Chapter 31

07/17/2022

Noises can be heard in the background. As distracting as it is, words spoken are comprehensible. It is very dark out there. More time is needed. That's to be expected. What's not is this whole incident. If this had happened in the city, that area would be surrounded by reporters and more than just 1 helicopter which would've been more chaotic. At least now, this will not be in the front page news so keeping it from those who don't need to know won't be an issue. Target not found is not good news though but sending more people would not help in this case. One explosion is already dangerous. Multiple is a clear sign. No one should be going inside right now even if it isn't burning since guns and bullet proof vests won't be helpful in this situation.

"Target is moving. I repeat. Target is moving. Do you copy?"

"Can you see them?"

"No, it's on the screen not outside. I'm going in. Do you copy?"

"copy that" Finally. Some good news.

"Told you he's not dead. You don't know him that well, do you? Did you know he got hit by lightning…twice? Crazy right? Believe it. He's more invincible than the pig you work for. If lightning can't kill him, then it's going to take more than this. He probably set it off himself."

"What? They brought explosives?" It's not a stupid question. She never said that. Explosives would attract attention.

"Wouldn't you…if you don't know what you're getting into?"

She's right. Target couldn't be found before so it is possible she couldn't get out for whatever reason. Using explosives to blast her way out seems logical but nothing has been confirmed yet. Target is moving but that doesn't mean she's not injured. No one is out yet. So why is she so confident and "Why do you keep saying he?" The target is a female. "Are we talking about the same person?" Questions are annoying. She should know questions aren't the only things she'll get if she doesn't cooperate.

"Do you how many women he's been with? I wouldn't be surprised if he already slept with her. She's pretty, young, much younger than you. He always did like the hard to get ones, makes him feel"

"Pleeeease get to the point." It's always difficult to get people to talk but not this one. This one likes to talk. This one likes to do things her way. The tracker is on a female named Adalyn? That's not what she's supposed to do. "Why didn't you say that earlier?"

"If she's alive, then he's alive and he's going to get her out of there because he likes her and if she hasn't slept with him yet, she will after this."

This one is confusing. The talkative ones usually are. Asking questions is the only way to find out the truth but now the questions seem pointless since this one is exhibiting symptoms of mental illness which wasn't noticeable before. Many nowadays do and like many others, hers seem to be triggered by hate and jealousy. Having her here seemed like a good idea but now, it doesn't since she's still talking about things that happened in the past and she's doing so for one purpose only; make other's life as miserable as her own. Make that two since she just made an unreasonable request. "Why" There's no need to give her an answer now. This call is more important. It's good news but not all good though. "How serious?" It would be a miracle to get out of there without any injuries. As long as it's not life-threatening, there's no need to go a hospital. One more person knowing is one more risk. Besides, a hospital is not a safe place to be now. This isn't a hospital but help is standing by. "copy that"

"Was I right?"

She is right which is odd. It could be just a guess or maybe she knew. The only way she would know is if she's involved. "Just how well do you know this Dr. Harrington?"

"I already told you."

Making a deal with someone whom she doesn't know that well doesn't sound like a lie. Most people do that for money. She obviously has another reason. "You said this is her idea. How do you know?"

"Just a guess. I don't know for sure."

Questions will eventually lead to answers. This time, there's no need to beat around the bush. "I'm giving you a chance to explain."

"Wait a minute. You think I did this? If I did, I wouldn't be here right now. They'll kill me if they find out about this."

"Don't worry. They won't. We made a deal. You keep your word. I'll keep mine. The only way they'll know is if you keep sharing your…unfortunate experience and I have no doubt it must have been very traumatic. So I'm glad you're able to realize that life can go on. There's a better future waiting for you and it's entirely up to you." Clear enough? Nothing to say? Surprising. "Now, let's continue. What do you know about Niki?" That's who she was talking about earlier before the call came in. Somehow the topic pivoted to Adalyn and now she's doing the same thing except this time, she's talking about Holly.

"Ohh he loves her. He would do anything to protect her. I think she slept with him too."

