Hulk Chapter 5 #2
“I’ve raised you since you were ten years old.
Besides the stress of making sure I provided all your basic needs and gave you the love and attention you deserved, there was a bigger struggle.
It was protecting you from those things I just mentioned and more.
I thought I’d done a good job until a month ago.
I let you be harmed. I let down my guard, and look what happened to you.
” As Celeste finished, tears were shining in her eyes.
Capri scooted her chair closer to her aunt and put her arms around her.
Their heads came together. Christ, she honestly believed it was her fault that her niece was raped.
I had no clue what those years had been like after Capri’s parents were killed, but it couldn’t have been easy.
And Celeste had done it alone. This woman had a steel backbone and exterior walls, but inside, that shell hid and protected a compassionate and loving heart.
I ached to go over and take Celeste into my arms, so I was the one comforting her.
It took restraint not to do it. I caught Agony gesturing to those standing around us to go.
Silently, they slipped away to take up residence across the common area.
The only ones who stayed were the ones seated at the table.
They watched the two women. Fury burned in their gazes.
I had no doubt, the Pagan Souls of Cherokee would be discovering the identity of whoever harmed Capri Malcolm and guaranteeing they got the punishment he or they deserved.
Like Celeste, my gut told me it wasn’t just a single person.
Eventually, the two parted. They surveyed the table, then the room. Both had tear-stained eyes. Though their makeup was smeared, they were still stunning.
“I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to make you all see that. I would like to thank you for having us tonight and for showing us a great time. We enjoyed it and meeting all of you. However, I think we should go,” Celeste stated.
“We want to talk to you about one more thing. I promise it won’t take long. Would you like to take a break?” Agony asked.
“Why don’t I show you where you can refresh yourselves?” Eliana offered.
They hesitated, then Celeste nodded. “Thank you, that would be wonderful. If you’ll excuse us, we’ll be back shortly.”
Eliana, Celeste, Capri, and Joli rose to their feet. The old ladies escorted them from the room. As soon as they were out of sight, Agony spoke.
“We need to find whoever is responsible and make him or them, however many there are, pay. I don’t see Celeste caring if it’s not through the cops after that speech.
Does anyone disagree with doing this? If so, put up your hand,” Agony demanded of the room.
The others had come back to surround our table.
Not a single hand was raised. Pres smiled. “Then it’s official. We will be hunting and punishing those responsible for harming that amazing, sweet young woman.”
There was no verbal response as the four women rejoined us.
They had cleaned away the tears and smeared makeup.
Hesitant smiles were directed at us. I stood, placing myself behind Celeste’s chair.
Pyro did the same to Capri’s. Naturally, Agony and Dare did it for their women.
Once they were seated, we pushed in their chairs and then sat back down.
“You said there was one more thing you wanted to talk to us about, Agony. What is it?” Celeste got straight to the point.
“We’ve heard that you’ve been asking questions and digging into what went on that night at the party.
You’ve questioned Vanessa and been after the cops to tell you what details they've learned. I heard you went to the home where the party was, and asked the owners if you could look at the pool house, but they denied you.” Agony paused.
“How do you know about the cops and the house?” Celeste asked.
“We have our ways. What I want is for you to allow us to take over the investigation. We will find who did this and make sure they pay for what they did. And it’s doubtful the law will be part of that,” I answered her. I’d held up my hand so Agony knew I wanted to explain to her.
Capri gasped. Celeste studied me through narrowed eyes. “You mean you’ll employ vigilante justice. How? What if you’re wrong and harm someone not involved? I don’t want that.”
“We won’t hurt anyone innocent. We have our own methods of uncovering the truth. And we would never make a final move without knowing for sure the individuals involved are the right ones,” I assured her.
After almost a minute of silence, Celeste replied. “If I say you can do this, I need to be involved. I’m not leaving this for someone else to do.”
“There’s no need for you to be involved. We’ll take this off your plate. You can relax and take care of Capri,” Dare informed her. I could’ve told him that idea wasn’t gonna fly with Celeste. I was right.
“That’s not good enough. I have to be part of this hunt. And when it comes time to mete out the retribution, I have to be included in it. Either you agree and stick to this, or no deal.”
“What if we do it on our own?” Wire asked.
“You can, but stay out of my way. And if you get to them first, don’t you dare harm them without my involvement. It’s my personal, family business,” she snapped.
Her resolve was radiating throughout the space. Celeste meant every word she said. Capri was sitting there, with apprehension written all over her. I wished we could make her relax, but I figured only time would do that, along with everyone's safety in the room, especially her aunt's.
“Deal. But you can’t go off making inquiries on your own, Celeste. It’s too dangerous. You have to take a partner,” Agony said unexpectedly. My head snapped up. Surely, he wouldn’t pair her with one of the others.
Before I could object or insist it be me, Pres continued, “You and Hulk will work together. He’s our enforcer.
Disciplining the guilty is his job. Wire and, if necessary, others will work in the background to find evidence.
The rest of us are here to assist in any manner needed.
Besides not investigating without Hulk, the only other rule is that there is to be no police involvement.
If any of us are caught, we’ll be the ones going to prison,” Agony warned.
“Don’t you worry. We won’t say a word. I won’t risk the culprits getting away with this,” Celeste vowed.
And just like that, an alliance of sorts formed. I was paired with the woman who literally made my entire body crave her, and my mind couldn’t stop thinking about her. It could end up being the best thing that had ever happened to me, or the worst. Please let it be the best, I prayed.