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Saturday, April 20, 2024
Old Stone

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Content Warning: Violence, death, coarse language

 

Welcome to my home away from home. The Off-White House, the place I spend the majority of my time. It is a short cab ride from my brownstone. I could hire a limousine but that seems a tad pretentious to me.
 
Within these hallowed halls, secrets lie. Do not let the marble facade and heavy brocade curtains fool you. For in this place lie rooms unknown to most with staff who are only too willing to carry out their furtive tasks.
 
Usually, such clandestine affairs are for the safety of the people and not for personal use. It is my conclusion that removing the shooter from society is also protecting the public.
There is no other choice.

Jedrek made quick work of eliminating and disposing of our shooter. Now, he made it known the person who’d hired the gunman was sitting in a secret interrogation room.
 
As I stood in the courtyard, I thought about my brother. He’d never wanted anything else except to be a dancer. Ballet was his life and he was beautiful and powerful to watch.
 
Because of the actions of one person, that was all gone now. Holden would never dance again. He might never walk or find happiness the way he was now.
 
His wife Ellie and I tried to distract him from his circumstances yet we were of no help. Instead of engaging with his wife and child, he stared for hours at nothing at all.
 
I did what I could to keep my greatest fear at bay. Ellie was another story, though. She fretted Holden’s mind would never be the same. His constant daydreaming did nothing to boost her confidence.

It would be up to me to speak to him about this but somehow, it did not seem he was ready. This left me with many misgivings as he seemed indifferent to the world around him. Even worse, what if it pushed him further away from us into the abyss? I could not have that.
 
Sighing, I took a few uncertain steps toward the building. If I could not plead with Holden to return to us, I could at least deal with the perpetrator of this tragedy.
 
And deal with him, I would.

“Ah, there you are. I’ve been trying to reach you all evening,” Jedrek said as I joined him in a little-used hallway.
 
“I was at a dinner meeting. Tell me everything.”
 
At once, he pulled up several photos on his phone, showing them to me one by one. For a moment, I clutched my stomach as it held me in a vice grip of pain.
 
“What’s wrong?”
 
After taking a few deep breaths, I said, “My stomach seems to be in distress in finally meeting this monster.”
 
“Oh, you have the jitters. Don’t worry, Ms. Sprague, I’ll be there the entire time.”
 
I smirked a little to myself as he elaborated on what I said. He was wrong, of course. I was not nervous to meet the monster, rather I was anxious to get started.
 
Mr. Jedrek Brimm assumed many things, one of them being that he understood me. He could not have been more misguided.

Jedrek’s mouth twisted into an ugly grin as he pointed at the screen. “Here’s a good one. Look at that face! She had no clue my man was there getting pictures.”
 
He had no idea, but he spat when he spoke, tiny strings of white sputum landing everywhere. It was like dealing with a large, slobbery dog.
 
I side-stepped in an attempt to avoid the gruesome spittle flying about and smirked. I’d noticed Debra gagging and turning her back whenever he was near which was hilarious to me. Some people had such weak stomachs.
 
Despite Jedrek’s shortcomings, he was a good man to have on my side, make no mistake about it. For now, was my reward for trusting him to get the job done.

Appearances could be deceiving. Here before me was a thin, pale girl with outrageous black hair. Her eyebrows remained blonde, and the hue had a strange greenness about it that was unnatural. It was obvious she had dyed it and I supposed it was an attempt at disguising her features. She could not hide from Jedrek’s reach, although she did not realize that at the time.
 
She regarded me with greenish-blue eyes, the rims swollen and red, a scowl on her face as I entered the room. It was difficult not to pull her immediately from the chair she was sitting in and knock her to the floor. Likewise, it took a great deal of strength not to tear off her head and spit down her neck.
 
But I managed to stay calm and without an identifiable expression as I loomed over her. “Isabella Dean,” was all I said in slow, measured words.

The harsh fluorescent lighting made her features appear harsher than they were. She sniffed and the scowl remained where it was as she looked up at me.
 
“I prefer Ella.”
 
I nodded acquiescence even though I could hear the blood rushing through my head. Calling upon all my willpower, I stilled my shaking hands. With a few more silent, deep breaths, I also managed to produce a benevolent smile. “Goodness, Mr. Brimm. It is freezing in here. I hope you have not been too unkind to our guest.”
 
