The Boarding School

Loss and Love

Luke Hoheisel

Luke knelt, his back to the guard, and his hands interlocked behind his head. He heard each step the man took towards him. His mind raced. He considered spinning around and tripping the guard and trying to disarm him. It was likely he'd find himself on the bottom of the fight and if that were the case, the guard would overpower him.  The question was then would he shoot him or continue to arrest him.

The uncertainty of the answer nearly convinced Luke to content himself with being arrested immediately without a struggle. But then, he thought, what was the likelihood that the arrest wouldn't also lead to his execution or permanent incarceration. Prison itself didn't pose much of deterrent, however a super-max political prison did. And that, Luke was certain, is where he'd be sent. That noted, his choice was fairly clear.

The guard reached forward and grabbed his wrist, a zip-tie in his hand. Luke whirled around, using his legs to trip him and pushed the gun out of his face. He tried to get enough momentum in his sudden attack to get the guard under him, but the man reacted fast enough to keep Luke on the ground. The struggle was brief and desperate, ending with a gun in Luke's face. The guard panted, glaring at his captive furiously, his finger dancing on the trigger. Luke could see him bounce between his options in his eyes.

Just as the man seemed to decide to pull the trigger and Luke, unable to move in any meaningful way, held his breath and stiffened, a blow hit the guard from behind. Luke scrambled to his feet and jumped on top of him. He grabbed the knife in the man's belt and held it to his throat. "Luke! Luke!" Hugh grabbed his shoulder and dragged him off the man. He then snatched the knife out of Luke's hand just as the guard jumped at them in a desperate attempt to be a hero. Hugh turned and thrust the knife into the man's neck. "Get the guns!"

"I could've done it," Luke remarked a few miles into the drive back. The hum of the jeep's motor was the only background noise.

"Done what?" Hugh asked, focused on the road.

"I could've killed him." His voice was a little sullen.

Hugh shrugged, "I'm sure you could've."

His younger brother turned and looked at him, while he continued to watch the road, "Then why'd you stop me?"

"Because you didn't have to."

"What does that even mean?" Hugh didn't reply. "I had the target in my sights. You didn't have to take that shot either."

"Oh." Which sounded more like an 'oops.'

"You didn't think I did?" Luke demanded.

"I don't know," Hugh shrugged, "I didn't know what was taking you so long, so I figured I'd take it."

"Okay. It wasn't because you thought I couldn't do it then?" Luke wanted to be sure.

"Course not," Hugh promised, keeping his eyes on the road intently. Silence. "Of course not," Hugh repeated, adding, "I knew you could do it, Luke. Don't get all bothered! I didn't know what was happening and it wasn't like I had time to radio you." His voice was defensive.

"I get you."

"Good," he huffed.

"You know, I wasn't hanging out with Zoe," Luke broke the heavy silence that had fallen again.

"Hmm?" Hugh responded disinterested.

"We had shift together, that's all. I never talk to her except to shut her down when she's bad talking you."

Hugh chuckled, "She's an idiot."

Luke laughed shallowly, "Yeah."

"I knew you wouldn't be associating with her. She wouldn't associate with you either," Hugh scoffed, "With all the fighters dropping dead, I don't get why she can't be one of them." Luke gave a short, dark laugh joined by Hugh.