Chapter 8 - The Past
Part 1 - Haunting Memories
Justin's Estate...
Next day...
Sunday Morning...
He wakes up to no one at his side...again. Scratching at his bare chest, he darts his eyes over to the large glass window where rays of sunlight are seeping in. Scowling, he clutches unto his blue comforter when he feels a slight panic attack taking over as he desperately tries to clear his mind of endless plaguing thoughts. Even though he lives in a house filled with beautiful women, he's still so very alone that sometimes he doesn't want to get off that king-sized bed. But, he has a life and an empire to maintain.
Still, what keeps him lying in the same spot for the past hour staring at the ceiling in thought is the item that lays next to him on his pillow with a note attached to it. It's written in Diane's handwriting and he wants nothing more than to scream out in utter frustration due to the gnawing pain in the pit of his stomach from the words that are written down on that piece of paper. He knows they are harmless and she has no idea how they've affected him. They're boring a hole into his memory where he's lodged a piece of his life that he never wants to think about again.
Gripping the paper in his trembling hands, he brings the necklace he gave to her just weeks ago up to his line of sight. It's in one piece and looks as good as new from the night he place it around her neck. She had it fixed. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't hurt the moment she ripped it off her neck when she was angry with him just the day before. Still, she got it fixed. Why? Well, he's guessing that sharing a fraction of his past with her is what did the trick.
And now as his eyes scan her short note, he can't help but realize that maybe sharing with her was a mistake because now he's remembering again. His demons are right up to the surface again.
Blinking rapidly when he feels his tears stinging the back of his eyelids from the haunting memories he's having, his orbs flit over the scribbled words in disdain.
Hey Justin,
Just letting you know that I got the chain fixed. After hearing how you spoke of your dad, I realized that you and him must have been close and you loved him a lot. I'm sorry for destroying it, but, JC brought me to a jeweler's yesterday when we were out to melt the gold and have it linked back. If this is the only thing you have left of your dad, don't give it to me when you should hold on to your memories of the great times you all shared. If anything, the thought was amazing and that's all that counts, but, I can't accept this so you hold unto it. You need it more than I do. Oh and I hope you don't mind, but, since you were so great about Courtney last night, I went over with her to Rachel's today. I'll be back home tonight as soon as my last day with JC is over. If you need me, call Rachel or him since I don't have a cell phone of my own. I'll...see you later Justin and...I...miss you.
Diane...
Gasping for air when his passageway constricts, Justin crumples the note in his clenched fist before tossing it unto his carpeted floor. Breathing deeply, he looks down at the piece of diamond jewelry, wiping at his soggy eyes before he turns on his side, wishing he'd just disappear in a puff of smoke as he unwillingly allows the memories of his life and his past to take over, after years of successfully keeping them buried deep inside...
*****Flashback*****
"You're a waste just like your adulterer of a father!" A thin, mid-aged woman with thick, sun-kissed, golden brown curls and piercing eyes shakes her son vigorously as she screams out obscenities at him.
Trying to resist the urge to lay his hand on the woman who gave birth to him, a sixteen year old Justin simply shrugs by her remark. "Whatever Ma..." He mutters uncaringly under his breath noting how the rage in her system boils over. They've been at each other's throats like this for weeks now. He isn't sure how much more he can take.
"Don't get smart with me boy! After all these years, after I've invested so much time into raising you and this how you repay me?" She snaps, shoving him out of her hold in detest.
Rubbing at his sore arm, Justin's blues connect to her orbs mirroring her anger as his own. "You think I asked for this? You think I asked for your perfect little family to blow up in your face because Dad was cheating? This has nothing to do with me Mom! I wasn't the one who..." But his words are cut off when his mother raises her hands and smacks him right across his left cheek with all her built up fury.
"How dare you!" She spits out in a strangled breath. "You did this! You knew he was cheating with that whore and you didn't do anything about it Justin! You let that bitch rip our family apart!"
Gripping his cheek in shock, Justin stumbles back a bit still eyeing her viciously. "I did this ‘mother'?" he asks in a low tone. "Just because I'm the only one who supports dad and his empire I did this?" Laughing maniacally, he snakes his hands through his thick golden brown curls before he inhales sharply. Still glaring at his mother, he knows better than to piss her off further. She has a terrible temper and he doesn't want a replay of the night his mother found out her husband was cheating on her with his mistress, who is his present wife. She pulled out a knife on him and threatened to kill him if he ever set foot in this house again. Justin knew at that time his mother was hurt and even if they didn't get along and he was closer his father, she still didn't deserve any of this.
