Page 116 of Ruin

“Now we have a plan, can I go get my girl.” I look at everyone staring at me, as if I’m making them go to fucking war. Even if I was, they would be happy for a fight. So, I’m not sure why the hell we are still sitting here?

“Can you all give me a moment with Declan please?” I turn to the laptop, Dad has already left and it’s just Mom on the screen.

Great, this is going to be a conversation about Trixie. I can already hear the questions she is going to ask, and her not being happy about things.

Mason and Miles pat my back as they leave, laughing. I pull out the chair and sit down, and smile at my mom. There is silence for a moment. I have no idea what mom wants to talk about so there is no point talking first.

“What’s her name?”

“Trixie.” Just saying her name brings a smile on my lips. I can’t wait for mom to meet her.

“Tell me a little about her.” I lean back in my chair and look down at my watch to check the time. I don’t have time for this conversation, not yet anyway. “Declan, tell me a little about her.”

“Ummm, she’s a fighter, she’s been through some fucked up…it was bad, Mom.” I stop and shake my head. “When I came out of The Pit and I told you I could sign what did you say to me?” I ask her, which makes me laugh.

“You will never use it.”

“Well, I used it. Got my girl, too.” I smile, and my mom laughs.

“Has she not talked since birth?” Now that’s a question.

“No, she can talk but went silent because of everything that happened to her. I only found out a week ago that she can talk, but she’s not comfortable talking. She’s getting there, but I told her I won’t push her, it’s all about her and when she’s ready. She’s covered in tattoos, which I like. She draws all the time, and has been through some messed up stuff. She designs all her own clothes and sews them herself.” I could talk about Trixie to my mom all day, but I stop when she puts her hand up and laughs.

“I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

“Me too,” my dad shouts as he comes back on screen. Dad gives me a wink, and I shake my head. He continues to talk before mom says anything else. “Where is your mind?” Dad asks.

“Wanting to kill someone, but I’m not going to do it. I just want Trixie back.” There is nothing I want to do more than walk into Riley's house, and put a bullet in his head, but he wanted to play mind games with me, I’ll play them with him.

“Well, you have your brothers on your side, and they’ll do what you want. Cain seems to already agree with you. So do it,” Dad tells me, and I give him a nod. I’m not sure what is going on so I don’t want to talk about it until I know what Riley has done with Trixie. I know he’s done something, but I’m not sure what yet. “Talk to us,” I look over at Mom, and she gives me a small smile.

“What if I’m too late and something’s happened to her?” There isn’t a lot I’m scared of but, the thought of not being there for Trixie is hurting me like a pain I’ve never felt before.

“You won’t be too late to save her, you go find her because we have a family meal this weekend.” Mom laughs, and it brings a smile to my lips.

Mom always loves her family meals. She comes home on Friday from Europe, and is already planning one. I just hope my girl is there with me. I give them both a nod and look over the laptop and see my brothers coming back.

“I’ve spoken to the first family, and they have agreed to your terms. Now, let's go get your girl back.” Cain pats my shoulder, and I get up from my chair, but stop when my mom calls my name.

“Declan, we’re sorry about your friend from The Pit. That was the reason we wanted to talk, but then Cain told us what was happening now. We know he was good to you.” Mom leans in closer to the screen. “Anything you want to do for him, we will do it.”

“He was my best friend, Mom, and I’ll do the one thing he asked me for. He asked me to bury him with his family. But first I need to go and get my girl.” I turn back to Cain as I hear my brothers tell Mom they’ll call her later.

I take the phone off Cain to see which family he has called. I don't know who he killed, nor do I know the families. I don’t know any names of the ones I killed, and I’m not asking, either. It will only mess with my head more, because I would want to find out about them, and I don’t want that.

“Are you sure this is the way you want to go?” Hayden asks.

“Yes, killing him doesn’t give me peace. Knowing he’ll never be able to sleep worrying about every member of his family brings me more satisfaction than killing him.” Handing the phone back to Cain, I see Doc walking out with Autumn, and Cain turns to them both.

“No one comes upstairs, you answer the phone from me or Hayden, and no one else. Only call me if it's life or death, other than that don’t call.” Autumn gives him a nod and then gives him a kiss. That is my cue to walk away.

“You okay?” Miles asks, as we wait for Cain to join us.

“Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve shut down thinking about anything. I want to focus on getting Trixie back.” I hit the button for the lift to open.

I’m going to get my girl back and make that man regret fucking with me.

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