Killmore: Killmore, #1

By Martha Sweeney

By BESTSELLING author Martha Sweeney

Paperback available via my website

 

You know how they say the enemy of your enemy is your friend? Well, I'm still determining if there's any truth to that statement.

I was used by the Feds to report on the dealings of Antonio Herrera - the major Mexican crime lord since his uncle passed, leaving everything to Antonio. I knew everything about Antonio's business. How, you ask? I was the only woman he kept close, really close - he claimed he loved me. You get to see and hear a lot of interesting things when you hold that kind of status.

Now, the Feds have me in what they claim is witness protection. However, I never feel safe knowing he's out there. My family thinks I'm dead. All the while, I keep to myself, avoid most people in my new hometown and train rigorously everyday—waiting for the time when the devil comes calling for his debt to be paid.

***This is the first book in a two book series. This book should be read prior to the second book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WWN Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997463712

Martha Sweeney

Pushing boundaries across genres. Martha Sweeney is a Best-Selling, multi-genre author who writes in a variety of genres: romance, suspense, thriller, coloring books, romantic comedy, and science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves. With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She's been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Book preview

Chapter One

Leia

L et’s get one thing fucking clear, I spit through gritted teeth as my body trembles. I don’t care what you people have to say. If you abandon me and I’m left to where it’s either him or me…he will be the one who ends up dead! Got it!

Mrs. Turner.…

Don’t you fucking call me that, I snap with venom coursing through my veins. The chair I was sitting in shoots back when I bolt upright. Don’t any of you fucking call me that. Got it!

Leia…we need him alive, Tweddledum-ass agent reminds for the umpteenth time.

I never bothered to learn their real names. Why waste my time when they all say the same bullshit about getting the bad guys and saving the world, let alone the fact that they all wear the same bland colored clothes? I wonder how many of them may be in on it too.

Well, I don’t, I counter with a sneer. "I don’t care…I don’t fucking care anymore. Do you really think he’ll hesitate to kill me if he has the chance? Seriously!"

Mrs. Turner…Leia, Tweddledumer-ass agent coaxes.

I’ll do what you ask, I remind. But, if that fucker comes after me in any way…and none of you are there to protect me…I will fucking kill him. I will not willingly die by his hands. I will fight with every last breath I have to make sure he’s dead before I die.

It won’t come to that, Tweddledumer-ass comments.

I snicker in disbelief.

We have everything we need to move forward with tonight, Tweddledum-ass states.

Yeah, like I haven’t heard that before, I spit.

We’ll be there, Tweddledum-ass repeats.

You better, I scoff. Not like it matters anyway.

We will, Tweddledumer-ass confirms.

So, I say, shrugging my shoulders. I wouldn’t be surprised if I have to do your jobs…but this time will be different.

Different? Tweddledum-ass checks.

At least I know what needs to be taken care of and not afraid to fucking do it, I challenge.

Are you saying that you’re going to take matters into your own hands tonight …regardless if we show up? Tweddledum-ass checks.

Does that get me out of going? I probe.

No, Leia, Tweddledumer-ass confirms. It doesn’t.

Then, yes, I state rather calmly.

Tweddledum-ass and Tweddledumer-ass shake their heads in objection, but don’t comment any further. Hopefully my threat will guarantee their presence tonight.

Can I go now? I ask, getting up and heading toward the door, not waiting for an answer.

Agent Thompson will need to see you on your way out to check the device, Tweddledum-ass states.

Yeah, yeah, I acknowledge before the door slams behind me.

Thirty minutes later, I finally leave their creepy meet-up point located at a crusty-ass, pay by the hour brothel. My body is oddly calm and relaxed as I head to the house I used to call home. In the past, I was terrified of Jack when he got home from work and dinner wasn’t ready. Four years into our marriage, I was running five minutes late, not like it was the first time or anything, and I ended up with a black eye and a kitchen covered in food from his tirade. He apologized profusely after it happened, claiming that it would never happen again and that he’s just overwhelmed with the crap that’s occurring at work. The next few months, he was the sweetest thing ever: buying me flowers, taking me out on dates more often and even buying me a little puppy, Shepard.

