Marco I hurry out of her sight, leaving my jacket behind as I drive off to Big Tom who has been expecting my visit. Sarah is back. I could tell from the way she spoke to me. My nurse is back.Or was it just an act? Is she trying to fool me?We held hands in the most sensual ways. The way she asked for help. The same innocence. Those troubled eyes.It's too real to be just an act.I couldn't bring myself to speak in her presence. Now that she's asked for my help personally, I'll put the extra effort. The world is about to crumble down on me, but one thing is certain. I'll keep my promise. This might be my only chance at making things right between us. Just as I wished for. I hate that I'm right. Sarah has a past. A dark one. All of it will be clear. The strangers claiming to be related to her.I text Sophia while driving, filling her in on the new updates and the attack at my place.Then I scroll through my contacts.There's one person I know can help me out of such right situat
MarcoWith one arm pressed tightly against my bleeding wound, I clench my teeth in pain, firing two precise shots at the speeding motorcycle approaching me. The third shot finds its mark, sending the bike crashing to the ground and its helmeted rider sprawling. The bike chimes aggressively as the wheels roll in the air. I quickly duck behind my car, narrowly avoiding a hail of bullets aimed my way as I fire another shot. Amidst the chaos, a desperate plea reaches my ears, “How much were you paid? I'll give you triple, just let me go.”I hesitate, my heart pounding. I'm not sure of the identity of my victim. I cautiously approach the fallen rider, nudging aside the discarded weapon with my foot. Standing over the quivering body, I keep my gun aimed steadily at him. The man beneath me looks like he's been sufficiently neutralized by the gunshot wounds.“How much can you afford?” I inquire, a cruel glint in my eyes. I tug at the victim's leg, causing fresh crimson to spurt from the w
Sarah Marco is back. Weak and defenseless—terribly injured. This is the best time to run away, effortlessly. I reach for his breast pocket, leaning forward, to pull out the keys with two fingers stretched to their limits. Unfortunately, it is the wrong key. I toss the bunch over the bed checking for any other keys that fit but find none, except a few dollar notes. Using my toes to feel his trousers for a bump, I finally hear a clicking sound. With my toes, I try to pull out the keys from his pocket, horror-stricken at the thought of him waking up at the same moment.The keys fall out of his pockets with a mild clash on the rugged floor while he remains lifeless, losing blood. Heaving a sigh, I drag the keys, pulling them gradually towards me until they get to a point where my hands can comfortably reach. I pick it up with my free hand, hurriedly fitting it into the lock until it clicks open. Filled with surprise and horror I caress my wrist, jumping put of the bed and running to
SarahI drive down to the bar. My memory seems to be coming back gradually. As late as it is, I see people flocking in and out of the bar while I pull over abruptly, knocking down a trash bin. Turning off the car engine, I step out, with Marco’s phone in my hand hoping to find Betty before I’m tempted to call. She seems to be the second person I can trust. Or at least that knows me enough. I’m desperately in need of some clarity.The condition of my memory makes it difficult to think of the right decision. It feels strange to be among people, as I manipulate my way through the clumsy crowd, the stench of pipe and whiskey fills the entrance as I walk into the bar, my arms wrapped around my body. Everyone is too busy to notice me but I feel so exposed after weeks of being in confinement.“There you are. You aren’t a bad driver after all,” I hear a voice call out, startling me as I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I find Betty, with a wide smile. She seems taller than the l
Sarah My brother? I almost run into a street light as I take a sharp turn. Betty made it clear that I had no relations even if she didn’t tell me how that came to be. “We’ve searched everywhere for you, Maria,” the voice continues, oblivious to the horror I feel, as my heartbeat begins a loud drumroll. The shook I feel wouldn’t let me attempt a word as I drive along, trying my best to steady the wobbly vehicle.How can that be? I drive along, searching for the nearest exit out of town like Betty advised. “I heard of your illness, Maria. I would have come earlier for you if I heard early enough,” the voice continuesI remain silent, listening to the voice as my face grow pale at every chime of the car radio.“Mother has been dying to see you. I see you don’t want anything to do with us. I’ll relay that to mother. She can finally find closure on her sick bed—”“Wait” I cut in, bringing the vehicle to a halt. I’ve a mother too? Did betty lie to me? “I…I want to meet my family,” I repl
Sarah I stare at the navigation screen, then the voice adds,“Stay right where you're. I'll come get you.” A beep follows immediately after and I'm left with a black screen and the thumping of my heart, waiting in silence. I take another peep out. The walkways have become more deserted. Few street men walking in groups, staggering around with bottles of strong drink in their hands. I suck in another breath with my eyes closed, hating the temporary darkness my memory has thrown me into. Just as I fling my eyes open , I see a the headlight of a coming vehicle , far ahead, but bright enough to cause me to squint. That should be him. My brother. I rush out of the vehicle, running toward the coming vehicle. The car parks abruptly just beside me as I stop running waiting to see my brother or a face that might revive my memory of my family. A man come running out of the vehicle, leaving his car engine on. But I notice the anger in his eyes, the bloodstains on his padded sho
