CHAPTER EIGHT
When the night of the party arrives, I wear my collar with a sense of pride as we step into the Gillett manner. The eyes upon our every move are disconcerting, but I take comfort in Justin’s firm grip on my leash. He had assured me that I need pay no mind to the wandering eyes of the rest of the party goers. We simply had to get another night in the bag, then we were free to escape per our plan. To make ourselves less suspicious looking, we mingle with some of the other members of the family while waiting for dinner to be served. I expect to be fearful, but instead I’m comforted by the presence of the man at my side. The guards consider me salaciously, and I know what’s going through their minds. I only have to internally reassure myself that Justin would never allow them to have me. We’ve come too far to turn back now. We meander throughout the mansion, settling at a table that’s marked reserved for the two of us. Waiters circle the area, providing a never ending supply of champagne. Justin accepts a glass, but does not drink from it. It’s obvious he plans to keep his sense about him for the night, and won’t let the drink muddle his mind. I reach under the table and squeeze his hand. He glances to me from the corner of his eye, before offering me a secret little smile.
Dinner is served soon after, and we’re both greeted with massive plates of filet mignon and lobster tail. It seems the Don has truly gone all out for this event, though I have no idea what he’s celebrating. I consider my food bleakly, wondering how likely it is that it could be poisoned. It looks delicious, but I’m not going to risk our entire plan for a greedy little meal. Justin and I will have plenty of time for fine dining once we’re out of the country. We had agreed on finding a small place in Europe, just off the ocean shores. Though I’m beginning to feel increasingly nervous about the stares that fall upon us-- just because of the sheer number of them, I simply allow my mind to drift away. Perhaps Italy would be a nice fit for the two of us.
I look up, spotting Don Avery just a table away from us. He seems absorbed in spirited chatter with one of the waiters, having his fair share of the bubbly. I snort, averting my eyes from the disgusting troll of a man. I’m forced to return my gaze to him however, when he stands and clinks a fork against his glass.
“If I could have everyone’s attention! I have a little speech prepared for this special occasion.” He calls out, and Justin tenses. He has just as much knowledge about our reason for being here as I do, and though I know it can’t be good, I also know that Justin will not allow any harm to befall me. I shift to watch Don Avery more closely as he sways from side to side, obviously inebriated. “I would like to begin by thanking all of you for being here. I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve gathered you here, and the reason is actually very simple. We’re here to honor our boy, Justin Tanner, for his part in destroying the Walsh family.” The Don announces, and Justin meets my gaze. Though I’m unsure how they plan to honor him, it sounds rather innocuous. I allow myself to hope that the Don will simply allow Justin to keep me as his own prize. My hopes are quickly dashed, however. “I also want to thank Justin for bringing Jodie Walsh to be with us here tonight. He’s been having a good time with her, hey, check out those hickies!” The inebriated man cheers. I redden, lowering my head as I feel what must be hundreds of eyes upon me. “But more than anything, I’m sure we’re all ready for the main event. Since Justin has finally returned Miss Walsh to the heart of the family, everyone here tonight will have a turn to enjoy her company. Just like our boy Justin has been doing. Three cheers for Justin, alright!” He announces with finality. The cheers that echo throughout the estate are deafening, and Justin immediately leaps to his feet to protest.
“You can’t touch her. I won’t allow it!” Justin barks out, and I resist the desire to reach out to him. Our plan is going downhill fast, and Don Avery considers us with a smug little smile.
“Ah, ah, ah. Justin, don’t be a greedy fella, that’s not very nice. You remember what was promised. You had first go at her, and then the rest of the family gets a go. She belongs to all of us. Now, come on. Hand her over. Unless you have further protests…?” The Don sneers, and some of the men begin to gather nearer to us. Justin hesitates, and it’s obvious he has little choice but to give me up, or die trying to keep me. He offers me an apologetic look, and I try to smile reassuringly, parting my lips to speak. Before I can, however, Justin turns the table up and whips out his gun. He fires several shots into the crowd gathered around us. Disbelieving screams echo through the crowd, and he takes my hand as we dart through through the estate, avoiding gunfire. A bullet tears through Justin’s firing arm, and he cries out in pain, dropping his weapon. He lurches to the ground to grab it, but all at once we’re surrounded once again. I latch onto his side, staying as near to him as possible. I know that this is the end, that there’s no escape for either of us now. Justin clutches his gun with his off hand, but he’s visibly shaken by the shot he’s taken. Don Avery approaches us through the crowd, tutting as he stands before us. He levels a disappointed look at Justin, who remains tense and silent,
“You’re not taking her.” Justin says defiantly, even as what must be a dozen guns are pointed at him.
“Oh, really? Accept it, Justin, this is the end of the line. You can’t stop me from taking her. You owe everything to me. You owe your life to me. You may have crossed a line, but I’m willing to offer you forgiveness. Just hand her over. You know you can’t kill me.” Don Avery announces grandly. Justin hesitates, and the Don smiles victoriously, his eyes roving over my body. Everyone lowers their guns, and Justin begins to lower his as well.
For all of one second.
“Try me!” Justin shouts, raising the gun and fearlessly firing a single bullet between the Don’s eyes. The Don’s brain splatters on the wall behind him, and he slumps lifelessly to the ground. The crowd watches wordlessly, mouths hanging agape in sheer disbelief. Justin grabs me by the arm before anyone has a chance to come to their senses, and we bolt out of there as quickly as our feet will take us. We leap into the car, and he reaches across the center console to grip my hand as we speed away. I look into the rearview mirror, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon me.
“But… your family…” I mutter in shock.
“You’re my family now, Jodie.” He replies. As we speed towards the airport, and towards our new lives, there is no question in my heart. I belong to him, and he belongs to me. We belong together. Forever.