I was twenty-eight the first time Jack hit me. It happened again not long after the old Jack, the good Jack, returned for that short period. I honestly did believe Jack when he said it was the first and last time.

When Shepard got big enough, he bit Jack on the hand when Jack went to hit me. Jack almost killed Shepard, but I begged him not to; Shepard was my only friend. I told Jack that I would do whatever he wanted, so long as he didn’t kill Shepard — stupid me. After that, the majority of the physical abuse stopped, but the verbal abuse continued as Jack forced me to do some of his dirty work, which is why I know so much about Antonio Herrera and the drug and human trafficking businesses that Antonio inherited. Aside from Jack forcing me to help him with his side job, I met Antonio, which turned out to be a blessing and a curse.

When Antonio met me, he didn’t like how Jack was using me as bait to lure men who owed Antonio money. Antonio took a quick liking to me the day we met. The next day, Jack brought me back to one of Antonio’s clubs, having me dress up for the guy. The dirty work I had to do for Antonio changed—some of it became letting Antonio touch me.

Antonio had a gentler touch than my husband which made it more bearable to endure since my own husband literally pimped me out to his boss — the boss of Miami. Antonio liked rough sex, but he never beat me like my husband did. He never raped me like Jack did. If I wasn’t in the mood, Antonio at least respected my wishes and would fuck one of his other mistresses. We didn’t have sex at all the first few times we met. Antonio was a perfect gentleman. When I realized what giving him my body could mean for my safety, I willingly complied.

When I first learned about my husband and his other line of work, I had the doctors give me the birth control shot and asked them to test me regularly. The funny, sadistic thing was that Jack wanted children and objected to us using any form of birth control. When the doctor began to inquire the reason for the regular shots and tests, I just told him and his staff that my husband and I were sexually experimental, which included multiple partners. Part of that was true. I slept mostly with Antonio, unless Jack forced me, which Antonio put a stop to as soon as he found out. Jack was sleeping with some of the girls who were regularly on hand for the goons aside from the ones the business brought in, claiming that it was part of his job to help break them in before they were sold.

With only ten minutes to spare, I get to the house with two large pizzas in hand. Jack won’t suspect anything since it’s Friday, and Fridays are our usual pizza night before leaving for business. I shove the boxes into the oven and turn it on to keep the food warm. Then, I dart upstairs and change into a more appropriate outfit that both Jack and Antonio expect me to wear even though it gets cold once the sun is down, especially by the docks where the new shipment is arriving tonight.

Shepard follows my every move and whines while I pace the bedroom as I get ready. He knows what’s coming since Shepard always comes with me. I convinced Antonio to let me bring Shepard along after our fifth time being together, saying that I’ve trained Shepard for protection and when we’re together, Shepard will protect him too.

With a black low-cut, v-neck blouse that is sleeveless and a matching, form-fitting pencil skirt, black fishnet stockings and the black designer heels Antonio bought me, I hurry downstairs to the kitchen. I pour a glass of wine for myself and start pouring a beer into the frozen glass mug I remove from the freezer when I hear the garage door opening.

Hi, honey, I greet Jack in a monotone voice when he walks through the door that leads from the garage into the kitchen.

Jack nods, but doesn’t reply. This is our usual greeting when he’s flanked by three men who are a part of Antonio’s protection detail.

I got your favorite, I mention. And, extra for the boys.

The three henchmen perk up at the mention of extra food for them. One of them takes the pies from the oven and the four of them start eating instantly without a single word uttered.

I wait patiently, knowing that when we have this kind of company, Jack won’t let me start eating until they’ve had their first round. It’s kind of like Jack’s way of establishing dominance in his home since I’ve got more control when Antonio and his lackeys are present.