"Just leave Justin. Just go be with your backstabbing father. It's where you're going isn't it?" She inquires, hugging her slender frame as her tears slowly roll down her cheeks.
"You can't seriously blame me for this?! I'm just a fucking teenager mom! So yeah, I suspected dad was fucking around but what the fuck was me knowing going to do? It wasn't going to solve anything. Your marriage was doomed anyway. Maybe if you supported Dad in his career and wasn't such a workaholic and had some time for him, he wouldn't have strayed ma! He would still be here and I wouldn't have to be switching between two fucking homes like this!" Ending his statement in a high pitched scream, Justin hands fly up to his face as his cheeks heat up. He knows he has a bad temper. He also knows that it comes from his mother's side of the family. But, he isn't about to take it out on her.
"Oh is that right?Well hotshot, if you think your father's ‘career' of housing a bunch of whores is admirable then why don't you join him? I can only imagine that he'll be leaving this little empire to you since you're his only son. Both he and your late grandfather were a bunch of horny self-centered bastards..." Justin mom spits out cattily watching as her son's frame literally shakes with stifled sobs.
"That's not fair..." Justin chokes out. "I didn't...."
"You didn't ask for this? Well you got it Justin. You're going to follow right in his footsteps. You're going to be just as bad as that asshole father of yours if not worse. I guess once you break the rules anything goes right?" When she doesn't receive an answer from her son, she sighs exasperatingly. "Just leave. Go be with your old man, but, you make sure you never step foot in this house again." She adds coldly and Justin's head instantly snaps up at her.
"What? But mom..."
"Don't mom me. As of now, you are no longer my son. I'm ashamed to even call you my son. All you've ever gotten yourself into was trouble with that stupid gang of yours. I looked past it, but, this...this can never be forgiven. You never really were a good son. You were and still are your father's son and you condoned his infidelity because you wanted to get back at me since you were angry with the way I was raising you. You didn't want to listen to reason and change your street ways. You always took his side Justin. So you be with him. You pack your things and you leave now else I'll have you kicked out by Rocky." His mother turns her back to him and begins walking away.
Grimacing at the mention of Rocky who's his mother's current ‘boyfriend' and a six foot three inch body building giant, Justin wipes at his eyes roughly before he tries to regain his composure. He knows his mom is right. He didn't tell her about his dad's infidelity because he wanted her to feel the pain he felt for all those years when she claimed he was never good enough. Nothing he did was pleasing for her. Sure he was just a kid who didn't hang around the best crowd, but, he always tried. He always tried to earn his mother's love but he always fell short. Now, she practically disowned him. It's not like he didn't see this coming. He just never thought it would hurt this much though.
Not able to find his voice to even make a comeback, Justin remains stationed in the middle of their small living room watching as his mother's broken frame swiftly retreats from her previous spot until she's completely out of sight.
As he's standing there alone, he scowls when he feels a few tears streaming down his cheeks. Not making any attempt to wipe them away, Justin quickly storms out of the living room and sprints up the stairs to his bedroom to pack his belongings and get out of this place where he's not wanted. At least, he has his dad.
His dad has always loved him unconditionally and never looks down on him. Even if Justin doesn't fancy being the heir to his father's empire, he's glad that his old man always has his best interest at heart. Since his father is all he really has left, Justin focuses all of his love, time and energy into pleasing him. At the end of the day, he knows that without Randy Timberlake he has nothing and no one, so, he's grateful for that one positive factor in his screwed up life.
*****End of Flashback*****
Groaning with annoyance, Justin instantly jumps up from his bed as he drops the gold necklace unto the comforter. Ambling into his bathroom, he discards his boxers before sliding the glass doors to his tiled shower open. Turning the dial of the shower and setting the temperature on warm, he easily gets in shutting the door behind him. Stepping under the faucet, he bows his head as the water bats on his naked skin, soothing his muscles and tensed form as his memories continue to consume him.
Placing his palms up on either side of the shower wall, Justin draws in a sharp intake of air when he feels his chest tightening by the thought of his father and the look of terror he held in his eyes just before he died. Those eyes have been haunting Justin's every waking moment, and now, he can't keep them from tearing through his consciousness and sending his feelings on a destructive tailspin...
