The Price For Survival

Samantha moved quietly through the dark streets, eyes sharp, scanning every shadow for trouble. Her face was hidden behind a scarf, with only her sharp gaze cutting through the night. She reached the gangsters’ hideout—a run-down warehouse on the edge of town.

A big guy stepped out, eyes narrowing at her small frame. “You the one?” he growled.

She nodded, voice low and steady. “I’m here for the job.”

He motioned toward the entrance. “Follow me.”

They threaded through smoky, greasy corridors. Her eyes slowly adjusted, taking in the grimy walls. This wasn’t her first time in a place like this, but she’d never met these guys before—just took the job because one of her regulars vouched for them.

The heavy door groaned open, revealing a dimly lit room where a group of rough-looking men lounged on worn couches. Their eyes fixed on Samantha, curiosity and suspicion clear as they took in her covered face.

“Welcome to our humble abode,” one sneered, his gaze lingering. “Let’s see the face behind the scarf. And tell us—what makes you think you’re fit for this job?”

Samantha met his stare without flinching. Slowly, she unwrapped the scarf, revealing a calm, determined expression. “I’ve been running errands for people like you,” she said steadily. “Even before I left med school. I don’t freeze under pressure.”

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of respect flickering. “What’s your price?”

“Eight grand.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll give you five.”

She held his gaze. “Make it six, and I’ll prioritise his treatment. If he needs blood, I’ll donate—no questions asked.”

A smirk played on his lips. “You drive a hard bargain. Six it is.”

“Come with me.” He instructed, turning around to enter the other room, but suddenly, the sound of shattering glass and heavy footsteps erupted. The door burst open, and a swarm of police officers stormed in, weapons drawn.

“NYPD! Hands where we can see them!”

Chaos ensued. The gang members scrambled, some reaching for weapons, others diving for cover. Samantha stood frozen for a split second before instinct kicked in. She dropped to the floor, hands raised, heart pounding.

An officer approached, eyes scanning the room before settling on her. “You! On your feet, slowly.” He grabbed her arm, spinning her around and slapping handcuffs on her wrists. 

***

Maxwell pulled up at the police station, parking his car out front. He strode inside, heading straight for the officer who had called about Samantha's arrest. The officer awaited him, with a hint of amusement playing on his lips.

“I don’t get what you’re saying. Samantha should be home.”

The officer chuckled. “You think I’d mistake her for someone else? She’s a regular here. I’m just surprised to see her again after you promised me last month would be the last time.”

Maxwell sighed, the weight of exhaustion settling on his shoulders. He’d lost count of how many times Samantha had landed herself in trouble during her side job. Repeatedly, he’d been the one to bail her out. The officer and Maxwell knew the routine—Samantha would face consequences if formally reported, so Maxwell always used his influence to keep things under wraps.

He dropped his gaze, about to plead his case again, but the officer cut him off. “I’m used to your story, Maxwell. I’m doing this for your sake, but please keep her in line before things get out of hand. I might get transferred soon, and the new sergeant might not be as understanding. You feel me?”

Maxwell nodded. “Yeah, got it. Thanks, man. I’ll return the favour down the line.” He promised. They shook hands, and the officer turned to head into the station. 

“Hold up, let me go get her.”

***

Maxwell knocked on Samantha’s door, but no answer. He frowned, checking the time. He figured she’d be home—especially after last night, when he’d told her straight up. 

“Keep me in the loop, no matter what.”

He’d kept his cool after the whole police station mess. No lectures, no guilt trips. Just support. Took her out for a bite, slipped her some cash, and made sure she got home safe.

Just as he reached for his phone to call her, the door creaked open. Samantha stood there, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “I was in the bathroom…” She mumbled, voice raspy.

She stepped aside, letting him in. “Why didn’t you call?”

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Since when do I need an appointment?”

Samantha bent to pick up her scattered clothes, saying, “I’m not questioning your presence—it’s just that the room’s a mess right now. If you’d called earlier, you wouldn’t have had to see all this.”

He handed her a dress. “Get changed while I clean up this mess,” he said, his tone firm but friendly. His face lit up with a smile as she took the dress, and he immediately bent to tidy up. “You’ve had a rough week, so I’m taking you out on a date to unwind.”

With the dress clutched in her hands, Samantha sighed, her head tilted slightly to the left, a soft smile on her face. “Maxwell,” she called, waiting for him to look up and meet her gaze.

“Which of your favours would I dare deny?” She said, her voice barely audible, filled with emotion. “From college till now, you’ve always been there for me, even when I’ve done nothing to repay you. You let me lean on you, cry on your shoulder... You carry my burdens alongside yours, even when yours are suffocating you.”

As she spoke, memories of her past flooded back—the painful moments, the times Maxwell had been her rock. She recalled how he’d put up with her antics in college, sponsored half her med school tuition, and even landed her a job at the highest-paying hospital.

Her eyes misted up as she thought about all he’d done for her.

“Thanks for everything, Maxwell. Thanks for all you do…” Her voice cracked as she spoke. She opened her mouth to continue, and a single tear escaped, rolling down her cheek. But before it could fall further, Maxwell, who’d been watching her with a stunned expression, quickly closed the distance between them.

He caught the tear in his palm and gently wiped away the others before wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug. “Stop it, Samantha. I’m not doing all this for a moment like this. I’ve just been trying to make you happy, so don’t cry.”

She nodded quickly and sniffled, composing herself. “Thanks.” 

When Maxwell deemed her calm enough, he gently released her and turned her toward the room. “Go get dressed. We don’t want to miss our reservation.”

“Okay.” She said with a smile, before hurrying into the room.