Lost and Found

17

The taxi ride to Widmore's office was a tense, silent one. Elyse began to wonder if the cab driver could feel it too when he stopped abruptly to drop them off, shooting a skeptical look back at them through the rear view mirror when they exited the car and Desmond handed him a wad of cash through the window.

Elyse took a moment to soak in her surroundings one more time, aware that she not have the chance again. She'd never been to Scotland before, or anywhere other than the US and Australia after all.

She noticed the heavy overcast sky, which painted the city with a grey hue, making the colors of the brick buildings and green hills in the distance stand out even more. She cringed when she looked down at her ankles, which were covered by the thickest socks anyone had ever seen, in an attempt to hide her ankle monitor/bomb which would've stuck out like an eyesore. Not that the socks didn't..

"Come on, it's right up here."

Desmond nodded, grabbing her hand to lead her up the sidewalk which was almost empty, aside from a few people, to Elyse's delight. She nonchalantly felt for the gun at her waist to ensure it was secured still. She then examined the large building they stopped at in awe.

"This is it?"

She asked him, feeling sweat gather around her forehead while she looked around at all the windows, which happened to be covered by dark curtains.

"Aye."

Desmond replied, seeming just as stressed as she was when he bit his lip and contemplated their next move.

"We'll just have to go in and ask to speak to him. I'll go first, you can go around the corner and come back after a few minutes."

He instructed, grabbing both her shoulders so he could look into her eyes for confirmation that she understood.

"Okay, what if they ask me why I need to speak with him?"

She asked, trying to hide the fear from her face while her heart began to race.

"Just tell em it's about business. He doesn't share anythin with his assistants anyway."

He assured her, looking back at the large, black doors behind him, before turning to face forward again, keeping his grip her shoulders all the while.

"You can do this. If anythin happens to me, I want you to use your gun and get the device, no matter what it takes. Got it?"

He asked her with pleading eyes while his thick brows came together, creating stress lines at his forehead.

"But- you promised we'd both be okay? Wh-"

She stuttered before he cut her off abruptly.

"We don't have time Elyse! I've got to get in now before someone walks out and sees us. Just promise me that you'll do whatever it takes! You won't let the fear stop you."

He pleaded urgently, causing Elyse to oblige just to reassure him and calm the concerned look in his eyes.

"I promise."

She replied quietly, feeling truly terrified now that Desmond was obviously prepared for something bad to happen.

He let out a labored breath, staring at her for a long moment, as if he were seeing her for the last time. He then leaned forward to kiss her forehead hastily, then turned on his heel and heading toward the doors.