Cursed Angels
“No, patience wasn’t one of his strong points.” The mists of my training descend again, the flashbacks of Samara from moments earlier burying themselves once more, deep in my subconscious so that they don’t see the light of day.
“Now breathing is even an issue for him.” Liam lets out a big chuckle. I join him. Nelson was an imbecile who deserved everything he got.
“At least we are fifty million richer out of it, and we can use that fact to sell more.” I pat my comrade on the back.
“How do you mean?” he asks.
“We just became more exclusive. One man took out four without blinking. Don’t mess with us, or you end up dead.”
“You’re a genius, Arch.” He slaps my back and wraps an arm around me.
“No, I’m just a cold-blooded killer who doesn’t appreciate being messed around with,” I retort with a voice full of darkness and foreboding for anyone who would dare mess with me.
I take one final look at the dead body of Mr. Nelson. I kick him over so he is staring at me, his eyes glazed over with death. I spit in his face and leave the room. There is no room for sentiment in my job. I made my decision eight years ago as to what I would be in life. Samara is no longer a part of it. She is forgotten, a distant dream I will never see or touch again.
Chapter 3
Samara
Taking the turn-off to the familiar road that was once my saving grace, I can’t help my mind from reeling as I see buildings that have haunted my nightmares for eight long years. Memories seep through my blood, both hatred and anger mixed with pain and love. I lost so much here, and coming back is walking into a life that’s tainted me.
The small cabin I rented sits on the edge of town, and that’s where I make my way. Once I pull into the parking lot, I exit the vehicle. Pulling my rucksack from the trunk, I make my way into the foyer of the rundown building. Its upkeep has been ignored, and the old man sitting behind the counter looks as dilapidated as the building itself.
“How can I help you, miss?” he says, offering me a smile. It’s kind, nothing like the kind of looks I’m used to from men. It never mattered what age, it was always a sneer or some hunger-filled stare.
“My name is Sam Torres, and I’m picking up the keys to the cabin I rented from you for a couple of weeks. We talked on the phone last week, and I wired you the deposit.”
It should be enough time to finish what I came to do and get out of this shithole. The faster I can leave, the better.
He drops his eyes to the book sitting on the desk before him, scribbles something, then rises with a groan of agony. The keys that hang on the wall behind him are dust-laden. They clearly haven’t been used in months, possibly years.
He grabs one set of keys and turns to hand it to me.
“Thank you,” I say with a smile.
“Don’t break anything in my cabin, anything else you need, there is a convenience store in town.” He points toward the general direction of the main center of this shitty place. “If you need anything, come back and ask. My wife will be here until about six.”
“That’s fine. Thank you again.” I head toward the exit and back to my car. It’s not a far drive down the dirt road that leads to the thick forest where the cabin is hidden.
When I reach the door, I unlock it easily, shoving it open. The creak in the wood as I take each step reminds me of that place. I’ve lost myself to the hatred and anger for far too long.
Stepping inside, I can’t stop the cough that seizes my lungs as the musty smell grips my chest. As old as this place is, and as dusty as the cabinets are, thankfully the bed looks like it’s been freshly made up.
The windows are shut, framed by heavy floral curtains. Dropping my bag, I shove them open quickly in the hope of getting some air into the cabin. Shuffling off my leather jacket, I drop it on the bed and stare out the window, taking in the view of the town I once lived in. I should set up the computer surveillance, but all I can think about is the bed calling my name.
It’s late and I’m tired. I head toward the bathroom and turn on the shower. Once I’ve stripped, I step under the spray and allow it to ease the ache in my muscles. Thoughts of why I’m here unravel me, and I find myself crying under the cascade of water. I feel like I’m drowning, and the only way up is to finally get vengeance.