Loves Redemption by Kimberly Terry (best books to read for teens .TXT) 📕

concentration, centering his focus inward on the far away pinpoint of light that was becoming larger, as though it were coming from some far away distance.

As the light became brighter and larger, muted sounds began to filter into his

consciousness.

The sounds were at first full of static, as though he was trying to find a clear station on the dial of an old AM/FM radio. Nicolai’s breathing slowed down even more as he concentrated on his goal, and his hand stilled on the first hollow grave. His concentration became pure and focused, until the first audible sounds filtered into his mind …

“I asked you to stop laughing at me; you should have stopped laughing. I wanted to go

home but you wouldn’t let me, and now you’re the one who won’t be going home,” the soft high voice sounded out of breath.

There were harsh grunting sounds. “Lay off the donuts, big boy. You’re definitely a lot heavier than you look. Okay now let’s get to the fun part. Do you want to party? Yes, let’s have a party. Isn’t that what you asked me? ‘Don’t you wanna party, little girl?’ Sure I want to party.”

There were rustling sounds. “Now this won’t hurt a bit. Just be quiet and it will be over before you know it. If you relax, you might like it.” The soft voice took on a different cadence, uttering a low demented laugh before stopping. “There yes, just like that. See--doesn’t it feel good? Oh yes it feels really good.” Coarse sounds of satisfaction were uttered for long moments before they came to an abrupt halt.

“Hey where did ya go? I think ah musta fell asleep for a minute. Shit ahm sorry. I don’t usually do that. Did ya have to piss or something? Where the hell are you?” A different voice slurred, the words blending together.

“Oh damn it why didn’t she keep her drunk ass knocked out? What do I do now? What do

I do now? Damn!” The soft-pitched voice muttered the question to no one in particular.

“Hey who are you?” A rustling sound with a barely audible expletive indicated the

newcomer’s stumble. The closer the footsteps came, the more clearly the second feminine voice was.

“Oh hell no. I’m not into this freaky shit. No more threesomes for me thank ya very much.

Been there, done that, got a freakin’ badge. As a matter of fact this is it for me. No more johns.

I’m cleaning up my act. I promised my sister,” the woman mumbled.

“Unfortunately for you, sweetheart, it’s too late. You’ve interrupted something that was none of your business and I cannot allow you to leave here.”

“Oh my God. What are you doing?” Hasty footsteps were heard, and the muffled sounds

of two shots from a silenced weapon. An agonized whooshing sound indicated the connection between bullet and flesh.

The sound of heartfelt tears filled the air. “I’m so sorry, sister. I had to do it. You would have told and I couldn’t let that happen. I’ve only begun. I have a lot more work to do. If you told then all of my fun would be over. I’m not ready for my fun to be over.” There was a brief pause.

“Oh what’s this? I remember these necklaces. Someone out there shares your heart, huh?

Isn’t that sweet? Who has the other piece, little sister?” A snapping noise indicated the break of a chain. “Well now. I don’t think you’ll miss this. Why don’t I keep it for you--hmm? It’s time to hide you both away now. It’s getting late and I have an early day tomorrow.”

The once sad voice sounded happy and normal, virtually upbeat, as though the anger,

sadness, and heart-wrenching tears had never transpired.

Humming lightly, the only other sound was of a shovel steadily digging up dirt, the sound becoming more and more distant until if faded away completely…

Nicolai’s heart began to beat at a faster pace. His heart reached its normal speed, and he

lifted his chin from where it rested on his chest, rotating his head from side to side. He opened his eyes, and as they came into focus, he clenched them closed tight and grabbed both sides of his head in anguish.

The predictable pain hit strong and true, not giving him a chance to prepare. He blindly

reached inside his jacket pocket and located the small bottle of pills, only to have it fall from his limp hands.

Before he could feel around for them, the cap was opened, and the pills were shaken out

into his palm.

* * * *

Mark had completed his phone calls and had made follow up calls before looking at the

clock on the dashboard. Thinking the agent had been given enough time to do whatever it was he was doing, he’d headed back to the scene.

When he had first caught site of Agent Montgomery, he’d thought the man had fallen

down. As he rushed over, he noticed he was kneeling with his head low on his chest, eyes closed.

On closer inspection, he noticed his eyes were moving rapidly back and forth behind closed lids, as though he were sleeping.

Not sure what to do, Mark stood indecisively observing him, as Nicolai’s eyes opened.

His eyes looked strange and out of focus, giving them an opaque appearance Mark had

never seen on anyone. He watched as the agent clenched them shut and clutched his head.

When Mark saw him reach inside his jacket to pull out the small bottle, he went to his

side in time to catch them. After opening the cap, Mark reached down to open the agent’s palm