CHAPTER 66

'I'm afraid he's on to us."
Vicker's solemn words jolted Grace off his lap and she turned to look at him with her eyes full of fear. They'd planned a romantic getaway for just the two of them in a hotel that Vicker promised Ryan knew nothing about.
'How do you mean?" She trembled as she spoke and not even his reassuring embrace could help her.
'I noticed I was being followed two days ago."
'And you didn't say anything about it until now?" She yelled.
'Calm down okay, what would you have done about it anyway?"
'Well, we could've been more careful." She snapped at him.
'Can you just stop raising your voice at me?"
'This was all a big mistake," She muttered, running her hands through he hair in
Frustration.
Vicker's whole demeanor changed.
'What did you say?"
'You heard me, this was a mistake."
'Do you think you're the only one risking something here?" Vicker got up and faced her directly. His intimidating height forced her to take a step back.
'I'm risking a lot for you Grace, even my life and not once have you ever shown any form of gratitude. All you're obsessed with is Ryan."
'Don't tell me we're going back to this again. You've always been an insecure brat.
Even when we were much younger. You used to hang around him like you hoped his coolness would rub off on you."
Vicker froze like he couldn't believe his ears. The urge to raise his fist against her was strong but he held himself back. He was done.
'We're done here."
'What's that supposed to mean?"
'I'm tired of you Grace."
'You can't say that."
'I just did."
He turned his back on her, grabbed his shirt.
'By the time I get back, I don't want to see you anywhere near this place. If you like yourself be long gone by the time I get back."
'Vicker!" Grace yelled as he walked away from
Her. 'Vicker, answer me!"
But the only response she got was the sound of the door slamming shut.
Less than an hour later, there was a knock on the door. Grace's heart threatened to escape her chest. She'd never seen Vicker so enraged before, maybe when other people were involved but certainly not her. She didn't know whether she should try to talk to him again or she should get out.
At times, she realized she forgot one important detail about him and that was his tendency to be violent. She'd seen him in action, fighting side-by-side with Ryan during cult clashes back in the day. Or even in confrontations that sprang up without warning.
But never had he shown her his deadly side, not until today. He had come so close to hitting her and she knew it, she saw the look in his eyes.
The knock came a second time.
'Who is it?" She asked nervously.
There was no way Victor would knock. He had his own key to the hotel room.
'Room service!"
She breathed in relief, not realizing that she'd been holding her breath for a while now. She peeked through the peephole of the door and
Unlocked it.
'I ordered for food ages ago, why is it just
Coming now---‘'
Before she could finish her sentence, she was grabbed in a chokehold from behind. Her hands shot to her neck and her long fingernails scratched desperately at the cords around her neck. She tried to scream for help but there
Wasn't enough breath left in her. A dark cloth was placed over her nose and mouth to block her airways and her eyes slowly drifted shut. Her body became slack and she didn't resist anymore as she lost consciousness.
Moments later when he was sure she wouldn't get up anytime soon, he made a phone call.
'I found them, boss. I have the girl but Vicker isn't here."
'He must be nearby. Find him."
'What do I do with the girl?" He asked.
'You know what to do, she's of no use to me anymore."
When the call ended, he grinned to himself and looked down at the nearly lifeless body on the floor. Well, he could always have his fun with her. He brought out a silver jackknife from the pocket and sat down beside her.
'Where shall I start from?" He muttered to himself. 'The fingers or the toes?"
Later that day, as Vicker made his way back to the hotel room, he felt he might have been too harsh on Grace. Sure, she had said some hurtful words but he still loved her even though he couldn't explain why. He'd never been able to understand why he withstood all her insults and unfair treatment. How he had stood back and watched as she became Ryan's toy and ran to do his bidding.
He couldn't understand why she'd never given him a chance and even when she did, she was still two-timing him. He sighed bitterly when he realized Ryan would always be better than him in Grace's eyes. But this time around, he had to let go of her.
He knew it was the only way. If it was Ryan she
Wanted, she could have him.
As soon as he opened the door, he knew something was wrong. The back of his neck tingled where his amulet was and he felt the urge to get out of the room. He gasped and
Dropped to the floor when he saw the lifeless body on the floor before him.
Several fingers and toes were missing and her face was carved
Into pieces beyond recognition. Blood soaked her clothes and pooled around her body. Grace was dead. And he knew whoever did it, meant it as a message.
His blood boiled in his veins and his breath came in rapid puffs. No one other than Ryan could've done this. But this was taking things too far. She didn't have to die for this. He grabbed the nearest object and threw it against the wall as he screamed in pain and grief.
Ryan would pay.
Two days later, Ryan's phone rang and he untangled himself from the girl that had managed to wrap herself around him.
'What is it?" He answered gruffly.
'Mickel is dead."
'What!" He sat up so quickly which nearly sent her crashing to the floor.
'His body was found yesterday. Nobody knows who did it."
Ryan was silent for a moment and when he spoke, his voice was solemn.
'I have an idea… leave it to me."
