Chapter 22

A/N: Part 2 - added 02/17/22

Part 1

It was too dark to tell. One touch on the driver seat and there it was, blood had seeped into the dark gray fabric. How did it happened? Why didn't she say anything? She doesn't look like a guy without the disguise but she sure was acting like one. Acting tough isn't going to stop the bleeding. She doesn't look so tough now. Looks more normal, sleeping like a baby. No fever. Not cold. Still pale but not as pale as last night. Good. There's no need to call 911 then. Should I wake her up? It is almost 10:30.

Brie pulls her hand back after having second thoughts and because the phone outside is ringing. She quickly walked out while trying not to make too much noise and closed the bedroom door.

Cole? Why? "Hey" Why is he apologizing again? He should really stopped being so apologetic if he doesn't want anyone to know. Straight guys don't apologize for calling so early on a weekend. Straight guys don't call. They text. "No, I didn't turn on the tv yet." He's calling because there are no news about last night's incident? Who cares?

"I don't think anybody called the cops last night."

So? This is New York. Shootings are common especially nowadays. No one wants to get involved. Why does he feel he need to? There's no reward for being a good citizen. "Oh, Leo just texted. They found his car." See, straight guys don't call.

"I think I know who the shooter is."

"what?" No wonder he wants to call the cops. He's talking very fast again, just like last night. It's difficult to understand what he's saying because his explanation doesn't make sense. So he didn't call the cops like he was asked to by a stranger. So what? Why does he sound frightened? "Did he threaten you?" He didn't so what's the problem? Why is he hesitating? "He gave you a hundred bucks to call the cops?" Confirming is necessary since it's odd and he's talking in a very soft tone like he's whispering.

"He said if I don't see him come out in 10 minutes, call the cops."

Oh. Whoever that guy is must have known that he would be in trouble because why else would he pay him. No wonder he left the private room before the dance is over. It wasn't because of the stripper. Sounds like he's feeling guilty about it. No one got hurt so why is he blaming himself again? Does he really think he could've prevented the shooting if he had called the cops? It's too late now. Going to the cops now isn't going to help unless "Would you able to recognize him if you saw him again?" No? Well, that's not going to help.

"He has a beard. He was wearing a mask but I could tell he has a beard."

"Is it like yours or very long? Is there anything unique about his beard? Anything on his face like a scar or tattoo?" These are basic questions he's going to get if he goes to the cops. No? "Do you think he's the shooter?" No? Not sure? Maybe? Assumptions could get an innocent guy in trouble. Doesn't he know that? "Listen" Interrupting him is necessary since he's going on and on. "I wouldn't have called the cops either." Hope this will make him feel better. If not, then some positive thinking will. "You did nothing wrong. Okay? I'm glad you were there. You saved me." Straight or gay, guys always love to hear that. Sounds like he's feeling better already. He made a joke. He's probably not the only one who almost pee in his pants. "Next time, we'll just go bowling. Okay?" Whenever that's allowed to open. "Okay, gotta go." There's nowhere to go; it's just that Hope is here who's looking better than last night but that look isn't a healthy one.

"Who's that?"

Oh, so she heard. How much did she hear? "Don't worry. He doesn't know it's you."

"What?"

Pretending or surprised how I knew? "Why did you open fire?" She heard. Still doesn't want to talk about it? "I know it's you." Cole's description of the guy sounded like it's her until he said the guy's hair is smooth and silky.

"It wasn't me."

"I saw your gun." Many carry guns these days. She has a smaller one. For a bodyguard to have one makes sense. What doesn't is why does it have a smell like it's been recently used. She's the shooter. That's why she didn't want to let anyone know including Riley.

"It wasn't me."

"Then tell me, why didn't you want to go to the hospital?" Not only did she not want to go, she didn't want my help. Last night, she could walk but not as normally as she used to. She could still drive but it wouldn't have been safe to do so. Getting her up here wasn't a good idea but it was the right call. There was so much blood, the bathroom looked like a crime scene after she came out. The sink was smeared with blood. The marble floor was covered with blood soaked towels and toilet paper. The cut was so deep, blood kept gushing out. Just use alcohol and close it up. She said. Easy for her to say. Just because she had done it before doesn't mean I have. Besides, does she think everyone has a needle and thread at home?

"covid"

That's what she said last night but is that really why?

"Where are my clothes?"

