Page 51 of Loki
He motioned to the larger metal building not too far ahead but the closer we came to it, the more fear welled up inside me, making my heart race inside my chest.
This would be the first time I’d come face to face with the man who had sexually assaulted me and so many other women. The man who tried to sell me to the highest bidder.
In my heart, I knew I had nothing to fear with Joshua by my side, his presence providing a sense of security. Yet, my brain struggled to recognize how truly safe I was in the present moment. I couldn’t shake the image of him restraining me on the bed from my mind. I could still feel his hands tightening around my neck, suffocating me and his fingers entering me. No matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t get him off of me. In the middle of the night, I would sometimes jolt awake in fear, and Joshua would hug me, whispering soothing words to me until I drifted back to sleep.
Cadence recommended I seek counseling, convinced that after such a traumatic experience, I would undoubtedly face some emotional issues. Although I hadn’t decided yet, the anticipation of being in the same room with him even though I knew what the outcome would be, made me lean towards therapy being the best choice.
“Calm down,” Joshua said, his soothing voice resonating as he stood protectively in front of me, his hands providing a comforting touch on my arms.
Without even realizing it, I had stopped walking. I took in a deep breath and released it, trying to calm my nerves.
“You don’t have to do this,” he whispered, his voice filled with concern for me. “I can take care of it.”
“No, I think I need to do this. I need to take control back. I’m just scared to be in the same room with him again.”
“The fear you have of him is understandable after what you went through. But trust me, he will not get anywhere near you.”
I knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. It was time for me to face my nightmare.
“I’m ready,” I said with as much confidence I could muster.
I wasn’t ready to do this, but it had to be done. The time had come to confront the Devil, and make sure he didn’t do this to anyone else. I needed to see him die for myself.
Joshua looked at me skeptically. I knew he didn’t believe me, but he didn’t ask me anymore questions as he intertwined our hands, then started our trek towards the large metal building.
I thought we were going inside when we reached it, but we went around the back until we reached a pier where a boat was sitting.
Joshua clutched my hand, guiding me onto the boat, and then he joined me.
“Are you ready, Prez?” Dragon asked.
“Yeah,” Joshua said as he led me over to a bench near the railing.
Once we were seated, Wolf untied the boat, and Dragon steered away from the dock. When we were clear, he sped up the boat, and we traveled down the bayou.
Joshua wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and I laid my head against him. I hadn’t changed my mind. I was going to be the one to kill Owen Decker. But I needed him to help me get through this.
As we ventured deeper into the swamp, the towering trees cast longer and darker shadows, obscuring the sunlight. But the heat was still stifling. The hot and moist air had my clothes sticking to my skin, and the smell of decaying trees and animals filled the air.
Dragon slowed the boat, then killed the engine.
“Stay here,” Joshua said, as he stood.
I watched him walk over to Dragon. As they talked, I looked around. I couldn’t believe the last time I was in a place like this I was running for my life.
The occasional splashes coming from the water and thetap-tap-tapof a woodpecker echoed around me. Alligators slipped through the dark murky water, only their eyes and snouts visible above the water line.
“You ready?” Joshua asked, as he reached out his hand for me.
“I am.”
I clasped his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip, and stood up. We walked towards the back of the boat, where the sound of waves lapping against the hull filled the air. Sitting on a bench, Wolf kept a watchful eye over a bound Owen Decker at his feet. He was bloody and bruised, but still breathing. As his swollen eyes locked onto mine, a wave of fear washed over me, causing me to freeze in place.
A sinister smile crossed his face, revealing his bloodstained teeth. “Ah…good to see you again, Ms. Honoré.” He spat out a mouthful of blood. “I’m glad you’re here. We can finish what we started.”
Joshua moved so fast. He kicked Decker in the stomach, then landed a barrage of punches to him before Wolf pulled him away. Decker groaned and coughed, the sound echoing through the air, before a burst of laughter erupted from him.
“Isn’t this something,” Decker said, smiling at Joshua. “You’ve had a taste too, huh?”