“Sorry, Ms., the thermostat broke again.”
 
Ella looked from one of us to the other in an attempt to determine if we were putting on some kind of charade. Her uncertainty – the sheer belief she still had she would get out of this unharmed – caused me to smile wider.
“Yes, I have seen photos of you dancing, quite lovely.” I paused for dramatic effect then said, “So, you know Holden Sprague.”
 
“We were dance partners for a very short time. I didn’t know him on a personal level at all.”
 
“Oh, Mr. Brimm, we must be mistaken.”
 
Leering at the girl, he said, “There is no mistake.”
 
“You see,” I said, “in Mr. Brimm’s profession, there is no room for inaccuracy. So, if he tells me something about you, I know it is true.” A single tear rolled out of the corner of one eye and down her cheek, her bottom lip trembling even more. Leaning closer to her, my voice became very low and no-nonsense. The game was over. “You hired Gunner Housen to shoot and kill Holden Sprague, did you not?”
 
Her face became a mask of terror, her eyes pleading for mercy as she began to cry. “I – I didn’t want him dead. I only wanted him to pay for ruining my life! Please, you have to believe me!”
 
It took all my strength not to dash her brains against the wall. My hands worked themselves into fists and more deep breathing was necessary. “If his intention was not to kill then why did he shoot the man in the head?”
 
“He wasn’t supposed to shoot him in the head! I told him to go for his leg and he assured me he could do it!”
 
Jedrek must have realized how murderous I was feeling because he stepped in. “Who did you think Gunner Housen was, lady?”
 
“I don’t know anything about him except he answered my ad and he was the only one I could afford! You have no idea how many years it took me to save the money! The sacrifices I made! You don’t understand anything! Dancing was everything to me! When Holden told those lies to our dance mistress, I got fired! But not only fired! I’m blacklisted! I can’t get a job with any company because they all know what Holden said!”
 
My face must have been the deepest shade of red because it was burning and the pulse in my temple was pounding. “You raped him!”
 
Her jaw dropped and she shook her head. “No, that’s not what happened. I was playing around. He took some painkillers and didn’t even know it. Then, when I told him later that we had a good time and I wanted more, he rejected me! He rejected me!”

 

I was certain I was about to lose my mind when I heard her ridiculous rant. “He rejected you because you raped him. I need to hear you say that. Go.”
 
“You’re crazy! What I did was not rape!”
 
“Mr. Brimm, leave the room.”

“Hm? Sure,” he said as he made a casual display of brushing dust off his suit.
 
I waited until he was gone, then turned to my little prisoner.

As I motioned for her to stand, I said, “You must need to stretch your legs by now.”
 
This caught her off guard but she stood, gazing at me without a word.

“What are you going to do to me?” she asked after a long silence passed between us.
 
“Say it and then you will find out.”
 
“No.” Her chin jutted out as if she thought she could defy me.
 
Grabbing her chin between my finger and thumb, I pulled her toward me causing her to stumble. “Do not say it then. I know what you are regardless. It cannot save you either way.” Without letting go of her, I jerked her toward me again.
 
She pinched her eyes closed and tears sprang from them as she pitched forward again with my movement.
 
“You do not seem to understand your situation.”
 
“W-what is it you want to know?” she sobbed.
 
“So, you have interpreted the only way this can go.” My face was inches from hers, my hot breath hitting her face as I hissed through clenched teeth, “Why? Why did you do it? Was it only because you could not dance again?”
 
Her shoulders heaved forward as she gasped and sniveled. “It was because I was the best! No one could compete with what I could do! It was the humiliation of not being able to find a job with a ballet company! He rejected me and told people! Then, he turned around and married a different blonde with a similar name! I couldn’t take it, not when he belongs to me!”

Everything she said seemed like such senseless reasons to want someone dead. To want my brother – my twin – dead. All at once, my vision went completely red. I could feel my hands clenching into fists again as the rage bubbled up through my entire body. In a few short moments, my agitation had encased me in a maddened fury I’d never experienced before.

