Gehenna: An Awakening

Chapter 9

 Clara had been frozen in fear before. In fact, it happened frequently, but rarely was her life really on the line. That was today.

"You shouldn't have come here." Mr. Boardman said coldly, a wicked grin on his face. It was like his hand had reached down her throat, making her unable to breathe. "I know this seems bad now, but I promise you I'm on your side. What happened with Gerald was an accident."

Sara took a step forward. "Shut up, you lying prick! We know exactly why you're here. You're here to capture us. We won't let it happen." The confidence that was oozing from her was so genuine. How did she do that?

"All of you? I'm only here for her." Mr. Boardman said, pointing at Clara.

Mason seemed surprised. "It doesn't matter who you're here for. We know what you've done, and we won't let you do anything else to hurt Clara, or anyone."

"Wow, your confidence makes me shiver." Mr. Boardman sneered. "I'm shaking. You know, when I first saw you here, I thought I was royally screwed. But, I'm starting to think this is a blessing in disguise. Now I don't have to wait any longer. You can come with me now Clara." He held out his hand, as if he was trying to welcome her, but it only felt hostile. "I hope you've thought about my offer. Come with me, and those close to you will be spared."

Suddenly Sara pulled out a pistol and pointed it at Mr. Boardman. "Not if we kill you first, asswipe!"

Mr. Boardman looked surprised that Sara had the audacity to threaten him, or perhaps it was the gun in her hand, or both. Either way, he wasn't having it. "You watch your goddamn mouth, you bitch! I could kill the both of you on the spot! I refuse to let a couple of college kids stop me from fulfilling a duty bigger than any of you!"

"Did that duty include killing an innocent high-schooler?" Mason retorted. "Sounds like a pretty shitty duty. Whether you like it or not, Clara's not coming with you, and you won't follow us when we leave." His eyes narrowed. "Don't make me say it again."

The anger in Mr. Boardman's face melted, and he started to burst out laughing. "You both are quite a pair. I'll admit, I find it rather amusing. But you're gonna have to do a lot more to scare me away. My master's goal is too noble for a couple of college students to scare me away."

Sara chuckled, and turned to Mason. "You hear that? He isn't gonna let us stop him. That's cute."

"Yeah." Mason smiled. "I'm inclined to agree."

Sara pulled out something. Upon closer inspection, Clara realized it was a grenade.

Mr. Boardman tensed up. "What do you think you're gonna do with that?"

"Huh." Sara mused. "What will I do with this?" She turned to Mason, and nodded. Suddenly, Mason grabbed Clara's hand and dragged her away from Mr. Boardman.

"Hey!" Clara yelled, but Mason didn't respond.

Sara pulled the pin and chucked it at the computer monitors that Mr. Boardman had.

"NO!" Boardman bellowed, holding his hand out involuntary.

Clara picked up her pace, keeping up with Mason. They sprinted to one of the windows. Mason vaulted out, with Clara doing the same, though far more clumsily.

With Sara right behind them, they bolted to the van as the warehouse rumbled, and black smoke crawled out a few of the windows.

Clara wasn't athletic, she wasn't built for this kind of activity. Her head was getting dizzy, and it was getting harder to keep up with Mason.

"Clara, you're gonna jump into the back of the van!" Sara instructed. Clara struggled to nod. The van wasn't far, she had to keep running.

She took a quick look behind her, and suddenly had no shortage of motivation to get away. Mr. Boardman had vaulted out of the building himself, with scorched clothes. He was pissed, beyond anything Clara had ever seen.