Chapter 5:

Ashton marched to Carson’s office. Heart racing, worries flooded through his mind. Cole stood against a wall in the main building. His arms were crossed against his chest and a smirk was plastered onto his face.

His eyes fell on Ashton and they locked with one another for a moment. Cole smirked again. “Good luck,” a sinister laugh came with his next words, “You’ll need it.”

Ashton tugged against the collar of his coat. The fabric rubbed against his throat, adding to his nerves. “Come in, Ashton.” Carson called, his hands splayed on the desk.

“Good afternoon, sir.” Ashton stepped in.

Carson looked up at the young man. His dark eyes flashed angrily at Ashton, sending a warning. “I’ve heard rumors.”

“Rumors, sir?” Ashton masked a look of innocence onto his face. Yet, a feeling of dread wrapped its fingers around his heart.

“Yes, rumors.” Carson growled. “I’m in no mood for games. Did you, or did you not speak with Sage Bennett before her transport?” His fingers rapped impatiently against the desk.

Ashton gulped. He didn’t answer.

“Ashton.” Carson stood and rounded the desk to face him. “Answer the question.”

“I did, sir.” He bit his tongue and held back slashing words.

“Why?” Carson’s hand instinctively laid on his gun’s handle in the holster. The holster hung from his belt, the handle of the gun rested just above his hip.

“I needed to have a word with her about her work.” He spat out.

“You’re lying, Ashton.” Carson flashed a small smile. A mockingly sweet tone peppered his voice, “You know what I think of lying.”

Ashton gulped, his face started to pale. “Sir, I-“

Carson narrowed his eyes and pulled the gun from his holster speedily. “The truth, Ashton. Or you can choose a slow, painful punishment.” He aimed the gun at Ashton’s shoulder.

Ashton instinctively whipped out his gun, pointing it at the chief. Carson cocked the gun, his voice was deadly. “Ashton, put the gun away. And tell the truth.” A snarl twisted his face. “Now.”

Ashton aimed the gun at Carson, his hands shook as he cocked it and placed his finger onto the trigger. “Put the gun away.” He hissed, “Tell me the truth.”

Carson’s aim held steady at Ashton’s right shoulder, Ashton slowly lowered his gun and pointed it to the floor. His muscles were tense, ready to spring it up again. “I told you. I was talking to her about her work orders. I informed her she would be transferred for a couple days.” His heart raced.

“That’s not what Cole told me.” Carson growled, taking a step up to Ashton. “He said you and Miss Sage Bennett were making escape plans. You were scheming to kill me, take down each of my soldiers one by one, and take over the camp.” His eyes flashed. “Then, you could free everyone.”

Ashton started to raise his gun, but thought better of it. “I assure you, I had no such contact with Sage about that.” His jaw tightened. “We talked strictly about work orders.” Ashton steeled his glare and looked Carson in the eyes, “We both know Cole has a reputation for creating and spreading rumors, sir.”

Carson laughed and lowered his gun for a moment. “You are right about that.” He de-cocked the gun, as did Ashton, and they both re-holstered them. “I want to speak with Cole.” Anger spiced his voice. “Where is he?”

“He was outside when I came here, sir.” Ashton straightened.

Carson twisted the door open, “Garris! Get Cole in here. Now.” He shut the door again and looked at Ashton, “You may stay here. I need a witness to Cole’s words.”

Cole marched into the office moments later. His green eyes darted around and landed on Ashton. He scowled before shutting the door. “Reporting to your office, sir.” He growled.

“Cole, Cole.” Carson clucked pitifully. His boots clicked against the floor and he stopped across from the now shaking young man. “You know what I think of rumors being spread.”

A bead of perspiration dripped down Cole’s cheek. His face reddened and his hand sat on his gun holster. “I-I don’t know what yo-you mean s-sir.” He stammered nervously.

Studying his nails for a moment he spoke, “You know exactly what I mean. You set a bad reputation for sharing rumors and lies, it gets you into trouble.” His eyes flashed maliciously. Carson’s hand pulled out his gun and lightening speed and aimed it at the young man..

“Sir, please.” Cole pleaded. He didn’t pull out his gun, he knew he wouldn’t be able to shoot faster than Carson.

Carson cocked the gun. “I gave you a chance. You blew it. I gave you a second chance, you also blew it. They say third times a charm, but you’ve shown it’s not.” His finger twitched on the trigger. “Three strikes –– you’re out.” He growled.

Cole blabbered, sweat started to dampen his hairline. “Please, ju-just give me one more chance,” He begged. “Please I promise I'll be better-“

Carson growled under his breath and re-holstered his gun again. “Get out of here.” He waved his hand. “If I hear you spread rumors such as this again, I will be sure you never set foot on this camp again, or any other.”

~*~

“Obviously, having your daughter here isn’t much use, is it?” Maverick snarled. “Take her back to the camp.” He hissed. “I have no more need of her here. It’s no use.”

