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I try to focus on them again, but it’s not just pain and disorientation anymore. I try to get my hands to move, fighting through the pain, but nothing seems to be cooperating with me. Even lifting my hands to ensure they are still there doesn’t seem to be right.
It’s so hot in here. I can feel something licking against my skin and I’m slow to realize its flames. Am I burning now, too?
It’s too hot, too smoky, too much. I’m only bound to this thing by my legs now, and if there’s a fire in here I have to try and get away. Forcing one hand to grip the edge of the table, I attempt to throw myself off of it.
Even that’s slow. The binding against my legs doesn’t give, and I’m lethargic with my movements. The coughing takes hold as I slide, and when my torso is off the table I get stuck upside down hacking.
This is how I’m going to die.
Someone grabs me, but I can’t tell who. Between the stink of blood, the suffocating smoke, and the overwhelming pain, I can’t bring myself to open my eyes. They say something to me, but I’m too lost to know if it’s Mom or Alastair. As the heat in the room becomes overwhelming I slip away again, certain it’s the last thing I’ll ever do.
“Mrs. Surwright, can you hear me?”
Slowly I can focus on the voice as someone repeats the question, and it feels like I’m trying to pry my eyes open.
The harsh light above me makes me regret opening my eyes, and I blink against the startling contrast to my nightmare. I try to lift an arm to shield my eyes, but the movement is sluggish and restricted.
Panic sets in, and I start to fight against the restraints. Violent memories slam through my mind, and I can’t catch my breath as I fight to sit up on my own.
“Code-”
“Just give her a fucking second,” someone snaps, and I’m surprised when I recognize Sterling’s voice. It cuts through the muddy haze, and slowly I turn and lift my eyes to his, struggling to not fight to move again.
He reaches out, grasping my opposite hand as our eyes lock together. His dark brown eyes ground me, and I feel my upper lip trembling as I try to collect myself.
I was at the penitentiary with Vinny, and then we felt strange and someone came out -
The doctor says something I miss, and I’m speaking without trying to figure out what he said. “V-Vinny. Where’s-”
“He’s being checked out. He’s fine,” Sterling assures me, his thumb rubbing the back of my hand. “He woke up a little bit ago and asked about you. I assured him as soon as the doctors check both of you out that you can see each other, you just need to let them do their jobs.”
“We’re just trying to do our jobs, Agent,” the doctor snaps, but I don’t look back at him. I can’t.
“The prison…”
Sterling nods. “Poison Control and the DEA are evaluating the prison. Something was released in the ventilation system of the prison. It’s extremely dangerous but they’ve got it under control now and everyone affected is being treated. The gas knocked out everyone in a very short amount of time.”
The disorientation maybe.I press a hand to my chest, thinking of the strange feeling that swept through me before passing out.
Swallowing down the tremors, I force myself to try and stay calm. “I - I thought I saw-”
“You can explain everything to Agent Gideonafterwe access you,” the doctor interrupts, and I don’t even turn to look at him.
Shaking my head, I tighten my hand in Sterling’s. “My mom. I thought I saw my mom.”
His brows pinch together, and I don’t know what that means. The doctor clears his throat, and Sterling squeezes my hand back. “Let them check you out, Jo.”
“But Alastair!” I hiss, refusing to let go. “What about him? Where is he? And the rest of the prisoners?”
“Ma’am-”
“Please,” Sterling interrupts, glaring at the doctor. It doesn’t seem like they are getting along. His gaze returns to me, and when he lifts my hand to kiss my knuckles I feel something inside me shatter. “At the moment, Jo, Alastair is unaccounted for. We’re looking into it. As for your mother, we’re looking into her as well. According to a new hire at the hospital, someone conspired to break Alastair out of the prison. She’s currently on the run, and we believe he’s with her. If you believe the nurse, Alastair is currently being held hostage by Porscha Surwright.”