“There’s no way mid-level thugs like O’Malley and Spencer could get their hands on all that information,” I pointed out. “They had to have been keeping it safe for someone higher up.”
“Way high,” Phoenix added. “There were pictures of the mayor on the drives, for fuck’s sake.”
Luca nodded. “I agree. They were keeping that shit for someone with power. No way Cedar Creek street thugs were organized enough to get all that information.”
“So, how did those two fucks get their hands on it?” I wondered. “By accident?”
Nix shrugged a shoulder. “The only way to know is to ask them,” he replied.
“How do you want to do this?” Luca asked. Luca believed if a woman belonged to a man, the privilege to avenge her belonged to him. It was archaic, and modern women everywhere would be burning their bras in protest, but Luca believed in ownership. If a woman was yours, then…
She. Was. Yours.
She was yours to love, protect, cherish, support, and avenge if necessary. And, make no mistake, Robbie was mine.
“I want to go back to Cedar Creek and drag those two motherfuckers back to Morgan City,” I told him honestly.
“Sal can find them through their phones,” Luca replied. “I’ll give him a call.”
“What are you going to do about Robbie?” Nix asked.
“I was thinking of asking Frankie to come over and hang out until she woke up,” I told him. “I want to pick O’Malley and Spencer up tonight. I don’t want to wait, but I don’t want to leave Robbie alone.”
Phoenix nodded in agreement. “I’ll let Frankie know to come over.”
“I’ll stay with the girls while you guys go pick up our newest friends,” Luca offered, and then let out a small grimace. “I’m worried about them.”
“So am I,” I admitted.
Nix grinned as he stood up. “Nah,” he smirked. “They’re tough little birds. They’ll be okay.”
Four hours later, we were at the funhouse with Merrick O’Malley strung up in chains, and Gary Spencer strung up next to him.
For the same reason Marco wasn’t given a chance at freedom, Gary and Merrick weren’t given the same consideration either.
They had fucked with Robbie.
Their mouths were stuffed with ball gags, so I didn’t expect any real answers or comments from them, but I spoke conversationally to them anyway. “Now, I’m sure you both know why you’re here. If not, let me tell you. You’re here because you dared to approached, threaten, and put your hands on my woman.” Merrick’s eyes widened, while Gary’s closed his in resignation. “Yep, gentlemen, Roberta Regal belongs to me. And, even if she didn’t, my sister’s her best friend. Surely, you have to know that connection, in itself, would mean something.”
Gary started explaining himself, but the gag prevented him from making any real sense. I also didn’t care about what he had to say. There was no getting out of this and, I think, deep down, he knew it. They knew it. Most of the time, you just want to get things off your chest. You want to tell your side of the story, so you make yourself sound better than you really are. Very seldom have I had a man in this room-or woman-that has taken their punishment like they deserved.
I also brought out the big guns for these two. Normally, the funhouse was bare except for the chairs, tray of instruments, and chains. Granted, in the northeast corner was my Iron Maiden, but that lovely thing usually had a cover over it. I rarely used it because it killed too quickly. And next to her was my Spanish Donkey which was mobile unlike the Iron Maiden. On the southeast corner the Judas Cradle was stationed, but like the Iron Maiden, I kept that covered unless I was using it as well. I used that sweet thing depending on how long I planned to keep someone around. But while these fucks were passed out, Nix helped me bring out some of my favorite toys to add to my tray.
We added the Pear of Anguish and the Heretics Fork. And I had chosen the Blood Eagle for my finale. I usually saved the Blood Eagle for Benetti betrayals, but Gary and Merrick were special.
After Nix and I had gotten these two stupid fucks settled, he had gone home to be with Luca and the girls. I had made it clear that I wanted all of O’Malley and Spencer.
I headed towards O’Malley first. “Now, see. This here is a Heretics Fork.” I presented the contraption as if I were on a goddamn gameshow. “See the forks on either end? This strap wraps around your neck, like so,” I explained as I fastened the choker in place. “Now, you have to be careful. As soon as your head drops, the forks will impale you. My longest run is seven minutes. Let’s see how you do?”
I walked back to the tray and picked up the Pear of Anguish. Walking over to Spencer, I started explaining the pear’s purpose. “Now, this is the Pear of Anguish.” I nodded my head. “I know, I know. You’re thinking I’m going to shove this up your ass, but I am not.” I reached up to remove his gag. “I’m actually going to shove it in your mouth and let it balloon until your jaw cracks and your skin rips apart.” I shoved it in and cranked on the knob.
What should have been screams permeated the air.
Once I saw blood dripping from the torn flesh on Spencer’s face and blood dripping from where the forks were slowing penetrating O’Malley’s neck and chin, I explained some things. “At first, I wanted answers,” I told them. “I wanted to know who that box belonged to, how it got into your hands, and finally
