Page 112 of Hunted, Season Three

Snickers escape us both and Beverly uses what she believes is an open opportunity to jerk her head forward, hoping to collide it with mine.

The predictable move simply sparks more sadistic laughter when Kid grabs a fistful of her hair and snaps it backwards instead.“You’redonehurting our family.”

“So done,” I echo during my lowering to a squat, body impressively balancing around the lifeless figures encircling her.“So very, very, done, Beverly.”

Launching a line of nails along one shin causes the other to whip around in fear of being next.However, rather than rush the process, race to complete the task, I slow down.

Admire the blood dripping the length of her appendage.

Covering her in her own crimson colors instead of someone else’s for once.

I extend repeating the actions on the other leg by calling out the names of those in this town that lost their lives due to her.

Her son.

One nail for each I easily recall.

Two for the ones I have to be reminded of.

By the time I’m rising back to my feet, Mutt’s palm is open, waiting for me to transfer the tool back over.

“Like your son…” Memories of what we did to him result in a smile being twitched on my face.“Like your son that we savagely tore limb from limb…” new howls of hatred spew into the tape, “you have caused nothing but misery your entire existence.”

Tears and blood and screeches ceaselessly flow from her.

“However, I am about to rectify that.”The next item for retribution is shifted into my grasp.“The company you paid to kidnap me?They were not only informed that their efforts were unsuccessful resulting in multiple deaths of their own men, but that they should simply terminate your account as well as any records you acquired one or used their services.And by doing so they have been allowed tokeepthe money from the contract you already paid in full.”A condescending shrug escapes at the same time Kid slams the already gasoline-soaked tire around her unmovable frame.“See, staging a helicopter crash iscostly.And since they provided the helicopter – upon us agreeing to let their pilot live and not seek retribution for almost killing us – it only seemed…fair?”My free hand is theatrically waved in the air.“Brad dying on a failed camping excursion was easy enough to fake, but having you two,” I gesture downward to where Curtis is directly beside her feet, “die in a desperate searchfor him?”Smiling can’t be stopped.“That exit form basically wrote itself.”

Outraged squeaks start again.

“And as for all the money and property and assets you have scattered across various bank accounts and countries,” I begin pouring the gasoline on the remains surrounding her, “they found great homes that won’t be contested courtesy of the attorney we have on our side.”Strong fumes overwhelm my senses, tempting me to stop my shaking of the can.“Staff will be well compensated for youryearsof abuse and Anabelle for the destruction of her property.”Rounding the backside of the chair convinces Kid to join Mutt in the front.“Charities for victims like myself and Curtis will appreciate your large anonymous donations as will the numerous equestrian charities you dictated in your will.”The spilling trek continues until it’s completed.“You’re a mega cunt for not letting the man have thatonesimple joy.”Popping her in the face with the can crushes her noses.“And my family?”I lift the can above her head to cascade the fluid down her face and the tire, efforts fixated on ensuring it’s completely drenched like I envision they are in the cartel hits I’ve seen in documentaries.“We too have been financially placated for our pain and suffering.”

I wait for the obvious vocab joke to be made from either of my fiancés only to experience continued silence instead.

Perhaps they’re too tired.

Too exhausted.

Too on edge until this spreadsheet of our relationship is completely closed.

Filed away as nothing more than a haunting moment to never be reopened.

Revisited.

Once the can is near empty, I pour a line for a few feet, leading away from the soaking mess to the middle space between the men who have been by my side since the first day I stepped foot in this town.

The men who have never left me.

Who have fought me.

Foughtforme.

Us.

Our family.

Our future.

They deserve to put an end to this as much as I fucking do.

---