Chapter 26-03/21/22
Who the hell are these people? Whoever they are, they don't know shit. Even Anthony knows more than they do. They might not know what's in the sea urchin thing that no longer looks like one since most of the spikes have been cut off, according to Scud, but they must know it's not life-threatening because why else do they still want to go there?
"told you he wouldn't know" Lucy said.
Jake isn't hard to find since he's still working for Anthony but even Scud can't locate Mackenzie.
"You don't seem to be worried."
She doesn't look like a doctor but she does look like a psychiatrist, sounds like one too. She's observant too, as a psychiatrist should be, but apparently she's not a good listener. Couldn't hear with all the noise maybe?
"It would take a lot more than a few Russians to kill him." Lucy said while leaning back against the leather seat with her arms crossed. Anyone in danger would not be talking as calmly as Anthony was. He hasn't called back yet but there's no need to be concerned. What's concerning is "How do you think they know where he is?"
If she's not responsible, then how? At that moment, after learning about the situation Anthony is in, there was no doubt that it was her doing because why else would she insist on giving Anthony a call. It's 3AM over there. She could no longer wait didn't sound like a good reason. It still doesn't since waiting for a few more hours for Anthony to respond wouldn't make a difference since this plane is heading that way. She was right though. There is a good reason why Anthony didn't respond back. He never got the message because it was the wrong number. No wonder he didn't mention Aria's ex. He probably never got that voicemail. Damn brain seems to be getting worse.
"You are…as intelligent as they say."
"but not smart enough to know who you are" Lucy responded in the same polite tone since there's no need to be rude. Rudeness will only get me tied up again. Besides, she's been very accommodating so far. Whatever I want, I get. Not everything but anything that's not unreasonable like a hot cup of coffee, type of food, freedom to walk around without cuffs and other necessities. Other than that, questions were asked but no answers were given just like now. No one is allowed to be here except Niki and Adalyn so why did she tell Adalyn to get Ace and Holly? Anthony could still call any time now. Niki seems confused as well.
"Who do you think…told?"
Whaaat? "Now wait a minute, do you have proof?" Lucy said as she stood up from the leather couch since Adalyn is looking like she's preparing to do something because there's no reason for her to be standing behind Holly and Ace who both looked confused.
"of course"
She does? Then why ask if she has proof? Why now? Did she just found out?
"Him? her? or both? How do you think they did it?"
Good question. It seems that Niki already knows since she is again speaking to Ace in their language. Okay, they're having an argument again.
"I didn't!"
Saying it loudly sounds convincing but is that the truth? He was very concerned yesterday but is that all an act? Is that why he blamed it on the guy in Reyjavik instead of the Russians because he knew it's the Russians? How could he possibly get the word out though. He's not capable. Most likely, even Niki doesn't think he is capable since she believes him.
"What do you think? Is he the spy?"
"I'm not!" Ace said.
Lucy extended her hand towards Ace since there's no need to yell. Having to listen to the engine noise is annoying enough. Now it makes sense. No wonder she allowed them to listen in on the call to Scud yesterday. It's to see who the leaker is. "If you have proof, then show it."
"I will but I want to know what you think."
What does it matter what I think? Fine. "Tell me what they just said." Why are they looking at Niki? Oh. They don't know either. Well that's stupid. They're going to trust her?
"It's not him." Niki said.
"Well, that's very convincing." NOT. Since Niki didn't explain, there's no need to ask again since no one else asked her to explain. "I don't know him. I don't know her." Lucy pointed to Niki. "The only way he would be able to is thru her. If you know it's not her, then it's not them. It's your people." What? What's that look for? She's the one who wants an answer. Does she even have proof? Probably just a trick, playing with their minds, to get them to distrust one another. Smart, if that's her intention.
"hmm…I guess they are right about you. They say you have a weakness. All it takes is an attractive woman. You didn't even consider that it could be her."
"Of course it's not her." Lucy said while looking at Holly who is as quiet as usual. This is not the time to be quiet. Speak!
"Why not? you don't think she's capable?"
"She's not capable and she wouldn't." Lucy said, wondering why Niki is just standing here, watching. "Tell them."
"She wouldn't." Niki said.
What the hell? That sounds weaker than what she said about Ace. That doesn't even sound like she believes it.
"Tell them they're wrong. Tell them what you did."
Why the hell is she so certain and why the hell is Holly just sitting there, not saying anything and what is Adalyn... "You have proof. Let me see it." Lucy said, extending her hand after moving closer to Holly to stand in front of her since Adalyn just opened her bag after getting an eye signal from Dr. Harrington. If she wants to use torture to get Holly to admit it, then...a laptop? That could only mean they caught her doing something. Calling for help maybe? Trying to escape? What? The video footage isn't that long. There's more than one. What the hell? This is proof? "Is this it?" This only proves that she's talking to her guard. Unless they recorded the conversation, then it's not proof.
"She's a smart one but unfortunately, she chose the wrong guy."
