Tortured Souls (Rebels of Sandland Book 2)

by Nikki J Summers

  Legion – Why?

  LadyStoneheart23 – Because he’s a pussy and a coward.

  Legion – Say what you really mean, Lady.

  LadyStoneheart23 – I always do. He’s hiding something and I’m gonna find out what it is. He won’t help me press charges or get the case reopened. He’s threatened me. Said if I push it, I’ll live to regret it and told me it’s a Pandora’s box I don’t want to open.

  Legion – Sounds like a great friend. I hope I don’t meet him in a dark alley.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Me neither. I’m coming for him. I just haven’t decided who I’m taking down first. The stalker or the coward.

  Legion – Sometimes it’s the devil who hides in plain sight, acting the part of the angel, that turns out to be the most evil fucker of all.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Exactly. I hate Mathers, but at least I know what I’m getting with him.

  Fuck.

  In my erratic, angry state of mind, I’d typed his real name without thinking about it. I couldn’t take it back now though. I’d hit return and put it out there.

  Legion – Better the devil you know, right?

  LadyStyoneheart23 – Exactly.

  Legion – I like it. People always spout shit about karma. I say fuck karma. You want shit done? Do it yourself. That way, you get to watch when it all goes your way.

  LadyStoneheart23 – That’s what I’m hoping!

  Legion – So, he died in a fight. What was your brother like?

  LadyStoneheart23 – To me, he was everything. My best friend, my brother, my hero. I miss him every day.

  Legion – And how do you feel now? Right this second?

  LadyStoneheart23- Like I want to burn the whole fucking town down. Smoke out his murderer and give him every last ounce of my pain and misery. Let him carry this instead of me.

  Legion – You don’t think he’s hurting too?

  LadyStoneheart23- No

  Legion – Why not?

  LadyStoneheart23 – He’s laughing. Leaving me bloody roses just because they’re the same flower I left on my brother’s grave. Watching me, breaking into my garden, my house. It’s all a game to him.

  Legion – You want control. You want the upper hand.

  He wasn’t asking. This was a statement, and yeah, I did.

  LadyStoneheart23- Damn right I do.

  Legion – Then you need to do something to draw him out.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Like what?

  Legion – What’s the one thing that’d piss him off the most?

  LadyStoneheart23 – I’ve tried bad-mouthing him around town. His reputation was in the gutter anyway so it did no good.

  Legion – Guys don’t give a fuck about shit like that. What does he care about? Come on, Lady. You can do better than this.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Fighting.

  Legion – And?

  LadyStoneheart23 – And his friends.

  Legion – You said you felt alone. Maybe you need to start making some friends. Friends who can help you.

  LadyStoneheart23 – You think I should start hanging out with his crew and piss him off? Make him come out of hiding ‘cos I stole his friends like we’re back in high school?

  Legion – Maybe not quite like that, but I guess you could do with a friend or two. If it makes him step out from the shadows then it’s a win-win.

  LadyStoneheart23 – I’ll think about it.

  Legion – Good. And while you’re at it, think about how fucking awesome you’ve been to stand up to all the bullshit that you have.

  LadyStoneheart23 – There’s been a lot of bullshit to stand up to.

  Legion – Yeah? And you’re a fucking warrior. My little warrior.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Thanks. Nice to know someone has my back.

  Legion – back, front… it don’t matter. I’ve got you.

  LadyStoneheart23 – Thanks Legion.

  Legion – Stay safe, little warrior. If you ever need me, come on here. I’ll have your log in saved on my desktop like the fucking bat signal.

  LadyStoneheart23 – My own Bruce Wayne.

  Legion – Something like that.

  LadyStoneheart23- Thanks.

  Legion – Always.

  I smiled and logged off my computer, feeling more empowered than I had done in weeks, months even. Maybe a visit to the Renaissance crew was in order. Perhaps I could use them to get what I wanted. No more hiding behind my bedroom curtains or relying on pseudo friends with no backbone to do a one-eighty and help me out. Legion had given me a better plan. Play the monster on his own turf. Set the rules myself. He might have thought he was the king of Sandland, but he wasn’t here, and that crown was going to get mangled under my feet. That, and every other thing in his life that was good. I was going to fucking destroy him.

  The sun was beating down as I parked up in town. It was busy and I was lucky to get a space. The parking gods were on my side for once.

  I used my phone to pay for the parking online and then headed in the direction of Sandland’s one and only shopping centre; a precinct filled with approximately six shops in total. Welcome to Sandland. The heart of complete nothingness.