MarcoHer sudden reaction doesn't bother me as much as her state of health. She's getting worse by the minute and I don't have a way to bring her back to her memory, back to the sweet innocent Sarah.“Why not? Since when did I grant you the privilege of taking decisions for me?” I ask, knowing that it's a waste of my time exchanging words with such crazy. “They'll kill you if they find us,” she adds. The fear is evident in her eyes but I know exactly what she needs.The drugs have started to take effect. I expect her to be calmer. It could be that the drugs don't work anymore for her. It's a good thing I know just the right alternative.I walk out of her room while still engaging her in the discussion,“... And who are these people, if I may ask?”I'm running out on sedatives, as I open the cupboards in the kitchen. I decide to draw out the last bottle I have. As far as I'm concerned, Sarah is not just a threat to me but herself. The more she stays unconscious, the better for her and
Marco“One step ahead. How does that make you feel?” a voice booms from the other end of the line. He was so swift in receiving the call, one might think he had been waiting all night for my call.He sounds familiar, like one of the attackers from the previous visit.“I don't know what time zone you're on, but it's not yet seven AM over here. I've been keeping my end of the deal, so we have no business.”“Just a reminder, Sidorov. We don't play games,” he replies. I could tell the anger in his voice but I'm just as irritated.“The only one playing games here would be you. Bloody brother? Who the fuck believes such cheap lies? She might be crazy but not stupid enough to ever believe she had a brother ready to swoop in and save her. Cheesy, don't you agree?”“Maybe if you hadn't shoved out your ugly face, Maria would be with me. I don't trust you one bit.”“But your boss does, and you need my protection. In a matter of hours, you'll come crawling for a place in my gang. Let this be the l
Marco"How many times do i have to repeat this? I'm not Betty," she responded in a frenzied whisper as Ricco's voice overshadowed every other sound in the room. There's another task. Never an end to his missions, but thankfully, amongst all the people he called out, I don't fall in the list.Celebrating the temporary freedom, I watch as Betty gets up from me to join the selected crew.I don't pay much attention on the instructions. It's none of my business.Big Tom is addressing them but Betty and i exchange eye contact. I need to find the truth from her and the only way to do that is to exploit her witnesses.It's not my fault that she provided me one on a platter of gold.After a brief discussion with Ricco about the delivery of new sets of ammunition, i head out of the mansion, in search of Betty.I find her standing by her car, about to get in."Elizabeth Maguire," i announce, few metres away from her. I watch her reaction as she stiffen. Definitely Betty. One doubt crossed. N
SHAWNThe fucker is standing right next to her. I hate to see her cry but she deserves to be punished. Everything I've ever done has been for her, yet she chose to trust this fucker over me. Brought my very son to him. I try not to think about how many times he's had to touch her. My Maria.She can't belong to anyone else and she knows this.The anger grows rapidly inside of me as the doctor halts in front of her."Please, don't do this," Maria pleads. She's managed to crawl to the door. Her cry stings my heart as the fucker attempts to land a kiss on her.That's when I reach my limit. The guts he has. All I wanted was to scare her, to make fear me, respect and just follow me.I'm more than enough for her. That has to sink in her tiny sexy brains.Three close shots. He goes limp, and falls right by her side.She screams, shutting her eyes in terror."You've forgotten who I am so soon," I say, approaching her and kicking the body away from her.Now that I've details about the doctor
SarahHis grip over my mouth is so hard. All my attempt to get away proves futile. My heart beats even faster as he pulls me out of bed.My back is against his chest but as we walk past the large mirror in the room, he halts.His gaze rests on my reflection. "Maria, i dont like that look on your face. Everything I've ever done has been for your own good."All i do is shut my eyes, hoping this is a dream. A lucid dream Michel assured me that Shawn was a forgotten past.I didn't bother to ask how he knew but i believed stupidly.Shawn leans towards my ears, his grip tighten against my mouth."I've something to show you. Please, Maria, please, dont do anything stupid."He grabs the sheets on the bed to cover my naked body up."Do you miss me? There's no doubt. You do. But i'm mad at you. Maybe I'll be able to forgive you afterwards. Just maybe..."He pulls me towards the door. The tears trickle down my cheeks over his palm."I hate to see you cry," he continues as he unlocks the door,
