Tears roll down my face as Monroe's eyes squeeze shut in pain.
This is all my fault.
"Silver Eyes? Is she okay?"
Wyatt asks and I hear his footsteps approach from behind.
"Get her to the car."
I order Asher who quickly picks her up careful not to touch her wound.
"Just hold on."
I hear him whisper under his breath as he races down the hall towards the exit.
"Silver Eyes?"
Wyatt asks and I clench my hands not having time to deal with this right now.
"I'm trusting you to take care of your people, I've got my own to worry about."
I state glancing back to meet his gaze. He must see something in my eyes because he nods in understanding.
"Good luck."
"You too."
I murmur before running off after Asher. The most important thing right now is to get Monroe help.
I frown when I see Asher trying to climb up the ladder while carrying Monroe. That isn't going to work. We need a way of hoisting her up without moving her to much.
"Here, let me go up first. I have an idea."
I state and Asher backs out of the way letting me climb up the ladder. I rush over to the large curtains covering the windows before yanking them down to the floor. I quickly tie one end of the curtain to the couch before handing the bundle down to Asher. He wraps her in the fabric of the curtain like a hammock.
"Ready."
He calls and I lift up the other end careful not to drop her.
"Hurry up."
I call signalling for him to climb up the ladder and take her before the fabric slips from my hands.
Asher grabs Monroe before cradling her close to his chest. I can see the worry and fear in his eyes and I'm sure I look the same.
Asher and I make our way through the building and outside without much problem.
I grab my phone before calling Luke.
Come on, pick up!
I climb into the drivers seat as Asher gets into the back with Monroe.
"Raya?"
Luke asks having finally answered the phone.
"Luke, I need you to get the doctors ready at the base."
I order as I speed off down the road.
"Who's hurt?"
My eyes water with tears as I take in a deep breath.
"Monroe's been shot, I want the best doctors on the spot by the time I get there."
I order running all the yellow lights and even a few red. People honk in frustration and anger not realizing that this is an emergency. Man, it's times like this when I wish I had a police car and sirens. Actually an ambulance would be better right about now.
"On it."
"Good, I'll be there soon."
I state before ending the call and radioing team B.
"Yes?"
"Blood Arrow is dead. I repeat, Blood Arrow is dead."
"Copy that, and your orders Silver Eyes?"
"Meet back at base."
"Understood."
I hang up the phone and glance in the review mirror to see Asher looking down at a pale faced Monroe.
"How's she doing?"
I ask fearing the answer.
"Not good, she's already lost a lot of blood."
My hands unconsciously clench on the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as I press harder on the gas.
Monroe can't die.
She hasn't even lived her life yet.
"Luke! Put that down."
Monroe orders and I laugh as he runs around her with a can of stinky airspray.
"Gross!"
Monroe mumbles covering her nose as she waves the misty air away from her face.
"Luke!"
I yell holding out my hands for him to toss me the can. He does and I catch it in my hands before backing away from Monroe.
"Raya. Put the spray away, this house already stinks enough."
Monroe states referring to the scent of burnt food from the kitchen. Lets just say that Luke is no longer allowed to cook.
I laugh tossing the can of airspray into the trashcan only a few yards away.
"Raya."
Luke complains and Monroe quickly opens the windows to let in some fresh air.
"Luke."
I answer back as Monroe sends a slightly annoyed look to Luke.
"I can't believe you burnt the food."
She mutters crossing her arms over her chest.
"Hey, it's not burnt. It's called well done."
Luke states causing me to laugh.
Ha! That's funny. Luke can't cook to save his life.
Luke's phone suddenly rings causing us to stop talking as we let him answer.
"Yes? I'll be right there."
He says before hanging up.
His gaze instantly meets mine as he gives a slight nod signaling where he's going. He's heading back to base.
"I gotta go, I'll see ya later!"
He calls walking out the door leaving Monroe and I to clean up the burnt Italian food.
"Please, don't let him cook again."
I plead as we wash the dishes and throw away our trash.
"Don't worry, he's now banned from the kitchen."
"Good, you're a better cook anyway."
The two of us laugh as we finish up cleaning.
"You wanna know what we need to do over the summer?"
I ask hopping up onto the counter.
"What?"
She asks taking a sip of her bitter tasting tea.
"We need to go on vacation, just the three of us."
I state drinking my apple cider.
"That sounds fun, where to?"
"Hmm...Hawaii and Germany."
I suggest remembering that she's always wanted to go to Germany.
"Oh! And lets go scuba diving!"
"And sky diving."
I add causing her to smile.
"That'll be a fun vacation."
"Yep."
I agree glancing out the window to see the sun hanging high in the pale blue sky. The birds sing as the leaves rustle in the wind. It's a pretty day.
I pull into the parking lot as members of the Silver Gang rush out the door towards the car.
I climb out along with Asher who's carrying Monroe.
"Get her to the medical room."
I order as I follow them into base.
My eyes shift to Luke who's now talking with Justin, Tyson, Nathan, Jo, Jaecee and Saiylor. They all look up to meet my gaze and I hesitate.
I can't deal with this right now. Not with everything going on.
"Red Lion! Where are the doctors?"
I ask as one of the members leads Asher towards the medical room.
"They're already there and waiting."
Luke answers and I nod in approval.
"Good."
The faster they help Monroe, the faster she'll get better.
I glance at the others before turning on my heel to follow Asher still carrying Monroe.
"Raya."
Justin says trying to gain my attention. I stop hesitating, unsure of what to do. There's no way to explain any of this, especially with everything going on.
"Red Lion, I think you should get them back to their homes. Their families have worried enough I think."
I murmur.
"Raya-."
"Stop ignoring us."
Tyson interrupts in an annoyed tone causing me to look up.
"He's right."
