UNMASKED

#26

Eli wasn't even shocked when whatever Jack was up to included some dramatic, and villainous, speech. Or threat. Eli wasn't really sure what to call it.

All he really knew was that he did not like it.

Probably because it involved his possible death. Then again, that wasn't a new thing for him. Seemed like all the evil asshole wanted him dead, which, rude. Still, Eli would at least admit that the guy really put on a good show. And it wasn't like Matthew was any better about not being a showoff.

Eli was starting to wonder if he'd ever noticed he was missing. What with his attention being held by his adoring fans and all. Honestly, it was kind of funny to think of Matthew just not even noticing Eli was gone. If only because the possibility of that being the case was pretty damn low.

Focus, damn it, Eli reminded himself. He'd always had the habit of letting his mind wander at the worst times.

"Sorry to crash the party," Jack was saying, sounding very much not sorry at all. "But it's time for the main event. And what would be a better way to celebrate your beloved hero, than by seeing him in action?"

At that moment, something told Eli that this would be worse than he'd hoped. Something in the guy's words, in his very tone, made a feeling of dread rise in him. He wondered if Matthew felt the same way, wherever he was.

"See, most of you might not be aware of it, but Vigilante himself has decided to be a part of the celebration. So, I've arranged for a little challenge. Behind me, is someone very important to your hero. I'm sure he's just dying to come to the rescue." Eli wished he could glare at Jack for his very poor word choice. "But that would be too easy, and besides, why not have his fans also participate? Why not have Vigilante show what he really cares about."

Eli heard Jack move, clothes shifting as he walked and steps echoing as they hit the metal floor. Even though he couldn't see him, Eli could tell Jack was standing right by him. A second later, he felt the cool metal of what he could only guess was a knife pressing against his throat, and it took all of Eli's self control not to jump and make it easier for Jack to slit his throat.

"You have one hour before I get rid of your friend here. One hour to make it here and stop me. But before that, you have to make a choice," Eli felt his heart beating wildly in his chest as Jack's tone switched to something infinitely more dangerous than the placid yet mocking one he'd had before. "The Convention Center where all your little fans are has been locked down and you'll find the event will have a more explosive end than planned, but only if you abandon them. The moment you step out of that building, the moment you run to the rescue, the explosives I've planted in the building will go off."

Eli felt faint. Which was funny because he was practically unharmed. He still felt like he was going to pass out from the knowledge that Matthew and all of his friends were inside a building set to blow up.

"Or you can just keep your fans company for one hour. After that, you have my word that you'll be free to leave. Of course, your friend here won't be so lucky. So, make your choice Vigilante." The knife pressed up against Eli's neck at the same time as he thought he heard Jack let out the slightest chuckle, quiet enough that it would go unheard by his audience. It was a laugh just for himself and Eli found his true glee more frightening.

Jack was done with his little speech. Or threat. Whatever it was, Eli didn't want to think about what it meant for him. Mostly because he knew damn well Matthew wasn't about to let a whole convention's worth of people die just to save Eli.

Actually, his mind supplied, and Eli had to shut that shit down because he didn't want to think about Matthew seriously considering saving Eli over a shitton of people.