Her intention is obvious. She's not hiding it. It would be better not to respond since she's clearly waiting for a reaction. People like her would continue talking until they get one.

"Don't worry, she's over him. She's not going to sleep with him again but if I were you, I would stay away from her. She's strange, very quiet. You know what they say about the quiet ones."

People like her would make up anything to get a response. Sometimes it's necessary to give her what she wants. "What do you mean?" Asking is not just to satisfy her. It's because she just disclosed information without realizing it. She doesn't know Holly isn't here? That's possible. There's no need for her to lie about Holly's strange behavior either. "So you think she drugged the pilots?"

"I think she could've. She was free to walk around on the plane. Maybe this is her idea. I think you should check her out, make sure she's not hiding any explosives."

Ohh. Her intention is now clearer than before. Anyone in her situation would try to get the attention away from herself. The only way to do so is put the blame on someone else but not just anyone. Quiet ones are always the ones to get blamed. Holly isn't the only one she found suspicious though. But why would she think the flight attendant works for me? "No, she doesn't."

"Really? I thought...I guess she must really like him then. She was letting him...touch her and he did...touch her...back and butt and a few other places and she had her hands in his pants and"

"Okay, I will look into them." There's plenty of time left but it's time to interrupt since that's irrelevant information. "Now let's talk about Ace." Her opinion can wait since a call just came in and it's buzzing non-stop. "Who is it?" She might not have responded but what she said to the caller later is enough to know why she hesitated to pick it up. She didn't know who the caller was. Now she does but what happened? How did they lose control? It's a rescue not a...What's that noise? It's getting louder and louder. No way. It takes 10 minutes to get here from Molokai. How is this possible? "They're here?" She seems surprised too. "Wait." Command is given but again ignored. (sigh) And this one thinks she's free to go anywhere just because she's cooperating. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I want to see them."

"If you don't want anyone to know what you did, I suggest you stay."

"I suggest you stop talking. He knows how to fly a plane so if I were you, I would go out there right now to make sure she doesn't leave with" Aria didn't continue since the listener is hurriedly walking out. "stupid"

It's not a plane but the noise from the helicopter is loud enough to attract attention. The hotel manager isn't here but the receptionist is along with two staffs. A simple excuse would let him know there's nothing to worry about but surprisingly no explanation is needed since this isn't the first time he has guests arrive in a helicopter unannounced but he did say he wished it didn't happen at 2:30 AM which is understandable. Would he have been this understanding if business isn't so bad? One problem solved. Next one is going to be difficult. How does a rescue turned into a hijacked situation? There she is, looking very dirty and unrecognizable in a male disguise but surprisingly good considering. Adalyn, on the other hand, doesn't. Thankfully, it didn't take long to convince them. Any longer, the receptionist might come out again to ask why the helicopter engine is still running. "Turn it off! Put your masks on. Go!" Get them inside before every nosy person comes out. This isn't the time or place to ask them what happened but it is for these two. There's no one else around. This area is far enough from the hotel. No one else will be able to hear. They will be able to see though if they have binoculars so keeping the masks on is necessary. The pilot has nothing to say but the one in charge does and he's talking in turbo speed. It is a dangerous situation especially when no one knows when the house will collapse or if it will blow up. There are no gas lines but there could be containers of propane. Making sure the electricity is cut off first is the right move. Despite the unforeseen outcome, he did what he was asked to do so why is he talking like he's trying to avoid getting blamed for it?

"I had no choice."

He may not have a choice at that moment but if he had been careful like he was told to, he wouldn't have gotten himself into that vulnerable situation. A surprise attack from behind would be difficult to fight off especially inside a moving helicopter but why would she attack him if she didn't know who he worked for? Why would she suspect him if he's the one who pulled her out of the underground basement? If she didn't trust him, she wouldn't have got on the helicopter. She would've attacked him on the ground not in the air. And why does he still think she's a he? "So you're telling me he attacked you while you're trying to help her?"

