Fated Lies (Lies 3)

21

Langston

“Is that everything?” he asks me, sitting in his suit like this is a business arrangement, and not like I’ve been drugged and tied up like an animal. I was only given a half dose this last time, so I don’t feel as out of it as I did before, but that’s why he added chains to my arms and legs.

I sit quietly, trying to remember anything else I can about my half of the letter.

“I believe so.”

He nods. I’m not sure if this man believes me or not, but I’ve told him everything. Every word I said was the truth.

“Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Pearce.”

I exhale an exhausted breath. I would do anything to save Liesel. Even if it makes me a terrible father, I’ve failed so many times to protect Liesel before.

I still have hope I’ll be able to escape once Liesel is safely away, but if I can’t, I know my kids will understand why I made this sacrifice. Enzo, Zeke, and Beckett will step in and make excellent father figures in my place. My children won’t grow up without a father or with an evil one. Me staying alive isn’t a requirement for them to grow up safely.

“You believe me?”

“I do.”

“What happens next? Where will you set Liesel free?”

His eyes cut to me, and from the look in them, I’ve been lied to.

“Where. Are. You. Releasing. Liesel?”

He stands up.

I try to tackle him, but my restraints keep me in my chair.

“I wish I could say I’m a man of my word, but I’m not. You should have expected as much.”

“Release her. I’ll help you get the treasure. I’ll do anything you want. Release her!”

He smirks. “Liesel made me a better offer.”

My heart sinks. He’s going to rape her, do unthinkable things to her body before he kills her. I can see it in the gleam in his eyes.

“Please,” I beg.

“You two are the strangest couple I’ve ever met. I don’t know how you can be married to another woman, when you so clearly love her.”

I don’t love her. I don’t correct him; it’s not worth the energy.

“Let her go.”

He shakes his head. “I will keep my word to her. I’ll let you go. Enjoy your freedom, Mr. Pearce. But know that she’ll be dead long before you can save her. And if you return, I’ll have no choice but to kill you, too. So for the sake of your children, I suggest you get on with your life and forget about her.”

Forget about Liesel? Impossible.

The nameless man walks out the door, and I strain against my metal chains with everything inside of me.

“Hold still, and we’ll get you out of here, man,” one of the guards says, grabbing onto the restraints on my arms.

I continue to thrash like a great white shark on dry land. I have to escape. I have to get to Liesel.

“Sedate him,” the head guard says to the other. “We can dump him far away from here, and we won’t have to deal with him.”