starts to spread rapidly.

I jump into my car. As I drive off, I look in my rearview mirror, seeing the bellowing orange and black flames bursting out of the house. I have no regrets for what I did. On this night I understand monsters aren’t born they are fucking made.

RHET

Fourteen Years Later

“The fuck Julian, I don’t need a new fucking assistant.” I touch my ear pod, securing it in my ear as I push the door of theScreamin’ Beanopen.

“Yes, you do. I’m not there.” Julian’s voice echoes in my ear.

“I can function without you for three months. Is that kid walking yet?” I ask impatiently.

“He came into the world two days ago. Of course he’s walking, he’s my kid. He’s super.” I can hear the pride and teasing in his voice.

I love the smell of coffee in the early morning. It’s been forever since I got a cup of Joe for myself. Normally my trusted personal assistant, Julian would perform the task. However, his wife just had a baby, so now he’s on parental leave.

“I ordered your food online. Show them your phone and you’ll get your order.”

I become silent when I see the length of the line. I have no time for this.

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