Page 75 of Retribution
Slinking over towards the cemetery fence, I take one last look around before hopping the fence, then turn to help Rebecca over. We stay perfectly silent, our muffled breaths the only noise as we work our way towards where I was able to pinpoint the grave.
When we locate the freshly turned earth, Rebecca falls to her knees, one hand clasped tightly over her mouth to stifle the sobs while the other clenches in the soil. As if she could dig her way down and join Rachel in her cold sleep.
“Hi baby,” I hear her whisper as I scan the area, bringing my gun out just in case.
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you from them. That I couldn’t protect you from their evil.” A quiet sob rips from her and she drags in a shaky breath. “I miss you, Rachel, every day. Mommy loves you so, so much.”
Rebecca stays still for a moment, then pulls herself to her feet, brushing the soil from her pants and the tears from her eyes. Just as she takes a step away from the grave, two shots ring out in quick succession. One kicks the gun from my hand, the other knocking me backward with a forceful punch, landing me on my back, staring up at the pregnant moon.
For a moment, just a brief moment, I feel nothing. I try to pull myself into a sitting position, but the effort is too much, and a groan works its way out of my chest.
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry
And then the pain begins, tearing through me, stealing my breath. My hand raises to my chest, the moonlight providing enough light to see it stained red.
for having offended Thee
“Trey!” Rebecca screams, her voice echoing through the night. Turning my head towards her, another shot rings out, landing on the ground between us, causing Rebecca to skid to a stop in her advancement towards me.
and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments
“Run!” I shout feebly to her through the coughs wracking my chest. Blood dribbles from my mouth, and I know I’m fucked. “Go, Rebecca! Please!”
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God
“No! I won’t leave you!” she cries back, coming towards me again. A blonde man runs out of the trees, his gun raised and a sinister smile stretching across his face.
Who art all-good and deserving of all my love
“I knew you’d come back. Looks like I’ve caught myself the Retribution Killer. Mr. Gianelli will be happy to see you.” He rushes towards Rebecca, grabbing her by the arm.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace
She spins around, punching him in the face, and he staggers back with a roar. “Bitch!” He rounds on her, slapping her hard, knocking her to her knees with a cry. “You’ve killed one too many of Mr. Gianelli’s men. I can’t wait for him to get his hands on you. You’ll be begging for death.”
Terror rushes through me at the sight of her on her knees, briefly eclipsing the pain.
to sin no more.
Rebecca spits in his face, and drawing her knife, stabs him in the thigh. He staggers, but doesn’t go down, and points his gun at me. “Come along nicely, and I’ll let this man live. Keep trying to fight me, and I’ll put a bullet between his eyes. Your choice.”
Our Father, who art in Heaven
Rebecca glances at me, worry and fear etched across her face. I shake my head at her.Don’t you save me,I tell her with my eyes.Live. Survive.
hallowed be Thy name
Her eyes fill with tears, and she mouths back,I love you.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
The cool autumn breeze tenderly strokes my face with its cool fingers, death’s icy grip chilling me to my core.I love you too. Always.
on earth, as it is in Heaven
The man goes to grab Rebecca’s arm, but a shot from the north rings out, and his head explodes in a cloud of pink mist.
give us this day our daily bread
