Ruby

Chapter 40

I step out into the night. Rain drizzles down, collecting into small puddles. I hurry along with the rest of the group. We pile into a small hovertruck, and it glides silently over the ground. A man places a small camera on my belt and tells me that it's for them to see if we are ever in trouble. Once he is finished, I sit on the floor, my knees curled up against my chest. Silently, I hope that we're not too late. I feel someone nudge my shoulder. Alec sits down next to me.

"You okay?" He asks.

"I'm fine. I just don't want anyone to get hurt," I respond quietly.

He smiles slightly. "I understand. But I'm sure everything will be fine. These people will be guarding us as we go in. They'll let us know if there's any danger. They originally wanted only you and Cinda to go in, but there was no way I was letting you two walk into danger alone."

I nod as the hovertruck lowers itself to the ground. Most of us leap out, but a few stay behind to operate the communication and cameras. Alec helps Cinda out of the car while I jump to the ground myself. Everyone seems to move with calculated precision, each person going to their position without a wasted moment. Two men check the entrance, and the rest take positions around the building. After finishing their inspection, the two men gesture that it is safe for Cinda, Alec, and I to enter. I pull a throwing knife from my belt, holding it at the ready. I don't want to use my gun just yet, it might be too loud.

Quickly and quietly, we creep into the building. We make out way through the corridors. As we move further into the building, the dirtier it becomes. Mildew creeps up the walls, eating it away entirely at some places. It has gotten considerably worse since I escaped. The stench of death and filth fills my mouth and nose, making me gag. We pass a cell that is empty except for a few bones. I shudder thinking about where they might have come from.

Suddenly, I hear Alec hiss, "Over there!" I whirl around as quickly as I can and throw my knife. It buries itself into a man's neck. He gropes at the blade, his eyes wide as he tries to pull it out. Soon, the life burns out of him, and he slumps to the ground, motionless. I turn and face my friends grimly.

"We should keep moving," I say, pushing past them. I don't want to dwell on the fact that I just killed another person.

We continue to wind our way through the labyrinth of hallways and cells. I peer into each one, hoping to find the girl, but I am disappointed each time.

Just as I'm beginning to think that she is gone, and this search is useless, I hear Cinda whisper, "I think I've found her."

I run to her side and gaze into the cell. What I see inside sickens me.

A young girl, only about nine or ten, sits huddled in the corner of the cell. Her blonde hair is matted and dirty, and her frail body is covered in cuts and bruises. A ripped, smudged blue shirt hangs over her shoulders. Her frayed jeans aren't in much better condition. A pair of glasses perch on her nose, the lenses cracked and dirty.

It is horrible enough that they do this to teenagers, but to a child this age? It's monstrous. And it breaks my heart.

While I stand in shock, Alec moves to the door and picks the lock. Slowly, he approaches the girl, whispering reassuring things to her. Slowly, she raises her head to look at him. She wipes at her tear-stained cheeks, then backs farther up into the cell. She seems to shrink as Alec moves closer.

"No... No... " She whispers.

"It's okay. We're going to help you. Don't worry," Alec coos as he inches his way forward. Slowly, he reaches his hand toward her. She lashes out, sinking her small teeth into his fingers. Alec grunts in pain.

"Don't touch me, " She whispers with a new defiance. Alec backs out of the cell, his hands up. I decide to go in and talk with her.

"We really are trying to help you. Please, let us, " I say, almost begging her. When she doesn't respond, I say, "Look me in the eyes and tell me that I'm lying to you."

She raises her eyes to meet mine, and I search hers, hoping to find an answer as to if she would come with us. Silently, I beg her to come.

Suddenly, her eyes soften. "You're not lying. You... You want to help."

I release a breath I hadn't realized that I was holding. "Yes. Now, we really need you to come with us. We'll keep you safe. What's your name?"

"Josie. But I like it when people call me Jo," She whispers.

"That's a nice name. Mine is Ron," I extend my hand to her. She takes it, and I gently pull her to her feet. Then, I pick her up carefully. She's so tiny. She instantly wraps her arms around my neck, and I feel a connection to this girl. I will get her out of this place safely, even if I don't make it myself.

"Come on. Let's get her out of here, " I say, stroking her head. They nod, taking positions in front and behind me. Alec is watching my back, while Cinda scouts up ahead. We move quickly and silently.

Cinda comes running back, beckoning for us to turn around and follow her. I assume that guards are coming our way, and I immediately follow. I switch Jo from my front to carrying her on my back, and then I break into a full run. We round a corner, and Jo's little finger points towards our escape: a window. I set her down and begin prying it open. It seems to be sealed shut. I slam the butt of my gun into the glass. It takes several hard whacks to finally break through. I swipe the broken glass away with my jacket, then peer out. Luckily, one of our men is positioned under the window, and it's not that far off of the ground. I send Jo out the window, down to safety, when I hear someone scream, "I WANT THEM ALIVE!!"

I turn around just in time to catch a glimpse of the man running towards me. Then something is slammed into my head, and I fall backward, stars fluttering around my vision. I try to stand, and the world tips and spins. I search for Cinda and Alec, but another blow comes whistling towards me. It slams into the side of my head, and I crash to the floor, unconscious.