Chapter 4 – “Agony”

FINALE

(Sam's POV)

(Phone rings)

"Warren?"

"Sir, you have to proceed to the building as soon as possible." Warren added. "Are you still with her, sir?"

"Yeah… she's the one who disabled the tracker. They might try to get to her. I can't let that happen…"

"Oh, you should stay with her a little more time, huh. Uhh... Today in Nashville they have an event during this fall, Cheekwood Harvest. You should bring her there."

"Is that so?" I nodded, knowing that we'll be there any minute now. "Andy? Where is he?"

"He hasn't contacted me yet, sir. But I'll try to get to him right away."

Sighs. "Alright, thanks, Warren…"

"Pleasure, sir. Be careful."

Local time : 6:44 am – Nashville, TN

- Cheekwood –

"I can't believe we drove to get here for straight 8 hours and now I'm hungry —" Cindy is panting trying to catch her breath.

She stopped on her track. "What is this…" she looks at me.

I close the car's door. "What do you think it is?"

"Are you kidding me??? You literally take us here without telling me —" she can't hide her excitement.

---

Music playing live by the musicians. Kids with their families having fun at the pumpkin house, having picnics.

(Cindy's POV)

I don't understand what I'm feeling right now. I have mixed feelings and I am emotionally overwhelmed.

Seeing all this beautiful things at this beautiful place with such a beautiful weather.

"It's not obvious that you wanna cry…" He said.

I can't help but smile from ear to ear. "It's just that… I feel like all of my tiredness and stress just washed away instantly… it just feels different. It feels good…"

He nods slowly then he looks at the sky.

"It's been awhile since I was out for a fresh air like this…" he said with a blank face.

"Is being outdoors for rest is your most awaited?"

"When I do my work, I'd tie my hair up. And when the time I take the tie off, it just means that I'm going to rest… so, that's one of the best part of my day…"

I look at him. Shocked. "You had a long hair?"

He laughs. "Of course. I just cut it for my college student look."

I nod looking down. "I'll remember that."

He just responded with a scoff.

"I really wanna be a writer who can give a message to everyone that no one has ever said to them… in a different way of saying that somewhere here in this world, there is someone who understands what they feel. If my book reaches them, it could be a little help at least…"

I look at him and he's staring at the ground. "You? Is the work you have now is the one you truly want?"

He smile a little. "Happy." He looks at me. "I just want to live happily. Cause… if you're happy, it's a success."

Hearing that aches my heart. I don't know what he's been through but I know it was hard for him just like my sister went through.

I pick something from my bag and hands it to him. "Here… it's a mini book that contains nothing but beautiful words. I wrote them myself when I was having a very hard time. It's not that much but I'm sure it'll make you turn to the brighter side…"

Book title: HEART

He takes the book and looks at me and sighs heavily. "Sam Joseph…"

I look at him with a question look. "Hmmm?"

"My real name… Sam Joseph." He smiled.

I couldn't say a word and he stood up. "Come on, let's go see the performance…"

( Playing : "Nashville TN" by Chris Stapleton)

I look at him as we stand near enough to see the performance. He looks at me as well and I can see him smiling differently than before.

It's very rare to see him smile like this. And when he does, it's like I'm seeing a ferret smiling, with his big eyes that disappears.

But his smile turned into a shocked face and he look down beside him.

I was obviously surprised too. And only to see a little boy poking him shyly.

I give the little one a smile and Sam looks at me nervously.

Gee, I can see myself in him whenever a puppy approaches me.

"Can I play with you?" the little boy asked cutely.

He didn't know what to say, "Ummm, okay?"

He held his hand and drags him to the pumpkin house along with his little friends.

Sam looks at me from afar with a "help me" eyes.

I just stood there looking at them with full of admiration.

So much for this beautiful day.

I can't believe this. I used to plan everything every day. Hoping everything will be done perfectly.

Yet sometimes when I get to achieve them, it seems like I haven't had done anything. I still feel like I'm not doing anything.

Ever since me and my sister were apart, I've been living my life chasing perfection. With the thought of I can leave the past in that case.

But I was still empty and lifeless. Just a girl who lives her life trying to neglect the things in the past.

He made me realize that everything will still go well, even if it's unplanned. To be spontaneous doesn't mean hardships are not there. There's still difficult times to happen, that's what life is.

He showed me that living the life is more than just chasing perfection and wanting to get everything right perfectly. But being spontaneous, is to be ready to accept surprises that life can bring. Either it's a challenge or a reward.

I realized... that the past is not necessary to be forgotten.

We can't change it, still, we can't go back to it.

But we can learn from it. Be grateful and pay attention to the present time. And surely, you can see yourself in the future, living the life you truly wanted.

A moment passed by…

(Phone rings)

"It's fine… don't worry about me. I'll just be here." I said to not make him worry.

He was about to leave and I call him out. "Sam Joseph…"

He turns to look at me.

"Be careful…"

He responded with a little smile. I look at his eyes, praying he would come back safely.

Then he rushed running to the exit gate. I watch him leave till I can't see him from here.

(Sam's POV)

"Warren, I'm on my way." Engine starts.

