CHAPTER 69

EPILOGUE
Monica's P.O.V
I was supposed to feel relief after the final papers right? Then why were my hands shaking incessantly and why was my heart threatening to pound its way out of my body ?
I brought out my phone and checked the message from Lisa.
I've got Ryan's room number. I'll forward it to you. This was soon followed by another message from her where both were stated. I was still checking the message when i felt a presence behind me.
''You scared me, I frowned at Victor who took a seat opposite me.
'Sacredly cat;'' He grinned.
'' You're looking more like yourself today,'' I remarked
''What do you mean?'' He asked'
''All this sarcasm isn't attractive you know.''
''I was under the impression that you couldn't even be attracted to me ?'' He raised his eyebrows.
''Whatever,'' I shook my head.
''Anyway, I meant that you looked tense before, even Lisa noticed it.
''Just exams and all,'' He shrugged.
''Well, you can relax now, it's over.''
''I don't think so,'' He had a faraway look in his eyes and i got the feeling that he wasn't referring to exams anymore.
I decided to change the topic.
''So what do you think 'bout the missing guy Yousof?'' I asked
Victor coughed once, twice, grabbed the water beside him and gulped it down his throat.
He excused himself as he stood up and left. When he left, I realized he never answered my question about Yousof.
The following day, my alarm blared loudly in my eyes and my arm shot out immediately to turn it off. I'd barely slept a wink and felt wide-awake.
Usually, I would make up for it by sleeping in but sleep evaded me.
''Monica,'' Lisa's voice whispered in the semi-darkness. ''Are you awake?''
''Yes, you couldn't sleep either, huh?'' I asked
''Is it that obvious ? she yawned.
I chuckled quietly.
''We've really doing this, aren't we? She said
''Yep.'' I said Yes, we are''.
I got out my phone and initiated the first part of the plan. I'd saved Ryan's number.
But if you'd told me back then that I'd be the one willingly contact him, I'd say you should get your head checked however, look at me now.
I tapped on the message icon it was too early to call. We need to talk.
I tapped and send and waited for the delivery notification. Less than five minutes, i got a reply.
Did you miss me, Monica dear?
I shuddered in disgust
It's important.
I waited for a few seconds this time.
I'm not in Campus. Can it wait till i get back in a couple of days ?
Typical he'd left Campus to go and do what knows what. Several students had already started leaving as soon as they submitted their final paper.
But this wasn't what Lisa and I planned leaving campus was dangerous. We would be on safe grounds here. I sighed and typed another message. I had to risk it.
How about I come and meet you outside Campus? I winced. That didn't sound like me at all.
Would suspect anything?
Eager, aren't you?
I rolled my eyes and maintained my patience.
Okay, I'll text you an address. Meet me there.
I released a breath i didn't realize i was holding. Fine
The address wasn't familiar. I frowned and decided to use a Google map. It was a hotel and hangout spot.
I groaned and said to myself. What had I gotten myself into? I decided to let Lisa know. We both left the room for some privacy.
''Well, that throws a wrench in the works, this wasn't supposed to happen. If that's a hotel then it's can't possibly be THE REDs base''.
''Unless, of course, they've got a whole hotel under their control ,'' I chipped in.
''That doesn't sound very likely''. She frowned.
''But, I guess we can consider it''.
You know what this means? I asked.
''What?''
''It isn't safe to go by ourselves, if the most basic step of our plan already didn't go as we envisioned then we're going to need back up''.
You're right''. She nodded.
''You think we should involve the school authorities?'''
"We have to, at least the way, someone would know where to find us or if thins go bad.
''Don't say stuff like that Monica, you're creeping me out''.
Okay, Fine. This is now bigger than we can handle, we're involving the school authorities.
''Alright, as soon as it's morning we'll go to the Vice Chancellor's office to speak with him directly.
I nodded in agreement and we returned to the room as I pushed the door open i came face to face, Alison was right behind her.
''What?'' Lisa and I chorused
They pulled us into the room and locked the door.
