**Anthony**It was Jericho's idea to dump the car at a drive through in case anyone manages to catch up with us, we all agreed and I parked it somewhere slightly safe before jumping down. The next thing was to find a way and contact the others. They haven't heard from us for hours, I'm sure they'd be searching for clues on our whereabouts. With luck news of our capture might have gotten to them. With that I had a tny hope that their eyes were peeled for any clues. First we needed new clothes, a burner phone, and a means of transport. All with no money.Jericho and Yate agreed on hijacking a car, I couldn't reveal how uncomfortable I felt stealing from a random stranger. Remain in character. For the clothes, they wanted to steal those as well along with the phone. The plan we stealing which I didn't like. Jericho kept the phone but with didn't have our masks and getting caught on camera wasn't on the list of things to do today."I'll go in alone and over my face with this handkerchief.
**Anthony**The coordinates in the phone states that I arrived at my destination but there was nothing here. There were no trees, no poles, no buildings, this was the middle of no where. I turned the engine off staring forward like a building would erect out of nowhere. Then the phone began ringing. The same number who forwarded the email containing time."Step out of the car. Come forward."The line went dead almost immediately. Why use a voice changer when we're going to meet in the next few minutes. I looked back, the boys were not active. This means I'd have to follow his instructions. I got down and stepped forward scoffing at how silly this seemed. There was really nothing here. It was really late, if he wanted to play games with me then this wasn't the time for any of that. I moved forward and stepped on something. I didn't mean an object but there wasn't something under my feet. Not the usual hard sand, almost like a huge void after this point. I took another step and the grou
Anthony**The old saying of your problems leave after you wake up, or your problems seize to exist after a deep slumber is highly exaggerated not to mention totally wrong. They don't leave, in fact they sometimes haunt you in your dreams. When you arose, they're staring at you directly in the face. It becomes much worse when you have no idea how to solve it. This was my dilemma. I wasn't at a cross road, that could mean I had options, I had to make a choice, and I had a say. My situation denotes me being caged. I wasn't given the chance to fully explore things, it was poured on me like a bucket of water. I think that was thepoint of this whole "exercise." Jericho and the others were killed in cold blood.He left me on the account of my resourcefulness. If I knew they were going to end up dead, I might as well have pulled the trigger myslef. I could have done that, instead I saved them with high hopes of making them suffer. One more thing he takes away from me. There is progress. I kn
**Anthony**While awaiting further instructions, I skipped the stairs hurridely, wishing I could leave this house. Too many memories, plus there was so much to think about. Joel Carter was smart enough to take the files out, his employees were not on his side, was it the money? For Ryder it's a big no. Ryder hated Tracy, the money might simply be added benefits. For others they were mostly paid off to do it's bidding. To think I thought I'd figured this entire thing out. To think I knew how far the infiltration went, I knew nothing. I was Clueless.At the bottom of the stairs, I heaved a large sigh then slipped out. I considered leaving a note for Mr Scott , but what good would that do? The fact remains; they had eyes everywhere. The goal currently is getting to the top, figuring the snake so it's head can come off, I can't do anything to jeopardize that. Speaking of which, I thought paying a visit to Ginny will be included or listed in my activities for the day, that isn't possible a
** ANTONY SANTOS**The plan I had in mind was a tad sketchy. I was driving to the company for a talk with Tracy's father. If my calculations were right, they'll know when I get there seeing as they were watching his every move. For my plan to work, they must be able to hear what he says in the office. If they don't have audio, I'd have to rely on hand signals.The only problem was getting him in character, so he does not blow my cover. In essence, once they see us together, it should spark their attention. Either Ryder or anyone else should reach out to get me, try to restrain me, put me back in place. In that way, I'm heard, I'm not tossed aside like a servant who just fullfiled his master's wishes and no longer has a place in the house. That's my plan.I took a final turn into the city and stepped on the accelerator, the car rides really smoothly.A small distance away from the company, I pulled over and stepped out, shut the door, then plopped my shirt downwards before striding tow
**ANTONY SANTOS**My vision was blurry, but I was definitely in a moving vehicle, the road was rocky since I bumped every few seconds. I looked forward and Tina lowered her head with a sad smile."Sorry about that. Precautions. Once he meets you, they will all be over. We all went through them. Sleep Antony."I shut my eyes after her not so reassuring words and fell into yet another deep slumber.