---

(Ben Peterson's POV)

"He's on his way here, sir."

"Heh. Good. Now, he should know he chose the wrong assignment." Holding my cigarette. "Get Andy."

"Yes, sir."

(Sam's POV)

Whilst I'm on my way to the building, few cars are chasing behind me.

I ran out of gas. Grunts. "Great. Just in time, huh?" I get my briefcase and got out of the car.

(Sounds of the wheels pulling the car)

I turn to look at them and smash the car's door.

"Reese Morgan?" one of the guys shouted.

"Pft, why're you looking for a guy who doesn't exist."

Many of'em run towards me with a gun.

Ben Peterson is watching me from the highest peak of the building.

I glared and sigh.

I know I will just waste my time facing these punks here, but I have to deal with them and put an end to this hell.

"Alright, gentlemen. You want this, right?" Grunts. Puts the briefcase down. "I'll give it to y'all."

They're looking at the briefcase in confusion and some are filled with fears in their eyes.

Smirk. "Once I'll tap all the three of them, it's gonna blow this place up."

(Tap)

(Guys starting to attack me)

(2 men down)

Panting. "Yoo-hoo, the line's empty, who's next?" they run towards me screaming their lungs out.

(4 men down)

"Anyone —" Attacks. "Woah—that was fast."

(5 men down)

Catching my breath. "Now, that was surprisingly good." Claps slowly.

(Last tap)

4 men steps back slowly as their eyes are on the briefcase. Assuming it'll explode just as I said.

(Powerful music playing)

I close my eyes tilting my head side to side. Feeling the music.

"Ever heard of a sound that would completely blow your minds?" I raised my voice.

They look at each other realizing they were fooled. And run towards me screaming. "ARGHHHHH!!!!!!"

(Ben Peterson's POV)

"Woops, 15 men down." He looks up to me.

"How's that old man? Didn't expect that from a rookie named so-called "Reese Morgan"?" he looks at me smiling confidently.

I clench my teeth. "Sam McKee…" I added.

"Get your weapons ready!"

He responds with a smirk and gets his briefcase coming upstairs.

"You fools!!! Do something!!!" My blood is boiling with rage. This kid is getting on my nerves. How dare he try to challenge me.

"Surprise…"

(Sam's POV)

I show him the remote control, waving it in the air, teasing him.

"How the hell did you get that?" Ben Peterson's eyes widen and I swear he looks like he's gonna throw a punch.

"You guess who…" I smiled.

"You little —"

"Where is it?" I clench teeth. "Where's the dominant device?!!!"

"And do you think I will tell you where that is?"

"Then tell me, why are you doing this…" I look at him in the eye. "What do you want?"

He scoffs. "What a cute question is that. I never thought the fearless rookie who tries to get me was you all along." He points me with his index finger. "You were just a lonely little boy."

While he was talking nonsense, a lot of men are coming towards us.

I'm in trouble, how can I get to the device?

---

I'm trying to stop them one by one, there's just too many of them. This is taking so long than I expected.

(Gun shot)

I flinch a little by the sound of the gun. I turn around to see who it was.

Ben Peterson exclaimed. "Lewis Murphy." Then he hysterically laugh. "Well, look who's here, old man."

"Mr. Murphy?" I furrow my eyebrows. He's a senior of mine. I've heard so much about him being a great but a bit lousy agent. He used to hate me. Why is he here? Did Chief Gregory sent him?

"Yes, it's me, loser!" Lewis Murphy said to Ben Peterson. Then he looks at me. "Go ahead, little lad. I'll take care of this."

I was hesitant to leave him. But there's no time.

I throw my last punch and head upstairs with the remote control and my briefcase.

---

Time remaining :

Years: 00 Months: 00 Days: 00 Hours: 00 Minutes: 26

"I only have 26 minutes to disable this." I tried to set the remote control and attach to the ticking device but it doesn't work.

"I don't understand, what's happening? Isn't this the controller?"

(Ben Peterson's POV)

Lewis Murphy beats all my men and he's up to something.

Andy came.

(Sam's POV)

Lewis Murphy holds my two shoulders. "Listen to me, the remote control no longer works. Ben Peterson destroyed it before you could get near to the device."

He added. "But you can let it explode…"

"What?!!!"

"Listen… just let it explode, you can adjust the density along with its ability to select an area to affect."

I shook my head. "That doesn't make sense!!!!!"

"Shhhh shhhh trust me. Don't die… okay? You can't die!!!!!!" Mr. Murphy pats my back.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I asked.

"I trust you, little lad. The thing that happened a long time ago shouldn't be repeated again… no rookies nor young kids like you should have to get through this." He breathes heavily. "Go ahead. Go!!!!!"

(Lewis Murphy's POV)

He runs to the device leaving me with his teary eyes.

"You can't die in the fire, little lad. You're the fire…" I mumbled to myself looking at him as he disappear to my vision.

(Andy's POV)

"Father, you don't have to do this…" I added. "Father, please!!!!!"

"You useless being, is that what you've learned from that asshole?!!!"

"Don't call him that." My voice got lower.

I kick away the gun from his hand as he was trying to shoot Sam.

