Two weeks later...

Part VIII: Someone from out of town

“Why this place?” She had wondered about it all along.

“There’s the right environment for every occasion,” he explained, letting his eyes wander over their surroundings for a moment. “I guess it won’t surprise you that I had my sources checking you out.”

Nina simply followed his gaze, not reacting to his words. He seemed to like the sound of his own voice a little too much for her taste.

“Quite impressive but then again, you got caught,” Amador continued. “Seems you took the fall for someone else’s screw-up.”

“I’m doing my best not to let that happen again.”

It was meant as a warning and the point wasn’t lost on him.

“I used to do business with Max,” he countered. “One day you’ll have to tell me more about your part in that specific matter.”

She hesitated, wondering if this was going to be a problem. A part of her was annoyed because this thing just kept coming back and she had a feeling it would all blow up into her face one day. But she had been aware of the risks when she had seen her chance that day and bought her ticket out. And some people being suspicious about it wasn’t the worst scenario she had been able to think of.

“I did what I had to do,” she shrugged, not feeling in the mood to get into the subject any more.

“I suppose we all do,” he answered to her surprise. Maybe she had underestimated him. Maybe he knew exactly what it took to survive in their world. She would find out soon enough as it seemed.

“I’ll have to confer with my client before I can say anything definite,” he got back to business, “but I think we’ll be able to find an agreement and settle this the next time we meet.”

“Good.”

Again he stopped to look around and she came to halt as well, standing in front of him as he turned around to face her.

“You can say whatever you want about our line of work but it takes us to a lot of interesting places.”

She frowned slightly and let her gaze travel around as well. Interesting? They were somewhere in a small town near the Mexican border and except for the fact that the place had become the scenery for their talks - the meeting place for two outlaws, as he was hardly the law-abiding citizen either – she couldn’t see anything that would make the place special or remotely interesting. An old couple passed them, walking their dog, a kid in a red jacket riding his bike at the other side of the road, a woman carrying her grocery bags home, fumbling with her keys as she approached the front door. Everything seemed so normal, so real, it was almost absurd. A man sitting at a table in the diner, right by the window, reading his paper, a waitress walking up to him, two men getting in a car outside.

Nina held her breath, seeing one of them hesitate to stare back at her.

“Are you sure the place is clear?” she asked, reflecting on her options.

“Of course it is,” Amador confirmed, almost sounding insulted. “Why?”

She felt his eyes on her and let her own move on, meeting his at last.

“Is there anything bothering you?”

“No,” she stated calmly, having made her decision.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her in a somewhat patronizing tone. “I’m aware of your situation.”

She had a long close look at him and didn’t like what she saw. The hint of a smile on his face. And she couldn’t but feel exposed. Jack. He knows about Jack. He seemed to have made his homework and know more than she would like for him to know. Too much to feel comfortable with.

“It’s not a problem for me,” he continued, “but have you considered taking care of it yourself?”

“You said something about another deal?” she changed the subject, letting her eyes wander over to the diner and the car in front of it once more before she started walking again. He followed along.

“Yes. There is something I’ve been looking into, to see if it’s worthwhile. If it is, I might need another player.”

“A partner?” she asked interested, seeing the opportunity of another door opening up. She wasn’t sure yet what to make of Amador but if he could introduce her to someone or even bring her into another deal - fine by her. You couldn’t have too many contacts.

“I usually have a partner. But I think you might be more qualified for this one.”

“Let’s hear about it,” she encouraged him.

¤¤¤

Nick silently closed the door behind him and stood still for a moment, harkening into what he hoped was an empty room. Otherwise he would be in serious trouble. But he didn’t hear anything and in such a way encouraged he moved on, quickly having a look at the rest of the place. There was hardly anything indicating that someone was staying here, except for the bag next to the bed and a briefcase on the small desk by the window.

Glancing at his wristwatch, he sighed. He probably wouldn’t have to wait long. She had seen him too.

He sat down in the only chair there was, straight across from the door and by the window. Phil had wondered why he suddenly had been in such a hurry to leave, and his explanation had been everything but convincing. But he could worry about that later.

Was he making a mistake? In that case it might be his last one. She had let him go last time because it hadn’t meant a risk. But things were slightly different this time. He sat in the semidarkness of the room, contemplating the consequences of his presence while a part of him was questioning his sanity, wondering if this was just another way of putting himself to the test, to see if he wasn’t suicidal after all. Did he for some unhealthy reason need this?

No, I don’t, he objected in his mind. I’m just paying off a debt.

Finally, he heard the key turning in the lock, and placing his hands on the armrests of the chair where they were clearly visible, he took a deep breath.

The door was slowly being opened, her left hand against it the first thing to enter his field of vision. Then he saw the rest of her appearing in the doorframe, her other hand under her coat, probably on a gun. She caught sight of him and he saw a tiny hint of surprise on her face. Not at the fact that it was him, of course, but she probably hadn’t expected him to wait for her here.

He saw her quickly scanning the hotel room, closing the door while doing so.

“We have to stop meeting like this,” she stated mockingly, but he could see that she was still on alert when her eyes quickly met him, identified his empty hands, and focused on the rest of the room again. “People might start talking.”

“They say you always meet twice,” he replied with a chilly sarcasm.

“Twice?” She sneered, taking a few steps into the room. “I count at least three times.” Making sure they really were alone, she threw a quick glance inside the bathroom before she turned her attention back to him. “How did you find me?”

“Wasn’t too hard,” he explained, sensible enough not to move yet. “There aren’t many places someone from out of town could be staying at. So I took a chance.”

“Someone from out of town?”

“I grew up around here, arrived four days ago,” he clarified quickly. “I had no idea you were gonna be here.”

“The man I saw you with?”

“An old friend,” he stuck to the truth. “I dropped him off and he thinks I left. No one knows I’m here and as far as I’m concerned neither does anyone that you are.”

She didn’t seem overly worried but he noticed the way she quickly glanced through the window, peering out as if to check if there was anything unusual going on outside. No wonder, considering that he had just given her to understand that he knew she was breaking her pardon by being here and that he could set her up. And she obviously wasn’t convinced yet that he wasn’t doing exactly that, not convinced yet that he was telling the truth.

“I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” he added and was met with a mocking smile.

“You tried to convince me of the exact opposite last time and you were lying then.”

“Well, I wasn’t very good at it, was I?” he replied, holding her gaze for a moment before looking down. “Let’s say I was very confused and desperate back then.”

“Yeah,” he heard her remark with a mocking intonation but found her expression almost neutral when he looked up again.

She seemed to make a quick evaluation, obviously concluding that she had the situation under control because she suddenly slipped out of her coat and threw it onto the bed. Nick felt himself relax a little.

“You look better,” she sighed.

“I didn’t come to chitchat,” he cut her off.

Another smile. The hint of a smile. He had seen it often enough by now not to be surprised anymore. Still, he couldn’t but observe it. The way her features just moved enough to give the idea of a smile, to communicate how superior she felt, how self-assure she was.

“I see.” She tilted her head, her eyes laughing at him. “Then why are you?”

“To warn you,” he explained. “I felt I owe you that.”

¤¤¤

“Owe me?” Nina echoed, leaning back a little, surprised, amused, watching him curiously. “Why?”

