Awake

"It is imperative to keep calm, speak softly, and explain that she is in good hands and that no harm will come to her," Ana says calmly before injecting something into Mallory's IV. Hunter swallowed nervously, anxious about how Freckles would react when she awoke in his bedroom.

"And Hunter, she'll be significantly out of it and may panic and feel disoriented." Hunter nodded to show that he understood. Silence lingered in the room, and Hunter nervously picked a loose thread off his shirt while keeping sight of Freckles.

"Hello. My name is Ana, and I am a Doctor. You're in a safe place, and no one is going to harm you. Can you tell me your name? " Hunter was tense as he watched Freckle's blue eyes flicker, listening to Ana's gentle, soothing voice.

"This is Hunter, the guy that found you, "Ana continues, and Hunter blushes when Freckles looks at him briefly before looking away.

Freckles began to cough, and Hunter swiftly took the glass with water and straw he had prepared and leaned into Freckles. 

"Here's some water for your throat," Hunter mumbles, his eyes locking with a confused pair of eyes set on a frightened girl.

"It's okay, go on," he mumbled. Freckles extended her neck, and Hunter helped her grab the straw to drink. 

After a few sips, she leaned back again, and Hunter placed the glass on the stand beside the bed.

"Do you remember anything?" Ana asked again, tilting her head a little while looking at Freckles with soft eyes. Freckles shook her head, "It's natural; it's prevalent not to be able to remember memories after being sedated after a trauma, and it is normal that memories return over a longer period." Ana continues. 

Hunter looked at Freckle as she began to blink with her eyes again, and soon, she had started to snore a little and dozed off. That's going to happen now for a few days. She may be exhausted and unable to remember anything about her past."

"Okay, so what should I do?" Ana smiles, "Keep talking to her, offer her a drink. She'll still need the probe and a catheter. Watch her when she's awake. I have to go now; call me if you need me," Ana nodded and left the room.

________________

Mr. Wyatt turned off his computer and decided to collect documents about the Wraith companies from the authorities. Something isn't adding up. How can a company selling carpets and other varieties of imported interior details earn millions of pounds yearly? There was something fishy about the company, and Mr. Wyatt was determined to start his investigation.

________________

Mallory opened her eyes and found herself lying in an unfamiliar environment. She looked around the room, and her eyes were soon locked with a man whom she remembers being named Hunter, seated next to her side, "Hey, you're awake again. How are you feeling? " Hunter asked her, leaning in a little.

"Dead," whispered Mallory with a dry throat. "Here, drink some water," Hunter replied, holding the straw out for Mallory. 

She took a sip, and Hunter watched as she drank and then put the glass back.

"Mallory," Hunter froze when he heard Mallory whisper.

"That's my name," "What a pretty name," Hunter replied, smiling. 

"I've been calling you Freckles since I didn't know your name." He goes on, "I like that," Mallory mumbles and Hunter blushes again and feels relieved when he hears Mallory snoring. 

I'm a fuckin' idiot! Hunter coursed himself. He was angry at himself for feeling so drawn to this little girl. She was just eighteen, and Hunter was nearly thirty years old. 

No, Hunter was determined to help her heal and to keep this on a friendly base; he couldn't feel this way about her. She was fragile: God only knows how much she had endured.

"Hey, you need to go, man," Blade said when he entered the room. 

"Oh, right," said stressed Hunter and hurried to the door, "Her name is Mallory," he shouted over his shoulder and ran out to get his car.

________________

Duncan walked around his desk, waiting for Hunter to arrive. They had a significant meeting with the cartel in one hour, and he needed to talk to Hunter first. Duncan was stressed out like he always was before those meetings. 

The cartel was a powerful league that played at a level superior to itself, and the meeting had to be flawless since Raja, the leader, did not appreciate drama.

"Everything seems to be in order, Da?" Raja asked, taking a big drag from his cigar and nailing Duncan with his eyes. Duncan swallowed nervously, nodding his head. Everything is under control. The last shipment went smoothly." Duncan responded and straightened up while adjusting his collar. 

Raja held his gaze fixed on Duncan with a frigid face. He loved to make people uncomfortable. But he was somewhat baffled by Duncan's right hand, Hunter. 

The boy was always calm, stood aside, and never broke away during eye contact. Raja, a tall and muscular man with a harsh and raspy voice, would often come off as intimidating with his thick, gray hair and weather-worn face. Yet, Hunter seemed unbothered by him.

"Da. Since you managed to handle this quantity of product, we will double the next one. Demand is rising, and we must provide." Raja spoke harshly, and Duncan felt his heartbeat race. "But more quantity will raise higher risks as well?" Duncan added, and he had to focus on his breathing when he saw Raja snap his neck.

"Listen carefully because I do not repeat myself. We have a contract, and in that contract, it states very clearly that I, Raja, can increase the amount when I need it, and you will nod your head and do as I say. We are in agreement on those two points. This isn't a playground, Duncan. This is the big man's world. Are you a big man? Or should I throw you back into the playground, six feet under?" Raja spoke coldly, leaned over Duncan, and blew a thick gray cloud of smoke. "I understand, and we will manage," Duncan replied, and Hunter nodded. "We'll get it done!"

Raja glanced at Hunter and swiftly nodded: Good because I don't give second chances. Vykhod (leaving):" Raja and his men left the circle, hopped into their cars, and drove out of the premises.

"Thank God it's over," Duncan sighed, and Hunter frowned. 

"How the hell can we carry that quantity on the streets? We can't take more ourselves. The men will be out there day and night, and it will raise attention. " Hunter said with a worried tone, and Duncan shrugged at him.

"We will manage. I'm sorry I dragged you into this, Hunter; I know you were against this contract initially. But I was greedy, and I will pay the price." 

"No one's gonna pay any price. We got into this mess, and we'll find a way out. " Hunter responded, and Duncan nodded while tapping Hunter's shoulder.