Page 121 of Sadistic Retribution

She hesitates. “3 is very... feral. Let me go try.”

She walks to the tree line, crooning low to a figure who steps out. The person is viciously shaking their head. After a minute of her talking, I see the figure take her hand. They slowly walk towards the car.

When the light from the car hits them, I see a bedraggled, skinny young man standing with her.

“Hi, I’m Hunter.” I offer my hand for a handshake.

He shakes his head, trembling next to Pretty Girl.

“He’s mute,” she explains.

“I see, it’s alright. Can you get him to get inside the car?”

“Yeah, I’ll try.” She whispers in his ear, and he nods twice. Hesitantly, he reaches for the door handle and he slips in, close to Jax.

“There’s one more,” Pretty Girl emphasizes. “6! Get your ass over here!”

I hear a female giggle, then a slim figure steps closer. My brain stutters. I recognize that laugh... She makes it to Phoenyxx, who embraces her.

“Hunter, this is...”

My face goes deadly pale as time stands still. “It can’t be...”

6 turns to me, and the smile drops from her face.

“This is Hunter—” Pretty Girl starts to say.

Her face contorts, confusion flitting over her features. My eyes tear up.

I know her...

She starts to shake and falls to her knees. “Um...11? Is this a joke?”

“What?” Pretty Girl asks. “Why would it be a joke? I wouldn’t do that to you.”

She pales more, then cries out. “Hun... Hunter? Is it really you? Am I really me? I'm not 6! I'm...”

“Cynthia! My beautiful girl! Oh my God you’re alive!” I hold out my arms, and with a choked sob. She stands, letting me envelop her in my arms. I start to rock her back and forth, kissing the top of her head.

Pretty Girl has a confused look on her face. “Cynthia? The one you told us all about? But how?”

I say quietly, “Yes. This is my sister.”

“Oh!” She smiles brightly, tears shining in her beautiful emerald eyes. “Holy shit! The sister that was kidnapped? I can’t believe it! I am so happy for you both!”

Emotions continue to rise, everyone feeling humbled by not one—but two—reunions.

Jax opens his car door. “This is lovely and all, but we have to go.”

We all turn to him, but before we can get in, we see the headlights of an incoming car in the opposite lane, far down the road.

At the same time, a large man runs from the driveway, muscular guards surrounding him.

Oh God please—not now! We're so close!

Purge

A scream lodges in my throat when I see my father. His face is purple with rage. The guards look equally angry.