*****Flashback*****
As Justin makes his way unto his father's estate grounds with his duffle bag at his side, he can't help but wonder what his father's into besides the exotic entertainment business. He remembers the last time he was there, his dad was arguing with a man out by his pool about some deal and when he caught Justin eavesdropping he sent him home to his mother. Now that his mother kicked him out, Justin is hoping his dad will have a permanent house for him to stay. He's willing to look past his father's flaws just because he has someone who's there for him at this critical time in his life. After all, he may have the knowledge of surviving on the streets, but, he still doesn't know the first thing about really taking care of his self.
Since it took him a four hour bus ride to get here, Justin feels tired, hungry and a little weary. It's dark out now, but, he knows the security code of the estate so he simply lets himself in, not wanting to disturb his dad incase that he might be busy.
Ambling up the winding driveway, Justin walks briskly to the front door wanting to crash for tonight because he knows that even if he's here unannounced, his dad will never turn him away. Making it unto the platform of the mansion and getting ready to ring the doorbell, he hears what sounds like a loud crash coming from the inside followed by raised voices.
Resting his ear against the door frame, he listens intently making out one of the voices to be his father's. He remembers his father telling him once that if ever there was a commotion he was to hide away out of sight so no danger would come to him. At sixteen years, Justin smirks at that notion. There is no way he'll be able to remain hidden if that ever happens. Still, curiosity has gotten the best of him.
Trying the knob and realizing that it's locked, he groans. Wanting to know what's going on, he lifts his hand to ring the doorbell again but freezes when he hears the other voice to be feminine. It's his father's mistress and now wife.
Justin's irritation instantly peaks. He never liked her. He always thought she was a gold digging whore. He always blamed his father for getting himself into this mess. That's why there were rules that were meant to never be broken. Justin knows if he ever takes over this business, he'll make sure that no matter what happens, he'll never break the rules like his father did.
Darting his vision to the large glass window on the side of the door that's hidden by the bushes of the surrounding garden, Justin cautiously moves to the side so he can get a look inside to see what the ruckus is about.
Crouching down in his baggy jeans, he clutches unto his duffle bag as he tugs at his blue t-shirt, staring at his father and his wife who seem to be going at it. Rolling his eyes, Justin listens intently as their voices filter outside...
Frowning, he picks up on her saying something about his mom and how his father is wrong to ever think she deserves any type of apology for neglecting him...
"You can't really be serious Randy about this peace-maker thing you have going!"
"Please Vernie I just need to make peace with my ex-wife." Randy tries to reason but his current wife lets out a loud scream while stomping her feet in protest.
"So you're giving her a fucking diamond Randy?! A diamond that should be mine and you're giving it to that...."
"Veronica stop this!" Randy shouts back, tightening his red dress robe before he walks over to her. Trying to touch her she smacks his hands away before she grabs the small jewelry box from his grasp.
"This Randy! This is ridiculous. You're wasting your money on her..." She retorts and he just rolls his eyes in annoyance.
"You are one jealous bitch!" Randy spits out and Justin chuckles by that as he continues watching their interaction fully intrigued. Maybe he should end this. They look really riled up. Maybe he should just ring on that doorbell and...
"Oh? Oh! Well, this is what I think of your precious ex-wife and that bastard son of yours who is an embarrassment to you both!" Furrowing his brows by Veronica's remark, Randy stares interestingly as she stomps over the front door and whips it open before she chucks the small jewelry box outside and slams the door shut.
Bending behind the bushes, Justin shifts uneasily feeling a little hurt that Veronica would talk about him like that.
"Now that wasn't called for Vernie." Randy says calmly even though his anger is shining through his orbs.
"Oh spare me. I always felt you wanted to go back to her. You want to leave me now Randy? After everything you promised me? You told me you loved me. You said you'd give me anything my heart desired yet we're still here, fighting over that bitch! And Justin...don't even let me start on him. You love that boy more than you love me and your own damn self. I don't see why, he's clearly a mistake..."
"Enough Veronica!" Randy's voice booms out. "Now it's one thing to talk about my ex-wife, but, to talk about my only son like that, I won't allow it!" Randy cracks out as he grips Veronica's robe clad arm roughly.
"Ouch, let me go Randy you're hurting me. And how would you know that Justin is your only son?" She retorts with a maniacal glimmer in her eyes.
Justin's interest instantly perks up and he immediately straightens his posture, standing in front of the window. All they have to do is turn and they'll see him but they seem too engrossed to even notice.
"What do you mean?" Randy asks quizzically while letting her go.
"I was pregnant you asshole!" She screams through tears. "But you wouldn't know because you were too focused on Justin and that bitch you call an ex." She says forcefully.
