To Redemption (Whitsborough Chronicles Book 4)

by C. A. Rene

  "Looks like we're taking a road trip, Bro." Emmett says as he slaps Vin's shoulder.

  Vin looks at me and raises a brow. I know he's wondering if any of this is true and now with Trent firmly under Talia's thumb, we have no idea what we could be walking into at the compound.

  "I know you doubt me and it's the smart thing to do. I can only tell you I am being honest. If I wanted you dead at any point in the last few years, I could have done it easily." Her words ring true but I still can't completely get rid of my doubts. Like she said, I have to see it for myself.

  The thought of Tommy being alive leaves me excited and scared at the same time. If he is alive, I can understand why he'd hate me. Because of me his life was completely upended.

  "I need to get there quickly." I say as I start out of the kitchen and pass by Talia. I look her in the eye and say, "if at any point I learn this is all a grand lie, I will completely enjoy gutting you open and playing with your intestines... while you're still alive."

  "I wouldn't expect anything less." She answers with a nod.

  One of her men growls at my words and I turn to look at him, "I'll tie you down to watch. Remember whose house you're in."

  Emmett snorts as he lifts his arms, "why don't I show you three out?" Then he looks at Talia with a smirk, "if you need anything while we are gone, you can call Travis and Adri. Okay Grandma?"

  I watch as she visibly shudders and I smirk. "We'll have to work on a better title." She says as she follows Emmett to the front door.

  "Bye Grandma!" He waves exaggeratedly as he watches her leave.

  "If all of this is true, how much do you think she'll regret having us as grandkids?" I ask him with a chuckle.

  "We should take bets on when she'll stage her own death again just to get away from us." He snorts.

  "With you constantly hounding her... two weeks." I mutter.

  "With you coming home every other day coated in someone's blood... one week." He retorts.

  "With how annoying you both are... this is the last you will see of her." Vin interjects and I laugh.

  "Do you believe her?" I turn and ask him.

  "For some reason, I do." He smiles. "I see a lot of Debra in her."

  "Yeah, me too." I agree.

  "Let's get ready and on the road. We have a long drive ahead of us." Emmett says as he starts up the stairs.

  "It's going to be weird going to the compound without seeing Carm." I say sadly.

  "I know." Vin nods.

  "Trent says he's waiting for us." Emmett holds up his phone. "Looks like Talia called him."

  "I figured she would." I reply.

  I'm anxious to get there, nervous to discover everything, and scared to face the first person I ever trusted. When my family only consisted of my mother, Tommy was the first to break the walls and I trusted him with everything, even my life.

  The same can be said for him. He grew up without a proper family and when him and I met, his walls crumbled for me, too. I was his little sister in every sense of the word and my mother accepted him as her own. Now that I think back on it, she was probably trying to fill the space Emmett's disappearance left behind.

  "Tell us about him." Emmett says when he notices I'm deep in thought. "I can tell you’re worried. Talk it out."

  "Tommy's group home was three houses down from my apartment complex when I was six. It was a shady part of the projects but we all looked out for one another. Just because we were poor didn't mean we were criminals. Some families worked around the clock to provide a roof over their heads. I know our mother did.

  "One day I was left at my school's afternoon program, it was for parents who worked late and didn't have a sitter. We were at the local park and a bunch of rough looking older kids showed up. We overheard them talking and found out they were from the group home.

  "Anyways, I ended up falling from the top of the climbing bars and I really hurt my arm-thankfully, it wasn't broken because mother couldn't afford the bills-and the boy who helped me was Tommy. He didn't even think, he ran over to me and checked it out right away. Bending it to make sure it wasn't broken.

  "The next day, he was back at the park again, but this time without his tough looking friends. He sat on a bench and watched all of us as we played. Afterward, he came to ask me about my arm. It went like this for a week straight and I could feel myself slowly warming up to him. Yes, he was a few years older but I quickly saw that he was kind and it just grew from there."

