Outsiders

Chapter 13

Nash's POV

We arrived at my place, a structure that stood defiantly amidst the encroaching wilderness of overgrown grass and neglected surroundings. Despite its modern architecture, the wear and tear were evident. As we entered, the once inviting home felt haunted by the remnants of recent turmoil. The curtains, scorched and tattered by fire, hung limply against broken windows. The acrid smell of smoke still lingered faintly in the air, blending with the mustiness of neglect.

Carefully settling Elisabeth onto the worn couch, I searched amidst the scattered debris for something to distract her. A fidget toy caught my eye, its bright colors momentarily a stark contrast to the dim atmosphere. Josh and Ali, already present, exchanged concerned glances as the rest of our group streamed in through the door.

Faces turned towards Elisabeth, who recoiled in fright, her body trembling uncontrollably. "What's wrong?" I asked, my own anxiety mounting.

"I see my dad and Chloe everywhere!" she cried out, her voice quivering with fear. Ali, ever composed, approached Elisabeth and gently placed a reassuring hand on her knee.

"Elisabeth, your father and Chloe aren't here. It's the drug your sister gave you. It's causing these hallucinations," Ali explained calmly, her voice a steadying force amidst the chaos. I struggled to maintain composure; seeing my girlfriend reduced to such vulnerability evoked a sense of helplessness that I rarely felt.

"What's happening?" Michael's voice broke through the tension, his confusion mirroring the concern etched on everyone's faces. Josh stepped forward, his expression grave as he recounted the dire situation: Elisabeth's life hung in the balance without a cure for the potent drug coursing through her veins.

"Good Lord, we need to find a solution quickly," Brandon interjected urgently, his eyes scanning the room for signs of hope. Ali and I exchanged a silent, worried glance, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

"But that's not all," Ali continued, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"What more could there possibly be?" Skylar demanded impatiently, his frustration evident. Before I could gather my thoughts to respond, Elisabeth's voice cut through the tension once more.

"My dad and sister intend to use the machine parts we discovered to distribute the drug worldwide!" Her revelation hung heavy in the air, shocking everyone into stunned silence.

"We'll need everyone's help to stop them and find a cure for Elisabeth," I declared firmly, addressing the group with a sense of urgency. Just then, a crackling sound filled the room. A sensation of static filled my head, a clear sign of technological interference.

"Oooh, look at the funny colors on the TV!" Elisabeth exclaimed in a playful voice, her eyes wide with fascination. I turned to see the television screen flickering with static, casting eerie shadows in the dimly lit room.

Glancing over at the computer on the desk, my heart sank as I noticed the ominous red light blinking, indicating that someone was watching us—perhaps Elliot or his cohorts, monitoring our every move. A cold shiver ran down my spine, knowing we were under surveillance.

"So, what's our plan to..." Michael began, but I quickly covered his mouth with my hand, shooting him a frantic glance.

"Shhh... we're being watched," I whispered urgently, nodding towards the computer screen. My mind raced, trying to formulate a plan amidst the palpable tension that filled the room. Suddenly, the TV screen changed, revealing Elliot seated in a chair in his stark office.

"Hello, everyone. We've been listening to your conversation for a while now, and we're coming to get you. You'll be locked away for a very, very long time," Elliot's voice echoed through the speakers, his tone dripping with a chilling certainty. Anger surged within me—a visceral reminder that this man was responsible for my father's death.