****The next time, I arose to the feeling of water splashed on my face. Shaking my head vigorously, I looked around and tried to plop my weight upwards. I fell back and held my head feeling extremely dizzy."You shouldn't try to jump into things. Slow and steady always wins."A voice echoed from the monitor. I held my ears and tried to place it. It sounded farmilar. Too farmilar."You should rest. Rest Antony."It was changed to the robotic one I was used to. I fell back and closed my eyes, I felt too dizzy, weak, and fricking tired. How much stuff did he put in that handkerchief?I looked o
** ANTONY SANTOS**If this all turns to shit and I actually made a poor choice, I might never forgive myself. If it turns out that their plan is worth it, it'd still hurt. It depends on the level of madness he's on at this moment.The computer was taken its damn time to survey the product, or making me survey it at the very least. More like a 3D view of the entire thing which was somehow creepy and making my curiosity levels to peak."The bottle contains a very rare but potent toxin."It started. I was well acquainted with the voice since almost everyone was keen on using roboticised voices in speaking. It's Go time. Wait a moment, it said toxin. That doesn't sound good at all. I wasn't a science student nor a chemical expect, but most times when the word is mentioned, it denotes something bad and awful. It's taking a lot of time to simply let the cat out of the bag. What does the toxin do?"Bptulinum toxin. It's a very powerful toxin. If used properly, it can cause several paralysis
** ANTONY SANTOS**I chanted the plan, making use of the GPS system to guide me back to the company whilst trying to recall any other routes they might have taken while I was semi conscious. I don't remember much. Just the excess chloroform used in the handkerchief, then if course Tina's face repeatedly, most times hovering over me then falling asleep, waking up, falling asleep again, then I think I saw some bushes, but those might have just been figments of my imagination. I can't truly be sure.I squeezed my eyes and turned into the road. At the far end the company would reveal itself. After that, it's all dark and blank. There's nothing else to see. I remember waking up on the bed, I recall a farmilar voice in the room with me, my eyes were shut, but there was another figure and I feel as if it wasn't Tina nor Ryder. The odd part is that it's almost as if I knew the figure, we've met at an earlier time, the strained and barely audible nor can I remember, the only thing still there
**TRACY SCOTT**. "Where do you want to go?"Jimmy asked, dirverting into the main road.It's a miracle we've even gotten this far without any reporters trying to bash into the car or take pictures. Maybe they don't have vans?I'm almost sure Father would have gotten the news by nowThey've flock around the office begging for a comment or the house.I expected it. In fact I want it.The more influence I have, the more people get to hear the truth.Father can't oppose this even. That man killed his wife. He took me for days and now they're going to just let him go.Well I'll be dammed.Just like clockwork, my cell began ringing.Lucky guess it's Ethan. He's calling to rant aboutIt'll be rude not to answer, plus I'm not ashamed of what I've done I'll repeat it if necessary."What is it?"I snapped. From the corner, Jimmy's brows shot up."I just wanted to say congratulations. I'm happy you're going to do something that n
**TRACY SCOTT**. Murmurs. Bickering. Incessant sounds that's currently irking. Echoing in my ear and makes me want to scream. Maybe they'll shut up.More reporters are gathering since I've gotten what I wanted. For this to air live. For the entire world to hear me.For the whole world to see and understand my plague. To know why I went through and decide for themselves if what's going to happen is the right thing. It's not. They know it. It's why they'll stand up and stop it. I hope."Everyone is eager to understand what I'm about to say. I'll tell you and since this is live, there won't be any miscommunication."My eyes went above their heads as the teachers would advise us while we gave our speeches. I wished I hadn't done that though.For the side entrance, I noticed Antony burst out with Ethan behind him.Perfect. I had all the media attention, they weren't affected by two men.I turned away. Antony's eyes move
TRACY SCOTT**. Jimmy loves me. I should not be considering that with everything that's happening and all that's at stake, but in some weird way I can't help the tingles all around me with the realization that Jimmy loves me.He's actually in love with me. I know that because what we about to do is similar to jumping off a cliff with no safety on, he's willing to do that.I think he is. Maybe he'll just walk me up to it, tell me what to do then leave me hanging.He'll remain neutral in the dealings and I'll face the music myself.I would not blame him. It's typically the smart thing to do.Ethan. Antony. They should all stay away from me. The best thing to do is taking it all head on.In fact involving anyone else will just make matters worse.I'm the center piece of everything.It started with me. It should end with me."Are you reconsidering it? I won't lie to you, it'spolitical suicide, that what we would call it
