Sorry for my prolonged absence... My head is now back in the game. Hope you enjoy!
"Don't tell me that smell is coming from where we need to go"?
Miles couldn't decide whether to laugh at Aaron or join him in disgust. There were only a few metres from the tunnel opening and the smell of over a decade's worth of disrepair was overpowering. Miles had to cover his face to stop from gagging.
"Sorry to bust your balls, brainy but that's where we're going".
He smiled as Aaron groaned softly and checked ahead to make sure no one was around. Even though the sewer system was barely noticed by the towns' citizens, Miles didn't want to take any chances.
"Let's go", he whispered when he found nothing. He led the way to the tunnel entrance where a rusted old grate along with hundreds of shrubs and branches blocked it from sight. After a few moments he found a small break in the grate and after a few well aimed kicks managed to enlarge it enough for both of them to get through. He pushed Aaron through and followed, pulling even more branches across to cover their tracks.
"Aaron, get that torch lit". Impatiently he waited as Aaron scrambled for the lantern and matches.
"Are you sure we should light this", he whispered nervously. "Won't all the gasses ignite"?
Miles could have kicked himself. Of course that could happen. It was a sewer after all. "If it does then we'll know for next time".
Aaron snorted. "Next time? Sure, let's make this a weekly appointment".
He scrabbled with the matches, struck one and almost blew it out with his sigh of relief when they didn't explode. Carefully he lit the lantern wick and handed it to Miles who looked around the tunnel. It surprisingly wasn't as run down as he expected it to be. There was barely any water running through it and despite the smell it seemed like the path was smooth enough to begin with.
"Stay close" he whispered moving as quickly as he could manage, knowing Aaron was right behind him.
As they made their way through the winding tunnel, they could hear the occasional chatter and commotion from the towns' people above as they settled in for the night.
"How can you tell where we are", Aaron whispered anxiously, glancing up every time a noise reached them. Miles stopped near a corner grate and handed him the lantern.'
"Like this".
He reached up for the grate, trying to peer through. Realising there was too much dirt and muck on the top; he took out his machete and carefully used the tip to shift some of it. When he finally found a gap, he peered through, the streetlights glinting off his face.
"We're not far from the old warehouses. We should be able to get to the streets without being seen". He heard Aaron sigh.
"You know, I'm hearing a lot of should and possibilities with this plan and it's very disconcerting".
"Well it has been a few years since I've been here", Miles snapped quietly. "So there's no such thing as a definite".
Silence stretched between them as they carefully continued along the dark tunnel until Miles again stopped, aiming the light upwards. A short, rusty ladder led to an even rustier hatch that barely glinted thanks to the grime that caked every inch of it.
"Is that it", Aaron asked cautiously, eying the stability of the ladder. Miles nodded, handing the light backwards.
"It is", he answered, carefully shaking the ladder, almost breathing a sigh of relief as it stayed firm. "Wait here while I check it out".
Cautiously he made his way up to the hatch and paused for a moment, listening for any traffic noises that may have been present. Thankfully he heard none. He pushed at it, not surprised when it didn't budge. After feeling around for a moment, he discovered some very stubborn latches that took him almost ten minutes of quiet grunting and banging to move them. Slowly he pushed at it, peering through the gap he had made. Mud and pebbles fell into the tunnel and Miles had to balance the hatch as he pushed more debris out of the way. The immediate area was barely lit by the flames of the streetlight around the corner. After a moment he made his way back down to where Aaron was waiting impatiently.
"So what's happening"?
Miles took the light from him and put it out. "Not a thing so we are going up".
He went back up the ladder, peered out the hatch to make sure no one had come around then quickly and carefully got out, silently beckoning for Aaron to hurry. Once his brainy companion had got himself out, he replaced the hatch and covered it back up with dirt and rubble. He pulled Aaron into the shadows of the old buildings, listening and watching intently for any surprises. Thankfully, as it had been when he was last in Philly, the area they were in was still mostly abandoned. However, he knew he could trust nothing about this town or its people. He turned to Aaron who waited nervously, constantly wiping his glasses and face.
"Hey man, stay calm".
He waited as Aaron nodded and composed himself. "I'm good", he muttered quietly. "Where to now"?
Miles looked around and pointed to a smaller building across from them.
"That way. We need to grab some disguises or something to help us blend in".
He quickly and carefully snuck across the little road, slipping easily between it and the pile of crates, noticing Aaron had a little more trouble. Fortunately, he adjusted quickly and followed closely. Miles peered around the corner of another rundown building, instantly noticing the amount of people that were still around. Silently he cursed, gripping at his weapon.
"This is going to be a bit difficult".
He turned to Aaron, a thought coming to mind as he stared at the man's face. Grabbing the lasses, he put them on his own face, thankful he could still see.