Jorge offers me a slice before he takes his second and I take it with a smile and nod. Other than Antonio, Jorge’s always been the nicest to me, not caring who is around. The henchmen are all supposed to be nice and protect me since I’m Antonio’s main woman. I would almost speculate that Jorge has a little crush on me. If I was younger and the circumstances were different, I think I would have gone out on a date with him.

When the men are done eating, I scoop out some ice cream and offer it to all four of them as Jack turns on the television, finding the sports channels. While their attention stays fixed in the opposite direction, I clean up the mess in the kitchen, feed Shepard, and let him out in the backyard. Once my wifely duties are complete and a commercial comes on for the game, Jack heads upstairs to change into his black on black outfit I laid out for him. Jorge, Alberto, and Jesus turn the television off and join me at the kitchen table where I sit reading, waiting for the night to begin.

By ten, the five of us and Shepard take two different black Escalades that have tinted, bulletproof windows and make our way over to Antonio. Twenty minutes later, we arrive at Antonio’s main home in Miami. Two of Antonio’s men lead me up to Antonio’s bedroom, leaving my four companions with the rest of the crew.

It’s about time the Feds get something right when it comes to microphones and listening in on conversations. They’ve finally adopted the use of actual high-tech gear that goes completely unnoticed while providing optimal visual and audio feedback. They managed to duplicate the earrings I’m wearing which were given to me by Antonio. No more getting caught with a wire being strapped to your stomach or through an ugly brooch or a thing sticking in your ear that are way too obvious. Knowing what the night will entail, I remove my earrings, leaving them on the jewelry dish Antonio bought me that rests on the counter in the bathroom — no need to let the Feds who are watching get any more of a glimpse of what they really don’t need to see.

As part of Antonio’s pre-game or pre-deal regimen, he likes to become completely relaxed — that entails having sex. Two other women, Genevieve and Maribelle, join us in the bedroom, but Antonio pays more attention to me as he always does. He claims that I always give him the best head he’s ever had in his life — and that he loves me. My nonchalant attitude towards him sleeping with other women when I’m not around drives him crazy. He wants me to be possessive and jealous. I cater to his game on occasion, teasing him to giving him what he wants just enough to keep him interested. It also helps maintain my status and rank within his organization. The teasing only makes him more aroused too. It drives Jack fucking crazy that I’ve got a higher position than he does, even though Antonio did promote him after Antonio and I were introduced. I’ve got more in with the boss than Jack will ever have, which is why the Feds need me and why I need them to get me out of this fucking hellhole.

Does Antonio treat me good? Yes. Far better than Jack ever has, but I don’t want to be known as the mistress or wife of anyone associated with a cartel — especially the boss.

Genevieve, Maribelle, and I freshen up in the bathroom after our frolic with Antonio under the sheets. Even though the two of them are jealous of me for having Antonio’s eye more than any other woman, they’ve always been nice and offer to help me finish getting ready. I get why they’re mad. They want the security that I have. If there was ever a challenge with one of the other girls in the past, in any sense, Antonio would add them to the collection of women being sold — or he’d kill them.

You may ask how I can be so casual and nonchalant about everything that is happening around me? I can only relate it to the fact that I have to be. I have to be numb. I have to not care in order to maintain my status and the little bit of control that I do have over myself and my situation. I’ve watched Antonio, and a number of his goons, point a gun and fire it into someone’s head. I puked only the first time. It’s not easy seeing a person’s face when the bullet hits, let alone how their body flops to the ground immediately afterward — some of them still move. The second and third time I saw someone being killed, I cried only because they were women. I’m grateful for the fact that I’ve only had to watch or be near when someone’s been shot. There have been some stories that trickle around about how people’s fingers, hands, or toes are chopped off, bodies being torturing in all sorts of ways, including burnings, and other things I don’t dare repeat.

