Survivor | S. Ghost Riley

Vaqueros

Minutes felt like hours as I watched the black and white CTV screen alongside Johnny. The two of us guided Ghost as he effortlessly made his way across the prison, placing charges and killing shadows. Sometimes a shadow would get too close for comfort and I would hold my breath as he struggled to fight off the man, but he always won.

I watched with bated breath as Ghost crept along a roof top towards a lone shadow. He swiftly grabbed the man and jammed his knife into his neck, lowering him to the ground so he wouldn't make a sound.

"Nighty-night, fuck-head." Johnny said over the comms, making me laugh slightly.

"Shoot him." Johnny then added, referring to the final shadow that was standing below him.

"No, got somethin' else in mind." Ghost said as he suddenly dropped over the side and landed on top of the shadow, stabbing him as they fell.

"Fucking beautiful, sir." Johnny said happily

"Show off." I tutted playfully over the comms

Ghost moved into the next courtyard where he proceeded to take out several more shadows with impressive stealth and place another charge. I was surprised when I felt relief rise up within me. I didn't like having to watch him over a screen where he can't get back up.

"We're all set here, Johnny. Have we located Alejandro?" Ghost asked

"Perfect timing. I found him." Rudy said from where he sat at the other monitor.

"Where?" Johnny asked

"Stand by." Rudy said as he changed our screen to show different security feeds. I almost protested at the fact that I couldn't see Ghost anymore but I kept my mouth shut.

"Bloody fucking hell, That's him." Johnny said as he zoomed in on the image of a man who was vaguely familiar.

"He's in solitary. Two on the door." Rudy stated 

"I see 'em." Johnny stayed before he turned on his radio. "Ghost, we got him. He's alone. Two shadows on guard."

"Not for long. RV outside the cellblock, we'll pry him lose." Ghost said

"Roger that, on the move." Johnny said. I picked up my rifle that I had put down and swung it over my shoulder, getting ready to meet Ghost and bust out Alejandro.

"Good work." Johnny said to Rudy

"Igual, amigo. Alejandro would've come for us." Rudy said as he swung his backpack over his shoulders. Johnny replied in Spanish as the two shook hands.

Rudy was the first one out the door and I followed after him with Johnny on my tail. I held my gun tightly in my hands as I aimed it out Into the darkness. My heart was beating quickly but I fought to stay focused and alert.

"Ghost, what's your status?" Johnny asked as he moved to stand beside me. Leaving me in the middle of him and Rudy.

"Comin' your way." Ghost replied

"Copy. We're on the move." Johnny said. I tensed up when the noise of a helicopter starting up hit my ears. I glanced around and spotted the helo on the roof of a building just across from us.

"Heads up on the helo." Rudy stated as the helicopter took off.

"Looks like we're outta his line of sight." Ghost said. The three of us walked through a broken brick wall to see Ghost sneaking down the street towards us. I can't explain why, but seeing him again and having him with us made me feel safer.

"Cell block. Entry's ahead, shadows blocking the way." Rudy said. The four of us ran up to the entrance of the cell block courtyard. I found myself standing behind Ghost as we hid behind the wall. Johnny and Rudy were standing on the other side.