Page 15 of Total Carnage
"What the hell are you playing at, Dad?" I muttered, my fingers tracing the words on the paper. This was bigger than I'd imagined. I fingered through the list of motorcycle clubs across the country. I then found a bill written by a Louisiana senator, seeking to outlaw MCs.
My insides felt as if they might explode against my ribs as I stared at the damning evidence in my hands. A surviving Hell's Justice member? It was like finding out the boogeyman was real, and he was living next door. "Fuck," I whispered, teeth digging into my bottom lip. "Who the hell are you?"
The question burned in my mind, fueling my determination. I knew I should bolt and get the hell out before I got caught, but the mystery of this survivor was like a siren's call I couldn't resist.
"Dammit, Raven," I said to myself. "You're gonna get yourself killed over this shit." But even as the words left my lips, I knew I'd rather die chasing the truth than live in the cage my father had built for me.
With a deep breath, I carefully arranged the papers back into their original stack, my hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Each document slid into place with a soft whisper, a secret being tucked away. "I'm coming for you, mystery man," I promised under my breath. "And I'm gonna blow this whole fucking thing wide open."
As I slipped out of the office, I let a smirk cross my lips. Sometimes, things just fall into your lap. Better to be lucky than to be good. This wasn't just about me anymore. It was about uncovering a truth that could change everything. "Game on, assholes," I whispered, my resolve hardening with each step. The night wasn't over yet, and neither was I.
I slipped out of the compound like a shadow trying to escape the sun. The cool night air hit my face, a sharp contrast to the stuffy confines of the cage I’d just left. I imagined my father’s face as he opened my bedroom door only to find me gone. I held down a laugh and continued on my way.
"Fuck," I said, scanning the grounds. "Where are the guards?" The silence was unnerving. Usually, this place was crawling with my father's goons. Tonight, it was like a ghost town. Mademy skin crawl. That was the problem with being a president’s daughter. He would have security for the rest of his life.
I picked up my pace, boots crunching softly on gravel as I made for the barn. The looming structure beckoned, promising freedom. Or at least a shot at it. "Come on, girl," I whispered to myself. "Almost there."
The distant hum of voices from the main house made me freeze. Shit. They were onto me. I sprinted the last few yards, my breath coming in sharp gasps. Inside the barn, the familiar scent of hay and horse hit me. I paused, letting my eyes adjust to the dim light. The horses shifted restlessly, sensing my urgency. I buried a sneeze that would have surely given me away.
"Hey, beauties," I cooed, approaching the stalls. "Who wants to go for a ride?" My gaze landed on Midnight, a sleek black mare with a wild streak. Perfect. I'd ridden her before and knew she had the speed and stamina for what I needed. "You're up, girl," I said, reaching for her bridle.
My hands moved with practiced ease, muscle memory taking over as I prepared her for the ride. Each action brought me closer to freedom, my heart soaring. "We're getting out of here," I told Midnight as I swung into the saddle. "Both of us." As I urged Midnight towards the barn doors, I couldn't help but grin. "Let's see those bastards try to stop us now."
The wind whipped through my hair as Midnight's hooves thundered across the ground, each powerful stride carrying us deeper into the woods. My heart pounded in time with her gallop, a mix of exhilaration and gut-wrenching fear coursing through my veins.
"Fuck yes," I breathed, leaning low over Midnight's neck. The rush of freedom was exhilarating, making my head spin. "We're doing it, girl. We're actually fucking doing it." Trees blurred past us, branches whipping at my face. I barely felt the sting, toocaught up in the moment. For the first time in years, I felt truly alive.
"God, I've missed this," I said to Midnight, thinking of long-ago rides with the club. The wind in my face, the roar of engines replaced by Midnight's thundering hooves. It was different, but the feeling was the same—pure, unadulterated freedom.
My mind soared with the thoughts of freedom. Where would I go? What would I do with the information I'd uncovered? The surviving Hell's Justice member... who could it be? How did I find them?
"One step at a time, Raven," I reminded myself. "Just get the fuck out of here first." Suddenly, Midnight let out a terrified whinny. Before I could react, she reared up violently. "Whoa, girl!" I cried, desperately clutching at her mane. "Easy—"
The world tilted. My stomach lurched as I felt myself falling. There was a sickening moment of weightlessness, then—WHAM!
The ground slammed into me, knocking the air from my lungs. Pain exploded through my body as I rolled, finally coming to a stop face-down in the dirt. "Fuck," I groaned, tasting blood. Every inch of me screamed in agony. "No, no, no... not now. Not when I was so close." I tried to push myself up, but my arms gave out. Darkness crept at the edges of my vision as I fought to stay conscious.
"Get up," I hissed through gritted teeth. "Get the fuck up, Raven." But my body refused to cooperate. As the sound of approaching voices reached my ears, I knew my brief taste of freedom was over.
A scream tore from my throat, raw and primal. It echoed through the woods, betraying my location. Fuck.
"Over here!" a gruff voice shouted.
My soul seemed to fade as I clawed at the ground, desperate to stand. Pain shot through my leg, nearly buckling me. "Come on,you useless bitch," I snarled at myself, forcing my body to move. "They can't take you back there."
Flashlight beams cut through the darkness, sweeping closer. I stumbled forward, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.
"There she is!"
Heavy footsteps pounded behind me. I tried to run, but my injured leg gave out. I hit the ground hard, cursing.
"It's over, Miss Stansfield," one of the guards said, looming over me.
I spat blood, glaring up at him. "Fuck you."
Rough hands yanked me to my feet. I struggled, but it was useless.
"Your father will be very disappointed," another guard sneered.