The guard smirked and dragged Sage out of the door. “Sir-“ Maverick interrupted him with a nod and a flash of the eyes. The guard’s smirk grew larger.

Sage followed, cringing in pain. He stopped her outside and pushed her against a wall. His eyes glimmered at her. “So, you’re a trouble-maker, huh?”

Sage gulped as he leaned close to her face and blocked her from moving away. “Looks like you need-“

“Harlen!” A male voice chuckled from the shadows. “You’re taking orders all by yourself?”

Harlen scowled and turned around. “Oh shut up.” His body shifted and he turned to face the man.

Sage snuck away from the wall then started running. Her feet flew and she ran out of the prison. “We have an escapee!” Screams sounded from guards all around.

Harlen pulled out his gun and a bullet whizzed past Sage’s head. Her feet flew faster. She ran outside of the prison. Guards pulled out their guns and started aiming at her feet or arms. They didn’t dare kill her.

Sage looked behind her and suddenly bumped into a strong muscular body. Steel like arms wrapped around her waist and stomach. “Settle down.” A voice hissed. Sage panted and twisted again in the man’s grip.

Harlen marched up to her a growl spiced his voice. “Trying to escape?” He cupped her chin and tilted her head up to look him in the eyes. Defiant eyes glared back at him. “We’ll see what Maverick has to say about that.” He pulled out a walkie talkie device and radioed his boss.

“We have an escapee –– the girl.” He announced to Maverick.

A voice came back staticky and annoyed. “This isn’t her prison, you take her to Carson and he deals with her.” A beep sounded.

Harlen scoffed. “Get in.” He pushed Sage into a car. She slid across the seat, trembling as the burly guard scooted in next to her.

In moments they arrived to the other prison yard gates. They were let in and Harlen harshly marched Sage to the main office. Ashton stood outside the office. “Is Carson in?” He asked while gripping Sage’s shoulder.

Ashton glanced at Sage’s face, while she was stern and stoic, he saw determination in her eyes. “Yes, sir. What seems to be the problem?”

Harlen glowered. “I took her to Maverick and she is charged with attempted escape from the prison as I was ready to transport her. Maverick dismissed her and I started to grab her but she ran-“

The office door swung open and Carson marched out. “Sage..” He crooned. “Lovely of you to make an appearance.” He motioned for them all to enter.

Ashton strode in, Sage walked in front of Harlen. His grip sent aches of pain up and down her arm. “What’s the problem, Harlen?” Carson took a seat at his desk and whirled a pen between his fingers. His dark eyes flashed and landed on Sage’s straight figure for a moment before turning to the guard.

The man relayed the events from moments earlier. Carson nodded and dismissed Harlen. “Thank you.” He waved him away.

Ashton stared at Carson before speaking. “What’s your plan sir?” He asked gruffly.

Carson chuckled and stood from his desk, coming around to Sage. She brought her eyes to meet his for a moment then quickly averted them. He saw the determination in her eyes. Yet he sensed a hint of fear in her. “She needs to learn.” He grunted as he grabbed her chin and tilted her head up.

“Learn what?” Sage spat the words in Carson’s face. “How to work like an animal? How to be exhausted, and be tortured? How to be a slave to all you ugly, disgusting people?” Her eyes were defiant, fearless. “Learn how to be a human robot, obeying your every command?”

Carson gasped, sarcasm laced his voice. “Sage! My dear, you don’t understand.” He walked around her and talked, his boots clumping with every step. “This camp was set up to keep the world a better place. Secrets don’t help anyone. Ever. They’re dangerous. The world is a dangerous place.”

Sage’s eyes followed his every move, bracing for what might come next. “We’re merely trying to sort out the secrets. Lying never helped you get through life, did it? It only made it worse. The time you lied about stealing a cookie, and then later felt guilty. Or maybe a time you lied to yourself.” A pause. “Tsk-tsk.” He clucked, “You must learn, things work differently here. You work, we earn. You talk, we learn.” His eyes stared into hers for a moment. “You hide secrets, we find them out."

Ashton watched, trying to maintain his composure. He saw what Carson was doing –– trying to brainwash her, make her see things his way. It scared him more than the other horrors he witnessed. Carson glanced at the young man. “Take her back. She’s still new.” His dark eyes locked onto hers. “Still adjusting.”

Sage suppressed a sneer at the chief and turned to Ashton. He opened the door and shoved her out it, then pushed her to get outside. Once they were clear of any eavesdroppers and other guards, Ashton grabbed her shoulder. He turned her around to face him. “Are you insane?” He almost screamed in her face.

She didn’t flinch. “I can’t let him win. I won’t back down.” Her bright green eyes grew more defiant and fearless. “He took my life away, he took my family away.” She whispered harshly. “If you want to let him win, then fine. Be my guest. But I’m not backing down.” Her back turned away from him. “I’m done being afraid. I’m done being an oh-so-obedient-slave. I’ve made up my mind.”