"Yes"

That makes no sense. He must have said something or done something wrong to make them realize he's not just a rescuer. Pretending to be someone he's not is difficult. Was it the call he made earlier? All he said was the condition they were in. "I'll find out." Finding out is important so it won't happen again but it seems that he does know since he no longer hid the most important fact which is very stupid of him to do so. Clearly, he didn't think I would try to find out. Now it makes him look guilty even if he said he didn't touch Adalyn inappropriately. He is lucky he didn't get his balls cut off. This incident should remind him to be more careful next time and if he did try to take advantage of the situation, he's going to get it. For now, he needs to go back to keep any nosy people out. "Don't go inside." He may have gotten out safely but anything can still happen. There goes the helicopter. The receptionist must be cursing right now. Anyone who was sleeping must be. Those who weren't should not be out here. Why is she out here when she should be inside? It seems that she can't wait since she just asked an odd question. "Of course he is."

"You saw the body?"

It seems that worry has affected her logical reasoning since she should know the answer. "I was not in a situation to, remember? and there is no reason to."

"Can you check?"

This isn't the place to talk since there are cameras but no one is going to care if they heard this. "Why do you think he's still alive?"

"He said he did this."

He? Okay. Continue using he then. No one needs to know who he is. That includes the doctor. She's out already? That can be good news or bad news. "How are they?" No serious injury is good news. Sprained ankle is better than a broken one. Xray is needed as precaution. That can wait until tomorrow. He said he's fine? Of course he would.

"I'll be back in 15."

"Thank you." Fifteen minutes should be enough time to talk. That is if they're here. Taking a shower is necessary but why are they both inside? "You want to let them know you're here." What's the eyeroll for? Not everything Aria said is believable but she should know some things are. That's not the only reason to interrupt them. "I have a lot of things to do so let's make this quick." It wasn't quick. 45 seconds of waiting felt like a long time. There she is, looking cleaner than before. At least her bearded face is but it's looking very confused which is expected. "I just want to know"

"Just how the hell did you get your job back?" Lucy interrupted.

"I didn't. It's a higher position…with more benefits."

"So whose ass did you kissed to" Lucy didn't continue after getting her forearm firmly held onto.

"Just tell us what happened."

Fine. Start from the beginning will take too long. A brief summary will do. All they need to know is why everyone is looking for the key, Delmonte is involved with the Russians, and Jack is still alive. It is hard to believe but like Doc said, Jack and Brooke can't be the only ones who knew about the key. His accountants, his lawyers, his goons, the architects who designed the Underground chamber might not know but the ones in charge of the computer systems would. "That place belonged to his programmer. He knew we'd eventually find out so he and Jack set the trap for us." That's not proof. Jack didn't show himself but Doc thinks it could be him. That's what Adalyn said.

"Did you hit your head?"

"I'm telling you. It's him. Just find out where he's buried. Check his DNA, check" Lucy again didn't continue since she can no longer see the one she's talking to. Her forearm is not being held onto this time but that look in front of her indicates 'stop talking.'

"I'll find out. Get some rest."

What? That's it? No more questions? She must be tired too.

"Oh, he said you called him a pervert. Did he touch her?" That would be why she attacked him but he denied it so was he lying?

"I thought he did. She said no." Lucy said without further explaining how she knew the rescuers aren't who they said they are since there are no other questions. No threats too. No warnings and no 'don't try to leave'. This is not her normal behavior. Amy did say she's here to help which is very hard to believe. "That is Petrie, isn't it?" She still looks the same plus a few more wrinkles. Amy, however, does not but those aren't wrinkles. Those lines on her forehead are symptoms of concern. There is a need to worry. Jack is not dead. If he finds the key, more people are going to die. If Doc and Dean are still alive, they will be going after

"Do you want to tell me the truth now or later?" Amy asked since Lucy is looking like she's thinking of what to say. The answer can wait since someone is knocking on the door. It is the doctor and first aid medical supplies aren't the only things she brought. Clothing, a bucket of ice, food and crutches? Lucy must have asked for it since she's expecting it and looks like she has no plans on leaving until the doctor is finished. It's just a few stitches. It's numbed. She's not going to feel the pain. Is holding her hand necessary? Sleeping here to look after her is definitely not even if the doctor suggested it! Why is she looking at me like she's actually thinking about it? If she wants my approval, then leaving now will let her know what I think.

