70

You know I can hear you, right ? I laid back against the bed and sighed.
Yes I know. That’s the point. Emilio shifted in the chair. To answer your question, I work for both Carter and the FBI.
So you keep Carter and the organization’s activities off the Bureau’s radar, so to speak ?
Emilio pinned me in place with his dark brown orbs, Yes, and if you ever tell anyone I told you that, I may just have to reopen the case and have you re-investigated. Understand ?
I waved a hand in the air, Yea, whatever. I sat back up in bed and looked over the man who had saved my life.
Silence stretched between us as I thought about my future. What do I do now Emilio ?
What do you mean ? Emilio asked as his eyes drifted closed once again.
Come on Emilio, don’t play stupid with me. I picked at a string that was unraveling on the sheet, my voice barely audible as I spoke, Carter doesn’t know I’m alive, does he ?
A guilty look passed over Emilio’s face, No.
I could only imagine the guilt that Carter was putting on himself and felt anger rise up within me. I took a deep breath to keep from shouting and asked the question as calmly as I could, And why the hell not ?
Emilio sat up and dropped his feet to the floor, rubbing his eyes tiredly. As he moved closer to the bed, he reached for my hand. I pulled away from his grasp and he put his hands up in surrender.
Do you remember what I told you in the car while Victoria and Wesley were arguing about your annoying attitude ?
I let out a bitter laugh, Which part ?
Emilio shook his head as he watched me, The part about you being an innocent ?
I slowly nodded, Yes. Why ?
Lea, you have a chance to start your life over. Carter made sure you are free from the threat of David Kent. By faking your death, you are now you are free from the threat of Carter’s enemies. I can help you put together a new identity. I can have your name and your looks changed, and I can help relocate you to any place in the world that you so desire to go .
I could feel my mouth hanging open, the disbelief at Emilio’s suggestion was almost more than I could comprehend.
You have already severed ties with your parents. It would pretty much be the same thing.
I was silent for a few minutes. And if I don’t want to do that ?
Then you have two options Lea. Emilio settled back in the chair and poured himself a glass of water.
I waited as patiently as I could as he took a long sip of the cool liquid. As he studied me over the glass, I grew increasingly agitated. Can you put the damn glass down and answer my freaking question ?
Emilio sat the glass down and sent a smirk my way, I think you know what those options are, don’t you ?
I took a deep breath and nodded. Can you help me ?
Emilio grinned as he settled back into the chair and closed his eyes. He tilted his head back and spoke softly, Just tell me when.
I slumped back onto the bed and closed my eyes as well, As soon as I can get the hell out of here.
As I started to drift off, I thought about the last few moments at the cemetery and how I ended up here, wondering if the decision I was making was going to be the right one.
* * * * * * * * *
A fleeting softness flashed over Emilio’s face as he spun the gun my way. I could hear a hint of regret once again in his words as the sound of the gun firing filled my ears and darkness slowly took over my being, Breathe Lea. Just breathe.
I woke to the sound of sirens and the left side of my head pounding a little while later.
You freaking shot me, my voice was shrill even to my own ears as my hand flew to the side of my face.
I tried to push up from the ground, but Emilio pushed me back down, If you don’t stay still, you could bleed to death from that wound to your leg. Emilio sighed and turned my face so he could look me over, I had to take the shot Lea. Miguel wasn’t going to let you out of here alive. Besides, the bullet just grazed you. You’ll have some bruising and maybe a scar, but we can use that to your advantage.
The siren’s grew closer. And just how do you expect to do that ?
You’re going to be taken to a public hospital, asked a lot of questions about your whereabouts over the course of the last few months, and what you know of Carter’s involvement in Marshall’s death.
I started to panic, Why can’t I go to one of the safe houses ?
I can only take one of you Lea. Emilio glanced over to Xian’s still body, I have to get him out of here.
So I’m expendable ? I hissed through gritted teeth.
Yes, and no, Lea. Emilio looked down the road as the sirens grew closer, With everything that has happened to you, you will fair much better with the authorities than he will. As he stood, he walked quickly to Xian’s unconscious body, lifting him with ease. You’ll be fine Lea. But I have to get Xian out of here.
I watched as Emilio laid Xian in the backseat of a sedan and slammed the door. I was growing weaker and could barely keep my eyes open.
Remember Lea, you are a smart girl. Use Marshall’s accident as your cover. I’ll see you as soon as I can.
As Emilio slid into the driver’s seat, I laid back onto the ground. I refused to look at Miguel’s body laying within a foot from me as I fought against the darkness that threatened to pull me under. I listened as the sedan drove in the opposite direction of the sirens and raised a hand to wipe the tears that were silently spilling down my cheek.
The sirens were deafening as they pulled into the small clearing and I cringed as a large burly man leaned over me and pressed two fingers to my neck.
This one’s still alive.
A woman’s voice sounded from the opposite side, GSW to the upper thigh, looks like it may have hit the artery. We need to move fast. She paused as she shone a light in my eyes, She’s going into shock.
I felt something pressing onto my thigh and heard tape being torn. Once the wound was temporarily bandaged, I felt myself being lifted and then laid on a gurney.
What the hell happened out here ? A second man’s voice sounded, his rough tone edged with anger.
I don’t know Ben, but it looks like some kind of deal went horribly wrong. I’m sure you all can figure that out. Right now, we have to get this one out of here.
Where are you taking her ?
Saint Anne’s.
Let them know I’ll be by later for a report. And Carol, take good care of her. She’s someone special.
I tried to understand the meaning behind his words, but I couldn’t.
I will. The woman’s squeezed my hand as she stepped into the back of the ambulance with me. Honey, I’m going to start an IV now. You’ll feel a slight pinch, O. K ?
I wanted to shout at the woman that I had been shot twice today and that I could handle a freaking needle, but I didn’t have the strength. And as the needle slid into my hand, my being slid into complete and utter darkness.
* * * * * * * * *
I woke with a gasp.
Easy there Tiger. I looked over to see Emilio standing by the window, his eyes scanning mine.
Who is Ben ? Emilio’s face faltered for a moment and I seized the moment and latched onto it. And don’t lie to me Emilio. I remember him telling the paramedic to take care of me, that I was someone special.
Emilio hesitated a moment before answering quietly, Ben is one of ours.
One of whose ? I wanted specifics.
Carter’s, Emilio paused and poured a glass of water, and mine.
So he works for Carter and the FBI, same as you ?
He took a slow sip before answering, Yes.
And Carol, the paramedic ?