Lucy understood even if Adalyn didn't clarify. It's not hard to believe that Holly would do that. She once used that method on me but for a totally different reason. She must have felt that she needed to escape since Niki is no longer in charge. Can't blame her but it doesn't prove she's the spy. As confident as Adalyn sounds, her reasoning sucks! How ridiculous. So what if Holly asked him if he saw the Russians? So what if she asked him how he knew those were Russians? So what if she asked what they were driving? What they were wearing? What they look like? "That doesn't prove anything."
"It would be easy to find out."
"I said it's not her." Lucy said, glaring fixedly at Adalyn. Protecting Holly might be the wrong move since it would let them know that they can use her to threaten me but they probably already knew that.
"I was just thinking of using the polygraph."
"Then I suggest you do that to all your people first, then tell me who they are so I can taze the crap out of them." Talking to her in this manner might not be a good idea since she's still in charge but the Doc seems to have more authority and had said numerous times that she's a friend so it's safe to do so. "It's not her." Lucy repeated this time to the Doc.
"I hope you're right."
"I know I'm right." Lucy immediately responded since waiting for her to finish whatever she had to say wouldn't sound as convincing.
"If you're not, I hope you learn from this."
What? Just who the hell is she? She's talking like Anthony, like Uncle Nick, like Mr. P, like my mother.
"and don't forget. We are not your enemy."
She doesn't seem to be. She's been very polite, unlike Adalyn. So polite, it's abnormal. Why would she give us this room to sleep in last night when all her crew had to sleep in the seats and couches? Why would she leave us alone in here? Is this area bugged? Could be behind the tv. Under the couch maybe? table? lights? possible but can't worry about that now.
"What the hell?" Lucy said without clarifying since Niki should know why. Looks like she's feeling guilty about it since she just took the blame which never happened before but not having enough sleep last night is a good reason. This may be a private plane but it's hard to fall asleep with the engine noise especially when she had to share a bed with Holly and me. Now what is she saying to Ace? Did she just apologized? The tone she used is very different from the way she used to talk to him. "You believe him?" Ace just left so maybe she doesn't want him to know how she really feels. Guess she does. Maybe this area is bugged since she again doesn't want to explain what they were arguing about. Does Holly know? She's no longer sitting on the couch but lying on it. Couldn't sleep last night? Possible but what the hell? "I know you don't think it matters, but not saying anything is giving them a reason to think you did." Looks like she is tired. Homesick probably. She's not the only one. Even Niki doesn't want to listen since she just used the 'stop' hand gesture. Fine. "Stay here." That's probably not necessary since they probably feel better staying away from these 5 guys and gals and this slob who is still sleeping and snoring. How on earth can he still be sleeping with the engine noise? Cushioned couch in a private plane is more comfortable. And this guy, what an ass. He's looking at the flight attendant's ass. Can't blame him. She's…
"Breakfast will be served in a few minutes. Would you like coffee?"
"Oh. Yes." Lucy said, keeping her eyes at the flight attendant's eyes since she's wearing a mask. Did she noticed where I was looking at earlier?
"cream and sugar?"
"just cream"
"coming right up"
"I can get it myself." With a smile in place, Lucy followed the blonde flight attendant for no other reason other than to just get the coffee herself. Wow, breakfast in a private plane always looks better. What is this? Lucy takes a slice of the green exotic fruit from the plate. "mm" Sweet but...what is she smiling at? "Do I have something on my face?"
"mhm"
I do? Lucy took the napkin from the table and pressed it against all areas of her face again and again until the flight attendant started laughing.
"your beard"
"oh...haha" Does she know it's fake or is she just saying that? The beard is made with real hair. Oh. No wonder she had the mask on. It's not because of the virus. It's to avoid getting attention from the perverts outside. She's a beauty. Not many flight attendants are these days.
"You know, that's the first time I got that."
"hm?...got what?" Lucy asked, confused until she heard the question, the same one she asked earlier. "I did want to get it myself." Man, this is easy. She's smiling again…it's quite adorable…and familiar. "Have we met before?"
"Now that, I got a lot."
"no seriously, you look familiar." This does sound like a pickup line.
"I think I'd remember you if we have. Maybe you've seen me on other flights."
That is possible. Lucy nodded, smiling in agreement while looking into those big blue eyes until a sense of déjà vu suddenly appeared as those familiar eyes got closer and closer. Moving away never crossed her mind because her mind is wondering what this flight attendant has in mind. God, why do you have to make me a woman? This is so much easier.
"I would love to chat…but I might get fired for talking to you."
"hm?" It's a whisper but Lucy heard and is again confused until the flight attendant announced that breakfast is ready. Oh. There's Aria standing a few feet away. That's one mean look. What the hell? It's none of her business. She should know the consequences so whatever she's thinking of doing, she better not since she had been warned. "coffee?" Lucy said to Aria and continued to walk pass her with a plate of breakfast in one hand and coffee in the other.
Breakfast first then. Breakfast time is a good opportunity to make small talk with the crew. Let's hope this works. Certainly, a polygraph test won't. Whose stupid idea was it? Adalyn's or Dr. Harrington's? Let's start with her.
