Chapter 132 Western’s Last Stand
DAVID
“If that’s the case, wait by the car. I’ll join you shortly,” I said, waving Janet and Elowen toward the door. Their hesitant footsteps faded down the hallway as I leaned back in my chair and exhaled deeply.
Picking up my phone, I dialed John, my head of security.
“I need you in my office. Now,” I said, my voice sharp.
“Yes, sir,” came his immediate reply.
Minutes later, a brisk knock echoed through the room.
“Come in,” I called, standing as the door opened to reveal John. He stepped inside and gave a small bow, his expression calm but alert.
“I need fifteen of our best men,” I said, walking toward him. “Make sure they’re trained to handle weapons. Bring the finest gear we’ve got bulletproof vests, high-grade firearms, everything. And prepare four bulletproof cars. We’re moving out soon.”
John nodded, his posture rigid. “Anything else, sir?”
“Yes,” I said, my tone grim. “This mission isn’t a negotiation. If anyone gets in our way, take them down.”
“Understood,” he said, and with that, I dismissed him.
Turning back to my desk, my gaze fell on the drawer that held the gun I hadn’t touched in years. My fingers hesitated on the handle, memories of the last time I’d used it flashing before me the blood, the chaos, the body of the assassin Western had sent after me. I’d promised myself that night I’d never hold a weapon again. Yet here I was, breaking that promise.
The weight of the gun felt heavier than I remembered as I slipped it into my jacket. This time, the stakes were too high to rely on anyone else.
Outside, the air was thick with tension as I stepped onto the driveway. My guards stood in formation, their weapons gleaming under the dim evening light. Each man wore a bulletproof vest, their expressions hard and determined.
“Let’s go,” I said, my voice slicing through the silence.
The convoy moved like a well-oiled machine, the hum of engines filling the air as we drove through the winding roads toward Stirchley. Hours passed in silence, the weight of what was to come settling over the team.
When we finally arrived, Elowen directed us to her father’s house. I parked the convoy a mile away, taking in the dilapidated neighborhood. The house stood at the end of a narrow, shadowed street, its crumbling facade blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Western had chosen his hideout well if it weren’t for Elowen’s information, we’d never have found him.
I stepped out of the car, turning to the guards. “Surround the house. No one gets out alive. If he runs, shoot him.”
Ten guards moved silently into position, their dark figures disappearing into the shadows. The remaining five stayed with me as I approached the house.
As we neared, raised voices broke the stillness.
“Don’t touch me! Don’t you dare touch me!” a woman’s voice screamed.
My jaw tightened as I recognized the voice Mrs. Williams.
“You’re my wife now,” Western snarled. “You can never leave. We’ll start our family here. If you won’t give yourself to me willingly, I’ll take what I want. I’ll rape you every night until you learn your place!”
The scream that followed was like a knife to my chest. My patience snapped. I kicked the door open, the force of the blow splintering the wood.
Western froze, his hands on Mrs. Williams, her torn blouse hanging from her shoulders. Her face was streaked with tears, her body trembling as she tried to push him away.
“You,” Western spat, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“Surprised to see me?” I asked, my voice calm but laced with menace.
I motioned to my guards. “Hold him down.”
Two of them rushed forward, slamming Western to the ground. He struggled, cursing, but they held him firm.
“How did you find me?” he demanded, his voice a mix of fury and panic.
I crouched down to meet his gaze. “Let’s just say you underestimated your daughter. She’s smarter than you gave her credit for.”
“That devil of a child,” he sneered. “After everything I did for her…”
“Save your excuses,” I cut him off, standing again. “Western, you’re done. You’ll spend the rest of your life in a cell, rotting away for all the lives you’ve destroyed. And before you get there,” I added, a smirk curling my lips, “you’ll be meeting someone in my basement. You two have some things to discuss.”
His eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about? Who’s waiting for me?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I said.
I turned to my guards. “Drag him out.”
As they hauled him to his feet, I turned my attention to Mrs. Williams. She sat on the floor, clutching the remains of her blouse to her chest, her sobs quiet but unrelenting. I slipped off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“I’m sorry we were late,” I said gently.
She managed a weak smile through her tears. “It’s not your fault. I should’ve known... I should’ve seen through him from the beginning. How’s Bella?”
“She’s safe,” I said, meeting her gaze. “And I think she’ll be happy knowing you’re safe too.”
Even in her battered state, her first thought was of her daughter. That, more than anything, told me how strong she was.