“You know why,” he said, casting his eyes down to avoid hers, obviously uncomfortable now.

She had to repress a laughter. Things just kept getting weirder. First the sticky sultriness of a Tunisian night, filled with uttered threats and bald attempts at intimidation, empty talk and whispered confessions. And now an awkward silence at the memories, wavering over the greatest irony of all: how often had she ended up with nothing but a pat on the back for all her hard work, nothing but a handshake and a brief smile after putting herself on the line, and now that she had reached a point that was so far away from all that, she was suddenly met with some twisted sort of gratitude. How sad is that?

“You have to leave,” Nick finally broke the silence, and waited for a response from her. “I know what you’re up to,” he continued when she didn’t offer one. “You’re heading for L.A., aren’t you? You’re going after him.”

Jack. He’s talking about Jack.

“Why else would you take the risk of coming here?” he confirmed her thoughts. He had no idea about Amador. But how could he know?

“I understand it now. Why you were so afraid back in Tunisia.”

She tilted her head slightly, a smile playing around her mouth. Afraid?

“You thought I was him,” Nick continued. “At first. Or that he had sent me.”

Maybe she had underestimated him. It seemed to have become a habit of hers lately. One that could become fatal if she didn’t get rid off it, and that quickly.

He obviously had some contacts of his own and was well-informed about the stipulations of her pardon as well as the recent history between her and Jack. Both information that wasn’t easy to access.

“You really did your homework,” she sneered. “Are you back at work yet?”

“I’m not doing that anymore,” he objected coldly, and she caught herself peering out through the window again.

That. It sounded rejecting, disgusted almost, and could well be a sign that he was really through with his former work. Not exactly a surprise after everything he had confessed to her in Tunisia. But she remembered all too well how he had kept on talking about ‘them’ during the interrogation. Nothing but a trick, so why should it be any different now? But something about him seemed…genuine.

Maybe she should keep him here until she had checked with her contact if he was at least telling the truth about this one, if he really hadn’t gone back to working for Division or another agency. But she couldn’t really believe he was setting her up. Knowing all too well what she was capable of, he was probably smarter than facing her right after snitching on her. On the other hand, she reasoned, if he did and they are on their way now, they might have asked him to buy some time, to keep you here. And considering the guilt trip he had been on after quitting, he might just figure this was a good way to make amends to his country.

Get out of here! a voice urged inside her head, countering something she couldn’t quite grasp. A vague feeling that he wouldn’t do it. That she could believe him. Trust him.

Trust him? What was wrong with her? Now when was the last time you trusted someone? And where did it get you?

“So you really just happened to see me and thought it would be a good opportunity to get even?”

“Yes.”

She shouldn’t even be having this conversation with him. What were the odds that they had really just run into each other by accident - again? Why was she taking an absolutely unnecessary risk?

“And why is that?” she asked, buying some time of her own until she had made her decision. Wasting time you might not have.

“I told you.”

“Right. Because I didn’t kill you?”

She rolled her eyes, but he suddenly snapped.

“No. Not because you didn’t kill me. See, Nina, that’s the difference between us. As a decent human being, I don’t walk around feeling I have to express my gratitude to everyone who didn’t kill me.”

As a decent human being. Right. You mean unlike me, she thought. And smiled. Smiled it off.

“My bad,” she apologized sarcastically. “Why then - Nick?”

“Because for some reason…” he hesitated, squirming, “…for some reason I’m doing better since that night.”

She shook her head, letting her eyes wander round the room. This entire situation was just getting more and more bizarre.

“Alright. I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I consider myself warned.” Crossing her arms, she looked down at him. “If that would be all?”

“You’re still going,” he stated, almost looking disappointed.

He thinks you’re here for Jack, she reminded herself. Or he’s stalling. She couldn’t stop her inner voice telling her she was acting irrational, against her instincts, that she should know better.

“Why do you care?” she asked amused. “You owe him too?”

“No. But I had this funny thought that maybe you do,” he replied, leaning back a little, suddenly seeming awfully comfortable where he was sitting. It almost felt familiar.

“Well, well, look who’s back,” she smirked, turning around and walking a few steps, making sure he noticed the gun on her back. “So, this warning - is there anything else coming along with it?” Facing him again, she scrutinized his eyes, ready to detect any hint she could get from his reaction. “Let’s say you turning me in if I don’t leave?”

But to her surprise he simply smiled. Sneered, actually. The same sneer she had seen all those years ago at Division.

“I’m not gonna play that game with you,” he stated and elaborated when she raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not gonna give you a reason to let me live. Neither to kill me for that matter. If it’s really that simple for you then figure it out by yourself.”

“I’m afraid it is that simple.”

“If it’s easier for you to let yourself believe that then go ahead. Be my guest.”

“Hm. One could really think you don’t care whether you live or die,” she mocked him. And wondered if she should put the gun to his temple again to prove him the opposite.

“Oh, I do care,” he quickly assured. “But in your world, I don’t really have a say anyway, do I? I mean, I’m sure Teri didn’t wanna die when you killed her.” Of course he had to bring it up again. “And Jack obviously wanted to live. Or at least survive you.”

Suddenly it was his turn to mock her. Why was she even listening? He had come to her, the second time already. To do what? To insult her? Judge her? She really shouldn’t be wasting her time with this.

¤¤¤

“But I know you had your reasons,” Nick went on. “I understand. I’m sure there’s a good and logical explanation to every single time you killed someone. How many by the way? Or have you lost count?”

She had taken her eyes off of him but her smile was still in place.

“You really are better,” she remarked. “I’m glad to see you’re back in shape.”

“And I think you were more impressive when you did your little I’m-not-gonna-say-a-word-performance. Now, your attempts to avoid the issue are just lame.”

She raised her brow, surprised, but he just kept staring back at her, his expression somewhere between cold and bored. I might not be as tough as you or not even as good as you. But I’m not a total amateur.

She held his gaze, slightly frowning, obviously not sure what to do with him. Am I confusing you? he thought, starting to feel more complacent. Am I not playing by the rules?

“What’s your point?” she asked, casting another glance through the window behind him. She was still insecure. Good. He knew it was stupid and childish but somehow he just couldn’t fight the urge to oppose her with something, to try and match her. If he could only get her to loose that cool façade, to stop being so indifferent on the outside, just once. If he could make her say what she really thought instead of keeping it all to herself, staying so damn well in control. He knew it was illogical and the wrong time and place to get into a psychological duel with her, but a part of him simply wanted to break her. And to make things worse - he knew it was his ego.

“Hmm, what’s my point?” he repeated sarcastically. “Hell, I don’t know. I guess I was just thinking of all those people who would have died if that nuclear bomb had gone off. Which you helped setting up by the way as I heard. Congratulations. Sorry, it didn’t work out. But I’m sure there was a good reason for all these people’s death as well, wasn’t there?”

She wanted to say something. He could see it. Just for a second but it was there. She had been tempted to comment, to object maybe, to explain. He was sure. But then she didn’t. And he felt frustration crawling up inside him. So close.

“So, tell me something,” she changed the subject again, resuming to walk and crossing the room again, back to where she had been standing before. “If you really just wanted to warn me, why didn’t you leave a note or gave me a phone call once you knew where I’m staying? Why did you come and see me?”

