Page 108 of Mayhem

Dropping the knife, I grab my shredded shirt and wrap it around me and use it to slow the flow of blood. I take in the blood on my hands and all around me and know that I’ve already lost too much.

Fight, Willow.

Taking a deep breath, I grip the knife and attempt to get up. It takes three times until I’m able to stand. On unsteady feet, I make my way to the door. I hear shots coming from the right, so I turn left, hoping everyone has run to the gunshots.

I use the wall as a support as I move down the hall. At the end, I have the option to go left or right.

Neither gives me any clue as to what I’ll find, so I close my eyes and think. I ultimately decide to go right. I regret my decision minutes later when the hallway leads me in a circle back to the front of the building where the gunshots are. I hear someone running down the hall, so I duck into an alcove.

I smile to myself when I realize who it is.

Bruce.

I watch as he ducks into a room. I slowly make my way down there, standing outside to listen.

“You need to send someone to come get me. They are going to kill me,” Bruce pleads.

I don’t know what the person on the other end of the phone says, but Bruce isn’t happy.

“I’m your brother. You’re going to condemn me to death?”

I hear a loud crashing sound on the other side of the wall. Then Bruce steps out of the room.

“What are you doing here?” he asks.

“If you are going to take a shot at the queen, you better not miss.” I use all the strength I have left to swing the knife at his neck. He immediately reaches up to where the blade is buried as a gurgling sound comes from his throat.

He collapses, but I don’t have time to celebrate my victory.

My vision becomes hazy as I stumble against the wall. My whole body goes cold as I collapse beside him. The last thing I see are his lifeless eyes next to me.

Nineteen

Beep.Beep. Beep.

I slowly open my eyes, wincing from the bright lights.

I try to move my head, but it hurts too much, causing me to gasp.

“Don’t be stupid. Stop moving.”

I hear my mother’s voice coming from beside the bed.

“What happened?” I rasp.

“Honestly, I was hoping you wouldn’t wake up. The nurses keep coming in here, otherwise, I’d end you myself,” she says bitterly.

“What?” My mind is fuzzy, not sure what she’s saying.

“I can’t believe you actually came for me. You really are a stupid child.”

Little bits of information filter in my mind.

My mom was in danger. I went to save her.

“Are you hurt?” I ask her.

“Me? Hurt? Gods, no,” she scoffs. “I’m living my best life. Or I would be had they finished you off like they were supposed to. I’m only here to deliver you a message. The Mitchells aren’t finished here. They will take Chase down and now you too.”

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