Chapter Three
While events in Rudy's office unfolded, Jaime was experiencing some drama of her own. She was awakened suddenly by a hand pressed tightly over her mouth. "It's me, Baby," Michael said, very quietly. "I need you not to scream, ok?" Jaime nodded, terrified by the strange, unfamiliar gleam in his eyes. He took his hand from her mouth.
Jaime forced her voice to remain calm and quiet. "Michael, what are you doing here? I thought -"
"I came back for you, Jaime. I love you."
"Does Rudy know you're here?" Every nerve cell in Jaime's body was screaming for her to run, but her limbs felt like cement and she was just so tired...
"No," Michael answered. "Or maybe he does know by now. Doesn't matter, though. We'll be long gone before anyone comes looking."
Jaime watched in horror as he removed a syringe from his pocket. When he reached for her arm, she finally found the strength to move - fast. She was almost to the door when Michael caught her by her hair and swung her around, sending her flying in the opposite direction. She hit the wall in the far corner, hard, and slumped to the floor.
She shook off the pain and dizziness instantly. This was no longer Michael, whom she had grown to love. She was now up against a vicious stranger, and she was fighting for her life. She raised one foot as he came toward her; one bionic kick to the kneecap and this would all be over. With all of her remaining strength behind it, her foot made the connection. Nothing happened. Michael remained on his feet, grinning at her.
"Oh - I should probably tell you," he said, laughing at her, "Your bionics are basically useless."
"You...drugged...me..."
"You had me a little worried when you didn't eat your breakfast, but at least you drank your juice like a good little girl." He reached for Jaime with the syringe poised and ready.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked, trying to stall for time. Where was everyone?
"We're supposed to be together, Jaime. Rudy had no right to interfere. I can see they've already turned you against me, but you'll learn to love me again. After all, we've got forever now." He grabbed her left wrist and held it firmly, hurting her.
Jaime squirmed and wiggled as much as she could, determined to at least make it harder for him, to buy just a little more time...
"Michael, please - stop and look at what you're doing."
"You've gotta trust me, Baby. We're gonna have a great life together, just the two of us. We'll be so happy." His face grew angry. "Stop struggling, Jaime. I don't wanna hurt you, but one way or the other, this will happen. And someday you'll thank me."
He plunged the needle deep into her arm. Jaime was able to get out one blood-curdling scream: "NO!" Then her world went black.