  I kept my head down and strolled along, oblivious to the outside world. When I got nearer to the coffee shop, I heard someone call out my name. On a lovely day like today, they’d always put chairs and tables outside, and when I glanced up, I saw Emily Winters waving at me. She was sitting having a coffee with two other girls. Reluctantly, I waved back and went to walk on, then I remembered what Legion had said, and I stopped and headed over to their table. Maybe I could use this to my advantage.

  “Harper. Come and sit with us. Have a coffee,” Emily said, radiating goodness as she pulled out a spare chair next to her.

  “Erm… Okay. Maybe just one.”

  I sat down, trying to look sane even though I felt like a freak. I didn’t know how to act anymore. I couldn’t stop shaking.

  “Harper, this is Liv and Effy. Girls, this is Harper.”

  I gave them a forced smile.

  “You’re Brodie’s twin sister,” Liv blurted out, her eyes like saucers.

  “I think she already knows that, Liv,” Emily snapped and then turned to me. “How are you feeling?” She reached out and rubbed over my hand. This girl liked physical contact, which was something I’d always struggled with. Even before losing Brodie.

  “I dunno,” I said, keeping my eyes on my lap and shrugging. “I get up. I get through the day. Then I go to bed. That’s pretty much my life right now.”

  Shit. I was being way too honest.

  “You’re so brave to come out today,” Effy said, then blushed as if she was supposed to wait to be addressed before speaking to me.

  “My mum wanted me to get out. I forced myself.”

  I didn’t know why I was opening up to them. I didn’t know them from Adam. What did they care about my life?

  “You should be proud of yourself. That’s a big step.” Emily reached over and squeezed my hand again. I sat there, dumbstruck. What else was I supposed to say? My conversation skills were seriously lacking, and I didn’t want to make the effort. I needn’t have worried though. Emily and her friends could talk the hind leg off a donkey.

  “I’ll go get us some more coffees. What are you having, Harper?” Liv asked.

  “A latte would be great. Thanks.” I went to grab my purse to give her some money, but she brushed me off.

  “I’m not taking your money. Put it away. You can get us a drink next time.”

  Was there going to be a next time?

  “So, what’ve you got planned for tonight then? Spill!” Effy said, turning to Emily.

  “Ryan is taking me out. It’s our date night. We don’t get much privacy these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love living at Sean’s, but we have to get creative with our alone time, if you know what I mean. Connor doesn’t care, but I don’t like doing stuff when Sean’s about.”

  “Show Harper your dress.” Effy grinned
then turned to look at me. “We just went to try on dresses and Em bought the cutest outfit for tonight. Show her, Em.”

  Emily stiffened slightly.

  “I don’t think Harper is bothered about my dress. She has more important things on her mind.”

  I did, but I shrugged. Maybe a bit of normality was in order.

  “I don’t mind. I’d like to see it. I can’t remember the last time I bought a dress. I live in ripped jeans, hoodies, and Converse these days.”

  “Nothing wrong with that. I love a good pair of Converse.” Emily gave me a wink. Then she pulled out a chiffon and silk blue baby doll dress covered in delicate glitter. It was so pretty and unlike anything I’d ever wear. But I liked it. It suited Emily down to the ground.

  “Now that is a fucking dress,” Liv said, placing the tray of coffees down on the table. “Doubt it’ll stay on long though. Good job it’s not a tight bodycon, hey. Better access, if you know what I mean.” She cackled at her own innuendo and the other two blushed.

  I sat watching them, fascinated by the dynamics at play. Liv seemed to be more confident and louder. Effy was quieter and more reserved. And Emily? She was a mix of the two. Not in your face, but welcoming all the same. I was starting to warm to her. Only a little bit, but it was something.

  “Do you know where he’s taking you?” Effy asked.

  “I couldn’t care less,” Emily replied. “I don’t need anything fancy.”

  “What? You bought that dress so he could shag you on the back seat of his van?” Liv rolled her eyes.

  “No. Maybe.” Em chuckled.

  “Ugh! I’m so jealous.” Liv threw her head back and groaned. “At least one of us is getting some action. I could make a joke about camel toes and being as dry and barren as the Sahara Desert, but I won’t gross you out while you’re all drinking.”

  “Yeah, thanks for that image, Liv. Nice one.” Emily laughed, almost choking on her latte.

  “You know you can get creams for that,” Effy whispered, and then went bright red again.

  “I was joking, Eff. You know me. If I’m getting no action, I’ll make my own. Speaking of which, did you see the photos of those new vibrators I sent you on WhatsApp? Bloody amazing.” Liv started to tap on her phone and show Effy what she’d already sent her. Effy pretended to look interested, but she just looked awkward.

  “Put your dildos away, Liv. Harper didn’t come to sit with us to find out about your latest purchase.”

  “She saw yours.” Liv shrugged.

  “It was a dress not a twelve-inch rubber cock,” Emily blurted out, and I couldn’t hold back my laugh.