Did she forget they're ruined? "Trash"

"What?"

Looks like she's having hearing issues. From the gunshots maybe? Either that or she has partial memory loss. "Did you think I have time to wash them?" She should know how late it was last night. "Booty ripped jeans is still in fashion but I don't think you'll look good in it." Why is she looking at me like she has no clue what I'm talking about? "You feeling okay?" Brie quickly grabbed hold of her arm since she looks like she's about to faint. "okay, you need to sit down."

"I have to go."

"Good idea. Let's get you to the hospital." Brie said while knowing that's not what she meant but didn't expect to get pushed back. "Haay" She was stubborn last night, even more so now. There she goes, treating this place as if it's hers. "Hey...stop it." That obviously is not going to stop her from looking into my dresser. "Unless you want to die, please stop." She should know she's not well enough to protect anyone, not even herself. What's the urgency? "If you don't stop, I'll call Riley and let her know that you" Brie trailed off after getting a death glare. "Are you afraid they're going to find out it's you?" This would explain why she wants to leave. That's possible since they have surveillance cameras there. If that gets out, Cole might recognize her. Jen definitely will.

"It wasn't me."

Does she really think saying that multiple times will work? She must have learned that from the delusional psychopath in chief. "You're going to" Brie takes a step back after getting pushed back. There she goes with my sweatpants. "Wait" That, of course, didn't work. What did is a phone call. "Is it Riley?" She's looking at the phone but not picking it up so... "I swear I did not tell her." Her body-type wouldn't frighten others but that look could make others think twice before approaching her. Maybe it's not Riley? Whatever the caller is saying must not be good, that unpleasant stare now looks more frustrated. The call didn't last long. It didn't take long to know why either since Riley called seconds later. "She said she couldn't get anyone else today." It's not my fault Riley couldn't find another bodyguard. She should know she's not the only one who's not pleased with the arrangement. Why is she still putting on the sweatpants? Clearly, she doesn't care what Riley said. "I know you don't want to be here but you shouldn't be walking right now." What is wrong with her? Did she look at herself in the mirror? "If you keep moving like that, the stitches are going to break." Do all tough ones have no brain? "you're going to get an infection if they break, you know what can happen after that? If doctors can't fix it, guess what? they're going to have to remove the infected part and your bum is going to be uneven so if I were you, I wouldn't be crouching like" This time, it's too late to prevent her from falling. She's too far away. "you see, I told you not to move." Getting up too fast can cause dizziness. That happens to normal people too. In her case, it's not just because of that. "Hey!"

This time, Brie doesn't need to take a step back but also doesn't appreciate the slight push.

"Don't need your help."

"oh really, did you forget who stitched you up?" If the cut isn't on her butt, she probably didn't need anyone's help. "Noel did. Remember her?" She should since she didn't pass out during the procedure. "You lost so much blood, you had chills. Who do you think put the comforter on you?" Sleeping on the couch where it's not as warm as the bedroom was not a good idea. Letting her sleep alone in the bedroom seemed like a good idea until the middle of the night. "You were screaming and mumbling and kicking and turning. I tried holding onto you so you don't sleep on your wound, then you hit me, with your elbow, right here." Brie pointed to her own slightly bruised cheek. Looks like she can't remember. She was having a nightmare. That's why.

"It's all your fault."

An apology is expected not blame. Is she related to the psychopath? "I didn't ask you to be there." Anyone in her situation would be pissed even if it is her job to be there. She's no exception. There she goes again, trying to get up. Damn, she's stubborn. "You want to kill somebody? You have Orthostatic hypotension right now. That's low blood pressure. You haven't eaten. Your sugar level is low. You lost a lot of blood and that's not reaching your brain. That's why you got dizzy. You could blackout anytime if you go out now. You wouldn't want to run over an innocent kid, do you?" Using the word kid should be more effective than using the word somebody. "Just stay for awhile, until you feel better. Okay?" Brie said in a more gentle voice. Last night, holding her might have started out as a mistake but she did eventually calm down. All it took was a "ssshhh" and a soothing voice. Oh, looks like that wasn't necessary since she's lying down on the floor. "Okay, don't move, keep them closed...Actually, you need to move, just a bit, roll towards me, you shouldn't be lying on your…what?"

"You're giving me a headache."

"Did you just tell me to shut up?" It wasn't clear but that's what it sounded like.

