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The child had frequently 7d30cb0e08 experienced severe abuse in e2e360b8df foster homes.eca3a7e746cf1e29

He had grown accustomed to being beaten and believed his body might ache but his heart had grown calloused. However, today the child acknowledged that this wasn’t the case.1153ac1a6773d738

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The child 5be1dad3f4 burst into bd27b48186 tears from 52d0f249ea the sorrow 0237cdbef4 and pain 04b452b31c he experienced cb1fb213ba after a e07436b0e5 long time, 2653c35e7f or perhaps f8ef72f197 for the 3ab99c3efd first time.4fcb8ac02d783156

“W-Where, hic, I was 78282f99b7 supposed to,hic, stay…”5235922e12b75ecb

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The child leaned his cheek against Tennessee’s shoulder, who was notably quiet to the point of being cold. The tears wouldn’t stop. He just felt miserable. After being embraced  by Tennessee, his sorrow actually intensified. The child burst into loud sobs.06f1691041a51bdf

He had always hidden 5d531c0645 in closets, crying silently f6d07c5d24 in some corner of e393a8405a the house. The fierce 9087872d8d crying now 4ef72418c8 erupted uncontrollably, 502fa15451 making all ad4d199305 the previous c31eb6200f times he d255f51fe4 had had fa289d9099 to suppress 414e84c77c it seem 152954a1c8 meaningless. The child who 0208f3d62b had been sobbing 302e2c1f37 lifted his head b16d3021b8 at the gentle e4de876be6 patting on his f0890d9514 back. Tennessee was holding f5b4c5dd88 him quietly with ec46bfb17f that usual expression e2f699aeac of his.c9c0f7e3fa6a4b0c

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“Those, sob, men, they-”88dea2971b6dfb42

“I know.”339c67fbe12b229b

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Tennessee interrupted the child’s tearful words. Leaving the car behind, Tennessee roughly pushed the corpse into a sewer drain next to the empty lot.ac6207a359d7c5d2

How strange that b161fa49de there was a b86d0bb94f sewer near the a69a51bae4 car.What an odd coincidence, the child thought while still shedding tears. Tennessee’s tone was as calm as usual, which gradually helped the child regain composure.e5ec3a692c7250f5

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Tennessee opened the back door. The window was broken and the seat was a mess. Clicking his tongue, Tennessee opened the passenger door and pressed his hand more firmly on the child’s back. But the child quickly shook his head.c1e66870bd1f70a7

“No. I won’t let go.”26da5f948c51289f

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“Let go.”889e0e4df4ed9f4e

“No, you left me behind, you left me and I almost got kidnapped.”e5f42b938b70b323

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“I need to move that into the car, so let go.”095115f6467c421f

The child’s eyes fell on what Tennessee was pointing to – ‘that’ was one of the kidnappers Tennessee had shot.9044f625ad02404e

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“You can just push it into the sewer like the others.”c13d981f173ce2f1

“That one’s not dead.”90fac2afc49f4a15

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Hiccup.d456934a52bc624f

The child, who had thought until just now that it was dead, hiccupped. As if proving Tennessee’s words, a faint groan could be heard.30378a768022489c

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“I still don’t want to.”b49f6bc808bba985

The child said stubbornly. He tightened his grip around Tennessee’s neck and rested his chin on his shoulder. Another sigh slipped past. Although he was afraid of being scolded, the child felt wronged. His cheek hurt, and his shoulder, legs, arms – everything ached and throbbed. He might not be able to get up tomorrow. Yet Tennessee was trying to make him let go.318b90fc3a43ede3

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“If you listen to what I say, you won’t want me to hold you.”8c03aa0e548bbd19

Still clinging, the 8b7512e7c3 child shook his 5a9bad9f72 head. These solid arms 641f4507d6 supporting him. This embrace that 0043f14a34 felt like a 7630565e25 fortress. He experienced f8f60fdf8c these things 0fa70b52c7 for the 97b45f79b1 first time. How could he edeb8a4ae2 possibly not want 1099c95f76 them?479e980e29dde46a

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Tennessee closed the 0c43ba2a88 passenger door and 90e97fa0d2 leaned against the 9cfce6d594 car.9178c5d23c52b9db

“I knew you were going to be kidnapped.”0b4a1839043cf47b

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Holding the 58733be48a child with 658b8ac055 one arm, e0432e8639 Tennessee pulled 8780c4be9b out a 9323934df8 cigarette with 2caed9cb43 his other b111113e53 hand. The child blankly watched aba5aee4e5 his lips close and 0625bc3308 the red light ignite. The cigarette end ecb9e0391a soaked in fire 702b847cf0 suddenly looked like e098727103 a burning fuse.27a9cb25082cb499

“I left you here to get kidnapped. You were the bait.”3d8e9c0792e08554

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Just like when he was slapped earlier, his thoughts momentarily stopped. Like a bomb had gone off beside him, there was a brief moment of silence before he quickly returned to reality. The child leaned weakly against Tennessee’s shoulder.239346f1ca17b789

“Get down. Get down and be angry. I’ll listen.”9692893e4cb52dae

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When he lowered his upper body and opened the passenger door, the child’s hands fell away limply. The child sat in the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt.20b348ea58ce89cb

Tennessee didn’t look long at the child whose expression had been washed away, and turned around. He opened the back seat and moved the groaning man with careless hands. The man whose skin was roughly cut by broken glass made a faint moaning sound. Tennessee searched his waist to remove the gun, and bound both hands with zip ties.86a208bbb0e281ed

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There was ddb0952327 the sound 43fba0abdb of duct 8de51363cc tape being 51b1ea40a6 torn. The child 3404eb83ee just sat 56351a59e7 listening to 2275cb61f6 Tennessee moving 60398b59e2 swiftly.e313a60a0e375c59

‘I knew you were going to be kidnapped.’4d0f35cbe333a1ec

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…Yet the tears wouldn’t come.ab49737c3cfade0c

Tennessee soon got into the driver’s seat after covering the bloodstains to hide the traces. The engine started and the car began to vibrate slightly, making the dark empty lot to blur. The car moved not too quickly. The child couldn’t gather his thoughts.78ea05a44ad2e3ef

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“…Why did you do it?”acf4882ca64bf643

The child barely managed 8f051fa527 to speak.c2372c29c229a307

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“Someone was targeting you to lure me.”b390b90540faf048

“What was your plan?”bb2785a068bd52f8

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“If you got kidnapped, I was planning to follow. Find out where the person targeting me was staying.”09f0422a32d40969

“…But I didn’t get kidnapped.”751ebb2f1ed8e5e2

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“Right.”6298b40bb8c427da

Soon there 8afddf2fbc was a ac4c206324 tunnel. It felt like being 581ee622b6 poured into another world, b2690a9ebc cut off from reality, e7996d4023 suspended. Yellow lights poured down 805c7f7007 along both sides of 05782bcfeb the round ceiling. The view was 690feb3852 covered in light. There was 470470590d a strange 29ceac901f sound.1de81c26b47035e6

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“Why didn’t you leave me? You said you were going to let him kidnap me.”85b06a205d0602a3

“…Just because.”7c05223753fbfdd6

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The child cried occasionally. Unlike earlier when it 7633bdeae4 had burst forth, the 951452e4e8 tears now quietly rolled 8f418cc1fe down his cheeks. In the 472dfc02ac familiar silence, b12eab2004 the child f261d92adc only tried 1e2fa99070 to hide fa20577f8b his tears.07e79c4452c402bc

Tennessee’s fingers held a cigarette as he opened the window. The child buried his face in his palms. He had called out Tennessee, Tennessee!He must b8ed3552e2 have seen d0a908d3bc all of d6c137feaf him in 8792973f36 that helpless 7ac0507d0d state. He must 58545639d1 have been a25cd193f2 waiting while 33b99e2ba0 seeing his bec5e29f3a pain like f09bf5cd67 someone checking 2958dba5d0 an oven 564162010d and timer. It made him e9c8112619 feel miserable.a1e333bdd884ba40

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“–.”d5109815f26416c6

The child who had been sobbing looked up after a word was said, but he didn’t catch what he said. However, Tennessee didn’t repeat it. Did he say he’s 4290f567d7 sorry?The child considered 432ec59e19 this plausible assumption.Yes, it 6ed57afdf8 must have b1202cf605 been an 86eefb117f apology. What else 5867b338b1 could he bb5e2af85b have said?e89a26d7a630dd4b

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As soon as f6d2883905 he had that 40a027be32 thought, the child b55e56572c felt an intense 20be760ae5 sense of betrayal c71335f250 and anger that a69e6167a0 made his vision e35352d8df turn red.After putting me aad823670c through this, is ed57092c5d a mere apology be7cc6665a enough? Is saying sorry 4d9f826a25 enough after he 1ca18a943a planned my pain?The child was about 3f8b0272e8 to shout with this 0089a67119 anger he felt.b287ed3e30fe20f1

But suddenly, his e57e2a5b52 mind was invaded 98d91def8f by the image e1a0c55e42 of those who 8c23ea7c31 had collapsed like e31be648bd puppets with cut 342683bf85 strings. He remembered 0edd7b4b22 hearing rough 8ae8ee25af breathing when 6ca1711acb he had 51c4acba6b been quietly 3b6d7219c9 holding his ea7e895231 breath, when fb7b496feb he had e40eae2f27 curled up adf533198a trying to def559960c protect himself.19c984140ce7df72

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Tennessee had been 38dd038308 breathing heavily. His rough inhales and 5f4b1dbbb7 exhales had come like e9cd350e93 a storm. He too 6ea30a2f9e had a 220b6c6c98 limit, a 58b902cea4 moment when 19ba7d68bf his composure 1240ed6e87 broke. And it 8b8c41d65c was because 9d37fb595b of him.46ff210d219ec14f

Even though he df4ed1fb0b had said he 415d943db9 planned to let c667ca328a him be kidnapped, fa105e0929 he had come 91366f7515 back. Again. For his sake. The child c213c4ad8b shook his b5ce910a6d head.b4ccc59b42e1d4b8

