Chapter 45 #2
A few minutes later, Serena pushes a wheelchair over to my bed, and I faintly make out Derek lingering in the hallway with an entire nurse’s cart.
The sight scares me a little, but I push the thoughts away and sit before I can ask too many questions.
Daisy hops down from the bed and trots beside me as we leave the room.
We sneak our way through the back hallways, and when someone asks us what we’re doing, Ser turns her nursey charm on.
She and Derek hold a conversation like it’s any other Tuesday and they share the same caseload.
No one even bats an eye at their lies, and they instantly fall for our deception.
Serena and Derek are two very respected employees here, and while I hate that their jobs are on the line for us, I’m extremely grateful.
A part of me is curious as to why Derek would help us, but after his help when I was poisoned, and then with the mass attack, I think it’s safe to say he really knows what’s going on here. I’m just grateful that he hasn’t asked too many questions yet.
Once we get into the parking garage elevator, they move on to the real patient—Damien.
I listen carefully to everything they’re saying, and even though I don’t understand a lot of it, I get the gist. I know what withdrawal looks like.
I vaguely remember it from my parents… The thought of Damien having to endure that, not to mention all of his other injuries, makes my heart twist inside my chest to the point of pain.
I know he’s alive, but I can’t help but feel like I’m grieving.
We’ve lost much more than just time. Until I see Damien for myself, it’ll be impossible to know the true toll.
They talked about an ‘initial crash,’ and I’m assuming they mean on the bike.
How hurt was he before they started to torture him?
What else did he have to endure while already in pain?
The thought alone makes my bottom lip quiver, but I fight to hold the tears in.
I need to be strong for him. From the sounds of what they’re saying, his recovery is going to be gruesome and violent.
The thought of him in that much pain, both physical and mental, breaks my heart.
I’ll be with him every step of the way, though, and help him however he needs.
I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s endured, but I’ll learn every detail if it means I can help him through this.
Whatever he needs from me, I’ll be sure to provide it.
We make our way to Serena’s car while Derek packs the supplies into his.
I feel like glass as Alex helps me inside her little car, but I’m just desperate to get home.
I slide over into the middle and let Daisy in beside me before anyone else gets in.
Shockingly, Alex gets into the driver’s seat, Carter sits up front, and Ser sits in the back with me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder to keep me close.
Derek texts her to let us know that he’s ready, and that’s all it takes for Alex to actually kick himself into gear.
We back out so quickly that we jerk a little, and he speeds through the parking garage like the speed limit isn’t fifteen miles per hour.
The moment we pull out to the street, Alex pulls out his phone and logs into the system before pulling it up to his ear. I’ve never noticed anyone using this section of the program, though. My brows knit closely together as I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror, wondering what the hell he’s doing.
“Initiate the Reaper Protocol…” he says gravely into the phone.
“Raven has fallen.” He hangs up, keeping my stare, and like on cue, my phone beeps with a notification.
As I lift it up to check, there’s a system-wide announcement labeled ‘Reaper Protocol,’ just like he said.
A list of commands rolls down the screen, and the temperature must drop at least a few notches.
This protocol declares that Devil’s Hands is to cease operations until further notice. All field rotations are commanded to return to base immediately.
2. This protocol declares that all weaponry be returned and cataloged until further notice. This is a command of a ceasefire.
3. The Attic shall remain accessible to employees for housing purposes only. All duties are forfeited until further notice.
4. The following user(s) are hereby inactive until further notice:
Raven – Damien Hartley EMP Code: 0001
Sub-Code: Compromised
Onyx – Ashia Hartley EMP Code: 0064
Sub-Code: Compromised
5. The following user(s) are hereby promoted until further notice:
Cipher – Carter Leighton EMP Code: 0003
Sub-Code: Lead 1
Jinx – Ezekiel Moore EMP Code: 0027
Sub-Code: Lead 2
Shadow – Alexander Hughes EMP Code: 0019
Sub-Code: Lead 3
Ghost – Kade Murray EMP Code: 0128
Sub-Code: Lead 4
“Carter?” I tear my teary gaze away from the screen and look over at him.
His face shows an image of defeat that I’ve never seen before.
The dark circles under his eyes are more prominent than ever, and it’s as if the worry has aged him in a matter of minutes.
He runs his fingers through his blonde locks, and when he turns to meet my gaze, I quiver.
His mouth opens, like he’s going to speak, but nothing comes out.
Lightning strikes and lights up the darkened sky, shedding light on this heavy moment.
This protocol shows how bad it really is—the pain we’re about to witness.
This is what they were talking about. This is what they should’ve called the moment he went missing.
Instructions like these are put in place to protect the organization when Damien is away.
It’s meant to ensure that his men are safe, even when he isn’t.
Damien’s only concern when it comes to DH are his men’s lives, and he would do anything to guarantee that they’re not in danger without him.
So why are they calling it when we have him back?