Antonio apologized profusely the first three times to me when I witnessed people being killed, claiming that it’s only a part of the business and it must occur. His actions are how he needs to establish fear in all of them in order to maintain his leadership. He professed that he would never have me killed because he loves me as much as he tells me on a regular basis. He professed his feelings for me the first night we had sex.

His attitude changed toward me when I saw the fourth person killed. I think I earned Antonio’s respect at a whole new level after that. I’m not sure why and I honestly don’t want to know, but I think it’s because I didn’t flinch when it happened.

I think Antonio is a coward. Actually, I think they’re all cowards. Anyone who uses fear to gain and obtain power is a coward. They’re just insecure bullies who do it to validate themselves. Jack was my first real bully outside of the stupid shit you deal with as a kid in school, and I think he hates me because he can’t bully me anymore. Antonio won’t have it. I won’t have it.

Chapter Two

Leia

L eia, my love, Antonio calls, tightening his grip around my waist. Are you cold, sweetheart?

I’m fine, I reply, brushing off my jitters.

We’ve been standing outside by the docks as Antonio speaks with a few of his men.

You sure? he checks. I can have one of the boys get you a warmer jacket.

No, I oppose. I’m fine. I just need you to keep me warm. I snuggle into him, pretending that I like it.

Ahh, Antonio replies. I’ll be happy to keep you warm…now…and, perhaps tonight?

Perhaps, I tease with a smile.

The boat’s pulling into the harbor now, boss, one of Antonio’s henchmen reports.

Wonderful, Antonio praises. Let’s hope we don’t have the same mishap as last time.

Escorted by several of his bodyguards, I follow Antonio into his office while the rest of his entourage take care of their duties getting ready for the receiving of the shipment. The shipment that arrived last month came on time, but all of the products that were supposed to have a pulse were, let’s say not breathing, so they’re on a higher alert to make sure things are running smoothly.

Antonio pours himself a glass of scotch and offers one to me as well. I take it, barely sipping it, hoping to keep a clear head for tonight. He repeatedly kisses my neck as we sit together on the couch by the desk as Shepard lays on the floor. Five minutes into waiting, my nerves get to me and I down the scotch, enjoying the bittersweet fiery burn of it running down my throat.

I can no longer count how many times I’ve gone through this process alongside Antonio during his shipments. They contain girls, drugs or both. Every time the Feds had an opportunity to seize and arrest the group when Antonio was present, nothing has happened. The delivery location does change from time to time. There are ten different locations inside the U.S. border. The Feds have had all the necessary information from me to stop Antonio, but they never acted and always backing out at the last second. I wonder as to why now? Why this particular time to capture Antonio? What’s changed? Was someone on the inside a part of it and they finally caught him or her? I can’t image it would be that easy or else I would have been exposed.

Sometime later, Antonio’s phone rings. I’m able to listen in on the conversation since I’m sitting on his lap.

They’re all alive, boss, the voice comments. It looks like they sent a few extra this time to make up for the previous batch.

Good. Good, Antonio praises. I’ll be right down to inspect them as they’re loaded in the vehicles.

I shift to get up, but Antonio pulls me back down. Hoping for this night to finish quickly, I suggest slyly, Come on, baby. I want you to hurry up and finish business so you can keep me warm back in your bed.

Mm, he hums into my neck. You make me want to start right now.

Really? I muse.

Yes, he confirms. Maybe I should get another taste of that sweet pussy of yours before I finish business. He licks his lips and starts kissing down my chest.

The thought to give the Feds a little more time to get here arises, so I encourage, If you insist.

I love it when you tease me, love, Antonio says. Jack does not know what he’s missing with you…he should have treated you good right from the start.

I let out an exasperated sigh.

What? he checks, knowing that my sigh is not a good thing. What happened?

"You mentioned…him," I whine.

My apologies, sweetheart. Antonio profusely kisses my lips and neck. How can I ever make it up to you?

I told you, I say, twirling his hair in my fingers.

