“Bring out the bitch,” he hollers over his shoulder, right at the time I see Hound crouched at the left corner of the cabin. He gives me a nod then points to the cabin before disappearing again. He’s going for the baby. Alexa’s rescue is on me.
The front door opens, and Ruthie drags Alexa out by her hair, they have my pretty girl bound at the wrists and gagged. I flex my fists. I’ve never wanted to hit a woman, but Ruthie makes me want to pop her right in the damn mouth to knock her fuckin’ teeth out.
The baby cries and Ruthie turns her back on us. Alexa shoves up off the porch using only her legs and throws her shoulder into Grudge sending him toppling down the stairs, travelling with him. He loses the shotgun as Ruthie cries, “They’re taking the baby.” I rush forward, planting my foot on Grudge’s neck while taking possession of the shotgun. I don’t give him any chances. I aim at his head and blow the motherfucker to chunks. His brain matter splatters all over Alexa’s face and my pant leg.
Ruthie tries to run but trips over a rock, going down face first in the dirt. I grab her up by her hair just like she did Alexa, but I’m a lot rougher about it.
She looks up at me with dirt and tears streaking her cheeks once I get her facing me. “Please, James. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. All I wanted was a baby. I’ll go away. You’ll never see me again.” She hiccups, looking bewildered. “I’ll do anything. I miss Rochelle. I want a baby. I don’t have anything or anyone. Please I’ll leave you and Alexa alone.”
“No you won’t. You’ll just keep on with more of your lies and bullshit. You’re done for. Turn around and get on your knees.” I shove her down. I press the barrel of the shotgun against the back of her head.
“Please, James. Don’t. You don’t want to hurt me. I gave you Rochelle. You promised me for better or worse.”
“Stop your sniveling. It’s pathetic.”
“At least look me in the eyes. Don’t be a coward.”
I look back to see Hound putting the baby in the jeep. I need to see to Alexa and blowing this bitch’s head off would be too easy. “Come on.” I jerk her back to her feet.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I snort. “Don’t thank me, cunt. I’m still gonna fucking watch you take your last breaths. Only thing that will make me happier is finally marrying the woman I really love and starting our life together. Keep an eye on her.” I shove Ruthie into Hound and tend to my woman. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” I remove the bandanna that’s tied around her mouth, use it to wipe some of the shit off her face, then work on releasing her wrists from the rope they bound them with. I carry her inside the cabin and put her in the shower clothes and all.
Alexa says nothing and I dial East. “Got’em. Tell my girl she’ll be holding Mila soon. Yeah far as I can tell. Right. See you soon.” I end the call and shift my focus back on Alexa.
“Can you find me something to wear?”
“On it.” I leave her to finish washing off and pilfer through the cabin. There’s a suitcase of Ruthie’s shit next to the bed. Bitch has been hiding here. I know Alexa don’t want to wear a damn thing of Ruthie’s, but she can’t afford to be choosy right now. Back in the bathroom Alexa’s stripping out of her wet, ruined clothing, and I hand her a towel and the jeans and t-shirt I confiscated. “Put this on. East and Wylla are coming for you and the baby.”
“What are you going to do with Ruthie?”
“You really want to know?” She nods. “Setting this place up to look like a Meth house gone wrong. Ruthie will burn with it.”
Alexa goes pale but makes no comment.
“C’mere.” I stroke the bruise forming on her jaw and she winces. “Grudge do that?”
“Yeah. I’ll be fine.”
“Makes me want to blow his head off all over again.”
“I’m afraid that’s impossible.” Her lips meet mine. I kiss her hard, deep, and fast. “Get dressed.” I slap her ass and go back out to check on the baby before I grab Alexa and fuck her in the bathroom.
Hound has Ruthie tied to a tree with the rope that was used on Alexa’s wrist.
“How’s Mila?”
“Sleeping.”
“Didn’t know you were good with kids.”
He shrugs. “Got nieces and nephews.”
“All right, man. Need to stage the scene. Grab the prospect. You two load the van. Want it to look like a Meth lab, brother.”
“You good here?”
“East’ll be here soon, and I got Alexa. Come back at nightfall.”