Duskwood Legends [English Version]

Singolar Tenzone.

*⚠️WARNING⚠️*

This chapter contains scenes and explicit language, not suitable for a more sensitive audience of readers.

In the same moment that I turn around, to find out who is the person that has just come in, I notice a quick movement executed by someone a few steps away from me. I almost have a heart attack when I realize that it's Richy; he has his gun aimed at us again, with a serious expression etched on his face.

Before the newcomer enters into our visual, he speaks to us in a barely audible whisper. "I'll pretend to still be on their side. Distract him for as long as possible and try to create a diversion." He directs a pleading glance at us, adding: "Trust me, I won't let them hurt you, for any reason in the world." Then he starts to move a few steps diagonally, walking away from us and heading toward the enemy. His revolver is always raised in the air, and his eyes do not lose sight of us for a single second. He unexpectedly raises his voice, almost shouting his next words. "Oh, you're finally here! It took you long enough, huh? I couldn't hold them in any longer..."

His Oscar-worthy acting has once again taken control of him.

I move my gaze toward the figure Richy just addressed. I watch as he walks in our direction, slowly, as if studying us one by one. Suddenly, a laugh that instantly chills the blood in my veins cleaves the air, spreading through the entire barn area. It's a laugh that I learned to know full well, but one that will never cease to cause me deep fear every time I hear it. He uncovers his face, removing the hood and scarf that until now concealed his identity.

Michael is standing in front of us, his usual repulsive smile etched on his lips. He stops a little more than ten feet away, keeping his legs slightly apart and pointed firmly at the ground, but ready to snap in a thousandth of a second. He begins to clap slowly, emphasizing each beat of his palms with a wide gesture of his arms; each blow echoes loudly throughout the room, like macabre chimes marking our hour.

How is it possible that we didn't notice Hanson's movements earlier? Dan and Poke were also monitoring the tracking!

But wait - They mentioned a red pickup truck, didn't they? That's not the car he used to come to the Aurora, to which Jake applied the GPS tracker!

Dammit.

His clapping slowly fades but, without ever removing that wicked grin from his face, he turns to us: "You did well, I must compliment you." He shows us a surprised expression, as if he is really impressed to find us here in his hiding place. "I knew that something was happening, but I didn't expect you to arrive at this place so soon. You had perfect timing..." He sighs briefly, stuffing his hands in his pockets. " It's a pity for you that I'm always one step ahead." He laughs again, finishing his words with: "You're just fools, a useless bunch of kids who play at being detectives."

"Go fuck yourself, Hanson!" A shout from the rear of the group bursts violently; it is Thomas who, in a moment of courage, takes a long step forward, bringing himself to the front row. He is red in the face, wild with rage as he continues to rail against him.

"Ahaha that's so bold, Mr. Miller!" Michael bursts out laughing for a few seconds; it's a posturing and out-of-control laughter, only to sneer at him. He immediately turns serious again, drawing his gun from his pocket in one move. He immediately points it toward him, in a careless gesture, as if to pose as a superior. He holds it up with one hand, elbow flexed but still inches from his side. "I feel sorry for you but this time I have a gun with me, and not my usual axe, so you better not mess around anymore." He grits his teeth, showing us a grimace. "You know, the stakes are really high this time, you won't be able to get away from here. There's so much on the line, I won't make the same mistakes again." Emphasizing the movement of his index finger, to make it clear and visible to us, he disengages the safety of the semi automatic. "If you want to get out of here alive, you'll have to go over my dead body first."