Protocols & Hearts

Chapter 1

August 21, 20XX. Approx. 4:38 p.m. Sonora, Mexico.

The summer sun was slowly sinking lower in the sky, casting an orange glow over the bustling city streets. Cars and motorbikes whizzed by honking horns and revving engines, the drivers eager to get home before nightfall. For most people, home meant a welcoming family dinner or an excited pet waiting at the door. But that wasn't the case for Aelia.

No, Aelia's small house had long felt more like a prison than a home. She rarely ventured out, preferring the solitude behind closed doors. But today would be different. A sense of urgency propelled Aelia into frantic action as she raced around gathering her meager possessions.

Her hands shook as she grabbed her worn laptop from its charger on the cluttered desk, shoving it haphazardly into her bag alongside a tangled mess of cords. Next, she yanked open the near-empty cabinets, stuffing packets of crackers and energy bars into any available pocket. Pausing at the kitchen sink, Aelia pulled a crumpled cigarette from her jeans and shakily lit up. She took a long drag, closing her eyes as the smoke filled her lungs, temporarily calming her frayed nerves. But there was no time to linger. Grinding the butt into the stained basin, she hurried to the bedroom next.

Rifling through a pile of unwashed clothes, she found her favorite hoodie - a security blanket of sorts against the outside world. Shrugging it on, she slung the bag across her body just as pounding echoes from the front door shattered the silence.

Muffled shouts in Spanish told Aelia all she needed to know. Her short-lived freedom was at an end if she didn't act fast. Heart racing, she threw open the lone window and hauled herself out just as the door splintered inward behind her.

Fleeing down the sidewalk, Aelia darted into the bustling streets. Dodging crowds of after-work commuters, she risked a glance back to see two large, angry men barreling down in pursuit. Her fingers flew across her phone screen, activating a pre-programmed failsafe. Rounding the corner, she spotted her salvation - a neighborhood ATM. As the men closed in, she pressed the button on her phone and dove for cover. A deafening explosion tore through the air, followed by screams and a shower of bills. The chaos provided the perfect cover for her escape to freedom.

Aelia paused to catch her breath, bracing her hands on her knees in the narrow alleyway. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving her wracked with exhaustion. That's when she heard a gruff voice call out "¡Oye perra!" ["Hey bitch!"]! from behind. Whipping around, she saw a hulking man blocking the only way out. His sneering smile revealed missing teeth as he said "La jefa te ha estado buscando.." ["The boss has been looking for you.."]

Without stopping to think, Aelia activated another command on her phone with shaky fingers. A small nearby generator chose that moment to short out and spark, drawing the man's attention long enough for her to bolt.

Bursting out onto the street, Aelia risked a glance back and slammed directly into two familiar figures. Her heart sank at being cornered again. Slowly stepping backward, she searched desperately for an escape route. But a meaty hand closed around her arm before she could flee. Aelia gulped, noticing the hungry looks in all three men's eyes. Putting on a trembling smile, she bargained "C'mon guys, can't we talk about this? I-I can make you all richer than you could ever dream of, y-you know I'm good for it!"

They only laughed at her pathetic attempt. "It's too late for deals, princesá [princess]," sneered the one holding her in a crushing grip. Fighting was futile against their combined strength. One let out a sharp whistle, moments later, a black sedan rolled up. With no further words, they threw Aelia unceremoniously into the backseat and piled in after her. Zip ties bound her wrists as her devices were confiscated, leaving her with her mounting fears in the growing darkness.