I can’t kill him, baby, Antonio counters. He’s one of my best on the inside with the cops.

I know, I huff irritation. I just want to be done with him. You know that.

I know, baby, he soothes. We’ll get the divorce documents from the lawyer this week.

I don’t want to go home to him anymore, I complain. He never treats me good, is verbally abusive, and still tries to have his way with me when no one is there… and…and he doesn’t even get me off.

I hoped to use Antonio’s supposed love for me to at least get the divorce before I high-tailed it out of Florida on my own. After the first three times the Feds didn’t do anything other than keep telling me that they need more information, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Just in case the Feds don’t keep their agreement this time, I need to ensure my own safety.

I told him he’s not allowed to touch you, Antonio says sternly. Has he?

I lower my head and nod, while conjuring up fake tears to add weight to my lie. Jack has touched me, but not how I’m making it sound. When Antonio found out about it, it didn’t end well for Jack. Jorge came back into the house forgetting something and saw Jack trying to rip my clothes off confirming my allegations to Antonio. That night, Jorge, Alberto, and Jesus stayed in our house with explicit instructions from Antonio to keep Jack away from me. I locked myself in the bedroom for the rest of that night. A few days later when I saw Jack again, he was limping and was banged up a bit.

I’ll deal with him later, Antonio professes. Come, love. Let’s get this business taken care of so I can take care of you the rest of the night.

I’ll only stay if you promise, I barter.

Baby, he whines.

No, I return sharply.

Okay, he confirms. I promise. First thing tomorrow morning, we’ll have the divorce lawyer come and you can move in.

You won't get any for a month if you’re lying to me, I challenge.

I need to secure my safety and my divorce from Jack if the Feds prove to be another disappointment and abandon me yet again.

A month? Antonio says in shock. Anytime I haven’t kept a promise, it’s only been a week.

It’s amazing how much power a woman possesses when a man thinks with his dick. I didn’t realize it at first until I started pushing boundaries. It’s almost addicting testing how far I can push it.

Well, this time it’s a whole month, I demand.

Anything for you, my love, he announces, kissing me several times.

Anything? I speculate.

Okay, almost anything, he shares.

"And here I thought you really did love me," I reply, toying with his emotions.

I do, baby. I do, Antonio confirms. You know I can’t stop this business…there’s too much money to be made.

I told you. I don’t care about money, I remind.

I know, he admits. But, you know me. And, I can’t have them finding out that I’m pussy-whipped.

Would that be such a bad thing? I goad.

He gives me a stern, yet amused look.

For all of the issues with Antonio, he would honestly be a guy I would consider being with if it wasn’t for the type of business he’s in. He’s great in bed and takes care of me.

I pray to God, if there is one, that this is the final night of my charades. I’m tired of having to be someone I’m not and be around people who I would never associate just to save my skin.

Chapter Three

Leia

My bare feet slap against the cold cement as I run as fast and as far as I can. The first sound of gunfire caused me to trip and fall in a failed attempt to sprint from the scene. Antonio instructed Jorge and two of his other goons to get me to his car. He had to grab something from the office first. As Jorge holds on to me with his free hand, he yanks me around different containers to hide as we make our way to the vehicles. The other two goons are still behind us, and I need to figure out how to get away.

The Feds came right as the first two trucks were being loaded with the girls and drugs.

"Holy fuck, this is happening!" I think to myself.

As I round the corner of one of the large, metal containers, my body bounces against something and I fall to the ground. Pain sears through my palms a few seconds after I land. I fell backward and my arms take most of the blow, but my tailbone has already begun to throb. I can barely think or see with how hard my heart is pounding in my ears.

The sound of a gun going off from behind startles me enough to cause me to scream.

A hand reaches down and offers to help me. Leia, it’s not safe, Jorge announces.

I know, I confirm, looking back over my shoulder and see that both goons are dead.

Here, he says, offering me a gun. Jorge shows me how to flip the safety on and off. Stay behind me and I’ll get you to safety.

