DEVIANT [H.S.]

43 - Hostage

The walk to the headquarters is long, dark, and lonely.

Liam and Niall left to the compound to go retrieve the antidote for the vaporizer, and I am now on route to confront Jeriah.

I'm buying those boys time by doing this, but it isn't just about buying time.

This is to bring clarity to all that is happening, all the raids and hostages Jeriah is keeping in all these public places throughout the city. This is to figure out what it will take to stop him.

To be honest, I'm scared. By now I know Jeriah is capable and more than willing to shoot me square in the head, however I know he won't. He'll want me to ask questions. And I have plenty.

Harry flashes across my mind for a split second, the image of him and I back on the roof of the compound seared into my memory. I push the image aside, but let it fuel the steps I'm taking.

I round a few more blocks and before I know it, the large skyscraper which serves as the Core's headquarters comes into the view. The Shard of London.

From here I can already see Patrols guarding the entrance and I debate whether I should find another way in out of their sight.

Nevertheless, I'm wanting to take the easy route and not have to think so much about sneaking in, so I'll just walk through the front door.

One Patrol puts a hand on the gun on his belt once he sees me, ready to take aim if necessary. When I'm less than ten feet away, I put my hands up.

"This is a restricted area, civilian. Go back to your designated area," His deep voice rumbles out. The rest of his Patrol buddies already have their guns pointed at me, rounding and encasing me in a circle.

"Oh, boys... you aren't really going to shoot me, are you?" I ask them, taunting them. With my hands still raised, I take a step towards the Patrol who hasn't grabbed his weapon yet. He looks young, maybe my age.

A Patrol steps behind me, pressing the gun to my spine. Shivers quake through my bones but I ignore them.

"Civilian, you need to go back to your designated area," They command. "You are not authorized to be here," He commands.

I spin around, my arms still raised in a pose of defeat. "Then who is?" I ask, lifting an eyebrow.

"There's only one person clear to come in without question, on Jeriah Vaughn's orders," He responds.

"Who?" I ask.

"Serena Vaughn," The young Patrol replies.

I let my arms flop down to my sides, smacking my thighs. "I'm that Serena, but I'd lose the last name. Let me pass."

"There have been many civilians that have come through here. What makes you so different?" Another Patrol explains, stepping towards me. The barrel of the gun against my back presses with a little bit more force and I wince, not liking my submissive position.

"Everyone thinks I've died, sir," I reply, turning to face the Patrol who just spoke up. "I know the name of the hostage Jeriah is holding."

"Bullshit," The Patrol on my back snaps.

"No one knows the intelligence on the inside perimeter. How could you possibly know?" The young one asks.

I look at him with hard-set eyes, raising an eyebrow. "I have my ways."

He steps towards me, his forehead almost touching mine in the close proximity we're in. "Give us a name, and we'll let you through unharmed."

"You could've avoided this whole debacle if you believed I am who I say I am..." I roll my eyes.