**TRACY SCOTT**. "How about here, it says foreign nationals who have committed a crime...""We can't use that, they'll argue that he didn't actual commit the crime.""That would make no sense?"I cringed my nose in utter confusion."In theory, it would not but if they did that, they'll make a center piece of the American justice system, they'll bring it out on the open for anyone interested to ask as many questions as they'd like and trust me, there are some many people interested in the system.""Ugh."I fell on the chair, tossing the books aside."Maybe we take a five minutes break..."He was interrupted by my cell phone."I'm sorry, I should get this."I slipped my hand into my pocket silently praying it wasn't my father or Antony, in that case I won't have to get anything.It wasn't. Ethan was calling. From the burner. How nice."Yes?"I answered. No filter needed. I didn't want to talk to any of them from that p
153**TRACY SCOTT**. "Tracy wait! I'm confused because it's as though both of you just shut me out in an instant. What is going on here? One minute I think maybe in actually part of the team or whatever shit and the next you're gone with him, you disappear for almost half an hour. What happened?"I held my purse, twirling in the free space outside."Get rid of the substance in your car, we do not want anyone getting a whiff of what that thing might be. It won't do anyone good."I instructed instead of answering the question."Tracy. you're just avoiding the question and I thought you would not be mad for telling Antony.""I'm not mad. Come on, do I seem mad? If I dol apologise for giving you the wrong impression, I am not."I giggled, palming my lips to stiffen it when it got too weird."I'm sorry we didn't take you in with us. I only got ten minutes and somehow you were lost in between, it wasn't my intention."His
152**TRACY SCOTT**. You're weak. You're fragile. That's what they think. That's what they'll never say to your face, but it's the reason they pet you in believing things which aren't actually true.They're all liars. They've been lying to you for the longest time. That is the truth. You can't trust any of them.Those are Antonov's words from earlier today replaying in my head like a broken record.When he dropped the last bombshell, the concluding piece of the puzzle in my head, the little secret Antony was keeping, I grew numb while seating on that chair.I kept my hands folded, staring into space.My head was faced forward, probably making eye contact of some sort with him, but I was not there physically.My mind had wandered off, making up the scenes in my head.How it happened. Who she was. Why he did it.I created an answer for each of those questions after which more would just pop up. That's howmy mind work
**TRACY SCOTT**. I need a grip. A tight grip and maybe a lid. A grip on these whirling emotions inside me, like a storm and I'm in the fucking eye.An hour ago I was prepared, willing, and heaven knows I was ready to commit first-degree murder and not even blink.That's how mad I was. Was it anger? Or hurt? Or thirst for vergence? That would be fueled by either the former or latter before it?I'm not sure what it is, but it's there.I can feel it inside of it, it's burning and it keeps increasing with each passing minute.I would have killed that man, I would have done so without so much as blinking.That's how vicious I have become.Ethan was the only anchor left, if it wasn't for him I would have finished Antonov off.For now, I just need to stay in the same room with him.I need to look him in the eye and figure out why he ruined my life.Why did he kill my mother?Why did he start this goose chase for me decades
**ANTONY SANTOS**. "Why are you looking at me like that?"She asked after moments of silence reigned between us, neither bothering to utter a word. There weren't much seating positions in the gun range, so we merely relaxed our back over the wall, giving the other breathing space.Something I hadn't realised I needed, but I did."Like what?"I moved my shoulders, carefully flipping my front hair backwards and moving my eyes away which were raking her body with suspicion."Like I'm damaged goods. You're looking at me as though I'm damaged goods. It's what's going around and I can't seem to wrap my head around the look. It's getting annoying. Stop looking at me like that "She snapped, standing straight."I'm not looking at you like you're damaged goods. I would never think that, that's just being insensitive and anyone who is doing such hasn't the slightest clue of what you've been through nor has the right to judge
**ETHAN RAMIREZ**I searched the room with my eyes, it had cleared out leaving just us three. Antony and I standing metres away from one of the ranges, Tracy standing by the door with a smug look on her face that shows she's not exactly happy with either of us.What comes next is her feeling all too betrayed by both of us, but I'm sure Antony can handle it.I hope. I hope I didn't underestimate her angry she is at him, angry enough not to listen to a word he had to say, she has only made eye contact with him once since she walked in here and even then, she tore her gaze away quickly."I asked a question but it would seem no one is willing to give a weird answer. Since when did both of you become besties because that's what this seems. A get together for besties."She squirmed her shoulders, her tone dripping with sarcasm and mockery."Tracy..."She crossed her hand quickly, leaving one outside to place ahead of me and halt whatevermovement I had planned"I asked a question, Ethan. I