"Nice tattoo" Lucy said to the woman who's sitting by herself. "Where did you get it? I'm thinking of getting one myself." No ingles? She should. Well, that's rude. She just left. Maybe she's not allowed to talk to me? Let's try someone else then, someone else with...ahh, this one has a visible scar on her forearm and whole arm of tattoos. "Want to make some extra money?" Of course she does. Who doesn't? "I'm not asking for favors. Just want to know where you got that done." Lucy placed a $100 bill on the table but didn't get a response which is unexpected. It's just a simple question. "Does it help?" She looks confused. This is expected. "I mean, everybody here seems to have them. Did you get it because you want to or because it helps to get this job? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'm just curious." Lucy said and didn't get an answer as expected. "I understand. It's tough. You do whatever's necessary to live. I've been there myself. Got a few scars, here and here and here, one bullet here and this one" Lucy pointed to the one in the side of the abdomen area. "This one almost killed me." She might not have anything to say but it got her attention. "If you ever wanted to switch jobs, let me know. I know people." Lucy paused for a moment since the flight attendant just walked by. "It must be tough working with these guys. Look, you see that. He just looked at her ass again. Perv" She might not have turned around to look but there was a small smile. "If he does anything inappropriate to you, let me know." Hmm, this one is not falling for it either. Oh well. Let's try someone else.
"Hey, you forgot this."
Hm? Oh. This one is smart. Integrity or fear of what will happen if her boss finds out? "I don't blame you for this. You do what you have to do. But if you know or see if any of these guys do anything inappropriate, beyond their job description, to my friends, to you and your gal coworkers, let me know. That's all." Lucy takes the money back before walking back to the front with the plate and the coffee cup while hoping it would work. It has to be one of the guys. It has to be. Maybe it's not enough. A $100 these days can't buy much. It certainly can't buy the diamond ring on Aria's finger. What is she glaring at? So what if I was flirting? She should know she can't do anything to me now. Maybe this is why she's upset? "I would take that off if I were you." Lucy said after taking a seat across from Aria. "How much is that? five grand?" Can't tell from here. It looks big though. "You can't trust these guys." Oh, now she's smiling. Whyy? "I'm surprised they trust you." Uh oh. That smile is gone, as expected. "It's you. Isn't it?" Confused or just pretending? "You know, I thought it was one of them but then, I see you, no one here is more capable than you."
"What...are you talking about?"
Still pretending? Fine. "I never thought Brooke could be Russian but you, you…are." Lucy said, pointing to Aria. Why did she just laughed? Still pretending. "You went out. You shut off the phone so nobody could track you. You came back and then the Russians somehow know where we were. Isn't that just too much of a coincidence?"
"If I am, you wouldn't be here now."
There's calmness in her tone. That doesn't sound like a lie. It did seem possible a moment ago but now, not so much. She did go out to get rubbing alcohol and other necessities. She didn't deny going out with the intention to look for Amy either. She did say she just wanted to see what Amy is like but is that the truth? If that's not true, why would she be here? If she is Russian, why would she be here? "Prove it."
"What?"
That does sound ridiculous but it could prove something else. "Do you have the infinity sign here?" Lucy pointed to her own chest and got the expected answer. Of course she would say no. "How about Brooke's birthmark? You have that?" Brooke's birthmark might not be a birthmark. It could be a burnt mark like Niki said. That's what some organizations do. That's what cults do.
"Why don't you just say that?"
Huh? Lucy is confused until she heard the offer, an offer she could refuse but there's no need to. What is wrong with her? Clearly, she thinks differently from everyone else because why else would she think I would want to see her naked. She clearly has no shame either since she doesn't mind. She seems anxious. Bathroom is big enough but yea, let's not. It stinks. Oh, the room is available. Niki and Holly just came out. "It's fine. Go eat." Lucy said to Niki since she's still standing outside, looking confused unlike Holly who already left without being told.
"Don't tell his wife." Aria said before walking away from the door.
That's not necessary. She's right though. "Don't tell my wife. Okay?" Lucy locked the door. Window shades are open but it doesn't matter. No one can see and it's dark and raining out. Lights are on and now dimmed? How am I going to see? Oh. She thinks there are cameras here. Are there? Standing in the corner would prevent them from seeing if there are. Good idea. My gosh. No wonder she was in an open relationship. She really doesn't mind. There goes the top and the undershirt. No need to take the bra off. She didn't.
"You haven't changed. You always loved them."
Guess she wasn't lying. There is no infinity sign on there but that doesn't mean there weren't. She could've had it taken off. It could've been under the ancient key tattoo that is there now.
"Your turn"
Fine. Unbuttoning the shirt didn't take long but oops…"I forgot." Lucy said, noticing Aria's dissatisfaction. "It took forever to put this on." It did took awhile to wrap the chest. "I'll show you tonight. Okay?" Fair is fair even if this does seem silly. "I'll let you see this. Okay?" Lucy proceeded to unbuckle and unzip the pants since it's the only way to convince Aria to continue with the deal. "oops" Forgot about this too. No problem. Just pull it down. "okay?" Lucy said, wondering why Aria is taking so long down there. Is she expecting something other than just flesh? No scar. No tattoos and definitely no need to show her the rest. "What?" That's one odd look, looking like she's never seen a fake penis before. She has so what's that look for? Surprised that it looks and feels so real maybe?