"What do you mean ‘was'?" Randy inquires through ragged breaths.
"You heard me. I had that little bastard killed. How could I allow a child into this lifestyle? Especially if I knew you would be putting your precious son ahead of our baby. I couldn't allow that. I couldn't allow any of that." She says coldly as Randy backs away from her in shock with tears shinning through his blue orbs.
"You killed my unborn child? Why? Why!? You murderous bitch how could you?" He yells while rushing up and gripping her arms, shaking her violently. "What is wrong with you Veronica? I thought you loved me and..."
"Oh please. I never loved you." She retorts causing him to freeze under her words as shock takes over.
"I...I don't understand I thought..." Bowing his head in confusion Randy snaps it back up almost instantly when he sees their pool guy coming into the living room where they are situated, asking if everything is ok.
Realizing that he's seen enough, Justin bends down to pick up his duffle bag, slinging it over his shoulder with every intension of ringing that doorbell to interrupt this little feud. Plus, he has a few choice words for that witch. Still keeping his vision cast downwards while unhooking his jeans in a prickly bush, his head jerks up in fright and he nearly tumbles over when he hears a gunshot.
Focusing his vision through the windows, his palms flatten on the glass surface as his orbs grow wide with shock and fear when he sees his father on the floor with his hands in the air looking up at Veronica who's....who's pointing a gun down at him!?
What the fuck is going on!? Feeling his heartbeat instantly quicken, Justin begins gasping for air as panic takes over. Shit, he needs to do something...anything. But, if they...if they find him here they'll kill him too. Frowning when he sees the pool guy laughing before he kisses Veronica's temple, Justin instantly puts two and two together.
He knew it!
He knew that bitch was a gold digger. Now his...his dad is going to die because of his stupid mistake of trusting her.
Blinking rapidly as the tears roll down his cheeks, Justin lets out a strangled whisper completely disoriented with what's happening. He's frozen solid in shock not given enough time to really fathom what's happening. Fear empowers his entire form keeping him paralyzed in place. "Dad..." he whispers, clawing at the window as he hears his father begging and asking Veronica why she's doing this.
"You're not going to take away what I've worked so hard in getting Randy. I won't allow you to leave me and go back to that bitch of yours. You won't take this away from me. And when I'm done with you, your son is next..." She replies callously.
Slapping his palms over his mouth in shock, Justin instantly reverses from the window darting his eyes around while trying to figure out what to do. But then, he hears his father's cry and he spaces out as he holds his breath when his dad's eyes dart over to the window. Thinking he didn't notice him, Justin tries to move but his legs instantly give way when his dad does a double take and fixates his vision on his son.
Heaving, Justin hunches over while gasping for air as his tears cloud his vision. When he looks up again, he realizes his dad's gaze is apologetic but stern meaning he doesn't want Justin to give his presence away. There's pure terror shinning through the aging man's blues that mirror Justin's own.
Falling to his knees, Justin mouths ‘dad' not knowing what to do as his stature begins to quake with strangled cries.
And, before he can think to do or say anything else, the gun goes of again and his father's body falls limp unto the floor as a pool of blood surrounds him.
Jumping in fright and coughing roughly, Justin instantly leans over and hurls his entire stomach contents into the bush before he falls in a heap of messy emotions unto the dirt ground. Covering his face and trying to control the volume of his sobs, he hears Veronica telling the pool guy who he knows as Antonio to clean up the mess and to make the incident look like a breaking and entering before she calls the police.
Feeling something go off in his brain, Justin's demeanor instantly hardens as his grief slowly morphs into immeasurable anger. Scrambling to his feet, he looks through the window one more time, partly blaming his self for this. If he had just ringed the fucking doorbell...maybe...well, maybe he'd be lying there dead right next to his father.
Shaking off his thoughts, he scurries unto the driveway tripping along the way with his duffle bag in hand as his tears continue to flow down his cheeks like a waterfall. Wiping at his nose while sniffling, he notices the small jewelry box lying open on the pavement.
Picking it up, he stares at the finely crafted diamond inside with a scowl on his face. Snapping the box shut and stuffing it into his jeans pocket, Justin takes one last look at the white two-story mansion before he turns on his heels sprinting down the dark driveway and climbing over the estate gates in record speed...
He'll be back. He'll be back to end this and avenge his father's death. There is no way he's going to let Veronica get away with this...