Not like I haven’t asked myself the same question, he admitted to himself. And hesitated a moment too long for her not to notice.

“Is it possible that there’s another reason for your being here?” she insinuated, approaching her earlier position.

“Like what?” he replied, and saw her stopping, turning around and opening her mouth to respond, when the window behind him suddenly exploded, drowning her words in the sound of shattering glass. Then everything just happened way too fast.

He froze, staring at the doorframe across from him, where two bullets had driven themselves deep into the wood, while he noticed in the corner of his eye how she flew around, trying to back away from the window and at the same time pull her gun. But another shot tore through the room before she managed, and he thought she had been hit when she was suddenly on the ground. Lying on her back, she tried to move, crawl away, her right arm finally reemerging with the gun. And pointing it towards the window her eyes flickered around, hastily trying to find a target.

Shaking off his paralysis, Nick jumped to his feet and immediately found the muzzle of her gun aimed at him. Flinching, instinctively raising his hands, as if that could somehow protect him from a bullet, he closed his eyes in anticipation, right before he heard another shot being fired.

¤¤¤

He did set you up! a mocking voice triumphed in her head whilst she tried to get away from the window and struggled for her gun. Told you so.

She felt a sharp sting when the projectile grazed her shoulder, ripping the fabric of her shirt open and some of the skin underneath but not doing any serious damage. Still the impact was strong enough to send her to the ground, and desperately trying to get out of sight, she finally got her gun out and searched for something to train it on. She found it a good second later when Nick’s sudden movement made her spin around.

She saw him backing away and couldn’t but wonder if she would find comfort in not going down alone. But then another bullet came swishing through the air, and when a new sting ripped through her body she knew she wasn’t lucky this time.

A sharp pain shot through her leg, as if all muscles, tendons and nerves were pulled together with such force that she was sure they had to rupture. She heard herself cry out, and maybe it was simply the pain that made her roll over onto her side, but once she had, her instincts kicked back in, urging her to move on and ignore the pain until there was time for it.

She reached the sidewall and propped her head up against the baseboard, hoping she wasn’t in the line of fire anymore. Holding the gun in both hands now, she peered hard at the two-storied houses across the street, quickly searching the upper windows to locate the position of the sniper. It’s taking too long, it’s taking too long, her mind reeled off the same urging mantra as she let her gaze flicker over the façades. But she couldn’t discern anything suspicious, and when a few seconds had passed without another shot being fired, she knew she was out of sight. Safe for the moment.

She spun around, once again pointing the gun at Nick who had backed away even more, his hands in the air gesturing surrender, the genuine shock in his face arguing that he hadn’t seen this coming any more than she had. And his eyes seeking hers, imploring her, protesting his innocence, she reconsidered and moved on to aim at the door, knowing though she hardly stood a chance if a SWAT team would sweep the room.

“What the hell is going on?” he exclaimed, apparently just finding his voice again. Maybe he really had no idea.

“I thought you could tell me,” she tried him nevertheless.

“I have nothing to do with this,” he claimed urgently, and she was inclined to believe him. It had been too long since the first shot had been fired.

Feeling the seconds ticking away, she strained her ears for any sounds. The place, the entire town really hadn’t exactly been filled with crowds of people, but there should be some activity. Yet, there was nothing. Not even traffic noise from outside, no screams or signs of panic, just a spooky silence. As if every living soul around them had just disappeared. As if somebody warned them and got them out of sight in time, a warning voice rang out in her head, provoking the image of a stealthy evacuation. But if it was a police raid they would have barged in by now. And there were no hushed whispers, no brief commands, no trampling of shoes pelting down the hallway, no sounds of doors bursting open. It seemed more like the work of a single assailant. She shifted back towards the window.

But Jack would do this to her face and not from somewhere across the street, hidden behind a telescopic sight. It was too personal for that.

But who else wanted to see her dead? Who else even knew that she was here? Amador, of course, but what interest could he have in killing her? They were about to close a deal and he had just offered her to work with him on something else. No, it couldn’t be him. And if it wasn’t Jack either, who else had she pissed off lately? Had she stepped on any toes by dealing with Amador? Was there something her employer had forgotten to tell her?

Important questions but none that would get her anywhere at the moment. Right now, all that mattered was to get herself out of this situation.

“What the hell is happening?” Nick urged agitated, and steadily keeping the gun trained on the row of houses within her field of vision, she gave him a disparaging look.

“I would say someone’s trying to kill me.”

“Who?”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve figured it out.”

She waited another couple of seconds before she moved some more, ignoring the instant pain it caused. And sitting up properly against the wall now, a bit closer to the window, she tried to get a view over the scenery outside without giving the sniper another shot at her.

The street was indeed deserted, but an empty car with the trunk left open, an abandoned bike with its wheel still spinning, and several objects scattered on the asphalt here and there were clear signs of a panicky getaway rather than an orderly evacuation. She noticed a movement behind a shop window, and her grip around the gun tightened in anticipation. But it was just a clerk, curiously popping his head up to peek outside.

She leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes for a moment, listening to her own breathing. She had to focus. She had to get out of here. She had to take care of that shooter somehow.

“Are you okay?” Nick’s question got through to her and she looked up, irritated for a second. He almost sounded caring. Angry, and agitated, but also caring.

“We have to move,” she explained matter-of-factly. “He’s not going to wait forever.”

¤¤¤

“He?” Nick asked, looking out through the window as well and then back at her.

“Probably a hit man,” she explained with a sigh, as if she was either annoyed at the fact itself or that she had to spell it out for him.

“And why is he coming for you?” he tried to understand what he had gotten into, and more importantly, tried to keep her focused on the enemy outside. As long as she’s busy with him she won’t worry about me, he figured. And as long as I’m not a threat she might not kill me.

“I’ll find out soon enough,” she uttered through her teeth, taking her eyes off the window for a moment to check on her wound.

“That comforts me,” Nick couldn’t but comment. “And I just happened to be in the way?” Maybe pissing her off wasn’t a smart thing to do in his current position but he was too angry to stick to his own strategy. Angry at her and even more at himself. No one forced me to come here.

But she ignored his remark, struggling to get to her feet and into a standing position. It was obvious she was in pain, her features contorted, blood seeping through her pants, but finally she was up, pressing her back flat against the wall to seek cover, just the same way he was on his side of the room. There was blood coming from her shoulder as well, where the first bullet had hit her, but it seemed relatively harmless compared to her leg.

“There’s an exit in the back that should be clear,” she stated, and he glanced at the two neat circular holes in the doorframe.

Problem: we just have to get there first.

He had figured out by now that she hadn’t spotted the assassin yet or she would have returned fire. But he wondered if she at least had a vague idea where the guy was. He wasn’t keen on playing target with the door so obviously in the line of fire, although he agreed that they needed to get out of the room. They were trapped in here.

“So, what’s the -“ he started but quickly fell silent when she raised a hand to cut him off, calling his attention to the sound of an approaching car engine. And watching how she slid a little closer to the window, careful not to put her weight on the wounded leg and peering hard at something beyond his range of vision, he started to contemplate his options.