  "Let's say everything that woman told us is true," Emmett says. "How do you want to handle this with Tommy?"

  "The way we always handled disagreements... with a fight."

  33

  The compound is quiet and looks like it's in mourning. Even the weather is gray and gloomy, a reflection of my trepidation at this whole Tommy being back from the dead situation.

  "Trent's on his way up." Emmett says as he opens the door.

  We exit the vehicle and I keep a close eye on Em. She bottles everything up inside until it explodes and I would say she's due for an eruption soon. If this Tommy truly is alive and well, I can see it being the one thing that sets her off or breaks her.

  The garage style door opens and we see a smirking Trent. Now that I know who he really works for, I can't help but feel like I never actually knew him.

  "Jefe!" He calls out to Em. "I guess I have someone here to see you."

  Em strides forward, her steps sure and filled with a purpose. When she stands in front of Trent, I almost choke as I watch her fist smash into his nose.

  "Fuck!" Emmett yells and rushes forward.

  I take my time. I know my girl can take care of herself.

  "What was that for?" Trent asks as he tips his head back to staunch the flow of blood.

  "Did I break it?" She asks nonchalantly.

  "You know you did!" His voice sounds nasally because of the broken bone.

  “Good. I’ve been wanting to do that from the first day I met you and now I recently learned you’re a double agent. Tell me,” she places her hands on her hips. “Did Carm know?”

  “No, he didn’t.” He rips his shirt off and holds it against his nose. “I would never two-time him. He was my brother!”

  “Oh yeah?” She gets closer into his face and I watch him flinch with satisfaction. “What if she asked you to kill him?”

  “She isn’t like that!” He protests.

  “She isn’t like that.” Em mocks him and I snort. “I’ll ask you again and if you give me a shitty answer, I will be taking your balls and your life in that ring… in that order.”

  “If she asked me to kill Carm there would have to be a damn good reason. Like maybe he was going against his brother and sister, her grandchildren. Then and only then would I consider it. I will say it again, he was my brother.”

  “Did he tell you about believing Talia was his mother?” She’s firing on all pistons right now and I’m so fucking hard watching her.

  “Yes.” Trent admits.

  “Why wouldn’t you tell him she wasn’t? He was your brother, no?”

  “Bro,” he looks at Emmett. “Tell her we were brothers.”

  I watch as pure white hot fury crosses Em’s features and Emmett shuffles nervously. She steps between Trent and Emmett and peers up into Trent’s face.

  “Was I talking to him?” She growls and my dick throbs. “Don’t take my threats idly, I’m waiting for any excuse to watch you bleed to death.”

  “I'm sorry.” He mutters and looks at Em, “if I were to tell him that she wasn’t his mother he would ask for proof, guess where that would have to come from? Her. Guess where it did come from? Her. You know how she found out about the whole fucked up situation? Me.”

  I want to fucking laugh so hard right now. Trent is trying to act tough and regardless if what he’s saying makes sense, he’s purposely taunting my killer girlfriend.

  She bares her teeth and I watch as her knee slams into his bal
ls… hard. Emmett and I both blanche at the impact.

  “We’re not done. Especially considering the fact we haven’t even gotten to Tommy yet.” She walks further inside and Emmett hurries to Trent.

  “Bro,” he tries to help him up. “Why did you hide so much shit though?”

  I don’t think he’s expecting an answer since Trent is currently upchucking his dinner. I shake my head and hurry past them to catch up with Em.

  “I bet they have him in some cell somewhere, chained like a monster. I will kill people if he’s been mistreated, literally paint this motherfucking compound red.”

  “Maybe you should’ve asked Trent that before immobilizing him.” I say with a chuckle.

  “You’re probably right.” She nods and heads to our usual room. “Fuck, I’m just so angry at all the fucking secrets.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know how many more surprises I can take.”

  “This whole Talia being my grandma is the fucking cherry on the cake.” She says as she slams open the door.

