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Chapter 21
Archer had just returned from a run, he needed to calm down after seeing what had happened to Cara. Jogging around the base had been a breeze, he welcomed the freshness as it whipped past his body. Pulling his thoughts away from him on every deep exhale.
He slowed down as he reached HQ, punching in the key code aggressively before heading towards his room. He collapsed onto his bunk, the air still escaping his lungs rapidly. Diesel had been sat waiting patiently and took the opportunity to jump onto Archer. His hand moved automatically, stroking the creature with adoration as he slowed his breaths.
“I’ve been wondering who’s the dog was?” Johnson chuckled as he entered the room.
“Hmm...” Archer responded absentmindedly. Johnson sat back on the chair against Archer’s desk. His arms folded as he swung side to side on the pedestal.
“Look,” Johnson stood up from the chair, walking towards where Archer and Diesel were laying. “She needs you to focus.” His
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Sgt Maddox Chapter 22
The damp darkness of her cell enveloped Cara’s body like a rash, a chill ran up and down her spine repeatedly, draining her of energy. Her extremities were numb, the slight sensation of pins and needles left its evidence; the lack of movement causing the blood flow to decrease. She shivered on the floor, curling her body up to retain as much heat as possible. Voices could be heard outside the corridor to her cell, she strained to hear what was being said but her senses were dulled. The shadows were slowly claiming her for their own and she welcomed them. The slam of a door pierced her ears, if it weren’t for the lack of energy she would have most certainly jumped. Footsteps approached her, she could make out the same footsteps as the ones who had visited her days before, the ones that had brought her food. She recognised that as the last meal she had been provided with, the water from the cup had spilt over and the brick floor below her had absorbed it like a sponge,
Sgt Maddox Chapter 23
Blake set up his equipment swiftly and expertly. His explosives lined the heavy door to the warehouse and everyone held their breath anticipating the next move. “Clear?” Blake called over the radio. “Affirmative.” The team confirmed simultaneously. The sound of mud and metal exploding, resonated over the street; smoke and dust clouded their vision briefly. Shouting could be heard from inside the warehouse, a surge of panicked footsteps rushing around in the darkness. “On me!” Archer ordered his team as he edged into the building. The team swiftly followed behind, crouching behind metal containers that assembled in the entrance. They were met immediately with gunfire. Flashes of light and sounds of gunfire filled the room. Johnson took out the first man, shooting him in the shoulder followed by the neck. He repositioned himself, lining his sights on his next target. Two men stood at the other side of a second entrance, Archer aimed, squ
Sgt Maddox Chapter 24
Cara watched as each man took their seats and strapped themselves in. Cara fidgeted in her seat, she glanced over to see Archer on the phone, her gut twisted as she caught his eye again. He muttered something into the phone before turning his back to her. She lowered her eyes, focusing on her feet, her gaze travelling over the grazes and scrapes that decorated them. She hated how she felt around him, he could make her feel like a million dollars with one look, but his actions still haunted her. She felt battered and tormented by so many unwanted emotions that it exhausted her. Cara leant her head back against the wall of the aircraft, the vibrations soothed her aching body but did nothing for the throbbing in her head. The aircraft peeled away from the runway, jostling as it picked up speed. In minutes they were ascending the expanse above, exhaustion had consumed Cara once more and she found herself falling peacefully asleep. As the plane assaulted the skies, Archer
Sgt Maddox Chapter 25
Tears overwhelmed Cara, her dad’s arms enveloped her as she cried into his chest. He rocked her gently allowing her the moment to release her emotions. The men in the common room all stopped and stared at the scene before them. Johnson turned around from the sofa, eyes widened in shock. His eyes flickered to Archer who also wore the same thunderstruck expression. ‘DAD?’ Johnson mouthed at Archer who shrugged in response. The embrace lasted a minute before their boss peeled himself away, guiding Cara into the room. “Gents, this is my daughter. I expect you all to treat her with respect and make her feel welcome.” “Yes sir,” they all called out in unison. Her dad pushed her towards a small table, pulling out a seat for her. “Archer, first aid kit.” He ordered. Archer immediately pbeyed the command, rushing out the room. “I’ll be down the corridor if you need me.” Her dad spoke softly to her. Everyone stood still, mouths agape and
Sgt Maddox Chapter 26
Cara took a moment to collect her thoughts. The steam that had built up from the showers now threatenedu to suffocate her. She turned the faucet off, allowing the steam to settle around her. She picked up her drenched clothes from the floor and headed back out of the washroom. The corridor was eerily empty, she could hear talking from the far side as she made her way to her room. Pushing the door open she was met with Archer’s tattooed torso. He spun around, his now dry trousers loosely hung around his hips as he slung them on. Her eyes travelled over his chest and abs, adorned with a large eagle at the top with writing; a transcript on his ribs and a lion across his abs. She had never fully appreciated the artwork that stained his skin before and her breathing hitched slightly as she devoured the sight. Archer coughed, bringing her attention back to his face. Cara shifted on the spot, had he noticed her ogling? He shook his hair with his hand, droplets of water spra
Sgt Maddox Chapter 27
Cara avoided Archer the remainder of the day. Unable to look at his judgemental eyes or feel his inescapable presence. Fortunately, she had managed to eat something, the apple that was left on her plate amongst the sandwiches had sated her hunger slightly. As nightfall came, her tiredness took over. She rested her head on the pillow, the dull throb still evident but bearable. Her eyes closed softly as she allowed the darkness to envelop her. The peaceful sounds outside the window pulled her in. The breeze gently wisping through the trees and the faint sounds of cars passing by. Cara tossed and turned in her bed, darkness surrounded her and familiar footsteps echoed around her senses. She was back in her cell, the sight of nothingness invaded her vision. Suddenly, hands were reaching for her, slashing and slapping at her face. She tried to block the blows but they kept coming. They were calling her name, mocking her. “Cara.” The voices repeated. “Cara.” She he
Sgt Maddox Chapter 28
Cara woke up feeling refreshed, her body still ached from the bruises but the throbbing in her head had subsided. The conversation from the night before echoed in her mind, she needed to get out of here. Being around Archer was the last thing she needed, what she needed was her own space. She pulled herself up from the bed, glancing down at the body on the floor. Archer lay with his head on his folded up sleeping bag, his arms crossed over his bare chest and his boots had been kicked off in disarray. The sight caused her heart to skip a beat, the shift causing her breathing to rush. His ink-stained skin rose and fell hypnotically, his hair swept over his forehead. She shifted quietly, attempting not to make a sound, holding her breath as if her life depended on it. She was unsure of the time, but she could hear noise outside the room, meaning there were others awake. She ventured out of the room, heading down the corridor. She reached the door at the end, the sign on
Sgt Maddox Chapter 29
Cara had resigned herself to her room consistently for a week, enjoying the quiet solitude. She had only ventured out to grab some food when it wasn't busy, sometimes exploring further outside to sit on the grass or peek at the self-defence classes. Each time, O’Connell had caught her and asked her to join. As much as she wanted to, it scared her. The thought of being in a confrontational and aggressive situation frightened her. She had never been the type to fight but she couldn’t help but explore the possibility that she could change that. Archer had kept his distance from Cara, he knew she needed time and space and he willingly accepted it. The nightmares were a different story. Each night he would sit outside her room, listening intently. He could hear her panic; her strangled moans as she tossed and turned over in his bed. When he couldn't take anymore, he would cautiously enter the room, watching over her like he was her guard. Holding her hand gently until the dreams
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