*****End of Flashback*****
Jumping when Justin hears a knock on his bedroom door, he wipes at his eyes realizing that the water is slowly cooling. Fighting to turn the shower dial with shaky hands, he finally succeeds before exhaling harshly.
Swinging the glass door to the shower open, he quickly grabs a towel and wraps it around his slender waist. Smoothing his palms down his damp, firm chest, he yanks the bathroom door open and cuts across his spacious bedroom to the door.
Twisting the knob and pulling it open, his stare hardens when he notices Eve standing in the doorway as she eyes him suspiciously. Her orbs shamelessly travel down his rippled abs to the lining where the towel hangs low around his waist.
"Is there some reason why you're here Eve, despite annoying the fuck out of me with your presence?" Justin asks in a sharp, baleful tone.
Snapping her head up to glare at him, she stutters terribly when she sees the icy stare Justin is giving her before he folds his arms across his chest awaiting a reply.
"Ronnie and Jacob are here. They want to see you." She quickly rambles out as she takes a step back.
Frowning at the mention of Ronnie, Justin rolls his eyes in irritation. "Just give me a minute and I'll be right out."
And with that said, he slams the door shut in her face before he locks it.
Turning around, he passes his palms over his face trying to stable his self. Forcing his eyes unto the discarded necklace on his bed, he grunts unappreciatively.
"Oh for fuck's sake! I don't want the fucking thing either!" He says despairingly to no one in particular as he figures he should probably get dressed and head down to see what Ronnie could possibly want after he shot his ass all those weeks ago. He hadn't seen him since and now he just showed up out of nowhere. This should prove to be very interesting, Justin thinks.
*****Flashback*****
Justin arrives at his father's estate the next day to a full out crime scene. There're yellow police tapes all over the compound and roaming officers. Narrowing his eyes, he struts into the compound unaffected by the curious stares. Before he can step foot unto the platform where the front door is wide open, someone places their hand on his chest to stop him.
"Hold on there boy. What are you doing here? Can't you see this is a crime scene?"
Snapping his head up to the hovering officer, Justin just scoffs while shooting him a scathing look.
"My dad lives here." He spits out coldly. After spending a night at a broken down motel crying his eyes out, he isn't about to let some uptight cop send him packing.
Before the man can even get another word in, Justin freezes solid when Veronica runs towards them bawling her eyes out while latching unto him. Squeezing Justin against her breasts as she hugs him, he feels the bile rapidly creeping up his throat. Swallowing hard so he won't throw up again, his clenches his fists tightly as he remains paralyzed under her embrace.
When she finally pulls away from him and her greens search his blues, Justin gazes at her in pure detest as she flips back her blonde hair.
"I'm so sorry Justin. It's Randy. He...he's dead. I tried to stop them but..."
"I don't mean to interrupt Mrs. Timberlake but do you know this young lad?"
"Yes officer. He's my stepson." She divulges and Justin is just standing there watching her incredulously and wondering how she can be so uncaring. She's one hell of an actress because he was sure he didn't dream last night when he witnessed her murder his father in cold blood. But, really who would believe him?
The officer's gaze significantly softens as he pats Justin's back. "I'm sorry kid." He says softly, but, Justin doesn't even twitch. Instead, he allows Veronica to bring him into the mansion where it's swarming with officers and forensic teams.
Watching the chalk outline of where his father's body laid just the night before, he instantly shuts his eyes before another man dressed in regular clothes walks up to them.
"Justin this is Detective Mason who'll be handling the breaking and entering of your dad's case." Veronica whispers.
Looking up at the large man, Justin takes in his dark hair, dark brown eyes and thick stubble.
"This is the kid you were telling me about?" Mason asks while glaring down at Justin.
"Yes, if you don't mind I think Justin should stay with me tonight. I'm sure he came over to spend some time with his dad like he usually does and this must be devastating for him. He lives hours away and after what happened I don't think he should go home. We'll stay out in the guesthouse to not interrupt the murder scene." Veronica explains. "You all explained that you'll be back first thing in the morning and I assure you we'll be fine."
"Yes, yes we've negotiated. Kid doesn't seem shocked or even fazed about his old man's death..." Snapping fingers in front of Justin's face, Mason frowns when Justin cuts his eyes at him. "I guess he's traumatized or shocked. It happens. Boy might need a counselor." Mason explains still glaring at Justin noting the anger in his crystal blues. "Well, you get situated kid. We'll ask you a few questions once we're done talking to your mother."