"Are you girls, nuts?'' Stacy hissed. "Alison and I noticed you two have been acting strange all week, very secretive and jumpy.
We decided to pay close attention .
Surely, you're trying to get yourself killed?
What do you mean? Lisa rolled her eyes.
"Do you guys realize i almost died a couple of weeks ago? That accident was planned by Ryan's gang and do you want to know what's even worst?''.
I stared at her silently as she continued as she continued.
''Yousof, the guy who's missing now, was a member of the fugitives and he was one of John's right-hand men. After the accident, John was furious because i was nearly killed.
He sent Yousof on a Mission where he was to kill one of Ryan's right-hand man named Mickel who was a skilled tracker and assassin so that Ryan would what it means to lose someone, especially considering the fact that Mickel was an asset.
He was successful at it and he decided to go one more mission, to get Ryan himself but that failed and I'm a hundred percent convinced that Ryan killed him''.
''But you said you didn't know who Yousof was when I asked,'' Lisa said. She shook her head in annoyance.'' The authorities need information and you're keeping this to yourself?''
''I lied,'' Stacy shrugged
"How do you think Ryan has gotten away with everything for so long? He's got moles everywhere, Alison chipped in.
"Exactly," Stacy said
"But we need try" I insisted. "If we take it directly to the VC he could involve the Cops".
She looked doubtful for a moment.
I don't want to see you two get hurt".
''More people will get hurt if we don't do something"
Stacy and Alison exchanged a glance
"We wanna help,'' Alison said
"My dad can help us. He's a Sheriff he'll listen to us. I'll call him''.
'I...I'll contact John and see if he has any useful info on Ryan."
I knew that it would be hard for her to talk to John since they parted ways.
''Okay, since you girls are up for it, here's the plan."
Lisa went ahead to fill them in on what we had agreed on. I excused myself and stepped out of the room, taking my phone along with me. I had to call him she picked up.
"Yes honey," She yawned. "You're calling so early is everything okay?''
''I just wanted too hear your voice, how's dad?''
''He's fine, he's still asleep. Are you sure everything is okay?
'Umm, yeah there are just a few things I need to take care of and I just ..."
I held back a sob. I just couldn't bring myself to tell, I remembered all they'd passed through after the incident years ago.
All the bills the had to pay for therapy, homeschooling, medical treatments, the nights I couldn't sleep because of the nightmares, I'd wake up to find mom beside me, her eyes red and tired from lack of sleep all because of me. Dad had to keep away all the male workers around our house and sometimes he had to stay distance from me too because no one knew when I would throw fit or have another panic attack . They'd gone through a lot because of me, this was one thing I wanted to do for them and for myself.
When I returned to the room, Lisa was through with all the explanation but now there were changes since we had to involve a lot more people than we planned.
"I've called my dad, he said he's sending some cops over to escort us".
"Won't that draw to much attention? We need to be discrete,'' I said .
''We also need to be safe, ''Alison pointed out.
"Anyway, they'll be in civilian disguise so they won't raise any alarm''.
''I let Charles know about the changes and he says it's a better plan than what we had earlier,'' Lisa said.
"I admit, I feel much more assured that this will work,'' I nodded.
"The evidence we planned on getting to expose them from my single visit to Ryan wouldn't have been enough.
They need to be caught red-handed.''
''Charles also sent an address for the real base for THE REDs he said if he knew Ryan well enough, he'll go there in a couple of days.
''Good day,'' She drawled. ''Who would you like to see ?''
''I have an appointment with a friend of mine is......
'I have an appointment with a friend of mine, his name is- -"
'You made it."
I turned in surprise to find him standing behind me.
'Ryan?"
'Yes darling," He smirked. 'I'll take it from here, thanks, Mara."
The receptionist gave him a sultry smile before she picked up a magazine and ignored both of us. Ryan took me by the arm and steered me in another direction.
'Where are we heading to?"