"Is that a bullet wound?"
Oh. She was looking at the scar on the abdomen where the bullet went right thru. "Yes" Lucy pulled her pants back up, then stepped back into the corner where Aria was previously standing. What is she waiting for? Still thinking about my scar?
"What're you waiting for? It's not like you haven't done this before."
Oh, she wants me to take it off. That's not the deal. The deal was don't tell anyone about this not do as she says although that's not an unreasonable request but still. "Just take it off" What? Now what is that lopsided smile for?
"So you do remember. That's exactly what you said to me. Just take it off. You know how much clothing you ruined because you couldn't take it off, you got frustrated so you just ripped them, you couldn't wait, whenever you felt like it…"
The offer sounded like a good deal but now, not so much. It does sound like she's telling the truth though because she sounds like Brooke and because this moment does feel very familiar, just not sure who the other person is, when it happened and where. Why is she taking off her shoes and jeans? There's no need to do that.
"You want to see or not?"
It's not a thong. It's covering a lot more than a bikini. No wonder she was looking so closely before. It's difficult to see since there aren't enough lighting and she's blocking them. Lucy pushed her to take one step back after bending down. Is that another tattoo? It's hard to tell. Just need to lower…
"mmm, that's it, good, mmm, just like that, good girl…"
What…is she doing? Why is she touching my head? Why is she moaning like … oh. Lucy quickly straightened her posture and took a step back against the wall after realizing what just happened but regretted doing that so quickly because now the head is spinning a little.
"Remember that? You always loved it down there, in that position."
Okaay. Now I know what's wrong. Why didn't I think of this before? "Are you on drugs? Were you? Are you still on it? Drugs can mess this up you know." Lucy said as she pointed to her own temple. "I really think you're confusing me with someone else cuz I would never never nnever do that."
"So you do remember."
So she uses drugs?
"You didn't."
Huh? What kind of drugs is she on?
"but you loved me, down on my knees. And now, I know why. You…acted like a man, you think like a man because you wanted to be a man."
Did she hit her head too? "When was your last checkup? I know a really good doctor. He can do some tests, see if anything's there that's not supposed to be." Lucy said as she moved out of the corner since there's no reason to stay anymore. "I'll get Holly. You can show it to her. Okay?"
Lucy immediately regretted turning her back on Aria to unlock the door after getting her mouth covered. "mmm" It didn't hurt as much as the last few times but with the muscles immobilized temporarily, the body couldn't move fast enough thus allowing Aria to take control. Where did she get that?
"You said you'd listen."
That was part of the deal but "you could've just said wait" Lucy said while lying still on the floor since it's hard to move with 125 pounds of weight on her chest, her throat grabbed onto and a taser that's very closed to her left eye.
"You want to know why you can't remember me."
Is she waiting for an answer?
"It's because you don't want to remember what you did. I don't either but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. You made me kneel in that position because you loved to be in control. When I didn't want to, you got angry and left. You know I needed you. You know I would never leave you. Do you know how I felt every time you came back just for sex?"
"I" Lucy immediately stopped speaking after the spark and crackling sound from the taser came on.
"I would never, right? Is that what you're going to say?"
Yes. Lucy said in her own mind this time while knowing what Aria would've done if she had said it out loud.
"You don't think you would because you don't remember how you felt after she left you. You loved her but you also hated her for leaving you. You had a party just to show everyone how happy you were without her. You drank so much, you didn't even remember how I got into your bed. You knew we were close so you took it out on me. You...treated me like a whore…because of her."
Oh sheeet. No wonder she hates me. No wonder they didn't keep in touch. But this doesn't make any sense. I would never. "I" I should just admitted before she tazes me again. "Sorry." Apologizing didn't work before. It probably won't now but maybe this will. "I can't change the past but I can give you a better life. Let me make it up to you. Okay?"
"You want me to forgive you?"
Oh, it's working. 10 million? It would be better to let her make an offer. "yes" Lucy said since nodding her head is not a good idea. The taser is way too close.
"I want to forgive you."
Oh good.
"I want you to remember me."
Ohh. Is that all?
"Do you want to?"
She must really think I don't want to. That sounds logical. No one wants to remember the bad things but there's no way it could be me. "Of course I want to but I have no control of it but I have an idea. You can start by telling me how we met...but before you do that, can you let me up first?" Talking about it might help her too. Dr. Harrington could help her.
"Take your pants off."
Say whaat? The sweet tone is still there but that's not a request. It's a demand, not a logical one either. "Okay" Saying anything else would probably piss her off. Besides, the chances of pushing her off without getting my face fried is slim. Besides, it's just the pants.
"kneel"
Ohh shittt.
"You did this to me many, many times."
It can't be me. How could it be me? But how does she know all of this if it's not me?
"If you want me to forgive you, then kneel."
All right. Don't cry. Jeees. Poor girl must have been tortured and traumatized to the point where she can't remember who did what to her. Whoever did this, I'm going to kill him.
