A Twisted Fantasy (Leon Kennedy X OC) [BOOK 2]

Chapter 29: The cult leader

We darted through the tunnels beyond the small lab, a new sense of relief fueling our quick steps as we navigated to a door at the end. The hinges squealed as we exited the building into a small construction space. I sucked in a cool breath of air, the weight of the looming plagas lifted, making me feel light and hopeful.

The area around us had been cleared out, mounds of dirt piled against a natural rock wall to our right and steel beams stacked high near an industrial elevator on the left. The elevator scaled the side of an unfinished building, the steel beams and pillars welded together to form the skeleton of a soon to be high-rise.

Leon darted down the few short steps on our left, and headed for a tunnel dug into the hill next to the elevator. He led us down the long tunnel until the sound of flowing water greeted us. The tunnel opened up to a fast flowing river that stretched down a dark waterway to our left.

Leon didn't hesitate as he moved toward a speed boat bobbing in a small alcove attached to the stream. Ashley followed close behind him.

"Damn!" Leon said, slamming his hands down on the wheel. "No keys."

It's never easy, is it?

I scanned the small area, turning up nothing besides a few storage containers and barrels. "Let's circle back, there's gotta be another way out," I said, turning back to lead us back the way we came.

The cool air hit my cheek as we exited the tunnel back into the construction yard. A clang of metal had my skin prickling and my eyes shooting toward the high-rise as the sound echoed down the steel frame.

My eyes went to Leon, who had the same uneasy look on his face.

Saddler had this whole thing planned out, he was one step ahead the entire time. Of course, he wouldn't let us escape so easily.

"What are we gonna do?" Ashley whispered from behind us.

I hesitated for a moment, silently making up my mind. "You're gonna wait by the boat, and we're going up," I said, pulling out my pistol to reload.

Leon spoke, his words laced with concern and a tinge of resolve as he protested, "Mykie, you're hurt and-"

My eyes shot to him with deadly intent, "We're doing this together."

He closed his mouth, scanning my face and finding the finality of my decision. He looked a bit defeated, and a tad frustrated, as he turned to Ashley, "Ashley, wait for us behind the crates by the boat."

I turned, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "We'll be right back, okay? Then we'll be on our way home."

Her eyes were filled with worry and fear, "Do you promise?" she whispered.

"Promise," I smiled, squeezing her shoulder before guiding her toward the mouth of the tunnel.

She gave me a hesitant nod before taking off, not looking back as she disappeared into the tunnel. I turned back and moved toward the elevator with Leon at my side.

His finger hesitated over the control panel for a moment before pressing the button for up. The elevator hummed to life, and began its steading ascent.

My stomach turned over as we climbed, each floor bringing us closer to Saddler.

This has to be done, not only for the keys but for everyone. The plague Saddler unleashed here cannot be left to fester, to grow, and infest. I shifted back and forth on my feet as the scar on my leg seemed to pinch in anticipation. I never did heal completely from those claws.

I swiped a hand above its location on my thigh, remembering the monster who'd given it– and the way we bested him. We did it once, we can do it again.