The Man Under The Mask
Part 7
Kate wasn't sure when she slept or how she slept, the only thing she remembered the instant she woke up next morning was that things were bad.
It was late! Why didn't anyone wake her up? Maybe things gotten worse! What if Jack...?
By the time she reached the hatch, Kate was beside herself with worry. But the sight that greeted her there made her freeze in her place.
Jack was propped up by pillows into a sitting position, widely awake. Did she sleep that long?
He looked up at her as she entered.
"Hey Kate!" Jack greeted weakly and even managed to flash her a small smile.
"You're awake!" still surprised, Kate didn't know how to react.
"He really gave us a scare last night," Libby confessed from the other side, "It was touch and go there for a moment."
Kate's face melted. "How you feeling?"
Jack grimaced. "I had better days."
Kate smiled, her face brightening. Maybe things will be all right after all.
Kate sat on the chair by his side. "You look great."
He laughed.
And for the next hour she never left his side. She talked to him, fed him, and made sure he took his medication. But there was a question she had to ask.
"Jack?"
"Hmm," he was getting rapidly tired.
"Are you mad at Sawyer?"
Jack looked up and met her eyes. "No, I'm not mad at him, Kate. I don't even blame him. He wasn't himself at the time. I believe he was under the influence of drugs."
Kate shifted nervously in her seat. "Mr.Eko said something about Sawyer being in trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Kate," Libby interrupted, "Jack needs to rest," she reminded.
Kate smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry, you should rest."
"We'll talk later?"
"Of course."
Jack was asleep the moment his eyes closed.
"Kate," Libby hesitated.
"Yeah?"
"Last night," Libby paused, "we almost lost him, but it was Sawyer who saved him."
"What?"
"Jack lost a lot of blood, so he gave him some of his," and when Kate remained quizzical Libby elaborated, "Blood transfusion? They share the same blood type."
Kate was speechless.
"Sawyer asked me not to tell anyone."
"Why did you tell me?"
"Because you were so mad at him yesterday."
"I'm not anymore."
They both smiled.
"And believe me, after last night I'm very grateful I never finished Med. School."
GGGGGGGGGG
Things returned to normal the next few days, that is except for Mr.Eko disappearing without telling anyone, and Sawyer avoiding anyone else but Kate.
But the peace didn't last.
It happened suddenly, like a scene out of a horror movie.
First they heard the sound – the dreadful sound of running hooves, and then they came. In an instant they had surrounded the camp, knocking down whatever and whoever stood in their way.
Kate heard the noise and screams and came out running. "What's going on?"
With Sawyer by her side, she watched from far, horrified at the sight facing her. "This isn't real."
"Dude," Hurley blurted with a gasp, "They have horses!"
GGGGGGGGGG
"RUN!" Was the only distinctive word heard over the screams. And like everyone else, Kate did, but when she realized Sawyer was not following her lead she halted, ran back to where he stood defiantly, grabbed his hand and pulled him along. He didn't budge.
"Sawyer!" she screamed, her eyes and voice desperately begging him to run for his life.
One of the riders approached, Kate's eyes widened with horror and she gasped.
In an instant, Sawyer's arms were around her, shielding her, and this time it was him who pulled her into running.
They ran, clasping each other's hand, not looking behind.
Suddenly they were alone; none of their fellow survivors at their side, yet the sound of their pursuers never ceased. And the dreadful realization hit them at once: They were the targets.
Not they, him. Sawyer knew, and acted fast, shoving Kate to the other side with force.
Kate tumbled to the ground with surprise. "Dammit Kate, RUN!"
But Sawyer didn't get far before they were upon him, restraining him.
Still on the ground Kate watched with horror as Sawyer's hair was yanked back, and her lung-shattering scream rocked the jungles as she watched a blade descend skillfully on his neck.
GGGGGGGGGG
TBC.