"Just go get me something to eat." Hope said, covering her closed eyes with her forearm.

Why you... No wonder Riley doesn't like her. Ohhh if you weren't sick, you're ssso going to get it. For now, "want scrambled eggs?"

Twelve o'clock was the deadline given. That's two hours. Whether it's 2 hours or 24 hours, it's impossible to come up with the answer because the fact is I don't know where the key is. Having Holly here helped though. She's right. Kicking the bedside table, breaking things, screaming, and making threats won't change their mind. They're not the ones in charge. The only way is to give them hope. Giving them details of the moments I had with Brooke, our conversation, her last wish, and her last words might be able to convince them that Brooke's will does have the location of the key. It worked but the outcome again didn't turn out as expected.

"Close your eyes, let your muscles relax, breathe in…"

Whoever is speaking has a soothing voice but she should know this isn't going to work. "How do you expect me to relax like this!" No one else is here. The bed is comfortable but being tied to it is not. Besides, this is ridiculous! "I'm telling you the truth! Just go find the lawyer!" Lucy spoke loudly inside the bedroom even though it's not necessary. It's because they're crazy. Whose idea is this? It could be Niki's since she doesn't think Brooke's will has the location of the key because Aria would have known. Just because Aria has a copy of it, that still doesn't mean it doesn't. "Just go find him." Lucy spoke in a softer tone this time since yelling isn't going to work. "Maybe he changed the will. Maybe Brooke gave it to him. Maybe he was instructed to keep it in a safe." All they have to do is find him. "I'll help you. Just give me the phone. I'll have someone dig up his records. If he suddenly became rich, then we'll know he has it. If he's connected to Jack, then we'll know." It's that simple so why

"We're looking into him."

They are? Whoever she is, she seems to have a lot of control since she's doing all the talking, more than the hazmat guy. She must also be afraid of the virus since she's not here. Either that or she's afraid of me.

"Now, listen to my voice. Take a deep breath, filling your chest and lungs. Slowly let the air out of your chest, completely emptying your lungs. Again. Take a deep breath, then slowly let the air out. Relax your body, your feet, your ankles…"

"I'm sorry, miss. You have a very nice voice but can't you see this isn't going to work? If you want me to relax, let me talk to my wife. I haven't talked to her for awhile. She's going to think something is wrong if I don't call her back." Adalyn did say she's not going to do anything to her but who knows what she would do if this doesn't work? "I'm not going to tell her anything. If I want to let her know, I would've done it a long time ago. I just don't want her to worry about me." Is she asking for Adalyn's permission? There are no sounds so maybe she is?

"What's her number?"

Oh good. That's Adalyn's voice but "What do you mean? Don't you have my phone?" Did she throw it away? Well that's really stupid if she did.

"Just tell her it's broken."

"Would you believe I broke it again?" She might not know but Niki does since she threw mine away.

"I'm sure you can come up with another good reason."

It's not difficult to come up with another reason but what does she mean by that? Sounds like she thinks I'm lying about having seen Brooke's will. Why is that so hard to believe that I wasn't able to see all of it? Whatever. Worry about it later. Call now before ZJ tells Amy everything. The phone tone can be heard. No one is answering. "Text her." She's not going to pick up from an unknown caller. "Tell her" This would be so much easier if they just let me do it. "babe it's me, call me." That should do it. She should know it's me...unless she's still mad. "What was her last message?" Niki might not know since her phones were taken away at the strip club but Adalyn should.

"She agreed to your request."

Exact words are expected, not that. "What do you mean? She agreed to getting a divorce?" It's not funny but letting out a short laugh is to show her and everyone who's watching that it can't be true. "What did she say…exactly?" Why isn't she responding? "How do you know she agreed?" Maybe she didn't see the message. Maybe someone told her? "Where's Aria?" It didn't seem strange before but now does. Aria hasn't said a word.

"She went out to get you…things…to get the beard off."

So Niki is here. Niki might not have said anything else but the way that came out shows she thought that was weird too. The beard does need to come off but "Who asked her to do that?" It couldn't be them. Holly wouldn't have either. "Please tell me she doesn't have my phone." None of them are in here but their silence already shows what they're thinking. "She has my phone?!" Holly isn't here but even if she is, she'd understand why I need to yell. Oh no. Amy didn't pick up. It's the afternoon. There is no reason for her not to text back unless... "She has my wife! You hear me! Adalyn! Aria has my wife!"

