34 Runners - Pt 02 (1/2)

Selina Johnson | Apartment

-A pawn you say?

-Yes. But make no mistake. I am just a scant trying to survive here after all.

-Trying to survive..

-(Sighs)Look, Selina? I won't say I am sorry. There's no point.

-What..what are you really after?

-...I already told you. This town, the society is like a giant food chain. And people like you and me are placed at the very bottom.

-Don't tell me you are on some holy crusade or something.

-No. You misunderstood. I don't really care about any of these.

-Then; WHY do I have a gun pointed at you right now? Why am I here with you at all?

-Back at the health clinic, I assume that's what you call that five star nursing home, right?

-...

-I was fortunate enough to get one or two visitors. Well, not that you gave a damn.

-If I had visited you...would things have been any different?

-Who knows..probably. Or not.

-(A big exhale)...you had them checking out this hotel for Layla at the day of your release?

-Charming detective! Not particularly Layla I believe. I AM impressed though.

-No..there's still...wait, you said she was like, a pawn? Then..,- My hands started to feel dull. Just when I began to get somewhere, a little smile on his face assured me that I was missing a huge number of pieces. I solved nothing.

-Yes, you were going on the right track. Her misfortune wasn't particularly my intention. I just made a good deal with very lousy people.

-How did they even find you? Who are you guys?

-It's a town where you trip over bullet castings while running around at the playground. I don't think it would be too hard for higher ups to find their missing errand boys here.

-...

-For your second answer, I am afraid I cannot say anything.

-...

-Now, if you want to shoot me, then go ahead. And if that's not it then help me out. It's a courtesy you know, to help a disabled person.

-...Shen Anderson, you are arrested, for attempted thievery, assaulting a police officer and plotting further robbery.

-Huh? I must say you are one interesting woman. No wonder he fell for you..but sorry, you're not arresting anyone today.

-Who? What did you just say?

-Never mind that. What were YOU saying? Arresting?

-...,- I was looking at him. Underneath my act, I was still trying to connect the dots, making scenarios.

-(Chuckles)what are the charges? On who's authority?

-...,- There was no good answer. I couldn't have backed out too. The only thing I could do was to hide behind my badge.

-Selina,- He moved towards me with a straight face while being completely vulnerable, powerless to fight. It was almost like he had no fear.

-Stop moving or I WILL shoot. Get back!