Page 28 of Unhinged Kallie

“If I let him go, he would take Kallie right now if we let him. Is that what you want?”

“No, but…killing him? Shouldn’t we take him to the police?”

Cain smirked and, like a large predator, walked around the table. Everything in me screamed run, but running from a lion would only make them chase you. I chose to stand my ground.

“Do you think the justice system would do its job? Or do you think they would spend the time and resources it would take to get a long conviction since his victims were of no importance to them? Do you really feel he would get what he deserves in prison?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know, but you can’t tell me you care about him or what he’s done. I know you don’t care about anything,” I said, then sucked in a deep breath, surprised at my bravery…or stupidity.

“Do you know what I am?”

“You like to kill people and have done it a lot, so I’d say a serial killer,” I said, and the words held weight, pressing in on my chest. Knowing them and saying them out loud were two different things.

“Such a drop from superhero status.”

I wasn’t sure if he was trying to joke around with me when he looked so serious. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Why don’t we call me a vigilante instead? That’s what I am now. I don’t kill just anyone.” He looked at me and smirked. “At least not anymore.” Why did it feel like a threat no matter what he said? “So here’s the thing, Carter, I know you’re protective of Kallie. In fact, I know you would save her even if it meant sacrificing your own life.”

I had no idea how he knew all that. We never sat down and had a heart-to-heart about anything other than schoolwork. I never spoke about it with Kallie because she would think I was ridiculous, but he was right.

“Yes, sir.”

He held out his hand to the man who had fallen quiet and was watching us.

“Then you need to understand I’m not showing you this to teach you how to kill. I’m showing you this to ensure Kallie doesn’t get caught or pick the wrong mark.”

“What?”

“Did you think I was training my daughter for fun?” His lip curled up. “I mean, it’s entertaining, but I don’t enjoy it the way you are thinking. I’m doing this to keep her safe. Like me, she has urges, and we need to channel them. She must learn to be safe and pick safe targets, and she needs someone watching her back.” Cain walked to the board he had us studying.

“It may not be this year or even the next five, but she will give in to what she desires, which is her need to kill. You, Carter, are going to be her Kirby. Kirby kept me safe, watched my back, and was loyal to the cause. She set me on this path.” He waved his hand at the board.

“Aunt Kirby made you start killing?”

Cain chuckled, and a chill raced down my spine. “No, she got me to stop taking just whoever was an annoying waste of space and instead use my talents for good.”

“And you want me to watch out for Kallie and get her to kill for good?”

“Yes, to the watching out for her part. The killing for good we need to see.”

I glanced at the board and then at Cain. “You want me to learn all the same skills so I can be her protector?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t see how me learning all this will protect her.”

“Let me put it to you this way, Carter. Kallie is like me, but she is also like Abel, her impulse control will become an issue, and I won’t always be here to protect her. Or do what needs to be done when necessary.”

“But…I’m only eleven. What will I be able to do?”

“I don’t expect anything right now. You will learn and be there for Kallie as she explores her interests.” He spoke about killing like it was a hobby. I could think of a million hobbies that didn’t involve taking someone’s life.

“Will…will she kill me,” I asked, unsure why that was my top concern.

“Doubtful. She loves you. Kallie does have emotions, which is something I struggle with.”

Picturing Cain struggling with anything seemed farfetched, but I liked the idea that she loved me. It made me feel special, like I was part of an exclusive club.