Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
EMMETT
Pulling my helmet off, I place it on the back of my bike while letting the duffle bag drop from my back and down to the floor. The obsession that pumps through my veins has been joined with vengeance and the combination is incredibly lethal. Any semblance of sanity or logic I had before has been replaced with the demand to kill. To slaughter all of my little obsession’s demons, even if I have to battle my own along the way.
Grimm pulls up next to me, removing his helmet and backpack, and dropping it to the cement. We park our bikes and collect our bags. “ Showtime !” Grimm sings in a low, raspy voice. I let out a small huff and my jaw shifts with tension and rage. Only one word has played on repeat in my head.
KILL .
We make our way towards the gate and the lack of guards shows that Victor isn’t all that concerned for his safety after all. Either that or like an absolute imbecile, he really assumed no one would be coming for him. Mania swirls inside my head and chest. I laugh, ready to deliver his unexpected not-so-happy ending.
For a doctor, he’s really fucking stupid. You’d think all that time spent in school, he must be smarter than to get wrapped up in this business. Being a medical professional in the human trafficking industry was going to catch up with him eventually, but I’m sure the money blinded him as it does for many. Unfortunately , he plucked the wrong flower and disrupted the food chain, alerting a predator to his presence.
There are no guards lining the gate, just a simple box where you would enter a code. I send a message over to Eli and thirty seconds later, the gate is inaudibly unlatching and opening in front of me. He doesn't respond but he doesn't need to, he did his part. He’ll be ready if I need more of his help.
I don't need any answers from Victor , I am simply sending him to hell for the part he played in harming Blair . For touching her. For knowing how disgustingly wrong it is and still allowing this to happen, not just to Blair but so many others. How else would they have found out the information they shared with all the buyers? My jaw snaps together as my teeth grind.
Making our way to his front door, we come across another keypad. A faint beep sounds as the light flicks green and the door knob twists on its own, swinging the door open. Eli must have noticed the remaining locks and disarmed them. This is why I trust him. He goes above and beyond what I ask for and he’s damn good at it. Eli is a fucking genius and I’m grateful to have him as a friend.
We swiftly but silently make our way into Victor’s home. The d arkness of the night shields our presence and allows us to slink our way through the house while remaining hidden in the shadows. The overpriced floorboards don’t squeak under our steps, granting us an easy entry into his room. With it being the middle of the night, he's soundly asleep.
We come up to what must be the primary bedroom. The door is open, allowing me to see the large bed that sits directly in view from the hallway. The lump of a single body takes up the space. Good , I don't have to worry about the disturbance of a spouse, which follows with shrieking and crying. Not that any harm would come to them, I just don't feel like having to deal with that. I want to get in, kill him, and get out. My list is already long enough and I need to get to Blair .
Stopping just before the doorway, I drop the bag and ruffle through its contents until I come across the chloroform. Taking it out with a rag, I douse the cloth and make my way towards my second victim. He’s lying on his stomach with his head facing away from me. His subconscious must sense the danger in the room because his eyes shoot open when I stop at the side of his bed.
He tries to move, but before he gets the chance, I'm on him. I'm straddling him before he can register what’s happening and the shock appears in his eyes. I smack the cloth above his mouth and nose and wrap my other arm around his neck, placing my hand on his forehead to hold his head up, ensuring he’s unable to free himself. Grimm quickly climbs up behind me and straddles him, facing the opposite way, holding down his bucking legs.
He writhes and screams behind the rag before losing his fight to the chemicals he breathes in, dropping limp in our grasp. Releasing him, I climb off at the same time as Grimm . He lets out a whistle to get my attention and my eyes meet his, “ I'm gonna find the basement so we can set up and bring him down there.” Grimm grunts out.
I give a small nod and watch as he collects our bag and retreats from the room. I'm left in stillness. I've grown to hate moments of silence. Every time, my thoughts break down its door and barge into it. Any and all thoughts of my little obsession that pervade its emptiness make me feel as if I'm drowning. My own mistakes are the noose around my neck and the realization that I didn't keep her safe kicks the stool from under my feet. My throat tightens and I feel like I can't breathe.
I can't breathe.
Fuck , fuck! Fuck !
