A few men about Jacky's age sat on both sides. There were no elders among them.
It was apparent they were men Jacky had taken under his wing.
Chairs had been arranged neatly on both sides, but the four chairs at the front were empty.
"Mr. Richards and Mr. Whalen." Jacky turned around to look at Jepherson and Zorion as the two of them stood side by side in silence.
"Please." Jacky gestured for them to sit on the left side, and Jepherson took a seat, Zorion following suit.
Then, Jacky spoke, "For many years, the residents of Waverly Village lived in harmony. Although we are part of the country, we've always had our set of rules."
"Men are not allowed to commit adultery, and women are prohibited to steal or engage in prostitution. This is the first rule I had set. Brothers cannot fight each other, and villagers cannot bully each other. There are more than a dozen rules in total, one of which is no rebellions."
"Before this, I had always regarded Logan as my brother. But when I brought another friend to visit, he conspired with outsiders and intercepted us on the way, nearly killing my friend."
"I, Jacky Scott, have never done a friend wrong. Jack Town Hotel will not sit back and do nothing."
Everyone was silent. Jacky walked up to Logan, who was kneeling, then said, "Logan and I grew up together, and I treated him as my brother. He would never do such a thing by chance."
"With all parties here today, I will not beat around the bush either. Logan betrayed me because of a woman named Rossie Lautner."
"What do you have to say for yourself, Logan?"
Jacky lowered his gaze and stared at Logan. Logan laughed. "There's nothing to say. My fate is sealed. Do whatever you want."
Jacky looked around, and someone came up, presenting three knives.
Looking at Zorion, Jacky said, "It happened in the Whalen family's territory; they definitely will not sit idly by. One knife..."
Zorion remained silent.
"Someone in the Richards family got hurt; they definitely will not take this lying down. One knife..."
Jepherson did not speak.
Jacky focused his gaze on Logan and continued, "Waverly Village would like to apologize for that person. One knife..."
None of the attendants spoke.
"These three knives will put an end to our grudges. It's up to fate whether he survives this or not. Any objections?"
No one spoke; Logan's eyes were fixed on the ground.
Jacky threw a knife on the ground and barked, "Come on."
Logan lifted his head and looked at Jacky as he reached for the knife. He plunged it directly into his chest but merely let out a muffled groan. Everyone in the room stared at him.
"Huff..." Logan's breathing grew labored after the stab, sweat gathering on his forehead.
But he was still kneeling.
Jacky grabbed the second knife and threw it on the ground. Logan barely managed to pick up the knife before thrusting it into his chest for the second time. This time, his body wavered, and he almost lost his balance.
Without hesitation, Jacky threw the last knife onto the ground. Logan held the knife firmly and stabbed it into his chest once more before collapsing.
Jacky announced, "The grudge will now end after
three stabs. Everyone, please leave."
Jepherson stood up and strode towards the exit. Zorion did the same, taking a glance at the dying Logan before he left.
They returned to their cars and left Waverly Village.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Cutie, Please Marry Me Again (Jenna and Hansen)