killer, gbd (EDITING)

2

We drive in silence, wind burn forming on my cheeks. The cool night air gives me a chill, but keeps me awake. The smell of pine and earth fills my nose, a refreshing change from the smell of the city.

We are forced to slow our pace when we are met with gravel and dirt roads. Leaning my head back against my seat, my eyes become heavy. The subtle tension between us keeps my body in a state of discomfort, but I can feel my drowsiness slowly taking over.

Just as I am about to fall asleep, we turn into a driveway and a small wooden house comes into view. I sit up, looking closer at the house I see the evidence of it's age. The log cabin looks to be on its last years of use, the ceiling bows in the center, wood cracking and softened with age. Too tired to think better of it, I climb out of the car and walk up to the front door. The house smells of the forest and but the interior is pleasantly surprising. Feeling up the wall, i find the light switches and enter a cleaned kitchen space. Through an arched doorway is a living room complete with a couch, loveseat, and coffee table. Turning around, I see the other agent in the car still, his eyes focused on me, but a phone pressed to his ear.

I watch him for a moment, curious, but the wobbling in my knees reminds me of my ultimate goal, sleep. I close screen door and walk down a dark hallway, feeling for a doorknob. I open the first one I am met with and find the light switch.

An outdated, pink bathroom lights up and I rejoice knowing this place has indoor plumbing. I shut the door and lock it behind me. I check for towels and toiletries, surprised to find everything that I need for a shower and wound care.

I turn the water, trying to figure out the controls. Stripping from my clothes, I take a good look at the graze left by the bullet and wince.

I take my time showering, trying my best to enjoy the sensation. The exhaustion makes it difficult, but nonetheless I finish and dry myself off. Standing in my towel in front of the mirror. I open the first aid kit and explore the contents.

Wetting a patch of gauze with iodine, my nose burns from the smell. Grinding my teeth, I press the pad to the wound with my palm, my fingertips shake from the burn. Tossing the used gauze into the trash, I cut a clean section off and place it over the gash. I then secure the gauze with adhesive bandaging.

Smoothing down the end, I grab my dirty clothes and open the bathroom door. I walk further down the hallway, looking for a bedroom. My hand grabs a doorknob, but a voice catches me off guard. "You okay?" He asks.

I turn around, holding onto my towel for dear life. His arms are crossed over his chest, his shoulders against the wall next to the bathroom. The light from the room lights up his stark face.

"Yes, it's only a surface wound," I gesture to my arm, watching his expression. But studying him gives me nothing, his face stays blank and cold.

"Did I startle you?" The first sign of human emotion appears in the form of a smirk. Devilish and calculated.

"Of course not," My brows tighten as I look at him, his expression mocks mine.

His smirk fades and he takes another step towards me, now only the ride side of his face is visible. I can see the muscles in his jaw clenching. "I think we need to get something clear." The tone in his voice is demeaning, and immediately I feel that he is going to say something to make himself feel superior.

"I'm all ears," My top lip nearly curls as he takes another step.

"I don't car how important you were to De Luca, if you do anything to jeopardize my well being," Another step brings him inches from my face. I do not cower like he wishes me to, I raise my chin to look him in the eye. "I will not hesitate to leave you stranded. I am not here because I care about you. I am here because I have to be."