'Okay boss."
He turned to the girl beside him and threw her a wad of cash from his bedside drawer.
'Get lost."
She took it without a word of complaint and left the room quietly.
Ryan stared into space as a plan formed in his head.
So, Vicker had the guts to do this because of a woman.
Well, he would get what comes his way.
CAMPUS: Female Hostel
The girls and I had just returned from visiting Stacy at the hospital and we were all in a sober mood. John had already recovered and he was by her side nearly every day but it was difficult for me to find him blameless in this situation.
Alison didn't bother to hide her irritation when she saw him at the hospital and made it clear that it would've been better if he just stayed away from her.
John was solemn throughout and had apologized but it couldn't change the fact that he was a dreaded cultist whose relationship with Stacy had only put her in danger.
Lisa's phone rang and she stepped away from us to answer it. When she returned, she announced that it was her cousin that called.
'Charles?" I asked without thinking.
'The one and only." She rolled her eyes.
'Why do I get the feeling that you don't like him very much?"
She and Alison exchanged a glance that was full of meaning. There was some history I wasn't aware of.
'I told you he used to be a student here before, right?"
'Yeah."
'Well, he was two years ahead of me but got involved in some stuff and had to leave for his own safety."
'What do you mean?"
She seemed uncomfortable talking about it and despite my curiosity, I wasn't sure whether to push for more information or retreat.
'My cousin Charles, was once a cultist. In fact, he
Was the former ex-leader of THE REDs."
Shock jolted through me like a lightning bolt. It caused me to freeze and my mind went blank.
For some reason, my heart sank in disappointment and I refused to believe that
What Lisa said was true but there was no reason for her to lie.
'How did that happen?"
She sighed and shook her head.
'It's a long story that I cannot tell. You need to hear it directly from him if he's willing to tell you."
'But, I can't just ask him. I barely know him."
She raised an eyebrow and the look in her eyes became slightly teasing.
'Somehow, I think he'll tell you if you ask him."
I was left wondering what her words were meant to imply.
That weekend, Charles visited again. I didn't understand why I was a nervous wreck around him but I tried to make myself as scarce as possible. That was until I returned to the hostel in what I thought was stealth mode only to find him sitting in front of the entrance gate.
'Monica, I was waiting for you." It was the first thing he said. He stood up and smiled as he walked closer to where I stood.
'Hello, Charles."
'I wanted to see you," He said. 'I hope you don't mind?"
'Not at all."
'Can we just take a walk?"
I looked around and noticed that many students were around. Girls cast us curious glances and some paid more attention to the guy standing before me. I admit he was a sight to behold.
'Um sure." I nodded.
We walked towards an old tree and sat down. I waited for him to speak first.
'Why're you so withdrawn around me?" His voice was low and I nearly strained to hear. 'Is there something about me that puts you off?"
'I…." I wasn't quite sure what to say.
His eyes looked troubled as he waited for my reply.
'I heard you used to be a student here." I decided to go with a different tactic.
'Oh, news gets around easily." He chuckled but it was without humour.
'I don't mean to pry, sorry."
'No, it's alright. I'm sure you've heard different versions of the story by now."
'Actually, just one. But I'd like to hear your version if you don't mind."
'I'll tell you all you need to know, just ask."
I took a deep breath and asked the first question.
'Is it true that you're a cultist?"
'I was."
'But can you truly be free from it?"
He was silent.
'I haven't been back there in a long time and I don't plan to go back anytime soon," He said. 'I nearly died twice in one day. I realized the value of my life even if I don't have much to live for. But now I believe I do."
'What changed?"
'I met some people who helped me see things in a different way. It took a while but I eventually began to understand that life was more than what I saw." He smiled sadly.
'I wasn't raised the way Lisa was. Sometimes, my cousin and I don't agree on most things because we don't think the same way. Where she thinks negotiation is the best approach, I'd rather take it by violence. I had a rough childhood, that is if I really had a childhood at all.
'What about your parents?" I asked.
'They never got married and I was the bastard child who nobody wanted.
He looked up at the sky and that was when I noticed that it was getting darker.
A cool breeze blew and rustled the leaves of the tree we sat under. A wilted leaf fell unto my shoulder but before I could react, he picked it up and studied it.
'You see, I was like this leaf. Wilted and useless, even at such a young age, I felt I was inferior in every way to my peers
'How did you join THE REDS?"
'Years before, when I was about 18, I was recommended to a man who I didn't know back then was a prominent member of ORION.
He said he saw potential in me and had a quick and easy way for me to earn some cash with my talents. I was quick on my feet and light with my hands, excellent skills for the job, he said.
And so I jumped in, carrying out minor tasks for him until he asked for my loyalty and since I had no better option, I chose to remain loyal by joining THE REDS. The members under ORION are known as The Reds.
You see most members have been there since they were much younger and
Only advance in rank when they show outstanding skills. I was one of those who fit the shoes for the successive Leader of THE REDS under the Dark Lord authority.."
Dark Lord…. The words rang a bell in my head and the image of the signature along.
