To Redemption (Whitsborough Chronicles Book 4)

by C. A. Rene

  I can feel the sweat gathering on my brow even though this room is chilly and I can feel myself losing consciousness again. I try to stay alert by thinking of Em, my mom, and my family.

  Em will find me, I’m sure of it and she’ll protect my mom because that’s what she does. That girl was made for me, designed to balance out all the extremes inside me, and created to teach me what the fuck this life is meant for.

  If I make it out of here, I plan on marrying her as soon as I can and putting a baby in her belly.

  Life is short and after everything, I can only assume ours will be shorter.

  23

  “Are you sure this is it?” Carm asks.

  “Yes.”

  The town hall is completely still and dark, no noise and no movement but I can feel Vin is inside. I texted Travis and told him to head over to the restaurant to be with Adri and Sharla just in case Adri was spotted around Moore’s vehicle.

  “Emmett is turning around. We should wait until…”

  “No.” I cut Carm off. “No more waiting.”

  Carm can stay outside and wait for Emmett for all I care, I will go in there alone to bust my soul out.

  “This place looks empty.” Carm says. “There hasn’t been any movement for the last thirty minutes. Where would they be in there?”

  “There’s a basement.” I tell him. “It’s where they had their very special perverted meetings, before I started picking them off like flies.”

  “Is there another entrance?”

  “That I don’t know.” I shake my head. “But I would assume yes.”

  “I would bet it’s back around where that fucker parked his car.” Carm says and I look at him wide eyed.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  We walk back the way we came and two blocks over is a quiet residential street. Not many houses here but there is a large dense wooded area behind them.

  “Looks like we’re hiking.” Carm says.

  “Wait, we could be in there all night searching for a fucking trap door.”

  “Or,” he raises a brow at me. “What if these inbred pieces of shit thought they would never be discovered and made it really easy to find.”

  “That’s a big ‘if’.”

  “We can always go back and storm the front but they’re probably waiting for just that.”

  He’s fucking right and I can’t put Vin’s life in any more jeopardy than it’s already in. I have to do this the smart way and my anger needs to take the back burner. Once I know my family and Vin are safe, then I’m giving it free reign.

  We enter the forest with Carm’s men in front and behind us. I watch as the men fan out and I keep my eye to the ground, looking for anything to lead us in the right direction.

  A few minutes later, I hear a sharp whistle to my right and turn quickly. Carm’s arm shoots up and the men that were behind us rush forward toward the sound.

  “Ember,” Carm whispers beside me. “I know you hate taking orders but I need you to do me a favour. Once we’re inside, I need you to listen to me. If I tell you to do something, please just do it.”

  I hate taking orders from someone when this is my mission but I have no other choice in this, I need to trust my brother.

  “Okay.” I agree.

  “I promise we’ll get him.”

  “Okay.” I repeat because I believe him. I don’t doubt Carm.

  We follow the same direction as his men and a small building pops into view. It’s made up entirely of cinder blocks and has a large steel door. Beside the door is a keypad and one small light to illuminate it.

  “Beyond this point,” Carm begins talking to his men. “Ember has the same rank as me. Whatever she asks, you will do. No hesitations. Comprende?”

  Most men nod and a few mutter “si”. I turn and look at Carm, this can’t be easy for him and I smile in appreciation.

  “Open the door.” He nods to one of his guys.

  The guy pulls out a gun with a silencer and shoots the keypad. I watch as the faceplate is completely blown off and sigh with relief when I hear the click of the door unlocking.

  Carm points to two men, prompting them to enter the building and motions for the rest of us to wait.

  When the door opens, I see the faint yellow glow of a light and watch as the men disappear down a flight of stairs. So this is an entrance to the basement of the town hall. We wait-not so patiently-for the men to come back.

  Then I hear the faint whistle coming from inside and watch as more men enter the structure.

  “Ready?” Carm asks me.

  “Yeah.”

  He tries to hand me a gun but I shake my head. I’ve never been too keen on them and besides, my knife has always served me well.

  He rolls his eyes and motions with his head for me to go in first while he covers us from behind.

  Inside is damp and the smell of musky mold assaults my nose. The ceiling is dripping moisture and the lights swing precariously back and forth, creating shadows with their eerie yellow glow.

  “Watch your step.” Carm murmurs behind me and I look down.

  The concrete steps are green with moisture and narrow, barely the width of my small feet. I try to hurry, feeling the anxious energy in my chest the closer I get to Vin, but Carm has his fist in my hoodie, refusing to watch me break my neck on the stairs.

  I hear two pops further ahead and jump down the three remaining stairs to hurry forward.

  The door opens again and Moore comes and removes the rope securing me to the chair. He waves to someone just outside the door and I watch as two uniformed cops come in and lift me by each arm.

  The fire that burns both through my chest and my leg has me gasping in pain. They ignore my pained sounds and continue to drag me out through the door and then up a small flight of steps.

  We’re still in a basement but the air is a little clearer, not so musky and the room is large and open. It looks almost like a church with rows of pews and a large looking altar at the front.