Scrambled egg is fine. She's not a picky eater but she sure is rude. No smile. No thank you. Anyone else would've expressed gratitude to someone who did them a favor. Maybe she's annoyed with Noel's questions? Who wouldn't want to know how she got injured? Getting attacked by a robber might not be the truth but Noel believed it. Asking about the tattoos might seem like she's prying but who wouldn't be curious? There are so many on her especially on her back. Maybe she didn't want to show her bum to a stranger? That makes no sense though. She let me see all of her, not just see, although she did seem shy about it last night and a moment ago. Maybe she found Noel repulsive? But why would she? Noel is older but not by much. Her big dark glasses made her look geeky but she looked better than last night with makeup and her flat blonde hair pulled all the way to the back made her look very professional like a doctor, a very serious one like someone who has never had any fun.

"Her husband is a doctor. Was, I mean. He passed away a few years ago." Brie said while looking at the list. That should make her feel better. Noel is not a doctor but maybe she learned some things from her husband. The suture looks better than that what I could've done. "I think she works in the medical field. Used to, I mean." Noel didn't say. No one asked. She must be. "Look at this." Brie got off the recliner to give Hope the list. Not only instructions on how to take care of the wound and what to look out for, it also includes a list of foods to avoid. Is the name of the brand of bandage necessary? She sure is detailed. "Weird, right?" Hope looks confused too so she must think so since there is no reason for Noel to put her phone number on it. There's no reason for her to come back to look at the wound but she insisted since she was worried. "I think…she thinks you want to sue her." That's possible since this is the wealthy part of New York. Especially at a time like this, people need money. Poor uneducated ones would steal from the store, the old and the vulnerable. The educated and greedy ones would plan, lie and go for millions instead of petty cash. She doesn't know Hope but she knows that Hope doesn't live here and based on Hope's weird behavior last night, she probably thinks she's one of them. This could be the reason she wasn't able to sleep well last night. Some people act without thinking of consequences. Last night, she did exactly that. All she was asked was if she had a suture kit, yet she offered to stitch up the cut when no one asked her to. It's because she had the experience. It's because she knows that a hospital is not a good place to be in now especially for those who don't have health insurance. It's because her instincts kicked in as soon as she saw the blood. People with compassion do that. Nowadays, there aren't many like her and now, after having time to think about it, she probably had regrets of what she did last night. Would she feel this way four years ago when America isn't so fucked up as it is now? Probably not. "Are you going to call her?" I know. Stupid question. Of course she won't. She barely spoke and only responded to Noel with a head shake when she was asked if it hurt. It was awkward. I did all the talking and was given a glare when I said too much.

"Don't tell her anything."

"I won't." She must think I'm stupid. "We've never talked. We said hi, good morning. That's it. I only know about her husband because people around here talk. Information like that is easy to find on the internet. Don't you know that?" That's to let her know I didn't let Noel in here without first knowing what type of person she is. "She's a 32 year old widow who still misses her husband. She lives alone. She rarely goes out. She was minding her own business until last night and now she's worried you're going to sue her because you didn't thank her." Think I'm crazy? "I think you should give her some money so she wouldn't think" Brie trailed off since Hope's phone is ringing. It's probably Riley. Who else could it be? No one called her last night. Only Riley called two hours ago and

"Where?"

What happened? There's a change in her tone. She's no longer lying on the couch. The call ended quickly. What's the urgency?

"Don't go anywhere."

"Excuse me? You work for me. Remember?"

"I'll come back later."

That sounds a little better. With two hours of rest and food, she looks better and stronger but still, the stitches can break especially if she's going to be running. She sure has a high tolerance to pain. She's moving normally like she used to. Why is she checking her gun? "Wait"

"I'll come back later."

"Here." Brie said after grabbing Noel's list and the bag from the coffee table. "You'll need this. Your mask is in the trash. Remember?" She probably forgot that her mask is also stained with blood. Noel didn't though. That's why she brought over a box of masks and gloves since she knows I didn't have any last night when she asked for it. Not only masks and gloves, there's also a box of gauze pads, antibiotic ointment and some of the supplies on her list. "okay bye, you're welcome, no thank you again. So rude."

