𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 - Mitch Rapp

22

Trigger warning;  sexual assault, attempted rape.

Mitch signalled for her to stay quiet, trying not to let his own worry appear on his face. This was the moment they had been waiting for since the beginning of the case. It almost seemed surreal- until the ring leader started trekking up the stairs. Ava felt her stiff body being hauled up abruptly- Mitch swiftly led her into the other room, behind  a wall. Her eyes stared straight into his- transparent fear. She couldn't turn it off. Sudden images of them being battered to a pulp by the ring leader. Rotting in the far corner of the room.

"Look at me", Mitch frantically whispered against her face.

Ava ceased her dark thoughts. Irrational. She was allowing herself to feel fear. Get it together, her mind shrieked. Mitch kept his eyes locked on hers. His index finger lightly placed against his lips, gesturing for her to remain silent. The footsteps grew louder each breath they took.

Neither of them knew what to expect next. This person could be anyone, possibly even the ring leader himself. But Mitch didn't want to risk her life. So, giving Ava's face one last scan of admiration, Mitch gripped the gun in his right hand a little tighter, and spun around in the direction of the stairs, shutting the door behind him.

He knew she would try to stop him, so Mitch grabbed a chair and shoved the back of it underneath the doorknob, barracading Ava inside. The brunette lunged towards the door, but Mitch had already secured the door. She was stuck inside.

"Isn't this sweet, protecting your girlfriend, Rapp?", A muffled voice spoke again, this time a lot closer.

Ava's chest felt heavy. Her mouth became dry. She felt physically ill. How could Mitch put himself in danger after what happened to Stan? Wasn't one loss enough? Ava unwillingly received images of Mitch's corpse at the bottom of the staircase. Blood spattered across the walls- a bullet hole in the side of his head. This was cruel. What he was doing right now wasn't heroic, it was selfish, and it was completely stupid.

Mitch kept himself hidden behind a wall, his eyes peeled on the back of the unknown man currently reaching the top of the staircase. The individual was stocky. He clearly worked out, but that didn't mean he had an advantage over Mitch. Still, the assassin kept his watchful eye on him, accessing any possible weaknesses or easy spots to attack.

"I've heard about you. The psycho with anger issues that likes to kill terrorists", the man spoke again, his movements slowing as he reached the top floor.

How much does this guy know, Mitch pondered.

-"How's about we make this quick and simple? You and your little girlfriend stop playing hide and seek, and I can finally get that big promotion I'm owed- eh, Mitch?".

The man's accent was clear as day. Australian.

Ava could hear every word now. The guy was practically right beside the door. Mitch wanted him to be curious about the door that was barracaded by the chair. It would be a mild distraction, hopefully enough for him to get a good shot, at least. All he needed to do was attempt to un-block the door.

Ava knew to keep quiet. It wouldn't do anyone any good if she kicked up a fuss and allowed the individual to know her whereabouts. Mitch was quick witted, so Ava knew to somewhat trust his plan, even if it wasn't in his favour. Her breathing slowed as she tried to concentrate on the movement of feet. She held her gun to her side, knowing she'll undoubtedly have to use it eventually.

The stocky man glanced around the hallway full of numerous doors. He warily checked his surroundings, deciding to investigate the barracaded door first. "You're making this too easy, mate. I hope for your sake the broad isn't with ya. Boss has a few nasty ideas for her if ya' know what I mean".