The Toxic Deal

ONE MORE LIFE GONE - 2

BRIA

Patrick Baker.

The Patrick Baker, famous crime investigation journalist and role model for journalists all over the country. I blinked twice to make sure that I was not mistaken in identifying the man in front of me who was covered in blood.

How in the god's name did he end up in this hell?

Cameron stepped forward and cast a hatred look at the coughing man "meet Patrick Baker one of those people who are honest and non-corrupt. Who wants to punish us for our all wrong deeds. The famous crime investigation journalist at the feet of King. And do you want to see what happens when someone dares to cross our path?" a sick smile stretched on his lips as he pulled a dagger out of its pocket.

He looked nothing like a man that I was used to seeing. He was more like a demon to my eyes at that moment.

A sight of the shining metal was enough to make me feel like wetting my pants. My eyes darted to Patrick and I saw him staring right back at me. He was not scared. For some reason he was not crying anymore. He was not begging for mercy. He was calm except his ragged breathing and grunting in pain.

His eyes were observing, trying to connect the dots. His stare was making me question if we had ever met each other before.

"ple-please. Don't hurt him. Please." The words felt heavy on my tongue but I tried. I didn't see Cody's death coming but Patrick, I was not going to sit around watching him die. I would do anything in my power to save him if that means I had to beg at the devil's feet.

"d-don't beg to the-these criminals. The-they will be pu-punished one day, if not by me." Patrick coughed more blood as he looked with hatred towards the monster behind me.

Cameron put the dagger at Patrick's neck and pierced it in his skin drawing blood through the thin line. A scream escaped through my lips as I started struggling against his stronghold.

"no. stop. Please. He has a family. Please don't do this to them. Please." I cried more trying to loosen his grip with my shaking hands but to no avail.

He turned me around swiftly not loosening his hold on my hairs. His other hand dropped from my face and snaked around my waist in a vice grip. The distance between us decreased by an inch or two but I tried my best to keep our bodies as far as possible by placing my hands on his wide, hard chest. A sensation erupted as soon as my skin touched his even though there was a barrier of the fabric of his shirt in between our skins.

"please. Leave him. Don't hurt him. Please." I joined my shaky hands, pleading.

His face held no expressions. I had no idea of what he was thinking. But I had to try my best to convince him to let the man go. I might succeed in my attempt.

He c****d his head to the side and I could feel the heat of his intent gaze from behind the dark shades. I felt as if my face was on fire and if he kept looking at me the way he did then I might get burn scars on my otherwise pale face. I was constantly crying that made my voice hoarse.

"please. Leave him. Please." The words came as a bare whisper but I was sure that he heard them right as we were in very close proximity of each other.

"No. Don't beg for me. They are going to k-kill me no matter what. But King, let me tell you one thing. I have seen enough days in my life to know about people by just looking at them. You... are going to be punished. One day someone will punish you for all of your sins. " Patrick croaked out. Cameron threw a punch at him making him fell on the floor.

"stop him, please. D-don't hurt h-him. Please, he was just doing his job. Don't do this to him. He is innocent." I pleaded.

"Shut up. He is innocent. But we are not! And his job is creating trouble for us. And King doesn't tolerate trouble." Gabriel yelled.

"You all are monsters!" As I couldn't see Cameron or Gabriel I spat at their boss in disgust. The ever slight movement of his jaw when they clenched tightly didn't go unnoticed by my teary eyes. Naturally my eyes travelled upwards to see the vein on his forehead but to my surprise it was not evident. He was not angry and that was a good sign, I guess.

Cameron was waiting for his order and anxiety was taking a toll on me. The devil stood like a statue with me in his hold for a minute which felt like an hour. I started to feel dizzy but I maintained the eye contact with him to show him that I stood firm on my grounds.

Then the vein made its appearance on his forehead and all the hopes that I was cutching to my heart dissipate into the thin air. To my horror he spun me again to face the bloodied Patrick. It was heart aching to watch someone suffer like this for no mistake. Slowly, Patrick managed to lift himself again and spit a mouthful of blood on the white marble floor. I didn't know what to do nor that I had an option in my hand other than watching him suffer.

Again Patrick's cold eyes steadied on my pale face longer than necessary. What was he looking at? What was going through his head? His eyes then shifted to the giant behind me and something strange flashed in his eyes. It was my first time watching him in person and I am sure we never had a chance to meet. I was a complete stranger for him then what was that he looking at?

Suddenly his face became stoic and calm. "y-you ca-can kill me now. b-but I can already see you holding y-your downfall in your own arms" Patrick's bitter laugh filled my ears.

 I felt my heart thumping hard against my chest. My eyes widened and my pleads cut short when a heart-shattering scream ringed cutting through the silence of the night and Patrick's laugh slowly subsided into a deathly silence.

I stood there frozen. My body forgot how to breathe for a moment. I felt my body go limp in his arms and all I remembered was his emotionless face and Patrick's last laugh before darkness consumed me. 

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From now onwards the things are going to get crazy and the s**t is going to hit the fan. Please vote and consider unlocking the next chapters to witness Bria and King's further journey.

Happy Reading!