I did not feel in complete control as I stretched my arms in front of me, my rage lifting her from the floor. Her mouth hung open in an astonished “oh” as her body rose several feet in the air.

As I raised my arms further, her body also rose, turning so it was parallel with the floor.

She only hovered there for a few seconds yet it was enough time for her to plead for her life. My anger was not assuaged, though.
 
All at once, I brought my arms down with force and her body slammed against the concrete floor. I had not dashed her brains out as I’d imagined only a short while ago. But she was quite dead, regardless.

“What did you do?” Jedrek asked as he entered the room.
 
I was still standing in the same place, gazing down at my ghoulish work.

“She appears rather ghastly.”
 
“Ms. Sprague, she looks scared shitless.”
 
“So she does.”
 
For several minutes, I could not take my eyes away from her. Many bones had broken throughout her body, her neck twisted in an unnatural way. Her gnarled mouth caused a small smile to curve my lips upward. No one would ever think this grotesque creature was worth looking at again.

I felt a tingling down my spine and turned around to see Ella Dean’s ghost. It was not facing me, but rather the wall, so I could not see if her mouth was still disfigured. I could only hope.
 
Jedrek stood beside me now, I could feel his arm brush against mine as he turned. When our eyes met, I knew then he could not see the apparition standing not four feet in front of him.
 
How was it people did not notice when they were so close?

“Are you going to tell your brother?”
 
That was an excellent question. If I told Holden about this, would he be happy? Would it snap him back to reality to know he and his family were no longer in danger?
 
I knew him better than that, of course.
 
“No. Although this is on his behalf, it would horrify him. He has a tender heart, you see. All he will need to know is that Ella will not bother him again. He will not ask for details and I will not volunteer them.”
 
“Good enough.”
 
“Thank you, Jedrek.”
 
“My pleasure, Ms. Sprague. You’d better get back upstairs. I’ll get my clean up team in here.”

I felt strange as I returned to the great hall, as if my feet were inches above the floor. What feeling was it that engulfed me, sinking in my stomach like a brick?
 
Guilt? No, definitely not. Ella Dean deserved it all and more.
 
Sadness? No. Of course not.
 
With each step, I considered a new emotion, still unable to put my finger on it. Pretending to view a painting, I considered this further. I was not happy either.
 
Relief. I felt relieved that it was over. Also, a smattering of shock. Not since dealing with a monster in our house as a child had I felt a power within me like the one that overtook me tonight. Ella was a monster, too, I reasoned.
 
“Rosetta Darling,” I heard Grayson calling.

“Good evening,” I said as I plastered a smile on my face.
 
“When I went to your office and you weren’t there, I thought you went home for the night.”
 
“Uh, no, I had a dinner meeting.”
 
“Ah, I see.” His green eyes twinkled at me as he took my hands in his.
 
“We are in a public place of business,” I reminded him.

“This is true,” he said, drawing me close, his lips finding mine.
 
We were in the great hall where anyone could observe us. Kisses were not my favorite thing. Yet being in his arms, in that moment, was what I needed.

Author’s Note: This wraps up the “who shot Holden” part of the story. I hope you found the answers satisfying!

As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,

 

Kymber Hawke
Kymber Hawkehttps://booomcha.com/
I am a simmer, Rennie garb wearer, author, and dog petter. Judy Garland is my queen, horror movies & classic movies are my jam. INFJ with "Unity Hayes" as a pseudonym. A little bit eccentric, owned by two cats, Cesare & Josie-Pye. 🐱🐱

61 COMMENTS

    • Thank you so much. ❤ I’m sorry for my delayed reply; I’ve been ill, but doing much better now.

      I agree with you about Grayson. I thought at the time, I might show more of Rosetta’s life, and of course, Grayson would be included. I still might someday.

  1. May I just say holy shit?! I was wondering who the perpetrator was and really am not a bit surprised that it was Ella. She’s such a psycho and really thought she could get away with it. Her being gone is a good thing so good riddance to bad rubbish. Although, damn, Rosetta! She is really, really scary. It’s best to have her as an ally than an enemy for sure. You know, this kind of reminds me of the show Dexter. He works in law-enforcement and such, but he goes after the criminals that the law can’t really touch. Since it wasn’t reported, Ella got away with it although it totally affected her career. In the end though, she got Rosetta justice. LOL!

