CHAPTER 31
THE BUTCHERBIRD
Gabriel steps out of the car with an air of authority, tucking his shirt back into his trousers. I follow.
As we approach Carlos, I reach for his hand, my grip firm, commanding.
‘We’re going to take a little walk,’ I say, my voice soft yet laced with a threat that widens his eyes.
The guards stare at Gabriel for confirmation. A single nod is all it takes, and they release Carlos, though hesitating, ready to move at the first sign of trouble.
Together, followed by the others, we head towards the pigs’ pen, the earthy stench and distant grunts and squeals growing stronger as we edge closer. ‘Let’s go see these animals you hold so dear,’ I murmur, my lips curling into a cold smile.
The pigs’ grunts grow louder as we stand before them.
‘Now, drop your trousers,’ I demand. His eyes dart around, desperate for help that isn’t coming.
The guards remain motionless, indifferent spectators to his plight.
Gabriel steps forward, the crack of his fist meeting the side of Carlos’s head like a whip.
Carlos stumbles, catching his temple with shock and pain. ‘Do as she asks,’ Gabriel growls.
‘Oh look,’ Carlos swallows. ‘It’s Little Red Riding Hood and her big, bad wolf.’
Gabriel leans forward yanking Carlos’s trousers. They crumple to the floor, and I lean forward, my right hand darting to snatch the knife hanging out of one of the guard’s belts. With my left hand, I grab Carlos’s dick, and turn my gaze to the guards. ‘You might want to hold him still.’
They exchange a brief glance, stepping closer to grip him firmly. Carlos stiffens instantly, his body betraying the fear he’s been trying to suppress. As I draw the knife, his breath catches, coming in short, raspy breaths and he begins urinating.
‘You dirty fucker,’ Gabriel snarls.
‘P-please, I’ll do anything,’ he begs.
‘Tell me where the finca is?’ I demand. He whimpers, his words stumbling over themselves. ‘A couple of hours away up north. But that’s all I know, I swear.’
I sigh, bringing the cold metal against his skin.
‘No, I swear,’ he cries.
Sal steps forward, ‘It’s enough for me to go on, boss.’
I pause, studying Carlos, staring at the desperation behind his eyes. ‘I believe you,’ I say, finally, almost soothing. He exhales sharply, relief washing over him. ‘Oh, thank god.’
‘I just don’t care,’ I shrug.
My knife cuts through his skin; his body writhing as his penis slowly peels away from his body. His screams excite the pigs; their snouts raised high over the fence. When his cock is free, I toss it into their pen.
‘That’s for pissing on my face, and my hand.’
I rise to my feet, grabbing Carlos’s arms as he wails, and I pull him away from the guards. I unlatch the pig pen door, and without a word, I shove him inside. His body stumbles in the chaos of squeals and grunts as the pigs stir, erratically sensing the blood spurting from between his legs.
‘Let him bleed to death, if he lasts that long.’ I turn on my heel, and walk away purposely leaving the pen door left open. Without looking back, I smile at Gabriel. ‘When they’re done, they’re free to go, too. I never did like seeing wild animals caged.’
Gabriel nods, ‘I don’t know about you, Tarran, but I could use a drink.’