So far he was still alive, but it was all hanging by a very thin thread, because even if Nina could take care of the shooter before he could take care of them - that doesn’t exactly mean I’m safe, does it? She did seem to believe him now but he wasn’t keen on giving her a chance to doubt again. She would have shot me a minute ago if it hadn’t been for that guy with his sniper rifle. So from his point of view, he wasn’t safer in here than out there with him. Maybe he should just take his chances.

I never should have come here in the first place, he cursed himself, and keeping his eyes on her he made sure to tread carefully as he slowly moved a little closer to the door.

¤¤¤

It was a patrol car taxiing down the street, but given the fact that there were neither flashing lights nor a siren, the guardians of the law couldn’t be taking this very serious. The scenario of a shootout in the middle of their small town was probably too surreal.

Trying to block the pain out, Nina watched the cruiser slowing down and then pulling over to stop in front of the hotel, two uniformed officers getting out. Bending their steps towards the entrance right away, none of them had more than a brief look around. They seemed neither aware of a shooter outside the hotel nor the danger they were in. They’re dead already.

And it was probably saving her some trouble. She could hardly afford to be associated with this, so the last thing she needed was a police investigation before she had covered up her tracks and disappeared.

A new series of shots tore through the silence, proving her right, and she watched with a deadpan expression as both men went down, probably dead before they hit the ground. Instinctively trying to retrace the trajectory of the bullets, her eyes finally found the assassin.

He had obviously left his earlier position cause now he was standing in a doorway across the street, the rifle still in his hands, his face just emerging from behind the telescopic sight as he gazed at the result of his work. With a satisfied expression, he simply dropped the gun then, and abandoned it for a handier one as he stepped out into the street.

Recognizing the familiar features, Nina clutched her own gun tighter as she set to aim at him, a voice in the back of her head wondering though why he was exposing himself like this. And why he was there at all.

¤¤¤

Hearing the shots being fired outside, Nick could only guess that whoever had just arrived in that car was probably dead by now. Nina’s face didn’t give anything away, but that hardly came as a surprise.

Feeling the wall against his back, he threw another quick glance at the door, now only one long stride away, and a shrilling voice urged him to just make a run for it and get the hell out of there. But even if their shooter was distracted enough not to put a bullet through his head as soon as he tried, there was no way he could reach the door, open it up, and get out without her noticing. And he wasn’t sure what she would do.

He let his eyes return to her. She didn’t look like she could run after him and for some reason he didn’t think she would put a bullet in his back. So maybe nothing. But maybe was a bit too vague to venture his life for.

Seeing her frown and clenching her teeth right before raising her arm, Nick could only hope she finally had a target. And that she would hit it. But before she managed to crook her finger around the trigger, the door in front of him, suddenly and without a warning, flew open and almost slammed into his face. He froze, staring at the invader and the gun in his hand, and then glanced across the room to Nina.

She had turned her head an idea and was glaring at their unbidden guest, but apart from that she hadn’t moved. The gun in her outstretched hand still pointed at something or someone out in the street, and her expression indicated annoyance at the intermission. But there was no sign of fear or panic. And once again Nick couldn’t but wonder if she really was as cold as she seemed or if she was just completely in control of her emotions and to what extent she revealed them.

“Hello, Nina,” the intruder growled, looking her up and down and, of course, noticing her injury. He grinned. “Now be a good girl and take your finger off that trigger.”

She smirked, forcing a thin smile on her face as she gently turned her head back again, probably cursing herself silently but complying nevertheless.

“I should have known he’s not alone,” she stated, staring outside again.

“Yeah, just like Max should have known better than to trust you,” her adversary replied icily, moving another step forward and into the room, glancing at Nick. “Who the hell is he?”

“Does it matter?” Nina countered indifferently after taking a quick glance at him herself.

“Not really,” the guy sneered. “You know how this works.”

Nina didn’t reply, but it was obvious she did know how it worked. And Nick understood too. He was dead anyway, they both were. At least if things went according to their opponents’ plans.

“So I suggest you put the gun down, slowly,“ the guy continued, and Nick found himself pressing the palms of his hands against the wall in his back, surprised as he realized what he was about to do.

“And then we just wait for Jared before -“.

He pushed himself off the wall, booting the door with a slam, kicking it as hard as he could. The impact knocked the guy over and Nick didn’t waste any time. Being the only one without a gun, he didn’t want to stick around to find out who was quicker. The door had bounced back and with two swift steps he had rounded it and was out in the corridor, sprinting as fast as he could as two shots rang out behind him.

¤¤¤

Nina leaned back into the corner, the dead angle of the room, and took a deep breath. Lucky again. But she probably deserved some luck at this point.

Nick had taken off and she couldn’t blame him, but if she made it out of here, she would have to think about how to deal with him. If he decided that this was more than he could keep to himself she would be in trouble. Her pardon would be worthless and she a fugitive. She didn’t even want to think about the consequences.

Lying by the door, Travis groaned in pain, and keeping her gun on him she cursed herself for not understanding it right away. The sniper hadn’t been supposed to take her out. He hadn’t missed her twice and then only hit her leg by accident. It had been his job to wound her and pin her to the room until Travis could get to her. Not the simplest plan and one that attracted more attention than necessary, but she guessed they both wanted to have their share. And while Travis had always been the one going hand-to-hand, Jared preferred what he called the elegance of a sniper rifle. To kill from a safe distance without getting his hands dirty. He had spun a whole philosophy around it which he had been so eager to elaborate for her the one time she had met him, both of them, in Max’s company.

“Fuck,” Travis yelled, racked with pain, looking at his chest where blood was quickly seeping through his shirt and pooling in a dark red circle. “You better finish me off now.”

“Nice to see you too,” she sighed. “Just out of curiosity – how did you find me?”

“Cost us a lot of time and money but fortunately some of your contacts are just as buyable as you,” he spit, glaring at her in fury.

“I didn’t know you and Jared were so close.”

“We were the only ones left after you sold us all out, so guess what – that got us very close.”

She rolled her eyes. She was sick of it. And for a moment, she considered telling him. But why bother. She better focused on finding out which of her contacts he was talking about. There seemed to be too many people after her to make mistakes. And she was lucky if she wouldn’t have to pay for this one.

She had expected him to go for his gun and didn’t hesitate when he moved.

Staring down at his lifeless body, she couldn’t but shake her head inwardly. She knew she wouldn’t have given up that easily. At least she would have tried to stall. Jared had to be on his way in. Which means you have to get out.

She risked to peek around the window frame, just long enough to confirm that the street was empty again, except for the two dead officers still lying a few steps from their car. It was time to move. She just had to reach the back exit and make it to the car.

Looking down her leg though, she contemplated to just stay where she was, and wait for Jared to show up at the door instead of limping around. But it wasn’t a good option. He knew she was in here and had probably calculated for this situation. She was an easy target and there were enough ways to take her out without giving her a clear shot at him first.

Move, she urged herself, and tried to make her way through the room, clenching her teeth, holding her breath as the pain increased again. She knew it was only a question of time until her leg would refuse to carry even the little weight she tried to put on it, but she kept moving, steadying herself against the wall, knowing she didn’t have a second to waste. It’s only pain. She had beaten it before.

