Page 14 of Sinner: Before Rain
Hmm, this is interesting. What does Maxton have up his sleeve for this one?
Walking through the dimly lit hall of The Chapel, torches of fire line either side of me. My bat drags behind, leaving a trail behind me in the gravel as Iwalk. People will see it and know I’m here, with my preferred weapon of choice.
A few followers in their black robes and white masks rush past me, not wanting to be late.
Kiss asses.
Gravel crunches beneath my boots as I casually walk under the arched entrance to the main room. Crossing my legs, I lean against the cold rock and watch the performance that Maxton is putting on.
The long sleeves of my black zip-up hoodie are pushed up, exposing my tattoo-covered arms. One tattoo is the symbol of The Chapel, the outline of wings. I was graced with the ability to obtain such a tattoo once I turned eighteen. One of the followers inked it on me, as he does for everyone.
I did it to humor Maxton. Again, because I get what I want in return, torture and killing. And he gets what he wants, people he doesn’t care for gone.
A win, win some would say.
Taking in the scene before me, it is like any other naming.
The damp cave room is lined with white candles, which are lit, and the room is quiet as Maxton acquires The Chapel's next victim.
All of his followers stand at attention, facing the fire where Maxton stands, looking into it. My mom and his second and third in command stand behind him. They don’t go by names, none of them do. They are simply just second and third.
But I know who they are.
Information is power. Observation is key.
The room remains silent for minutes, which feels like hours. I’m not always here for the naming. Sometimes he just calls to let me know who I am getting, which is my preferred method.
He is putting on a show, and it’s getting fucking ridiculous.
I am half tempted to use my bat on him and give the people a real show.
Sometimes, I wonder what would happen if I shoved the end of my bat up his ass. Would it splinter inside of him as I slid it out? Causing him to bleed while he screams in agony at the invasion. Would I accidentally go too deep? Compromising his internal organs, perhaps bursting something that is vital? Resulting in internal bleeding and slowly dying without realizing it before it’s too late?
So many ideas.
But I would never put my bat anywhere near this fraud's ass.
My bat is worth much more to me than that. But it doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about it at every opportunity.
“Ah, Yes. As you wish. We are here to serve you.” Maxton’s voice invades my happy place as he breaks the silence that was stretched across the space.
My mom’s hand reaches up to his shoulder. “Master, tell us, what did The Dark One say?” Her eagernessjust proves how weak she is. Always looking to please.
Maxton shrugs her off as he walks toward the elevated rock stage. Standing above and before his followers, he reaches his arms wide while tilting his masked face up toward the jagged rock ceiling.
“The Dark One has given us a gift!” His loud voice echoes, bouncing off the walls. “This coming La Notte del Diavolo, brings us two names. Suzie and Rain Mills.”
A loud gasp follows.
Never have I been given two names. Color me suspicious, but I will take it regardless.
Scrunching my brows and tilting my head. Come to think of it, I have never heard of these two before. What’s his motive here?
“Elijah has the names. He will bring them to us for our next La Notte del Diavolo!”
Loud cheers and clapping erupt as excitement fills the space.
As I stand to leave, his powerful voice stops me. “Elijah, please stay behind. We have many things to discuss. The rest of you, be free.”