  I haven’t even begun to process how my mother is going to feel about all this. This woman killed her mother, unintentionally but still. Then I have to somehow tell her that Moore is her half brother and he has a son who was Em’s best friend in New York and then he was killed by Em’s unknown older brother who is also dead now but the best friend is actually still alive. Feel my pain?

  “Do you think we should go find them and check on Trent’s balls?” I ask her with a grin on my face.

  “I need to know where Tommy is, so yeah.”

  I toss our bag on the bed and lead her towards the cafeteria. I’ve learned throughout my years at this place that everyone chills in the cafeteria. I hold the doors open for her and we both step inside. There’s a buzz of chatter as I walk to check out the food line up.

  “Vin?” I hear behind me.

  I turn and see the very faded purple hair on Marlana’s head, her bald spot covered by a beanie.

  Em stands beside me and looks at Marlana from head to toe. “Heard you banged my dead brother, did he pay you for your time?”

  I watch as Marlana’s face turns a dark crimson. “I cared about him.” She whispers.

  “Well, he’s dead now.” Em growls and I’m stunned with how callous she’s being. “I have no one to watch you, so I might as well kill you too.”

  “Stop threatening her.”

  34

  He’s standing right behind her and he looks exactly as I remember him, save for the scar on his right temple. He looks angry, nothing like my happy childhood friend.

  “Surprised to see me?” His voice sounds too calm compared to his turbulent features. “I get it, you did leave me for dead.”

  “Hold on,” Vin cuts in. “You’re Tommy?”

  “At least you had the decency to tell people about me. Did you tell them how I saved your life?”

  My ability to speak has been wiped clear from my brain and I can’t stop my eyes from roaming all over his face. His olive skin is paler than usual, his black hair is still a mess of waves on his head, and his equally black eyes are a bit sunken. I can’t believe he’s actually alive and standing here in front of me.

  “She did.” Vin continues to fill my silence. “She was devastated by your death.”

  “But I wasn't dead!” He yells and the room falls silent.

  “Tom,” Marlana grabs his arm and my sight locks on to the motion like a missile.

  “Tom?” I finally say something and look back up to his face. “Do you know the shit this girl has done?”

  “Yeah, she told me some. She also told me how you killed her mother and fucked over her dead body. I also know the fucking killing spree you’ve been on since your psychotic father got a hold of you.”

  “It’s true.” I won’t ever lie to him. “You were gone when I came back.”

  “And that was it? You just believed people you barely knew when they told you I was dead?” He takes a step closer to me.

  “Watch it.” Vin growls and holds his arm out.

  “I saw you get shot in the head, Tom. It’s what triggered something in me and I killed my father.”

  “I would’ve never left you.” His face is pure fury like I’ve never seen it.

  “There’s only one way to handle this.” I tell him and watch as a sadistic smile crawls across his lips.

  “Is this a good idea?” Vin asks for the twentieth time as I pace the room’s length.

  “It’s our way.” I shrug.

  “You’re seriously going into the ring with this guy?” Emmett says.

  “It’s our way.” I repeat, I just hope he doesn’t kill me.

  “It was your way,” Vin corrects.

  “I have to do it and you’re not to open those doors unless I say so.” I tell them both.

  “I can’t agree to that.” Vin shakes his head.

  I don’t bother to argue because I’m hoping it doesn’t get that far. Have Tommy and I fought before? Hell yeah. We were childhood friends, my first real shiner was from him when we had to duke it out over the last slice of pizza.

  I’m not stupid, I can see the hatred and resentment he has bottled up inside. But this is our way, we’ll fight it out and after, it’s squashed. I just hope the same rules still apply.

  “Let’s go.” I open the door.

  “What about your music?” Emmett asks and I roll my eyes.

  “It’s just us, jackass.”

  Tommy is already in the cage, his taped hands are by his sides, and he’s leaning against the cage. When he sees me, I watch as his hands slowly curl into fists. Okay, that’s a bad sign.

