This is a follow-up to my story Asylum Tiles.
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Author's confession: this idea has been floating around in my head since I completed Asylum Tiles, but putting the ideas down on paper, so to say, may take me awhile. That said, I apologize in advance for random updates...and at worst, an incomplete story...
*cringe* I can feel the onslaught of boos, especially from the talented author The High Queen of Angst, who undoubtedly is reading this. I hope I do not disappoint you friend!
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The "Fasten Your Seatbelt" sign flashed off with a ding and the sound of people rushing to unclasp their belts and stand spread throughout the shuttle. He stood slowly and cringed at the sound of his knees popping. When had he gotten so old? He gave his sports jacket a few tugs, battling the wrinkles that had attacked during the twelve hour flight to Earth. Surrendering with a sigh, he let go of the jacket and carefully stepped out into the small aisle to reach for his bag in the compartment above. As he opened it, a small duffel bag rolled out and a surprised yelp escaped him as the soft bag landed on his head. Blushing, he passed it to the young woman reaching for it with an apologetic smile. The flight attendant's voice echoed in his ears, "...please be careful when opening the compartments, as objects may have shifted during the flight." He had flown so many times, he could recite the inflight passenger announcements. Frowning, he took it as a sign that it was time to take a break from work. This past year's schedule had been a grueling one filled with clients, commitments, and traveling.
The horde of impatient people in front of him began to slowly move forward, signaling the gate had opened. Putting aside his thoughts, he quickly reached up to grab his briefcase when a hand gently rested on his shoulder. Stopping, he began to turn to see if someone needed assistance.
"Keep looking forward. Leave your bag Doc."
Shocked, he sucked in a gasp of air at the sound of Duo Maxwell's voice. His ears perked, listening intently, as he abandoned the briefcase in the compartment. A hand gently pushed him into the crowd exiting the shuttle and guided him into the stampede.
"Don't acknowledge me." Duo removed his hand, but his head leaned forward and Dr. Mills could feel his breath slip passed his ears as he spoke. "Keep calm. Someone is following you."
The palms of his hands became moist and his mouth was instantly dry. The doctor resisted the urge to turn around and stare at the boy he hadn't seen in a year and to scan the shuttle for the mysterious person watching them. Instead, he gave a slight nod, signaling his trust in Duo.
"When we get off there is going to be a distraction. Stay with me." Duo's whisper was rough and it reflected the seriousness of the situation. Dr. Mills fought back the questions assaulting his mind and focused solely on Duo's commands as he marched numbly forward. When they exited the shuttle, stepping into the narrow connecting gateway, he felt Duo nudge him and he quickened his pace. To remain calm, he focused on the bright light at the end of the gate. He held back the urge to run to it, knowing its welcoming light was only a false sense of security.
When he finally reached the end and entered the airport, Duo roughly grabbed his arm and began to pull him forward.
"Now."
A burst of light erupted and his ears filled with screams. Blindly he allowed Duo to guide him forward and he forced his heavy feet to keep up as they began to run.
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Soo...did I grab your interest? Is it worth a go? Thanks in advance for the feedback as it certainly does help. I hope those who enjoyed Asylum Tiles find their way here =)
