The Flatline: WWII | ArchiveStudios' Crimeverse

Chapter 14 - Gravel

Rain starts to pour down in the streets of Washington D.C. Everyone heads indoors and prepares to wait for the storm to be over.

Inside an abandoned warehouse near the docks, Niko Valentine is strapped to a chair, his mouth sealed by tape. There's no one else in the room with him, other than his thoughts. The man who brought him there is nowhere to be found. Struggling, Niko tries to free himself from the trap, but he's not strong enough. He also notices visible scars on his wrists, but he doesn't remember struggling or trying to free himself from the kidnapper's grasp.

Waiting for an eternity, someone finally approaches Niko, who's clearly exhausted and confused.

Unknown
"Niko, you awake?"

Struggling to open his mouth due to the tape, Niko blinks a few times at the silhouette.

Unknown
"I apologize for the inconvenient circumstances that brought you here today. But you'll be surprised."

Niko blinks again, not sure how to acknowledge the potential kidnapper as his mouth is sealed.

Unknown
"Allow me to-"

The silhouette brightens a candle nearby, which reveals his face...

Raz Steelhemor
"There...that's better."

Niko's eyes widen with fear.

Raz Steelhemor
"I take it you know who I am, or at least you know my brother, Haythem. Tell me something Niko, what happened to Haythem?"

Raz rips the tape from Niko's mouth, which causes pain for a short period.

Niko Valentine
"This is all...a misunderstanding...."

Raz Steelhemor
"A MISUNDERSTANDING!!!???? NICE FUCKING TRY!"

Raz punches Niko in the face several times. It seems Raz is letting his anger out on the weakened Valentine brother who's defenseless. Perhaps Raz thinks Niko is stronger than him, which is why he tied him to the chair.

Raz Steelhemor
"Don't you FUCKING say it was a MISUNDERSTANDING!"

Niko Valentine
"F- Flynn...he helped...wanted me...to kill Haythem."

Raz Steelhemor
"I have informants all over the world, you piece of shit. I know EXACTLY what went down."

Simon reveals himself in the light, standing behind Raz.

Niko Valentine
"S- s- Simon? Wh- what are you doing?"

Raz Steelhemor
"You're not talking to him, Niko, you're talking to me."

Raz forces Niko's head to look at him.

Raz Steelhemor
"We told Simon about your little plan....to kill him!"

Niko Valentine
"Kill him? No...I wanted to find him...that's my brother..."

Raz Steelhemor
"Bullshit! We told him EVERYTHING! And he's convinced, let me tell you, extremely convinced."

Niko Valentine
"What- what did you d- do to him?"

Raz Steelhemor
"Made him see the truth, with the help...of Lieutenant Stiles, that goddamn traitor."

Niko Valentine
"Stiles? He- he helped you!? YOU!?"

Raz Steelhemor
"He sure as hell did, and I made sure he did. Tight rope kinda guy, you understand."

Niko Valentine
"Your family...they started this conflict. Mexico...the U.S.! What the hell is wrong with you?"

Raz Steelhemor
"Listen to me VERY carefully, Niko. My ancestor, Obadiah Steelhemor, he controlled vast territory throughout the Southwest. He had CONTROL, and this country, as well as many others, need CONTROL! That is, until some lowlife decided to overthrow him, overthrow what was best for Texas and the Southwest. We are America's saviors, and people like you...start wars. Simon however...has been...rehabilitated."