  I’m dragged to the altar and thrown to the floor. The impact jars my injuries and I grunt through the pain. I push myself up to my hands and knees and watch as a chair is placed in front of me.

  “Tie him to the chair.” I hear Moore order and cringe as I’m roughly thrown into the chair.

  When I muster the strength to lift my head, I see more cops in the room. From a quick count I can determine at least twenty men. That’s almost the whole force here.

  “I want his hands free.” Moore’s voice breaks through my concentration. “I need those fingers spread out nicely.”

  My stomach rolls with the thought of losing a finger and then the worry sets in for when Em receives it. I might as well kiss the town of Whitsborough goodbye because she will raze it to the ground.

  The cuffs are removed and my hands begin to tingle as the blood rushes through. My shoulders protest when I try to bring my arms forward and they crack with stiffness. If I had more strength, I would fight them as they pull my arms forward and tape them to the chair. I have no strength, so I let my head fall to my chest as I accept what’s about to happen.

  Then, I pray for every soul in this room because when she comes-and she will-they will all be decimated.

  I feel my hand being stretched out and then Moore’s chuckle.

  “Are you ready?” He asks, like the most cliché villain.

  I chuckle right along with him and lift my head, “are you?”

  It’s small but I see a sliver of hesitation in his eyes, no doubt feeling the fear of what the repercussions of this particular act will be.

  I feel the sharp edge of his blade as it begins to press against my skin. Just as the blade hits bone, I hear the doors crash open and gunshots ring around me.

  That’s the last thing I hear as the world goes black.

  24

  I’m running through a narrow concrete hallway when I hear gunshots going off just above us.
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  “What the fuck is that?” I scream.

  “I think my men found them.”

  I scramble up a small set of stairs and storm into the open door ahead of me where the gunshots are ringing.

  “Fuck!” I hear Carm behind me just before his body slams into mine, forcing me to the ground.

  He eases off of me and stands, shooting his gun into the ceiling.

  “Stop!” His voice rings out strong.

  The shots cease and I lift my head up from the concrete floor. I see a few bodies laying across what looks like church pews and breathe a sigh of relief when I see they are cops.

  I stand up and scan the room quickly until my eyes land on him. His chin is resting on his chest and he’s tied to the fucking chair. His face is a mess of bruises and dried blood, his left hand looks like it’s bleeding.

  Behind him is Moore, holding a large hunting knife to Vin’s throat-not unlike my own.

  “My men will easily take out yours, you have lazy fat cops, I have military trained men. Drop your knife and take your death like a man.” Carm’s voice is loud and clear.

  “He’s no man.” I call out as I stride forward.

  “Ember.” Carm grits through his teeth but nothing will stop me from getting to my man.

  Vin’s head slowly lifts and he flashes me that crooked grin, his dimple still prominent among the blood.

  "Took you long enough. I was about to lose a finger because of your tardiness." His voice sounds like he's been screaming for hours on end.

  I stop at about halfway between him and Carm. He's no more than twenty feet in front of me and I can't stop this anxious feeling of needing to have him safe in my arms.

  "You know me, always needing to make an entrance." I smile back at him knowing it looks forced and fake as fuck.

  I take notice of a few things right away. Moore's men have their guns drawn but none of their fingers are on the trigger, they have no idea exactly why they're here, Moore's hand is slightly shaking, his fear is bleeding through even as he tries to hide it, and Carm's men are spread evenly around the room, making sure to be present in each corner.

  I'm covered on all sides and that eases my anxiety some. One of Carm's guys shifts until he's a few feet from my front.

  "I see you!" Moore yells out to him. "Stop moving!"

  His eyes look manic and deranged, probably a lot like my own. I watch as if in slow motion as Moore's fist swings out and slams into Vin's jaw. His head snaps to the side and blood begins to run down his chin and drip onto the floor.

  Don't ask me what came after because all I would be able to tell you is that my world became many shades of red. My pulse throbbed a rhythm through my body and all noise faded to a dull buzz.

  Ember's body is stiff and I can almost see the tension radiating off her in waves. I try to grin at her to calm her a bit but she's not watching me. Her eyes are flitting around the room quickly, assessing and determining her next strike.

  One of Carm's men is shifting slowly towards her, putting his back to her front and I'm thankful someone is trying to protect her.

  "I see you!" Moore's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. "Stop moving!"

  My head is jarred once again by this motherfucker's fist and I feel my mouth fill up with blood. I keep my head down and try to focus on not passing out, watching as the blood in my mouth slowly drips onto the wood flooring.

  I hear her before I even register it. I force myself to look up and I watch as she storms the platform I'm sitting on. Moore's knife that was once at my throat hangs limply by his side as he watches her with wide eyes.

  One of the cops tries to run forward to cut her off but Carm shoots him point blank in the chest and he falls like a sack of potatoes.

  Em barely pauses and she bends and picks up the fallen cop’s gun then hops over his body. In the span of seconds shit is happening, I watch as Carm begins to run and shots begin to ring out in the place.

  I struggle against my bonds because I need to protect Em, I don’t want her to get shot for me.