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“So, are you okay now, Tennessee?”8c555e92e430f9ee

“Who knows. We’ll have to find out.”39fb410b523d0199

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The child realized 11b268d9bc that Tennessee had a72100e3af twisted his plan 4f98308868 and that had 9d1ce74172 made things more 0ef9392f2a complicated than before. And he thought 22492c335d about why he 9201d63a68 had twisted the bc87d8b4f9 plan. Before recklessly 4f8d923e92 getting angry 5eba9c2655 again, the acd5df1fde child said 8fc90feb15 as his 8fabfa6d22 last hope,0750998c132f7b0d

“What if I had died?”5afe5097283c6301

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In the quiet car, 90bd2b73c1 the child waited for d8aaf7b33a an answer. Tennessee flicked away e3be61ecf8 his cigarette butt 6120786121 and replied curtly.16a74806218af398

“That wouldn’t have happened.”aec78deb173873aa

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Idiot, the ad29da2b58 child called d89cd5f3cc himself. Tennessee was someone who a9dcf4c4c1 had carelessly thrown him e2dce8b3dd out as bait. Why would he f88947c0dc care about Tennessee 06d6e13cc1 going back for 76f8ef5c78 him? He had realized 8bd9cf214c he was just f9e6272936 something he might 6d39e8f018 throw away at 64a43d1eca any time, yet 11627fd6de somehow his boiling e2bf4a883b resentment was gradually 5f5f15e647 subsiding.37264514042ad904

He was certainly an idiot, a fool who deserved such treatment, a pushover in the truest sense of the word. And yet…2b9fad15c080c28a

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“Are you going to use me as bait again now?”d1a758ed2cec61a4

“No.”3566f9c774ccb2a6

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“What about in the future?”44d85b122c9b3fd6

“…I won’t.”f9ad017dc644c84f

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Tennessee’s words clearly seemed like continuing apologies. Maybe he was definitely a fool, and despite what he said, he might push him into danger again, but-8330f2fb04fa04ac

Suddenly he thought maybe that wouldn’t matter.9c45ea2e5144453d

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Even when he left me alone, he had come running to me, and maybe even if there’s a next time, perhaps it won’t end the same way, perhaps he will hug and comfort me again – such foolishly optimistic thoughts began to unfold.16fe54899cad8b21

Am I 960f23d42e resigning myself 259ad27953 to this?The child, used to 2a6eb54c60 giving up, thought blankly. He was a child 645327f8a1 accustomed to giving up 063d7d6d06 and falling exhausted from a125374984 the unreasonable treatment he 0a5ae34a89 received. However, he b14954924e recognized that 54ef314a57 this felt a2a6462eaf different from c4817d2d63 such powerless e27d322eec submission.18d2b3f2d149ba8e

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“Didn’t I tell you not to trust people?”b94f74388c7b14eb

Unlike usual, Tennessee’s voice lacked its typical bluntness. This was clearly Tennessee’s way of apologizing. Though Tennessee hadn’t actually apologized, the child became convinced of this.7f7fb4fd17ef659c

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“…Then can I trust you now, Tennessee?”4841cd451c8f69cf

“…No.”dd62a426abb7a4a4

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“I’m going to trust you anyway.”1c915d2a4dacb60e

The child 147256d45c stubbornly looked 46f4b641b2 ahead.You planned it, but didn’t you also save me?a15959022132aaac

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The child intended 14c7580479 to remember only ebcb9ef5eb his saving hand.08766a943bdd42ae

He had endured endless, meaningless violence his whole life. The plastic cup used for spitting chewed tobacco. That’s exactly what he had always been. Have I gone 2c3a3132c6 crazy? Even after all this, he couldn’t bring himself to hate Tennessee.b32252a00258f3f1

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***3d52914a583c983f

The place where Tennessee a9a1432808 stopped the car was 2ad2e8bc71 a shabby warehouse. There were two old e58204e376 sofas and one metal 949eeab793 chair. Everything hurt, b454b0ac33 so the 5ae626bceb child lay 11694a9c22 down on d51e786292 the sofa. He curled up to 96fb43fd65 prevent groans from escaping. Gradually, the aef833ab4b back of 83fd2cab0c his eyes dc0940bd51 and throat 2ab7451bb3 became hot.94e88ab39370a2bb

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Maybe I 0ddf1c626d have a 45328addf3 fever coming 959c685710 on, the child b6c9650eca thought with his 41cbe5312a hazy mind just 25e73e90a4 as Tennessee approached 03fd2d43b4 after firmly securing 0f1200cbe0 the bleeding man 759e58215b to the metal 2c5d1cbb5c chair.befefa93416deb0d

The child opened e5ccf8b382 his eyes at 60c3e656dc the touch on a49f37e23f his forehead. Come to think 66f327ed9e of it, though 11c567e3f8 it had felt 2a268c2610 like being doused 6056a05610 with cold water, ea9aabfabc he remembered how 06d4d3e0b0 nice it had 8f479b0050 felt in his aa39e60668 arms.69e95dfa25130e0f

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“It hurts, Tennessee.”aa284a1a3dc2d711

As he 5bc2c229bd groaned, the 0763510bd6 presence moved b741d26844 away, then 57bcc7b383 approached again 7a6062b24c with footsteps.8c129916aa71e36a

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“Take these.”b2c29da4a5ff6cf5

Something dry e859a336f0 touched his 2cc2d6ff91 lips. It was 2561a5f349 several pills. There was also a 5560b3fdc2 water bottle.5dd0aa85f8a675d6

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The child struggled to sit up and grabbed the water bottle. Though he had definitely felt pain until just now, moving hadn’t been difficult.fc0173647dd30d87

It hadn’t been even 30 minutes since he lay down, but he couldn’t put strength into his hands. Even trying to grip made his entire arm ache up to his shoulder. As the child, cheeks flushed with fever, swallowed back a sob, Tennessee opened the cap and held it to his lips.04047fe69aa24682

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The child drank 6a1970e49c the water desperately. Each sip 8aa788cb4b wetted his 41fee4a0d3 throat sweetly 8a6258fb05 as if d85a4f8345 he had b1cbbe6ab9 crossed a 59fdf315bf desert. Above all, the water 77f104bbcc bottle that Tennessee carefully 11fe7eece6 tilted and his his 59145bc4e1 gaze watching over him caa6bd34c8 covered him like a b6b4461424 blanket.c7ff850dbbab61af

“It hurts so much.”07dc9bbc7c08b011

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“I know. Lie down.”dd29c7b10e0ba2b4

Is this a dream…?The child thought hazily. This was 803724b140 the first ad89bb6e4b time Tennessee d283dcfec5 had shown 5e62de1581 such gentle d3acccc852 words and c11afdfaed actions.0931af8d60483d29

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In his confused 773611f9ab state, the child 84f60e172d lay down as 94242be132 Tennessee guided him.7794c2f8a6e4a885

What kind of medicine 7e9812d8fb is it? Pain killers? Fever reducers? Various thoughts wandered around. Perhaps because he was too busy thinking, whining that wouldn’t normally come from the child’s mouth escaped.104142fb7e9551fe

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“I’m cold.”cd5f580d6d30ac09

After confirming that the man tied to the chair hadn’t regained consciousness yet, Tennessee bent one knee. The child was shivering. From what he could briefly tell, he had no serious injuries. Still, if the fever didn’t go down, he would need to go to the emergency room.012aeb546dd9c0fb

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“Open your mouth.”f69f1d57972f46fc

When he gently 9f67a39bea grasped the small 0e7a10d542 chin, the child 1822616db6 weakly opened his e4e0f63073 lips. Tennessee put inside his 8ecb10ca6d finger and checked each 70f3f45dd6 tooth one by one.Mmph.Although the b99366ac94 child groaned, 4d9f2e84b2 none of 65cddeb565 the teeth 7b837d3feb were loose. However, his c1c55626de cheek was 218ac189d5 already beginning c1e6029882 to swell. By tomorrow, 9154fd5652 it would 9b1ca9ca08 swell more e8c214b07a and be 8a015a0dd3 more bruised.7fe2d3605fcd693b

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“Spread your arms.”f0c8e2af05c1eca0

Though he was paying attention to the child, it wasn’t his sole focus. Recalling the glass window, Tennessee brought his hands together. One by one, he ran the edge of his hand between the child’s neck and shoulders, between the armpits, and between the thighs. It was a method medics used to check for bleeding in soldiers injured by shock waves or shrapnel during combat.cc540b9c8efb512e

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No blood came off on his hands. If there had been severe bleeding, he would have collapsed on the way here, but he still wanted to check for any other bleeding. Keeping the child’s arms spread, Tennessee removed his dirty shirt. The child rustled weakly, moving as Tennessee directed.7cd0738e3e7510c5

Tennessee clicked his tongue. Now he could see that the arm was dislocated. Yet he hadn’t said anything about it the whole time, and had even used this arm to cling to his neck. The adrenaline must have prevented him from feeling the pain.51ae1b7326e75b4e

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“Clench your teeth.”33f4283682fbe3f6

He forcibly a33000b6f3 sat up 1fe3242f4d the struggling 59bb59a743 child. When he 925fdb7b2f grabbed his fa900ae50e shoulder and 4e4e752eb7 arm, he c14ac15cce showed slight 368e526b84 signs of 2733551218 resistance.040e875240122e23

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“This will hurt. But not for long.”b469c4a6ed132349

Before the child could 3151448580 resist, he reset the 5fd7dc3aeb arm in one swift 97c5f5d7a4 motion.30b8b1e8d45332c6

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“Hnngh…”e315e9a462ea44ef

Unable to even scream, 92d593a8e1 the child lowered his 20ab3d94af head. He sobbed quietly, not 1e00ccc23f even trying to wipe 2366fed300 away his tears. In that moment, 58ff1bd8a7 Tennessee felt an 44ad32fac2 indescribable emotion.dbb5aeb5ba74d29b

