31/08/2008 14:59:00
Lies That Bind
Chapter 1: I
The elevator dinged open as she stepped out into the lobby of one of Manchester's finest and newest hotels. Her heels clicked on the marble tiles floor as she made her way towards the revolving doors, walking at a pace no different than the people around her. After she entered the doors, spun around and exited, a cool spring breeze rather than a doorman welcomed her. She sauntered down the staircase, sliding her hand down and over the gold painted railings, while taking a ring of keys out from her over coat, which flared with every step. She paused to scan the side of the street for a silver C- Class, C350 Sport Sedan, Mercedes Benz. She walked towards the car as she unlocked it and slid, with ease into the front seat. She checked her watch as she revved the engine. 1:30. Not checking the oncoming traffic, she peeled out of the side street stall, nearly hitting another car who cussed as he jammed his foot on the break. She waved her hand out the window as if to say sorry and continued on her way. As she came to a slow halt at a red light two intersections away, she checked her watch again, :23. The make-up she used to cover the dark rings around her eyes were beginning to rub off, she noticed, turning the rearview mirror towards her. She let her dark raven hair flow down her shoulders as she removed her brown bob-cut wig and turned the mirror back to its original position. She looked at her watch one last time. :06.
"5…4…3," She said counting down and looking back through the mirror at the building she just left watching people walk by with dates or families, smiling and laughing. "…2…1." The light in front of her turned green and she raced off down the street as an explosion erupted from the hotel. Flames stretched out and reached for the almost cloudless, full moon, sprinkled with stars night sky, as smoke clogged the air and rubble and glass were thrown all over the street and sidewalk. People ran, screamed, shouted, stopped driving and emptied out other buildings and bars nearby as they gathered in a group a safe distance away from the scene as sirens filled the silent night.
As she continued on her way, she heard the sirens too and a small smirk crept onto her face. Again she reached into her pocket, but this time she brought out a badge and clipped it onto her pants.