  I feel the cool touch of the sharp blade against my throat again and Moore’s heavy breathing on my neck.

  “If I’m going out, you’re coming with me.”

  He digs the blade in deep and I feel the slow drip of my blood as Em screams. She lifts the gun, fires off a shot, and I feel it’s heat along my cheek.

  Moore’s blood explodes along the side of my face, warm and thick. My stomach rolls at the rusted stench and I breathe through my mouth.

  Then her hands are on my face, cupping my cheeks, and scanning me for injuries. Shots are still ringing out, men ducking behind pews, and Carm runs up.

  “Untie him and get him out of here.” He says to Ember as he shoots another cop.

  I look around and I’m shocked to see more coming in from the same entrance Em came from. Someone called for backup and now we’re outnumbered.

  Em cuts away the tape and hoists me up out of the chair. I stumble but right myself across her shoulders.

  “I’m not leaving you.” She says to Carm and I watch the tears run down her cheeks.

  “I will be right behind you.” He nods. His throat is working hard to swallow.

  A shot whizzes above our heads and his features harden. “Get the fuck out of here, Ember!”

  “I love you.” She tells him a sob escaping her.

  “Remember that.” He nods. “Remember I love you, too.”

  Carm and I lock eyes and what I see in their depths will forever cement my respect for the man. He gives me a brief nod and then pushes his sister towards a set of stairs that will lead upstairs to the main entrance.

  One of Carm’s men grabs my other side and we flee with Em casting one final look back at her brother.

  25

  Carm’s eyes meet mine and he gives me a sad smile. Then I know I need to get Vin out of here. He’s getting heavier and his head is rolling from side to side.

  We hit the stairs when the gunfire erupts and we rush up the stairs to escape any notice.

  The town hall is empty and thankfully with the help of one of Carm’s men, we drag Vin towards the front doors. When I open the doors, my eyes are assaulted by the red and blue fluorescent lights of cop cars. A lot of them.

  “Emberlise Craven.” A voice sounds over a speaker system. “Hands up where we can see them.”

  “E!” I turn at the sound of Travis’ voice and close my eyes in relief.

  Carm’s guy holds on to Vin as I slowly raise my hands in the air and step forward.

  “No!” Travis screams. “She didn’t do anything. What are you doing?”

  Two police officers rush forward and one yanks my hands down behind my back while the other stands in front of me, reading me my rights.

  “Get Vin to the hospital.” I yell to Travis.

  I watch as the rest of the police officers rush into the building and I send a silent prayer up for Carm. I hope he makes it out of there alive.

  I’m being dragged and pushed into a police car when I hear Travis behind me causing a scene. I need him to snap out of it and get his brother to the fucking hospital.

  Two police officers get in the car and look back at me.

  “What am I being arrested for?” I ask.

  “The murder of Andrew Cox.” One of them growls and I exhale a huff.

  “Whatever.” I tip my head back against the seat.

  I can’t see any way of getting out of this.

  I’ve been denied bail and allowed no visitors as I await my trial. I’ve spoken to the family lawyer who is trying his best to find a way to get me out of this but it’s bad. They have video surveillance of me on the street where they found Andrew’s body. It puts me there around the time of his murder. Then police Chief Moore is found with a gunshot wound to the neck and many eye witness accounts from other police officers stating I did it. Which I did.

  I’ve been told only a handful of people survived i
n that basement including Moore. My brother wasn’t one of them. He was found with several gunshots to his chest and I have yet another death to grieve later. He’s been pushed down deep to settle with my mother and Tommy.

  “Ember, I need something here,” my lawyer stresses. “What were you doing on that street that day?”

  “I was looking for Andrew. I was supposed to meet up with him and he didn’t show.”

  “But how did you know he was there?” He implores.

  “I didn’t. It was a guess.” I drop my head into my hands. “My phone records will show that I received a text message from Andrew to meet up with him after his meeting with Moore. He didn’t show. In another text message from Andrew you will see he tells me where he’s meeting Moore and that’s where we found him.”

  “Okay, I will petition the court for a warrant to the cell phone company, but that can take weeks. Ember, you’re in here for a while.”

  “I got nowhere else to be.” I shrug.

  That’s a lie. I want to be home to make sure Vin is recovering. According to my lawyer he spent one week in the hospital just a few doors down from Moore and was released to recover at home. I can only imagine the shitstorm Sharla has caused.

  I'm escorted back to my jail cell and tossed-none too gently-back inside. They hate me here because I'm a cop killer. Little do they know I'm a pervert killer too, but that's neither here nor there.

  I lay back on my cot and scratch another notch into the wall. Fifteen days. That's how long I've been in here. Fifteen days of food being thrown across my cell floor, male cops jeering through my bars as I piss, and random threats of violence throughout the day.

  I'm just biding my time here and waiting for the perfect time to strike. It may not be this week, month, or even year but it will come and I will bathe in their fucking blood while I dance naked around their bodies.

  "We should come in there and show you exactly what happens to girls that misbehave." One cop calls out.