Shattered Innocence

Revelations and Betrayal

The stairs have a closed, locked door that Nora opens for us. "I've got you," she murmurs. It feels wrong to be doing this without him, but then again, he's right there, in our ears, watching us. We surge up the stairs, knowing that with each second that passes, they could escape. This might have started with my father, but it will end here with this man—the one tugging at a door as we rush into an ornate office. There are bookshelves to the left filled with pictures of him and military commanders, and even a fucking president.

There is a sofa to the left, and a huge desk taking up the back placed in front of some windows. Beyond is a plane gearing up to depart. The man tries to escape through the locked fire door as he glances back at us with purpose and hatred. He's not what I was expecting, but then again, I guess the bad guys never are. After all, he's just a man. Just a fucking man. Nothing more. He's middle-aged and moderately attractive, with salt and pepper hair. His face is angular, with bright blue eyes, and his body is encased in an expensive three-piece suit.

He's neither tall nor short, fat nor slim. He would be forgettable if it weren't for the shark-like smile he aims at us when he swings the door open.

"He's making a run for it!" Nora yells and sprints across the office to see him leaping into the plane. We have to roll when he looks back and pulls out a pistol, aiming badly, but it keeps us down as the plane starts to lift.

"Shit! He can't get away!" Zack roars. Putting my gun away, I throw him a narrow-eyed look.

"Then let's stop him." Without waiting for his approval, I push into a sprint, aiming for the plane. We can't let him get away. I pump my arms faster. This has to end. I duck my head. He dies today, giving us freedom. With a roar, I leap into the air. I manage to hit the closing back door and turn to see the others running. Zack makes it, Nikolay too, then Yuri and Ivan. Nora breaks out of the door and sprints across the deck.

With my hand stretched out towards her, I let the others anchor me as I reach for her, unwilling to leave her behind. We end this together.

"Hurry!" I yell at her. Eyes glittering, she moves like lightning just as we take off into the air. Our hands slap together, and I grip her tightly as she swings. Staring into her determined eyes, I haul her up, and we fall into a heap in the plane's belly. Panting, she rolls off me, and Zack helps me up as I pull my gun.

He nods at me. "M, you're with me. We'll get them to land safely. Everyone else, check for soldiers and secure the leader." He sneers the word, echoing our feelings as we climb up the ramp and into the small plane. He's there, banging on the cockpit, and when he sees us, his nostrils flare as he takes aim once more. "Not a good idea," I call. "Sure way to crash the plane." I shrug.

"Maybe, but it might be worth it," he replies.

"Unless you want to find out, weapons down." Playing nice for now, I slowly lower my gun to the floor and leave it there as I straighten, smiling at him.

"I don't need a weapon to kill you."

"No, you wouldn't, would you, Nora?" He arches a brow. I look him over as he steps closer, still aiming his gun at me. Nikolay and Yuri slide down each side to circle him. "I don't know you." "Oh, but I know you. I watched you be born. I watched every moment of his research on you. He always told me you were the future, you kids, his pet project. I believe differently, but here you are. He was right. You are incredible." He shakes his head. "We could have done such amazing things together if you hadn't grown a conscience."

"Who are you? He never told me your name."

"He wouldn't. After all, your father plays the long game. Name's William Moss. I was your father's silent partner from the beginning. The money, the operations, nothing would have happened without me."