Ashton blew a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his slicked back hair. “Listen, I know you want to fight back. But this isn’t the way to do it. He could kill you!” He grabbed her arm but she shook it away. “We have to play it safe, please. I know how Carson works, and what he’s capable of. Please, just listen to me!”

She started marching ahead of him, her stubbornness and defiance clear. “You do your job, and I’ll do mine.” Her voice hissed at him.

He walked behind her, frustration building up inside. Why was she so hard headed? So stubborn! As long as he could remember she’d always had a fiery temper. While she tended to be meek at first, her temper soon revealed itself. The stubbornness always showed through. He knew Sage, and was afraid of what she might do. Yet, he feared more so of what Carson could do to her.

Chapter 4:

Sage wiped rainwater from her face with her hand. The rain came harder as she stacked loads and loads of wood. Her skirt and blouse became drenched, sticking to her thin frame.

Another woman stood outside near her, equally soaked. “Prisoner 203!” A male voice barked. Sage straightened and peered though the sheets of rain coming down. A male officer marched up to her.

“Yes, sir?” She pushed her wet hair away from her face.

The man stood erect in front of her. “Your work is done here. Move on to raking the garden rows.”

“In the mud?” She asked wearily.

The guard’s eyes glowered at her and he raised his hand in front of her face. “You dare question my orders?”

Sage flinched. “I apologize, sir.” She whispered.

“You better be sorry.” He lowered his hand and marched close to her. He looked her in the eye. “You watch what you say and how you say it here.” His voice warned. “Now, get to work!”

Sage hurried away, rain pouring all around her. She walked through the thick, gooey mud and made her way to the gardening rows. When she arrived a rake sat in the mud, dirty and wet. She picked it up and slowly raked through the muddy rows.

Finally, after about twenty minutes, Sage finished. The rain had slowed to a light drizzle and the sun peeked out from behind the dark clouds. Ashton had started walking her direction, his hood shielded his face from the sprinkling rain.

“Sage,” he called softly.

Sage walked over, her clothes were still wet from the earlier downpour. “Ashton,” her voice cracked. “I’ve been working nonstop, and I’m exhausted.” She whispered.

“I know.” His eyes softened. “Listen, I have news.” He glanced around and grabbed her arm, leading her away.

“What news?” Her eyes brightened for a moment. “You connected with my family? I can get out of here?”

Ashton glanced at a soldier passing by, and masked a scowl onto his face. His hand raised in front of Sage’s face and she flinched. The other soldier passed by and Ashton dropped his hand. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“It’s okay.” Tears clouded Sage’s vision. “What was the news?” Her heart raced.

“Maverick sent word for you.” He searched her eyes. “You’re going to be transferred for about two days.” Ashton touched her arm. “You’re going to see your mother.”

Sage’s eyes grew wide. “M-my mother?”

“Yes.” He glanced around. “But listen; there is a plot behind it. I don’t know what it is.. yet.” His eyes grew serious. “Please, be careful Sage.”

Sage nodded. “I will.” Her wet hair blew into her eyes. “Ashton.. thank you.” She whispered.

He nodded and turned away, sorrow tugged at his heart.“I gotta go.”

“Okay. I’ll see you.” Sage turned and slogged through the wet grass. She had seen the tortured look on Ashton’s face.

Ashton turned and headed back to the main building. He walked up to the gate. “Well, well. Seems we have another traitor on our hands.” A sickening laugh erupted behind him.

He whirled around and looked at one of the soldiers, “Cole!” He hissed and grabbed the man’s shirt collar in his hand. “You won’t speak a word about this; you hear me?” He growled.

“Why?” Cole smirked. “Don’t want to get in trouble?”

Ashton groaned inwardly. “Cole, don’t you dare speak a word.” His voice grew threatening. “Or I’ll spill some of your secrets.”

His face turned pale. “Fine, fine!” He threw his hands up. “I never saw you and the prisoner.” He smarted and took off.

Ashton breathed a sigh of relief. He had to be more careful; one wrong move and he was doomed. He watched as Cole walked away, a swagger marking his step. Ashton shook his head slowly and went inside.

~*~

Sage sat on her cot, her bare feet sat on the concrete ground. An image of her mother flashed to her mind. Tears flooded Sage’s eyes as she thought of her family. A soldier’s footsteps were heard marching nearby. “Prisoner 203!” A gruff voice barked.

Jumping to her feet she wiped her eyes with a dirty sleeve. She stepped outside and faced a male officer. His blonde hair was neatly smoothed under his cap and his sharp blue eyes studied her. “Yes, sir.” She replied meekly.

“I have orders to transfer you.” He barked in her face. “Get moving!” He turned and motioned for her to get in front.

She walked at a steady pace, reaching a shining black car. A gun pressed against her back as they got close to the car. “I saw you talking.” The man smirked. “You should know better, girl.”

