Limitless

35|

Chapter 35 - Hope

I sit in silence in my cell. My execution is to take place today. One day to live. I'm free to walk around in my cell, but instead I just sit there and lean against the wall, my arms resting on my knees. I don't feel like entertaining anyone. My head pounds with excitement and dread, anticipation and worry. I can't help thinking about Royce. The Girl said she'd help me escape. She must have something in mind for Royce too. I hope.

If the Girl is planning to help me escape, she sure is pushing her luck to the limits. My heart aches at the thought of the danger she's put herself in. One thing I do know, even if the Girl's plans fail, even if I'm going to be isolated and friendless when I head out to the firing yard... I'm going to fight. They're going to have to fill me with billets to get me to stay still. I take a shuddering breath. Brave thoughts. But am I ready to follow through them?

The soldiers standing outside my cell have more weapons that usual, along with gas masks and protective vests. No one dares take his eyes off me. They really think I'll do something cracked.

'You guys must be loving this.' I say after a while. The soldiers shift on their feet, a few raise their weapons. 'Wasting a day of your life watching me sit in a cell. What fun.'

Silence. The soldiers are too scared to reply.

Hours drag by I find myself looking forward to my execution. At least I'll get to see something other than grey cell walls, if only for a while. Anything to stop this mind-numbing wait. Besides, if the Girl doesn't succeed with whatever she's planning, I'll get to stop picturing my mother and Royce and Jess and everyone in my head.

Soldiers rotate in and out of my cell. I know six P.M. must be close. The square is probably filled with people by now. Jess. Maybe she's there, too afraid to see it happen, but too afraid to miss it.

Footsteps out in the hall. Then a voice I recognise. The Girl's. Is this it? Time for my escape - or death?

The door swings open. My guards make way as the Girl enters the room, flanked by Commander Jacobs and a few other soldiers. The Girl is in full uniform and I suck my breath at the sight of her. I haven't seen her in such clothes before. Shining, luxurious epaulettes draping from her shoulders. A thick, full length cape made from some sort of rich velvet. Scarlet waistcoat and elaborate, belted boots. A standard issue military cap. Simple makeup adorns her face and her hair is flawless in its high ponytail. This must be the standard agent dress code for special events. The Girl stands some distance from me and, as I struggle to my feet, looks down at her watch. 'Five forty-five P.M.,' she says. She looks back up at me. I try to read her eyes, to see if I can guess what her plans are. 'Any final requests? If you wish a last prayer or something, you'd better let us know now. It's the only privilege you'll get before you die.'

Of course. Final requests. I stare at her and keep my expression carefully blank. What does she want me to say? The Girl's eyes are intense, burning.

I see her make the most subtle movement with her lips. 'No,' she mouths and shakes her head offline. I glance at Commander Jacobs.

'Nothing. I don't want anything.' I say.

The Commander gives me an impatient nod. 'That's great. Now get going.' She says. My heart pounds. The Girl exchanges the briefest look with me, but before I can focus on her, she turns away to ask Commander Jacobs something.

'Everything is is place, Hunt.' The Commander replies. 'Now stop nagging me.'

Hunt. That's her last name. It's the first time I noticed. I wonder what her first name is.

Commander Jacobs seems to relax a little. She motions at the other soldiers. 'Form up,' she says. 'Hunt, accompany the guards to the hall. I'll return shortly.' The Girl salutes, and steps out of the cell, while the guards come in and cuff my hands. Commander Jacobs disappears out the door.

I take a deep breath. I need a miracle now.

Several minutes later, they lead me out. I keep my chin up, my eyes blank. Now I can hear the crowd. The sound of them rises and falls, a steady tide of human voices. My eyes scan the flat-screen panels on the walls as we pass by - the people in the square look restless, shifting like waves on a stormy day, and I pick out the line of soldiers fencing them in.

At some point, the Girl joins us and falls into step near the back of the soldiers. I glance behind me, but can't see her face. The seconds drag on. What will happen when we reach the yard?

Finally we arrive at the halls that lead into the firing squad yard.

That's when I hear Alec, the young captain say 'Ms. Hunt.'

Then, words that seize my heart. I doubt she planned for this.

'Miss Hunt,' he says. 'Your under investigation. Follow me.