48. Summer
I was goingto destroy Saul.
I think I could live with Saul killing my mom, but this—this brokenness of Rook?
Fuck no.
I wasn’t going to allow it.
He might want me to leave, but I would give him one last gift before I did—revenge: Saul’s death.
The bark scratched at the bare skin of my back. The dress I was wearing, so similar to the one she”d been wearing that night. Sleeveless, pinched at the waist, then flowing down the legs.
She”d been so beautiful, I”d been entranced. Wanted to be just like my mom when I grew up.
I looked just like her, so many people told me.
I clutched at my collar, the diamond necklace she’d given me cold in my palm, the edges digging into my skin.
I wore all this for her—a tribute.
Rook and I would both get what we wanted.
The air prickled with heat, and the sound of nocturnal animals, restless in the trees above.
I could smell the salt marshes from here, and I wondered if that was what she”d smelled that night. The windows down, hair whipping across her face, anxious to return home.
And then—the burning. Bright orange flickering light, a stark contrast to the darkness of the night.
She could probably smell burning. Flesh, hair, oil, plastic.
I would never forget her screams that night.
I wanted to hear his own. Begging me for forgiveness.
Not only for what he”d done to my mother, but also my father and Callie. For ripping my family apart.
And for what he”d done to Rook.
He deserved to suffer.
The familiar sound of a performance engine filled the air, and the alert on my phone told me it was time.
”Meet me at the dock at two a.m. sharp.” Words snarled, disdain dripping, arrogant and proud.
After our bath together, where Rook had been so sweet and gentle, he’d immediately fallen asleep, holding me. He’d been completely knocked out—probably from the trauma he’d suffered at the initium.
But not me.
I”d stared at the ceiling, infuriated, images of what had occurred flashing through my mind—the sound of Rook”s pained howl echoing. How completely and wholly he’d taken me tonight.
And then, how he’d asked me to leave him. The agony I saw in his eyes when he’d asked it.
And then…a beep in the stark, silent night.
After shuffling through Rook’s clothes, I discovered a text from Saul.
Rook was to meet with him immediately to discuss the Magnolia’s plans for Senator Hartwood, and to bring a list of all assets Rook owned.
I’d responded instead, and convinced Saul that I would give up Rook’s secret, in exchange for leaving Callie alone forever.
And now, I clutched cold metal in my palm, squeezing it tight. I was taking a risk, knew he might crash through my body like a tornado, but I was willing to take that chance.
I didn”t care about myself anymore.
Ending this, ending him, was all that mattered to me.
I counted the seconds in my mind, my body stiff and alert, until tires skidded, coming around the corner.
Inhaling a steadying breath, I stepped from the trees and onto the road, my finger clicking the button on the flashlight.
Using it to light my path, I stepped into the road, the streak of silver coming straight towards me.
I held my ground, fear climbing up my throat, my pulse hammering in my throat.
For a second, I didn”t think he was going to stop. That he was going to blow right into me.
At the last second, I pointed the light right into the driver’s face.
A squeal of brakes, the screech of tires, the car jerking to the side.
The loud boom was satisfying, a crash echoing through the night.
I let it fill me, a smile creeping across my face, adrenaline pouring through my system.
I could”ve died.
But I didn”t.
And it played out exactly as I had hoped. Fate was on my side tonight, or perhaps it was something else—the force of my righteous indignation.
For vengeance.
For resisting the destiny others plotted for me and deciding that enough was enough--no matter what it took.
Rook was right: it felt good to take control.
Not just to fight against those men.
But to determine their future.
To take fromthem.
To destroy everything they worked for. To bathe in their pain in blood.
I was righting the wrong of my past, and taking my power back.
Picking up the gas can from where I”d hid it behind the tree, I wondered if he”d done the exact same thing that night.
If I was taking the exact same steps he”d taken.
The smell of gas hit my nose as I unscrewed the top, the slosh of liquid as I poured it over the hood of his shiny expensive car.
The door creaked when I opened it, the hinges damaged from the impact against the tree.
Saul was slumped backwards, his neck at a strange angle. But his chest was still moving.
”Wakey wakey,” I said, splashing the gasoline over his face and suit, washing away the blood draining from his forehead and mouth.
He jolted upwards, his hands going to the clasp of the seat belt, fumbling with it.
