Rising Within

The Damned Assistant

Dionne

“We’re going to work together, yeah?” The main robber bobbed his head, looking for our approval.

“Only then will we let you go. Don’t make any hero moves or that offer is off the table.”

He reached for my chin roughly and held my face to his to absorb his words. The firmness in his voice vibrated in my ears. It sounded somewhat familiar. Surely not. Finally, he let go of my chin and I stood awaiting his directions. We did as they asked calmly.

Mainly I did, because Lisa’s fear overtook her and she was rendered a statue, even failing to blink and refresh her teary eyes. I took some calming breaths and began to slow my heart rate. I had to prepare myself for their end of the bargain.

I knew I would more than likely be able to take two down, but a third was going to be tricky. I hadn’t managed to make training over the last three months, so I was a bit rusty, but I’d been fighting professionally for years. I had always felt I’d need to protect myself one day and delved into martial arts, the rest just felt like a natural progression as fighting came so easily. It was unusual, since my parents were both doctors, I always felt so rough around the edges. I’m just glad they let me be me.

I glanced at the time as I ushered the masked bandits to the safe. I now began to worry about Elias making a scene outside the store. This was too big for him, and it could mean we were in far greater danger than I anticipated. The safe slurped open and I assisted the jewelry into the velvet bags they held. It was a shame to throw such beautiful pieces together to scratch and knock about. In another bag I emptied the till’s contents and pending banking. I tried not to make noticeable eye contact but still tried to take any visual appearance clues safely.

Suddenly, everyone jumped. The roller door rattled. It rattled again. Someone was knocking from the outside.

Oh God, Elias!

I felt a drop in my blood pressure at the thought of having to save Lisa and Elias. I had to think quickly.

“It’s my friend, I…I’m meant to meet him after work. If you are almost done, I can buy you some time.” The words just rolled out, I prayed that they didn’t feel threatened by me.

Again, the main man commanded. He flicked his wrist in the direction of the door.

“Make him go away. Remember no heroes!”

I steadied my heart again and took in some slow breaths. I had to get this right.

“Hey, we’ll be a little longer. Sorry had some late customers. Why don’t you wait for me at the coffee shop at the other end? I’d let you in, but it’s against policy. I’ll wrap this up as soon as I can!” I gulped a deep breath in.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind waiting here?”

Yes, I knew that would be his answer. No I mind, I wanted to say, my life depends on it and yours too! But I swallowed and tried again.

“Please, I’d really love a coffee waiting for me when I get out, it’s been a really, really long day. Large latte with one sugar please. I won't be much longer.”

Please take the bait. There’s no need for him to suspect anything, right? I turned to look at our captors. They nodded, and proceeded to get on with it more quickly and callously than before.

“Alright, one coffee coming up. Try not to miss me.”

I could hear his laugh. It warmed my heart. As soon as I sensed he had left I returned to my new role as robber's assistant. But at least I had bought us some time. Any was better than none.

This was going to work out fine.