  “It’s silicone not bloody rubber. Anyway, maybe Harper would prefer dildos to dresses. You get more use out of them.”

  I sipped my coffee to avoid having to answer and let them prattle on, talking about anything and everything. They chatted for ages, and even though I didn’t contribute all that much, they didn’t make me feel bad about staying quiet. I quite liked playing the role of a girl with no worries for a while. This was all new for me.

  After a while, I said my goodbyes and left, telling Emily I hoped she had a good date night, and Liv that I hoped she enjoyed her special purchase too. Emily sprang out of her chair to hug me before I went. I’d never really been a hugger, but I didn’t push her away. I didn’t want to be rude.

  As I walked back to my car, the sick feeling that was always heavy and stagnant in my stomach felt less overwhelming. I was proud of myself. I’d gone out, had coffee, and made some conversation. Maybe I wasn’t a total freak after all.

  When I got home, I made my way upstairs to my room and logged onto the chat.

  LadyStoneheart23 has joined the chat.

  HangingWithMyGnomies- I feel like that some days. Sometimes it’s enough that you made it to the end of the day, mate.

  Regina_Phalange – Alan, I lost my sister two years ago and I still cry most days. Coming on here is the release I need sometimes.

  Fucking_Alan- Fucking sucks.

  Regina_Phalange- Whatever gets you through the day. As long as it isn’t illegal or harmful to your health, that is.

  Fucking_Alan- Today’s a fucking right-off. I’m gonna log off and do a John Wick marathon. Or maybe I’ll go old school and do The Matrix.

  HangingWithMyGnomies- You do you, bud. Always here if you need us.

  Legion has joined the chat.

  My heart jumped into my throat when I saw his name pop up and then the private chat box appeared below.

  Legion – You okay?

  LadyStoneheart23 – Yeah. You weren’t joking about that bat call, were you?

  Legion- Always here when you need me. So, what’s up?

  LadyStoneheart23- I took your advice. Went out and had a coffee with his best friend’s girlfriend of all people.

  Legion. How did it go?

  LadyStoneheart23- Surprisingly… not awful. She’s actually really nice. She made me feel welcome and… normal, I guess.

  Legion- Do you like feeling normal?

  LadyStoneheart23- That’s a weird question. But actually, I don’t think I’ll ever be normal. I always felt a little bit crazy even before my brother died.

  Legion- Good. Normal is overrated. And what is normal, anyway? One guy’s normal is another guy’s crazy.

  LadyStoneheart23- I’m thinking you lie further in the crazy camp than the normal one.

  Legion- What gave me away?

  LadyStoneheart23- Apart from your name meaning you’re possessed by demons? Lol. The way you seem to not give a fuck.

  Legion- I don’t.

  LadyStoneheart23- I like that.

  Legion- Makes life a lot simpler.

  LadyStoneheart23- I need to take a leaf out of your book. I want to not give a fuck.

  Legion- But then you wouldn’t be being true to yourself. You’re the little warrior. Warriors who don’t give a fuck are dangerous.

  LadyStoneheart23- I want to be dangerous.

  Legion- I think you’re better off being smart. Leave the danger to knuckleheads like me.

  LadyStoneheart23- You’re not a knucklehead.

  Legion- I am.

  LadyStoneheart23- Knuckleheads don’t quote the bible and Machiavelli.

  Legion- This one does.

  LadyStoneheart23- Why are you helping me?

  Legion- I like you. You have a voice that needs to be heard. Power that needs to be unleashed. I want to help you with that.

  LadyStoneheart23- You don’t know anything about me.

  Legion- I know you loved your brother and you’d do anything to avenge his death, so that makes you a loyal sister. I know you take time to sit back and listen, read about how others are feeling on here and you choose your words carefully. That shows you’re kind and thoughtful. You take time out of your day to speak to a no-mark like me, so that means you’re selfless. And each day you wake up, not knowing what shit the world is going to drop on you. That makes you brave beyond belief. See? You’re my little warrior. I know more than you realise.

  LadySyoneheart23- Erm… speechless right now. That’s some of the nicest shit anyone has ever said to me.

  Legion- Meh. I’m a smooth-talking knucklehead too.

  LadyStoneheart23- And I know nothing about you. Tell me something about yourself. Something that no one else knows.

  I sat and watched the blank screen, worried that my question had scared him off. He didn’t reply for a while and then a message popped up and I let go of the breath I’d been holding.

  Legion- The last memory I have of my mother is her screaming into my face that she hated me and wished I was dead.

  LadyStoneheart23- Fuck. That’s brutal. I’m so sorry.

  Legion- I was three years old.

  LadyStoneheart23- She must’ve been high. No mother would ever truly think that about their child.