“Is that all you got?” I shouldn’t taunt such a twisted fuck, but I do it anyway. Chances of me living to tell the story are slim to none, might as well make it interesting while it lasts.
“Cocky little spitfire, aren’t you?” Franklin points his finger through the screen. “You know, Johnny used to do the same. Take his beatings like a good little boy.”
Franklin knew the exact thing to say to get me to react, and I do that very thing.
I yank forward, my arms being held back behind me by the ropes, pulling tighter as I fight to get away. As if somehow getting loose would help me get any closer to the man calling the shots. Only, he’s probably thousands of miles away, technology the thing linking us together.
“You’re a fucking coward.” My insult is thrown at Franklin but applicable to everyone standing in this room.
All for what? Because Johnny refused to let Franklin abuse an innocent child. Because he saw someone in need of help and did everything he could to free said person. How does Franklin not see how fucking sadistic he’s being?
Franklin clears his throat and taps at his nose, a signal of sorts.
The evil guy lets out an annoyed sigh and reaches into the waistband of his pants, pulling out a pistol. He slides the chamber, securing a bullet in place and pointing it directly at me.
My heart stutters. Is this really happening? I’m going to be killed because I didn’t cooperate? Why am I surprised? This is the kind of bullshit Franklin does. He plays God, because he can.
“All you have to do is give me an address.” Franklin’s tone is softer but still harsh. “The rest will be taken care of, and I assure you, you’ll never hear from me again.”
“I’ll pass.”
The kid’s eyes go wide. His mouth slightly parts like he’s in disbelief of my words.
The side of the gun slams into my face, a newfound wave of pain following in its wake. Blood trickles down, and I have to squint to see straight.
“Are you sure, Claire? I’m a reasonable man. I’d understand if you reconsidered.”
I stare straight at the screen. “I’d rather die.”
“Very well.” Franklin seems completely unbothered. “I’ll find him with or without you.”
I wouldn’t put it past him to have wanted to do this for the fun of it. Just to watch someone suffer at his hand. And to twist the figurative knife into Johnny that much more. To show Johnny that he calls the shots, and that he won’t be trifled with.
The guy brings the barrel of the gun only inches away from my forehead.
This is it. I’m going to be murdered, my blood cleaned up with a splash of bleach. What will happen to my body? What will my dad think? How will Rosie react? Will Johnny ever forgive me? I’d give anything to turn back time and change the outcome of this situation, at least the part where Johnny’s under the impression that I’m mad at him.
Does he know how much I love him? From the moment I met him, our souls were intertwined in a way I’ll never fully understand. I’ll be forever grateful for our tiny infinity. The feelings I have for him will traverse whatever follows—in this life and the next.
I squeeze my eyes shut and whisper, “I love you, Johnny.”
Franklin may control the outcome of what happens here, but he won’t take my final words.
I’ll be waiting for you, I urge the connection between us to give him this parting message.
The last thing I hear is the sound of a gunshot echoing through the building.