I can't breathe. I can’t FUCKING -
“ Yo , Emmett ! Snap the fuck out of it!” My head is swinging to the side as the sting on my cheek makes itself known. Grimm comes into focus, as my thoughts remove their sharpened claws and retreat to their home, in the back of my mind.
“ I get it, man. I do. But you need to keep it the fuck together. Let’s go give this dumbfuck the hell he deserves.” He says, gesturing to an unconscious Victor splayed out on his bed. My body stiffens as an arm is wrapped around me and tightens. Is he fucking hugging me?
“ You don’t.” I croak, feeling my rough demeanor beginning to crack. I keep my hands planted at my sides, not wanting to return the affectionate gesture. I want to hold Blair , not Grimm .
I begin to pull back from his embrace, when he says, “ I do. If that ever happened to V , I’d rip every inch of the world apart to get her back.”
My eyes narrow in confusion. Grimm has never been serious about anyone in his entire life. For as long as I’ve known him, his one true love has been violence and torture.
“ V ? As in Verena ? You guys have been friends for ages, what are you talking about?” I question, curious as to where this side of him is coming from. I knew they were friends, we’ve both known Verena since middle school. I’d figured they’ve hooked up here and there, but Grimm being serious about her? The only woman I’ve seen Grimm dedicated to goes by the name Mary Jane . I’m taken aback by the sincere look in his eyes as he shakes his head.
“ I don’t know man, it’s complicated. Let’s go fuck this dude up, please.” He groans, heading towards the bed.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “ Did you find the basement?”
“ Yeah , help me get him down there.”
I grab Victor's shoulders while Grimm grabs his feet and we make our way to the basement. By the time we get downstairs, my muscles are burning from the heavyweight. I drop him with a thud, his skull bouncing on the ground. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t lifted that high up for there to be a heavy impact to his skull from the fall.
What a shame.
Looking around the room, I spot a large metal door, attached to a 8x10 container. Huh . With my curiosity peaked, I walk over to it and try the door. It's unlocked and once it opens, I'm immediately hit with the cold breeze from inside. It's an empty walk-in freezer. Remembering some of the items I spo tted from our first execution, an idea forms in my head and a sinister smile starts to spread across my face.
“ Grimm , go heat up the wax for me, will yah? Bring me some boiling water, too.” I say, a cheeriness in my voice. I grab a chair from a nearby table and bring it into the freezer, setting it in the center. Sifting through my bag, I find the ropes and drop them next to the chair.
Picking the piece of shit up, I drag him into the freezer and lift him onto the chair. Positioning his arms on both of the armrests, I wrap the rope tightly along his forearm, leaving his hands free. I secure both forearms before positioning his ankles on the sides of the chair legs. After wrapping them tightly, I tug at his limbs to ensure he can't escape.
“ What are you using the wax for?” Grimm returns and asks while placing the melted wax down along with a container of boiling water.
“ You'll see. Take note, I'm sure it’s something you’ll enjoy for one of your future projects.” I say with a smirk.
Picking up the boiling water by the side handles, I carry it into the freezer. A low groan starts to come from my newest patient . He must be waking up. Being the kind person I am, I decide to help him. Taking his left hand, I tilt the bucket and let the boiling water rain onto the skin. His eyes rip open as a piercing cry leaves his throat.
He tries to move his hand away from the onslaught of water and is met with the restraint of the ropes. His skin turns red and third-degree burns start to form.
The heat of the water destroys the upper layer of his skin, making its way deeper to the tendons and bones. I tip the bucket back up, stopping the flow of water. The sound of Victor’s skin sizzling brings me peace and I close my eyes, relishing in it for a moment. I open them up and look down at his hand, the flesh has burned off in some spots, while it raises and bubbles in others.
Victor breathes heavily while he looks at me. “ Who the fuck are you, what do you want! Is it money? You can have it! Fuck !” I smile and a chuckle leaves my throat that turns into manic laughter.
“ Money ? No . What you took from me was priceless. For that, you'll pay with your life. But first, I need to deliver your punishment for daring to touch what is mine . ” I snarl.
He thrashes in the ropes, trying to break free and get as far away from me as possible as I bring the bucket to his other hand, repeating the burning of his skin. His wrinkly, sun-spotted flesh blisters and sizzles under the flow of water.
He screams so loud the sound pierces my eardrums and tears slide down his cheeks. I approach the wax warmer with the hot wax inside and pick it up, returning with it and standing in front of this pathetic excuse of a doctor.