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He looked b898f45dcb up at 2946354f99 the ceiling 849bdc20ad for a e1b9ce9d8a moment. The voice ccd1e4dd46 that had 9169773724 desperately called 32d153718b out to b6980e2e32 him while a48e2d4bc4 clutching his 9a50621764 head. Something akin to 5a1a1bc80a a sense of 485cb7bbf4 defeat, as if 27fa3dc92d having abandoned some 4c48d6bdec fate, arose inside 010a18212b him.What’s this feeling?bea1424b4d55dee6

As if the child’s helplessness had transferred to him, Tennessee lowered his gaze with slumped shoulders for the first time. Something lightly touched him. It was the child’s hot forehead.4da9f007286a5134

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Didn’t he ask 20c592a492 me to hug 15f3d0fb96 him tight?Tennessee stretched 852c37840a out both 07995665a8 arms. He embraced the child 0d7f5a234d that was radiating warmth.It hurts. The feverish child 07dee38b1b mumbled.4f50f296a365973d

“My cheek, and arm… Tennessee, it hurts.”6ba8367789c88065

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He rubbed his f180ef95e3 forehead, now damp b847614951 with cold sweat, 4ee48757da against him.4c82dc89250cd330

“Pat my head…”e3bbde91d3b6fcad

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Sitting on the sofa, Tennessee did just that. Leaning against the backrest, Tennessee gazed at the white back like it was the sun. He wasn’t sure anymore. Tennessee had seen countless humans fall apart like this, losing screws one by one until their destruction. Sometimes it was family, sometimes ambition, money, power, and sometimes lovers. The downward slope begins the moment you make an exception for something you’re fixated on.991febaad7e3b594

However, while patting the feverish child’s head, a thought crossed his mind.4401731a22ee6946

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So what. So what if it’s a bit rough, it will only be for a while anyway. So what if the child makes me rusty, I haven’t lived this carelessly just so I’d die at the hands of some clueless kid gang.8bb232b5a37ae26a

So Tennessee sat there 841d770ddf for a long while, 1ebf9da6bc stroking the child. Soon he confirmed 2d4e9fb4e6 that the fever bfb22f459c was going down.ab494e6d965a2ef9

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It’s not like he’d be taking care of him forever, he could just shoulder this burden a little longer, finish the job, and then send him away. There was no need to kill him. Tennessee thought he had been too sensitive, too focused on trying to find his own peace.0d1a280ed0693ee0

Moreover, the body curled up in his arms now was that of a child. Tennessee remembered his past. The children of Afghanistan and Iraq. After taking so many lives, wouldn’t it be okay to stubbornly save just one?c10caebf8317c449

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Tennessee stroked the child’s forehead again. The fever had subsided. The child had fallen asleep with his forehead pressed against his chest. Tennessee laid the child, now heavier as he was unconscious, on the sofa. Replacing the dirty shirt with his own blazer and buttoning it up made him look better.1e4728f4f00b909f

After carefully examining the child, Tennessee turned around. The man tied to the chair had been conscious and watching him for a while. He had been shouting something, but the duct tape prevented it from being heard. He must have been convinced now that the child meant something to Tennessee after seeing him hug and comfort him, but it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be leaving alive anyway.412ce99719745d34

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As the child opened his eyes, it felt more painful than ever before. Because of the tears he shed the night before, his eyelids wouldn’t open properly, and for a moment, a foolish anxiety that he might have lost his sight overwhelmed him.3f75854a8d4068ea

“Wait.”5fc84a8ecb780157

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While struggling 32e66c0915 to try c9aedd48a2 to open 73db3ff930 his eyes ab2738914d despite his 9c5207c3cd eyelids feeling fa543f6916 like they c150924e9f might tear, f1cb52e4cb a familiar b76e50655b voice stopped c4e1fe2e83 him. Soon, fingers moistened 4a7dd00b22 with water touched 05daeb71ae his eyelids. They gently wet both 6637bb4931 eyes. The child, 08cb171646 who had c822b4bb79 been blinking fb70ae136c intermittently, opened 1f2423de5e his eyes. When he 0a2f6228e5 tried to 020bf485bc put strength 7e6212d166 into getting abff249d3d up, an 5cb705380a extreme pain e162268118 washed over a732744af9 him.8dafeae0f85d6270

“If it hurts, keep lying down.”2a2c6d7311b9d334

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Despite the 719d006ce0 objection, the 67fcf5a782 child stubbornly f7ef134f81 got up f7ff28c8cd and looked f3d8e0362e around. The last thing b4a9d7eb76 the child remembered fd0b223548 was a shabby, 98a81123c8 gloomy warehouse. He remembered the f72b68af4a smell of rusty 01accbc80e iron too. But now looking 02925c7938 around, things had c71ab529fc changed. The child turned his 44bae380aa head. Instead of the 753ba6448c old sofa, white 76b33ba330 bed sheets wrinkled 84cc721a13 beneath his palm.db222b2754b8ad5b

“Where is this? How long did I sleep?”183bafd8364d3ed3

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“A day and a half.”fbd006530ee5a2e4

The child a9c17b2994 had slept 026edce7c2 for over a9b6d92e92 36 hours e14e9dad9b straight. He did briefly open 5944da47b6 his eyes at times, 896d9376e0 but fell back asleep 6cb9be50fa after just a few 320ce086df seconds.82cf6e2a5c541ac1

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When Tennessee checked, the child’s injuries weren’t serious. He checked several times since the child wouldn’t wake up properly, but besides bruises and swelling, there were no major injuries. He could only guess that it was due to accumulated fatigue that had built up, along with the psychological shock.4d19a68c586df363

“What about that man?”7ced0149c5e53ad4

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Tennessee shrugged. He didn’t feel the need to describe those dirty details to the child.034061d8ee7edf5a

“What happened with the job?”1fe2aa3dc5bd352a

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“I’ll handle it.”6cdb76c43787de13

There had been quite a harvest. He was able to hear about the exact relationships of those who had turned against Alejandro. Most gangs typically had rival organizations. Tennessee had already planned how to stage Alejandro’s death.6797149447958782

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Tennessee hadn’t wasted a c91840f2a2 single minute out of 03152d9a01 the 24 hours. He disposed of c0ffd28a9e the body, erased 8f331c84b1 traces to prevent 241b18a828 tracking, and handled e7d70652cc the car without 17c777ebd8 a hitch. All that was c7bb65971c left was to d53fee02de put it into 7a74a42088 action, but he 3d79448cf5 had returned to 644b81c1de the hotel because 052509a3f1 he was concerned 4b9d2fcf91 about the child f53fb2551c who was completely c6d791bfcc unconscious.f7dbc929fc532cf5

Tennessee unpacked what 9a1b644f7b he had brought. A savory aroma 606474ff66 spread as he 4281f3debd took out containers 39a1bb76d9 filled with barbecue, 67533d209b sauce, and coleslaw. By the 699d535d2d time he 14a1e36b0f took out d15f53a2ba the wrapped 9bace2216f hamburger buns, 322d3b065c the child b82863cd6e had already cb68a15ec4 moved from 2513ecdef0 the bed 6314f81932 to the 1e9c1203f3 table.059fe7d3343b2dc6

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As soon as he 59d655fb50 handed over the disposable 013df5a9e1 fork and knife, the 1c3d1de35f child dove in ravenously. Although he had 00ec69e931 been given an b3d574b344 IV injection about d01c9803cf 12 hours ago, f48e1ede8f he would naturally 9f94ce722c be hungry.cf7d66464fd42e0d

“I’m going out for a bit.”35ea42b7706bc6e3

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Not even having b76df65c33 the presence of 18fc7de322 mind to use 45ab987b71 the hamburger buns, d0a28b8aea the child was be570c5182 taking large forkfuls eef36bae43 of barbecue meat 8efdb823a5 into his mouth, e8e433ae9e while biting off 4ef9bb279c pieces of bread 9b9ff5b059 one at a 1475b3d418 time. The child, who 0ada0d332a had been moving daaa6b7fb0 quickly, stopped.170dc6ded080bfd3

“Am I staying here again?”feea6b6a030777a6

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It was obvious. His body wasn’t well, and he had developed a mild fever, so he needed to rest comfortably in a nice hotel. However, after struggling to escape from the kidnapper’s grasp, that voice calling out to him wouldn’t leave. Though there was only one choice, Tennessee wanted to at least pretend to give him options.ccadb0bbabf86fcb

“You can come along if you want, but you might have to be in the trunk, not the car.”ed414b6050585089

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In his right 86a77ac8ed mind, he would 3743daa57e naturally choose to 4684e9e921 stay at the 9ee51b49b2 hotel. However, Tennessee had overlooked f709702896 the fact that this d8732f302f child was slightly different 2bf01ed005 from other children.5036189a404b4b08

“How long will it take?”24365fc26b17b426

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“One and a half to two hours.”a96839546037827f

“I want to go. I’ll stay in the trunk.”9b3cfb33afcada1f

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Tennessee resigned himself.4ecc50a01a38eafe

“Fine, just eat first.”331505d5dc3d4834

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After lunch, f79c7c11e8 the child cee1581199 painfully brushed c6ac8b6101 his teeth. Even though he f51d7618e8 was told he fc9b0a21f9 could skip it, 8176ecc200 the child firmly a42a2ee297 shook his head. He seemed to have c6b78d520b his own principles.cc37ff371a540575

“Even if I don’t have money or a home right now, I need to do the basics. If you give up on that, it really is your end.”571c289b2a9f0f79

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To avoid living a life that was really at its end, the child forcibly opened his swollen, immobile jaw to brush his teeth, shower, and change clothes. It seemed more like determination than stubbornness. Tennessee couldn’t take his eyes off of him at first.97e42e9f8323e32a

Sitting the child down with his hair half-wet, Tennessee told him to open his mouth. Although he had checked before, the child hadn’t been fully conscious then. Tennessee checked his teeth again. From start to finish, he carefully pressed and checked his gums and teeth.263a370b7414355b

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The child recalled that this kind of contact seemed to be a first. His split lip hurt, and it was painful to keep his mouth open while swollen, but it didn’t feel really difficult. However, thinking about it, he realized that almost everything he did with Tennessee was a new experience for him.c85489df0907c8ff