”Hello, Saul.”
He jerked backwards, staring up at me, blinking confusedly.
I feigned a sympathetic tone, “Oh no, did you hurt yourself?”
He stared dumbly, blinking, his voice a croak, “Melanie?”
I stilled, surprised. That I hadn”t expected. The dress had been for effect, but I didn”t expect it to work so thoroughly. ”Yes.”
”No,” he shook his head, his hands still clasping for his seat belt, mumbling, ”You”re dead.”
“I’m not dead,” I said, splashing more gasoline on him.
At this, his nostrils flared, as if finally registering reality for the first time. His eyes widened, his fingers growing more insistent now. ”I”ve got to get out of here.”
”You probably should,” I said.
”My seatbelt, it”s stuck.”
”Aww,” I said, believing my luck. Destiny was my bitch, now. ”That”s too bad.”
”You,” He blinked again, shaking his head, ”Melanie”s dead. It”s you.”
”That”s right.”
”What are you doing?” his tone was indignant now, “Are you insane?”
”Maybe,” I said, throwing the can to the side. ”Or maybe I”m just the right amount of crazy.”
”Help me out of here, or I”ll kill you,” he said, pulling a gun from the holster.
”Except, if you kill me, you will never get out.” I grinned. “But go ahead, shoot me.” My heart was pounding so loud, I could hear it in my ears. It seemed to echo through the trees and through the forest. All my senses were heightened—the smell of the gas, the sounds of the forest, every single movement Saul made—I could feel it all.
And, even though my heart was pounding—a part of me understanding that this second could be my last—I was also drunk on power. Of having him right where I wanted him. Drunk and apathetic of my own life.
Not a good combination.
”What are you doing?” He repeated, tracking me with his gun as I walked around his door and to the front of his car.
”I”m taking hold of my destiny, Saul.” Pulling a lighter from my pocket, I lit the gas, jumping backwards just in time as it flared, the flame billowing outward in a rush.
Keeping my distance, I watched it with fascination, the orange a contrast from the darkness around me, threatening to swallow me whole. The heat licked the skin of my face and chest.
Just like that night.
I’d watched the fire spread from the hood, to the tree, large and imposing, up, up, up and towards the sky.
Tonight the sky was clear, the stars a sparkle against the ocean of blue.
It was breathtaking.
”What do you want?!” It took me a moment to realize that Saul was screaming. ”I”ll give you anything!”
I stared at him, wondering how long it would take for the fire to burn him alive. If he would feel the pain of it, or if he would pass out beforehand.
”You cunt!” he screamed, ”get me out of here!” His voice was hysterical and manic.
”Okay.”
He faltered, the confusion in his face clear, lit up by the orange spreading towards him. ”Really?”
“I’ll free you,” I said. ”But throw your gun away first.”
He did as I asked, and I straightened, satisfaction filling me.
Finally, I understood.
Power was addictive.
I took another step backwards, and his expression morphed into rage. ”You said you”d help me.”
”I didn”t say that,” I corrected him, ”I said I would free you.” I nodded my head towards the shadows coming towards us. ”But I didn’t say I would help you. In fact, your night is just starting, Saul. I’m not your only enemy, and your blood is due them, too.”
But, just then, my smile faded at who—and what—emerged from the darkness.
* * *
Instead of who I expected,Lux stepped into view. And she was holding a gun—pointing it at me.
“Lux!” I said, surprised.
“Step away from him,” she said, her voice serious.
“Lux, what are you?—”
“Do it,” she demanded. “Put your hands up so I can see them.”
I took a few steps away, doing as she asked, at a loss for words. Was she actually saving him?
“I told you,” she said as she came towards us. “I warned you. Don’t trust anyone.”
It was then that the truth truly sunk in.
She was going to help him. Betray me, to save him.
“I tried to get you out,” she shook her head. “You turned me down. You should’ve known better.”
“Just get me the fuck out of here!” Saul screamed, his voice frantic. His face was red from the heat, sweat dripping down it. He was furiously tugging on his seat belt. “Cut me out!’
“Lux,” I started. “You can’t do this. He deserves it!”
“Stay away,” she said, her gun still pointed in my direction but she was pulling a knife from her pocket, struggling to open the blade.