Phone is ringing again. This time, it's necessary to pick up even if the elevator is not the right place to talk. "yes"

"Hope?" Riley asked since the voice on the other end is too soft to be able to be heard. "Hello?" What is wrong now? She better not be ignoring me again. This is important. "Helllo?" There's some noise now. "Can you hear me?"

"I'm going noww."

Oh, she knows? Well, that's good. But damn it. Did she forget I'm the boss? "Rocko is there now. Let me know once you find out where she is. Do not engage unless it's absolutely necessary. And do not shoot, do not kill anyone, you understand? There are surveillance cams. So make sure you have a mask on." Where is she? Why is there so much static noise?

"What's the room number?"

Obviously, Rocko didn't tell her the whole situation because why would she even ask that? "Don't know. That's why I need you"

"You don't know? Then what're you calling for?"

There's definitely something wrong with her phone. "I want to make sure you know why. You're not going there to kill her. Okaay? You're going there to save her. Get her out of there but DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT engage unless it's absolutely necessary! Do not shoot! Do not kill anybody! Hide your face. Let me know once you find out which room she's in! Got it!" Repeating loudly is necessary since the background noise was getting louder and louder. "Hello?...Hello?...Hope?" Why isn't she responding?

Part 2

Only in New York. A pandemic is happening but yet the streets are still filled with cars and people are walking, talking, filming, eating, singing, laughing and dancing like it's just another Halloween. At least most of them have a mask on even if it is part of their disguise.

This is such a bad idea. Driving in New York is not a good idea. Taking a taxi isn't that great either. Traffic is still horrible. What now? Ignoring the caller crossed her mind but it's probably not a good idea. "Yes" Riley said. The hope for cancellation is not happening so it's necessary to explain what happened. "I told her but you know her, she might not listen to me." She should know that. Hope does whatever she thinks is right to get the job done. "She's not picking up. Rocko doesn't know where she is either." Yes, that is strange. "I think her phone died." That's possible. Why not?

"Have you apologized?"

Why is she bringing that up again?

"You haven't?"

Oh no, please not another lecture. If she has time for this, then it must not be urgent anymore. "I'm here." Cutting her off is rude but it's necessary. The Langham hotel is not here but can be seen. It would be faster to get off the taxi and walk. Why is she still talking? "I know that Neeva" If she keeps this up, she should know she's not going to get anyone else to help her. Help wouldn't be hard to find but finding someone whom she can trust, someone who's loyal to her, someone who can put up with her and that psycho is. "Okay, I'll let you know." Finally. Giving advice is one thing but repeating the same thing over and over again is just annoying. Of course I'm not going inside. She must think I'm an idiot not to know that. It's time to call Rocko. Oh, he's calling. "Did you find her?"

"How can I? There are too many rooms."

Should've been more specific. "I meant Hope. Did she call?" No? That's not good. "Is she inside?" Don't think so is not good enough. How could he not know? There shouldn't be that many people going into a hotel these days. "What?" Riley asked since Rocko's voice isn't that clear either. "She told you to do what?"

"fire alarm, she told me to set the fire alarm."

What!

"I didn't do it."

Well obviously. Nothing is happening in front of the hotel. If he did, people would be running out. Not knowing what the situation is other than the target could be in danger, setting the fire alarm is a good idea. It'll allow him to go inside to look. Every guests would be out but it might not work especially if the target is already dead. It would only give the killer a chance to escape.

"You think I should?"

"nno"

"Can you get someone to hack into their system?"

"Why?" How is that going to help?

"She booked a room. The target booked a room."

That's one piece of information he failed to mention earlier but that doesn't mean she's in her room. "So you didn't see anyone go in with her?" No? Damn it. That could mean the one she's meeting with is already upstairs. "Okay, listen to me. Go get some flowers or get takeout or something, tell the receptionist it's a delivery for her, give them any room#, see if they would tell you what the correct room number is." This should work as long she booked the room in her name and as long as the receptionist is not that smart. "Hello? You hear what I said?" What is wrong here? Why is the reception so bad?

"Do I look like a delivery guy?"

(sigh) He has a good point. No delivery man looks like Mr. Clean. Hope would be more believable even with her bad attitude. "All right, I'm going to…what the hell?" It was only one quick look away. There weren't any police cars before. Now there is. "What's going on inside? There is a police car outside." Siren is not on but that doesn't mean that cop came to have lunch. Now there is another police car. "Hello? Rocko, what happened?"