Page 72 of Checkmate

Boston talks to Marlow through an earpiece; one that we all have and can hear everything they say. Jimmie has already started hacking into the Olympia system while Marlow shuts down the gates and electric fences. Once he gives the okay, people start propelling from the choppers and Mr. Z’s men storm the outside of the building.

We head towards an underground tunnel, one that leads into the basement. Marlow and Case catch up and join us.

Case leads the way, moving us through the pitch black with Kai hot on his heels. There is one more door that we have to get through, and we need to pray that Kai can see what’s on the other side.

Once we get there, Kai moves to the front and he gives us the all clear. Case pulls out a few small tools and crouches down and starts to pick the lock. There has never been a lock he can’t open but his hands tremble as he works, making it harder than usual. Once the door cracks open, we all know what we have to do, even if we don’t make it. I stop Boston and pull him into my arms. I know it’s stupid but he has to know that I do care.

“Whatever it takes,” he says.

“Whatever it takes,” I repeat and we break apart.

I looked over the blueprints last night, and I now know my way around with my eyes closed.I’m coming for you, Angel. Just hold on for me a little longer.

22

Jolie

The noises around me start to come into focus–a low beeping sound and muttered voices. Cracking my eyes open, I blink rapidly at the bright light buzzing above my head. I try to lift my hand but it won’t move. I twist my head around and take in my surroundings. Machines are hooked up to my body, there’s a distinct smell of disinfectant in the air and instead of my beautiful dress, I’m wearing a cotton gown. All tell tale signs that I'm in a hospital. Why? How? The last thing I remember is feeling dizzy and falling. Where are my guys? They wouldn’t have left me.

There’s a low ticking sound that can barely be heard over the machines that catches my attention. Angling around a little more I find a nurse with her back to me, typing away at a computer. I clear my throat obnoxiously to get her attention. She startles with a squeak and turns around to face me.

“Oh good, you’re awake. How are you feeling?” she asks, leaving the computer and coming to the bed, giving me a onceover. I don’t give a fuck how I’m feeling.

“Where is my team? I want to see them.” I snap, pulling on my restraints.

“Your team isn’t here. I will get someone to come and talk to you; I’m just filling in for those on lunch.”

“Can you at least unstrap me?”

“I’m sorry I can’t do that.” She shakes her head. “I'll be right back.”

Before I can even open my mouth to stop her, she scurries out of the room.

Using all of the strength I can muster, I try to pull on the straps again, but it’s no use. I have no way to get myself out of this bed unless someone unstraps me. The nurse comes back within minutes and informs me that she needs to check me over and someone will be down shortly to talk to me.

Think, Jolie.The guys are not here; there's no way they would have let you out of their sight. I went to my party; I was dancing and having fun with my friends.Betty.She was pissed at me when I saw her in the bathroom. I went back to dancing and I felt dizzy, then there was a black out or did I just pass out? No, if I passed out the guys would have taken me home. Creed and Chester wouldn’t have left my room until I was awake. There would be fighting over who would take care of me. This isn’t right.

The double doors slide open, and I turn my head and see Mr. Z walk in. I should have known the bastard was involved.

“Good afternoon, Zircon,” he says. The smile on his face is a vast difference from the one I’m used to seeing.

“Fuck you, let me go!” I scream, thrashing around in my bed.

“No need for the crass.” He tsks.

“Why are you doing this?” I cry.

“That’s the easy part. You lied to me, you all did. I’m not stupid. I’m always one step ahead, but imagine my surprise when I found out Team Hades is alive and well. You couldn’t expect that to go unpunished.”

“They’ll kill you,” I spit.

“That I have no doubt about. Maybe once they hear me out they might spare me, but some things must be done for the greater good.”

“What are you talking about?”

“All in good time my dear, right now you need to rest.”

“No need, they will track me here and I'll be going home soon.”

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