Page 144 of Massacre Monday

Instead, I snatch the stone and launch it against the wall with a warning growl. It shatters into shards while everyone in the cathedral turns to watch, then snaps their heads back to me. Perhaps their jaws have dropped at my outburst, but I really don’t care about this place anymore.

With my hands out wide, I make an announcement. “I’m taking my viscountess home.” I tug on Pen’s hand until she rises, then I tuck her into my side, guiding us toward the exit with a hurried step.

Could they pull us back and ignore my wishes? Use my love however they see fit while I watch with the threat of death lingering over my head? Yes.

But they didn’t do a good enough job of patting me down before we entered. My ankle holster feels heavy as we march out into the sunlight. Sunlight bleeds over our faces like abenediction. I inhale, sharp and deep, scrubbing the scent of smoke and sex from my lungs. Behind us, the cathedral doors groan closed, as if they resent our escape.

“What if they stop us?” Pen asks breathlessly as we rush toward the park and my Aston Martin. Then, straight to the beach and to our actual wedding.

I shrug. “I’ll end them all.”

If it’s not me who does it, then I hope someone will.

THE END (FOR NOW)