C2 HAZEL'S CONFESSION

It was few minutes to twelve when two sleek black vehicles rolled up to a halt in front of Carl's residence. His house was the biggest and most developed house in the community an evidence to the authority and power he had in the community.

Carl, the once respected leader of the community, had always been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the collection of taxes and rent from the memberd. These funds were meant to be utilized for the betterment of the community, ensuring its growth and development. However, few months after assuming his office, Carl had gradually succumbed to the allure of power and greed.

With the aid of his henchmen, he began to exploit the very system that was designed to benefit the community. Instead of faithfully submitting the collected funds for community development to the senior boss, Carl diverted huge sums for his personal use and increased the tax by twenty percent.

As the months went by, the community started to notice a decline in the quality of life. They began to refuse paying their tax. Carl began to use ill means, to get the tax from them. He physically abused the men and subjected the women to stressful jobs. Doing whatever it took to get money from them---

With a forceful kick, Carl thrust open the door, the previous anger, still seething beneath his skin.

"Tell your men to line up and wait for me in the meeting hall!" His cold command to Oliver, cut through the night air.

With clenched fists, Carl returned back to the house, annoyance etched across his face.

---

Hazel, on the verge of drifting into sleep, was jolted awake by the roar of loud approaching vehicles. That must be Carl--- she thought, as she sat up on the bed. Hearing the door bang shut loudly, she felt the tension, and knew he wasn't in a nice mood.

"Oh God" Hazel heart began thumping loudly, as the steps he took, echoed closer. The door swung open with force, and Carl, took off his coat and flung it onto a nearby chair.

Swallowing hard, Hazel greeted him tentatively. "Welcome, dear... How has your night been?" The question hung in the air, regret instantly settling in her gut.

"Do you honestly want me to reply to that?" Carl cocked his eyebrow, the scornful reply slashed through her heart

"I...is... just..." Hazel began, but he shook his head dismissively, heading straight to the cupboard that housed his weapons. Retrieving brass knuckles, a sleek rifle, and a tiny, menacing axe, he left her alone in the room. In shock, Hazel began wondering what he was going to do with all those weapons. And who was the prey they had caught.

.

.

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Carl marched towards the meeting hall, leaving Hazel to contemplate, on how the lovely man she was head over heels with, who promised to take care of her, was now controlled by demons. Now, the chilling aura that surrounded her husband—a man who let his power, and greed get to him affected her, as he showed no affection towards her. And they drifted apart, with each passing night.

.

.

The air in the meeting hall was stiff, as they lined up and waited for their boss. Their heart raced in their chest, a mix of fear and desperation.

Suddenly, an anticipatory hush fell over them as echoes of his footsteps was heard. Carl emerged, his presence commanding the attention of the assembled men, as he assumed his rightful place in the hall.

"Ahemm..he cleared his throat languidly, as he fixed his eyes on them. The air was thick with a current of fear, and the dim light seemed to flicker in response to the tension. Line up!" Carl's voice sliced through the silence.The men formed a rigid line, according to their rank. Oliver, Marshal and Douglas stood apart from them.

As Carl paced before them, eyes accessing their expression, he began the interrogation. "Who betrayed us? Who informed the community members that we were coming?"

The men exchanged nervous glances, the weight of Carl's displeasure hanging heavily in the air.

Oliver's eyes darted, shifting uncomfortably under the tension. He knew his boss too well.

Oliver, was the oldest member. As he began working under Carl, when Carl was a lower henchman. Few years after, Marshal and Douglas were recruited. The trio were loyal henchmen of Carl, always honest whenever they went to collect tax and gave account for it. Their job as henchmen continued till Carl was promoted to the community leader, and more men had to be recruited.

The trio felt somewhat hurt that Carl had to question their loyalty. But they knew, how emotional he could get---

"Speak up!. You were there. You know who betrayed us.?" Carl's voice lowered, an ominous growl that resounded in the hall.

"I swear, sir, I don't know," They man pleaded, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His heart thumping loudly, as desperate lines formed on his face.

"I'll ask again, Who betrayed us?" Carl's voice increased, as he searched their face.

He then targeted another of his men, The man stammered as he tried to defend his innocence. "I-I don't know, sir. I swear."

