We all drove off as Rafael kept his eyes closed and held Shalimar’s dead body in his arms.
I can’t wait until this day ends.
Chapter 20
Angel
Eden
We were definitely out of the building, but I was still inside the couch.
We’re in a truck.
The engine hummed on the bottom of the couch. Every now and then I bounced inside.
Probably a moving truck, since they have the moving uniforms.
We drove for at least ten minutes. I assumed we were heading to Shalimar’s so that they could get the other code. I’d been counting seconds, so I wouldn’t lose it and scream.
At least there’s no dead body in here. Be thankful for the little things.
I didn’t know how far Shalimar was away from us. My heart boomed in my chest, when the truck stooped. I waited, hoping they would at least take me out of the compartment.
Silence remained.
More than ten minutes passed. I had no idea what they were doing. In the meantime, I banged at the wall. Like with the other couch, I searched for a crack or an opening. There was nothing. Not even a button or latch. Nothing to help me open it up.
It became harder and harder to hold on to hope.
I’m going to die today.
Finally, the top of the couch opened.
The Devil peeked in. “You’re Celina’s niece, too?”
Squinting from the new light, I whispered, “Yes.”
He reached in and yanked me out.
Where are we going now?
I stumbled to get to my feet.
Is Aunt Celina around?
He dragged me forward.
I took in my surroundings as he led the way. We’d been in a big moving truck with seats and several types of guns, rope, and gear. As I climbed off the truck with the Devil, I looked around, searching for the other men. None were near.
I can run as soon as I get my balance. I’ll just run.
The Devil said nothing as he sighed, dug into his pocket, and took out cigarettes.
Where are we?
We stood in a peaceful neighborhood. Perhaps families lived here. No cars were around now.
He’s about to light a cigarette. This could be the moment.
I raced off.
“You stupid bitch!” He grabbed me and shoved me down to the ground. “Didn’t I train you already.”
He slapped me. The pain burned my cheek, but I had no regrets.
“Help!”
He raised his large fist in the air. “Scream again.”
I swallowed.
“Get up.” He slung the cigarette down. “Let’s go.”
He yanked me forward.
Dehydrated and high, I struggled to keep his pace. Quiet. Everything around us was silent.
Where the hell is everybody at? I can’t get someone walking a dog, or anything? Someone I can scream to for help.
We rounded the corner and went down a walkway. There was nothing much about the house as we entered. No one had stood outside.
Where are Jean-Pierre’s men? Weren’t they guarding Shalimar?
The Devil opened the door, female screams came out.
Shalimar?
My heart hammered. My body shook. He dragged me forward, as terror battered my heart.
“Fuck! You!” Shalimar screamed. “Celina, tell him!”
My aunt? Is she here?
I had hoped I’d lured the Devil into a trap, or at least made things difficult, but my answer about Shalimar’s guards came as we went deeper into the house. A pile of bodies lay to the side.
My stomach punched itself. I doubled over and vomited a little. I’d barely had anything in my stomach.
“Eh!” The Devil tightened his grip and pulled me back up. “That’s enough out of you. Close your eyes, if you can’t take it.”
I wiped my mouth with my shaking fingers.
“Keep it together, princess.”
I hated when he said princess. I hated the nasty word on his tongue.
I’m going to kill you.
I forced myself to stand up.
Yes. Somehow, I’m going to do it. One day, you piece of shit. You and me.
He glared at me. “You’ve got something to say to me, princess?”
He didn’t wait for an answer as he shoved me forward. “Go to the bedroom and stand in front of the camera.”
I hurried inside and wish I hadn’t. My legs lost their balance. I leaned against the wall, unable to stand from the sight before me. My eyes watered.
No! Shalimar. I’m so sorry!
“Eden?” Shalimar turned to me. Blood dripped down her face. Her right arm had been hacked off. “Run, Eden! Run!”
My head went dizzy.
No! No!
I ran to her. I needed to help us both. I’d brought them to her doorstep. While she may have gotten me involved too, I hadn’t wanted her to get injured.
“Get over here!” Someone grabbed me, dragging me toward a camera that was mounted on a tripod in front of Shalimar.
“Eden!” My Aunt’s voice filled the air.
I searched for the voice. Another man held a phone to my ear.
“No, Eden.” Aunt Celina’s voice held sadness. “You’re not supposed to be there—”
“Time to end this family reunion.” The Devil waved his hand in front of the camera and took the phone from me. “Where’s the other part of the codes, Celina? You don’t care if we cut off Shalimar’s arm. How about your niece?”