Page 70 of They Will Fall

Ridge joins my side, grinning from ear to ear. “May I?”

“Have at it,” I tell him, stepping aside so he can have a piece of the action.

He crouches down, teeth grinding as he grabs him by the shoulders, lifting his upper body off the floor. He puts emphasis on the shoulder Stanley’s been babying by digging his fingertips into his flesh. The pathetic excuse of a man cries out in pain, which only encourages Ridge to hurt him more.

“You touched my girl, Mr. Crane, and I don’t take kindly to people touching what’s mine.” He throws him to the ground and when his head hits the concrete, a sickening thud echoes throughout the room.

Stanley’s eyes close and it appears he’s lost consciousness. “That’s enough.” I grab Ridge by the shoulder and pull him back. “Let’s wait until his wife gets here. She might wanna rough him up a bit herself.”

Ridge growls and spins around to face the opposite direction. “What’s your plan? You gonna let him get medical treatment then torment him some more, or you just gonna end him the minute you get the assignment?”

“Fuck no, he’s not getting any treatment. As soon as I get the okay, he’s done for.”

Like a menace, Ridge paces the room as if it’s torture not to kill this man. I get it—I feel it, too. His eyes snap from his watch then back up. “What’s taking everyone so long?”

“Riley’s parents have a good hour drive, and who knows where Maddox’s mom was. It could be a while. Why don’t you take my car and drive Riley back to BCU, so she doesn’t have to be around this shit. It’s safe for her to return now. I’ll get a ride with Maddox.”

“Thanks, man. I think I will. She’s been through enough and this is all probably triggering for her.” Ridge heads up the ladder, stopping halfway. “You need anything before I go?”

“Actually, I do.” I walk over to the bottom of the ladder and look up at him. “I want Stanley’s gun that Maddox has. I’d bet money it’s the one he usedthat night,and it’s fitting he goes out with the same weapon he used to take an innocent family out with.”

“You got it. I’ll get it from Maddox before I take Riley out of here.” He disappears out the trapdoor, only to return a minute later with the gun.

With it gripped tightly in my hand, I stare at it for what feels like an eternity.

The next bullet to leave this gun is gonna be for them. Justice will finally be served.

CHAPTER25

RILEY

“Mom!”I fly into her arms, squeezing her tightly as tears stream down my face. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Her grip on me is just as tight. “Oh, Riley. We’ve been worried sick about you.”

“Seems you’ve been busy, kiddo,” Dad says, and I let go of Mom before throwing myself at him. He hugs my head to his chest. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

“I didn’t do the things they’re accusing me of. I swear.” It’s partially the truth. In reality, I was only being sought after for the murders around campus. It was only Stanley Crane who was pushing for me to get sentenced for the crime I actuallydidcommit.

“We know you didn’t. We’ve got members at Cade Pemberley’s house now. They’ve found evidence that links him to a lot of crimes.”

My parents have been briefed on our version of the story and The Society’s press will be releasing the exclusive story in the morning. It was the only way to clear my name and stop the manhunt while also showing the rest of the world who was to blame for the crimes committed.

It’s not all true, but no one needs to know; they just need a person to blame. Mom hands me her phone to read the email containing the article that will be published.

Manhunt Ended, Former Guardian to Blame

The manhunt for Riley Cross has ceased. The events revealing the perpetrator of the murders across campus and through The Society are still unclear, but what is known is Stanley Crane is to blame.

His crimes go many years, the first major one being the Pemberley family murders. It was found that Donald killed Helen, Mr. Crane's mistress, and he was seeking vengeance when the family was caught in the crossfire. The seven-year case has now been officially closed and the murders solved. May the remaining family and friends be able to find peace knowing the murderer has been brought to justice.

In the investigation, Mr. Crane also admitted that Governor Saint knew the truth about the murders and held it over his head. In exchange for his silence, the former governor asked Mr. Cane to murder his wife. Mr. Crane followed the governor's orders, resulting in a hit-and-run while continuing to be under the governor's thumb until he eventually snapped and killed him too.

Investigators were also able to tie Mr. Crane to Cade Pemberley’s murder. A shrine of Riley Cross was found in Cade’s home, where we can only assume he kept the items he stole from her over the years while stalking her. We believe he also killed Zeke Martin, according to a handwritten note found in the shrine. There was also evidence proving that Cade and his father both physically and mentally harmed their nephew while he was in their care and even after. He was unavailable for comment, but his loved ones have said that he will need time and space to process all of this information.

Cade Pemberley was working for Mr. Crane but drew a line when Crane wanted to pin Riley as the primary suspect of the murders. Mr. Crane then decided Cade was too much of a risk and murdered him just one mile from campus. This should serve as a warning to all students to be more aware of their surroundings and to always stay in groups when possible.

As for Riley Cross, she has been absolved of all charges and will be returning to school to resume her studies shortly. The entirety of the events has shaken her and her family and they ask for time and space at this time to get back to their new normal.

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