The Winter Clock

CHAPTER 37 – MOTEL

The room was dim, with only the sharp but faint light from the laptop’s screen lightening the four corners. Reina checked every detail Lucas sent and bit the back of her finger.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Silver Rose. It’s not yet too late to put the butter inside the box.” Mr. A uttered. “I did not think you’ll accept this mission, for earth’s sake.”

“Same boat, Sir.” Ryther bumped in with his hands crossed above his chest. He was not in the mood since Lucas sent the information.

“You can go back to your cave. Thorn. I can do this alone.”

“You always say that, but you’re always in need of my help. Tsk.”

“Shut it.”

“There, there, children. Knock it off.” Mr. A said with a tired tone, waving his hand in front of them like a referee. “The mission will take place at East Las Vegas – Whitney, to be specific.” Mr. A started to explain, making Ryther’s eyes wide open.

“Whitney?” He clarified.

“Ya scared?” Reina asked sardonically.

“Don’t be such a baby, Silver. Whitney is not a joke.”

“I’m not being a ba-”

“Shut it. Both of you.” Mr. A fumed and clapped his finger, turning the lights on, making Reina and Ryther’s eyes narrow with the sudden light. After a moment, their eyes finally adjusted to the light. “This is Jax. That bastard is one of the heads of child trafficking and child prostitution. Based on the information Lucas and Charlotte gathered, you only have one chance to take him down since he often changes his location.” He explained and threw an envelope filled with pictures in front of them.

Seeing the pictures, Reina almost vomits in disgust. Anger mixed with pity covered the two. The photos were Jax, little girls with damaged private parts, children being molested, and traumatized children who were rescued. It was devastating.

“Is he even a man?” Ryther seethed and crumpled the pictures. “I’ll make sure he will pay for his crimes.” His voice was filled with fury.

“Tag me in.” Reina spat, pissed.

“Careful with your words. He’s a kangaroo loose in the top paddock.” Mr. A warned seriously. “Don’t let your emotions overpower you.”

“Crazy or not, we have the same ass. Mine is cleaner, though.” Hearing Ryther’s remarks, Reina scowl.

“You’re disgusting.”

“He’s more disgusting.”

Reina shook her head helplessly.

“Hit the sack now. You’ll leave early tomorrow.”

***

“Remember to call me when you are in trouble. I’ll fly from Australia to Las Vegas as soon as you do.” Mr. A said with seriousness in his voice. “Click the button if ever the push comes to shove or if you’re caught between the devil and the blue sea.” He added and gave Reina and Ryther two silver rings.

“You’re unfair, Mr. A. You never give us the same treatment!”

The three quickly turned their heads to where the squeaky voice came from, and Reina’s hunch was confirmed.

“Lotte?”

“Miss me?” Charlotte giggled, and Lucas pushed her with one hand since his other arm was broken.

“You look horrible,” Ryther commented in disbelief. “Throw me a superman punch after you fix your arm, sandgroper.” Ryther chuckled mockingly, trying to hide his shock from Charlotte and Lucas’ current situation. The two were one of the best agents as well, so seeing them in that state was unbelievable.

“You never should have reached this building completely if I didn’t give you the same treatment, kiddo.” Mr. A snapback.

“But you never flew to Las Vegas all the way from here.” Charlotte pouted with her eyebrows raised. “That’s the difference.” She spat and let it slide afterward.

“Don’t do your block, mate. Ryther’s there to help you.” Lucas snorted and patted Ryther’s shoulder.

“Tsk. I’ll lose my temper more because of him.” Reina retorted, but Ryther washed her face with his palm, making her panic. “My makeup!”

“Snap out of it. You’re still ugly.” Ryther retorted and tapped Lucas’ shoulder before swiftly jumping inside the helicopter, avoiding Reina’s deadly punch. “We’ll get going now.

“Thanks, heaps for your help! Take it easy!” Charlotte shouted happily, waving her head as the helicopter started to lift from the ground. “See ya around!” Ryther and Reina nodded toward them and looked at Mr. A for the last time before the helicopter flew away.

“It’s a four hours flight, then we will have to refuel then refuel again after 4-5 hours for approximately four times before we reach Las Vegas.” Captain Gilbert explained briefly, and the helicopter flew faster.

Reina looked outside the window, resting her head. It will be a long flight, and the dawn starts to break. Reina felt something heavy from her chest, but she was unsure why. Is it because of the mission? No. It is probably because of Las Vegas. Since it was the last country, she visited with her parents before they died in the plane crash.

“Emergency situation!” The pilot’s trembling voice echoes throughout the whole airplane. “Attention, passenger! The plane is currently off-course due to an unknown ca-“

Bogshh!

A large explosion suddenly sounded from one of the airplane’s wings, making the aircraft erupt in pandemonium.

“Please prepare for an emergency escap-“

Bogshh!

The passengers panicked and shouted in terror. Who would have thought their supposed-to-be joyful flight would end their life?

“Mommy! Daddy!” A little girl shouted in fear. “It’s so loud! The clock ticks so loud it hurts my ear!” She cried out. “Mommy! Numbers are everywhere! Daddy!” She added as his uncle hugged her trembling body. “Where are you?!” She shouted amid chaos.

“Brielle, Ryther, hold unto me firmly, you understand? Don’t ever let go.” Mr. A said firmly as another explosion happened. He carried them in his arms and ran to the opened door where countless people fell without any life jackets on. None of them has enough time and sanity to properly wear life jackets. Mr. A looked back, and seeing Reina and Ryther’s parent’s burned bodies, he bit his lower lip angrily as tears dripped from his eyes. “Hold your breaths, and don’t shout.” He said, and the two children gasped when he jumped from the airplane.

“Silver!” Reina caught her breath when Ryther shook her wildly. “Thank goodness. You’re not waking up, you know that? Don’t scare me like that.” Ryther grumbled angrily and wiped Reina’s cold sweats. Reina stood up and looked outside. “This is as far as Captain Gilbert can take us. It’s a few miles away from the hotel we’re staying at. We’ll take a taxi from here.” He added and took his bag.

Reina nodded, composing herself. “Thank you so much, Captain,” Reina said with a husky voice, and Ryther threw the thick rope. “See ya!”

“Take it easy!” Captain Gilbert shouted when the two started to get down. As soon as they did, they heard tires screeching. Ryther prepared his gun but stopped when the cabbie dropped his window.

“Jack?” Ryther narrowed his eyes, trying to analyze if he was pertaining to the right person.

“Mr. A sent me to fetch ya, kiddos. Hop in.” Jack said with his thick accent and rolled his windows up.

After almost an hour of driving and warning, Jack finally let the two go. “Call me afterward, you understand?” He said before stepping on the gas without waiting for the two’s answer.

“Great.” Ryther blurted out and stopped upon seeing Reina’s facial expression. “What’s wrong?” His head followed where Reina was looking and stopped.

“I-It’s a motel.”

~ It’s always good to help people. Because what you sow, you will surely reap. ~

~ Don't let your emotion overpower you. ~