Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 704

The man was gasping for breath, terror etched across his face. Despite the chill of the season, he wore nothing but a pair of boxers, his body slick with sweat.

Sweat dripped into his eyes, stinging them, causing his eyelashes to tremble - a mix of discomfort and fear.

Tarquin lifted his hand and tore the duct tape from the man's mouth.

Immediately, the man begged for mercy. "Please, don't kill me! I'll tell you everything I know. No, wait - just kill me quickly, don't torture me, I... Ahhh!"

His screams nearly blew the roof off the tin shack!

Outside, Axel and Lowell stood by the door, chatting casually as if oblivious to the horror unfolding inside.

Lowell asked, "How long has it been since Tarquin last visited?"

Axel paused, "Two years."

Lowell sighed, "Ms. Thorne was traumatized into unconsciousness. Tarquin's been beside himself with worry."

Axel, hands in his pockets, leaned against the door frame, gazing at the pitch-black ocean. He quietly listened to the howling wind and the screams from within, choosing not to respond.

Everyone has their limits, and ordinary folks' limits should never be tested, let alone Tarquin's.

It wasn't that he was heartless; some folks just had the misfortune of living in a cruel world. If you weren't ruthless, you'd end up prey.

After what felt like an eternity, the room fell silent, save for the man's whimpers and sobs. Then, even those faded away.

The metal door swung open, and Tarquin emerged, his hands covered in blood.

He walked to the shoreline, squatting to wash his hands in the sea.

Lowell quickly handed him a clean towel to dry off.

Axel glanced inside the room. The man was still tied to the bed, conscious but in too much pain to make a sound. The extent of his injuries was unclear.

Axel didn't care. He turned his attention back to Tarquin.

Tarquin, having cleaned his hands, took the towel from Lowell, wiped off, and lit a cigarette. He took a few puffs before saying coldly, "We have a mole."