Sage gulped, her heart raced. “I was discussing my orders with my charge.” She spoke in a steady voice. “It was simply guard to prisoner.” She slowly turned, the barrel shifted to pointing at her chest. Her hands raised in defense. “I’m simply a prisoner at the camp.”

Cole laughed and cocked the gun, making it click. “People like you are trouble.” A sickening laugh erupted from his throat. “Nothing but trouble; you and Ashton both.”

Sage gulped. “I promise you, nothing happened.” She looked him in the eye, pleading. “Please, don’t do something you’ll regret.” She whispered.

Cole smirked and de-cocked his gun, holstering it. “I’d never shoot a prisoner without orders.” He shoved her in the back with his hand. “Get in. You’re being transferred for the next few days.” A mock tone took over his voice. “Though I’m sure your boyfriend already told you.”

Sage bit back a reply and slid into the car. Cole sat in the driver seat and pulled out of the camp. After a long bumpy ride, they pulled onto a gated road. Rolling down his window, he talked to the guard at the gate. “Reporting Prisoner 203; Sage Bennett in for transfer.” He barked.

“Head down to the end, park by the prison, and Maverick will be waiting inside. Another guard will be there to escort her.” He replied, shifting his weapon. “Move on!”

Cole pulled forward as instructed and parked down by the prison. A tall, bulky guard walked up to the car and opened her door. “Sage Bennett?” He peeked into the car and looked at her.

“Yes, sir.” She replied.

“Get out.” He moved. “Come on.” He towered over Sage, like a giant, as she walked in front of him.

The door to the building opened and Sage heard a car pull away. She assumed it was Cole who was driving off. The guard walked her down a hall. Enclosed jail cells stood on either side of her. A light bulb dimly lit each cell, and Sage could see prisoners inside.

They stopped at a door and the guard nudged her leg with his boot. “Go in.” He growled under his breath.

Sage opened the door and slipped inside the room. A light dangled from the ceiling giving an eerie glow. A man sat behind a desk, his shiny black boots on top of it. “Sage, I presume?” He smirked.

“Yes, sir.” She whispered. Her heart thumped loudly as she heard the guard shuffling outside the door. She had never been alone in a room with a chief.

His feet slid down from the desk. “Have a seat.” He waved his hand toward the chair across from him. Sage hesitated, Maverick tapped his foot impatiently. “Well, have a sit, Miss Bennett.” He coaxed.

Sage slowly lowered her body into the cushioned chair. Her eyes darted nervously around the room and landed on Maverick’s icy cold stare. His teeth flashed at her, sending a tingle through her spine.

“You’re probably wondering why you’re here.” He leaned closer to her. A pause. “Aren’t you?”

Sage nodded, unable to speak. Her hands sat folded in her lap and she took in quiet, shallow breaths.

Maverick pressed a button on his desk, a buzz sounded and moments later the door to his office opened. A guard shoved a middle aged woman into the room. Her hair was a mess and her blue-green eyes had circles under them. “M-Mama?” Sage squeaked.

Kinsley’s eyes widened and tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. “Sage?” She slowly walked forward.

She now stood and walked into her mother’s embrace. Kinsley wrapped her arms around her daughter, a few tears fell to her hair. “Oh, my dear daughter!” She whispered.

Sage allowed herself to melt in her mother’s embrace. “Ahem.” Maverick interrupted. “Sorry to interrupt your reunion.” He snapped a finger and nodded at the guard. “But we have business to take care of.” Sarcasm laced his voice.

The guard grabbed Sage’s shoulders and pulled her back. She struggled against his iron grip and wiggled. He hissed, “Sit still, girl!” A holster on his hip dug into Sage’s waist as he held her tightly.

“Let her go.” Kinsley spoke firmly.

Maverick laughed again. “Only after I get what I want.” His hands rubbed briskly together and his eyes glimmered. “Which may take some persuading, it seems.” He gave a subtle nod to the guard holding Sage, who then yanked out a gun from his holster and pressed it against her back.

Sage squirmed, but the gun barrel dug into her back. “Sit still!” The guard hissed angrily.

Maverick laughed and waved his hand at the guard, “You can put away the gun, Harlen.”

The guard re-holstered his gun, the handle once again pushed its blunt end into Sage’s waist. Kinsley glared at Maverick. “What will you do if I don’t tell you anything?”

A sickening laugh erupted from him again, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” The guard holding Sage switched to wrapping an arm around her throat. The crook of his arm tightened around her throat, choking her. She gagged and coughed, struggling.

“Don’t hurt her!” Her mother screeched, lunging towards the guard.

Maverick yanked Kinsley back, forcing her to stand still. “She won’t get hurt, if you cooperate!” She glared angrily at the guard and rubbed her arm.

“Mama, don’t tell them.” Sage called out, tears streamed down her face. The guard holding her jerked her straight, pinning her against his muscular chest.

“Shut up!” He yanked out his knife and whipped the edge of the blade to her neck.

