Chapter 55 The Reckoning
THE RECKONING
ZEKE
We arrived with plenty of time to get Hillsborough and a few other deputies set up to hear the exchange. The sheriff side-eyed me before congratulating Maggie on getting married. I nodded my approval. That counted as an amends in my book.
The old canning factory sat on a few abandoned acres of land on the edge of River’s Run municipality limits.
Most of the windows were busted, a few doors were missing, and a skylight formed in the roof where the ceiling caved in.
Shadows cloaked everything in darkness except for the battery-powered lanterns Maggie and I placed at our feet.
Just enough light for Spencer to recognize us, but not enough to see farther than a foot or two behind us.
Law enforcement got into position as Maggie and I stood in the center of the parking lot. Their cruisers parked a few hundred yards away, behind the edge of the tree line, where Spencer wouldn’t be able to see.
All I had to do was get him talking.
Tires screeched as Spencer spun out in front of us. Maggie backed up several feet in fear, but I stood my ground. I faced worse enemies than this before.
“Well, well, well,” drawled Spencer as he folded himself out of the dark sedan.
“If it ain’t the town bicycle coming back for a ride.
” His long hair hung limp around his face, looking as unwashed and greasy as the stained tank top he wore.
I couldn’t make out the shape of a weapon, but that didn’t mean he was safe.
The wretched stench of whiskey and weed emanating off him made my nostrils burn.
He just wants a reaction. Don’t give it to him.
As hard as it was, I kept my face impassive, not even clenching my fists in response. I’d known bullies like Spencer my whole life. They looked for micro-actions to vilify their dominance. He wouldn’t see a single thing from me.
Spencer cast a cursory glance at me before smirking at Maggie. “Really, babe? What, d’you need a guard dog with me now?”
“I’m her husband,” I snapped back. “And I’ve come to end whatever you think this is.”
He barked out a bitter laugh. “What I think this is? Didn’t your little wifey tell you? She knocked over my ticket out of this fucking town as soon as she got done fucking me. That’s what I know this is.”
The same possessive beast from the party where I met Maggie and Spencer roared in pure rage. I wanted to snap the bastard’s neck with my bare hands.
“Five thousand dollars seems a bit steep for a simple ticket,” I remarked casually.
Even in the dim light, I saw Spencer’s face contort in anger.
“Don’t be a dumbass. I had a bag of pure White Boy that would have set me up just fine down in Miami. That’s where you can get the good shit anyway. And that fucking slut of yours ruined it. Now, either pay up or make your peace with God!”
With that, Spencer pulled a handgun out of the back waistband of his jeans. Maggie whimpered behind me. Without breaking eye contact with Spencer, I managed to pull her so that my entire body shielded hers. Spencer smirked like he found the act amusing.
“Aw, think you’re gonna protect the dumb hoe? Think she’s something special? She’s gonna be the reason you die tonight!” He held the gun higher in his left hand.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Maggie’s audible gasp faintly registered, although Spencer only focused on me now.
“You think you’re gonna kill me? With that?” I mocked. “You’re not even holding it right. You’re a righty, aiming as a lefty, with absolutely zero training. Go ahead, Spencer, take your best shot. It’s only a six foot distance—any idiot could hit me from close range!”
“EZEKIEL HAYES!” came Maggie’s fierce whisper over my shoulder.
My laughter turned maniacal now as confusion distorted his features. The hand holding the gun trembled, and I noted how his eyes darted back and forth between the gun and me. A frantic glance back at my wife really set me off, however.
“Do it, Spencer! Take your shot! You’re such a badass with a gun, right? I’m totally unarmed. Make your move!”
Slowly, with my hands level with my head, I walked towards him. I continued to goad him the entire way.
“What’s the problem? Aren’t you man enough? Can’t even take down an unarmed dude in the middle of a dark parking lot? GO FOR IT. TAKE YOUR FUCKING SHOT, SPENCER!”
Spencer trembled like the junkie he was as my chest met the barrel of his gun. He closed both eyes and turned his head away to pull the trigger.