Trauma

The rain pattered on the cement and the streets were empty, except for the water practically making it a river. The wind blew left and right, sending chills through me, making me shiver at every harsh breeze. The roof above me from where I was sitting on a bench, barely blocked the water from pouring on to me. I looked up at the sky as it roared, large streaks and flashes lighting up the pitch black sky.

I took my phone back out from under my jacket and turned it back on, checking it for the third time this minute. No texts, no calls. I had been waiting for my brother to pick me up, but he was unusually late today. There was a worrying feeling in my stomach, but I was probably just overreacting. Maybe there had been a tree down and he couldn’t get to me; I wouldn’t be surprised by this kind of weather.

Standing up, I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and pulled my jacket down over it, for some sort of extra protection from the rain.

As much as I hate walking home in the rain, it looked like I had no other choice. Perhaps there was a chance I could pass his truck on the way, I could only pray for that.

I flipped my hood over my head and started walking along the sidewalk.

Stepping through the inch-high water, the wind blew me back, but I fought it as the rain poured on me, soaking my clothes.

I held my head down, watching every step I took as I trudged through the puddles.

After a minute or so of walking through the violent storm, I saw a bright misty light, traveling along the road. I could see it was a pair of headlights.

I stopped where I was and stared, hopeful that it would be him. I could tell they were truck lights. Lifting my arm up, I waved at the oncoming vehicle.

The vehicle slowed down and began to pull to the side of the road. I narrowed my eyes in the darkness and quickly recognized the brown truck. Taking a sigh of relief, I checked the road before swiftly running across it to the other side, where he had pulled off. I accidently stepped into a puddle that formed against the curb and my socks suddenly became soaked.

"Damnit." I spoke, expecting my brother to be laughing at me in the truck. I looked at him but he didn't appear to react, in fact I could barely see his face, but I could tell he was staring at me, his eyes seemed.. cold. He seemed to be deep in thought. I couldn't think much about it as the rain hammered down on me. Hopping up onto the sidewalk I ran to the passenger’s side and quickly threw open the door, scrambling in as fast as I could. I grabbed the handle and slammed it shut. The inside of the car had become slightly wet, but that didn’t matter since I was already drenched.

“Why were you so late! I almost had to walk home and now I'm sopping wet!” I turned the heat up and proceeded to take off my jacket and held it over the floor, watching the water drip from it, before dropping it, not wanting to deal with it.

I looked over at him, awaiting an explanation. His face was covered with a black mask and he wore a hoodie which covered the rest of him. He sat still without movement, like a cold statue. He wasn't even looking at me.

I narrowed my eyes to look into his. "Matt, what's going on? You didn't answer my calls and now you're not even talking.. What the hell are you even wearing?" I questioned. I tried to depict whether something bad had happened, but something about him was definitely different. It was almost like… I was looking at a stranger.

Did I get in the wrong truck? No, it couldn't be, I remember that empty soda cup in the cup holder, which has been there for a week. As well as the air freshener that has been hanging there for so long, it doesn't even hold a scent anymore.

Dangerous eyes glared back at me, and I suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"Had to be a noisy one, huh?" A gentle, but sinister voice spoke. It felt threatening.

That wasn't his voice, not even close… It was a woman's voice. I stared at the mysterious person in confusion, trying to understand everything.

"Who are you.. Why do you have my brother's truck?" I spoke nervously, assuming there was some sort of mix-up. Maybe he sent this person to pick me up? It felt rude to just jump to a conclusion, but for some reason, I had a bad feeling.

She finally broke her statue-like posture and turned her head to look at me. "It's complicated.."

Her beautiful brown hair flowed from her hood and looked soft like silk, gleaming from being wet from most likely being in the rain before. Her brown eyes gleamed in a sort of mischievous way.

'A new girlfriend perhaps?' I thought, still feeling uneasy. I had never seen her before, or at least what I could see of her with a hood and mask.

I noticed that her hand moved towards the door and pressed the lock button. I heard the click of the truck locking, and that's when I started to feel myself panic. Screw assumptions, I needed to get out. I quickly pulled on the door handle and attempted to unlock it, but before I could do so, I heard a click and something hard pushed against the side of my head.