I turn and look over at Grimm . He’s leaning against the wall with a giant smile on his face, just happy to be here. “ Want to help me with the finishing touches?” I ask.
“ I thought you’d never ask. '' He answers. He's off the wall and in two long strides, he’s standing beside me.
“ Grab some pliers,” I instruct.
The chill of the freezer does nothing to cool my boiling blood, causing my skin to feel hot to the touch. The absolute fury running through my veins keeps me warm. Grimm tilts his head in question, “ Where do you need me?” His grin stretches from ear to ear .
“ Take the pliers and hold his mouth open for me. Wide .”
Victor thrashes in the chair, whipping his head back and forth. Grimm reaches out and grips his neck so hard his knuckles turn white. “ Stop . Fucking . Moving .” He hisses, his tone deadly. He takes one of the pliers and opens it, bringing part of the tool inside his mouth, and clamps down on the side.
The skin underneath is trapped in its grip. Grimm lets go and clamps the other plier on the other side. Taking the ends of both tools, he pulls Victor’s cheeks wide, allowing me access to his throat. “ This may hurt a little bit, but I think you’ll be just fine.” I sneer.
Picking up the wax, I hold it above him. He tries to say something but is unable to move his lips, and therefore unable to form coherent words. Sounds of gibberish and gurgling fill the freezer.
Tipping the hot wax, I let it slide down his throat. He chokes and sputters as the wax continues to drown him and block off his source of oxygen. The best part is seeing the wax begin to harden in his esophagus.
The chill from the freezer makes it solidify at a rapid pace. For good measure, or maybe just for fun , Grimm curls his fingers gesturing for the bowl of wax. I pass it to him and he tips back Victor’s head, pouring the remaining wax inside his nostrils, effectively clogging his airway.
His eyes bulge from his head as he struggles to breathe, his body jerking in the chair. His throat has been filled and the wax has hardened inside of his mouth and cheeks. I watch as he spasms under the lack of oxygen.
I grab his face and force him to look at me as his heart takes its final beats. When he succumbs to his death his eyes filled with tears and horror are still on mine. Pushing his head back, I remove the pliers and throw them back in the bag. One less scumbag in the world. One more name crossed off the list. One step closer to my little obsession. The satisfaction of the kill is short-lasting, as the mantra of my monster beats against my skull.
Kill .
Kill .
Kill .
“ Who’s next, Em ?” Grimm breaks the silence.
“ Albert Wagner ,” I respond. “ He was the announcer at the bidding.” Grimm doesn't need anything more. He gives me a slight head nod and we gather our things.
Closing the freezer door behind us and leaving Victor inside, we head back upstairs. Next up on the chopping block is the announcer, the asshole who bid her off like a piece of cattle. I check my messages from Eli and retrieve Wagner’s address, then head out of the house.
Hopping back on our bikes, we pull our helmets on and rev up our engines. The sun is starting to rise now, signifying another day my little obsession is anywhere besides where she belongs. The pang of guilt that wraps around and squeezes my heart grows stronger with every minute.
My thoughts drift back to Blair as we make our way through the city and backroads. I spend the ride thinking of her, thinking of what she must be going through. Grimm’s voice fills my helmet, pulling me once again from my destructive thoughts. “ Based on the address Eli gave us, we should be pulling up in just a minute.” He says.
We take a turn, driving onto a dirt road. There are trees lining the s ides that seem to go on for ages. Albert Wagner wants to be hidden.
Sadly , he’s lost this round of hide and seek.
If I find you, I kill you.
Fortunately for me, with my team, you’ll always be found.
Rolling to a stop at the address that Eli gave us, I flip up my visor and peer at the building. The cabin-like structure is more high-end than it is cabin.
I pull out my phone from my pocket and look at the time. It’s still early morning by the time we arrive and according to his schedule, he’s been gone all night and shouldn’t return for another hour, giving us plenty of time to prepare. The funny thing about cabins is that they are made of wood, a very flammable material.
Pulling our bikes to the side to conceal ourselves within the trees, I tug off my helmet at the same time as Grimm and we make our way to the house. Looking around at my surroundings, my brows pull low in confusion. Strange how his house is also in a secluded area, much like the one I was held captive in previously. I'm about to try the doorknob, ready to pick the lock, when shattering glass has my head whipping to the side.