But Carl's patience wore thin. He grabbed him by the collar, his fingers tightening the man's throat. "Think carefully, think. Our livelihoods depend on it. If big boss comes now, I won't tell him this bullshit."

Carl's frustration boiled to the surface. His hand lashed out, striking the man with the brass knuckles across his face. The crack echoed through the hall. He groaned and began pleading.

"Si...sir please I..."

"Shut the fuck up!... another punch landed with brutal force, blood streaming down the man's nose, he kicked him across the room.

Deep frown lines etched across his forehead, as he received no immediate response.

Sweat began forming around Carl's face. He glared at another of his men. "Who?"

"Sir, please, I don't know... Please," he begged, his face contorted with pain.

"Don't tell me that." Carl kicked the man down, unleashing punches at him with the brass knuckles he wore. Blood spilled all over, as the man pleaded.

Confusion clouded the faces of Douglas, Marshal, and Oliver. They stood frozen, watching their boss unleash a ruthless side they had seen once before. Carl's greed-driven fury surfaced whenever things doesn't go the way he wants it.

Loyalty, that was what restrained them from stopping him, as they were sure, that if they intervene, it will only provoke him further.

As Carl battered the man's face, he abruptly pulled out a rifle and shot him point-blank.

Wiping his palm on the man's lifeless body, he stood up. Blood stains on his face, making him look like a hot psycho, he moved on to the next, the rifle now pressed against the next man's trembling head.

"Why did you betray me?" His expression remained an emotionless mask.

"Sir... I don't know..." The words hung in the air before the sound of another gunshot echoed, the second man falling silent. As the lifeless body crumpled to the floor, Carl, his frustration boiling, swiftly moved to the next trembling figure.

"Go on," he beckoned, the tension thick in the air. "Did you betray me?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the room.

The man, shaking in fear, stammered, "Sir, I...," his plea cut short as Carl's fist landed with merciless force, his blood, mingling with the ones on the floor.

"Sir, please stop!" A desperate plea shattered the almost barbaric scene. Carl paused, his gaze fixed on the owner.

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Meanwhile, in another corner of the mansion, Hazel battled the guilt of staying in bed and ignoring the cries of physical abuse emanating from the meeting hall. Her husband can be so ruthless, especially when it comes to getting what he wants.

His greed could overpower him at any point, regardless of the person involved. Still knowing how Carl would take it, if he sees her there. Throwing off the sheets, she wrapped herself in Carl's coat and rushed out.

.

---

The man breathed a sigh of relief as Carl lowered the gun from his head.

"Well, well well,Oliver, Carl raised an eyebrow, curious. "You've got something to say to us?" he inquired, closing the distance.

Expressionless, Oliver stood firm, almost regretting the interruption.

Hmm?, tell me," Carl pressed when he stood face to face with the taller man, placing an arm on his shoulder

"I doubt if you'll get the answer you want this way. It's just not right. If you carry on like this, you will end up killing everyone" Oliver concluded cautiously, attempting not to offend him.

"Really, I should have known you're more experienced than I am," Carl chuckled, a humorless sound that revealed no teeth.

Oliver shook his head disappointedly, knowing Carl understood him.

"Or you know what, why don't you tell us who betrayed us?" Carl suggested, raising a gun to Oliver's head. Marshal and Douglas stood shocked, their gaze locked, not knowing it would get to this point.

"Hmm, go on now," Carl urged, the air thick with anticipation.

"Sir, I think you should put that down," Oliver retorted, suddenly met with a fierce blow to his stomach. He whimpered in pain and rolled on the floor. Carl pounced on him, brass knuckles meeting his face with brutal force. Blood flowed from the cracks on his head

Raising Oliver's battered face, he spat---

"You traitor. Are you tired of working for me, huh? Answer me." He slapped his face.

Getting no reply, he raised his rifle to Oliver's skull, cocking it...

---

"Stop!" A voice halted Carl, saving Oliver's head "Please stop. It was me. Please, it was me who informed them. I was the one who sold you out" The voice cried out

Silence gripped everyone.

Carl's gaze shifted from Oliver's face. His expression softened a bit

"Why?"----