Once out in the corridor, she quickly checked that it was clear and then turned to her left, dragging herself further as fast as she could. But all the while she couldn’t stop thinking that running away wasn’t gonna solve her problem. And frankly – she was tired of it. The last thing she needed was another reason to constantly look over her shoulder.

True, but you’re not exactly in your best shape, she reasoned with herself. Right now, the best she could do was to get away. Everything else could be taken care of later. All that mattered was to get to that exit and out of here. If Nick was smart he would already be there.

¤¤¤

But he was’t. Once out of the room, he had turned right, sprinting down the hallway until he turned a corner. Slowing down a little, he strained his ears, but no one seemed to have followed him. He sighed with relief but then stopped abruptly.

I’m an idiot. Panic-stricken as he was, he hadn’t thought about more than just getting away. But the corridor he was on led straight to the lobby. And there’s still a guy with a big rifle waiting somewhere. Trying to walk out the main entrance might not be a smart move.

He hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. Maybe he should go back. But that very moment another shot echoed through the hallway and he flinched. Nah, I don’t think so, a voice mocked inside his head. He quickly picked up the pace again. He knew the alternative wasn’t much better, but the bigger the distance between him and that room the better. There had to be another way out of this.

The back exit. He had no idea which exit she had been talking about but there had to be more than one. Kitchen, goods entrance, emergency exits - he just had to get to the back of the hotel, away from windows and snipers and trigger happy strangers.

He saw another corridor branching off to his left and made a turn, hoping it wouldn’t be a dead end. He wished he had taken some more time to have a proper look around when he had arrived. He wished he had never set a foot in the damn hotel. I wish I had been smart enough to turn around and run the moment I saw her.

Something swished through the air and hit the wallpaper next to him, and he jerked around. Seeing the scratch the bullet had left – so tiny it almost seemed innocuous – he spun around. And stared into another gun muzzle or rather the silencer that was attached to it.

“Not so fast, pal,” its possessor demanded, steadily aiming at him while he slowly moved closer.

It had to be the shooter. Jared. Probably on his way to join his partner. If he knew what had happened right before Nick had made a run for it? If he’s gonna shoot me?

“Where are you going?”

I guess nowhere now. Nick cursed silently, feeling panic welling up inside him, hoping he could control it.

“Outside, getting some fresh air,” he replied with sarcasm. “There’s too much lead whirring around here.”

“A joker,” Jared mocked, but then his expression turned serious. “Who the hell are you?” He had stopped and was now standing about five meters away from Nick.

How could I possibly explain my role in this?

But Jared didn’t seem too interested in an answer. By now he had probably figured out that something had to have gone wrong.

“Where’s Nina?” he asked, the frown on his face giving him away. He was worried.

“Last time I saw her, your partner had a gun on her,” Nick decided to take a chance, staring right into his eyes, hoping Jared really had no idea what had happened next.

“And how come you’re wandering around out here?”

Because I ran the first chance I got. And he felt his façade falling into pieces. “I ran off,” he admitted, looking down, strangely enough feeling like a coward all of a sudden.

“Then I guess you’re not her boyfriend,” Jared sneered. “Are you doing business with her?”

Business? Nick’s mind was racing. Would that help him or not? What should he say? What could he do?

“No,” he finally shook his head.

“So you’re no one important,” Jared concluded with a contemptuous smile, and Nick understood.

“I heard shots,” he called out, hoping to prevent the killer from pulling the trigger. “After I left the room, I heard shots.”

Jared hesitated. “And?”

“And no one came after me.”

It was a risky game he was playing, revealing that the other guy was probably dead. But he didn’t really have anything to lose, did he?

Jared eyed him skeptically for a moment but then seemed determined again.

“Then I better go check on them.”

“If Nina shot him, she’s not gonna be there anymore,” he stammered, desperately trying to come up with something that could save his life, that could buy him just a little more time. He didn’t want to die! He didn’t have anything to do with all this!

“She’s wounded. I don’t think she’ll get too far,” Jared countered, obviously unmoved at the prospect that his partner could be dead.

“She’s tough,” Nick objected quickly, not even lying. Images from the time he had walked in on her being tortured popped up in his mind.

“Then I better hurry.”

“I know where she’s going.” He was clutching at straws.

But it seemed to do the trick, at least for the moment. Giving him a long close look, Jared lowered his arm an idea.

“Where?”

“If I tell you now, how do I know you’re not gonna shoot me anyway?”

“Well, if you don’t tell me now, I will shoot you for sure. You’re just gonna have to take a chance.”

Nick swallowed, assessing the options. But Jared lifting his arm again was enough to convince him.

“L.A. She’s going to L.A.”

“It’s a big city.”

“She’s going after Bauer. Jack Bauer. He’s –“

“I know who he is,” Jared cut him off. “So you suggest if I stay close to Bauer, I’m gonna run into her eventually?”

“Yes,” Nick nodded eagerly, knowing he had given away the only thing that could have been a trump up his sleeve. And did I just sell someone out? True, Nina Myers wasn’t exactly the impersonation of innocence, but…he had just set her up.

“Well, thank you,” Jared interrupted his line of thought. “I’ll make sure she finds out how I located her,” Jared sneered and shifted his weight an idea, bringing his right shoulder a bit more forward.

Nick squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation, and hearing the explosion when the hammer impinged upon the cartridge, imagining how the bullet was set off and sent on its way, everything inside him screamed that it couldn’t happen like this. That he wasn’t supposed to die like this. This couldn’t be the end.

Time suddenly seemed to stand still because it took forever for the bullet to hit him. And a thought formed somewhere in his head, absurd enough to get his attention. It shouldn’t be this loud. Jared had a silencer on his gun. The shot shouldn’t be this loud.

And suddenly time was back up on its normal speed, and he heard a cry and another shot, and jerked his eyes open, just in time to see Jared going down. And staring past him down the corridor, he caught sight of Nina, halfway hidden behind the corner to the main hallway, her gun still trained on Jared.

¤¤¤

Nina leaned against the wall, suddenly feeling nausea and dizziness taking over. She forced herself to stay focused a moment longer though, and only when she was sure that it was really over, that Jared didn’t move anymore, did she lower the gun. She was suddenly so tired.

But she fought the urge to slide down the wall and sit down for a moment. You can’t rest. Not yet. She had to get out of here. She had to think of how to fix this mess.

She looked up at Nick. He hadn’t moved yet either, staring down at the dead body between them, but then he seemed to regain his composure and slowly started walking towards her.

She held her breath when he passed Jared, a part of her almost hoping he would try to bend down and pick up the gun. It would make things so much easier.

Since when do you need a justification? she wondered but didn’t get the time to dwell on it.

“We need to get out of here,” Nick stated matter-of-factly and she smirked.

“We?”

“You need a doctor,” he dismissed her remark, still coming closer but slowing down now, approaching her with caution.

Yeah, right. That would be his first concern. She shook her head inwardly but hesitated, giving him a long close look. She still hadn’t decided what to do with him. Not true. You just can’t make the one decision you know would be right.

She had expected him to stop and leave a comfortable distance between them but he didn’t, instead reaching out a hand when he was only a few feet away from her. And she quickly raised her gun again to signal she was in pain but not out of her mind.