"She's not my mother." Justin finally speaks before he brushes past them to the guesthouse on the other side of the estate. If anything, he is going to make his stepmother pay for what she's done. He also has no intension of telling his mother. He figures she may have found out by now anyway.
Sneaking away from all the officers scoping out the area, Justin rushes into his father's den pulling out a shot gun from his draw with a box of bullets. He knows were his dad keeps it in case of any emergencies. ‘This', however, is a catastrophe.
Stuffing the items into his duffle bag, he quickly exits the den and heads straight for the guest house knowing he will deal with Veronica later tonight when all the police officers are gone.
****
Hours later and after being asked every question in the book, Justin sits void on the floor in the guest bedroom upstairs with his knees clutched tightly against his chest as he sways back and forth. All he can think of is that look of terror in his father's eyes right before he died. He doesn't know what to think or make of anything. He knows Antonio isn't who he claims to be and he really wants to know what's going on. Only, now, he doesn't care anymore. He just wants Veronica and Antonio dead for what they've done.
When Veronica came in earlier, Justin pretended that he was sleeping with the gun resting snuggly under his pillow. He was sure she might try to smother him in his sleep since he's the only thing standing between her and his father's fortune. Well, she's not getting her dirty hands on it. Not if he can help it.
Standing on his feet with the gun in his shaky grasp, Justin swiftly swings the door to the bedroom open as he regains his composure. He's blinded by rage and grief and doesn't care about the consequences he might face if he's caught. He only wants one thing and that's to see his stepmother's body lying dead on the floor right next to her lover.
Silently ambling down the stairs, he stops dead in his tracks when he peers over the banister to look at Veronica and Antonio who are in the kitchen having some type of argument.
"I told you Antonio. Justin doesn't know who you are and Randy never knew." Veronica snaps as she pours out a glass of orange juice.
"But the kid watches me so suspiciously all the time and..."
Cutting him off with a low laugh, Veronica places the jug of juice down before she turns to Antonio to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
"Babe, the kid hates everyone. He's a problem child who has major issues with his mom, school and shit. He doesn't know that your boss and his dead father had major problems with investments for this little entertainment business. So yeah, you were sent here to spy on Randy's operations, but, don't you think hooking up with me and having a sure guarantee to millions worked out better?" Veronica coos as she pulls out a small bottle from her purse.
"Yeah babe. I guess you're right." Antonio relents as he eyes her. "What you got there?"
"We are going to bring Justin a little drink and hope he feels better." Veronica shrugs while twisting the cap of the bottle off before she pours out the liquid into the juice.
"Holy shit, that's poison isn't it baby? I like how you think." Antonio smiles as he hugs her and she giggles.
"Only the best for our guest." She says back with an evil laughter.
Hearing enough of those two plotting his murder and feeling disgusted, Justin quickly clears his throat as he ambles down the stairs and comes into view. With his hands behind his back, he eyes them when he sees both Veronica and Antonio jump in fright. Fixing his black tam on his head with his free hand, he just scowls at them.
"Oh Justin you scared me..." She says, quickly chucking the small bottle out of his view. "Sweetie do you want..." but she drifts off when Justin whips out the gun and points it at her with a cold, hard stare on his face.
"I saw you." Justin finally speaks lowly. "I was there when you killed him last night. I was there when that bullet pierced right through his skull." Justin explains calmly.
As her eyes widen in shock, Veronica takes a step back next to Antonio when Justin pulls back the safety of the gun.
"Now kid..."
"Shut the fuck up Latino boy." Justin chides while shaking his head sadly. Surprised at how calm Justin seems to be, Antonio instantly raises his hands in defeat.
"Justin you can't be serious about shooting us." Veronica says uneasily. "How are you going to get out of this? The police...they know we're all here."
"You're so stupid ‘mother'." Justin spits out angrily. Bringing the gun to his head to scratch an itch, his eyes dart around the small kitchen of the guesthouse before they land on a notepad. "I have this figured out. Now, you grab that notepad over there and you write out a little note to who ever should find it confessing that you killed my dad and pool boy here helped you do it. You're to say you couldn't take the guilt and knew you'd never get away with it so in a state of panic you decided to take your lives rather than face the death penalty." Justin explains.
"Are you crazy Justin? I'm not..."
"You are fucking doing it else I swear to god I will blow both your brains out!" Justin suddenly snaps as his nostrils begin to flare. "You did this Veronica. You...I watched you kill him! You're a heartless bitch. Dad should have never broken the rules for you. He should have never fallen for one of his fucking girls! You never get attached. Look at what happened because of it! I hate you!" Justin cries out as his tears begin to fall.