"good"
Good is good. It's only the hair. Touch it just don't pull it.
"Hold me"
Ohh. She doesn't hate me that much after all. Poor girl just wants to be remembered. Poor girl just wants to be loved.
"mmm"
There's a satisfying moan. With her actress looks and body, she shouldn't have trouble finding someone to love, someone to love her back. She must have had bad luck finding the right guy. Getting involved with her ex is bad enough. Who else was she with? Whoever he is must have been worse. Might not be just one guy.
"Now, take it off."
hm? "what?" Lucy asked while looking up with knees on the floor and hands still wrapping around Aria's hips.
"Don't you want to see?"
Ohh. Yes. It is just right there, 6 inches away. Can't see thru the black material but there is something behind it. Part of it can be seen but what is it? Just a tattoo or something else? If she has it, then that could mean she and Katya both belonged to some organization. She's not going to show it to Holly. No one else can know about this. That's part of the deal. Okay. Let me just…"mmm"
"ssshh. Don't scream. Don't move."
The muscle in the neck is weak, even more so when it comes into contact with electrical current so it easily succumbed to the surrounding pressure, easily allowing Aria to once again take control. That was so sudden. That fucking hurts! The neck is sensitive. The eyes are even more fragile.
"If you don't want to look, then don't look. If you want my forgiveness, then do what I did to you and pretend you like it. I think it's only fair to have you feel how I felt when I didn't want to. Don't you?"
Oh…my…god. This is her plan the whole time?
"Now, pull it down. Then...fuck me. Does that sound familiar? You always love that."
She…is…nuts!
"I'm going to count to 5"
"my throat" She should know I'm not pretending since she's practically sitting on my neck with her crotch over it. Ahh, that feels better. One punch into her stomach would work but it would be difficult to move fast enough to avoid her taser.
"you know what, I changed my mind."
Oh thank god.
"Open your mouth."
Whaaat? She's not serious. If she's not, then why is she positioning her crotch area a feet above my mouth?
"Close your eyes and...AH!"
What the…"uughh"
It was too late to avoid it. There was no way to avoid it. All the body could do was close the eyes. But even if they weren't closed, nothing can be seen since all the lights went out. Shit. The mind was confused before. It still is but not as much. Holding onto Aria's butt might not be appropriate but holding onto anything is a spontaneous response. There was no way to prevent her private part from landing on my face. What's happening?
"aaAHH!"
"ughhH" The heart hurts from the sudden movement again. This time it went to a different direction, not dropping from midair but rather tilting downwards. Now the head hurts less since nothing is sitting on it but every other part of the body is not feeling as good as a moment ago with the extra 125 pound weight. Did the plane just nosedive? That's what it felt like.
"AHH!"
What happened? That's one high note even with the surrounding engine noise. This doesn't look good. This doesn't feel normal. Turbulence happens but a plane doesn't fly sideways, not like this unless it's skywriting or trying to avoid something. What the hell is the pilot doing? "Do you have the taser?" It's normal to be frightened but this isn't the time to be acting normal. "Do you have the taser!" Why do I even bother? Of course she doesn't. She's holding on tight, really tight. Damn it. Without lights, it adds to the difficulty. "We have to get up." It's a risk but it's a risk worth taking since it's not leveling so something must have happened to the pilot. "We have to get to a seat." This room have a table between 2 couches that have not been converted to a bed so they still can be used. They shouldn't be difficult to find even if it's completely dark. It's not a big room. They should be on the other side. Jesus. Why is she holding on tighter? "you hurt?" That would be the only reason she's not moving. Any movement to a broken bone is painful. Why was she screaming earlier? Did something hit her? Oh sheeet!
"ugh!"
Ow. Whatever it is just hit my bum and leg. Rolling on top of her was unintentional. If she's not hurt before, she might be now. The plane just tipped the other way. Is the pilot drunk? "you okay?" She must be since her legs and arms are holding onto my body and neck but that doesn't mean her mind is. It's normal to be in shock but there's no time for that. "We're going to die if you don't let go." No one in this situation would be acting this way, certainly not someone who has gone thru what she did. No one except, ohh...shit, no one except those who don't want to continuing living. She wants to die? Well I don't.
Lucy tried to get up but immediately regretted doing so.
Oww. It doesn't hurt as much as the last time. The heart skipped a beat again. That was another drop. How low is it flying? Oh no. More turbulence, not good. That means it could drop anytime. It's shaking again, more violently this time. Mechanical failure? Hope not. No lightning. No boom. No explosion. It could also mean…hm? Why is she making that noise? Is she okay? She's not having a seizure. Is she? What's broken? If it's from pain, why wouldn't she be screaming? Why is she breathing like that? shock? Why?…ohh. Can't see but don't need to see to know why. She found another reason to hold on. "Let go. I don't want to hurt you."
"Ow" Walking while the plane is flying abnormally is a bad idea but there is no other option. Certainly staying seated won't fix the problem since the flight attendant is not trained to take care of a situation like this and these guys, they're completely useless! They don't look so tough now. What is he doing? Is this the time to care about pants getting wet? "Go help her!" Selfish, insensitive jerk. The only one who would be able to help is in that room. Why didn't he say so earlier? Hope she's not hurt. She must be since she's still...in...there. What the...fuck.