Everyone knew the situation Lucy was in. Everyone lied. Everyone apologized. Everyone said it's because she said not to as if that is a logical reason. No one has heard from her for 2 days. Phone has been vibrating non-stop. Now everyone wants to know how she is including ZJ who obviously hasn't heard yet which is odd since she's been in contact with Scud and Scud already knew before everyone else did. Maybe she just woke up?

"What happened?"

"Don't know." Amy sighed loudly while wondering if Blake is there with her since ZJ is also using the male pronoun. "I'll tell you when I find out." Lucy is obviously hiding something so there's no need to tell ZJ now since she too will have a lot of questions. "Any news?" Whoever that guy is, it's becoming more and more like he's a fake since he didn't show up at the Langham Hotel too. "Hello?" Is she in the bathroom? There's the sound of running water again. "ZJ?" She heard but it seems she's more interested in talking with Lucy. "He's not here." ZJ might just woke up but her brain is functioning better than a lot of people since she just asked a very good question. It's 3AM here. "He's…with another woman." If Blake heard, she would've said 'I told you so.' ZJ, on the other hand, wants more information first. "Don't know. I'll tell you when I find out." That's not a good answer but it is late. For some reason, ZJ is not being understanding this time and instead insisted on talking with Lucy. "He's not going to sleep with her." Why does everyone think that Lucy hasn't changed? That's what it sounds like until ZJ explained what she was thinking which is absolutely ridiculous. Only she could come up with that. Anyone who knows Lucy would not. Adalyn has a sprained ankle, stitched wound grazed by a bullet, minor cuts and bruises. "How could she possibly take advantage of him?"

"While he's sleeping. Ever heard of GHB?"

Is she serious? She is since she brought up another crazy reason. She doesn't curse as much as Blake but she does and she did again. This country is eff up. That's what she said after learning that Petrie got rehired. This time, she's referring to a news article about a man who impregnated two female inmates while serving time in the same prison as a trans woman. That is eff up but what does that have to do with Lucy?

"There're lots of crazies out there."

She's right about that. There's one here. Aria. "Okay, I won't let him." That's the only way to get ZJ to stop cursing, stop worrying and get off the phone. It is hard to tell the difference between a female and a male these days but why would she think that Adalyn could be a male? She hasn't even met her. If anyone should be worried, it should be…

"Hey" Lucy said, surprised to see that Amy opened the door before she could knock on it. Start talking now is not a good idea since Amy still looks pissed. It would be better to do that after a much needed shower which didn't take long. The hair drying, taking off the beard, and putting the bandage on the cuts would have taken longer if Amy didn't help. Getting no questions is good. That won't last long though. Amy doesn't look tired. When did she get here? How did she find me? One question would lead to another so it'd be better not to ask. "uh..sss" It doesn't hurt that much. The antiseptic just stings. "ah" Pretending to be in pain was the plan to avoid questions but there's no need to pretend anymore. This is odd. It didn't hurt before. Now the arms hurt just by lifting them up. The head is starting to hurt too.

"I'll get the doctor."

"No" Lucy said while grabbing onto the hem of Amy's top. "I'm just tired. See. It's fine." Hand is no longer shaking. That could be from fatigue and overexertion. No wonder the doctor said to take some pain killers. It wasn't needed a moment ago but now is needed. Oh yea, it's delayed pain. Muscles are starting to ache. "ahhh" This bed feels good. Not all hotel beds are. This one is.

"You're lucky they found you."

Here goes. Saying nothing would stop Amy from continuing but saying nothing would mean she's right. She's not right. "I would've gotten out without their help. I didn't need them."

She's as cocky as always, still unwilling to admit that she made the wrong decision. This might not be the right time to ask since she clearly needs rest but this can't wait since Nadia is waiting. "Where's Holly?"

"She's...dead."