Grimm is smiling at the now broken window, ready to crawl through. “ You’ll have to board that shit up for what I have planned,” I grunt.
He rolls his eyes at me as he goes to climb inside, “ Yeah , I'm aware.” Pulling my body through the broken window, I make my way straight to where I assume the living room would be.
Not having the time to waste on this piece of shit, I pull the few cans of gasoline from the bag and start to douse the floors and furniture. Pouring the diesel fuel, the pungent smell fills my nostrils, making me slightly light-headed.
The sound of pouring liquid is the only noise between Grimm and me as we make our way around the living room. I watch as Grimm pours a trail from the living room to the kitchen where the stove sits. Ensuring that every inch is covered, I grab the bag that contains the tools and bring it with me to the front door.
Opening the door, I dig through the sack until I find the screwdriver and begin to take off the front door handle from the inside. Once the handle is removed, I leave the door open and head around to the back door to repeat the process.
Removing the handles so he will be trapped inside as flames engulf his house was an idea that came to me on the way here. Seeing the kind of house he lives in, I find it fitting.
Once the inside handles are removed from any exit doors, I meet back up with Grimm who's rifling through the fridge. He’s standing behind the fridge door and when he closes it, I can't help but let out a genuine laugh. Grimm is standing there with his cheeks puffed out and a handful of food.
“ What ?” He mumbles through the food in his mouth, crumbs falling out. “ Murder makes me hungry. And horny. But I can’t satisfy myself in that way so let me snack and then we can leave. Thanks .” I begin to laugh and it instantly feels wrong to have any semblance of joy, so my laughter quickly dies.
He clears his throat before he speaks, seemingly catching on to my shift in mood.
“ I covered the windows while you were removing the door handles. Everything is bolted shut. Once he’s home and this bitch is lit up, he won't be leaving. The gas line for the stove has been cut, too.”
I give him a slight nod and pull my phone out to check the time. The numbers reflected back at me let me know that he should be arriving soon. I start gathering up our tools and shove them back into my bag.
With the front door still open, we exit and pull it shut. “ Alright , I'm going to the side of the house, make yourself scarce in the trees. Text me when he's going inside.” I say. He gives me a nod and heads over to his hiding spot.
From where I'm standing, I can't see Albert arrive, but I can hear him. I can hear the sound of tires crunching over rocks and dirt as they make their way closer up the driveway.
My phone vibrates, it’s Grimm alerting me that Albert is about to walk through the door. This is a special event that requires my undivided attention. When he opens the door, there is no doubt he will immediately be hit with the scent of gasoline and become suspicious. I just need to get him past the door and shut it before he can flee.
Creeping my way around from the side of the house, I watch as he starts to open the door. I'm on the side where the door blocks me from view so I have the advantage of surprise. He freezes as he steps through the threshold but I'm too quick for him to react. I'm rushing over to him, shoving him through the frame before he can run. Because I caught him off guard, he falls to his knees with a resounding shout.
At the precise moment of my shove, Grimm is behind me throwing in a lit match. Quickly , I'm shutting the door and running to take cover, as the property explodes. The impact of the explosio n sends us both barreling towards the trees landing on our fronts.
Covering my head, the loud boom echoes in the open land, the sound deafening. I can feel the heat of the explosion flicker on my back as the ringing in my ears fades out. I lift my head and wince when I feel the soreness in my bones. I was already pushing my body to the limit, but fuck that hurt. I look over at Grimm who tries to hold back his laugh. Fucking psychopath.
He cracks up, his whole body shaking with the force of his laughter. “ That was fucking amazing. I think I have a new kink. Blowing shit up is awesome.” He smiles, his grin so wide, I can see all of his teeth. I shake my head and push myself up to standing.
“ Hope Verena’s into it as much as you are, weirdo.” I quip and chuckle.
Brushing the dirt and residue from the explosion off of my body, I stare out at the house. The flames flicker and dance, my mind returning again to my thoughts of Blair . It hurts to think about her, but I have to. I need to feel that pain to remain motivated.
The smell of burning flesh and gasoline fills my nostrils. What a lovely campfire.
Checking another body off the list gives me some semblance of peace, but it's a facade to keep me from self-destructing.
Kill . Kill . KILL .
I’m coming, my little obsession.
I’m coming.