Infinity's Row - Interlude

Chapter 4

The circumstances are undoubtedly not in our favor.

That's what I have decided upon reviewing these past events. After all, we're trapped inside a building with several gunmen who are holding people hostage. While we now know of the bomb's whereabouts, my only ally is unable to fight not only because of the bullet wound to the shoulder, but I accidentally left behind both of her guns. As though things couldn't get worse, two of our attackers escaped. The reason why I killed the man in the first place was so he couldn't reveal our location. Now that they've gotten away, they're able disclose our whereabouts to their allies. And, of course, that one-hour limit the man gave the one in particular is running short.

"Hey, Elias?" 

I almost tell her to shut up. But instead, I say, "Yes?"

"Thanks a lot."

"Of course."

I close my eyes and begin to get lost in my thoughts again when Gentry adds, "How did you know what to do?"

"Do what?"

"Treat my gunshot wound."

"I just knew."

"Come on, don't be like that. Who'd you learn it from? Because now that I think of it, that training could definitely come in handy."

I sigh. "I learned it on my own, all right? One time I saw someone die due to a shot to the chest, so I learned how to treat them to ensure that something like that never happened again."

"That Nora person, right?"

I throw my head over my shoulder and stare at Gentry. How did she--

Oh. Right. I let her name slip while rushing Gentry over to the medical room. I'll need to watch myself better.

"Yes," I say. "It was Nora."

Gentry's face is soft. "I'm sorry." Then she looks down and bites her lip. "Um. . . if you don't mind me asking. . . I'm just being curious right now, I mean, obviously she was special to you, so--did you and Nora ever. . . you know. . . do it?"

"Whatever do you--oh, you idiot! Nora was my sister, not my lover!"

Her eyes are wide. "Oh. That's awkward. I-I just figured that--"

"That I've actually been involved in a prior relationship?"

She looks like she's trying to shrink. "Maybe."

I roll my eyes. "Honestly, Miss Yate. Some of your notions are simply ridiculous."

"Well, you seem a little--actually, very hardened--at times, so I just figured that maybe there was some sort of romantic screw-up or betrayal or breakup that made you like this."

I arch an eyebrow. "You do realize that this is not a drama film, correct?" 

"I know, but--"

"This is simply the way I am, Miss Yate. It always has been. I possessed this behavior even before my sister's demise."

I turn away from her. "And you?" I ask. "Have you ever had experience in the romantic field?" I'm not particularly interested in the subject, but I must redirect the conversation before she can push the matter pertaining to my nature further. If she does, then she'll force me to remember memories that are better left buried.

"No, not really," she admits. "Don't get me wrong, I've had several crushes and find a lot of guys attractive, but it's not like I've ever had a boyfriend or anything. I . . . I. . ."