Page 46 of August and the Night

As we reach the cabin, we kick off our sandy flip-flops and step inside. We make our way to the bathroom, ready to remove the piles of sand that have become incredibly uncomfortable against our bodies.

The warm water of the shower cascades over us, and I can't help but chuckle as Layla and I work together to get rid of every last bit of sand that seems to have infiltrated every crevice. The laughter that fills the air is infectious.

We dry off and wrap ourselves in fluffy towels. Layla's eyes begin to droop with the combined effects of our day at the beach and the soothing shower. I can't help but smile as I watch her yawning, her eyelids growing heavier by the second.

"You look like you're ready to fall asleep standing up," I tease, my voice a gentle whisper.

She chuckles softly, her movements slow and deliberate as she pulls on her pajamas. "I guess I'm more tired than I thought."

With a soft kiss on her forehead, I tuck her into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. "Rest up, Layla."

Her eyes close almost immediately, and it isn't long before the steady rhythm of her breathing fills the room. I linger for a moment, just watching her sleep, before slipping out of the room to get ready for my own evening plans.

Dressed in a clean shirt and jeans, I feel anticipation and unease churning in my chest. I am meeting an old friend who works at the local news channel, someone I haven't seen in years. The connection has remained, but over time, life has taken us on different paths. As I look at myself in the mirror, I know this is it, the work I have put in for years will pay off after this.

I comb my fingers through my hair, my thoughts drifting back to a time when I was not so attached to Layla. When my world was different, simpler, yet somehow less complete. I can feel a darkness simmering in my chest; nothing will stop me from getting my revenge, even her.

As I reach the designated meeting spot, I spot my friend sitting at a table on the resort. His face lights up when he sees me, and we exchange a warm handshake and a few words of greeting.

We catch up on the usual small talk, but beneath the surface, I sense an unspoken tension; we both know what this meeting will reveal.

"So, how's life been treating you, August?" he finally asks, his voice gentle yet probing.

I lean back in my chair, tracing the rim of my drink with my finger. "Life's been good. Can't complain."

He studies me for a moment, as if searching for something in my words, seemingly finding it before nodding.

I sigh, a heaviness settling in my chest. "I finally collected all I need, Cole."

He nods, his gaze unwavering. "I always knew you would."

His words hang in the air, the weight of them sinking in. The darkness that had simmered within me is now a tangible presence.

Cole leans forward, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. We have been in agreement for months— if I could gather evidence against the Lexingtons, he would use his high-ranking position at the news channel to expose their crimes to the world.

As we talk, I can feel the weight of the file in my bag, the evidence of the Lexingtons' monstrous deeds waiting to be revealed. This is our chance to bring their empire crashing down, to make sure justice is served, and to offer me and the other unknown victims some closure.

"So, August," Cole begins, his voice a low, intense whisper. "Is this it?”

I take a deep breath and nod, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag. With anticipation, I reach into the bag and pull out the thick folder. I place it on the table between us, the weight of its contents nearly tangible in the air.

Cole's eyes widen as he looks at the file, awe flashing across his face. He reaches for it almost reverently, his fingers brushing over the cover before he finally opens it. The documents, photographs, and audio recordings within seem to captivate him, his gaze scanning the pages as his expression shifts from disbelief to fiery determination.

"You did it, August," he breathes.

"This is incredible. The depth of this evidence... it's more than I could have hoped for."

I can't help but crack a small, cautious smile. It has taken time, effort, and no small amount of risk to gather this evidence, but knowing that the truth is finally on the brink of exposure makes it all worthwhile; my parents will finally be avenged.

Cole looks up at me, his eyes gleaming, and dollar bills almost reflecting in them. "August, my friend, we're going to bring them down. The Lexingtons won't be able to escape this."

For me, this is more than just news; it's a chance to make a difference, to dismantle a corrupt empire, and to offer justice to those who have suffered at the hands of the Lexingtons.

"I've already talked to my team at the news channel," Cole continues, his excitement clear. "We're going to put together an extensive exposé. We'll reveal every gruesome detail, every ounce of evidence we have."

The thought of the Lexingtons' dark secrets being aired for the world to see is both satisfying and sobering. Their reputation will crumble, and the truth will prevail. Justice will finally be served.

"And you know what else?" Cole's grin is infectious. "The ratings are going to skyrocket. This kind of story, it's going to be big, August. Real big."

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