Chapter 9

Rachel definitely didn't think about the consequences that could arise when her superior would know that she released the one who was culpable in Hood's state.

The only thing she could think when giving her consent to Fred's lawyer was Hood lying unconscious in a hospital bed.

She felt a strong pain in her leg as she remembered that she hadn't taken any pain killers.

Painkillers, how could she forget about them? She felt around in her jacket but found it empty. She must have forgotten them in one of the suitcases and they all were already at the hotel. Rachel didn't want to lose the time, so she and Jacob dropped the luggage at the hotel and headed right away to the hospital.

As she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, she felt that she might pass out because of the weariness and unbearable pain. Rachel took another step and another wave of pain rushed through her leg causing her to bite her lip in order to not scream out.

She had to find some painkillers. She made another unsteady step and this time she would fallen if it wasn't for the person who had put out a hand to stop her.

She turned her head to see who it was. It was none other than Michael.

"Here, come" he said as he led her to the nearest chair.

Rachel pulled her hand out of Michael's grasp. His usual grin as always on, he leaned closer to her and looked closely at her.

"You need to rest. If you weaken yourself you will be no good to Jacob".

Considering shouting at Michael everything she was thinking about him, Rachel considered for better just say:

"I'm fine. I just need some painkillers, that's all"

"Let's go then" Michael said offering his hand for support.

Rachel somehow reluctantly accepted his help.

When they reached Michael's office, Rachel was not steady on her legs. She felt like if the constant fire was burning inside her right thigh.

"C'mon" Michael almost dragged her in the office.

He laid Rachel on the sofa down and went to the door, but before he closed it Michael checked that the corridor was empty.

Michael turned around and casted a look at Rachel, who was holding to her thigh and breathed heavily.

"Old wound?" Michael inquired approaching to his table and opening the drawer.

"Sort of" Rachel answered without giving any particular information about the wound.

His back was turned to Rachel; she couldn't see how Michael took the syringe and filled it with some liquid.

Rachel sat on the sofa and looked at Michael who was standing in front of her, hands behind his back. She narrowed her eyes and instinctively reached for her gun, but it wasn't with her. Michael smiling took another step.

"Don't make another step!" she warned him though she wasn't sure if she had enough strength to fight with him.

Michael chuckled and pronounced:

"I'm sorry Rachel, but I have to do this" he withdrew the syringe from his back and made a dash for Rachel.

She had time to grab his hand with the syringe before he could make an injection. Michael didn't want to surrender that easy. With his other hand he tried to reach her thigh and to push on it. In spite of tiredness and pain that was now constant Rachel resisted him.

Rachel snatched a moment and kicked Michael in the abdomen, he loosened the pressure.

That was all Rachel needed to get off the couch and to make few steps to the door.

Michael groaned and made another attempt. This time he raised his hand intending to make her injection while he tried to kick Rachel in her injured leg.

Agent Young braced up and once again evade his maneuver and intercepted his hand. She twisted his hand back. Michael screamed out of pain and kneeled.

"I think, it's over" Rachel said breathing heavily and barely standing on her legs.