Date: 2022

Location: Manhattan Mall

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John watched horrified, as Virgil crumpled in his captor's arms. The man, who had injected Virgil, spoke quietly into a small device, before disappearing down the hall. The other man lowered his brother to the floor, before taking Virgil's cell phone and watch.

John struggled against his captor, "Let go of me! What did you just give my brother?!"

The man, pinning him against the wall, shoved his gun in John's face, "Quiet! And keep still, your brother's just sleeping. Be good and it will stay that way."

John ceased struggling and raised his hands in surrender. He glared at the man, before returning his gaze to Virgil's still form on the floor.

A sudden noise from the end of the hall captured his attention. He watched as two men, the one from before and another moved quickly towards them, pushing a stretcher. Stopping beside Virgil they, with the help of the third man, lifted him onto the stretcher. It was at this point John became aware of a major difference between this stretcher and the normal ones used. While this one had the regular straps for over the shoulders, waist, and legs, it also had restraints for the wrists and ankles.

After removing his shoes and putting the restraints on Virgil, they covered him with a thick grey blanket effectively hiding the restraints. Then they proceeded to buckle the straps, making it look like Virgil was a patient on his way to the hospital. If John were to wager a guess, he would bet that they had an ambulance waiting outside for them.

As if to confirm this and complete the illusion, one of the men produced a small oxygen canister and mask. Fiddling with the valve he muttered, "I'm setting it on the lowest amount. Don't want him waking up too early." He then placed the mask over Virgil's mouth and nose, putting the tank on the stretcher beside him.

John watched all of this silently and was relieved when he saw the mask fog slightly from Virgil's breath. His thoughts were interrupted, when the new man moved over to him and his captor. Handing his friend a dark blue jacket, the man took his gun and replaced him in holding John. He then relieved John of his cell phone and watch.

The other man proceeded to put on the jacket, that matched the ones his accomplices now wore, and turned to the two men standing next to the stretcher, "Alright we need to move as quickly as possible once outside. Don't look at anyone or say anything, just get him in the ambulance. Mack will be ready to roll as soon as I close the door, so get that stretcher locked down quick because I'll be right behind you with Mr. Tracy here. Okay let's go."

Moving back, he took his gun and, pocketing it, grabbed John's arm, jerking him away from the wall, "Time to go Mr. Tracy. Remember what I said about being good now."

John didn't respond, he just let the man drag him down the hall towards the exit, while he kept an eye on the stretcher carrying his unconscious brother.

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Blinking in the glare of the late afternoon sun, John noticed that people had stopped on the busy 6th Ave and were watching. He desperately wanted to call out to them for help, but fear for Virgil's life kept him silent. Soon his chances were over, as the man herded him into the back of the ambulance after the stretcher and the doors closed, cutting off any hopes of outside help. He could only pray that Scott would realize something was wrong and come rescue them.

Looking at Virgil's sleeping face, he prayed silently, 'Please God, help them find us before something happens to my little brother. I couldn't take that.'