He stopped abruptly.

“How far do you think you’ll get on your own?” he exclaimed almost reproachfully, looking down at her leg. And as much as she hated it – he was right. She wouldn’t be able to walk around much longer and she did need a doctor. Or at least someone who was able to fix her leg.

“Fine,” she muttered under her breath, and clutching the gun tighter to be prepared in case he was up to something, she allowed him to put his arm around her.

Without another word, she led their steps towards the lobby then. Still some work to do before they could leave.

“What happened to the back exit?” he asked, pulling her left arm a little tighter around his neck, and she gratefully leaned on him some more when she felt the pain decreasing a little.

Don’t get carried away, she reminded herself, positive she knew the reason why he was so caring all of a sudden. He’s rather afraid something might happen to him than afraid something might happen to you.

They reached the lobby and she cast her eyes round the room before she indicated to him what they were heading for: the check-in desk. It seemed to dawn on him what she was up to.

“Are we covering up some tracks?”

She had to. Once the police arrived at the scene, it wouldn’t take them long to figure out what had happened. The holes in the wall, the shattered window, Jared’s sniper rifle across the street – and they would know the two hadn’t killed each other. That there had been someone else involved. And gotten away. She had to make sure nothing led to her.

“That’s why you came back, isn’t it?”

Of course it is, she thought amused. Had he seriously believed something else? She shook her head. Just because he believed that he owed the world and everyone in it didn’t mean she did. She didn’t owe him anything.

Leaning over the desk to pick up the registration book, she caught sight of another body, lying behind it on the ground. Repressing a thought she didn’t want to think, she quickly focused on the book, glad she had come to one of the few places that hadn’t entered the 21st century yet.

She had used a fake ID, of course, but it was better if nothing hinted to a guest staying in her room at all, especially not a female one. She found the entry and without further ado ripped out the entire page, knowing it would also make it harder to track down the guests who had already left. And in case someone remembered seeing a dark-haired woman in the hotel, she could easily have been one of the already departed guests. She was sure no one had actually seen her walking in or out of her room, so the only person who knew was the woman who had checked her in. The woman who was lying dead behind the desk.

She glanced down at her again, and this time she couldn’t stop the thought from flashing her mind. You would have had to kill her otherwise. And knowing it was true, knowing it would have been the only way to save her pardon and thereby eventually her life, she suddenly felt disgusted. Disgusted and weak.

She noticed Nick watching her and urged herself to focus. It’s the pain and the blood loss making you dizzy.

“We have to hurry,” she stated curtly. One more thing to do and then she would be out of here.

¤¤¤

Nick swallowed, staring into the dead woman’s eyes. The woman he had been charming to give him Nina’s room number less than half an hour ago. Suddenly he felt like throwing up. He had thought working for Division had been walking a world he couldn’t breathe in, but this was…

Actually not so different at all, a voice rang out somewhere in his mind. People killing, people dying. For no obvious reason, for no good reason, but always for some reason. You’ve seen it all before. Wasn’t that what made you walk away?

He felt sick and turned his head away, stealing a glance at Nina who was studying the registration book. And for a moment he considered to just turn around and walk away. Fuck you. I’m out of here. But he doubted she would just let him go. He knew she was trying so hard to cover her traces because she could forget about her pardon otherwise. And he was a pretty big trace. He was only surprised she hadn’t shot him right there in the hallway. It would have been easy to make it look like he and Jared had killed each other. He had been seen around, he was a former fed - why shouldn’t they have been coming for him? And no one would be looking for her. As much as it scared him, he knew it was a handy solution to all her problems. So why had she passed up on the opportunity?

Maybe she simply didn’t see it.

He caught the expression on her face, the moment of weakness she wasn’t fast enough to hide when she looked down at the dead woman. And maybe that was why he was still alive. Because she was weak.But he doubted it. Just like he doubted that she wasn’t aware of what he was doing. Helping her, keeping her focused on the overall projective of saving her own skin, all just to take her mind off yet another reason to kill him for: his betrayal.

She must have heard what I told Jared. She had to know he had tried to sell her out. Only to save his skin though –and who else could understand that better than her. And that was most likely why she didn’t seem to care, why she hadn’t pulled the trigger in the heat of the moment. Not because she didn’t see through his little charming offensive.

“We have to hurry,” she stated indifferently, wiping her face clean of all emotions just like that.

He put his arm back around her and let her set the pace, supporting her as best as he could as they made their way back to the corridor, Nina limping rather than walking. Her leg was still bleeding, and he wondered how she could still be up on her feet. But then again, he had seen her coping with much more. For the second time today he saw images from that basement dungeon flashing before his eyes. He shook it off.

Why didn’t she kill me?

Maybe it was an occupational disease, a habit he hadn’t gotten rid off yet, but he hadn’t been able to stop himself from trying to get into her mind earlier. Almost like a reflex, and he had been angry with himself. Now, he realized getting into her mind, seeing things the way she did was the only thing that could maybe save him.

He knew why he she had let him walk in Tunisia and he hadn’t come to see her today if he hadn’t believed she would let him walk again. Because I wasn’t a threat to her. I would have convinced her. But now the situation had changed. Now the stakes were suddenly high, too high if he was realistic. So if he wanted her to let him live, he would have to come up with a reason.

I’m not going to play that game with you. I’m not going to give you a reason to let me live, his own words echoed in his head. How quickly things could change.

They were back at the room and she made him stop in the doorframe, entangling herself and pushing him a few feet away, signaling for him to stay right there. He complied. And understood when she dragged herself further on her own, bending down to secure the dead guy’s gun. She surely was in pain and exhausted, but she wasn’t weak enough to miss something like that.

He watched her moving on, over to the bed where she picked up her coat and put it on.

“What have you touched?”

He tried to remember, going through it in his mind.

“The door, the chair,” he hesitated, “and your briefcase.” He nodded towards the desk.

She smirked.

“There are towels in the bathroom.”

Great. Now I’m destroying evidence, he thought but went to get some anyway. At least she wasn’t planning on killing him right here. Cause if she was, she wouldn’t mind my fingerprints all over the place. But did it mean she was going to let him walk? Why should she?

Cleaning the armrests of the chair, he darted a glance at her. She had sat down on the bed and was trying to produce some sort of makeshift pressure bandage. He had to figure her out. If he wanted to live through this, he had to find a way inside her mind. This time it wasn’t about his ego and this time he couldn’t afford to let it go.

¤¤¤

Nina slumped into the passenger seat, leaning her head back against the headrest. If the car had been parked ten more meters away, she doubted she would ever have made it. Her cautiousness had almost cost her.

“Go,” she ordered, uncomfortable with how weak her voice sounded. She swallowed, and tried to at least maintain a determined expression on her face.

Nick hit the ignition and they started moving, just when the sirens rang out somewhere behind them. And despite her complaining a second ago, she was glad now that she had picked this place to park. It was relatively easy to reach from the hotel, at least if you hadn’t been shot in the leg, and most importantly – you could get there unnoticed. A short walk through a deserted area, and the road they were on now would take them to a safe distance before anyone would notice someone had gotten away.

“Where are we going?” Nick asked, and she had to admit to herself she didn’t have an answer for him. Not that she hadn’t given it a lot of thinking but she simply wasn’t sure what was best.