    • Yes, you may definitely say that. As many times as you need. haha Rosetta ain’t playin’. lol

      Ella has a lot wrong with her, it’s true. And, Rosetta feels completely justified in her actions, but I think what happened surprised even her.

      Oh, yeah, Dexter! I never watched it but I heard it was a good show. 😀

      I like that….. “She got Rosetta justice!” LOLOLOL

  2. I love a character like Rosetta! She’s so amazingly evil but motivated by actual emotions (whether she denies them or not). She loves her twin, absolutely, 100%, would-do-anything-for-him, loves him. And that kind of devotion can do amazing, terrifying things. As we’ve seen. Very well written! ^_^

    • Fluffy! It’s sooooo good to see you! I’ve missed you so dang much! 😀

      Thank you! Rosetta is so much fun to write! haha I like how you put her character and how her level of devotion can do amazing, terrifying things. That about sums her up to a T. LOL 😀

      • Ditto! I’ve missed being a part of this community, more than I realized I guess. Writing & reading others’ writing, being inspired & sharing stories was an amazing experience, and I’m sad I missed so much of it.
        I’ve been focusing on my degree and getting money to pay for said degree. XD I’m not done, and it’s crunch time, but I figured a little break wouldn’t hurt too much. 😉 Noble Doubt has been a welcome reprieve!

        • YAY! This community is an amazing experience, for sure, and I can’t express how important you are to it. Focusing on your degree takes precedence, there’s no doubt about it. I’m glad you took a break and visited!

          Oh, and best wishes for this period of crunch time, too! XD

  3. Can I just go on record as saying I’m equally in awe of and scared shitless of Rosetta! She is amazing and I can’t wait to see more of her in The Inheritance chapters!!!

    This chapter was an excellent end to the whodunit mystery of Holden’s generation!!!

    When Ella said Holden was hers… Chilling!

    • Thank you so much, Mags 😀 Yes! You are officially on record. I think Rosetta may have surprised even herself just then, too. lol I need to get working on the next Inheritance chapter. Doh! Time seems to always get away from me. 😀

      I’m glad you enjoyed the little whodunit. I’m so looking forward to the next generation.

  4. Well I’m certainly glad Ella got what was coming to her, but the manner in which it happened… shudder. I was sitting here trying to word a sentence, about how it’s a good thing Rosetta isn’t evil, a criminal, and so on, but each word I had to erase. She is very much amoral on some topics, and technically a murderer, she just so happens to be sitting on the right side of the law. I suppose it’s a good thing she has a driving force to fix problems rather than create them, is probably the only way I can finish that sentence and have it be true. I am all the more glad that Holden was picked for heir!

    • Thank you so much 🙂 I shuddered, too, even though I wrote it. lol Rosetta is so dark and she really believes she is not doing anything wrong. I can see why you had difficulty deciding how to word your sentence. She does have both the evil and insane trait, so I think she walks a very, very thin line. I think it’s best Holden was the heir, too. lol

  5. This chapter slipped through my radar! How could I not have read it until now??
    So, Ella was the shooter… Pathetic till the last, I see. Rosetta was pretty brutal but I can’t say I feel too sorry for Ella.
    As for my theory, it was really far fetched, but it was that someone shot Holden to get at Rosetta. She’s in a position of power and probably well guarded, so they shot Holden hoping their connection would affect her.
    I’m so glad they’re both safe though. Now I can breathe again, knowing Ella is gone!

    • Oh, no! I hate when I miss chapters. lol I’m so glad you found it. 😀

      That’s such a good way to put it: Pathetic till the last. I like it!

      Oh, I really do love your theory. And I don’t think it’s far-fetched at all. It seems to me like that could have happened. In fact, I wonder how safe Rosetta’s family will be if she exerts a lot of power as Leader of the Free World?

  6. Ella! She is crazy enough to do this. I’m glad Rosetta is using her powers for good (at least so far). The way she did it was pretty creepy/evil, but Ella is awful. I only hope Rosetta will keep her power under control. I wonder what kind of ruler she will be.

