Duplus (Ongoing editing)

09

—-She—-

The desert was quiet and barren.

All I could hear was the scorching sun as its intensity seeped through my layers of clothes, the rays hitting the sand making it glow like a pool of gold. I adjusted my suit for the fifth time again, scratching the area where it itched me.

"This is pretty close to how Sir Jaber described the woman's attire. I hope it's not too comfortable." Usama's apologetic smile flashed in my mind. The man had been very sweet about the whole thing even as Broad Shoulders stood behind him with arms folded, glancing at us side ways and a very disapproving look on his face.

Despite that, the material was itchy and uncomfortable.

I licked my dry lips, reaching for my water bottle for the fifth time at least.

It had been hours and I could find nothing in the empty land. Hence, its very fitting name, the Dead zone. I remembered commenting how it was a bit dramatic but Broad Shoulders didn't bother to reply, probably thinking I'd see it for myself.

The jerk.

He loved tormenting me, I was convinced. I thought about clicking the earpiece Usama gave me for contact and giving up. But I knew I had to bring back something.

"Consider this your ticket out of here, Miss Sohail. I'll forget the murder case if you bring me what I want."

He had said that with a dark gleam in his eyes, as if he wasn't asking.

I clenched my fists, huffing as I pushed through the deep layers of heated sand.

I had to bring something, anything. It wasn't a choice.

The second the thought crossed me, the tip of my boot budged against something and I jerked forward, a cry of surprise leaving me.

"Ugh!" I spit out the sand in my mouth and face, my knees on the ground. The thought of hidden cameras installed around the area occurred to me and I groaned.

Imagine having my very embarrassing tumble being broadcasted to the Kazefandrian government. I pushed myself onto my feet, dusting the dirt off my beige tunic under the grey cloak I wore. My attention was diverted as a reflected sun ray from a metallic surface peeking through the sand hit my eye. My hands automatically reached for it, curiosity taking the better of me. And who knew? Maybe it was an important clue.

I observed the lustrous, metallic object. Blue lines like stripes trailed down the round surface.

"A handwear of some type?" I thought aloud.

It seemed to buzz to life at my voice, a beeping noise hitting my ears. I jumped, barely managing to catch it in time before I dropped it. "Welcome Lx16," a robotic voice boomed.

My heart nearly stopped.

Lx16.

Imposter.

Mystery girl on the run.

It was the name I had heard from Jaber's lips more times than I could count. My gaze shifted back to the bracelet as my heart hammered in my chest. Did I actually find a clue? Jaber's story was real and I found myself truly believing the possibility of having a doppelganger that looked exactly like me.

"Uhm... Hello?" It was dumb, obviously. But it was worth a try. But to my delight and horror, a blue light flickered through the lines.

Whatever I was doing, it was somehow working.