The Bodyguard (Hosie)

Chapter 18

Maya came back alone, as Hope predicted. Clarke's gunshot wound would render him useless to her for a while and Rafael was probably going to stay with him to help for now. This was perfect. This was the best time to do it.

With Maya's mobile phone tucked away under her dress, Hope began heaving. Looking alarmed, Josie called for Maya's attention. The kidnapper came to look and growled, "What's wrong with you now!?"

"She's going to puke," said Josie.

"Don't bullshit me."

"But really is going to puke. I think there was something wrong with the sandwiches. My tummy hurts a little too. And Hope's already got a fever; it's going to get worse."

Hope made a horrendous sound and bent over again, coughing like a dying woman.

"Fuck. Don't fucking puke in here!" Maya pointed her gun at Hope. "Get outside!"

"Can I go with her? She needs help," Josie asked but found the gun pointing at her instead.

"She goes alone. And if she doesn't come back, you're a dead bitch."

Hope shook her head at Maya. "Don't worry. I'll come back."

Maya unlocked the door and opened it. "Move!"

Hope dashed out and headed for the grass. Stopping by a nearby tree, she bent and heaved. Out of a corner of her eye, she could see Maya standing at the door so more acting was required. It wasn't difficult for her since she did the act frequently in school to get out of classes and as she forced her coughs out, her eyes sneaked peeks at the door every other second. The moment Maya disappeared from the door; Hope reached into her dress and pulled out the mobile phone she stole. With all her strength, she hurled it into the grass and returned to her bent stance before Maya reappeared. Job done, Hope coughed and heaved a few more times before walking back to the shed.

"Thank you," she said to Maya while passing her by but the woman merely grunted and locked the door.

Hope winked at Josie with her back to Maya. 'Good job,' she mouthed and smiled when Josie gave her a hug.

"Troublesome idiots," Maya growled and took her place on her usual chair.

Without anything else to do but wait, Hope sat back with Josie and closed her eyes until Josie asked a question.

"Do you think she feels anything for you?"

Hope opened her eyes and turned to meet Josie's honest ones. "Maya?"

"Mhm."

"I doubt she does."

"Not even a little bit?"

"Why would you think that?"

"She gives you a lot of freedom."

"She knows there's no way for me to escape. And I promised not to run."

"But why would she trust you?"

"Because I didn't shoot her when I could have and I haven't run away."

Josie looked thoughtful for a moment. "How did you break up?"

Hope paused. "It was a natural progression. I was sent to juvenile training school and she went to jail because she was older. I only visited her once after I graduated and it was awkward."

"Why?"

Hope shrugged. "Maybe because she was still in jail. Maybe because she had a grudge against me."

"But why would she bear a grudge?"

"She was probably pissed because I didn't take the rap for the party drugs that night."