Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Leo truly hadn’t appreciated what Lei had said on the phone about his mother hating him and Leo dying in hell.
Was his messing up the fun of the cookout his way of revenge?
So obsessed with the treasure mystery, TT continued, “Either way, this is a map of Crownsville which is at the bottom of Dream Lake. And the treasure is located on one of the missing daggers. We need six more to finish it.”
“But with those verses, you may find the treasure without the missing daggers,” Leo added. “Never underestimate your brain.”
I forced myself to smile for her sake, nodding along.
But inside, I was spiraling. “Well. . .this is so dope, TT. You did it and I’m so proud. Go get Chloe and Jo so we can show them too.”
TT gave me a sad smile. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because Leo has a plan.”
My eyes widened in fear as a cold sweat broke out across my forehead.
Before I could respond, Lei stepped forward. Every inch of him vibrated with barely contained fury. His eyes burned into Leo as if he were ready to tear him apart right then and there.
Leo held up his other hand. “Stay where you are, son.”
Lei growled. “What are you planning to do?”
Leo tilted his head, still smiling that twisted, horrifying way. “Oh, son. The plan. . .well, it’s already begun.”
“That sounds like something a villain would say. Be better, father.”
“Every story needs a villain. They serve a purpose.” Leo shrugged. “Without someone to challenge the hero. . .without someone to push him to his limits. . .where’s the growth? Where’s the struggle?”
Lei sneered. “Let TT go downstairs.”
“The hero doesn’t become a hero unless there’s a villain forcing them to rise, to change, to fight for what they believe in.” Leo winked. “You can’t just always electric slide your way to a happy ending.”
Those words shattered me.
Leo continued, “Villains force the heroes to confront their fears, their weaknesses, and ultimately themselves.”
TT didn’t look at me.
Instead, she watched Lei.
What is going through your mind, sis?
“This isn’t some fictional story, Father.” Lei sighed. “This is real life. Don’t be the monster.”
“I serve a purpose and my plan tonight serves one too.” Leo put his view on me and that creepy smile left his face. In its place was a warm, yet sad one. “Moni. . .do you want to see Lei become the man he’s meant to be?”
“He’s already that man.”
“Not just yet, Moni.” Leo shook his head. “You want to see him take his rightful place as Mountain Master, truly claim his throne? This means he needs someone to stand in his way. Someone to show him what’s at stake.”
“Leo. . .” I chose my words carefully. “He already knows what’s at stake.”
“He’s dancing instead of training.”
“That helps him know the beauty of life and fight for it tomorrow.”
Leo considered that. “Hmmm. That is a good point.”
I gave him a sad smile. “I say that you leave the East in peace and let us—”
“That would be nice, but now Lei won’t let me leave unless. . .”
I tensed.
Lei got in front of me. “Unless what? You have a hostage?”
Leo pointed at him. “I told you to stay where you are. Please go back.”
“Why, father? Are you scared for me to get too close?”
“No, but my blade is. . .” With that, Leo revealed more of the blade laying on my sister’s little shoulder.
I raised my hand. “L-leo, please don’t hurt her.”
TT put her view on me. “I don’t think he will hurt me, Moni. I think he’s just using me as a way to control you both.”
“Very smart.” Leo nodded. “She’s right. And do I have proper control of you two?”
My voice went low. “Y-yes.”
Song finished the last piece of cobbler and then had the nerve to start licking the fucking plate.
Hey, man. Get your fucking brother!
I wanted to slap his ass.
Leo spoke, “Son, go over to the bookshelf and pick up the iPad.”
“Why?”
“I want you to see something.”
“See what?”
“Information is important.” Leo held up the opened bible to us and pointed to the highlighted verse. “There’s a verse you should be aware of: Galatians 6:7.”
Lei didn’t go over to the iPad.
Instead, he glared, “Father, let TT and Moni go and—”
“TT, what does Galatians 6:7 say?”
She blinked. “‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’”
Leo’s eyes glinted with dark amusement. “That is on the map too. What an interesting clue for the Crownsville Bandit to put on there. I bet she is talking about secrets. Things that bad men did that will now come up again.”
TT looked down at the map as if already piecing together something new from Leo’s words.
Meanwhile, Leo continued, “Son, go look at the iPad. I wouldn’t want you making any mistakes in this room. A mistake in here could result in that having a bad rippling effect outside of this house.”