And If You Wrong Us

Part 9: The Fall

"Then you know not to argue with me. I want a moment alone with him. Now."

The two guards holding Sarah released him and immediately stepped away, narrowly escaping being punched in the skull. The three of them left the room slowly, watching Sarah. When the door closed again, Mr. Raven turned back around. Sarah stood, shaking violently, chest rising and falling, taking in shallow breaths.

Mr. Raven glanced at the door, then back at Sarah. "I don't think we have much time before they intrude again."

Sarah didn't respond.

"I know you may not believe me, but I don't want you to suffer anymore. I came here today to release you."

Sarah's eyes widened. "Release me?"

Mr. Raven's brow furrowed. "I can't walk you out of here, Sarah. Even in my position of Mayor. If I let you out, there will be hell to pay, not just for me, but for you also. But I can get you out of here; for good."

Sarah's lips pursed together. "How? I've tried so many times."

Mr. Raven closed the distance between them. He grasped Sarah's thin face in his hands, gentle but firm. Sarah's dull, green eyes widened in surprise as Mr. Raven's lips met his. Sarah's body grew limp as Mr. Raven held onto his face, heart pounding within his chest. He coerced Sarah's mouth to open, under the guise of a more passionate kiss. It felt wrong, but it was the only way.

He broke away, breathless. Sarah continued to stare, hand touching his cheek. He pulled Sarah into an embrace, mouth against his ear. "Now bite down on the casing," he whispered.

Sarah hesitated, then did as he was told. Mr. Raven pulled away.

"It will be over soon. I promise."

"Will you stay with me...until it ends?"

Mr. Raven looked at the door again, then nodded. "Alright." He went to sit down in the chair, but Sarah grabbed his hand. Their eyes met.

"Would you please sit with me?" Sarah gestured to the cot.

Mr. Raven nodded again, letting Sarah pull him over to the makeshift bed. He sat down on it, feeling it creak under his weight. Sarah settled down on the floor, nestling between his legs, and rested his head in Mr. Raven's lap.

Mr. Raven hesitated, heart beating wildly, then placed his hand on Sarah's head. He began to stroke the messy tangles of hair, eyes burning.

The door opened. One of the guards approached them.

"I will come out when I am ready," he said in a low, threatening tone.

The guard nodded, expression that of confusion, and left the cell again.

Mr. Raven and Sarah stayed together that way for hours, neither one speaking. Everything was so quiet, so still, not a scream or moan to be heard.

Sarah slipped into sleep after a time, breathing slowing, chest falling gently. Mr. Raven continued to caress his face, not wishing for him to wake. He looked so peaceful.

A garbling sound came from below him; he saw blood and drool seeping out of Sarah's mouth. Sarah's eyes opened, first in alarm, but the alarm turned to understanding, and then acceptance. Mr. Raven dropped to the floor next to him and held him in his arms, rocking him gently.

"It's going to be alright," he whispered. "It will be over soon." As Sarah convulsed, vomit and blood smearing his tunic, Mr. Raven began to shake. "I did love you," he sobbed. "You were right. And despite what — who — you are, I still love you."

The garbling turned into choking, then silence. Sarah's body fell limp in his arms. He muffled his cries by slapping a hand over his mouth, not wanting to alert the guards. He held onto Sarah's lifeless body, shuddering. "I'm sorry," he gasped, tears spilling onto Sarah's paling face. "I'm so sorry."

It had already been hours; he would have to leave. He gathered up Sarah's body and laid him out on the cot. He removed his coat, already covered in vomit and blood, to clean up Sarah's body the best he could.

He brought in a shaky breath, composed himself, and walked to the cell door. He knocked on it three times. One of the guards opened the door, letting him out. He turned to both of them.

"If anyone asks, he was dead upon my arrival."

The guards looked at each other, alarmed.

Mr. Raven drew money from his coat and slipped some into their uniform pockets. "Make it look like an accident. I'm sure accidents happen here all the time," he added, giving both of them a steely stare.

They both nodded, looking anxious.

"Thank you for your assistance, Gentlemen," he said calmly. He nodded to them, then walked away down the corridor, heading towards the exit for employees. They would not stop him. As he walked further away, his chest began heaving with the effort of not falling to his knees. He just had to make it to the door, then whatever happened, happened. He would not look back. Just a few more steps...

Mr. Raven opened the door. He did not look back.