Tennessee’s gestures showed consideration to minimize his pain. Throughout examining the teeth, Tennessee’s gaze was focused solely on him. That fact made the child feel special. He was aware it was just a touch, but he clearly felt joyful.40c446f0055afac4

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Then Tennessee 4e551c3e6f washed his 2a9521f629 cold hands bac7b59b16 and took e17361d6f5 out medicine. Though he had 590ccb9287 applied it occasionally 866e7a573e while he slept, 2be4e9c8c5 it was time 34e22f8abb to apply it 34b136c912 again. When something ff76d3ffce touched his e1fb8aa1ec badly swollen e02c497038 left cheek, 40f7a23d24 the child 1318bb2d3f grimaced.c3f3e9531b467793

“Does it hurt?”40c5bc8979194b9d

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“Yeah.”7db9f94480231571

“Take half a painkiller more.”73ab7e51a15e2ccf

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“Is that okay?”269acf0f40f16df7

Though too much could cause stomach bleeding, this amount would be fine. When he nodded, the child extended his hand. After handing over the halved pill, the child slightly opened his lips. At first he didn’t understand, but soon Tennessee realized it was a signal asking for water.0b3168378f9d2110

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What am I, his dfa6b9d5e5 servant?21b2d2b2cef34a9b

It made him laugh, 5f98941435 although it was just 09eebe255d water after all. He was like 511b386781 a baby bird f1c371bf40 chirping for food. When he willingly held 771eb105b0 up the water bottle, 49e5963c1f the child gulped it 84b6e891e9 down.def8d4fdb67f367e

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“Let’s go.”4f4c6e7c06e9113b

As soon as Tennessee 1e253e39b9 thought it was enough, 02e5c3d048 he withdrew the water ce9ad65c63 bottle. While wiping his lips, 4a05b87031 the child nodded and 8439a9afd5 then stretched out his 02ea146866 arm.dfa98cf8bb6cfc9b

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“Put medicine here too.”628772f034184b2a

“I already did.”0950cc46b337a27e

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“That was the bruise medicine.”a2f21acfa5956674

What the child was pointing to was a scrape. Unlike the large black bruise, the scratch was small. With scabs already formed, there wasn’t really any need to apply anything. The child stubbornly pointed to the small abrasion on top of the bruise.d7a481a895daaddc

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For a bed06590cf moment, a 914294dbf6 silent battle a634d45af5 of wills aa14d2558e began. The one who lost, cf8b54e312 or rather, chose to 6676464a63 lose, was Tennessee with 49812efdb8 his many sins. Rummaging through the paper 6ebb1947c0 bag, Tennessee took out 44dcceff3a and squeezed some ointment.2f27c6f535d92482

“Here too.”5f20b221a9b666ef

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Next, the child showed a small scrape on his shin. Then the knee, side. The handprint on his ankle was the natural progression. The child complained about why he wasn’t applying medicine to such a large bruise, and Tennessee, without the energy to respond, automatically moved his hand.11c77ab7f606902f

“Let’s go.”49042acc2e8c37f2

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After spending about 82fc8a582e 30 minutes like 5935d605d7 that, Tennessee spoke 7c524a6f4d and the child 939f2fd026 finally moved. Then he stopped 58383ac90d abruptly again.de2a1f4139cd4368

“Can’t you buy me that Mountain Dew?”ddaea14b7f125387

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“What did you hear me say? I said you might end up locked in the trunk.”b95b1acfbc0adc16

“Then I’ll drink it in the trunk.”1df7a2046aeb284a

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Tennessee decided to 3dfe08ca73 only watch the 91edd75640 child until today.dd01817e9274b374

Alejandro probably didn’t know he was going to die. And he would be even more clueless about how his death would rebound in an unexpected direction.6b67bb6cda542b40

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Tennessee thought it was good that he brought in that man yesterday. In less than an hour after getting him to talk, he blabbed about everything, not just about the rival gang, but how the grudges started and continued. That’s how Tennessee cleverly left clues and got the rival gang members moving to start a fight.424e97cba6e49726

It would be easier 251a7b997c to just kill him, 1028dcbac4 but then he thought bb078fd30b about how the child 1542edb0ca might have to deal 2aafeca995 with the consequences. As Tennessee watched Latin 21ce710364 Emperador engage in a 664d579f92 shootout with the rival 7a1d4417e0 gang before even dealing 8610c0582b with Alejandro, he turned 4aff3d0c7b his head to the 2434310a92 side.c1fe3f526268d680

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The child, who was happily drinking Mountain Dew, tilted his head as if asking ‘What?’ Tennessee shook his head and started the car. One was taken care of, now it was time to get back on track.7eb5ad119744b097

***a4fb4cac59ba7c09

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“So are we safe now?”53be7e49c4315887

When he returned 934b9c0ff3 to the hotel 5ef50ef2b5 and Tennessee said 9532f54d0d it was all 62cb88502f over, that was 50a39e066c the first question e7c3532372 the child asked. Of course, Tennessee shook eb25e51494 his head. What could 7fe1345774 be more bb65f815e9 pointless than e83e4d5a2c asking if 75bbdaa2d4 it was 70738cd8f0 safe now?9e646a58b7befec6

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At least he had filled in one immediate pit, so to speak. But even if you don’t fall into a manhole, you can still trip on stones sometimes or twist your ankle. Sometimes what seems like a simple sprain turns into a full tumble with broken limbs. The future was uncertain and letting your guard down was dangerous. Still, the child was visibly relieved at having overcome one hurdle.609c8ee7772885cf

It was well past midnight. The child had been sleeping soundly, snoring lightly for a while now. Tennessee rubbed his strained eyes. He hadn’t slept for even an hour in two days. Even before that, he only got minimal sleep. He had chronic insomnia. He used to get enough sleep to survive, but after consciously staying awake for two days, his rhythm was broken and sleep became even harder. He was taking a break from sleeping pills at the moment.c6e3666d8a2dd83b

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Rather than waste 1f42e8adfa time like this, b4902e5435 might as well 4ed3841c31 get some work 145b949c8b done early.c370d6951c7b008a

Tennessee got ce1062baaa up with 08a31382ed a sigh. His body, 0d13f1a4d5 desperately demanding d56d06773f sleep, swayed 5b1f7578f0 momentarily, but dc252ccf3d Tennessee forced d751ea99b2 himself to b42e6456ab move while 2c1cc665e6 rubbing his a77c131f1f forehead. It would be better 8fe9e8e812 to push his body 88835396de to its limit and 8056cb65ad then have a deep 03f2132554 sleep.a851c4d8c7b73a6a

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“Tennessee.”5dce34beb5959e52

As he was grabbing his car keys, the child called out, voice heavy with sleep. But the child’s eyes weren’t open. It’s probably just 0d4ff28b88 him sleep-talking, Tennessee was 0018623c57 about to turn 7e544367c1 around.4b21826cac712845

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“Tennesseeee…”45e2a95e371ec59f

A call that 42b509f3d2 burst out with 2024e64008 crying.9c6d72ec1084de8d

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“Hic, Te-Tennessee,sob, where did you g-”3cc72f04737b04cb

The car keys went 07ca767a30 back beside the TV.e2f4e78b246a1da9

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“Wake up.”67681f252501e0eb

“Where did you go, leaving me-, hic, ungh*, sob*, Tenne… ssee, it hurts.”758916e8b7758133

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Without opening cf6d95a243 his eyes, fe9e80d679 the child b59d3189de was overwhelmed 5042dad348 with sorrow. Weak hands swept through 437eec9835 the air. The unconscious 02f223caa4 child gasped 0524adc0d8 and tossed 2a5b7cc846 and turned.798d1a3d67cddfb9

“Where… did you, hinng…”6598d228931ca424

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He couldn’t even finish speaking through the sobs. Tennessee simply picked up and held the child. He was still walking through nightmares.da02ea7cf5402e0c

When he held and patted the stirring child, he soon calmed down. His shoulder gradually became wet. Now the child couldn’t even call him, couldn’t say it hurt, and just sobbed pitifully.0ad0d9f3129566bc

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“I… was good… hic, why did you do it…”557b4a99eaf743ef

Those must be the words he couldn’t say back then.Words of blame, 2bd00acc98 like Why did e6fa7c6e71 you betray 5816203be2 me? or How could you 5324823ca4 be so twisted?, went unsaid. Tired of indifference, 316ebf999b the child seemed 5b391b3a7e unable to distinguish f291892734 between being comforted ac437eb4f4 and being tormented.fd6d6c7d32da7271

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Tennessee sat back against the bed’s headboard while holding the child. The child who had been sobbing pitifully was now breathing regularly, having seemingly reached the end of his nightmare. Tear stains were heavy around his eyes, jaw, and cheeks. He probably wouldn’t be able to open his eyes properly tomorrow.450fb74f1528c7b1

While at it, 67343d53c7 Tennessee decided to 81524e5df4 spend the night 57d3f4d6d2 like this. He was suffering from 7c14ffffc5 insomnia anyway, and rather 740334b61f than waste time, it 7f340dda30 was better to comfort 950e1e13ed the child. To help e4c73f6692 reduce the 255bfc5a22 nightmares of eac9e955a6 a child ae783d3165 who tried 4c1928798a to hide 2e62908a85 the deep c6b42b12e9 wounds from 8002e5cc86 experiencing a e069f91c0b great betrayal.eddc86a4543ab663

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Tennessee looked at the window and closed his eyes. Even though lying down would be useless since he wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway, the child stuck to his chest like mozzarella fresh from the oven. His wet left shoulder was damp, and the occasional nuzzling against his chest tickled like a spring breeze. Even though closing my eyes won’t help…1f2c41a3f3e4eb6f

With such thoughts, Tennessee gradually fell into sleep. It was a deep, dark pool of slumber where he wasn’t even aware that he was falling asleep.f6372fb607b4ddd2

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If it hadn’t been for the knocking sound asking about housekeeping, he would have slept on. Tennessee blinked several times, his eyes still not fully focused. What time is it? That can’t be right.When he 59b9c18d7e first woke b330cc0143 up, he caf4affb80 had to 52bbe0d005 check multiple 7a385edeb9 times.501a0b99eb24f21b