My knees shook as my legs carried me unsteadily. My panic increased when he took an exit at the back of the building and led me to a car that was parked by the side of the road.
'I thought you said we would meet here?" I
jerked my arm out of his grasp.
'Correct, however, I didn't say we were staying here." His jovial expression faded into a cold look.
'Get in the car, Monica."
'No," I said firmly.
He laughed in disbelief and took a few steps closer one of his hands went around my back, pulling me close and the other held something cold and hard to my ribcage. My body froze in
fear as I realized I was in more danger than I'd imagined.
To anyone who passed by, it would look like we were in a warm embrace but we
both knew better.
'Now, listen to me carefully, I really don't want to have to waste you out here in public.
You're looking very Pretty today after all, so kindly get in the car if you don't want any accidents."
I nodded and did as he said.
'Was it that difficult?" He grinned.
Moments later, he drove off. That left me
wondering what kind of trap I'd landed in and if I was going to get out in one piece.
We arrived in a very quiet neighborhood which was nearly isolated. Only a few houses were visible and they were far apart except for little
shacks that could be seen. I looked out for street signs but I wasn't familiar
with any of them, nonetheless, I took note of the name of the street we were on.
'Come on in, dearie."
He led me into a mansion that seemed pretty normal on the outside but once I stepped in, every fiber of my being screamed at me to get out.
Unfortunately, I couldn't because the cold metal pressed into the side of my rib cage again.
'Where are we?" I asked as we stepped into a well-furnished living room.
I half-expected this to be THE RED's base but I didn't see anyone else about. It was like it was just the two of us in the whole building. Surely, if this was it then there'd be more people.
'You must have already guessed it," He turned to grin at me. 'It's just us. This is my house, I hope you like it because who knows if
our kids will grow up here someday."
I hissed in disgust and didn't bother to hide the repulsion that was evident on my face. I hadn't seen this coming, no one had, so it wasn't planned for. His grin dimmed and his expression dropped back into a cold one.
'I see you aren't too eager about the idea."
'What do you expect?" I sneered.
'You're starting to sound like a broken record, it was years ago. Get over it."
I just gaped at him in disbelief.
'You aren't serious are you?" I asked. 'I should get over it. You never apologized yet you ruined my life, not that a stupid apology would've made a difference anyway!"
He gave me a condescending look before he spoke.
'Let's get something straight. You weren't all that special and you still aren't special now.
So you were just a means to an end. I needed power and you were a necessary tool which just happened to be convenient at the time."
His words pierced deep and I stumbled slightly on my feet as it hit me in full force.
'You're a sick bastard Ryan, that's what you are."
'Such colorful words coming from you," He smiled. 'By the way, I know all about your little plan. No one would find us here so forget about
your police escort that was waiting at the hotel."
At that moment, nothing was louder than the sound of my heart beating furiously against my ribcage.
'Wh-what?" I stuttered.
'That's right darling, it's gonna be just you and me. It could be like old times, in fact, why don't we recreate some old memories?"
I quickly put some distance between us as I darted behind a sofa, 'Ryan no."
'Oh come on, you look even way better than you did when we were in high school, quite tempting really. I see you've got some curves on you now."
'Ryan, stay away from me!" I grabbed the closest thing to me to use for defense. It turned out to be a vase full of flowers.
'What do you plan to do with that?" He chuckled. 'Although, it's quite a romantic
gesture don't you think?"
In response, I smashed the vase on the wall and held onto a jagged piece of it. I pointed it in his direction, daring him to come any closer.
Something in his expression changed when he saw that I was serious and wasn't afraid to hurt him.
'Don't be stupid, bullets are much faster. I could kill you in a second."
I said nothing but kept my arm steadily pointed in his direction. If I blinked, I would've missed it. Ryan's arm shot out to swipe my arm out of the way but I dodged it by ducking low and instead, I used the opportunity to stab at him.
