Cullayne POV

There was this heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach that I could not shake. I was also keen on Kemar's apprehensive and it only intensified the unpleasantness that I could not shake and in the centre of it all stood our nemesis.

Why at the best time of my life darkness threatened to seep in? I wish I could clearly outline all the dangers that lurked in wait and put an end to it before they manifested but my ability to do so was nill.

I could not help myself from replaying the smirk that played on Bounty's lips as he told Kemar to enjoy his present.

What did he do? I did not have the answer yet but I knew it lay in wait for Kemar and the outcome was going to cause bitterness, anger and regret.

I could tell Kemar was troubled and I wished I could ease the worries that radiated from him like a beacon. I also did not want him to face on his own what lay in wait for him.

"Take us to Kemar's place before you take me home," I heard myself say and as we neared the place I might one day make my home I felt my heart speed in my chest.

There was that threatening feeling of darkness that was waiting to consume me. It was fighting to emerge and drown me in its depths and I fought hard not to faint. I knew what lay await for us was not going to be a pretty sight.

For a brief minute I imagined it to be Seana all mangled and the horrific image caused me to gag as bile rose to my mouth, its bitter taste prevented me from being overwhelmed by the nausea that beckoned me to the dark depths that offered me a momentary reprieve.

The sensor lights were already on and they highlighted the view of the yard before we pulled up a few minutes later. Before us parked haphazardly in front of the porch steps was a vehicle that from the looks of it was hastily left there.

'Yow why Dekie lef e car yasso," I heard Kemar say his disapproval evident both in his voice and the scowl on his face. "See dah cocoa head bwoy, deh man"

"Something nuh look right at all," I heard the driver say before he parked as he could not go any further into the yard.

I watched as if in a trance as both men got out of the car and made for the one before us. I wanted to speak but my speech was lost to the fear that also paralysed me.

Was Seana inside? Was Bounty playing the Joker and trumping cards for me instead of Kemar? I had called him out by reading him up in front of strangers dismissing his authority and undermining his power by delving into the darkest most inner part of him and laying him bare.

Did he leave a warning for me?

I swallowed and pulled myself together and on feet of rubber I followed the figures who were now standing by the vehicle.

I was near enough to see what had Kemar and the man beside him standing in complete silence as their eyes devoured the dismal sight before them.

"Oh God Dekie a wah mi duh?!" I heard Kemar groaned bitterly. I felt the pain and anguish that course through Kemar as it was me.

I blinked trying to convince myself I was not creating some phantom image because I was not ready to face what had befallen us but it was real, no matter what mind games I tried to play what I was staring at was real.

How sad to say I was relieved it was not her body laying haphazardly in the passenger seat unconscious, broken, mangled and bloodied yet I could not help it as I wanted to think there was still a chance Seana was alive and somewhere in hiding.

The blooded unconscious figure was not my cousin and I felt relief filled me only to be replaced by guilt. I was holding on to the hope that I knew deep down was a waste of time because, from the scene before me, it was clear that Bounty was a heartless monster devoid of any mercy.

After all, she had helped to manifest this set of troubles that now caused rival gangs to want blood and heads to roll.

I walked further to the car and clutched Kemar as I realised that war was at hand and the man I love was smacked and dabbed in the middle of it. The thought that I could lose him too filled me with a dread I never knew I could ever feel.

Heavenly Father let it not be your will to cause me loss and suffering. I need you to send your angels to encamp roundabout Kemar and all the people he holds dear.

My prayer was one of desperation and I was hoping it would give me peace but all I felt was dread.

If I was truly a reader woman why was I unable to read Bounty tonight and save Kemar this pain? I would never be like my mother I was a selfish coward who only did what was safe and beneficial to me.

I sobbed as I clung to Kemar as I was overcome with self-pity and the pain of my shortcomings.

I was wrapped in Kemar's arms in an instant, I could feel his tensed muscles and the way he trembled from holding his emotions in. I held onto him wishing I could have changed the outcome but I was worthless. There was nothing I could do.

Who was I to fulfil God's purpose and continue my mother's legacy? If I was like this how could I lead God's flock and genre disciples for him as we tear down the enemy's stronghold?

Who am I really? Was I truly the Read~er Woman, the Legacy? Would my selfishness and cowardice subside and I become the selfless warrior to defeat the enemy's purpose to rob kill and destroy the youths and men of Whitemarl that were being devoured by gang war and violence?

So many questions that I was not ready to seek the answers to so I found myself begging Kemar
between bitter sobs as tears burned my cheeks to call his father and not take matters into his hands.

"Don't do anything rash baby, please. Call yuh father and let them handle this."

"Laynie guh wid---"

"Noooo! I am not leaving you." I screamed cutting him off. "This is a clear warning" I bellowed pointing to the figure in front of us, "Come home with me and let the police handle this."

"Babe just go," he said pushing me away gently. "I need to get Dekie to the hospital and you out of harm's way."

I shook my head knowing he was being rational but I was too scared to agree.

"As you said this is a warning and I read it loud and clear. Bounty has mek his point and I will be damned if mi mek him hurt anybody else mi love an care bout!"

"Baabbyyy please..."

"Laynie enuff...!"

His voice broke no argument so I walked to the car knowing I best did as he said. As I got inside I watched as he pulled his phone from his pocket and made it to the driver's side.

As we drove away I felt more loss than ever. I felt like at the time I needed God the most it was that time He was far away.

What was I supposed to do? What was it that God required of me?

I reach for my purse pull my phone out and swipe the screen only to see that I had numerous missed calls from my mother and messages too, as I was about to check them the phone lit up indicating that a call was coming in.

"Mum," I answered my voice trembling as I tried to suppress my emotions.

"Your father and I are coming home."

That was the best thing I heard since our encounter with Bounty I thought as tears of relief well in my eyes.

After that brief conversation, I settled down to check the calls and scroll through the messages and to my delight there in my chat with with my father was a wallpaper giving me all that I required.

You got this. God Got This!!! ❤