(Sam's POV)

I already set it up and I look down around to find Andy and Mr. Murphy.

I saw Andy but he's being pushed by Ben Peterson.

"Andy!!!!!!" I rush to run and get him.

His head is bleeding. "H-hey…"

As I'm holding Andy, I saw Mr. Murphy but he's too far from here.

Carrying Andy on my back while heading to Mr. Murphy —

(…3…2…1… Explodes)

---

"He's gonna be alright… come on let's get moving."

"Careful, please."

Unclear voices I heard. Lying on a bed while they're trying to let me in the vehicle.

Breathes heavily. "Wha —"

"Shhhh… you're alright, we're taking you to somewhere safe…"

"You…" I could barely talk and see.

A soft voice responds "It's all good now…"

Local time : 5:23 pm – Nashville, TN

- Private Clinic –

(Cindy's POV)

"No, there is no way anyone can find out about this. Definitely no one should."

"Is this why we're not taking them to the hospital?!"

"Exactly. Now shush your mouth and do your work."

I overheard the conversation of one of the guys that were with Warren.

I know I shouldn't be like this but why would they hide this from everyone?

(Sam's POV)

The first time I open my eyes since the incident, I saw no one but her.

She's at the table preparing some food.

I grunt by how bright the sun is on my face.

"Oh, you're awake?" She looks at me and glance at the window.

"Sorry, I know the light of the sun could annoy you but you need it." She just let one side of the curtain down. "Here… eat."

I look away. Heavy sighs.

"Still bothered? Oh!" she picked something from the table.

I move backwards as she let me wear something. Seriously, a sunglasses?

"How's that?"

"Hay, can you not?" She removes it and puts it away. I added while looking at her with my eyebrows furrowed. "Where did you even get that? Seriously…"

"You still have to eat. I know you haven't eaten all day since —" sighs. "Eat it. I made them."

I look at her as I heard what she says. Then I took the plate and eat.

"How are you feeling?" She sounds serious right now.

"I'm okay. Don't worry." I remembered something. "Andy? Where's Andy?"

She sighs. "I can't visit him yet. They're still checking up on his condition."

"Why are you here? Haven't I told you, you should stay away from where they can see you?"

(Cindy's POV)

I was about to answer his question but —

(Door knocks then opens)

"Sir McKee… I'm glad you're alright now. Tomorrow you can be able to leave here."

"How's Andy?" Sam asked.

"He's in a critical condition, Sir. His head was badly hurt, he's…" the guy sighs. "He's on a comma, Sir. But the doctor said he's gonna be alright. It will take a long time anyhow."

Sam looked away and sighs heavily. "Mr. Murphy?"

The guy look down breathes heavily. "Mr. Murphy's gone, sir. Dead on Arrival." He looked at him. "I'm sorry, Sir."

Sam close his eyes with his head down.

(Sam's POV)

"No… this is not happening…" I looked at him "You didn't mean anything, right?"

"I'm sorry, Sir…"

Local time : 9:29 pm – Nashville, TN

"You really won't eat anything? You never had anything…" Cindy said while holding the food tray.

She sighs. She picked up her phone.

(Turns on the radio)

"It's almost 10…" she looks at me while holding her phone. Puts it down.

I look at her and unintentionally said what I have in my mind. "If my hair is longer now, it would feel a lot better untying it when I'm with you."

I see her smiling. I just look at her without saying anything.

"It's hard, isn't it? You're just doing what you need to do… give all your best, but it doesn't seem to work as you thought it would be…"

(Now playing : 'Nashville, TN' by Chris Stapleton)

As I hear the intro of the song, I glance at her phone that is use as a radio then I turn to look at her.

Smiling…

"I met you when I had a dream

Not so long ago, it seems

We closed down a million bars

Yeah, you and me, we've come so far

You showed me how to write a song

We wrote some right, we wrote some wrong

I was down and out, you let me in

At times you were my only friend…"

We started singing the song together. Listening it now feels different. Things are getting really harder.

I don't know what I'm gonna do next. Don't even know if I'm doing everything right. It feels like I am long lost in this path that I took.

I thought that I already gave my best. But it's not even close to doing better. I took the path where I put everyone in trouble that's dear to me.

Not knowing I shed tears already, thinking about everything. I feel like a trash.

Cindy came near to me. Pulling my blanket up and covers my shoulder.

"It's getting colder. You have to rest."

I just close my eyes crying.

(Cindy's POV)

Caressing his hair while he's asleep.

I don't know how much he's been through. But I know how hard it must be to him.

He spent his whole life training, apart from Andy and now this happens to him. It's already hard for him to keep that loneliness alone for a long time, I know he's doing his best to everything he could.

Sobs. "You're doing well…" I try to hold back my tears but I can't. "Everything's gonna be alright… hmmm? Rest for now…"

(Sam's POV)

"Why does this has to happen to you?" Exhales.

(Flashback)

His head is bleeding. "H-hey…" Andy whispers to me. He could hardly speak.

"Andy, you have to stay with me, okay? Let's get out of here…"

"That day when we met at the University… I was really glad to see you again…"

(End of Flashback)