Tommy straightened, panting, observing his work. Blood splatter painted the cabinets and floor, slow trails that oozed like reaching fingers. Stephanie was weeping, eyes squeezed shut, twins mimicking their mother’s sorrow.

Tommy ran a hand through his hair, exhaling, his eyes meeting mine. He smiled, shaking his head, like he couldn’t believe it. He then turned to Stephanie and motioned for the babies.

“Give them to me. Clean your husband’s mess up.”

My nails were digging into the table top, knuckles white. I couldn’t believe the carnage I had just witnessed, the brutal execution of my brother-in-law. I was shaken to the core, my vision spinning in disbelief.

Tommy leaned down and snatched the babies from my sister, “Go. Put him in the basement for now.”

“W-why did you have to do that?” Stephanie squeaked between sobs.

Tommy began to soothe the twins, shooting a look at my sister, “He wasn’t right for this family. Now clean him up.” Tommy walked into the living room, motioning for me to follow him.

My chair scraped loudly against the floor as I stood, watching my mentally shattered sister begin to drag her husband towards the basement door. Drool leaked from her lips as she whispered loving apologies to the deceased. She was breaking.

In a horrific daze, I followed Tommy into the living room, feeling like I was in a dream. I wanted to murder this monster, rip this cancer from my family. But another part of me knew I couldn’t, that attempting to do so would just bring more violence. There just had to be a way though…

Tommy had settled the twins and was now watching me, “You ok Matt?”