With all the noises, the nonstop movement, and total darkness, it's hard to notice the change in the surroundings until another loud sound is heard. It's a voice and a very stupid question.
Ohh…fuck. The door is not locked? Apparently not since Adalyn is standing there holding onto the doorway, looking totally shocked and there's Niki doing the same. "Get out!" Lucy said without moving any parts of her body except turning her head around towards the door.
"No one's flying the plane!"
"I'll be right out!" Niki seems reluctant to do as told but Adalyn got the idea. Can't just go without putting the pants on even if this is an emergency but the plane is not as tilted as before and it's not completely dark so someone must be flying the plane. Besides, can't just leave without giving Aria a warning. It didn't take long to do so but apparently Niki couldn't wait any longer since she was about to open the door again. There they are, both still looking shocked but less shocked than before. It's none of their business so there's no need to explain. "Look after her. Don't let her go anywhere. Got it?" Niki looks like she has a lot of questions but must know that this isn't the time to ask since she has nothing to say.
Jesus. What a mess. There's Holly, buckled in. Looks like she hurt her head. Better hurry before it drops again. Ow. The leg hurts. Oh Jesus. Captain or copilot? Whoever is being carried out from the cockpit is not a good sign. "Is he dead?"
"not yet"
Oh. That's not good news. "Let Holly take a look" Lucy said to Adalyn, then realized the mistake she made. Dr. Harrington would've been a better suggestion but that's not important now because Niki wasn't lying. There is no pilot! "Where's the other guy?" Ace is sitting in the captain's seat but there's no one sitting in the other. Right. Questions later. Ace is anxious to pass the responsibility, already getting off the captain's seat without being asked to. "Sit there." Does he think I can do this by myself? Shit. He already contacted them. Guess he had to. They must have known something went wrong too. "Don't say anything. Got it?" There's no need for Adalyn to be here but she needs to be told to look after Aria in case Niki screws up. "Hello?" Lucy spoke into the headset mic and gave them a name. Nobody needs to know, not even the flight attendant who's not here and probably won't be able to help anyway. "just a helicopter" Ace looks confused. Why? Just because I've taken lessons doesn't mean I've done this before. "go ahead…yes…check, check, 36…" Lucy continued with the instructions provided while noticing that Ace is feeling more relaxed than before. He should now know flying a helicopter is similar to flying a plane. If he's doing it, it'll probably take him awhile to find the right knobs and switches. "okay" Lucy breathes out a sigh of relief after taking off the headset.
"Where you goin?"
There's one hour left to go. There's no need to be talking to them. "Relax. It's fine. I'll be back. Don't touch anything."
"but"
"It's fine. You did good." Not sure what he did but he deserves a compliment for taking control. Have to go. Nature calls. The mind doesn't function well when the bladder needs to be emptied. Now it can.
Lucy breathed out loudly while looking at herself in the mirror with the water running. Who the hell are you? Ask Preston might be the only way to find out more. Maybe James knows. Someone must remember seeing her. Party? When? Where? And why would I? She's crazy. So crazy, she wants to kill herself including all of us. Okay. Get yourself together. Don't think about it now. Time to find out what happened to the pilots and need to get… "Jesus"
Startled by Niki's presence outside after opening the door, Lucy immediately takes a step back since Niki is at it again, pushing her way in like that time on the plane when she found out Brooke had never been to Reyjavik. What is it this time?
"What did you do?"
Wow, that's really helpful. "I saved your life. I saved all of us from crashing into the ocean." She needs to know that even though that's probably not what she's referring to unless she thinks I caused this.
"She said…Aria said…you…raped her."
"Whaat?" Lucy said in a dull tone since there's no need to say it loudly. Saying it loudly will let her know how ridiculous that is but there's no need to since there was a bit of hesitation when she said it so most likely, she doesn't believe Aria.
"She said if she didn't let you, you'll tell them she's working for the Russians."
Unbelievable. "You believe her?"
"Look, I get it. She's attractive. You've been away from your wife for a very long time. But really? Why didn't you just ask the flight attendant?"
Unnn…believable. She really thinks I'm that type. "You see this." Lucy said, pulling down her own collar. "She tazed me because I won't get down on her. Fucking still hurts. ssss" Not just that, the head hurts too. Why is she looking like she doesn't believe me?
"She said you were going to tell her where the key is but only if she strips for you. Then you forced yourself on her so she tazed you."
Others might believe it but she shouldn't. "Did you forget what she tried to do to me?" She wasn't there but she should know Aria was all over me on the first day in that house.
"So you were humping her to resuscitate her?"
How much did she see? "It's not what it looks like."
"Then tell me, why did you say don't tell your wife? Why does she only have her undershirt on? Did she threaten to kill your wife if you don't? Did you get your memory back before or after you hit your head?"
What?" Lucy asked, confused with the last question. All the others, she has an explanation for but not the last one.
"I don't know which part is true but I know this plane will be surrounded by police after we land if she tells the flight attendant. No one is going to believe you so you better do something."
