Rendezvous: A Lost Chapter of Sam Drake

Chapter 14: Disconnected

I drove through the cities and suburbs of King's Bay. I was in my separate truck as the boys were headed in the opposite direction. I decided to walkie in and check on them "Hey, just checking in. You guys ok?" I released the button on my walkie. Sam responded back "Hey, We're good. Making our way through the market. Nate made a new monkey friend" Sam said laughing. I smiled at his laugh. "You holding up ok?" He asked. "Yeah, I'm good. Still driving. No problems yet. I'm sure I'll run into Shoreline here soon." Sully chimed in "Well, kid if you need me just say the word. Not too far from ya." I told Sully I was fine, and Sam said to check in once I hit the tower. I parked the car and walked through this cute market. There was food and crafts and many other antiques throughout. This little girl ran up to me and grabbed me by the hand. "I'll give you a henna for 10 dollars!" She stated with a thick accent and a wide smile. I checked my watch. "Sure! Ok! Just a small one though, cause I'm sort on time, but that sounds fun!" She squealed with excitement and dragged me over to her chair. I gave her my hand as she began to paint a design on. She had drawn two roses and a little star at the top. "Stars are my favorite!" I smiled remembering how I used to sit and watch the stars in the orphanage. "I like stars too!" She finished up and I paid her the ten dollars. "What's your name??!" She asked me. "Sky. What about yours?" She smiled "Shelby!" She smiled and waved at me as I left. I smiled and went on my way. 

I walkie in "At the tower." Sam reminded me to be safe. I climbed up the tower and it was mainly rubble. I walked in and it looked pretty much like the other towers. I found a patch of flowers and picked a few. I made a flower crown smaller than my own head to give to the little girl I saw earlier. I dunno why I became so fond if her, but she was a sweetheart. I did more digging and made a note of the sigil. My phone finally got signal back. I noticed three missed calls I called Sam back immediately. 

"Sam?!?! Are you ok??!?!" 

"Yeah, yeah, relax. We're fine! We're definetly in the right tower so come on over. 

"Holy shit. Really? That's great cause I got nothin but a new friend a a henna tattoo. Long story. I'm on my way, but my tower is starting to get some shoreliners. I can hear them." 

"Sully just got here, but I can leave and come help you. I'll be there soon." 

"You don't have to, it's all the way across King's Bay. I think I'll be fine..." 

"Sky.. You dont sound so sure..I-" 

The phones disconnected. The front wall of my tower colapsed. It was just a few shoreliners, I could handle these guys. I took out the first three with a head shot. I guy snuck up behind me and shot the back of my shoulder. "Fuck, you asshole!" I shot him in the face and kicked him. I felt the blood running down my back, but I didn't have time to stop. I heard my walkie talkie trying to connect, but I couldn't get a signal. Nadine busted through the door with more shoreliners. My vision was getting blurry. My shoulder ached and I began to shoot with less accuracy. I began to fight off a guy who was behind me. I punched him in the face. Nadine told her men to hold their fire. She knelt down beside me. "Hey, come here often?" I gave her a weak smile. "Where are the boys? They just leave you for dead? It wouldn't be the first time, huh?" I shook my head. "No. We...Split up.." I said struggling to breathe. "You're shot, Love. We need you alive." She ripped my shirt and applied pressure. "Sorry, hon" I screamed in pain as she tied the shirt as tight as she could. "You know, your life would be so much better with me." She stroked my cheek. "What the fuck are you talking about, Nadine?" I said still trying my best to stay awake. "I fell in love with you when we became partners. I never knew that I was bisexual, but I've never loved anyone like I've loved you. Just forget about Sam. Let me take care of you. You wouldn't have to work unless you wanted to. We could live anywhere." I shook my head. "Nadine, I-.... I don't know what to say. I don't see you in that way. You're a badass girl with a good heart. You'll make someone feel very loved, but I'm afraid I've never been that lucky. I'm in love with Sam. Nothing can change that. I'll die right here still committed to him even if he can't commit to me." She sighed and picked me up. "I know. And I understand." She wiped the hair out of my face. She passed me on to one of the shoreliners. I passed out in their arms.