Dark roots

Chapter 4

I was strapped to the side of the Osprey, the harness keeping me safe as we took off. The entire flight wasn't that long but it was awkward. Across from me, two soldiers were whispering to each other in rushed voices, and even though I couldn't hear them, I could feel eyes on me. I kept my gaze on the floor, picking at my nails.

After about 20 minutes, we reached the base and the aircraft landed. Soap came over to help me when he noticed I was struggling removing the harness. I offered him a small smile and then followed after the others who were already exiting the Osprey. Alejandro grabbed the woman's arm and pulled her with him, vanishing behind the corner.

I was brought to a small room with nothing in there except for a table and three chairs. There was a mirror on the wall and no windows, making it look like a police interrogation room. I paced around, waiting for someone to come talk to me or tell me what the hell was going on. But no one came. I heard the door lock when they left, so I knew there was no way out.

Voices echoed faintly from outside the room, ramping up my anxiety. I didn't know who they were or what they wanted. Suddenly, the door burst open and the older man, I met in the cafe back in my hometown with the fisher's hat, walked in. He had kind facial expressions, but something about him seemed worried.

"Well, I totally misjudged you." I mumbled to myself, feeling annoyed and disappointed with myself. Even though the conversation we had at the cafe was brief, I felt comfortable and at ease with him, something I never felt especially around strangers. But he was with the people that were holding me captive here, so a part of me felt betrayed.

"I'm sorry you got caught up in this. Can you tell me what happened? Why is the cartel after you?" The older man spoke whilst handing me a bottle of water and politely gestured me to sit down. "Please, Ashley. I'm trying to help you. What happened after I left the café?"

I stayed quiet and merly looked at him for a minute, but I wanted answers. I wanted to leave, but I knew they wouldn't let me go. So I sat down in silence. A sigh left my lips, I didn't trust any of them but deciding to meet them halfway in order to get an explanation myself.

"A little after you left, I heard a gunshot. People started running and screaming. The couple next to me told me to hide under the table. So I did. Everything happened so fast. I kept my eyes shut most of the time. Until someone grabbed me and dragged me away. Then nothing but darkness."

"Do you know what they wanted from you?"

My hands were trembling. He reached over, resting his hand on mine. The warmth calmed me slightly, enough to breathe and gather my thoughts.

"What everyone wants, probably. I told you I was good with computers. Sometimes I take small hacking jobs for cash. Nothing serious."

"Define 'nothing serious.'" His voice carried a hint of suspicion, like he knew it was an understatement.

"Aren't you a cop? I'm not about to incriminate myself."

"I'm not a cop. I'm Captain Price, Special forces." He said with a slight smirk.

"Great. Somehow that sounds worse." I said after the initial shock passed.

He laughed again, clearly amused by my expression. Suddenly the door slammed open, I flinched and I tensed up when the blond guy from the plane stormed in. Behind him were Soap and the huge man with the skull mask. In the plane, I heard his name, Ghost. He was built like a mountain, tall and muscular. His face was hidden behind a mask.

My gaze focused back on the first man, his blond hair and blue eyes made him look like a prince charming. He stepped in front of me, glaring with an angry look in his eyes. He looked between Price and myself.