Okay. Okay. There's no need to push.
"Where you going?" Niki said, holding onto Lucy's forearm since she's going to wrong direction.
"I'm thirsty." Need water and the flight attendant. Why is she still here? "I'll have answers to all your questions once I find out what happened to the pilots. Now go. Don't let her out of there." Just in case Aria isn't bluffing. She's nuts. It's hard to figure out what her motive is. Niki doesn't look pleased but she knows that's all she can do since she's not in charge here. Jesus. Looks like these tough guys aren't so tough after all. Everyone is seated with the seatbelt on. Can't blame them. Ohh, the perv got hurt. He deserves it. Holly doesn't. "you okay?" She was holding her head earlier. Now she looks exhausted. Looks like nothing has changed. Maybe she is tired. Adalyn has though. A hug isn't necessary but okay.
"Shouldn't you be in there?"
"It's fine." Can't blame her for worrying but "What happened? How could 2 pilots be out?"
"I'll explain later."
Why later? What's the urgency? She seems to be since she's pulling and taking the lead to the back. "Where's Doc?" No doc in sight.
"Resting. She got hurt."
"oh"
"She'll be fine."
"ohh" oops. Should not have said that in that tone. They're still in charge.
"next time, just ask the flight attendant. Okay?"
Excuse me? No need to say that but she should understand how I feel by the way I'm looking at her right now. Looks like she has a good reason to talk in a whisper and away from her crew since nobody else needs to know what Vivien, the flight attendant, is also hired to do other than her job. Unnnbelievable. "It's not what it looks like."
"Okay but we really need you to apologize."
Must be the male disguise. "She was going to urinate in my mouth." It didn't appear that way until a moment ago when Niki didn't believe me. This would make more sense. This might have been what Aria wanted to do because why else would she wanted me to close my eyes? This would be more believable. This, Niki would have believed. But not Adalyn, apparently, since she just responded with the same. "If you don't believe me, then look at the video." Why does she look confused? "Room is not bugged?" Well, that's just stupid. "Wait" She's being more pushy than Niki.
"Just say you're sorry until she forgives you. Okay? It's just a word. It's the outcome that matters."
"What?" No response is given. No further explanation is needed. No need to push either and a heads up would be nice. The slaps and hits came so fast after entering the room, there was no way to avoid them. At least Niki is able to pull her away but not fast enough. "sss" Now the shoulders hurt too. The burned mark on the neck hurts even more. Shit. It's bleeding from her scratches. What the hell? This is unexpected but of course she would make herself look like this. No one would believe her without tears.
"You believe him!"
Locking the door is a good idea. Now it's obvious. Looks like Adalyn doesn't want anyone else including Dr. Harrington to know because why else would she not be here? Why else would she tell Aria to keep her voice down? Maybe she doesn't believe her. Adalyn might not but Niki seems to be since she's taking Aria's side. What Niki believes doesn't matter. What matters is what Adalyn thinks. Apparently, she has no clue how to deal with the situation other than offer money to keep her mouth shut. That is demeaning no matter how much money is offered and 20K is definitely demeaning. If she's not in charge, she would probably get something thrown at her right now. Aria looks really pissed, even more than before. Anyone would be if it did happen.
"You want proof? I have proof."
Wait. What? How? Oh. Her purse. Must have a camera. Why though? She should know it won't…whoah. Lucy immediately raised her hands up since the gun is pointed at her. It's not a stun gun. "You let her bring a gun onboard?" Looks like Adalyn is unaware. Niki too seems surprised.
"Aria, no one is flying the plane. You don't want"
"You think I care!" Aria said to Adalyn.
Oh shit. That may be a small gun but one shot to the window could cause alot of damage. She wouldn't. Would she? She might after she finishes explaining what happened.
"I'm not a spy! He's lying! He threatened me. He said..." Aria continued.
Why is Niki looking at me like I'm guilty. I did say don't tell my wife but I did not say she reminds me of my wife and I did not...Oh my goddd. I know why. Does Adalyn know why? She looks worried. Does she know why Aria's using a male pronoun in every sentence at this moment? Does she know Aria once wanted to be an actress? If she does, she might know what's wrong with her. She has MPD. A profession in acting requires that. The desire to become an actress and failing to do so must have caused it. Whatever her exes did to her must have contributed to it. She is nuts. That's not what happened. I did threatened her but I did not take her underwear off and I did not force her to say f
"He raped me!"
I definitely did not do that. Is that what her ex did?
"Aria, just tell me what you want. Tell me what I can"
"I want my virginity back!"
She must have forgotten to take her meds. Well, don't look at me. She's nuts. Looks like they believe her. Just how much do they know?
"Tell them. Tell them you raped me!"
Eye signal is given. Niki is doing the same. Seriously? Fine. "I did." Satisfied? Apparently not, since she has more demands not just an apology.
"I said kneel!"
"Okayokay" It's not worth taking a risk. She might not kill me but that doesn't mean she won't shoot me.
"Tie him up."
Adalyn is not moving but did ask a good question. With what? There's nothing here that can be used, nothing except pillow cases.