Okay, I mumble, taking the gun.

An odd sound whizzes past my head and Jorge’s body drops to the ground.

Holy fuck, I blurt, slapping my hand over my mouth. I crouch low, trying to get my bearings straight. I need to figure out where everyone is and who may or may not be the Feds.

Almost everyone is outside on the docks, so I make a run for it into the building, seeking cover. Guns continue to fire all around me as I flee, desperate to get to safety. As I try to control my breathing, I see Jack loading one of the trucks with something. When I realize that no one else is in the building with him, with us, I aim the gun and start firing at him. My finger tugs on the trigger. Some bullets whiz in the air, hitting only God knows what while others bounce off of the truck. I’m an idiot. It’s fucking bullet proof. At least none of them come back. The gun makes a clicking sound as I continue to walk toward Jack, hoping there just might be one more left.

What the fuck are you doing, Leia? Jack shouts.

Getting my divorce, I announce as I scan my surroundings with my peripheral vision to see if there’s anything I can use to kill him.

Jack’s cackle reverberates off the metal in the building. You’re trying to kill me?

I’m not trying, I confirm. I will. Consider this the last time you ever fucking lay a hand on me.

Jack pops from around the back of the Escalade, pointing a gun directly at me. Fucking bitch, he snarls. You fucking, stupid bitch.

A loud sound from my right, Jack’s left, catches our attention, giving me enough time to duck around the front of the truck that precedes the one he was loading. Crouching low, I watch for feet to see where Jack went while two bodies try to crawl out of the truck that just barged through the wall of the building.

Once they’re dead from Jack’s bullets, Jack and I play a little game of cat and mouse. As I dart around the vehicles, I take out the keys of each one, including the one Jack was planning to use as a getaway. When I turn around, Jack is facing me, standing just a few feet away with his gun pointed at my forehead.

Give me the keys, he demands.

No, I object.

Give me the fucking keys, Leia, he repeats.

You’re such a fucking coward, I taunt, knowing if I get him riled up his ability to act rationally diminishes and he becomes a blubbering idiot despite his lame police training.

I said, give me the fucking keys, Jack orders.

No, I repeat and throw them behind him.

Jack turns to get them and I make a run for it. There’s no way I can kill him unless I have a weapon. I need to buy myself some time to get one and not give him the chance to kill me first.

Chaos continues outside the building as I go in search of a weapon. There’s only one way I can get out of this alive and that’s with Jack dead. If he’s alive, he’ll find out that I was the one who helped the Feds, then he’ll hunt me down and kill me.

Leia, Jack’s voice taunts as it echoes. Leia, sweetheart. Where are you?

My only chance is to trick him into looking for me at the other end of the building while I head for Antonio’s office. There are guns hidden up there.

Fuck you, I shout, cupping my mouth for it to project in a particular direction.

It was you, wasn’t it? he charges. You’re the leak…you’re the one who brought the Feds.

I manage to get to Antonio’s office where I left Shepard and grab two guns. Shepard, baby, I say. You’ve got to be quiet for mommy. Please. Just stay with me and be quiet.

After Shepard and I get across the upper walkway, I shout, Wow…you actually do have a brain.

It’s there for when I need it, he says, sounding closer than I’d like.

Jack and I continue our chase, baiting the other to get closer. At some point, I find a crowbar and climb up on containers, instructing Shepard to stay close. Learning to use hand signals during training really pays off in a situation like this. Jack continues to try to elicit a reply from me which makes it easy to find him. I toss the crowbar as hard and as far as I can off to the right to distract Jack again. There’s something hanging from the rafters above in the direction where Jack is headed, so I wait for the second he’s directly under it to shoot to make it snap. Just before I pull the trigger, the Feds start filing into the building — damn it!

