Page 9 of Coach's Pet

“Killing is a necessity sometimes, but he’s right. We shouldn’t enjoy the rush that comes when the trigger is pulled.”Too bad I love it. The fucking feeling I get when I’m the one holding someone’s life in the balance is addicting,

“Eh, whatever.” He winks at me and checks his gun. “I’m ready when you are.”

* * *

Two days.Two fucking days and not a goddamn thing to show that Crucinda is the villain in my family’s story. I sit here, rereading the letter as Joey drives us to the cabin.

“Do you think dad was wrong?” He looks pensive and uncertain, making me feel like a bastard. I finally gave in and let Joey read the letter. He has the same feelings as I do about the situation.

“Yeah. The only person that can clarify now is in my cabin, Joey.” Folding the paper back and placing it in my pocket, I let my mind wander off to Crucinda.

Her hair is white on one side and black as night on the other. It’s unique and interesting. What’s even more intriguing is that she didn’t beg me to let her go. Or plead for her life. She did demand that I release her, though. Hell, she acted as if she was perturbed by the whole thing.

My cock rages in my pants the closer we get. There’s no way she was able to get out of her bonds. In a way, I hope she has gotten free and I get to chase her. Then again, I’m damn sure if that was the case, I’d be in handcuffs by now.

“You should apologize and let her go, brother.”

Taking a moment to size up my brother, I laugh. “And you think she’ll not press charges?” Shaking my head, I unbuckle my seatbelt. “That’s some wishful thinking right there, little brother.”

The SUV comes to a complete stop, and I get out. “Besides, she’s guilty of something. I’ll just have to get it out of her.”

Joey shakes his head and shrugs. “Cool. I’m back on duty in a week. Let’s try to have it resolved before then.” He salutes me as I shut the door.

Walking back to the cabin doesn’t take too long. It gives me enough time to come up with an idea on how to coax the info I need out of Crucinda. Unfortunately, I can’t stop thinking about what happened to my family to believe she’s innocent. Before I get into the house, I read the letter one more time.

* * *

Dear Jason,

If you are reading this, it means I have passed. Just know that I love you and your brothers dearly. There are some things you need to know.

First, your mother was a Pongonado, but her stepfather adopted her. The Pongonado family line lives on through you, and you must celebrate your heritage as both a Pongonado and McKessonville.

Second, your step-aunt, Crucinda De Vil, is the reason the family influence and fashion empire has been dissolved to nothing. She hurt your mother in ways that are too horrid to speak of. This woman is a manipulative user and a traitor to her family.

I always told you your mother was ill with cancer. But the truth is, fifteen years ago, your mother took her life after a fashion show went wrong. I know it may seem extreme, but what happened afterward would easily destroy our family. After the show, your mother’s contracts were canceled. This devastated her, and McKessonville Fashions took a major hit. If it had been up to me, I would have filed charges against CDV Fashions for tampering with our clothing, but we could never prove they were behind the vandalism.

Your mother couldn’t handle the bad press or the downfall of our merger. What little she had was put into trust funds for you boys when you turn thirty.

I’m sorry, son. The fact I’ve lasted fifteen years against CDV Fashions is a miracle. But this year, I filed for bankruptcy. What’s worse is the shareholders of the company sold every one of their shares out from under me. McKessonville Fashions will no longer be after the first of the year.

The one regret I have is that I couldn’t love you boys better. I was so focused on taking down Crucinda and her fashion empire I forgot about you three. My health has been on the decline, and I can’t keep going on without your mother any longer.

Forgive me. I love you and wish you happiness.

Dad

Six

Waves of consciousness hit me,but I’m too weak to move. My head slumped to the side hours ago, and even though pain radiates through me, I can’t seem to lift it up to ease it. The gurgling of my stomach annoys me as I pee on myself once again.

Tears left me a long time ago as the hot liquid soiled my body. I can’t stand the smell but holding it in isn’t an option any longer. Sighing, I let myself finish and think about a hot bath.

Getting the ropes loose has been a chore. My left ankle slipped loose first, then my right, but my hands are still firmly behind me. I’ve moved them so much; the skin has become raw. Since I don’t know how long I have until the man comes back, my efforts have been aggressive.

Of course, the problem now is that I’m too tired. God, I’d give almost anything to have a hot shower and some fried chicken.

“Well, it looks like someone’s gotten dirty.”

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