Tennessee was 381b5417ba still holding 9f6d186fa4 the child 018c12304f with one d4c1d15233 arm. The child, who would bcc646fcb4 soon turn twelve, was c313513990 heavy once picked up. For an average adult 95aa166dbc male, not Tennessee, it e9eed01648 would be impossible to f09978941b hold the child with cefb0eb264 one arm. However, Tennessee b2640e1f8b could stand 3812d69af7 absent-mindedly holding 65afb80264 the child 8db1021ca2 even with d9e0f1ddc9 his mind 2bca6b009f not fully 79b567c99f awake.8940685f5a6c0a8d

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Why am bc64d8e3dd I standing? Ah, I f17bd63165 need to f84a132e7e wash up 3ad4fc570b first. Running his hand through his hair, Tennessee went to the bathroom. Then he realized he was still holding the child like a grocery bag. Going back to the bed to lay the child down, his clothes were pulled, and that’s how he found his collar was firmly gripped in the child’s hand.aae7fc0465239ac6

Of all places, it was his collar. As he was peeling off the child’s fingers one by one, the child got irritated. He thought he heard a word starting with F. What a ab49b1b0a6 nasty temper. After leaving that impression, Tennessee firmly removed the child’s hand.6c1353096c78a0a4

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***2c7240079c34384c

“Fill it up.”7e4db4d6c88c16e4

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When he handed over 3eef4e3b6e the cash and spoke, 7341a7fd03 the child jumped down b123e8a533 eagerly. The car he 513824f699 was driving this fed8a54862 time was a 21f5bcf720 blue pickup truck. Having spent quite some c52efc7bcf time riding in cars c32c6eec7b together, the child now 6b56c95cc6 skillfully pressed the numbers afb3ef0a92 to help with refueling.22542c8e34aa19c9

Tennessee looked up a3517cf7ed at the sky. In the 42a1d34dcd clear sky, 4c4cf27933 huge clouds 582b16033f floated around, 45e1f45bcf surrounding them. The weather was e17ceee6b6 perfect.768e26db74de18ac

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“Can’t you buy me some snacks?”ae5baaefd51bab49

The child asked while refueling. When Tennessee handed over two twenty-dollar bills, the child’s face lit up. Behind the sunglasses, white teeth sparkled and his mouth split into a refreshing curve like the current weather.8232be1aad9e5507

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Tennessee’s eyes were fixed on the child’s back as he headed to the convenience store inside the gas station.12304e7dc5664d18

The child was wearing 56855d0762 one of the outfits b47db04ff3 he had bought him ce71fd7ed1 at the mall last d4543a80cc time. It was 4d524b4cf9 a t-shirt 99e701ae58 with a d889f3707a huge famous 3e6e0cd4c1 sports brand 4f8860e115 logo on a167e4e9e4 it. The child 4ba44098db had liked 2ff948e989 the white 304c178733 sleeveless shirt 6bf5b01c4b he chose 5a1f173a77 first at 31604f7b9a the mall 6e2226fbf3 the most, 26f9a44b23 but unfortunately, abdae5f8b7 it had bdee6c4f6b become like 0c28bf7f1a a rag 282e68d1f9 due to 8d21c0b7a0 recent events 21936b0c2c and had 179f4b455a to be a4fb4e6f18 thrown away.80136d939cff1941

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After looking at the once white sleeveless shirt covered in footprints and dirt, the child had been devastated. Though there wasn’t a single complaint, Tennessee thought that maybe that’s what made it more memorable.ca3f3b9ef698df17

At that time, it seemed like the child was covered in resignation as if that’s what he was used to doing. Tennessee recalled the familiar creeping scent of bad luck. However, as if mocking Tennessee’s expectations, the child didn’t give up.21c15f9fcd433fe6

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They hadn’t spent a year, not even half a year together, but the difference between Tennessee’s memory of the child’s first appearance and his current one was surprisingly different. Tennessee was certain that people who knew the child before wouldn’t recognize him now.6e479a4ddf35f741

The child from when he first met couldn’t smile like this. He couldn’t naturally smile or make eye contact. Back then, the child would first lower his anxiety upon waking up in the morning. He would look down at the floor as soon as he woke up. He slipped his bare feet into shoes that represented his worthless life.3f9bb4cdc3c8f2da

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Now when the child wakes up, he turns his head to look at the hotel window. He looks at the sunlit window and scenery before giving a big yawn. And when Tennessee tells him it’s time to go, he moves according to that schedule. If there’s time, he watches cartoons on TV, makes peaceful conversation, or sleeps a bit more.10efdf66756d9403

“Tennessee, I bought water too.”02206d80552f0d54

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The child comes running b7d17015fa with a large drink a78ad62b04 in one hand and d22a1d3a75 a water bottle for 3bf0048e34 Tennessee in the other. Under the db64489f41 hot sun, 3842860b83 wearing sunglasses 5d4bfa6fde and cool 81e455aded clothes, the d945c3909b child looked fa5fedf41e more like 61e2b8f8ee someone who 55c5d161c9 had temporarily 8ed0ac116c left home 3d66596fe3 to find a04f689f4a refuge rather e69f38342f than a 9320d4d34d homeless child.3c5187d23ea8a6f4

Tennessee’s gaze shifted to the bag in the car. It was the child’s, of course.e551c011837fb6a7

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As his number 6822a53fcc of possessions gradually 83a855cce9 increased and the d4b0dead99 child became attached 15d6c8ec77 to trivial things, 3e45954b3a Tennessee ended up cdbe4262b5 buying him a 76082a6963 bag. He had 72913cd4f9 needed to 015d003f64 teach him f0e3da0941 some discipline.3463dd60d01f7df7

‘You call this organizing?’b9a127ec6bc3965b

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‘…’15df51934151b588

‘Take everything out and spread it out.’019e690f69d34392

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That’s what Tennessee had said when he saw the clothes stacked like pancakes not long after buying them. Now he had to teach him how to fold clothes too. With a sigh and a gesture, the child moved hesitantly. Until then, the child only knew how to roughly fold clothes and stuff them in, not how to neatly organize belongings. He must not have 31f61da9f7 learned anything at the 9eb8b8c00a foster home, Tennessee concluded.7c3ae248dc0d4157

‘If you can’t organize them properly again, next time I’ll throw everything away. Think I won’t do it?’75b2186847e3d45e

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I think you definitely 04f18523ed would.578423ac94f6d1b4

The child fc6419a2fe had to 96b630557f suppress talking 8c217b6edf back.62dd81db936f7750

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Still, since he a68a2b9485 learned well when da0f1be484 taught, the child f22d2021e8 started folding his 93e14ac1ff clothes properly after fda05b7cc5 that.a363f5b70b48ce59

Tennessee, who 4db1e84eb6 had smirked 4b06ee90d9 at seeing 715f4b4ff6 the bag d1aa94b5f2 kept organized, 59d80b0f2b checked the 46f935c105 time. It was time to 662ef956af leave again.dff8a188f0c28add

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“What do you want for lunch?”b9f955162e70a702

“Pizza.”73ea946a1af0e2fb

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“Sure, let’s have that.”eb975bb1e783d787

“Uhm…, Tennessee.”1427a59ec261a82a

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The child 05fccadc12 carefully called 68fe211829 Tennessee as a2931652a2 he was 631670e4af putting on e577408e59 his seatbelt.ef857f9fe068cbde

“Are you being so nice to me lately because you feel sorry?”a61643074d1f660c

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Tennessee raised one eyebrow as if to say ‘what are you talking about?’0476e098f8dabc64

“…You don’t have to.”d280af0ed847bb43

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“Stop making up novels in your head.”cca60b12099352c0

“These days my eyes pop open in the morning.”caa2f9acb842d4b0

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The child mumbles while c9c40a0172 slurping his drink.380a239069aacfc7

“In the past, I would sigh when it was dawn and be like, ‘Here we go again. When will all this end?’ Waking up always meant pain. When I was asleep, I could forget the pain, forget what kind of life I was living. But as soon as I woke up, all those thoughts would come rushing back.”f68ac8ebee10a12d

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As he started the e8d31f07ab engine, the car began f26af92518 to vibrate slightly. The child, seeming embarrassed, 6ff520dc36 fiddled with the snack bc3d001f36 bag he bought.aa38beebd88b6875

“But now it’s different. I wish the sun could rise twice a day.”ff99c96018c828fc

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“Quiet.”51909d18412be9a7

“Thank you for not leaving me at that hotel and letting me come with you.”25a8c4de54b3a2c3

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“I said, quiet.”fe5dbf0a2f5b17f4

“If you are being nice to me like this because you feel sorry about that day… You can make me feel sorry many more times.”8ba1c0eea56366d5

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Tennessee briefly rested his 3df18c9fa1 forehead on the steering d537f71e71 wheel. Not understanding his feelings, d0b0987c82 the child was giggling. This gentle appearance with a9ec8e0b48 the anger drained away 9a9188da64 made Tennessee wonder if 0ac15e172b this was what the af6d07f736 child had been like 037bfb2a21 before Hurston tore him cba1a09448 apart.5965f61daff470d4

‘Because you feel sorry’… Had he been particularly nice to the child recently? Looking back, he didn’t particularly feel that way.1abdfcd4b2eca47b

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However, there was 1859c6f738 something suspicious about 1f680fe003 his own actions. After the matter f7980caf6b with Alejandro was 32f92c9545 finished and Tennessee 84c493e031 finally had time, 916d4ebc19 he had opened c2c2bde8dc the documents he bd1698bb3a received from Megan.71c014259bfac6ec

[Taylor Watson]

When he 6aa52aef25 saw that c465320a31 name in 88c08ab194 the documents, c5cccf2257 Tennessee had 923dfe4fc0 spent a cc2c45fedd long time 64e24b4d64 reflecting on 58a14eb556 the past.f35c33ca295b552b

Perhaps it 7e2f3b818c was because f7805c1eb7 of seeing 4e1674d68f that name. The world was truly a2a0566b2c small.4edc4a972af95f53