When Justin lowers his guard slightly, Antonio takes a step forward but Justin instantly raises the gun in his hand firing a shot and getting Antonio in his arm. Veronica screams in fright and Justin just huffs uncaringly.
"Fuck!" Antonio screams while falling to the floor clutching his wounded arm. "That little...you shot me!"
"Get the fuck over it. In a minute you'll be dead anyway..." Justin grunts while wiping at his face as panic begins to surge through his body. What the hell is he doing? He's just sixteen for crying out loud. Now he's turned into a murderer just like his bitch stepmother. But no, it needs to be done. He needs to do this for his dad. There is no other way. "Now are you going to stand there gawking or do what I say!?" Justin screams, watching as Veronica scrambles for a pen and paper to scribble down what he told her to write.
As she begins to sob, Justin rolls his eyes in annoyance while keeping the gun pointed on Antonio who's wailing in pain.
"You're crazy! You're mental!" Antonio screams out but Justin ignores him.
"Hurry up Veronica." Justin's voice booms out.
Crying, she quickly signs her name at the end of the note before she tosses the note over to Justin. Reading it over with a smile, he nods his head in approval while fixing the black leather gloves on his hand. He knows better than to leave his prints anywhere.
"Good, now...drink it." Justin orders while pointing to the glass of juice sitting on the counter before he fixes his black t-shirt in his jeans.
When her eyes widen in fear, He laughs out loud. "I saw you poison it Veronica so drink it!" Justin orders sternly.
"Justin please...I'm sorry I...."
"It's too late now mother. You didn't give dad a chance so I'm not giving you one. Drink the fucking thing else I'll just have to shoot you." Justin warns - his voice firm and cold.
Grabbing the glass of juice in her trembling hands, Veronica swallows harshly realizing that fate came right back to meet her. Looking over at Antonio who's terrified out of his skin and then into Justin's emotionless blues, she tries her luck again. After all, she has nothing left to lose now. She's going to die either way from a terrible fate she sought.
"Please Justin. Don't be like me...I'm so sorry I...please you're going to live with this for the rest of your life and..."
"Just shut the fuck up. You did this to yourself. My dad was all I had and you took him away from me and you were going to kill me too! The way I see it, it's you or me. I think that's not a hard decision to make here ‘Vernie'..." He emphasizes the nickname his father used for her in contempt.
"Fine." Veronica nods, completely giving up. She'd rather die by her own poison than have Justin be the one to end her life. "I hope you can sleep peacefully at night Justin." She adds in before she takes in a deep breath and gulps down the glass of orange juice.
Arching a brow in curiosity when she immediately gasps and drops the glass Justin watches intently as it shatters unto the tiled floor before Veronica grips her throat fighting to breathe.
Justin knows this will work well for him since her fingerprints are on the poison bottle. Groaning in annoyance when Antonio begins screaming and crying out as Veronica falls unto the floor writhing and convulsing while she begins to froth at the mouth, Justin walks over to her shaking form looking down at her as her eyes glaze over and instantly redden.
Shaking his head sadly, Justin kneels down next to Veronica's trembling form to whisper in her ears. "I'll sleep well at night knowing you're dead ‘Vernie'. Say hi to the red guy with horns for me will you?" And with that said, Justin pulls away, staring intently as her eyes widen before her breathing becomes rigid and shallow until her gasps slow to a complete halt. Tilting his head to the side, Justin takes in the way her chest raises and falls for the last time with a deranged twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes.
When he's sure she's dead, he checks for her pulse. When he finds none, he smiles before his head snaps over to a sobbing Antonio crouching against the cupboards.
"Now ask for you." Justin stands on his feet, crossing over Veronica to approach Antonio.
"Please Justin. You're traumatized it's understandable...I'm sorry you had to see that but your father had it coming. He...he's been cheating my father out of his investment and..."
"Enough!" Justin screams, silencing Antonio with a raise of his hand. "Fuck your bitch father and fuck you!"
Not giving Antonio any time to reply, Justin easily pulls the trigger, shooting Antonio in the middle of his skull. Smirking when Antonio falls limp unto the floor, Justin simply cocks his head to the side to crack the bones in his neck before he cracks his knuckles. Walking over to Veronica's lifeless form, he takes the shotgun and brings her hands up to grip it so it's smeared with her fingerprints. Then, he simply drops it a few feet away from her body. Obviously, if she shot Antonito and then drank the poison, the gun would have fallen from her grasp.