“Harlen,” Maverick crooned. “Put the knife away, no need for it now.” The guard hesitated, hate contorted his face. “Harlen. The knife. Away. Now.” Maverick spoke with more force.

Harlen obeyed and slipped the knife into the holster on his belt. Sage breathed a sigh of relief but it was quickly swept away when the guard’s breath fell on her neck. "You won't get away that easily, girl." His hiss sent shivers down her spine.

*Author's note:*

Sorry I never kept up with posting this! Life happened, time got away, writer's block hit, etc etc. I'm now revising chapters I wrote, and posting them. I will write more and continue to post them as time allows. Sorry again for such a gap in time from when I started to posting again now.

Thank you for reading it, and I hope you enjoy!

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Chapter 3:

Ashton watched as Sage laid unconscious on a cot. He walked around the cot to where her head was, grabbed a chair and sat down next to her cot. Ashton sighed deeply and ran a hand through his brown hair. Sage looked so calm, yet he had seen the scared, pained look in her eyes. He saw the hurt and betrayal in her face. Guilt rushed through him; Carson had demanded to know who her parents were. Ashton, being her charge, knew. Reluctantly, he had told Carson, now Sage’s past was revealed; Carson labeled her as a trouble maker. Yet, he told Ashton he would give Sage a chance to prove herself, if she seemed obedient, he would not do anything to her.

Sage murmured softly, her eyelids fluttered slightly as she started to wake up. Her eyes snapped open, she sat up abruptly and started scooting away from Ashton. Her eyes were filled with confusion and fear; she fell off the cot onto the concrete flooring.

“Sage, it’s me!” Ashton moved towards her and grabbed her hand to help her up.

She pulled away. “You-you betrayed me.” Her whisper was hoarse.

Ashton reached out towards her again, “No, I didn’t.” He looked at her eyes, they had a glassy, faraway look. “Sage?” He asked, in a soft voice.

She looked up at him, “Wh-“ Her eyes suddenly cleared from their glassy look. She took in her surroundings and suddenly burst into tears. She suddenly remembered where she was and wiped her tears.

Ashton knelt next to her. “Hey, it’s ok.” He whispered. He grabbed her hand gently and looked into her eyes. “It’ll be fine.”

Sage sniffed and wiped another tear trailing down her face. “What happened?” She asked.

“Carson interrogated you, and you passed.” He forced a small smile.

“He-he injected something into me.” She stared hard at him. Her brow furrowing slightly, “And then.. you-you injected something into me.” She whispered.

“It was to help you. If I didn’t then…” His voice trailed off.

Sage slowly stood, her legs wobbled slightly. Ashton grabbed her arm to steady her. The door swung open and Carson strode in. “Ah! She’s awake.” He looked at her. Ashton quickly removed his hand from her arm and stood straight.

“Yes, sir, she is.” He replied.

“Good.” Carson motioned for Ashton to leave. “Now, if you’d please, let us chat a bit.” He ordered.

Ashton nodded but didn’t say anything. He quietly left the room. Carson stood in front of Sage. “Well, young lady.” He started. “You’re a secret agent, are you?” His dark eyes glowered at her.

“What?” Sage crossed her arms. “I am not.”

“Oh, right.” Carson tapped her elbow with his finger causing her to flinch. “Your parents were the secret agents.”

“How-“ She stammered.

“How do I know?” He chuckled. “I have informers. I know all about your past, Sage Bennett.” He leaned close to her, his breath falling on her face. “I know everything about you and your family.” Carson stood straight again.

Sage held back the anger building up inside of her. This man was evil, now he would drain information from her. She didn’t say a word, but lowered her head.

“And you, my dear,” Carson tipped her chin up with his fingers. “Can tell me much more information.” He forced her to make eye contact with him. Lowering his hand, he turned on his heel towards the door. His boots made heavy clunks on the floor as he walked. Carson’s hand rested on the doorknob, before opening the door, he turned back to Sage. “We will chat more later, Sage.” He opened and shut the door with a firm click.

Ashton walked in moments later. Sage was sitting on the cot, her cheeks were pink. She looked up at Ashton, her lips parted slightly, then she closed them shut, staying silent. “What?” Ashton asked.

She brought her eyes to meet his, “You told him everything, didn’t you?” Her voice came out in a whisper.

Ashton stood in front of her, “I did.” He replied softly. “But you have to understand-“ He started but Sage cut him off.

“How could you?” She demanded, pain streaking her voice. “You know what kind of danger you put my whole family and the rest of the agency into? Why?” Tears filled her eyes. “I lost my family, my parents, my life, and now you might have just endangered them and signed their death warrant, along with mine.” She stared at him.

Ashton knelt in front of her, to view her better. “Sage, you have to understand, I didn’t have a choice but to tell him.” He drew in a deep breath and continued on. “If I didn’t tell him, it would have gone badly for both you and me. He already knew everything. I had been order to confirm it.”