“Lux,” I begged. “You can’t?—”
“You have no idea what I can! This wouldn’t even be the worst I’ve ever done!” She leaned down, leery of the spreading flames but also trying to help Saul.
“And what’s dis?” Another voice interjected, and I swiveled in relief. “What have you done, child?”
Shadows stepped from the darkness: Mama Bondo—Kuru, Harmony, and another man I recognized—one of the uniformed men at the tarot reading.
He was white, tall, wide, and strong. He reminded me of a large oak tree with a mustache. He was holding Mama Bondo”s hand, gently guiding her in the dark with his two deputies behind him. The gold star on his chest identified him as the Sheriff.
“Kuru.” Lux’s voice a whispered shock. Lux dropped the knife, the gun also lowering as her face went slack with surprise.
Guess we were all getting a round of shock tonight.
“What you gone done, girl?” Though almost blind, Kuru walked with the confidence of a woman who knew exactly where she was going.
Lux could only stare at her, and Kuru got close enough to take Lux’s hands in hers, despite everything going on around us—the heat from the flames, Saul’s moans and shouts to free him, the muted sound of sirens—someone had called the firemen.
“He said—” Lux started, her voice choking off, “He said he would hurt you.” Her face was twisted with anguish and… it looked like regret. Said that if I didn’t do anything he asked, he would kill you. And I had to…” Lux’s voice grew desperate, clutching Kuru’s hands to her chest, “I had to. You understand.”
“Honey, of course,” Sliding her hand from Lux’s desperate embrace, Kuru cupped Lux’s cheek. Love shined through her white eyes. “I knows you did. But yous got to understand, I can take care of myself.” Her voice grew softer, and I strained to hear. “Besides, my life ain’t worth you giving up yours, chile. No siree.”
“Gran-mama, I’m so sorry.” A tear escaped Lux’s eye, and Kuru wiped it, tsking her lips.
“No, no, honey. Anything dat is done can be un-done. You hear me?”
“I’m not so sure,” Lux said.
There was a squawking from the radio on the Sheriff’s shoulder and he stepped forward. “Mama Bondo,” his southern accent strong and heavy, “we’ve gotta hurry, now.”
Kuru just nodded, but held her hand out, gesturing for him to wait. “Lux, we goin work dis out, but you have to help us, first. Are you willing?”
Lux nodded, “Yes.”
”Alright den.” Kuru waved us forward. ”Let’s get goin before de firemen show up.”
Immediately the Sheriff stepped forward with his two deputies. Kuru and I stepped back and away from the car to give them space. The fire was growing, spreading, and I was relieved the firemen were coming. For the second time in its lifetime, the tree was once again burning.
I wasn’t so sure it would survive this time.
My whole left side was hot and dry from the heat.
As the men cut the struggling Saul from the car, Lux looked at me, pain in her eyes, whispering. “I’m sorry, Summer. But I had to do it.”
Not answering, I stared at her, feeling a mixture of pity and anger towards her.
I knew that Saul and the Magnolia made us do things we didn’t want to.
I would definitely never trust her as I had before, but I could at least try to understand.
For now, I could trust that Kuru would make sure she didn’t betray me again tonight.
Saul struggled as they cut him out, falling to the ground. It took the Sheriff two punches before Saul gave up, and we all worked quickly to get him from the car and into the truck.
As I helped handcuff him, I saw the red and twisted scars on his wrists—from his own dad. Forcing him into the society when he was just a kid.
Poetic justice, with a tinge of sadness.
Just as the fire trucks and ambulance drew closer, I jumped into my car, following slowly behind them.
As soon as we were on a main road, I forwarded a text to Rook, then followed them in silence, feeling a strange calm come over me.
We drove for a long time. Away from town, past the large homes on the bay and deeper into the swamps, where the trees grew thick and the grass tall.
We stopped at the edge of the swamp, filled with the stark bone-gray trees and a full moon overhead. The wind blew my hair as I left my car, and we walked a short path towards a small clearing in the trees.
A shiver worked its way up my spine at the sight before me.
A stone altar set in a bed of white stones, covered with moss and half-way melted candles. In the middle, sat a stag skull.
It was too eerily like last night—when I’d been baptized and Rook, branded.
And yet, there was a calm peacefulness to this one.
”What”s this?” I asked Lux, watching as Harmony lit candles.