"What are you doing", Aaron whispered as Miles pulled his bandana from his pocket and threw it at him. Miles sighed.
"Disguises! They're probably looking for a big guy with glasses, not me with them".
His companion shrugged, donning the bandana as Miles attempted to slick his hair back.
"Follow me closely and try to act naturally".
He didn't even wait for an answer as he walked confidently up the street and into the gradually thinning crowd. After just a few minutes he slipped down a small alley and came to a stop at a ratty old door. He tapped and waited, hearing the shuffling and scraping of chairs. A nervous moment later the door opened, revealing a short stocky soldier, his jacket half open with a bottle in his hand.
"Ears…. You look like hell"!
A moments silence passed before the man in the doorway realised who was standing in front of him.
"Miles?! By god you crazy sack, what the hell are you doing here"?
The man roughly pulled him inside, pausing only slightly when he spotted Aaron before pulling the shorter man roughly through, slamming the door behind them. Miles turned just in time to catch a rough, clumsy hug, knowing he was starting to smile. After a moment the man released him, a huge grin covering his face.
"My good man, I never thought I'd see you again, especially here".
Miles slapped his shoulder. "Yeah, I know. Extreme circumstances".
The man nodded. "We definitely got a few of those".
Miles motioned to Aaron. "Quick intro. This is Aaron".
The men shook hands. "You must be a tough one to be with this guy"?! Miles saw Aaron shrug.
"Not sure about tough, but I somehow manage not to die".
The man laughed, his eyes dancing. "That is always a good start. I'm Tray but he calls me ears. Good to meet you".
Tray turned to Miles, his eyes instantly serious. "You're a dead man walking, you know".
Miles nodded. "I know but it is important. We need your help".
Tray nodded and motioned to the table. "I guess you don't want a drink then".
Miles sighed sitting. "Normally, yes but not now". He passed Aarons glasses back to him, his face serious. "Do you know anything a boy prisoner being brought here? Or a wounded young girl arriving last week"?
Tray nodded. "All of us do, even the low rankers like me. The boy has been here a couple of weeks and the girl was brought here last week. I was with the patrol unit that found her"
Miles perked up. "Is she ok? Is she alive"?
Tray held up his hands. "One question at a time. I'm not as fast thinking as I used to be. Yes, she's alive. She had some pretty nasty wounds which got treated but barely. They're holding her at the governors' jails. They suspect she knows you". He sighed tiredly. "One of the soldiers survived an attack and he said you were there along with at least two others". He paused staring at Miles through haunted eyes. "She looks just like….".
Miles patted his friends arm. "Yeah she is. That's why we need your help". He watched as Tray nodded, wiping away the tears that had formed in his eyes.
"Right", the man continued standing. "Since you're here, it will be easier and hopefully less dangerous for us law abiding citizens".
"What do you mean it'll be easier", Aaron spoke up confused.
Tray smiled, took out a book from behind the shelfing and opened it on the table. He spread around blueprints and number filled pages while taking a swig from his bottle. "I mean", he continued slyly. "There was already a plan to get the girl out, as well as Rachel and her boy".
Miles almost groaned out loud as his friend spoke that name. Aaron only took moments to realise who Tray was talking about.
"Rachel?! Rachel Matheson?! She's….dead. Has been for years. What game are you playing"?
Aaron's voice had risen as he stood, his face full of anger. Miles stood, gripping at his shoulders.
"Not now, Aaron".
The man shook off his hands. "What is he talking about Miles? We are not going any further until you….".
"Alright, just sit down"!
Despite Miles using his command voice, it took a few moments for his companion to sit, his anger and confusion clear. He saw Trays look go from confusion to understanding as he took another gulp of drink.
"Ugh, yeah Rachel Matheson but like Miles said, not now. The important thing is there are three people we need to get out of town and fast. All three of which are under fairly heavy guard".
Miles nodded. "Yeah I guessed that. Security has probably been increased since they know Charlie came and got me".
He got a nod in response. "You have no idea. Not many people know why security is up but that doesn't change the facts. We have accounted for this".
It took nearly half an hour for Tray to explain the plan to them. Miles. Was glad it was so well laid out. He shouldn't have expected anything less than that.
"We need to do this now", Miles said standing. He almost punched the wall when his old friend shook his head. "Not till tomorrow night man. I'm sorry. Even though we're prepared, we need a little time to tell everyone". He waited. Miles knew he was right but he didn't have to like it.
"Alright Ears. You do what you need to do. Aaron and I will wait here if that's ok".
Tray nodded. "Of course. Until tomorrow, you guys eat and sleep. I promise we'll get all of them out".
Can't wait to hear your thoughts!