Sarah"I got a call..." Michael begins, resting both palms on my shoulders, like he's about to give a long speech.His reaction makes me uneasy. At least I made sure no one noticed when i left. "Remember i mentioned something about my sister living in the same neighborhood with you."I nod in agreeement. "There was a fire."I pretend to be shocked, but i am. How did he find out so quickly. "Is your sister okay-.." i ask."Yes. But," he hesitates but continues, "The fire started at your place.""My house is on fire?" I force the tears to leave my eyes.Michael pulls me into a hug making it easier for me to fake it as I cry aloud against his soft fabric."This is now your home, Sarah. I'll also replace everything that was lost in the fire," Michael adds. I pull away from him, thankfully my face is wet enough."You don't have to. Maybe this is a sign for a fresh start indeed," i blurt out. "I don't want to look back anymore.""I agree, Sarah. The police have begun investiagtion on th
SarahI knew the doctor to be comfortable, but i would never have guessed that he could own such a massive place. There are a few staff around, as they help us unpack the few luggages we brought. A bag for Carlo and one for me. "It's massive," i whisper under my breath as i pat Carlo on my shoulder. He's still fast asleep."I have something to show you," the doctor says, guiding me away from the lobby with bright chandeliers at the centre, towards the flight of stairs ahead. We arrive at the first floor. The first door to our right leads to a room. "Are you ready?" he asks. I nod, gaping around like some lost stranger. I've lived in luxury all my life but with the doctor, it's different.I'm not a prisoner.As he opens the door i find a beautiful nursery all set up.My palm clasp over my mouth, stopping me from exaggerating my emotions, careful not to wake Carlos.The emotions rush in as i step in. It's blue-themed. A typical baby-boy room."I'll call in a nanny to take care of hi
MarcoThe old woman doesn't seem to buy my story. Her look spells suspicion.I retain the smile on my face, closing the gap between us while I continue,"I'm surprized Elizabeth never mentioned it. She told me she'll be here also.""I'm going to call the cops on you. Stay away," she yells making her way back in."Grandma," the little boy comes running out, stopping the woman in her tracks.He's holding a picture frame, extending it to the woman. The boy for one is certainly smart.The woman takes a glance at the picture, and back at me.I catch a faint view of it. A picture of Andrey. For some reasons, he looks almost like me. It's part of the reasons i don't believe Ricco and his lies.Andrea and I have always shared a striking resemblance."Do you believe me now?" i say to the woman, squatting in front of the boy and ruffling his hair."What's your name big man?" The boy doesn't smile. Not a word escaped his mouth. Just the surprise written all over him."Your story had better b
Shawn For a doctor, he sure is a hard man. I barely escaped him. Not without a severe hit on my arm and a bruised knee. For one, i acquired the vehicle, in on piece, however broken my bone feels right now.I've to lay low. Get these fuckers off my track for now or i just might be a cheap prey for them. I'm heading north, with no direction as i try to set up the GPS of the car.They will try to find the village now that I've exposed one of the hideouts.Even though it will be no use to them. There's no way they can crack the vault without the clues in my possession.Still, i'm living nothing to chance. Not the inheritance I worked for. Not ever. I drift into a sharp corner, viewing the rare view mirror for any sign of my enemies. It looks all clear. I keep driving, searching around the car for notes. I'm dead broke, for a man entrusted with such wealth.I find a dollar bill and make a brief stop at a grocery store.Before i get out of the car, I clean off the blood stains on my
ElvisA tall man in clean suits and black shades draw my attention. Immediately I turn around he says,"Come with me."I follow behind closely. Soon, we arrive in front of a black limousine parked by the corner of the road. He opens the door for me as I step into the unknown.There's a woman sitting opposite me in the luxurious car.She has a white hat on and every other clothing on her matches her hat, except the red scarf around her neck and the dark shades. The white hat covers a good portion of her face, making me catch only a faint view of her nose and a deep-red lipsticks, matching the scarf around her neck.The whiff of her flowery scent subdues my sense of smell for a minute."We've been expecting you, Mr. Elvis Griffin," she says. "Let's say, we have a better offer for you, that'll make you reject the one your boss offered.""Who are you?" I ask, my voice frantic, the air in the vehicle suddenly feels more tense."You don't need to shout. Besides, if i had ill intentions tow
MarcoShe attempts to keep driving, threatening to knock me down but I stand my ground. I move no muscle.She can't hit me. I know that for sure.Besides, it's a weak attempt. The frustration is evident in her expression as she storms out of the car."what the actual fuck are you? Get out of my way," she yells. Instead i fold my arms, staring at her with a cold smile."Really? That's how you treat an old friend?" I tease."I dont know what you're talking about," she replies, turning off her headhlights. The dim lights in the garage is the only light source we have now. She walks up to me, still looking flustered.But she can't fool me.“Quit the pretence, Betty.”“Look, I don't know who you're and why you were hired. But it's best we stick to our roles here. And who the hell is Betty?”"What I don't understand is why you brought Sarah into all of these.”“There's definitely a mix up somewhere. I'm not who you think I am. Now get lost before I knock you down," she breaths, yelling fr