Chapter 46 – The End (Part II)

It is in human nature for people to act out. Some do this for justice, others for love, but those that do it for power are motivated by entirely selfish reasons. Emerson had set out to settle his debt with Christopher, a man who had chosen the latter. Unannounced to him, Duncan wasn’t far behind, seeking to uncover more about his mysterious lover. 

The lights dimmed, the drinks poured, the scene was set for one final confrontation. Avery was fueled by rage in her desire to confront Topher and question his motives. She wanted to face him not only for herself, but for her late brother.  As he strolled into the office, he commented, “Well isn’t this a bit of a mood setting.” He laughed.  He was delighted to see the amount of effort she had put into the meeting. 

“Hello Topher.” She said. Smiling and waving him over to the couch. This wasn’t her first time, she knew how to seduce a man in order to get what she wanted and at this point she wanted the truth. “Please sit, I got us a nice bottle of 15 year old scotch to celebrate.”

There was an art to her process. Liquor them up, settle them down,  then go for the jugular. “Cheers, here’s to an almost closed deal.” Sipping a bit of the liquid. “I am truly grateful for everything you have done for our family.” The man was about to take over her father’s company after all. She gestured for Topher to drink a more substantial gulp. 

He finished the better half of the glass’ contents before speaking. “Indeed, this is a celebration.” The excitement built in him, this deal would launch his career. “I am really glad you decided to sign the paperwork tonight.” 

Unbeknownst to her or her guest, Emerson had just arrived at the office and was patiently waiting for the proper moment to make his move. 

She walked toward the documents. “I must ask you something before we sign on the dotted line…” As she turned around she continued her question. “You killed my brother. Don’t you think that is something I should have known before signing my family’s company over to you?” The flame was ignited and she was ready to watch this baby burn. 

“What? Where did you hear that from?” He started to fidget on the couch. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His chest began to tighten, the blood rushing to his face. “Honestly, what motive would I have to do such a thing…”

“Emerson told me everything!” She interjected. “How you were there that night.  How you and Em played hand-in-hand to see that my father got everything he wanted.” She began to tear up. 

“Oh did he now. Well that’s a shame. He must have also told you he was the one your father hired to carry it out in the first place.” He tried to side step the accusation.

“How could you?!” Her scream would have made anyone frightened. “Why did you save me?” The world began to get a bit fuzzy. The explosive cascade of truths was like trauma to her. Breathing got harder before she exasperated, “You saved me, yet not my brother, nor my father! You’ve put me through so much pain and anxiety. You are a murderer!” Avery began to step towards Topher and stopped. 

“Listen, Avery, I did what I thought was right at the time. I never thought I’d connect with you in other ways down the road.” The walls were closing in around him. Topher quickly changed tactics, trying to save himself. “Ultimately I was doing what was in your best interest.” 

“My interests?!” She was trying to gather words that would make him feel pain. “What about killing James served my interest?!  The only interests served were yours and my fathers! A selfish gain for power!” 

The moment was tense as she came face to face with her brother’s killer. “Your brother was trying to ruin your father. It would have ruined you in turn. You should be thankful I stepped in when I did.” 

“Don’t tell me how to feel!” She was enraged. 

“Avery, don’t take this out on me.” He hesitated as the words came out. “Like I said, I wanted the best for you. I saved you from your father. From Emerson.” He looked directly into her eyes as he said the next statement. “I am CX.”

“Emerson? The hit list? Your CX?” She said it all softly.

“Yes, I am. And yes, from Em. He was your father’s hired hand to carry out the list.” He said it with authority. “Don’t think for a second that he’d have spared your life. Didn’t you ever wonder how many others on the list are still alive? Only one, that’s you.”

“Liar!” Avery, in her state of shock and anger, lunged at Topher. The two fell against the couch. Realizing then, that Avery was struggling, Emerson dashed into the office. He wrestled Topher off of Avery before knocking him unconscious.

“What are you doing here?” Avery was flabbergasted to see him. “Is it true? Was it you behind the list?” 

“Yes it was me. I did many things on account of your father’s wishes.” The veil began to rise on Emerson. “I did what was asked of me. The only reason I didn’t kill you was because things got complicated.”

She was at a loss for words and confused by his admission. All she could muster was, “Complicated how?” 

With a heavy sign, Emerson continued to expand on the statement. “It started with killing James. Your father used that knowledge to leverage me into doing more of his dirty work, in exchange for his silence. Eight names on a list, including yours and your cousin’s, Elijah. Kill 8 more in exchange for forgiveness of his son’s death and my freedom.”

A voice came quietly from the entrance to the office. “You killed Elijah?” 

Avery & Emerson turned to find Duncan standing in the shadow of the doorway. “It’s as if I don’t know you at all.”

The two walked towards each other. Meeting in the middle of the room. Tears had become normal at this point.

“Duncan, I never meant you to find out this way. I was going to tell you.” He winced at his own admission, even as he tried to console his lover. He reached out to embrace Duncan, but a voice stopped him in his tracks.  

“Well if I can’t have what I want, I don’t see why Em should either.  What do you think Duncan?” Topher had woken from his torpor, staggering to his feet. He looked at Emerson and smiled maliciously even as he pointed the gun at Duncan. “Better luck next time.”

Those next few seconds were crucial. There was no doubt in Emerson’s mind, he had to do the only thing he could to save his love. He dove in between the two men.

Furious that Emerson had stepped in his way Topher once again directed the gun at Duncan. Before he could pull the trigger, Avery leaped from behind the couch and knocked him unconscious, again. The saga was over.

A few weeks later…

On the outskirts of the city, a man stood quietly at a gate with his head hung low. His black suit soaked up the subtle rain the skies wept. In his hand was a single white rose. It was a rose for a lost love. 

Duncan quietly made his way to the simple plot where Emerson had been buried.  He gently placed the flower atop the grave, standing solemnly for a moment, before turning to take his leave. It was the least he could do for the man that had saved his life.