Sage ran a hand through her messy hair. “If he knew, why would you have to tell him anything?” She asked him.

Ashton slowly stood. “As confirmation. Assurance. Making sure the information was not misheard.” He turned on his heel towards the door. “Now, you have to get back to your job, and I have to get back to mine.”

~*~

A woman, probably in her mid thirties, sat in a jail cell. She sat on a stringy, dirty mattress. Her head throbbed, dirt streaks were on her hands and cheeks, and her hair was pulled back in a messy braid.. “Kinsley Bennett!” A guard by the jail bars barked.

She slowly stood, grimacing as pain pricked her legs and body. Kinsley slowly brought herself to the bars. “Yes, sir.” She croaked.

“We have orders to take you back for questioning.” He opened the door and swung it open. “Move along!” He hurried her.

Kinsley hurried out the door, her mind swam with questions. The chief of the prison was demanding information about the agency she worked in. Each time, she refused to share anything. The guards tortured her, trying to pry the information out. They left her with no food or water for a day, worked her endlessly, and questioned her tirelessly. However, they never laid a hand on her body. The guards didn’t dare touch or harm her.

A door opened to a small office. A light waved, adding an eerie glow to the room. A desk sat in the middle of the room, papers strewn in different places, pens scattered on the desk, and a pair of black, hard boots sat on top of the desk. Kinsley followed the boots to the chief’s body. He sat in a chair, his arms crossed. “Hello, Kinsley.” He greeted her with a sneer. His feet fell from the desk and landed on the hard floor with a thud. “Have a seat.” He motioned to the chair across from him. His dark blue eyes glinted.

She sat down in the plush chair, careful not to make herself comfortable. She stared at her folded hands in her lap.

“You likely know why I called you back.” He picked up a pen and twirled it between his fingers.

“Yes, sir.” She whispered.

“Well, this time it’s not just for questioning.” His chair creaked as he leaned back for a moment. “I have other matters to discuss.” Maverick slid a picture across the desk and pointed at it with a finger. “I’m sure you recognize this young girl.”

Kinsley leaned over and studied the picture. Her breath caught in her throat, it was her daughter — Sage! Her green eyes were dull and tired, yet a small smile tugged at her lips in the picture. Kinsley nodded slowly. “I do know her — she’s my daughter.”

“Oh yes, I know.” Maverick pulled the picture away and stuffed it into a drawer. “I also know where she is — at a prisoner camp. Not only do I know where she is, I know the commanding officer of that camp.” He twirled the pen again. “Carson and I are actually good friends.” His piercing blue eyes stared at Kinsley. “You get what I am saying?”

She looked at him, confusion clouding her face. “No, sir…” A strand of her brown hair fell over her eyes, she blew it away.

He chuckled and pulled a paper out and placed it on his desk. “Well, you see, we can make things difficult for little Sage at the camp. If you don’t cooperate here,” his teeth flashed at her, “I can contact Carson, and we can change things up for the girl.” He leaned over to Kinsley across the desk, his breath fell on her face. “Either you cooperate or you cause your daughter’s pain.”

Kinsley stared at this man. How could he be so evil? He had no heart inside of him. She lowered her eyes. “I will never betray the agency.”

Maverick laughed and leaned back again. “Oh, Kinsley, Kinsley!” His voice grew deadly. “We are not asking you to betray them; we are asking you to tell us about them. There’s a difference.” His hand poised over a phone that laid on his desk. “You refuse to talk, I make the calls, Sage gets the consequences. You do talk, I won’t make the calls, and we all live happily.” He tapped his fingers on the desk.

She lowered her blue-green eyes. “Can I have some time to decide?” She asked.

Maverick stopped tapping his fingers and folded his hands together. “Fine.” He stood and rounded the desk to where Kinsley sat. “You have two hours.”

She stood and moved to the door, her heart now racing. “Yes, sir.” She slipped out the door and back to her cell. She was left with a hard decision, her head throbbed harder and tears pricked the back of her eyes.

As she sat on the cot, her tears started to spill. An image of Sage flashed to her mind, “Please don’t hate me.” She rocked herself back and forth, trying to maintain her tormenting thoughts and come up with a final decision.

~*~

2 hours later..

Maverick sat in his office, a smirk spread across his lips. He fingered the telephone on his desk. Finally, he picked it up and dialed a number. After several rings, a male voice growled through the line.

“Hello, Carson speaking.”

“It’s Maverick.” He replied, leaning back in his chair.

“Did she spill it?” Carson asked.

“No. I gave her a choice.” He pulled a paper close to him. “But, I think you know what it will come to.”

A low laugh rumbled through the phone. “Oh, yes.” His voice grew serious again. “Also, I have a soldier I believe is a spy. Yet, he has proven time and again that he isn’t.”

“Well, if he’s proven to be a worthy soldier, stop questioning him.” Maverick spat. “Besides, if he turns to be a rebel, you can always…” His voice stopped. “Wait, I must go, Kinsley is coming back. I think her decision is made.” A chuckle sounded.