Moving away from the two dead figures on the floor, he shakes his head in disdain giving them one last glance before he grabs his bag from off the stairs.
Justin smiles evilly when a thought passes through his mind. "Time to call the cops..." he beams, knowing that there is no way they will ever be able to trace any of this back to him.
He knows his father is to thank for that little skill of covering up his tracks. He even stuck the sole of his shoes with plastic so no footprints were left. Still, it will never fill the void in his heart and bring back his old man. At least, he's avenged his death and that's enough to allow Justin to get through his days even if he knows from now on, it's going to be difficult. He knows he'll never be the same again, but, with how cold he feels now, he really doesn't care. Still, he needs to know what his father was into and track down whoever Antonio's father is. He's not going to rest until he finds the man responsible for this entire mess. Even if it's the last thing he does, Justin's going to find the main boss and put a bullet through his head just like he did to Antonio. He's going to end it all once and for all.
But first...he needs to get the police here so they can clean up the mess he's created...
*****End of Flashback*****
Jogging down his stairs fully clothed in a white wife beater, some grey slacks and Nike slippers, Justin heads straight for his lounge room knowing that's where he'll find Ronnie and Jacob.
Entering the spacious room decked out in plush couches, large cushions, a mini bar and a large plasma screen television, Justin clears his throat and asks the few girls in there to please exit so he can have some alone time with his guests.
When they all file out, his eyes instantly connect to Ronnie's as he takes a seat in front of them on the opposite side of the room.
"Ronnie?" Justin says with a hint of amusement in his voice when the younger man glares at him with terror in his orbs. "Why are you here kid?"
"Look Justin, before you get angry I just came to say I'm sorry for mouthing your business like that to those reporters and I understand why you did what you did and I promise you it won't happen again. Look man, I really want to prove that I'm not a screw up and I'm grateful that you didn't just decide to out me. I really am sorry Jay." Ronnie apologizes with a pleading stare.
Shaking his head in understanding Justin smiles for Jacob acknowledging his presence. "How's the leg?" Justin inquires.
"Uh, I'm still limping slightly but it's cool. Oh and don't worry, I didn't tell them what happened." Ronnie smiles proudly and Justin just chortles.
"Obviously, seeing as I'm still here and no cop showed up." Justin says matter-of-fact. "So why are you here Ron? I was sure I scared you away for good."
"Uh, well you did but I mean you still need to know what's going on." Ronnie explains nervously.
"What's going on?" Justin inquires as he leans forward in his seat, eyeing the two men strangely. When neither answers immediately, Justin growls loudly. "What the fuck is going on?!" He belts.
"Well, we found out that this guy named Grant has his boys snooping around your establishment during your shows. When one of the guys asked me about you and if you knew about a Joshua and if you're helping him with some shipments, I told him I didn't know what he was talking about. But, he insisted that I was lying and instructed me to let you know that Grant said if he found out you were indeed back in the game helping out Joshua, he'll hold the both of you responsible for his dilemma and take you all out if you don't deliver..."
"Shit..." Justin mutters under his breath cutting Ronnie off.
"Justin this shit sounds serious man. Do you need our help?" Jacob asks.
"No...no I can handle this." Justin explains deep in thought. "Fuck...uh ok. Listen, thanks for the heads up, but, you all need to leave now. I have some calls to make and I need to handle some shit." Justin divulges as he stands on his feet.
"Listen Justin..."
"Look Ronnie, I know you don't have anyone and you think you're a hard gangster because you live on the streets but this is serious. I don't want you getting mixed up in this. You passed the message so leave it alone Ron. I'm warning you. Next time I won't be so lenient with you. You're lucky Jacob took you in man. If I hadn't known Jac you might be dead today kid because I wouldn't have any time to house your untamed ass. Stay out of trouble Ron and make your way out." Justin explains firmly before he excuses himself and leaves the lounge room in search of his nearest phone.
He has to call Grant and then JC. He doesn't give a fuck if today is his last day with Diane, Justin wants her home. He'll easily refund JC of his fees for today because realizing how serious Grant is about this deal, Justin knows JC's a walking target. Justin will never be able to forgive his self if anything happens to the mother of his child. He just...he can't deal with something like that a second time around because he's getting himself mixed up in the same thing he vowed to stay away from. He knows karma is a bitch but this is ridiculous.
No, he'll be damned if anything of the sort happens again...