'Do you by any chance know what this means?"
I brought out my phone and found the picture I took in the library.
'Where did you get this?" He frowned.
'It was in the library."
'You've been researching on ORION?" He frowned.
'What's the big deal about it?" I remembered Victor's reaction too.
'Does anyone know about this?"
'Not really?"
'Just one person."
'Who?"
'Like I said, what's the big deal about it?"
'Just tell me who." He clenched his jaw as if he was trying to contain himself.
'You wouldn't even know him, his name is Victor." I shivered slightly as the temperature dropped significantly. The sun had already set by now and it was quickly plunging us into darkness.
'You should go inside, it's getting late."
We stood up and left the environment.
Exams started two weeks later. I'd avoided any form of contact with Charles or Ryan and convinced myself that if I tried hard enough, I could be invisible to both of them.
'Monica, why are you doing this?" Lisa asked.
'Doing what?"
'You know what."
'I honestly don't know what you mean."
'Listen, I don't know what exactly is going on between you and my cousin but—"
'Nothing is going on."
'Oh, will you calm down and let me finish?"
'Fine."
'All I know is that my cousin is acting differently and I know you're the reason. Oh and just so you know, I gave him your digits."
'You did what?"
'He is family and despite our differences, I care about him.
Since he was so worried, I had to do something." She shrugged.
'You could've asked for my permission."
'Why would I do that when I know you wouldn't agree?"
'Seriously?"
'Yes, and don't even try to avoid his calls."
I was left staring at her with a gaping mouth as she walked away. Hours later, I found myself glancing furtively at my phone in case I received any call from an unknown number but none came that day. The following morning, I was studying when I received a call from an unknown number and my
Hands shook as I reached for it. I stopped at the last minute
And let it ring until it went silent.
Instead, a text message notification came through.
Monica, it's Charles. Please pick up.
I sighed and raised my book up to my face to continue reading
But my phone beeped again. I tossed my book beside me on the bed and picked up my phone.
Please.
It was a single word yet I couldn't ignore it this time. The next time the phone rang, I answered.
'Hello?" I said tentatively, clutching my book tightly for a ource of support.
'Monica, I've been meaning to talk to you."
'What do you want Charles?" I asked wearily.
'Just to talk, can I see you tomorrow?"
'I'm really busy, I've got exams to study for and-"
'I promise I won't take much of your time."
I considered it briefly before I agreed. 'Alright," I said.
'Thank you, is evening by six pm convenient?"
'Yes." Just that, I'd agreed to the meeting that would not leave my memory in a hurry.
$$$
Narrator's P.O.V (On the other side of campus)
In a secluded area off campus where large trees and dense
Bushes grew for miles and miles, Ryan stared down at the guy
Who stood before him. His stance was hard and unforgiving, every bit the ruthless cultist he was. He sneered at him in
Mockery as his men laughed again at the scene before them.
'So, you're telling me you cannot do this simple task?" He
Asked.
'R-Ryan it's t—too much—" The guy froze at the look on Ryan's
Face. 'Er, what I meant to say is that I need some more time
To-"
'How much more time? Or do you not care about your loyalty
To THE REDS anymore?"
'But I have been loyal. I've done so many things for the sake
Of THE REDS. I even gave you the information you needed for the
Raid."
'Shut up, it's not enough until I say it is."
'I'm sorry." He gulped and looked down, thinking that all of this had gone on for too long. He'd done all that had been asked of him for so long now it almost seemed like he would
Never get a break from the endless tasks.
'Listen very carefully Victor, "Ryan leaned down closer to look
Him in the eye. 'I don't take things lightly with weaklings and
You better not prove yourself to be one. We don't accept boys
But men. Now take this gun and shoot this guy."
Ryan gestured at the cowering young man who seemed to be in
His late Twenties. His body shook convulsively and his hands
Were tied behind his back. His eyes were wide with fear and
Sweat dripped from his forehead.
'But, what did he do?" Victor asked as his hands gripped the
Gun reluctantly. He'd never been asked to physically hurt
Someone before. Ryan usually left that to the more skilled guys
In that area, guys like Vicker who he hadn't seen in a while.
The words were barely out of his mouth when he was roughly
Grabbed by his shirt collar.
'You don't get to ask questions. You just do as I say." Ryan spat
Before he let go of him roughly.
Victor adjusted his shirt to buy some time in order to calm his
Racing heart as he remembered his reason for joining THE REDs in
The first place.
'Ryan…"
'Are you hesitating Victor?"
'I—I…" Victor stammered.
Before he knew it, Ryan grabbed the gun and shot the guy
Himself. Victor watched in shock as life was drained from him.
Dark, red blood pooled beneath his body and his eyes slid shut,
Never to open again. He'd just witnessed a murder.
'I knew you didn't have it in you." Ryan spat and shoved the
Gun in the waistband of his jeans. 'Speak nothing about what
Happened today. Now, get out!"
Victor didn't wait for a second warning before he made
Himself scarce.