On The Other Side

Chapter 15 - The Plan

CLAY
—

"Clay!" A familiar voice urgently whispers, the sound echoing through the hallway and my cell.

It's Nick. A surge of hope and anxiety floods through me, causing my heart to race uncontrollably. I spring to my feet, rushing to the bars with a mix of desperation and anticipation. My fingers instinctively clutch the cold iron bars, my grip tight as I anxiously await Nick's approach.

"Take these and wait for me," he says urgently, pressing a key into my hand. His words rush out, a mix of determination and hurry. "I talked to George and it's on. When you hear me cough, get out of the cell and catch the guard's attention. He'll turn toward you, and I'll take care of him." He pauses, his eyes locked onto mine, waiting for my approval.

As I process the plan, making sure I've understood everything, I nod firmly. Nick wastes no time, immediately rushing off after our exchange, leaving me to mentally prepare for what lies ahead.

I clutch the key tightly in my hand, my heart pounding with the weight of the choice before us. It's a do-or-die moment, and the enormity of the situation sinks in as I contemplate the risks and the hope of finally escaping this nightmare.

My heart races as the guard's footsteps draw nearer. Every second feels like an eternity as I sit on the floor, my muscles tense, ready to spring into action. I try to control my breathing, focusing my attention on waiting for that cough that signals Nick's arrival.

—

Adrenaline surges through me as I hear Nick's footsteps and the distinct cough. My muscles tense with anticipation as I quickly rise from the ground. Fingers trembling, I retrieve the key from my pocket, careful not to make any noise. With bated breath, I insert the key into the lock and turn it, my heart pounding in my ears as the cell door clicks open.

I cautiously peer out, my heart pounding in my chest, and notice the guard's attention fixed on his phone as he leans against the wall. Mustering all my courage, I hiss, "Hey!" My voice carries a desperate urgency that catches his attention. Just as his hand moves towards his gun, Nick's swift and silent form materializes behind him, his hands clamping around the guard's neck in a swift, calculated move.

The guard slumps unconscious to the floor, and my eyes lock onto Nick's form. The weight of the situation crashes over me, and my heart thuds in my chest like a drum, a mix of fear and adrenaline surging through my veins.

Silently, Nick signals me to maintain our silence with a finger to his lips. I offer a swift nod in return, my heart pounding as I move as noiselessly as possible behind him.

As I step outside of my cell for the first time, the surroundings match the unsettling images that had filled my imagination. The emptiness of the place sends shivers down my spine, and the fear in the air is noticeable.

I hurry behind Nick down the corridor until we reach a door. He turns to me. "Quickly open the door. There's another guard inside that I'll take care of. Hide behind the door and wait for me," he instructs in a hushed tone.

Heart pounding, I grip the handle of the door, glancing over at Nick for his signal. With a determined nod from him, I swiftly open the door, revealing the scene before me. Nick lunges at the guard, and I retreat behind the door, anticipation making my breath shallow as I wait for the thud of the guard's body.

"It's clear!" Nick whispers loudly, and I exhale a deep breath of relief. Stepping out cautiously from my hiding spot behind the door, I join him, ensuring the door is shut behind me.

After dealing with one more guard, Nick and I make our way to the basement. Our breaths come in heavy gasps, the adrenaline pumping through our veins after carefully dodging being caught.

We find ourselves on a staircase, facing an archway ahead. We are positioned on opposite sides. I'm looking at Nick, trying to catch his breath as I try desperately to catch mine, too.

Peering cautiously from our hiding spots behind the archway, we spot a guard stationed in front of us. My heart races as I silently scan him, strategizing our next move.

Nick's fingers gently point at his lips, signaling for me to focus on his mouth to understand his words. I nod in acknowledgment, my attention fixed on his silent communication.

He points down the hallway and mouths 'Big man,' indicating the presence of a guard. Then he points at me and mimes 'Stay here.' Lastly, he points at himself and mouths 'Pretend nothing happened.' I respond with a thumbs-up, indicating my understanding of his instructions.

Nick takes a moment to compose himself, closing his eyes and resting his head against the wall. After a deep breath, he looks at me and gives me a nod. He presses his lips together, his expression determined, and then he walks confidently through the archway.

"Hey, man," Nick says to the man and I can hear them dab each other up.

"Til when're you working t'day?" the man's deep voice makes me even more scared.

"Until the morning," Nick answers and the man scoffs.

"That's bull-" the man begins to say but then starts choking, followed by a loud thud echoing down the hall.

I peep through and see Nick searching the man's pockets. He eventually pulls out a key and looks at me, nodding. I quickly run towards him.

"George is behind this door. Make it quick, we don't have time," he whispers urgently, and my heart drops as my eyes well up with tears at the thought of seeing George.

I'm actually gonna see him.

It feels like an eternity as Nick slides the key into the lock and the door opens. He gestures for me to go in first, and I step inside. There, I see George.

I wish I didn't.

He's sprawled on the floor, his body limp and unconscious. The harsh reality of his state hits me as I take in his appearance. His already thin frame has become thinner from starvation, and his battered face displays a landscape of bruised and swollen skin.

I run towards him, my heart pounding in my chest, and kneel beside George. I'm on the verge of tears as I shake him gently, desperately trying to bring him back to consciousness. Holding his hand, I search for his pulse on his wrist, and relief courses through me when I feel it.

"They've beaten him up," Nick's voice breaks the tense silence as he approaches us. "We have to wait for him to wake up," he continues, his words carrying a mix of concern and hurry.

I can't hold back the tears as I look down at him. His nose is bloody, his face pale and battered. Bruises mar his hands, and I can't even imagine where else he might be injured.

My heart shatters as I see George so vulnerable laying on the ground.

Gently, I down on the ground beside him, pulling him close and resting his head on my lap. My protective instinct kicks in, and I hold him as gently as I can, offering whatever comfort I can.

Tears well up even more as I realize that George had it much worse than I did. The weight of what he's been through is almost unbearable.

—