"Now wait a sec" Adalyn is not moving but Niki is doing as told. What happened to just apologize? Obviously, Adalyn wasn't expecting this and has no idea what to do other than to leave as told but not without leaving with one last stupid warning. How is that going to help mee! Does she really think Aria is suicidal? That seems possible a moment ago until she made her demands.
Door is locked. Lights are dimmed? So she was bluffing. No insane person would care about the lights. "OW!" One kick to the butt hurts even with her bare feet.
"how's this feel?"
"OW! OW!" There's definitely going to be some bruises there tomorrow. "OW! We're all going to die if you don't let me go. Planes cannot land by itself!...OWww!" Okay. Maybe I should just shut up before she kicks my ribs.
"Tell me where the key is or I'll put another scar here." Aria said, pointing the gun against Lucy's left side of the abdomen from behind.
Not again.
"I know you're pretending."
What? and why is she whispering and why does she think that? "I already told them where it could be. Didn't they tell you where we're going?" Maybe they didn't? Maybe Adalyn doesn't trust her. Maybe…Ohh...it's a setup. She must know she's losing Adalyn's trust so she did this to prove she's not the spy. This makes sense. But why is she accusing me? Revenge. That's why.
"I know you remembered me so stop lying."
"I know you want me to but I really, really don't. Hitting me is not going to help. It's just going to make it worse. I have a headache and I'm bleeding." She might not have noticed earlier and now with the dim lighting, she's not going to able to see the scratches since that side of the neck is pressed against the floor.
"I'm going to count to 5, if"
"I know you will and I know you can but I can't tell you what I can't remember. If you want me to remember, then" Lucy paused for a moment since talking while lying faced down with the feet tied and hands tied in the back is difficult. It's hard to breathe too especially with the chest wrapped and not enough air in this room. Is the ac on here? Why does it feel so warm?
"Then what?"
Stopping for a moment is also to see what she would do. She asked. This shows she's interested. There's no need to talk fast then. "then tell me where we met, what we talked about, what were you wearing?...Tell me the good times we had. Don't tell me things I don't want to remember. You said it yourself. Maybe that's why I can't remember." She's listening. She's not that crazy after all. "That's what Brooke did. That's how I remembered her, not right away, not everything but I did." Sounds logical? It should. "So tell me, how did you get my attention? or did I approach you? Where were we? My club or some place else? Was your hair long or short or like this? Blonde looks good on you." Need to stop talking now since it's getting hard to breathe. Lucy inhaled deeply and exhaled again and again before trying to tilt her body to lie on her back and was surprised to be allowed to until her private area got stomped on again and again. "arggh" The silicone helped but it still hurts. "uhhh" Lucy moaned again as she pulled her bound feet up into a fetal position, then tilted to the side.
"I know you're stalling."
"I'm not feeling so good...oww"
Getting another kick in the leg is expected but she was hoping she won't.
"I'm not pretending. See my face. It's burning up." This is getting ridiculous. It's time to yell for help. "Adaah, uuhhh, Adaa, A" Gotja. Faking a stomach ache and having the eyes closed is the best way to get the other person to fall for it. Did she think a pillow case can hold my wrists together? The plan was just to get her close enough to grab hold of her, then somehow get on top of her. It seemed like a good idea a moment ago until
Bang!
It didn't hit the window so whatever it hit should be fine. It's time to put Aria in her place but first..."I'm fine! I'll be right out!" Lucy said to whoever is banging on the door. "I'm going to say this one last time. I don't remember. I don't know who you are. And if I find out you've been lying to me, you should know what's going to happen. You know who I am but don't think I'm that same person. You don't want to know what happened to the last person who threatened me. I don't want to hurt you but don't think I won't. Am I clear?"
Like Anthony said, it might not be appropriate. It might not be who you are but sometimes it's the only way to get the point across. Anthony also said it doesn't work with women with mental issues and don't get too close when warning them. He didn't say watch out for the spit.
"I'm coming!" Ace must getting very nervous now. Video games aren't the same as flying the real thing.
Lucy takes the gun from the floor after getting the pillow case off her legs. There's no need to worry about Aria going for the gun since she has shown herself to be bluffing after asking for the key.
"So were you thinking of her when you're fucking me or were you thinking of your wife?"
Oh god. She's not giving up.
"Or was it that woman in Iceland?"
What! Just how the hell does she know…stupid Niki. Who else.
"So what did you do? Did you RAPE her too!"
She obviously did that on purpose for Adalyn and Niki to hear since she waited for the door to open before saying that...loudly.
"Hold this, give me one more minute" Lucy said, giving the gun to Adalyn before closing the door without listening to whatever she and Niki had to say because this is more important than getting back to the cockpit. Besides, it's just vibration.
Lucy pulled the belt out after unbuckling it, then turned down the lights. Like Anthony said, some just won't get it. If warnings didn't work, if threats didn't work, if pretense didn't work, then the only way is to show them what they think you won't do, show them you're crazier than they are, show them your darkest moment, and do what you did in that moment when you lost control of yourself.
"AHH!" Aria screamed but no help came.