Our Time Bomb

Chapter One ~ The Bad Guy In Town

A sense of panic wakes me with a start, my heartbeat racing from zero to one hundred in seconds. My wrists are chained, the cold metal cuts into my skin. Then it all rushes back to me, I'm in prison, I got caught. Realizing my situation, I calm down. I can handle this. My people won't stand for it, as soon as they find out I'm missing, they'll rise up to crush this place.

But I am not completely sure of myself.

I have no idea what time it is, but I am pretty sure some time had passed since I'd been put in this dirty cell, it's hella dark and musty in here.

I stand to my feet and survey my quarters, some heating would at least be nice, they'll come in here to kill me or something and I'll be dead already.

Perhaps I should explain, i have been running from Gyardicans (peacekeepers, or pesky things I call them.)
since the day I could run, I was raised as a criminal, and eventually became the leader of my people, the Shadow Nation. Long story short, the Gyardicans caught me in my weak time, I tried to run like I had done countless times before, but it was difficult to outrun them while running for two. I'm pregnant. I now curse this child for weakening me, I would not be here in these chains if it weren't for the baby, more like burden.

Tiredly, I place my hand on my belly, It has only been three and a half months so far into my pregnancy, but I'm already exhausted.

My ears perk up to the sound of footsteps, someone is coming.
I secretly hope it's not Jefferson, my husband, I've betrayed him. He is a Gyardican...

A figure stops outside the bars of my cell, he unlocks the door with a clink and it creaks open. It isn't Jefferson. I couldn't bear to see him now, it's probably the same way for him. It's another man. Motionlessly, I watch him carefully as he nears me.

I notice there are at least two other men outside the cell.
He detaches me from the chains that connect to the cuffs on my wrists.
"What's going on?" I ask as he firmly takes my arm and guides me out of the cell after him.

"You're going to see general Bennett. He has a few questions for you. My advice, just do as they say, and everything will go well for you."

I smirk, "I'll keep in that in mind."

Sure enough, there are two other men with him, I manage to read their name tags, the one holding my arm is named Kyle, the other two are Jule and Monty.

Jule takes in the sight of me, he seems to be in awe, well they should be. Everyone knows who I am, and it is feat to finally have caught me.

The Gyardicans take me up a couple flights of rugged stairs. I notice a rat scurry into a crack in the stone wall. Even the Shadow Nation compound is cleaner than this, our dungeon is neatly kept, and we are not wealthy. Personally, I think this is just cruel, no questions asked.

I keep an eye on everything and everyone around me. I'll need every bit of information to escape this place later, if my people don't raid it first. To be honest, I'm pretty confident I'll get out of here, although I'm almost certain that my trial will convey me to a life prison sentence, or death.

The main hallways of the Gyardican's guild is much more pleasant on the eye, it is beautiful architecture. The floor is a white tile and the walls, painted white with polished wood accents. I've never been around so many Gyardicans, defenseless. The thought settles in and makes me cringe. The Kyle guy stops in front of a row of doors. I glance around, the hall is crowded, my eye immediately locks on a face that makes my heart slam into my ribs. Jefferson... He is standing across the hall, reading a report of some sort.

I quickly look down and pretend I didn't see him. Any confidence I had a moment ago drains from me with a sinking feeling.

Somehow, he must have sensed my presence and he looks up, our eyes meet. His clear blue ones stare straight through mine. Loads of emotion hang in his creased brow. The intensity builds by the second and I look at the ground.

I feel the Kyle guy pull me along with him into an office.
I glance up in Jefferson's direction again, my breath short in my throat. He is gone. I feel the anger he left behind settle on me. My only regret of my life choices is having to lie to him all this time, since before we got married. He thought I was just an innocent school teacher.

I'm pulled out of my daze as a voice breaks my thoughts. "Well well, this isn't the first time we have met, is it Mrs Ray?"

I scan the middle aged man behind the desk, I remember him now, Jefferson introduced him to me as one of his best friends and Co workers.

"Sir Bennett..."

"That's right." He motioned to a chair in front of his desk. "Do let her sit."
Kyle guided me to the chair and then backed off to stand at the back of the room. Two of the other Gyardicans left.

"Generally, it isn't my job to deal with prisoners, but today the Captain is... Preoccupied." He said carefully.

I glared at him, "No disrespect Sir, but you and I both know why he isn't here."

He slowly blinked, "Well can you blame him? I wouldn't want to be interrogating my wife in prison just after I found out she was a wanted criminal."

My heart jolted and I said nothing.

"Anyway, that's not what we're talking about right now. We have to discuss your upcoming trial. Basically, the court will judge you for not only your crimes, but those committed by the Shadow Nation. As their leader, you're responsible for outbreaks and everything held against them. You'll also be required to give us the information of anything we desire in order to silence the Shadow Nation once and for all. If you do not comply, uncomfortable measures will be taken."

I watch his lips move, entertained by his slight lisp. Nothing he says frightens me, I can handle any trial, in fact, I teach law at a university to highly intelligent young people. I shall have myself a fair trial.

Sir Bennett continued to blab on and on about how it would be in my best interest to submit to their plans. Blah blah blah.

Someone once asked me what three words would best describe my life. I didn't hesitate, the first one is mistrust. I don't trust anyone, even my own husband. I don't trust my people, the Shadow Nation, because there are those who wish me dead because of the power I hold.
The second word is danger. Most people wouldn't pick this unusual word to describe their lives, but for me, living without the risk of being caught or killed every day of my life, that would be a tasteless life. It would be like eating mashed potatoes without salt. My third word is passion, all that I do, I do it all the way. To those I love, I love them with all my heart, to those I hate, I passionately hate them.

✏ So this is my newest book. It's more of an experiment. If you like it, feel free to share it. If not, you should read it anyway. Thanks! - Abigail