I watch Jack from higher ground and wince each time he takes down an officer. When there’s just one agent left, a searing pain on my left arm forces a yelp from me. I cover my mouth, but Jack sees me. Ducking into the shadows, I notice that I got nicked from a bullet whirling by — thank God it’s just a scratch. I move as stealthily as I can to get away. Luckily, the boxes beneath my feet are close, allowing me to step from one to the other rather than leap as I move further away.

As I cautiously lower myself to the ground from one of the containers far away from where I last saw Jack, I hear Shepard growl. My head turns and I find Jack standing about forty feet away with a sneer. It’s okay, Shepard.

My feet slam to the ground when I let go and I stick out one of my guns in Jacks direction, ignoring the pain in my legs.

There you are, sweetheart, Jack taunts.

We’re in here, I shout, hoping there’s still an agent close by.

They’re all dead, Jack announces, taking a few, slow steps toward me.

You killed them? I say on a breath out, already knowing the answer.

Yep, he chuckles.

Don’t come any closer, Jack, I demand.

Or what? he checks. You’ll shoot? Please, baby. You haven’t shot me yet.

That’s because you’re pointing a fucking gun at me, dumbass, I retaliate.

Oh, he condescends. Should I point it somewhere else…like…let’s say, at Shepard. Jack’s hand shifts slightly.

Don’t you fucking think about it! I yell. My hand stops shaking as clarity snaps into my brain.

Shepard growls like he’s ready to launch the instant I give him the command.

Fear no longer exists in any part of my body because it’s so filled with rage. Rage for them, the Feds and their lies, claiming that they’ll protect me. It’s been eleven months and all they kept doing was using me to extract information about who’s he’s talked to, who he works for and any and all little details I can recount since being married to Jack. Most importantly, I’m filled with rage for him! Rage for my husband. Or, should I say, my ex-husband?

After the years of lies, years of verbal and physical abuse, I’ve had it. I will no longer be the victim. I’m taking back my power. I’m taking back control of my life.

I don’t hear the gun. No, instead I hear Shepard whimper and that’s when my finger presses against the trigger. The first two bullets hit Jack in the chest, forcing him back onto the ground. I’d move to shoot him in the head, but there’s a burning pain spreading down my left arm and into my chest. My body slumps to the ground, causing me to land on my knees first. I can’t feel anything else other than the fiery burn.

My bloody hand reaches for Shepard as tears pour from my eyes. He killed him. He fucking killed Shepard, my only friend.

I begin to feel lightheaded, but I need to make sure that Jack is dead. Sliding my lower body against the cold floor, I reach for the weapon, needing to solidify my divorce. My vision begins to darken, making it harder to aim the pistol properly.

Goddamn it! I curse.

Mrs. Turner? A slow, deep voice calls from a distance.

I don’t reply. That’s not my name - not anymore.

Ms. Turner? the voice repeats in the same, distant tone.

I can feel my body weakening as I try to steady the gun. My vision blurs as I take aim to shoot Jack in the head, wanting to seal his fate before mine takes over.

My vision goes dark and I hear a gunshot echo in my ears.

Ms. Turner? the voice repeats, louder this time.

You can take me, I offer, desperately yanking my wedding ring off. I don’t care if I live anymore. He’s dead…and that’s all that matters. My right arm makes an attempt to toss the band away from me, hopefully in the direction of Jack’s dead body.

The darkness takes over.

Leia, a deep, sluggish voice calls, sounding like it’s right next to me.

The demons have come to take me for my crimes — and, I go willingly.

Chapter Four

Leia

Ringing in my ears and a dull, constant pain echoes in my head as my eyes flutter open to a bright, white room. My vision stays cloudy as I try to focus on figuring out where I am. Did I die? The stench of medical supplies is overpowering as a lingering, cold chill penetrates all the way down to my bones. A beeping echoes repeatedly, getting louder by the second as two bodies suddenly appear in my vision.

Mrs. Turner, a voice calls from one of the figures. It’s good to finally see you awake. How are you feeling?