He grabbed the side of his abdomen in surprise and his face turned nasty. He yelled in anger and pulled out his gun. I ran. It was a mad chase as furniture and decorations exploded when he shot at me. The noise made my ears ring and I didn't know how much longer I would survive in an unfamiliar environment. Ryan
knew his own house better than I did. I grabbed the door and jerked it open, just managing to throw my body down to the ground as another shot rang out. There was a gaping hole in the front door where I had been a few moments
ago. I crawled desperately out of the way when I suddenly felt my body being dragged up and pulled around the corner of the house.
My scream was muffled by a hand and I tried in vain to bite off the owner's fingers.
A familiar voice whispered for me to be quiet and my body froze as I quit struggling. I leaned against him as I suddenly felt drained of energy.
His hands released their hold on me and I turned my head to look at him.
'Charles, you came?"
'I had to."
'But," I shook my head in a daze. 'How did you know?"
'Good thing you always have your phone on you." He grinned quickly.
Just as soon as he finished his words, he pushed me back behind him. I felt something hard press against my thigh and I had no doubt that it was cold, dangerous and made of metal.
Moments later, Ryan's footsteps could be heard as he approached us.
'Well, look at that," He sneered. 'Don't you two look downright cosy with each other?"
Charles didn't say a word but I felt his muscles tense under my fingers as I held onto him.
'I'd hate to kill you along with her, man,"
Ryan said as he took a few more steps towards us.
'The Cops are on their way Ryan, don't be stupid."
Charles spoke in a low voice as he subtly tried to move me out of sight and more securely behind him.
'What makes you think I care, I'd rather kill you both before they find me then."
Ryan raised his arm higher, the one that held the gun, it was pointed at us and I knew Charles would suffer the first blow…unless I did something.
'Don't do this man," Charles tried to convince him.
Charles was armed, I knew that. I'd felt the metal and guessed the gun was safely tucked into his waistband. I could see from how tense he was and how strained his voice sounded that he was trying at all cost to avoid using it. He wanted to live clean after his days of bloodshed but it didn't seem like today would be one of those days. I contemplated for a moment. What if I got the gun before he did? Then he wouldn't have to shed any blood. But did I have the strength to do it? To kill someone else, even someone as horrible as Ryan?
My hand crept close to his waistband where the gun was and just as I touched the lower area on his back, I felt his body grow even tenser if that was possible as if he realized what I planned to do. He shook his head subtly although he
didn't look at me I ignored his message and crept closer as my hand touched the gun.
'Too late Charles," Ryan's words broke the silence and I watched as he pulled the trigger.
Charles moved incredibly fast. I felt my body being pushed out of the way as he went in the opposite direction. Ryan missed the target.
'Close your eyes Monica,'' Charles said.
I didn't get a chance to do so and my eyes were still wide open when he aimed at Ryan and pulled the trigger. This time, the bullet hit its mark. Ryan clutched at his chest as blood seeped between his fingers from the gaping hole that
was just above his heart.
'You should know that I never miss Ryan,"
Charles walked over to him and kicked his gun far away from him. 'I spared you because I want you to face court, where the parents of those you've murdered will look you in the eye and you can see the pain you've caused them as the judge decides your fate. Maybe the burden of guilt will revive your dead conscience."
Not long after, the Cops arrived on the scene along with paramedics who took Ryan away.
Charles wrapped me up in his arms where I still shivered despite the blanket I'd been given.
'You're just in shock, you'll be fine," He
said.
I believed him after all, I'd been through worse and survived.
''Thank you Charles for saving my life the second time''.
''It's nothing dear, what are friends for.
In minutes, Lisa, Stacy and Alison arrived the scene as well and was happy i survived after what Charles narrated to them.
''I hope you kicked some ass out right?'' Lisa said.
We all laughed as we headed back to the Campus to our various homes.
……….
BOOK ENDS HERE
THE END
Written By:- Moni Sky {M.B.N}
NOTE :- The names written or added to this book/story doesn't refer to any body in real. It's just a Fiction by the Author of the Book. Because that's the only way she could retain the morals she learnt which was to Fictionalize them.
Author Moni Sky