She turned and looked at Kuru. ”This is her altar.”
Kuru easily made her way towards the altar as if she could see the way without sight—like she’d walked the white stone path a thousand times. ”Sometimes de evil must be snuffed out in order for good to prevail,” Kuru said. “But our acts must be consecrated wid the light, first. We must ask for de blessings of de Bondye.”
As she paused at the altar, she pulled a poppet from a canvas bag strapped across her chest. After whispering to it, she placed it on the altar, then pulled out several items, including a strange and antique-looking knife, and a black and yellow flower. She meticulously placed everything on both sides of the stag skull.
The swaying of tree branches drew my attention to other dolls, hanging from the trees by a thread of yarn. Poppets. They were all old and worn, matted brown, and blended into the trees like camouflage. It looked as if they’d been there for years.
It would seem haunting and eerie if you didn’t know what they meant—a symbol of love and protection for this sacred space.
Pressing my lips in a firm line, I nodded. It was none of my business what Kuru did here. In my heart, I knew that she was a good person.
Besides, after tonight, who would I be to judge another?
I”d come here with murder in my heart.
I would never be able to point the finger at another person again.
And I found—I really didn”t care.
I walked towards a now struggling Saul, who was being tied at the base of the altar by the two deputies.
”Summer!” he screeched, his hair and eyes wild, his face pale. There was true panic in his eyes. ”Summer, don”t do this.” He wasn”t looking at me, but staring at the handcuffs around his wrists. He flailed them, struggling to get out. ”I can”t!” He screamed, ”I can’t!”
Because of his struggling, the chains were rubbing his wrists raw, right over his scars. He was probably having flashbacks.
“Summer! Please! I’ll give you anything you want. Release you from your contract. Swear my protection over Callie. You can have anything you want.”
I stared down at him, unmoved by his panic or his promises. “I want my mom back.”
”You don”t know the truth,” he said, his voice a high-pitched pleading.
”I”m not interested in your truth.” I said.
”I loved your mother. I tried to marry her.”
I frowned. ”You have a funny way of showing love.”
”I swear it, Summer. I swear.”
”I don”t believe you”re capable of good, Saul.”
”We were young.”
”You”re like, a hundred years older than her!”
”She was young, and I still believed in love, back then. We were destined to be together.” He was still struggling against the chains, his face pale and sweaty, despite the low breeze from the water.
Kuru stood behind the altar now, looking stately and wise. Her eyes were pinned on me, as if waiting for my decision.
”Please,” Saul wailed, giving up on his struggle, dropping his hands in his lap.
Funny. Like this, he looked small, pathetic, and weak. Not like one of the leaders in one of the most powerful secret societies on the earth.
I looked back up at Kuru and nodded my head. ”Do it.”
”Noooo!” he screamed.
Lux began lighting more candles nestled in the trees, while Harmony pulled a vial from the pocket in her dress. She sprinkled the ground around us, whispering foreign words I didn’t understand.
“First, de sacrifice.” Kuru picked up the knife, handing it to me by the hilt, and the cup. ”I need his blood. Only a few drops.”
I squatted before Saul and, with the men holding him down, the Sheriff jerked Saul’s wrist towards me.
I sliced into skin.
A strange, electric sensation buzzed through my fingers and up my arms as I collected Saul’s blood. I realized I was smiling as I returned the cup and knife to Kuru.
With the knife, she cut the flower into small pieces, and sprinkled them into the cup, mixing it with the blood.
Headlights filled the space and I turned, exhilarated at the sight of Rook”s SUV. He launched from it, running the short path towards me. His voice a low but panicked growl, ”Summer. What”s going on here?”
Something lit up inside me, and I ran to meet him, throwing my arms around him.
All night, I’d been filled with the certainty of what I was doing.
It was a strange sort of power, to hold Saul”s life in my hands.
And yet, it wasn”t until I saw Rook that I realized how scared I was at the same time.
Not of Saul or even my own desire for revenge, but of the absolute calm with which I was going to do it.
I felt nothing.
No guilt.
Just—a certainty of absolution.
I wanted Saul dead, revenge for what he”d done to both me and my mom, for the brand he”d forced Rook to take.
But now, with Rook here, I wasn”t scared anymore.
He was my strength and my hope.
With him, I could do anything.