“Fine, fine.” Carson replied. “Let me know the final decision.”

“Will do.” Maverick hung up the phone. “Come in!” He called to the door.

Kinsley walked in quietly. “So, you’ve made your decision?” Maverick asked.

She raised her head and glared at him. “I will never tell you anything about the agency and the work I did.”

Maverick leaned on the desk. “So, you prefer that your daughter suffer, then tell me about your agency?” A humored look masked on his face.

Knock, knock.

The door stood still.

"Anyone home?"

A harder knock,

rattled the door.

"Hello? Please come to the door."

A disgruntled sound came from inside.

A harder knock, the doorknob rattled.

"Let me in!"

Pounding now, the door shook.

A sigh sounded, frustration took over.

"I know you're in there!"

Testing the knob, it slowly turned.

Darkness showed in the room.

"Quite hiding, and get over here!"

Footsteps shook the floor.

The door slammed closed behind.

"Stop playing! I know you're here."

Warm breathing,

a whispered breath.

"Come on, this isn't a funny game."

A soft scream, turned to a whisper,

fearful and anxious.

"I knocked, I swear I did."

A hand reached out, something smacked.

A body slumped over; silence enveloped the room.

"I was never playing. But now, I s'pose I've won... checkmate."

Feeling lost,

deep in thought.

Swirling around,

mixing together.

Dear, you see,

I can't stop to breathe.

Feeling lost,

Trying to be found.

Finding myself,

lost in thought.

Dear, you see,

I fear to breathe.

For love, can't you see?

I'm lost inside me.

Lost, trying to find my way out,

fearing my thoughts my suffocate me.

Please understand, please do see,

I am trying to breath.

I am trying to swim.

But, I'm lost, inside my thought.

"You go in first!" A girl screeched, her eyes wide and hands trembling.

Her friend opened the door cautiously, his eyes scanned the pitch black area ahead.

"See, it's sa-" His words were cut off and his scream lasted only a moment as he disappeared into the dark void.

Bones crunched, a growl sounded, "Better be careful, dear; you might be next."

The girl stood in shock, her feet refusing to move.

Entry #39

I remember watching as he told his story. The same way, but a different audience. The same gentle blue eyes, the same gray beard bobbed up and down. His eyebrows furrowed and raised, emphasizing every move. His survival story. Told once and again. Afghanistan, the war, living in the bush, fending off animals and Afghans. I would sigh and listen again. I always looked at how he shared his story. The one he lived to tell. The one he survived to share.

Years later, after surviving and sharing his story hundreds of times, he died. The story lived on. He was well known. My dear grandfather lived and shared his story. Museums shared his story. Newspapers read of what he did. Interviewers hunted him down, thirsty for details.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Entry #99

People say not to trust a survivor, until you know how they survived. Makes me wonder if I am trustworthy. I, myself, have survived a living nightmare. I'm still surviving. Yet I don't share my story. Why would I? It brings up too many memories. Too many things I'd rather forget. Pain I want to leave behind. Hurt I want to never feel again.

Even as I write this, I wonder if I should write about my story. About my survival. I have nothing better to do with my time. I already finished everything I could thing of. I'm lonely, depressed, and lost. Lost in the middle of the ocean. One that is hundreds, thousands of miles wide. No one will find me. I'm out here, writing out of boredom. I'm writing to survive. Some days I wish I never had the opportunity to find freedom. It's almost harder than dealing with the pain I felt for more than half my life.

Will anyone care about how I survived? How I, a lowly orphan, finally managed to get a boat and set sail? To feel freedom for the first time? Would they even believe my story? No one ever believed me. Nobody loved the poor little girl. The skinny, sickly, quiet girl.

I finally get to be free from years of being tossed around. Tossed around in a sea of orphanages and fake love. Years of pain and hurt that emanated from being moved around. Scars that run across my heart so deep, they may never heal. Yet here I am, surviving the ocean that batters my little boat with each passing day. I sail, hoping to find a new life.

Even if I survive this journey, will anyone find me alive? Will anyone care about how I survived? I'll probably be shut away. In a cell where they keep crazy people. Where they keep the ones with mental issues.

Entry #100

It's finally evening. After a small snack of leftover crackers, I have decided to write again. Maybe someone will find these journals I brought along, if they don't find me.

What's that saying? "Red sky at night, sailor's delight... red sky in morning sailors take warning." Well, it's a red sky tonight. A beautiful one.

One I'm alive to see. Being in the ocean, the middle of the ocean, I haven't seen life. I haven't seen people. I hardly have enough food to last me the next few days. The heat and cold drive me below the deck and I pray that I can survive another day. Pray that I'll make it through the ocean and make it to life again.

Whatever possessed me to travel alone, across the ocean, I've no idea. Perhaps I was just yearning for freedom. Maybe I wanted to escape the pain that I've endured for so long. Or perhaps I just wanted to prove I can survive.

