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The spirits are gone. The candles that once lit along the pathway are out.

I retrain my focus on what’s in front of me.

Walking over the threshold into the cemetery, the crows have left their perch and are flying above us. A few are still perched on tombstones, curiously observing us as we move toward our goal. The energy has changed. Strength and confidence engulf me.

This is my moment. My time. My legacy.

My pace rapidly increases once I catch sight of my family's mausoleum. Torches are lit at the entrance, the fire flickering in the dark of night, reflecting off the stone walls. It reminds of the Angel of Death in the backyard. Except for her torch is no longer burning. It all feels very symbolic.

Once Joanie has been dealt with and her torch extinguished, she will plead for mercy, but it will not come for her.

I am guided to the entrance. It is time.

Merrick steps in front of me and opens the iron door. He enters first, holding the door open for me.

With my dad still in my arms, I bring him inside. There are lanterns hung, which light the space for us. I walk past Merrick and enter the large enclosed space, and see stone shelving on the wall immediately in front of me. Something comes over me and without hesitating, I know I need to place my dad there. Using both hands, I place his urn on the middle shelf so he is front and center.

“You evil bitch!”

Joanie’s scream throws me off. It’s not something I expected. Turning to the right, I take in the scene in front of me.

Multiple spirits, including Darla, are holding her down against a cold concrete slab that is elevated by an above-ground casket.

The sound of the iron door closing startles me from taking everything in.

Merrick wastes no time and joins the other spirits. He grabs hold of Joanie’s face and looks her right in the eye. “It’s show time.”

Chapter24

Merrick

“Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and Girls. Welcome to the main fucking event!”

If this was a circus, I’d be your ringmaster.

But this! This is so much fucking better than a circus.

This is everything I have been waiting for, since that night I drove off the bridge.

Letting go of Joanie’s leathery face, I step back like a giddy fucking school boy who just jerked off for the first time into a sock. The soft, warm fabric wrapped around my cock while I jerked my hand up and down my shaft. After cumming in it, I’d throw it in the hamper for Joanie to wash.

Thinking back to it, and knowing that Joanie would clean up my dirty cum filled sock almost makes me just as giddy. But enough about me and my cock—for now. My desperate little slut must focus on the ceremony first.

“Joanie—mother of the fucking year—what a predicament you seem to find yourself in. If only I cared enough to help you. Too bad I don’t.” Taunting her as I slap her face a couple times for good measure.

“What a disappointment. You. Your brother. Your father. I’m glad the three of you died. It’s what you deserved. Another breath wasted on any of you three would be one too many.” The bitch has a bite.

“Merrick, stop playing with my dinner.” Fuck me. I think I just came in my pants. Biting down on my fist as I turn to where the sweet angel sang to me. Fallon has never been as fucking hot as she is now. Her eyes tell me she knows exactly what she's done to me. They scream mischief. With a cheeky smirk and hands on her hips.

Fallon exudes confidence. This is her element. She belongs here. If ever there was a doubt in my mind, it is gone. Dammit, I’ll have to find new and exciting ways to torture her for my pleasure. Walking up to my little slut, taking her all in, she is so fucking powerful. I place my hand around her neck as I circle to stand behind her.

Still holding her throat, I reach my other arm out and shout, “Harper! The blade.” My voice echoes, bouncing off the walls.

She was meant to be by the door, waiting. What in the fuck is taking her so long?

“Harper!”

“Fuck off, Merrick. I’m coming. This door is fucking heavy, you know.” Such a child.