***Back at the attic where Hanson and Nicholas were, they were in a great dilemma because they were not sure of what was happening outside. Della had told them that she was going to come for them when she got the better of Grady but so far all they could hear were groans and the voices were no longer as clear as they used to be.“Hey, Hanson, that’s it for me. I can't stay in this hell anymore. Maybe you will like to stay here some more but I think I will leave on my own if you don't think it's the right time.”Nicholas’ posture was tense and rigid, his shoulders taut with impatient energy as he stooped over as if he was going to leave the attic covering.“Nick, No! Wait, just listen please,” Hanson pleaded, his voice shaking with tension. “You can't go out there right now. It's too dangerous for you.”“Staying here is what is dangerous,” Nicholas argued. “I can't keep on having this argument with you anymore.”Hanson’s voice was urgent and persuasive. He didn't want to compromise th

“Come on, let’s assume we are all in a class and you are the student who has an explanation to give, eh? Tell us the reason for your actions and let’s decide if you really deserve the punishment you are being given or perhaps we can suspend it if you can prove your innocence.”“We are all your guests. Myself, Della, Nicholas who you wanted to kill, and his brother. We are all listening to what you have to say. We are really interested in what you have to say.”Alan nudged his ears closer again, his smile a caustic curve of taunting. “Nothing? Don't you have anything to tell the class? Do I have to encourage you further?”Grady’s heart was burning with shame and humiliation but he maintained his silent defiance because it would be even more humiliating for him to beg Alan. Everything he did was what he would have done if he were given another chance so there was no need for regrets, he reasoned.He clutched his stomach in pain as he writhed on the ground while Alan seemed to be enjoyin

Della’s grip was like iron as she forced Grady’s head against the hard and unforgiving surface of the chair. Her face was a mask of unforgiving resolve as she spat on Grady’s bare face.Looking into his eyes, she spoke. “You know what? I am so interested in making you miserable. I am going to have so much fun with this.”Alan’s hands were steady and sure as he plunged the knife into the searing flames, his gaze fixed as he prepared the blade for the agonizing torture.Grady’s head struggled against Della’s tight grip as he tried to free himself even though his efforts were very futile. He groaned in pain even before Alan had used the knife on him.Alan made sure that the knife was very hot and when he brought out the knife the iron was already pure red from the impact of the flames.“Haha!” Alan exclaimed. “This is marvelous.”His words were aimed to mock and taunt Grady as his lips twisted into a merciless smile.Alan’s arm was steady and unwavering as he brought the knife close to

Grady was taken aback by the massive terror. He knew that Alan was going to do everything that he said and his willingness to resist crumbled. His legs trembled with a horrified shake of fear and his limbs were twitching as he saw the horror of his life approaching his eyes.With an instinctual need for survival, he spoke out in surrender. “I will talk, I will talk now.”Alan’s voice dripped with a mocking tone of derision. “Oh, haha, you are ready to talk now, aren't you? I thought your resolve was so strong that you are willing to lose your second eye to protect whoever your boss is.”Grady’s face burned with shame and embarrassment, his face downcast and shoulder slumped as he muttered quietly while Alan nudged his ear once more.“Your gold is with Mayor Carney, he’s the one I work for.”Alan’s mind spunned and adrenaline surged through his veins the moment he heard the information. He struggled to process the information that Grady was forced to reveal but of course, he knew who

Kobren swallowed even though he was upset with how everything was happening. “Alright officer. We are not some people from the opposition party planning to sabotage the Mayor’s chances at the elections. We have no business with the election. We are only suggesting that you should allow us to see your boss if you are interested in his peaceful state of mind before and during the elections.”The watchman’s darted his eyes back and forth before nudging his ears closer to Kobren and with his face contorted with a smug smile, he spoke. “You are quite the tough guy, eh? I was only messing with you guys. We do that around here sometimes especially when we are bored. I will go meet the mayor now and let him know that some persons from a certain Alan Unknown Greyson came to see him.”The watchman’s words seemed polite this time but his facial expressions showed that he was still taunting the messengers.He took a deep breath and whispered into the ears of his colleagues who were also watchmen,