Will I survive? Or will my want for freedom and adventure end in my death? Perhaps if I am not found, my survival story will be found in my journals. But then, I must be delirious. I was delirious enough to go out an adventure alone.

I'm going crazy. I must be. After all, how can I survive such an adventure as this? It was an insane idea, that I made possible. I did make it possible by surviving.

Survival is a part of freedom. Freedom includes survival. Yet my choice of freedom might be my death.

"You left us and you broke my heart." A tear-filled whisper came from Kehlani. She was fighting to stand straight, not cry, and look him in the eye. Kehlani failed. She was crying, her lip quivered, her eyes were glued to her fingers.

"I.." Damian stammered. His hand reached out to touch hers. Kehlani jerked away.

"Do you have any idea," She hiccuped a sob as tears streaked down her flushed cheeks. "how it is, to have to put a little child to bed each night," another hiccup interrupted her, "and be asked when her daddy will return?" Her dark eyes looked up at his green ones. "Do you?"

He opened his mouth and uttered a single letter, "N-"

Kehlani interrupted him, and forced her voice to stay steady. "No, you don't." She swallowed and swiped at a tear running down her face."I need you. Your daughter needs you! How can I tuck her in every night, fighting back hurt and tears, telling her her father won't return?" She rushed on, "How can I tell her, her daddy is gone forever? How will she learn how a man should treat her?" The words came faster. "How am I supposed to raise her, being a single mother? How can I live without you by my side, Damian? Why did you leave us?"

Damian swallowed, "Kehlani, please." His eyes filled with tears. "I love you. I always will." He looked at her deeply, "Listen to me, you will get through this. I know it hurts. I know you're hurting." He stroked her cheek with his thumb; she could barely feel his touch. "Just know, I'm always here, listening."

Kehlani looked at him, her heart racing. She hugged him tightly. "Please, tell me you will never leave. You broke my heart; you broke her heart."

He broke from her grasp,"I'm sorry. It was my job to protect my country. My duty to fight for our freedom." His own tears fell to the ground as he took a step away from Kehlani. "Perhaps several hearts were broken that day, including my own." With that, he disappeared into a shadow.

"Damian!!" Kehlani cried, her voice echoed. "Please don't leave me..." She hiccuped as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Kehlani sat upright in her bed. Her heart was pounding and her pillow was soaked with tears. She looked at her alarm clock, the digital numbers wavered in the dark. It was only 3 in the morning. She pushed off her covers, and padded through to her kitchen. Stopping by her daughter's door she paused, easy breathing came through. Good, she was asleep.

Kehlani grabbed a glass of water from the sink and took a long sip of the cool liquid. Her eyes were achy, red, and puffy. Night after night, she had woken up. Her pillow always soaked in tears, her heart always pounded. Her memories always troubling. If she didn't dream of her pain and heartbreak of his death, she dreamed of how his plane had crashed and exploded. How terrorists had bombed it down, leaving no survivors on the aircraft.

She padded back to her room and cried softly. "Why did you leave?" She whispered into the night. "Why?"

Dreams haunted her every night, making it hard to fall asleep again. Kehlani cried softly into her blanket, until she had no more tears. Her eyes grew heavy and she sighed deeply. After a few moments, Kehlani fell into a fitful sleep once again.

* not sure if this exactly counts as a poem or not. But I gave it a shot. :) *

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sweaty palms,

racing heart.

Silence.

Rapid breaths,

terrified eyes.

Pause.

Thunking footsteps,

getting closer.

Stop.

Shadows tower,

covering light.

Creaking.

Glowering eyes,

searching the dark.

Heavy breathing.

Masked face,

looking down.

Locked eyes.

Huddled tightly,

thumping heart.

Soft cry.

Dark hands

reach and reveal.

Scream.

Dear Monster Matt,

I always was deathly afraid of you. I'm old enough now, to know you no longer reside under my bed.

But I remember the days, checking under the bed, before crawling under my covers. The shivers that would crawl through my body as the lights shut off. The tears that would collect in my eyes when I heard a creak and saw a shadow. The fear that as soon as I drifted to sleep, you would grab me and pull me away.

Mom and Dad would scold me if I were jittery of the monster under my bed. They always told me to go to sleep. There was no such thing. They tucked me in, kissed my nose, and shut off the lights.

The drunken fun I heard outside my door added to my fear. The fear the monster would take me and tear me apart while I was missing out. Some days I wished it were true, so my parents would believe me. If they saw me torn to shreds by a monster in the morning, surely they would have believed me.

Now, I understand you no longer live under my bed. I grew out of the fear of monsters under my bed. But some days, I still have a longing dread inside. That maybe, there is a monster still there. Perhaps it's not you. Perhaps it's not quite under my bed.

Perhaps, it's a monster of my past. That keeps bringing up dreaded memories.

I would much rather deal with you, Monster Matt, under my bed. Then the monsters that haunt my dreams.