Redemption: AmBw Romantic Suspense

My heart hammered in my chest.

I did my best to appear normal. “Sounds good.”

Donald headed to the kitchen. “I can wash this fork—”

“Oh no. I’ve got it.” I handed Donald the keys. “I’ll pay you—”

“Oh no. Kevin told me Yoshiro is handling it. I know his money is good.” Donald ambled around the table. “You all have a good night.”

The kids waved goodbye.

I watched Donald leave.

Once the door slammed, I turned to the kids. “How long was he in here?”

“Not too long.” Jalen lifted a small gun from the side of the couch. “Don’t worry. We had something for him, if he messed with us.”

“Give me that.” I rushed over and took it from him. “Where did you get this from?”

“A gentlemen never tells—”

“You’re lucky I don’t have time for this, but no more guns, Jalen.”

He pouted. “Mommy, I was just protecting my sisters.”

“Yes, but you also could’ve shot yourself.” I sighed. “Okay. We’ll talk about that in the morning. Right now, it’s bedtime—”

“What?” Kia checked her phone. “Mommy, the movie isn’t done.”

“It’s close to 11. Let’s not make a big deal. Head to bead. Finish the movie in the morning.” I pointed to the stairs. “I’ll be right back. I have to fix something at the back house.”

“I should go with you.” Jalen walked my way.

“Yoshiro is up there. I’ll be fine.”

“Oh, he’s back.”

Kia looked out the window. “But, I don’t see his truck.”

“He’s at the back house.” I kept pointing at the stairs. “Goodnight.”

They gave me suspicious looks but headed that way.

“I’ll check on you all soon. I better not find anything but happy sleeping babies in their beds verses phones on and book reading.”

Jalen groaned, but hurried up there.

Poppy clapped her hands. Salt and Pepa rushed her way and followed her up the steps. When Poppy got to the middle of the stairs, she stopped and turned my way. “I love you, Mommy.”

My breath caught. I cleared my throat. “I. . .I love you too, baby.”

“Goodnight.”

Tears left my eyes.

Poppy shook my head as if to say I was being too dramatic. “Goodnight, mommy.”

“Goodnight.”

As soon as all the kids disappeared, I stood there for a few seconds, sighed, and headed away.

“I love you, Mommy.”

I couldn’t think of the last time Poppy had said those words. And it was just the statement I needed to hear from her. That was my motivation. That was the fuel that charged me.

I ran through the yard, raced up the hill, and panted as I got to the back house.

“I love you, Mommy.”

No fear hit me. No dread or terror. No nervousness. I glanced behind me and spotted no blue and red flashing lights. Heard no sirens.

I looked up at the sky. Stars sparkled above me. There was no sign from God—no visual disapproval.

“I love you, Mommy.”

I headed into the basement’s door, ready to kill my husband. Cut him up. Do whatever necessary to hear Poppy speak again. To live my life. Wyatt’s death meant that the kids could go back to school if they wanted and not fear their abusive father sitting in the principal’s office. Wyatt’s demise meant a better Christmas—one filled with joy. Even more holidays that we could celebrate, instead of racing away in a car.

This ends today.

My body and mind went numb as I stepped into the basement.

Whatever consequences that would come from tonight, I would deal with them later. Jail. Guilt. Anything. It would all be worth it as far as I was concerned. I would shed no tears. I would ask for no one’s forgiveness.

Chapter 25

Fuck That

Ebony

The basement didn’t look the same anymore. In the time I’d ran to Donald, got rid of him, and sent the kids to bed, Yoshiro had covered the walls and floor in plastic. Two small chainsaws sat near him along with a long black bag. A large white bucket stood in the corner. Two huge green wagons were near the door.

I walked in on Yoshiro assessing the taped plastic edges. The trench coat was off. Goggles hung from his neck.

Awake and still duct taped, Wyatt lay on the floor in the center with his eyes open. Yoshiro had taken off Wyatt’s shoes and socks. They lay on the plastic near him. Wyatt widened his eyes, when I shut the door.

“E-ebony. Thank God! Tell this man to let me go!” Wyatt wiggled on the floor. “Ebony!”

I walked over to Yoshiro. “What do you need me to do?”

“Put these gloves.” Yoshiro pulled them out of his pocket. “There are goggles for you next to the bucket and a sick mask.”

My nerves flared. “Good.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.” I put the gloves on.

“Ebony, baby,” Wyatt cried from the floor. “Baby, I love you. I. . .forgive you for everything just. . .w-what are you going to do. . .”

Yoshiro glared at him.

Wyatt’s bottom lip quivered.

Yoshiro turned back to me. “Sam knows we’ll be on our way. He opened the gate.”