Chapter 112: The Missing Part

Chapter 112: The Missing Part
The attack left the clubhouse in a state worse than anyone has ever seen. Those who were left handled the situation under the command of the leaders. The weight of betrayal was in the air. Men moved around as usual, occasionally trying to set up a few jokes but everyone knew that things would never be the same again after the incident. Some lost their brothers, some were stabbed in the backs by their closest friends, and some were left doubting if the person beside them was a friend or a foe.
Nelly was the busiest of all, refusing to rest or even eat until she had made sure that everyone was alright. No amount of persuading could move her. They worked tirelessly, not even realizing the sun set. Soon, the sun would rise again.
Nelly stood after finally finishing examining the last man. Suddenly, she saw the lights. Strength left her legs and she staggered a few steps backwards only to fall into someone. “Easy,” the familiar voice allowed her to relax.
She couldn’t fight the fatigue attack and the lightness of her head. “Jack,” she mumbled as she settled in his embrace, “I don’t think I can continue..”
“Rest,” he whispered, “good job for today.” Just like that, she was out like the lights.
Stacy rushed out of the room and almost bumped into them. Jack put a finger to his lips. “Shh.” Stacy nodded. Her eyes lingered on Nelly. “Take good care of her,” she told Jack. Jack looked like he wanted to say something but he saw something in her expression. “I will.”
Stacy left before he could say something else. She ran into Zalen at the common area. He looked as tired as the rest of the staggering humans she saw all over the place. “You’ve worked hard,” she said, “make sure to rest.” He responded with a nod.
“By the way, do you know what happened to the man that shot Chad?”
“Last I heard, Hank brought him to the dungeon,” Zalen nodded at the direction of the entrance. “Well, thanks!” She disappeared as quickly as she appeared.
Standing at the entrance, she looked into the darkness. She had no recollection of the place but it sure looked like a place nobody would want to go.
Slowly, she descended the stairs. Her footsteps echoed in the space as she went further. The place was dark and cold, sending chills down her spine. However, her face remained expressionless as she marched on.
“Again,” as she neared, she heard Hank’s commanding voice, soft but firm. There was the sound of water splashing followed by a moment of silence except for some rustling sound. “Just..” a weak voice sounded, “kill me.”
She appeared from the shadows, alerting them of her presence. Hank was leaning against a table with his sleeves rolled up and his arms folded in front of him. He looked at least ten years younger when he was finally in action. Two men were by his sides. One of them was holding a bucket. George was tied up to a post, looking only half alive. His body was soaked and the ground around him was wet.
“I still can’t get used to seeing you like this,” she smirked at Hank as she approached casually, as if he wasn’t holding a bloody wrench in his hand. “Well, you are the one who made me do this,” he placed the tool on the table as she approached. “You should get out of your cave and move a bit. Otherwise, those old bones might lose their ability soon.” She observed the items on the table with interest.
“Just sit back and watch,” he said, “don’t want to get your hands dirty.” She picked up a blade anyway. “My hands are already dirty, old man,” she said as she moved to lean against the wall at the back. “I’m here because I’m bored,” she said as she spun the blade casually, “just do your thing, don’t need to worry about me.”
Hank chuckled. “Suit yourself.” He was worried about how she would perceive the way he rolls, but looking at what she did back in Cecilia’s room, he realized that he had overthought. She might be more familiar with their ways than he dared to admit.
His expression hardened as he turned back to George. “Let me ask again,” he said, his low voice could send a chill down the spine of anyone listening.
“Just kill me already,” George managed in a weak voice, “I won’t tell you anything.”
Hank simply watched him quietly. His eyes intense, just like a predator watching a rabbit in a hole, waiting for it to come out. “You know me,” he said, “we can do this forever.” George stayed in his position. It’s doubtful if he had the energy to even raise a finger. “Don’t.. waste your time,” he said before coughing, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“Why?” Hank suddenly asked. “Why do you turn to Gus? What makes you so loyal to him? You won’t achieve anything but you go so far as to sacrifice your life. Why? I don’t understand.” The question hung in the air.
“You won’t understand,” George said. “What does he have on you?” Hank asked. George raised his head slowly and his eyes met Hank's.
He saw something flicker in his eyes. It was raw with hidden emotions. Suddenly, Stacy rushed forward and hit him on his neck. His eyes widened before his body went limp, hanging from the ropes holding him upright on the post.
Her action took everyone aback. Hank turned to her in surprise. He was about to ask her a question but she turned on her heels and marched out of the dungeon, leaving the men dumb-founded.
Something was wrong. She felt like there was important information they were missing. But she couldn’t point it out, causing her to feel nervous. She tried her best to act as normally as she could despite the anxiety creeping beneath the surface.
As she approached from the dungeon, she almost ran into someone. “Woah, where are you rushing to?” Chad held her in place.
She looked at him. His brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”
“What?” “Take a deep breath, Stacy.” “I am.”
He held her gaze. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds.
“What’s wrong?” He asked again, softer this time.
“I don’t know,” she said, “I think that I’m missing something. It’s really important but I can’t recall.” Her hands went to her head. Her head throbbed. “What is it?” What?” She started hitting the sides of her head.
“It’s okay, don’t have to think about it. Relax..” Chad caught her hands, trying to calm her down. “Calm down!” He held on to her hands. She still looked out of it, a little calmer nonetheless. She panted heavily while he held both her arms. Slowly, he pulled her into an embrace. “Relax. Don’t think about anything at all. Just rest. Everything will be fine. Shh.. you are safe,” he tried to soothe her as he held on to her rigid body.