Page 40 of Redeem
I've been ready for hours, and I don't want to wait another second. Madden's been playing with his knives for so long, I'm about to punch him in the face. It's pissing me off. Right now, Madden’s sitting on the edge of the couch with a glass of whiskey, staring straight ahead at nothing. I don't know him well, don't think he even does himself. But I was right when my research came up that he’s an enforcer. I’m glad to have another skilled guy on this mission. Only, he’s a little more unhinged then I would like. As long as he never turns the knives on me or Bella, I’m cool with him.
We are all on edge. It's always that feeling of ecstasy right before a big fight, when you know someone's going to die at your hands.
Fuck, I can't wait to see him gone. To watch the life be sucked away. This is going to change everything. He touched what's ours, and now he'll pay the ultimate price.
The front door slams shut, and my eyes snap to the door. She walks in, clutching her backpack. Her eyes are puffy and red, but there's that look of determination in her eyes that I've always loved. That fighting spirit, and that's exactly why I agreed to let her come with us. She wants to be there to witness Maximo fall to his knees, and fuck, if I'll take that opportunity away from her. As long as she stays safe.
I stalk across the room, crashing into her. Her signature smell of roses hits me and I'm done for. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I grip her head directing her lips to mine.
"As much as this is turning me on, we gotta go." Madden grunts and we pull apart.
Stepping back, Keegan takes her backpack off, leaving it in the corner of the room to pick up later.
"Keegs, you're with Izzy. Never leave her side. Got it?" Emilio says.
Keegan nods and pulls out his phone, reading something before putting it back into his pocket. "Lily is safe at the babysitter's place."
"Good, now we all know the plan. Let's do this," I say and we move out.
Emilio and I take his car, and Madden, Keegan, and Bella pile into Madden’s car.
Emilio pressescallon his father's name, lifting it to his ear. "Meet me at Thrillville Park. We need to talk about Isabella," he says, waiting only seconds before ending the call.
"He's coming. Knew the fucker would still be in town, after meeting with William about some business last week." He says.
“Keegan’s father?” I ask and he nods. Starting up the car.
I can’t believe that he came back here for business and we didn't know.
We peel out of the driveway. Emilio plays with his stereo until he finds a song. “Sucker for Pain” fills the car and, apart from the music, we spend the car ride in silence.
It's not long before we're pulling off the road into a massive snow-filled parking lot with overgrown shrubs and trash littering the ground. The sun disappears over the horizon, casting the old abandoned amusement park in an orange glow.
Emilio turns off the car, and we move out when Madden pulls up next to us. There are no other cars here yet, which is perfect. Gives us time to scope out the area.
I have no idea why Emilio picked this place; I fucking hate amusement parks. They creep me out. Tony took me to one on Halloween when I was six, and I still have nightmares about the clown that chased me through the park, whispering my name and taunting me. Wish I knew the clown’s address to end him for fucking with me.
We quickly head past the broken gate and into the park. Bella sticks by Keegan's side, taking everything in with wide eyes. Clowns with opened mouths stare back at me, and a shiver works its way down my spine. Pulling out my gun, I shoot a hole through one of their heads and grin. Fuck, that feels good.
"Fucking hell, Arrow. Warn a dude before you go popping off." Emilio curses, lowering down his own gun.
Madden laughs, bringing his bat down hard against one of the remaining clown heads. It shatters to the ground. "Fuck ye, I love amusement parks. They make me trigger happy," He grins, skipping off ahead.
Of course, he fucking does. At least the killer will be ready for the bloodbath. The more time I spend with him, Emilio, and Keegan, the more I'm enjoying their company, which surprises me. I've never had friends. I've always had one job and one dream. To be a capo and stand by Salvatore’s side. That's well and truly a fucked dream now. All I want is to end all these fuckers that are in our way, and then who fucking knows. As long as I'm with her and she's safe, that's all that matters.
The park looks like it's been closed down for years. Empty stalls with various games line both sides. Trash sits underneath the snow, and my boots are already soaked. The last of the sun disappears and the park descends into darkness. A few streetlights that are still in operation light the path.
Madden runs off ahead jumping onto a fun house. It creeks as he hops from one leg to another. The signage has fallen off, and the platform he's standing on looks like it's going to collapse. He leans over the railing, smacking his baseball bat into his hand.
Bella is wrapped up in Keegan’s embrace. She leans back into his arms and he rests his gun on her chest.
I don't feel any jealousy toward them. Whatever this is, it feels right. If I want her, I'll share her with the others. Whatever makes her happy. We just all need to get out of this unscathed.
The crunch of approaching footsteps sounds, and I cock my gun, aiming it, ready to end this.
They come into view, Maximo pushing through two of his henchmen with a wicked smirk on his lips. One that I'd like to wipe the fuck off with the back of my gun.
He scopes us out, eyes lingering far too long on Bella. "Come to make a different arrangement, son?" He plays with his tie, looking bored.
