Cyberlink Cove

Chapter 5

*THREE WEEKS LATER*

CYBERLINK COVE (SKYHOOK ISLE)-2077

 

A few days earlier, Jared Wistmore had returned to find his wife in prison. He was almost caught by a government patrol trying to get back to the tavern, but luckily, the others had come to his aid, although his motorboat had been severely damaged.

 

Meanwhile, Marissa had gone to General Thomas and demanded an explanation. He had broken down and told her of his job working for President Ross. Marissa finally worked up the courage to ask him if she could see Mina. Though he was hesitant, General Thomas eventually gave in to her pleas.

 

It was a bright, sunny Sunday morning. Thomas led Marissa through the cells until they reached Mina’s. Marissa pressed her face up to the bars, peering into the jail cell. Mina was curled up in a ball, sound asleep. Marissa gasped when she saw her. Her limbs were criss-crossed with cuts; her face was covered in bruises of all colors. Mina’s lip was swollen, blood leaking from it.

 

President Ross had come back multiple times in the past three weeks, though his efforts to gain intelligence were futile. Mina hadn’t told him much else.

 

“Mina!” Marissa hissed, an irrational fear suddenly overwhelming her. For a second, Marissa felt like if Mina didn’t wake up, she was dead. Don’t be ridiculous, she chided herself. She’s just asleep. Look, you can see her breathing.

 

However, Mina stirred and blinked twice, hoisting herself into a sitting position. Marissa flinched at the amount of effort it took her to do so. “M-Mar?” Mina asked, staring at Marissa in disbelief.

 

“Mina! You’re ok!” Marissa heaved a huge sigh of relief.

 

“W-what are you doing here?” Mina asked, eyes round.

 

“I came to see you,” Marissa replied. Mina scooted closer to the bars of her cell.

 

“What’s he doing here?” Mina demanded, her voice suddenly filled with loathing and disgust.

 

Marissa turned and saw Thomas standing behind her, eyeing Mina with barely concealed disdain. “He brought me here,” Marissa said, waving it off.

 

Mina only narrowed her eyes slightly in response. “Mar, I don’t know if you should be here. They could...they could do things to you, just because you know me.” Mina’s voice wavered slightly at the end.

 

“Shh, Mina, it’s gonna be alright,” Marissa shushed her in a soft, reassuring voice. Marissa discreetly handed her a slice of bread. Mina’s eyes widened, but she tucked it into her pocket, making sure Thomas didn’t catch sight of it.

 

“Do they even feed you?” Marissa whispered, tears springing to her eyes. Mina looked like she hadn’t eaten for days, and Marissa wasn’t surprised when she shook her head.