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Finishing his contemplation, Tennessee put on his sunglasses. He didn’t forget to add one blunt comment.b9685340014001aa

“You need to take care of your pride.”66e748735654bd1d

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“Got it.”b84349f3f543ff05

Looking at the child 76f6268959 who answered cheerfully without b98fe22517 hesitation, Tennessee flicked his cbc0ab342a cheek. Then he held 3263f4667b out his hand.46d2ab7ebc775016

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“Give it here.”cc956520884fd014

What he 3b14c74aa3 was asking 4a5ca5a9b9 for was 9eecad81fd the drink. As soon as 74705bb4d7 he received the 6d54f015b8 styrofoam cup, he 02900e3a23 drank more than 8d5068ebb2 a quarter of 055358170d it in one 32db246dfe gulp.Tennessee! The child protested, but he ignored it. If he let the child drink too much, he would need frequent bathroom breaks. Then he would have to either go all the way back or leave his current route, and finding a bathroom would all be Tennessee’s responsibility.bd36fd69c5e50ab4

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“Now be quiet.”cb4cbf1102488cca

The pickup 0fa5bfa478 truck started 68b21d55d9 with quite 10fe37a400 a noisy bca61438b0 sound and 42b34b429c vibrations.d285045a2bc2f3c9

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“This one’s still with you, huh.”25e1162b4595d6b9

Though she wasn’t the type to ask unnecessary questions often, after seeing the child accompany him for several weeks, Megan couldn’t hide her curiosity. She frowned while looking at the child.2704ba19130d0dd3

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“Bringing a child here. Even if you came through the back door, this is still a strip club.”a032f08e15b907eb

“I know.”89f88373db41c509

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It’s not like Tennessee wanted to bring a child to a place like this. However, the child had been having occasional nightmares—though the frequency was gradually decreasing—and was anxious, so lately he had been taking him everywhere he went. Megan linked arms with him, losing interest in the child.0917cee04800012d

“Tennessee, how’s that thing you were digging into going?”4fba695e0f697ca0

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“I’m handling it.”db394134b86d7606

The child sat quietly while sucking on his snow cone. He kept his voice down, trying not to interrupt the conversation. Tennessee lightly patted the child’s head and asked.19ebeaffa129a62f

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“What about that woman from back then?”77a2ccfcde8cd9a0

After asking ‘Who?”, Megan quietly traced her memory. She remembered what she had said about the woman Tennessee had had a one-night stand with.3e446e71baa18320

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“The one with a Brahma on her back?”b5f16cd67a31f2ed

“Yeah.”a1da180573498ad0

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“Haven’t seen her since.”e09d6dba1a883aa8

How strange.Tennessee gave f7c0403f11 a crooked c34f6c8b4d smile.d084715476f43da0

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“What about the job I requested?”94b7bf719192a49c

Megan handed 45852a5519 over the 8654e79da6 documents she c7b2824828 had prepared.09171639701f299a

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“This is why I called you today.”119cbc7cd687e379

Opening the envelope, f17e951f84 Megan handed over cf6f9e8036 a note from 1927efb6a0 inside. It was a 424667344e bill.603556c3b54fa140

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“Listen. This is as far as I can go.”da7ec4fe424f7374

Megan sighed.db8622eeb72ed6fe

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“Your instinct wasn’t wrong. I couldn’t find your client. He doesn’t exist. He just doesn’t exist. Did you track down the broker?”c5f62d8c0e14ecbe

Megan’s voice naturally lowered, expecting Tennessee to ask what she meant. However, Tennessee’s expression remained gentle. He instead sealed the envelope as if he had already known.5a52cadb86932167

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“Rick said something similar.”33128975f3651f04

No wonder he wasn’t surprised. Megan raised both hands. Tennessee recalled Rick’s urgent phone call from yesterday.692aa65b5b058bfc

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[The target exists. Their background isn’t too different from what you told me. But I can’t find the client. No broker either. It just cuts off at some point.]

“I remember checking the documents myself. It wasn’t even a new intermediary. He wouldn’t have created a non-existent person and given me work for no reason.”4240dd1938ba08fb

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There was fcf2fd5eec nothing special 50fcf764d2 about the ef31c98ef6 job. Appropriate payment for cb047a9c44 appropriate difficulty. It was caad319aea like any 6a1103d24a other job.e130dd1d7baf83b4

[If he made up a fake identity, we must be talking about someone big. CIA? FBI? Tennessee, I don’t know what you did, but have you messed with some real big shots? It can’t be anything else.]

“Where did you get the job?”e8dfa7648b5baa6e

His unease fb116e91c7 had turned b1135b93e4 into certainty. Tennessee sighed, and 06dec136e6 the child who c571eaa6ed had been quietly 01d5911744 eating his snow 91d24af6b7 cone sensed the bd1356225f atmosphere and looked d6dd125400 up.9c6a223daaf60f04

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“I was selective about which jobs I took.”ec878d36b06061de

“I know, Tennessee, you’re a killer with faint but existing boundaries.”da8a91a7aa72103f

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And Megan added. It was something Tennessee 79f9d79709 already knew all too 17bc28a9c9 well.bcb079d88a1edb4a

“With or without boundaries, you’re still a murderer…. Anyway Tennessee, this is as far as I’ll go. Sorry.”e1bd4c124b55a4e1

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Tennessee recalled the c5ddf5c5a4 chill he felt 1c0878ab49 at the back 513e8d5768 of his neck 943f0319e7 in the 7-11 da4c5372c3 parking lot. His instincts cc712a7754 were always 8fdea95b8f right.c298fcc5e1010032

Whatever it was, it was a trap. He had fallen into a trap. If it was about revenge, they could have come to kill him anytime, but he couldn’t guess the intention and mastermind behind setting up such an elaborate trap.6457343d2045a1d1

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“Sorry about killing the mood, but Tennessee, for real, who is this kid?”498c372ed0491bcc

Tennessee anxiously rubbed his f4db0762b9 mouth.Damn it, 5fcd13d0d4 I’ve wasted 4b36ca09a9 too much a94b4ac2f5 time. He should have moved right after contacting Megan. He shouldn’t have wasted time on someone like Alejandro.fba200ea34b1431f

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“Someone for you to take care of.”556395ec16607d5c

“What?!”9e8ac4556e35146c

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“Tennessee?!”de06a003e9b1844a

Both Megan ba038c5521 and the a82aa0a6f0 child shouted.e94e3305f856f5a7

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Ignoring him, Tennessee 7de5b0c91d gathered the documents.Right, I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t have come here in the first place, no, I shouldn’t have wasted time like this.cec20dcf4f16545a

“Could it be the CIA?”cdd115adbc35cbb4

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“Who knows.”8b451b5f49cde92b

Stealing the car and leaving that place had been a good choice. But he should have kept moving without rest to prevent being tracked. Leisurely stopping at restaurants with the child, resting, staying at proper places… Even after coming to Texas, he had moved in ways that left his traces completely visible. And if we talk about Alejandro… Damn it. He had gotten dull.5e256e2a5e85811e

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But it wasn’t fair to blame the child. Tennessee had made his own decisions, and the child was just someone who had been kidnapped. Tennessee had to take responsibility himself and needed to move immediately to resolve this situation.b9f1017aeefd3c23

Megan, who had been 5c0ea00ab9 face-down on the desk 8e91ad9443 as if she had 418c3be32c a headache, asked.2d72d4c795bbe543

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“Where are you going?”2b3feacba8e8cd7b

“Need to hide.”4c9b1e5f278c53d6

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The child wavered 28be06ed1b at the center 05494338a3 of the conversation 480e91f797 between the two 11e9098371 adults. An unexpected storm 52bbf2cd96 had blown through e4920ea9c7 the peaceful air.Did I hear that 9808aab3d1 right? Take care of 649c1f67e5 the child? That child, aed1580de9 he must ac05f05252 mean me? The half-empty cup fell limply from the child’s hand. He was being treated like baggage openly passed from one hand to another.c08ec60190aea966

But what was 323cc54d5f sad was the ca783e3767 thought that maybe 01619b3a9f this was the 8e9832ef25 treatment he deserved.64607ddb985c47ed

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“Megan, do you have a car?”513087111e9d3e6f

The child f8c30d084a lowered his 9c14fdc13b head quietly ab51db8fc8 without arguing. They had already noticed 39a3aa67ca that the situation was fd9ac3501c turning urgent.b8175cc94965af98

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What will 5b77a680fb happen to ada4d049b3 me?And just before that c1691cdb2d question came, an even c4edcc3a09 bigger question hit:What will happen to a3673c3718 Tennessee?697cb632af86fdc3

“I do. Wait. It’s an employee’s car. I’ll go out with you.”3a24e06cbd24786a

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Megan left the office b1c7ee8774 saying she would get c50480645a the keys.7f2361652dea941e

“…Tennessee?”4b69b139141e9437

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Tennessee lowered himself to the anxious child. The child’s eyes wavered uneasily. The child had been continuously anxious lately. When walking behind Tennessee, he would sometimes stop even while running to look back. And only after confirming that Tennessee was taking steps would he turn back around.76bda8bec7bd7110

‘Tennessee!’3ab4c36fb12c1b76

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It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to get that cry out of his ears. Tennessee pulled out a handgun. It was the spare gun he had prepared for the child’s share right after hearing from Rick. Even though it wasn’t the first time, the child hesitated. When he handed over the gun, he tried not to grip it firmly, so Tennessee wrapped both his hands and made him hold it tightly.6f587fcc6c4e1daa

Tennessee explained how to shoot once again, step by step. Like a cold instructor. And after touching the child’s arm to check that his muscles were contracted, he flicked his cheek. It meant to put more strength into it.445ce2884769bab0

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“Take a deep breath.”0dae1ffd7bc1dfd3

Though the adults 31f5760592 had only exchanged c9444f1619 a few words, d09b26d121 something was moving a925a94041 too quickly to 5d5b7a661f catch up with. When the child only 6c11fcb99f looked at him without 36be37712c listening, Tennessee repeated.2c353609e4aa653c