  “I can’t promise I won’t kill the fucker properly this time.” Vin growls.

  “Don’t Vin.” I turn and look into his green eyes. “This is the only way to fix it, it might get messy but I can handle it. Trust me.”

  He rolls his eyes but finally gives me a nod.

  I get into the cage and stand still, watching Tommy for any reaction.

  "No Bodies hitting the floor?" He taunts me.

  "Is that the type of fight you want?" I ask him quietly. "A fight where one of us doesn't leave this cage on their feet?"

  "I want to give you the same courtesy you gave me." He nods.

  "I wouldn't kill you." I shook my head. "You know damn well Carm's shooting you was out of my control."

  "I've always put my life on the line to save yours, Blur." His use of my nickname clogs my throat and breathing becomes difficult.

  Then like a tornado of limbs and fists, he's in my face. I have just enough time to dodge him and it's difficult because anger has him punching hard and in quick succession.

  After a few minutes of his punching and my dodging, I realize two things. One, I am tiring him out and his hits are becoming slower. Two, his anger is only getting worse with each dodge. If this is going to work, I realize I need to take a few blows.

  "Haven't really been on your game for the last few years huh?" I taunt him. "Looks like you're about ready to pass out."

  "Recovering from a head wound would do that." He growls and comes at me again.

  This time I let him and when his fist connects with my jaw, I'm jarred with the force of the impact. Yeah, he's fucking pissed.

  I stumble back and move my jaw back and forth, checking to see how bad the damage is. It'll be bruised but that'll be the least of my worries when I leave this cage.

  "That's it?" I chuckle. "Those arms need some extra gym time."

  His dark eyes flash with a dangerous glint as he bares his teeth and spit flies from his mouth. I've seen this look before but it was never directed at me and to be completely honest, it's a little startling.

  "Do it." I nod at him encouragingly. "Do what you need to."

  He doesn't hesitate as his taped knuckles slam into my cheek. Even anticipating the impact, I'm still thrown to the mat with his force. My vision blurs but I still get back up to my feet, thi
s isn't over yet.

  "Hit me back!" He roars and his fist sinks into my stomach, effectively stealing my breath. I fall to my knees as I try to suck in air.

  "I'm not angry with you." I say slowly, still trying to get a mouthful of air.

  He hits me again in the same spot on my cheek and my body meets the mat. My vision fades to black but I take a few deep breaths to stave off unconsciousness. My mouth is filled with blood and I spit it out, bright red against white.

  I get back up to my knees and wobble slightly as my world tips on its axis.

  "Hit her one more time, motherfucker, and I will kill you!" I hear Vin screaming from outside the cage.

  I hold my hand up towards him, asking him to stop because this isn't his fight. This has nothing to do with him. I know he wants me to care more about my life because him and I are forever tied as one, but I know Tommy doesn't want me dead, just hurting.

  Call me masochistic.

  My head is pounding with the blood swelling under my skin. I never let myself get hit this often so I don't ever feel this way during a fight.

  "I got this." I say loud enough for Vin to hear.

  "Do you?" Tommy chuckles and the sound coats my blood in ice water.

  I raise my face so we can look at each other, eye to eye.

  "Yeah," I nod slowly. "You don't want to hurt me."

  "Think again." He snaps as his fist flies out again.

  This time when he connects with my head, he hits my left temple and blackness erupts behind my eyelids before I even hit the mat.

  35

  "It's just what we do." I hear Tommy's voice as I'm coming to.

  I can feel myself laying on a bed and someone is pressing a cold cloth against my face. At least he sounds a bit remorseful and less angry, closer to the Tommy I know and love.

  "What happened to you isn't on her." I hear Emmett say to him. "If anything she should be pissed at you for being such a good soldier to our father."

  "She was a good soldier to your father, too, remember? She has been a Rampage fighter since she was thirteen years old."