    • Thank you, Heather. 🙂 In Rosetta’s mind, Ella deserved that and worse but I think this power of hers surprised even her. That’s a good question about what kind of ruler she’ll be. Hopefully, this power won’t get out of control.

  7. Okay once again, I am speechless!!! I read this post the day it came out, and it has taken me until today to be able to comment.
    You know I have always been a huge supporter of Rosetta, and I always will. So, I am glad that this diary was discovered long after her death (I wonder if it will have any impact of the future generation’s story). Because I know that is what she wanted.
    I knew she was psychic, but I had no idea she was that powerful (and even all on her own). And the fact that Jedrek was just totally chill with the whole thing. He was all like, “okay boss, let me just get rid of this body that you snapped like a twig with your psychic powers. No big deal.”!! 🙂

    • Thank you so much 🙂 Wow! I’m so glad you liked the chapter and I’m also glad you always support Rosetta so much. That’s a good question on whether Rosetta’s diary will have an impact on future generations. I like your thinking.

      This was a little bit like the monster episode when she was a kid but back then, her power was combined with Holden’s to get rid of it. I think this incident surprised her a lot.

      Jedrek is a one of a kind goon. LOL 😀

  8. Oh dear, it makes perfect sense that it was Ella who ordered the shooting… that disgusting piece of $%#&!
    I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed reading about Rosetta torturing her before she made her snap like a twig on that wall… although that last part was sooo creepy (which I also enjoyed, haha)!
    I gotta tell you, I love reading Rosetta’s chapters so much! She’s just so intriguing and unpredictable! Great chapter! <3

    • Thank you so much 🙂 LOL Your comment made me laugh because of the glee you express. 😀 Rosetta is the queen of creepy! lol I think she surprised even herself there. I’m so glad you enjoy her chapters because I have a lot of fun writing them. There’s a certain freedom I feel when I think about what she might say or do.

  9. I thought it might be Brent due to his violence, but I see how it was Ella (I thought it was Myung at first sight!). If dance meant as much to her as it did for Holden, it’s understandable how desperate and angry she must have gotten, though of course not right at all, considering it was entirely her fault. She was a horribly entitled person.
    I was expecting Rosetta to go with her word of killing the person, but damn, that was grotesque 😮 I imagine if Ellie or Holden found out — or anyone else, really — they would be horrified. I remember Holden describing his sister as the devil and Ellie pointing out that was a mean thing to say, but it seems he was actually somewhat right, to be honest.

    • Thank you, Lila. 🙂 I can see where Brent’s name would probably come up first on the list. Rosetta, I think, even surprised herself here but it seems Holden’s description wasn’t far off. lol

  10. Ohhhhhhhh! I completely forgot about Ella LOL. That woman is CRAZY! That makes sense. She’s even crazier now that I know how she thinks. Yikes.

    Rosetta Pope strikes again! And she’s gone even further this time! Depending on much you’ve been inspired by Scandal, I’m very curious to see what you do with this stomachache, he he he.

    • I replied to this a while back but when I looked at it just now, there was no reply! :O So sorry about that.

      Anyway, Yes! Ella is crazy! I love it! Rosetta Pope! lol But, right? I was definitely channeling Scandal when I wrote this. lol Such fun. 😀 Hmm… the stomachache! You and CT both mentioned that. 😀

    • LOL Thank you, CT 🙂 I think what happened, surprised Rosetta just as much as it did Jedrek. So, you think something is up with her stomach! Interesting! 😀

  11. When the shooter was interrogated and they learned he was a hired gun, I was of two minds. Myung or Derek but … I briefly wondered about Ella. Since I didn’t choose one, I will say I was only partly right.

    My goodness! I wasn’t expecting Rosetta to be able to do something like that! Her journal is going to be quite an eyeopener when it comes to light after her eventual passing. I wonder how many skeletons will be hidden in her closet? I guess Grayson is good for relieving her tension but there is something about him that I just don’t like. I can’t put my finger on it though. Jedrek is something, isn’t he? Not quite sure how he would be classified but he is loyal, pays attention to details and in some ways is similar to Rosetta which might be part of the reason why they work so well together. Oh, but the secrets and various bits of knowledge that man with the disgusting habits must have! His own journal (which I doubt he keeps) would be another eyeopener for sure.