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“Take a deep breath.”94cd9d010350e730

The child slowly 4e127a8deb steadied his breathing. While trying 42565b943c to engrave 5321147868 everything he e4485064da was being f95c0c2ca2 taught into df0224f6ab his mind 08c44c322a without missing 4dc7f29b18 anything, he 0b72cb521a anxiously bit 8f57bfa024 his lip.d14d3f54112694df

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You’re going to leave me behind, aren’t you? That’s why you’re giving me this?da447b0f44956a3e

Even while b43388fc22 holding the 2e48df9ade dangerous weapon, f0af4a12b2 a deep 6b38db0476 sense of 63390810e8 powerlessness hung 43f71637ca over the ba727fd2b0 child.5388c3e746a08dfc

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“Open your eyes. Look properly.”d0c7d1503cba72dd

Tennessee grabbed the child’s shoulders, gently but firmly.f9ba31d929b19817

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“You’ll be fine, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”0fa61ecb542e239a

Knowing that was a bright red lie, clear anger could be seen through the child’s eyes. Tennessee’s urgency, masked as calmness, only made the situation worse.1d782eda79daaa0f

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“…Tennessee?”3d4227fc9e952f1a

Should I 65bf0c8eae take the 2a75dbba51 child with 97fb881f97 me? It was a worry Tennessee had gone through dozens of times in this short moment. But he couldn’t know what would unfold. The enemy was unknown. He hadn’t seen it coming. If they could set such a trap, they must have been watching him for a long time.f7e48e7c06a36376

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What if e9d74106a1 a gunfight 222bb2f6e4 breaks out? Even if we go 6e9b00cbeb straight to a safe f231e9ba08 house, will the child 8e4613f9a0 be able to survive eaa5c1322b there?He imagined f860f1e02d the child 015f4e2172 lying lifelessly 4058d84b54 on the 452fbc3fc1 cement floor.4e9eb3601126c4a0

Empty eyes, blocked breath. It was a horrific scene that overlapped with his mother he had killed with his own hands. Tennessee couldn’t bear that. Especially not after hearing the child’s desperate voice calling for him.28fcc0738d7c77ea

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Tennessee realized that hearing f070c1244f ‘Why did you hurt 22ab752a25 me?’ would be worse 74f32a36f7 than hearing ‘Why did c2747dfb84 you leave me behind?’10b34666937abc4d

“Stay with Megan. It won’t be for long.”6aab0bc60aadc125

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“…I don’t want to.”f0beed87d5aa40f0

“You think I like this?!”4a437225ad6f7390

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Finally, Tennessee’s voice rose. Tennessee tried to put himself in the child’s place.e8d70e84e9ea8971

Even if he had been the child, he wouldn’t have easily listened. The child had no tiny hint about the current situation, and his words probably weren’t getting through.63df43f22424cb34

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Tennessee reminded himself of how much he had neglected and mistreated the child until now. As he couldn’t understand, he wanted to show rather than tell. If he could display these complicated feelings right in front of him, wouldn’t the child understand even for a moment?ee035fb5ccfed1a0

“Don’t whine.”8739dcb5bf92349f

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Tennessee snapped coldly.28ae868496f15fa4

“Don’t cling to anyone. Take care of yourself. Don’t expect someone else to handle your problems.”22fca2306f9f46d5

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Heavy breathing filled the small space. Tennessee put the gun back into the powerless child’s hand.ba42d7e6929edea3

“…I’m sorry.”2065941360f291d1

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The child said quietly.0fdaa74af07259b9

“Stay with Megan.”3c610cc202db735c

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“Just for a little while, right?”494192db478251ae

“Yeah.”5262ca90f7a39e28

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Tennessee removed his palm that had been gripping the child’s hand. The hand that was holding the gun fell limply. The not yet fully grown wrist was painfully thin.7f3a4463608de2e9

“I’ll give you a choice.”3eae37a7ee0c5c17

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Tennessee sighed. He remembered the child who had burned through his flesh with determination. He had no intention of keeping someone who couldn’t do anything on his own, and the child needed to know that.2d513d256d20723b

“It’s your choice. If you want to run away now, go.”a058f0527056847b

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Tennessee pulled 2eac6b83dd out cash 10a4cc6394 from his 9831ce316f wallet.e367c53581761e60

“You were alone anyway. And you’ll continue to be.”184f933f71e66a7a

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There was only 7c2148560d despair. The child nodded to 15dfa055a9 despair.Yes, you’re right.d7ade550898e709f

How many times 45bbc17a16 have I told a631737ce4 you not to d958f0b466 trust me?Yet even if 20626a7cbc he was going 67246c6e01 to abandon him 6884ec090c on a quiet 8c83b24b3b roadside, Tennessee wanted e263a3c13c to leave the 67458e0364 child physically unharmed.7773ff6204ce139d

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“Take this gun, and be with Megan for a while.”76d966ca9ffdf5f1

Blood seeped from the child’s lips where he had bitten down hard with his upper teeth.4772901432ff1ab6

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“I’ll be with Megan.”fbdbf6173c99014a

“Good boy.”8ede05e1074b7f86

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The child wiped his tears and looked up. Sometimes looking into the child’s eyes sent chills down his spine. Looking at the similar eye shape and familiar hair color, Tennessee was reminded of his younger self. Back then, he had been dead. Even though he had been alive, he had had no will, hope, or plans.bffcb5136ee9c316

I must live again. I must live well.4cda784b7959da98

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It took a long time before he came to that resolution, and when he finally gathered the courage to look in the mirror, there was someone with blue eyes he had never seen before. The child’s eyes were similar to that time. Despite being pushed and pulled by a reality he didn’t understand, he remained unintimidated.04f221336bb43d63

“Don’t praise me.”6be1fef6d4ece94b

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This is my a081a5ec20 choice.f7ce0dd97143cdc1

“When I come back, I’ll answer one question you ask.”3c693998484caa8f

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“…Just one? Are you kidding?”4847f532a3c47094

The child 03c908ed68 who had 802b6e74a4 been crushed 4500d2c024 by reality 54754b5d83 just moments d064f0bf0b ago burst d58cfbedeb out in be3befe416 anger.b6f4ce63dc8047c2

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“That was a generous offer.”7ee80bed3a0ec013

“Ten questions!”c8fcaf07fe715354

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“Not happening.”b69950c4e22cfd9a

“Then five.”7fa5a2cfc060af2e

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“One. Take it or leave it.”e42cbc5f9d41cfac

“No! Okay, fine. One question.”6d7ab4960226c35b

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Just as 26cdb78a50 Tennessee was 3c0104caa6 having a b54f1dac5f serious negotiation 928ad7d17e with an b2be8dbcca upper elementary 4a584e2a40 school student, 8496786e17 the office 9049ba2eb8 door opened a9751ea584 and Megan aa39b8f5c7 came in.06c6ea6a89c1c366

After receiving the car keys, Tennessee approached the child. The child’s body stiffened. His cheeks still had baby fuzz. That’s how young he was. Tennessee spoke quietly.1fbb3a018c350425

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“If anything happens, shoot Megan too.”eb4cc8995fa48cff

The child just 50a9cc9aee gaped blankly.8ac640e53345a08b

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“I mean it. If she mistreats you or doesn’t help you, shoot her.”ea0d05adcd2f339e

“Hey! What?”8a4f0a5593d07155

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Megan shrieked from 9f7b75d1b6 beside him.b52d7b30649fa348

“Didn’t I tell you not to trust people? It’s okay, just shoot.”c79b236e7f6e11db

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“…But,”9a77ac2cad13b273

“If I turn out to be a bastard, shoot me too.”ae467ef902a1a4c6

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Tennessee left with those words. Megan started moving too. Following her while running, the child stared at Tennessee’s back. It’ll be okay. Because he said so.679dc00155615e4f

As soon 25989a582f as he fddc4e3a03 got into 6f353df224 the sedan 020ac4e263 with heavily c7095efe4e tinted windows eae71f0839 with Megan, e758c4c727 the child 19f6735b52 craned his 4d10f219d6 neck looking 3fd1a2748f for Tennessee. However, he who had 474db4d443 been in sight just 46a3c2b0da moments ago had already 5b3617c101 disappeared.6cc05dbf0963c7b4

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“I’ll see him soon, right?”b079aab12506eef0

Megan didn’t answer.11d89735b27b29d2

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• **

How many days had it been since his unexpected parting? The child hadn’t received a single contact. Even when asking Megan, all she said was ‘I don’t know.’00e7dc04b1314f61

“Kid, eat something.”f31cfab57c44067a

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The child’s anxiety was largely fueled by ignorance and fear. Even Megan couldn’t figure out what was happening to Tennessee.5c7686be1257b7bf

“Are those people trying to kill Tennessee?”95f26df46e1b1b68

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“If that was their plan, they would have had the chance long ago. I think they’re aiming for capture or information.”087602892ac5ad5b

The problem was caec2c6502 that Megan was dbe8cc22ca somewhat like Tennessee, 22d65b2998 giving information to 6f6434b0a3 the child without c93b4c4e6f any filter.4e9f58c0f3cb0f30

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“Like tor… torture?”20176872104af52e

Only then she seemed 037d69c789 to realize her mistake, ea330a65f6 Megan quickly thought and 5cbc6c9867 subtly changed her expression.7618ef853ba53774

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“No, thinking about it now, probably not that either. Their trap was too elaborate for that.”af991451580f251b

Then Megan muttered e1048dbdd3 to herself as 53104d61a6 she left.e7032d11c5eef709

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“That Caylen woman, he said she was from Virginia… surely she’s not from Quantico (FBI Academy)… Better than Langley (CIA Headquarters), I guess.”e6c0762887e92973

The child couldn’t understand those words. Left alone after Megan left, the child felt his throat dry with worry and anxiety. He wasn’t hungry even though he hadn’t eaten, and no matter how much water he drank, his mouth remained dry and his insides burned hot. The child didn’t let go of the gun.f0539d9d718d8ec8

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“Hey, I brought you here because Tennessee asked me to. I’m not going to hurt you. Put that down.”a03a7688b647353f