The blood traces were everywhere in the hotel and they would give her injury away. She couldn’t go to a hospital, neither to any doctor in this area. The risk was too high. She went over her list of contacts in her head. Who was close enough to be of any help now? And who did she trust enough to expose herself in the state she was in? She knew one of her contacts had sold her out.

“Just stay on this road. As soon as it’s dark, we’ll cross the border.”

She would feel a lot safer once she was out of the country.

“It’s still more than three hours until it gets dark,” Nick pointed out, not taking his eyes off the road.

As if she wasn’t aware of that fact. She couldn’t tell how much damage the bullet had done, so she didn’t know how much time she had. Before she would die or simply pass out from blood loss or pain. Or both.

“Just drive.”

“I know a place where we could lay low for a while,” he objected to her surprise. And she had to hold back not to laugh. Lay low. The words sounded odd coming from him. She eyed him skeptically.

“I just don’t want to get stopped by a patrol,” he elaborated, and she couldn’t deny he had a point. Driving around in circles so close to the border wasn’t the best idea when trying to avoid attention, and another shootout was the last thing she needed. And the last thing he wants. Things were bad enough as they were.

“What place?”

“It’s an old house a bit outside of town. It’s abandoned. No one’s been living there in ages.”

Again she darted him a skeptical look. What was he up to?

She felt dizzy again and struggled to stay focused. She needed to think but she also needed to rest.

“Fine,” she agreed, and he turned at the next intersection, leading them onto a smaller road.

For a while they drove in silence.

“So, who’s Max?” he suddenly asked then.

“The nuclear bomb you mentioned earlier – he was the man behind it,” she explained wearily. “Or one of them.”

“So you knew him well,” Nick insinuated.

“I only met him twice. Once to sell some information and the other time to introduce him to one of my contacts.” She didn’t even know why she was telling him. But she reckoned talking would keep her awake and focused.

“I guess that made it easier then.”

She sighed in frustration. Not again.

“Not that it’s any of your business or that it matters, but I had no idea he was even involved in the whole thing.”

She felt him giving her a side glance.

“Then who did you think was involved?”

“You mean besides me?” She smirked. “I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. I just pieced together what I knew and played my cards the best I could.”

“Seems it worked,” he replied cynically.

Yes. It did.

“And CTU?” he asked after another short silence. “Seems a bit unlikely you didn’t know why anyone would be interested in the schematics for a federal agency.”

She rolled her eyes. He really seemed to know all the details. And she couldn’t but wonder who his source was.

“Why? Why are you asking?”

“I just wonder. I mean, it would matter to me if I was being accused for something I didn’t do. Not to mention if someone was trying to kill me.”

She couldn’t but smile at his naivety.

“You think they would have cared? You think they would have let us walk out? Or that anyone would care? That it would make any difference at all?” She shook her head.

“Right. And you don’t care at all either, do you? Not even if people think…”. He couldn’t find the words.

“Think what? Worse of me than they should?” This would actually be amusing if she wasn’t in so much pain. “Not being a mass-murderer doesn’t make me a better person,” she sneered but got tired of the whole discussion. “Don’t be more naïve than you are. It doesn’t suit you.”

¤¤¤

He got the hint and kept quiet, using the time to process what his little interrogation had brought about.

At least I got her to answer. To show some kind of reaction. It was a breakthrough, more than he had ever gotten from her or seen anyone getting from her. She’s weak and tired. And maybe she had reached a point where she actually wanted to explain herself to someone. Not on a conscious level maybe, but he had a hard time believing she really didn’t care at all. Everybody needed some form of understanding, approval, recognition. It was simply human nature.

“What did you mean – one of them?” he asked, knowing he couldn’t stop now but neither pressure her too much. There was a small chance and he had to be very careful not to ruin it.

“It’s never just one person,” she explained, sounding almost absent-minded. “There’s someone with a plan, and then someone else, with money, with connections, others who feel their interests are at stake, and before you know of it, there’s no longer one single person to call the shots…there’s always much more playing into it, more than you can see or anyone wants to see.” She gave him a side glance. “You should know.”

“Yeah,” he replied curtly. He had definitely seen more than he ever wanted to see. Just like she had apparently.

That’s why you left the NCS, isn’t it? Suddenly he thought he could see the pieces falling into place. That’s why you joined CTU. He hadn’t actually pursued any specific tail when he had asked her about her career choices back then during the interrogation but later on he had really wondered.

“I guess you learnt that lesson long time before I did,” he remarked with a sigh, trying to sound casual. “I’m guessing when you worked for the National Security Council.”

No response and he could only hope he hadn’t been too fast forward. If she shut down, he might have missed his one shot.

“What was it like?” he tried again in his best small talk voice. And he noticed her hesitating for a moment, staring down into her lap and then back out through the window.

“It surely teaches you a lot,” she stated dryly.

“About the way of the world,” he complemented sarcastically. “And about yourself.”

He realized he wasn’t so much pursuing a questioning technique but rather relating to her words. It made it easier in some way but it was also a risk. Never let the subject take the lead in the discourse unless you can control it, he reminded himself. Never get carried away, never expose your own persona. But it was hard to maintain a clear demarcation line. And he knew the standard procedures wouldn’t work with her anyway. So he tried to…go with the flow. Hoping her weak state would keep her conversational a little longer before she would see what was going on.

“And it’s funny,” he continued, hoping she would relate to his words as well. “You think you know it all, what’s expecting you, that nothing can shock you. But you don’t really get it until you’re right in the middle of it.”

She seemed to think about it for a moment.

“Yeah, well, you lose, you learn,” she commented disparagingly then.

He managed to hide the feeling of triumph that came over him. It was silly and again his ego making itself heard, but somehow it gave him satisfaction to see that he had been right. You mean you lost and you learnt, he thought, forcing himself not to look at her, afraid he would give himself away.

She had mocked him in Tunisia, as if he was stupid beating himself up over this, as if she couldn’t relate to it at all. But she could. She had been there herself. Suddenly it all made sense. She had felt the same overwhelming helplessness and quit as well in a way, because she had realized it wasn’t her world after all. Only she had taken a different turn than he had. And he couldn’t stop wondering why.

Knowing there wasn’t really a smart way around this, he changed his tactic and decided to be straight forward. They were close to their destination anyway and once they got interrupted, he would lose his window.

“So you learnt and joined Division,” he stated, not taking his eyes off the road. “But I know what that’s like, so, I guess, it wasn’t the improvement you had hoped for.”

She had turned her head around and was looking at him, and casting a quick glance at her he could see the suspicion in her eyes. Yeah, think - what am I up to?

“So you tried CTU,” he kept pushing. “Thinking it’s a less complex environment? That there can’t be anything wrong or compromising about catching terrorists?”

She managed to maintain a blank expression but he could sense this time she had to make a real effort.

“And then what? It wasn’t?”

He threw her a challenging look and she held his gaze, suddenly back to her normal self.

“Didn’t we get a bit carried away there?” she asked, and despite the clear signs of pain in her face, the exhaustion, and the slight tremor in her voice, there was nothing weak about her anymore. She was back in control, at least over her mind.

