The Things We Do (Under Editing)

The Same Old Dance

It was going to take weeks to get the stench out of my clothes, and I didn't even want to think about what was happening to my boots. I might have to replace them sooner than I'd thought. I spent so much time on the rooftops of the city, looking down into the lights, that I had forgotten just how dark underground could be.

Luckily, I'd downloaded a map of the sewer tunnels, or I doubted that I'd ever find my way out. Each turn just brought me into another tunnel that looked exactly the same as the rest. I was starting to feel trapped, but every time I forced myself to not escape. Instead, I climbed to the top of each ladder and secured an explosive to the bottom of each manhole cover. They wouldn't cause serious damage, but they would blast the metal disks into the air and send fire raining down in the immediate area.

The hardest part was repeatedly climbing up and down the ladders without putting too much strain on my injuries. I'd healed enough that I could walk without wanting to throw up from the pain, but that didn't mean I was all better. An improvement was an improvement, though.

I sighed as I secured the final explosive, and then looked at my phone. It was too populated here. If I wanted to get out unseen, I'd have to get to a different exit.

Groaning, I pointed my flashlight down the tunnel and set off into the darkness.

I never thought I'd say this, but was actually relieved to find myself back on a rooftop. After the thick, heavy stench of the sewers, I needed the fresh(er) air. The sounds of traffic also helped fend off my lingering panic from isolation. Once again, I perched on a ledge, staring down at West Axon. This street was just thriving with activity.

The mayor would be coming by any minute and that's when I'd make my move. So far, everything had gone off without a hitch, and I planned to keep it that way, but if I kept shivering like I was, I was bound to fall off my ledge, and my ledge was the best place from which to survey the area.

Maybe I just needed a thicker coat.

No. That would impair my movement.

I blinked, using my hand to block the light of the setting sun as I looked down at the road. There! That was the mayor's limo! Quickly, I did a double check of my equipment. My sonic device was fastened at my throat, my mask didn't block my vision, the detonator was now ready in my hand, and the tracker was back in my boot where it was easy to follow. This was a performance, and performances need an audience.

My eyes followed my target as it made its way down the busy street.

Not yet...

Not yet...

Now.

I pressed the button in my hand and across the city several dozen explosions erupted, launching manhole covers into the sky. Most important were the two that the mayor's limo was now trapped between. The driver had panicked and swerved to avoid the blast, driving straight into a lamppost instead.

First to exit the car were the driver and bodyguard, both of whom stationed themselves to protect the mayor as she escaped. Under just about any other circumstances, it would be safer for her to remain in the car, but fire and vehicles generally wasn't a good mix, especially when you throw explosions into the mix.

Too bad there was nowhere for her to run except a single alley, which I had slipped down the fire escape into during the confusion.

It was time for my entrance.

Step by swaggering step, I waltzed my way between the walls of flame. It didn't take long for people to start noticing me. Soon enough, every civilian in the vicinity had their phone in their hand and their cameras on. At least my dramatic entrance was well documented. Maybe the news pages tomorrow would even have a good picture of me. I stopped a good twenty feet away from my target who had moments before been heading unknowingly in my direction.