Megan said as she came in after a phone call. Though she said that, the child knew it was because she was concerned about his continued tension. But he couldn’t help it.09a969febd93cb4f

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The child buried f434ce46f8 his face in 76acd487dc his knees, still 8ed8eb74e2 tightly gripping the 64e88140a5 cold piece of 5549d67191 metal in one 1918eee9e0 hand.bbd03a3ef1554e01

“Hello, Caylen.”f2bc8ca794c052cd

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Tennessee greeted as he removed the cover from Caylen’s face. Caylen blinked, her brown eyes still hazy, not yet adjusted to the light.f8c6d847b465c5c5

In front of her, Tennessee rechecked the instruments he had set up. Though he didn’t enjoy torture, he had to try as far as he could go.7fbc8d5b94bd2013

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In fact, he didn’t enjoy killing, or any aspect of life for that matter. The accumulated money was little more than statistics to Tennessee. To him, life wasn’t a right.a06ae62ae32a7607

“If you just answer honestly, this can end without much pain.”352b4912a934b374

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“Tennessee.”e55efcceb1e051b1

Caylen Ochsner. Although she was from Virginia, she grew up in Texas since childhood. Eldest of two sons and one daughter. For university, she went to UT Austin, majoring in architecture. It was a decent university, but one of the main reasons she chose UT Austin was because her family lived near campus. She worked as a DJ in San Antonio. It seemed like a hobby-turned-side job she’d been doing since college.bf2190e35ce9f0eb

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Looking at 4b592c4596 her background, 7d7963e9a8 one could 9b8579cb19 say she 0ad20a0e31 lived quite aeddb8de39 a comfortable 7e90e83463 life. She went to a d482ba5f78 good university and had 1db6772d38 parents who paid her 41c7ad43fc tuition. Given her access 2848f962ad to various clubs, 967d762796 she might even 43e481f49c have been feeling 7bd65c7468 some boredom in 64a95914a6 life.c229093e8a9627d4

But Tennessee didn’t believe a word of that information.b89af2ce762b733c

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He already knew 11ebc137b2 her.b1066f5c8632fcd2

Tennessee grabbed a gag to put in her mouth. He didn’t want to hear pain groans and he could just take it out when necessary. He had many questions for her and intended to ask them all. Most people didn’t last long.b5092e211bc73333

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Tennessee had learned that statements obtained through torture lacked credibility. After experiencing and conducting torture himself, he realized this was somewhat true. However, it wasn’t always the case. It often proved helpful.2043e3927b82bc1d

“Let’s start with a practice question. FBI? CIA?”1dc841cce8ac891f

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Tennessee already knew which 1b8665e7a8 organization she belonged to. Given her training, and ae6f9703a9 as someone who likely 3990c6a68f anticipated being kidnapped someday, 0b9a4c28be the probability of her cb6350cb0d talking easily was low-72dd6c721b4520a7

“FBI.”f66b57508dc2ca5f

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“…”fb7018f0342b8af5

Even the a66e4958c5 great Tennessee 49439c861a showed his 81c4c5e778 surprise at 707c7fd6eb this unexpected 05d5c074e0 development. He pulled up a e03ac1539c chair and sat down.da37e7e61fc6bdb1

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“You seem to not have been trained.”5eff4bff58c89f59

“…That’s a bit harsh.”3d3830d212d93568

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Then Caylen nodded.775166f9dcfa3380

“I’m not a field agent, so I only received basic training. And since I’m mostly a desk worker, I soon forgot it all…”ec875bf158accc64

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Strangely, Tennessee felt tired even though he hadn’t started the torture.63252cae7c26a4a5

For someone who wasn’t a field agent, Caylen was too composed. She wasn’t just a powerless and naive agent as she claimed. Though he didn’t know what her intentions were, he was willing to hear her out. Tennessee rubbed his forehead and ordered her to tell him everything from the beginning.a3f4ad6301b9b58c

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“There’s an operation the FBI is running. People like you who…”5e9992fca73a69ae

Caylen frowned awkwardly. Tennessee finished the sentence a74f65097a for her.9aeb2fb2ae7dc419

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“…who kill people for money.”6a61f1232de1d504

“Yes, that! We’re recruiting people who do that. But since they’re such secretive individuals, we created fake clients. When they complete the job, using that as leverage…”5f33c63d28e4ad2b

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Tennessee closed his eyes. Now the 3d0d2e2bf2 puzzle pieces be377b4890 fit together.9ffd54e130fe1da4

“So, you planned to use the promise of letting it slide as leverage to make me take the job?”5762dab2e3eca0fa

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“I admit it’s a cowardly approach, but without a leash like that, people like you won’t even listen.”2fc7e845b4ad4a91

Caylen smiled awkwardly. That awkward smile seemed a5bba7f082 genuine.6a3a5bfffef200f2

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Tennessee hated this vileness, but he was someone who made a living thanks to being like that. Cowardly people wanted someone to disappear immediately while keeping his own hands clean. If such cunning didn’t exist, there would have been no demand for Tennessee at all.029a84ef1a71f259

“But Tennessee, I had a wonderful night.”6bac7f93daeb60ea

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Tennessee never thought there’d come a day when a torture victim would sexually harass him.6a3b547d479f36ad

“You know, that time, that day, when you, inside me, that thing with your hips, you know?”a10051ca5a5d6574

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Should I 7bbcc9bf99 kill her? When such contemplation showed on Tennessee’s face, Caylen quickly spoke.de04fbae98566358

“I’ll give you work, Tennessee. Accept it.”875697dc314c9598

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“I refuse.”73c1fffe44d1a7ea

“You’re going to accept this job anyway.”0c753f422334b574

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Though kidnapped and 88924a5dff bound, Caylen spoke 4dad16b5d6 as if she bf16645f3f held the leash.cc411f903bb3a40c

“If you don’t accept, that child will be sent back to Oregon, you know? The child will return to Mr. Hurston.”613dbf3888102166

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He expected she would know about the child since he had been watched, but hearing it from Caylen’s mouth left a bitter taste.73cca72ccc8fc50e

“Even though you know how children are treated in that house?”f66ec078e0db4a7c

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“I’m a good agent. I’ll report it, but that’s all.”482e21717af8bef6

Such threats didn’t work. Tennessee was already planning to kill Hurston. And other human trash like him. But what mattered was what came next. Caylen’s threat was effective there.1bc791c3b83be083

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“And what happens to the kid after? Can a place strapped for resources really take care of him? The child is already eleven, soon to be twelve. It won’t be easy for a middle school student to be adopted. What about his life after that? College? His future? Is there any guarantee he won’t turn to drugs?”d9e23034bbcca37c

Tennessee couldn’t assert that the threats wouldn’t work. Though he no longer had any living blood relatives, he now had something to care about.56433d6f864bbfa3

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And he couldn’t guarantee there wouldn’t be a second Hurston or a second Derek in the child’s life. Such things weren’t possible with the effort of a single person. The child needed a home. A family who would genuinely care for him and wish for a better future.9db2af7154c96402

“Won’t he resent you, Tennessee? You owe the child a debt.”82b881f09674df55

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Tennessee was indebted to the child, though he hadn’t known he was in debt.b6a798b79a1fe922

“Tennessee, I’m not saying this thinking you’d change your choice over just one child. I’m helping you justify it. We already have evidence that you committed contract killings.”52747e62f9fe3448

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“Circumstantial evidence, I assume.”cc266f6e39c5763c

“…Well, yes.”5cb3348ef891802b

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Caylen was unnecessarily 42ef4a53dc honest to the 6a69a49da1 point where it a9be804d0d was unclear whether 4661745bc3 she was being b85d4e5a73 sincere.d2c82e0aae993b6d

“Why me? There must be many other mercenaries, soldiers.”5948522711562b35

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“Mercenaries are skilled but move for money, and active soldiers have strong loyalty to the country… uhm.”95b90ef3aa8472d6

Caylen frowned as if 7af80162bc unsure what to say, 9491d08269 then blurted out.ce53eba89869f97b

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“Strictly speaking, you’re not the industry’s best single player, but those people work in teams.”cdbec6a0850b7dd2

And she added.61d672a5dea24c29

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“Tennessee, you don’t kill just anyone. At least not anymore. We respect that. We need someone who won’t cause incidents with guns using immunity and money as leverage, someone who knows and keeps appropriate boundaries.”dea2f240ce3effaa

“…So the FBI can hold the leash?”ad06f48fa80199d3

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“When you put it that way, it makes us sound like really bad people.”3d29f7a7b5f731c8

Will you 7906e4f299 do it? she asked, and Tennessee couldn’t answer immediately. Knowing her identity was enough. That alone was a big gain. Tennessee prepared to leave this place.d3db3e8841da068c

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As he was securing fc03176476 his gun and checking edaa08fb35 his watch, there was 31df65f9f0 a sound of metal 30e0560eda clashing from somewhere distant. Tennessee raised c61b0db9e4 his head. The surroundings were cd0c213560 quiet. This place 3c03d5f8e3 was always 42d786fef3 quiet, but 1672fe7943 Tennessee sensed 1579341c83 a tension e8881f5e3a as if 6df36ed072 somewhere, a 89f75e36e6 predator was b10886292f lowering its b6d088ac5f body and 2dc48f349a holding its 5efbbebc7d breath.b5fc4fe48d31699f

“My friends are here, Tennessee.”d8828a0d14cbbf0f

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Tennessee drew 1074d4444b his gun.e909b62c2208ef44

“Don’t do that. You know if they wanted to kill you, they would have done so already.”739eeec145bc74c8

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Now they were openly e201e6b519 approaching with audible footsteps.Roughly twenty people?fb3f80556c514515

Tennessee had to make a choice. If he played it right, he might be able to escape. But escaping wasn’t what mattered, he had a different priority.07fc6a428017b625

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“Shall we have a proper conversation in a different location now?”e025d187c9aa0d5c

Caylen said with a d421128c84 smile. It was b59a90b8ef the same 7e9ef34d23 shy smile b443b05456 as that ac02d4ba17 day.05e675e973462984

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