“I mean, what is this? Are we really talking about me or is it more some sort of projective self-reflection? Cause I can only see one person here who’s so desperately trying to find his place in life.” She displayed the familiar condescending smile and he was glad the fact that they were still driving gave him an excuse to keep his eyes on the road. “Isn’t that why you came to me? Because you needed to make sure who you are and what you want?”

And suddenly it was his turn to try and keep his composure, to make an effort not to let her see she had hit a nerve.

“All this talk about how you owe me,” she sneered. “Did you try to be a stand-up guy, to be true to yourself? To prove that you can still do good although you failed once?”

He glanced at her again and she took a moment to let her eyes travel over his features, that scrutinizing look on her face he knew so well by now.

“And isn’t that why you’re still trying to break me now? Because you couldn’t the first time?”

He wanted to dismiss it. Staring through the windshield he wanted to tell her she was wrong, to tell himself she was wrong. She’s just trying to manipulate me. She’s turning the tables on me to divert attention from herself, to sidetrack me. But she wasn’t all wrong, was she?

He recognized the turn-off and pulled onto the dusty path, and a few moments later the trees thinned, exposing their destination.

“Is that it?” he heard her ask and followed her gaze. The old house still looked exactly the same, just like it had all those years ago.

“Yes,” he answered curtly, slowing down and pulling into the driveway.

¤¤¤

Nina sank back into the cushions, trying to get into a comfortable position as she watched him walking around the room. He hadn’t said a word since the car.

Good. Maybe she had put him into place.

She was still a bit angry. Not so much at him as more with herself. Why had she let him lure her like that, why admitted to his inquiry-response game? She knew what he was so why had she made it so easy for him?

She smothered a groan when her leg sent a new wave of pain through her body, shifting in the couch, her hand clutching the gun tighter that was resting next to her. This wasn’t good.

Calm down, don’t panic. You just need to get some rest until you’ve figured out what to do.

She noticed him coming towards her and instinctively straightened up, immediately on alert. And a part of her was relieved that at least her reflexes were still intact.

“Let me take a look at that,” he said, pretending to disregard the gun she had raised a little, and motioning at her leg.

“Are you a doctor now?” she replied mockingly.

For a moment he looked like he was going to argue with her, but then he let it go, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Fine.”

She felt her arm getting heavy, suddenly weighing like lead, and she gladly lowered the gun again.

“You need fluid,” he stated next. “I’ve seen a rain butt outside.”

Knowing he was right, she didn’t do anything to stop him, so he left, and closing her eyes for a moment she wondered if she simply didn’t care if he tried to run again or if she was sure he wouldn’t. He was back before she could come up with an answer.

“It’s not exactly bottled water quality but it’ll do,” he explained, handing her what looked like an old flower pot. Avoiding to take a closer look at it, she gulped the cold liquid in one go, hoping it would show some effect. She still felt dizzy although she was resting, and she was sure she didn’t look too good either. And the weaker you seem, the more vulnerable you become.

He reached out to take the now empty pot from her. “I’m going to get some more.”

“Is this the boy scout in you?” she mocked but knew it was just a lame attempt to stay in control.

“I just don’t want to be alone in this mess,” he replied brusquely. “Cause, honestly, I wouldn’t know how to explain any of it.”

Again he motioned for her to hand him the pot, and she did, and he was gone again for a few moments.

It’s okay. If he wanted to try anything, he would have done it by now. What better chances could he be waiting for? She hadn’t been able to walk alone, let alone to fight him off if he had tried to attack her. It was okay. It was safe.

Really? Her lids suddenly felt like lead and she tore her eyes wide open. Or is that just weakness talking? Cause maybe trusting him was not exactly the smartest thing to do. He hadn’t hesitated to leave her behind with Travis, wounded, and then he hadn’t hesitated either to tell Jared everything he knew or assumed he knew. His loyalty simply seemed to lie with the one who was most intimidating. And a gun was always a convincing argument. So maybe he was just waiting for a better chance.

She quickly checked on her leg and noticed the blood seeping through the fabrics of her pants. Or maybe he hasn’t tried anything yet because he’s just a little too comfortable, knowing that you need him.

He was back, and she drank slower this time, watching him walk over to one of the windows.

The problem was she couldn’t quite figure him out yet, what he wanted. And given the way he was staring into space now, she guessed he didn’t really know himself.

She had probably not been that far off earlier in the car – he was trying to do what’s right. Only he couldn’t seem to decide which right. What was right for him or right in a more general perspective, right in accordance with his morals or according to the law. And she wondered where this struggle originated from.

The nausea came back and she felt lightheaded, and realized she wouldn’t be holding up much longer. But you have to! The alternative was just not acceptable. Not with him being around, not without… . She shook her head, trying to fight the feeling of faintness, trying to force her body to obey her will but deep down knowing already she wouldn’t succeed. Come on, stay awake, just a little longer. She tried to straighten up.

“What happens next?” she heard him ask, still standing by the window with his back turned on her, and she raised her arm, trying to train the gun on him when her view got blurry. You have to… She had to do something before it was too late. Cause what would he do once she was out? She couldn’t take the risk, she couldn’t allow him to… . Do it!

“What happens when it’s dark?” she heard his voice through the midst, and a silly thought flashed her mind, right before everything went black.

When it’s dark, the monsters are coming out to play.

¤¤¤

“What happens next?” he wanted to know, tired of dancing around it. She had told him she wanted to cross the border? Fine. She could go all the way to China for all he cared. But what was going to happen to him? He didn’t want to wait or guess any longer. He needed to know.

“What happens when it’s dark?” he asked, and turned around when she didn’t answer, just in time to see her head dropping back, her eyes fluttering shut, and she fell back into the cushions.

She passed out.

He took a deep breath. And just stood there for a while, insecure what to do, not even sure what to think. He was relieved, of course. This meant that he was safe. It means I’m in control. And he marveled at the feeling, somehow expecting it to be better though.

He sighed, and walked over to the couch, where he stopped and stared down at her. Was she alright?

She was definitely out, her skin color an unhealthy white except for a red smear in her face from when she had touched the makeshift bandage around her leg and then ran a hand over her forehead. He had glimpsed it earlier but now, for some reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off of it. Lying there, she suddenly seemed smaller, her features not relaxed but less harsh and scheming, and he couldn’t shake the thought of an injured bird.

Jesus, what’s wrong with me? He had to come to his senses.

He bent forward and took the gun out of her hand, checking her pulse while he watched her chest rising and falling in a somewhat steady rhythm. She seemed okay under the circumstances.

He straightened up again and took a last look at her before he turned around and walked outside to sit on the doorstep, watching the sun descending somewhere over the tree line.

Absentmindedly, his fingers started playing with the gun, stroking the cold metal of the barrel while his mind was racing. He had to make his decision now, as long as she was still out. And as long as she’s still alive. Passing out was certainly not a good sign and it didn’t take a doctor to tell him that a bullet in the leg wasn’t healthy. Just like it wouldn’t take a jurist either to tell him what was the right and the only right thing to do.

Someone help me, he thought to himself, running a hand through his hair and suddenly feeling awfully alone. Finally, he put the gun down next to him and reached into his pocket, fumbling for his cell phone.