    • Thank you so much, Addy. 🙂 I’ll say you were right all the way even though you only gave yourself half-credit. lol

      I imagine her journal will become the next horror movie. hahaha There are so many skeletons in there, I imagine. 😛 We don’t know much about Grayson, so I can see why he seems suspicious or why it might be hard to specify exactly why. Jedrek compliments Rosetta but in a kind of … gross way. LOL You’re right, he probably doesn’t keep a journal but if he did, it might be an eyeopener, too.

  12. Ouch ! Rosetta got the power to kill by telekinesis, I am not surprised now why she can be violent, of course both are not linked but when these people got anger, they can move everything around them.
    I ignored Ella was really bitten by Holden that she was so madly in love with him, I got my jaw off lol. I am surprised.

  13. Of course it was Ella… She’s a bit delusional, thinking Holden was hers and that he had no say in the matter. I’m glad she’s dead and can’t lust over him anymore, but goodness gracious Rosetta! I had no idea she had the power to kill people like that. I wonder why she does

    • Thank you, Raymond. 🙂 Ella was definitely delusional and not too bright. lol Remember when Rosetta and Holden were kids and they similarly got rid of that monster? Holden shunned those abilities. Even though Rosetta honed her skills, what happened in this chapter still surprised her.

  14. I knew it! I freaking knew it was her. My first guess was Ellie’s ex, because she left him for Holden, but somehow I knew thay was wrong. But Ella? She fits the bill. Entitled, angry, not too bright. Yes, it had tk be her.
    All I can say is, Rosetta is not someone to trifle with.

  15. Whoa, Rosetta using her powers was awesome, and a bit unsettling! I know she has the evil trait, so I guess she keeps it reigned in very well most of the time. It even shocked her “henchman”! I think that Holden is much more concerned about his condition than about who caused it, although I’m sure it will relieve him to know his family is no longer in danger. Rosetta shows some good use of logic most of the time, and perhaps having a bit of “evil” is also necessary to be a competent “leader”. It would be nice if she could feel the love Grayson seems to have for her, but maybe we will see more about that, later?!?

    • Thank you, Marj 🙂 I’m glad you liked how Rosetta’s powers took over. 😀 You’re absolutely right about that evil trait and how she does keep it in check most of the time. I think this incident surprised even her. lol

      I think you’re right about Holden and what he’s focused on at the moment.

      Wouldn’t it be nice if she felt Grayson’s love and even reciprocated? I honestly don’t see it happening, though. I don’t see her as believing she needs a life partner.

  16. Wow. For a moment there, in the warning, I thought Rosetta would be killed, but then I realized that her diary was meant to be found after her death, but years after this moment.
    I love Rosetta’s entries, because they have a really special atmosphere to them and the way she voices things like: “But she was quite dead, regardless.” How can you even be QUITE dead?
    My goodness, Ella. She’s cruel, but Rosetta is so creepy, as Louise has said. That was an unexpected twist. Wow! I don’t even think she could control herself.

    • Thank you so much, Jowita 🙂 I wondered if anyone would think that when they saw the warning. lol But, yeah, this entry is found years after it happened, as you said.

      I’m glad you love Rosetta’s entries. “Quite dead” … Right? LOL Rosetta makes her own rules. 😛

      Rosetta did lose control, it’s true. And she is creepy, that’s true, too. LOL

  17. For a second there I thought it was Myung! :O I was on the edge of my seat the whole time before the reveal. But of course it would be Ella… that little idiot. She really has caused Holden a lot of pain 🙁 Her being gone is a good thing… good riddance. Though dang – Rosetta is creepy! :O There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her brother it seems. I think this shook her as well, though, considering she enjoyed being comforted afterwards.
    This was quite the chapter, Kym! So exciting and a thrilling end to the storyline. You’re so talented 🙂 <3

    • Thank you so much, Louise 🙂 You are too kind. ❤ I’m so glad you thought this was a satisfying ending to the mystery. I say good riddance, too, although I agree with you that Rosetta is uber creepy. lol This did shake her a great deal, it’s true. She felt what she did was justified yet she also felt out of control. So strange for her. LOL

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