My head bobs a little as my lips attempt to form words, but my throat and mouth are too dry to part properly, cracking with some irritation.

We knew you were a fighter, Mrs. Turner, another voice comments as I feel cold, clammy objects touch my skin.

A blinding, white light shines in my face and I jerk my head away in opposition. It takes me a few more seconds to realize that I’m not dead, that I didn’t die. A burning pain shoots into my left shoulder. Memories start to reveal themselves of the last events that took place.

How are you feeling, Mrs. Turner? another voice asks from the foot of my bed.

That is not my name, I declare, pushing the words past my sore throat.

What should I call you? the new voice inquires.

Turner was his name, I spit, staring down the person who I guess is the doctor by the white jacket he’s sporting.

Should I call you Ms. Badeau, then? the doctor asks again.

Leia…just Leia for now.

Okay, the doctor says, clearing his throat. How are you feeling, Leia?

How do I look? my voice croaks hoarsely.

Better than when you came in a few days ago, comments one of the nurses.

My eyes focus on her name badge: Betty.

I probably feel like how I looked a few days ago, I reply sarcastically.

Do you remember what happened before waking up here, Leia? the doctor continues, ignoring my not-so-nice answer.

I shot my husband in the chest, I snicker, choking as I breathe in more air.

The doctor doesn’t seem phased by my response. Either he knows exactly what happened to me and is checking how much I remember based off of what the Feds told him, or, he’s a Fed himself.

My head turns to my left and then my right and I notice that there isn’t a single window in the room. Yep. He’s definitely a Fed doctor and I’m not in your run-of-the-mill hospital.

Where am I? I ask.

You’re safe, the doctor returns impassively.

Why am I here? I press for more information.

You were shot and lost a lot of blood, he states matter-of-factly.

Why am I here? I repeat.

For your safety, he offers.

Why? What happened? I request, needing to know more. Does Antonio know I’m the leak?

I think you should rest, the doctor insists. We can discuss things in the morning.

I’ve rested for a few days according to the nurse, I mention with a little annoyance in my tone. Tell me.

We’ll chat tomorrow, Leia, the doctor states, returning the medical chart back in its holder at the foot of the bed.

Tell me! I yell, yanking the tubes from my left hand as I attempt to shift in the bed to get up.

Please, Leia, the doctor says calmly. Please calm down. Get some rest and we’ll discuss this in the morning.

No, I challenge, fighting to get up. Tell me now!

I don’t want to have to sedate you, Leia, the doctor threatens calmly.

I snicker but don’t reply other than continuing to stand with little success.

Nurses, the doctor calls as the three of them move to keep me in the bed since I almost fall forward.

No! I yell, tugging away from their hands. Don’t fucking touch me. Don’t fucking….

Chapter Five

Leia

My body jolts to an upright position as my eyes pop open from a nightmare of my husband shooting me. What the fuck was that and why does my head hurt so much?

Ms. Badeau, a woman calls from my right.

I turn to acknowledge the familiar tone.

It’s good to see you awake, she says. I’m Betty. Do you remember me?

Yes, I groan as my head pounds and my shoulder aches.

I can help you with the pain, she offers. But, I need you to promise to remain calm and to cooperate with the doctor when he comes in.

My hands reach to rub my eyes.

Good morning, Leia, the doctor greets, walking into the room before I get the chance to reply to Betty.

I groan my response to the doctor’s presence.

You look like you’re in better spirits this morning, he states.

Speak for yourself, Doc, I snap.

How are you feeling today? he checks, ignoring my attitude.

Cold. Hungry. And, in pain, I throw heatedly at him.

We can take care of all of those, if you’d like? he offers with a little too much pep to his tone.

Uh, yeah, I confirm. Why else would I have mentioned them.

Betty sticks a needle in the intravenous line and I pray that it’s morphine.

Well, the doctor begins. "Your vitals are good, strong, considering the amount of blood you lost. Do you remember what happened before