Bulletproof

Chapter 4

"How long have you worked here?" You asked getting comfortable in your bed.

"5 years," she replied as she threw her latex gloves carefully into the garbage.

"5 years. Wow," you responded, pretending that you were impressed by her long service.

"Are you the only nurse that works here?" You asked, continuing your recon mission.

When Marcela didn't answer, you eyed her, and the expression she had on her face gave you an eerie feeling.

"Marcela?" You question hesitantly.

Remembering names and faces was second nature to you.

"Mar-cela...?" You repeated, now more concerned.

Seriously, who are these people? Who is Ace?

"I will tend to you again later. Have a good night," she said as she ran for the door and slammed it behind her.

Damn, I almost had her, you thought.

Your eyelids began to grow heavy as you found yourself sinking further into the bed. It was a constant battle to keep them open and you knew that you were on the losing side. Exhaustion deepened the lines on your face as you felt yourself succumb to the velvety blanket of darkness that you knew so well.

[3 Hours Later]

You felt something cold being thrown onto you as your body instantly jerked awake.

"What...what," you mumbled, looking at your disheveled and damp state.

You looked around and saw the large pool of water on the ground underneath your bed. The puddle was growing as more water dripped down from the soaked bed. You averted your gaze from the ground below to encounter a familiar face.

It was her. The female with the shaved head. The one that was in your dream. You had a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.

"Get up if you want your freedom back," she said through the mask that was covering her face.

You hopped out of the bed at the word "freedom," but perhaps a little too quickly. As you trip over your foot, the woman caught you and guided you away from the bed.

"Where is this freedom?" You asked.

"You'll see soon enough," she replied.

"Shit," you whispered, "I need a shirt."

You tried to hobble back to grab a shirt; however, the female stopped you.

"We don't have time," she said in a hushed tone, "Ace will find out that you're gone and all hell will break loose. We need to hurry."

"Don't worry as soon as we get to the rendezvous point, you can get a whole set of fresh clothes," she added confidently.

"You're not working alone?" You inquired.

"What - of course not! Ace and her goons are dangerous," she replied stiffly. "Now enough talking; save your strength," she commanded.

"Whoa, whoa, wait...how do I know you're a good guy," you asked hesitating to take another step with this woman.

You refused to be held against your will again.

She walks closer to you, rolls up her sleeve, and reveals a massive scar on her forearm.

"It never ends at one job. She'll keep using you until you are sucked dry. If you don't want that same fate, then follow me with your own strength."