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I look at it, my heart gripping and scratching. I shouldn’t even be experiencing this, but unfortunately, I’ve known and worked with these ladies side-by-side for eight years. And we’ve been through more together than I can count.
I finally shake her hand, and then she steps away, nodding.This is right.
Scarlette comes over, her lip poking out. “I hope you get those motherfuckers.” I’ve told them my plans after years of working together. I figured someone should know after holding it in for so long, and they seemed trustworthy.
She hugs me, and I tense up. “I know. I know. You don’t hug.” Giving one last squeeze, she lets go, backing up to gaze at me.
“You’ve been a wonder to work with, Venom.”
I smile at the name that was given to me by my victim. And it stuck with me ever since.
Kyra turns her body from her meditation, looking over the couch. She smiles very faintly before turning back around. That look in itself spoke more words than any words could have.
“You know we are always here, Anita,” Eve calls over as I walk out the door with my small luggage and carrying my dress from tonight, along with my identification and passport. I exit the door without looking back because my heart is senselessly cracking. I don’t like it. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is what everything was for. I make it to my car as the bittersweet feeling takes over.
It wasn’t meant to last forever; they mean nothing to you.
I nod to myself, almost feeling better, only to look at my nails gripping on the wheel, and I let out a sigh. The yellow paint coated on my pointer finger is now chipped off at the tip. My body slumps, and my face slacks.
So much for that.
Chapter 5
Venom
Two days earlier
Location:
Hollow City
Iturned up the volume on the radio the minute I passed the gray and black sign with ‘Welcome to Hollow City’ written in bold. It’s a dreary, quaint spot in Long Island, New York, where the beauty happens along with the ugly.
Theveryugly. And it’s my home.
My head nodded to the melody that I love, and it’s the Hollow City anthem. It truly is a mere black city where it eats everything that you hold dear alive. Leaving your fears right in front you, taunting you to face them. I continued to rock to the tune as the road opened up so I can pass a bridge, displaying a full view of the shining skyscraper buildings lit with white luminescent lights.
Although I love the song, being back here gives me shivers to my spine and resentment bubbling in my stomach. Almost similar to wanting to puke, but all you’ll get is yellow stomach acid. Ever since arriving here, I have been on the move nonstop,keeping a low profile, ensuring my identity doesn’t come up in traffic scans. And on top of that, my sleep schedule is shit, but it’ll be worth it.
I’m home. Finally.
I haven’t been back here in twelve years. I had no reason to since the relationship with my mother is dead, including my father and brother, who are actually dead. The day someone kidnapped and killed Carter, everything changed for me. Including my father and how he wanted to protect me and my mom, who only wanted to move on.
You’re my only child. I can’t lose you, too.
My father’s voice circulates in my head, and my breath becomes shaky. I shut my eyes slowly. Those simple words always motivated me, kept me level-headed to stick to the goal. I won’t let you down. I will get revenge on my brother and best of all, I’ll kill the person whose fault it was all along.
Ronan.
Carter’s best friend, the boy I once saw as family, another brother, although not related… he was…part of us in a way. I tighten my fist around the wheel, the resentment bubbling up full speed. Now, to me, he’s just a billionaire asshole who’s sitting lavishly in a yacht somewhere and unharmed. I’ve looked into him every year since enlisting in the military. And it’s always the same.
‘Owner of R.A.R.E shut down after an alleged kidnapping. Where is the billionaire mogul?’
He was once creatingcool gadgets, selling big time. He and Carter were getting far and becoming well known. But now who knows where the hell he is? I’m sure he ran away like a bitchfrom fear. I may not know where he is, but what I do know is that if it wasn’t for him, my brother would be here.
I ball my fist, swallowing to contain my swelling throat. I open my eyes, looking down at my phone, waiting for the text.
Finding a home and then a cover-up job was not hard at all. It’s remarkable what a smile, a fake ID, and social security number can do for you. And also having the best hacker you can have on your side.