Jaecee agrees as she holds tight to his arm as if to keep from falling down.
"We're not leaving."
Nathan says and Jo nods.
"Yeah, not until you tell us what happened."
"We're not kids."
Saiylor states.
"You can tell us Raya."
Justin says causing me to frown.
I wouldn't even know how to start.
"Luke, will you-."
"No."
The six of them interrupt my words causing me to raise an eyebrow.
"We want you to explain."
Jaecee and Jo state and I frown glancing at Luke for help.
He raises his hands in surrender backing away.
"Hey, I'm staying out of this one. I'm gonna go check on Monroe."
Luke states before running off towards the medical room.
Great.
He left me alone with them.
How am I supposed to face them after everything that I hid from them?
How are they going to forgive me?
Should they?
No.
Probably not.
They look at me expectantly and I hesitate trying to think of a good enough excuse to get out of the situation.
"I...I can't explain right now. I've got other things I need to deal with first."
I state causing them to either sigh in annoyance or frown in disapproval.
"So, you will explain?"
"Later, just not right now."
I murmur taking a step back.
"Silver Eyes!"
Two members of the gang yell from across the room.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Siver wants to speak with you."
One answers and I nod.
"Make sure they're taken care of. Please take them to a private lounging area with food and a new change of clothes."
I state and they both nod.
"Of course Silver Eyes, anything else?"
"I'd like extra doctors on standby for Miss Deadbolt."
I state referring to Monroe.
"Already done."
I nod in approval before taking one last look at Justin, Nathan, Tyson, Jaecee, Jo and Saiylor. I then turn ready to walk to my dad's office.
"Wait."
I glance back at Justin to see him walk up to me.
"What? I told you I'd explain later."
"I'm coming with you."
He says stopping next to me and I frown shaking my head.
"No, it'd be better if you stayed with the group."
I state gesturing to the others.
"I'm going with you."
He says in a tone letting me know he's not going to back down.
I hesitate before walking forward not giving him an answer. He goes to follow me, but both boys steps in front of him to block his path.
"Let me through."
"Not without Silver Eyes permission."
The three of them glance at me and I nod.
"Just let him come."
I mutter and continue walking.
Justin jogs to catch up and I tense feeling both nervous and worried.
We both remain quiet as I lead the way. I keep my eyes forward not willing to look at him, but I feel his gaze on me.
"Raya?"
"Hmm?"
"You okay?"
He asks and I look over confused.
"Huh?"
"Are you hurt?"
Well other then the stab wound I'm fine.
"Um, no. I'm good, are-are you hurt?"
I ask quietly.
"No, neither are the others."
I feel my shoulders relax slightly glad that they weren't hurt. However, I still feel guilty and worried.
"What happened exactly?"
I ask as we approach my dad's office.
"I'll tell you what happened when you tell me what the heck was going on with....Blood Arrow? Is that his name?"
Justin asks looking at me and I nod.
"Yeah, it was."
"Was?"
"He's dead."
I state as I open the door to my dad's office.
"Raya!"
My dad suddenly tackles me in a hug.
"Oof! Hey dad."
I say between breathes as the air is squeezed from my lungs.
"I'm so glad you're safe."
He smiles before his gaze shifts to Justin standing behind me.
"Who is this?"
"Uh, dad this is my friend Justin. Justin this is my dad."
I introduce stepping back as they shake hands.
"Nice to meet you."
"You as well Mr. Silver."
Justin nods and my dad turns to me.
"So about the mission? Should we discuss this privately?"
Dad asks referring to Justin.
He doesn't know if I want Justin in here as we talk.
"He can stay."
I state causing him to nod in understanding.
"Was the mission successful?"
"Affirmative."
"And Blood Arrow?"
"Dead."
"Who's taken charge?"
"Blood Arrow's son, Wyatt."
"Will he be a problem?"
"Not that I'm aware of. He seemed sincere in doing the right thing."
I answer and he nods.
"And I'm assuming all your friends made it back?"
"That is correct."
"Unharmed?"
"James Monroe was shot during the event. She's in the medical room at this time."
I answer feeling my hands clench in anger. Justin's hand wraps around mine reassuringly and I relax taking a deep breath.
"I see, and your plan for your friends?"
"I want a private plane to take them back home by morning."
"Wait, what about you?"
Justin demands looking at me with a dark gaze and I frown.
"Luke is going to go pick up James while I go discuss some....boundaries with the Blood Gang. Since they have a new leader we'll need to make sure that things are dealt with carefully."
I answer keeping my gaze on dad rather then let them wander to Justin who looks a bit confused and irritated-perhaps even worried.
"Well done."
Dad nods in approval.
"You can go check on your friends now, I'm sure they're worried and would like to know the plan."
"Of course."
I mutter as my gut flutters in nervousness. I'll actually have to talk to them and explain. How am I going too explain? I can't possibly see how this will go well.
I walk out the door with Justin on my heels as he follows close behind.
"Raya."
He says but I continue to walk down the hallway. What should I do?
"Raya, wait."
He grabs hold of my hand pulling me back towards him. I meet his gaze with my own silver gray ones.
"Tell me you'll be coming back with us."
He states and I look down away from his piercing eyes.
Truthfully, I wasn't planning on going back. Not after all that's happened. Maybe send some people to grab my stuff from the house, but that's it.
"I...I ca-."
'Ring!'
'Ring!'
'Rin-!'
I answer my phone that had interrupted my sentence.
"Yes?"
"Raya, it's me."
Luke's voice answers over the phone and I frown. His voice sounds distant like the cold stars in the night sky.
"What is it?"
"...It's Monroe..."
Luke trails off causing my chest to tighten. I drop the phone as I burst into a full sprint down the hall towards the medical room.
Monroe can't die!
She can't!