Page 49 of In the Grey of Dawn

Gods damn it.

The leisurely steps of his boots sound like an old grandfather clock.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

“Take a breath and tell me what happened here.” Sheriff Miller says to the man attached to the bar, taking a seat next to him.

“I swear we did nothing. Oh shit, is that Norm? What's wrong with his head, man? Fuck. Norm. NORM! WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIS HEAD!”

Sheriff Miller stands abruptly, sticking a finger in his ear and wiggling it slightly. Taking out his pistol and smacking the man square across the face.

“Stop with the yelling, my damn ears can't take it.”

He says so calmly you would think he was chatting about the weather.

The man whimpers and looks around in shock, the reality of his foiled plan unfolding.

“It was just going to be a bit of fun. No one was meant to get hurt. Just some fun.”

His words burn into my soul, knowing all the things he could have done to her. Of all the things they did to the women who crossed their path before now. Hades said three had come forward but the thing about reported crimes is it doesn't account for all the people who haven’t come forward. Who knows how many have truly been affected by themjust having a bit of fun.

Sitting on the floor with Charlie cradled in my lap, I feel utterly helpless and rage filled all at once. The first woman I've dared to let in since Lila has been hurt and it’s all my fault.

I couldn't keep her safe.

I failed.

I don't deserve her and I welcome every day of punishment I’ll receive. The bars in my mental prison are only getting stronger by what's happened.

Stroking the hair from her face, she looks so peaceful in my arms. Like an angel sent from the gods to save me, but I'm not worthy of it.

“You did this to Charlie huh? GBL probably? She's got good colour in her face. Breathing looks stable. I'll call the Doc just to be sure.” Sheriff Miller mumbles like he's talking to himself. Taking a moment to assess what's happened while the man incessantly whimpers next to him.

“Well, Iwascoming in to get some dinner but I might go find that somewhere else. I take it you have everything under control. Call me if he's still here in the morning and I'll swing by to pick him up but otherwise, am I okay to leave this for you to sort?”

“I got this.” Hades growls, gripping the leg of purple shirt man and dragging his body toward us.

“None of them will be here in the morning.”

His hulking shadow blocks the light and his long hair is now loose from the earlier fight. Blood drips from his hands disappearing into the crimson river left behind the body. He is a force to be reckoned with.

“Wait, wait, please. I promise I won't do it again. I promise, please. I won't tell anyone what happened if you let me go,” the man at the bar begs, his face covered in snot and tears.

Dropping the leg of purple shirt man, Hades takes a few steps to the bar, seizing a hold of the knife handle and yanking it out suddenly. Screams echo across the still room from the abruptness of it. Clutching his hand to his chest his eyes close for a second of relief.

For the freedom he's been granted.

This is why I watched Hades for so long that first night I saw him. He likes to play with his food and I've never been so captivated by it.

The man's shoulders sag as he moves to get off the bar stool and in the blink of an eye, Hades grabs his other hand and plunges the knife into his palm, securing him to the bar once again. Both of his hands now with holes in them.

The moment of surprise is apparent with his mouth hanging open before he starts screaming again and Hades punches him square in the face knocking him out cold.

“Well, you all have a good night. I'll let you know if the Doc says anything but otherwise, you might just have to let it pass through her system. Keep her safe Porter, and try to keep everything contained tonight.” Sheriff Miller says, gesturing to the three men scattered across the bar.

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