Sarge stood. “So here’s how this will play out. You’ll be allowed supervised visits with Maren and the baby in between assignments. Any funny business and they’ll die gruesomely. If you fail to complete your mission, they’ll die. I will get my way with this, Bane. I will win. Do you want to lose another child?”
I was going to be held captive for the rest of my life, wondering if Bane would survive the next mission and come home to us. A sob wanted to spill free but I pushed it down. The last two times I’d done anything, Frankie had been punished. What would happen to Frankie? There was no way they would let him leave here.
Sarge nodded to Eric. “Let’s clean this up.”
Those words were bad with the way he said them and I glanced at everyone to see what was going to happen.
Eric lifted his gun to Frankie and I cried out, “NOOOO!”
Bang.
The gun went off and Frankie screamed. They needed me alive to keep Bane in order. I knew they wouldn’t hurt me or the baby. I scrambled to the floor as Bane yelled, “Maren, don’t!”
Tears filled my eyes as I looked up at Sarge. “Please, he’s dying. Let me go to him. I’ll cooperate.”
Sarge nodded as I held Frankie. His eyes fluttered open. “Hey, Sis. Remember when you were fifteen and after you finished homework we’d each get a scoop of vanilla ice cream?”
The memory flooded back. I’d sit on the black countertop as Frankie and I sang songs together. We had special cups for our vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Those were special memories as we talked about our day. I whispered, “Yes.”
He was trying to put on a brave face like he had when I’d be hurt as a kid. The corners of his lips turned down slightly and trembled. On a shaky voice, he commented, “I did some things right. Do that with your kid. I know I’ve been a shitty—” He arched in pain and took a deep breath.
My gut twisted. After all the terrible things that happened over the last few years, the Frankie I had once knew existed. The brother I loved finally came home and now I was losing him … forever.
A sob erupted from within me. “Frankie, I don’t want to lose you. I can’t.
”
“I love you, Maren. Always have. Always will.”
There was nothing I could do as I watched the life slowly seep from Frankie’s body. His body was relaxing as he fought to stay awake. Tears streamed down my face. “Frankie, I love you.”
“I know.” He took a deep breath. “Even after everything. I got twisted up in the wrong things.” His eyes started to close.
“Frankie!”
They shot open and he gave me a loving smile. “I love you too, Sis.”
I rubbed furiously away the tears that were falling down my face. I needed to stay strong. “Say hi to Mom and Dad for me.”
His voice was barely audible. “I will. You’re going to be a great mom, Maren.”
Time was running out as I felt Frankie’s body becoming more relaxed. He still breathed. I gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I forgive you. I love you.”
“Thank you.” I think that’s what he said. His eyes closed, but I would not leave him until he breathed his last breath. I would be here for him. Unexpectedly, I was yanked to my feet.
I fought whoever held me as Bane yelled for me to stop.
Sarge spit out the words as he said, “He’s still alive.”
Eric didn’t care as he forced me to sit in the chair. Frankie moaned as Eric spoke. “He won’t be for long.”
Uncontrollable hysterics took over me as I watched Eric hold out his gun and walk with a swagger. There were still a few precious seconds left I could have with my brother. Bane yelled, “Maren, angel, look at me. Look at me.” I glanced to him. “Don’t look. Look at me.” I nodded. “I will keep you and the baby safe.”
Bang.
Flinching at the sound, fear shot through me. The ringing of the gunshot wouldn’t stop. I screamed as I stared at Eric. “You bastard! You bastard!”
Eric raised the gun and Bane stood. Sarge said, “Eric, stand down.”