My body froze instantly, like some sort of instinct took me over, an eerie feeling looming over me. Without even knowing, my instincts were right. I could see in the side mirror that a gun was pointing at the back of my head.

I forced myself to breathe, as my body had stopped breathing completely.

"What do you want?" I forced myself to speak, unsure of what to do in this situation, or what this person's intentions were.

"Just a talk.. Only if you'll settle down and listen." She spoke in a soft, but serious voice. Her hand didn’t waver, and she sat calmly.

I slowly turned my head and stared at her, seeing the gun now pointed at my face terrified me. I couldn't run… I considered fighting but quickly dismissed the thought. This person looked like they would shoot me if I tried anything. Her whole presence screamed 'danger'.

She eyed my hand gripping the door handle as if telling me, Don't try.

My now shaking hand slowly let go of the door and fell to my side. In this situation, fight or flight was not an option.

She smiled in satisfaction, or from what I could tell from her upper facial expressions not covered by the mask. "Now be obedient, I don't want to have to shoot you." She had a sense of amusement. "You wouldn't want to end up like your brother, now would you?"

I sat awestruck for a moment, my fear increasing tenfold. "What! M-Matthew.. is he.." I blurted out, but stopped myself. The brutal thought filled my head and I couldn’t contain myself.

"He's alive." She said, lowering the gun. "Only if you want him to stay alive."

"Y-yes! Anything!" I quickly stammered, terrified for his safety.

"You see.. Your brother had a job to do.. But.. He ran. He ran and hid."

I stared at her. What the hell kind of job…

She cut me off from my thoughts. "So I went after him." She scoffed. "And when I found him.. He ran again. So I shot him in the leg, so I could end him face to face.. He begged for his life, he said he would do it.. But I already knew from the gunshot wound, and the way he was moving, that he wouldn't be able to walk for a while, perhaps even paralyzed, it looked pretty bad. I was about to finish it all until he mentioned you.. Andrew."

I stared in grief. My brother is paralyzed.. The only person who's kept me on my feet, can no longer use his.. My mind raced and my heart hurt.

"Where is he? Where's my brother?!" I asked in an instant.

"He's secure. His wounds are stitched and he is in great pain. He deserves it. I had to come and make sure he wasn't lying, or if you decided to cause trouble." She stared at a car passing by into the distance. "I have a job for you, Andrew." She looked back at me. "If you refuse, or run away like your cowardly brother, you both will serve the consequences."

My eyes widened. Death. That's what she was emphasizing and it chilled me to the core, more for my brother than for me.

"But.. If you accept, I will let your brother live and I will provide you with what you will need to complete your mission."

I stared in fear. So much is happening.. I can't refuse.. Or.. or.. My hands were sweating and my stomach hurt. I felt as if I had become sick.

She looked at me and smirked. "So what do you choose?" She smiled in a playful manner.

I stared at the maniac of a lady, having trouble comprehending her words and actions. I looked down at my lap and held my breath. Why me.. Just why did it have to be me. The thought scrambled in my mind, with all the others. My life was already terrible as is, but why this? I couldn't risk losing anyone else. He is all I have left, he is everything to me. He is the only person I can call family. I quickly grabbed my other hand as it started to shake.

I looked back up at her, terrified. "I-I'll do it.." I stuttered. "Just- what do you need me to do.."

She grinned. "We will talk about that tomorrow.." She took a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to me. "Meet me tomorrow at this place and time.. and don't think about calling the cops, or else I'll deliver them his body."

I looked at her and nodded hesitantly. She smiled at me before unlocking the truck and stepping out casually, walking down the sidewalk, disappearing into the darkness and the midst of the rain.

I stared into the distance where she had walked off, unable to process what just happened. After a minute or so, I regained my senses and panicked.

'What the fuck just happened?!' I thought as I looked down at the paper she gave me.

Meet me at the Naval Shipyard on the East side at 11PM tomorrow night. Come alone, and bring nothing. Wear dark clothing and don't let anyone know where you are going. DON'T BE LATE.

I stared at the paper and I had trouble thinking. I took a few deep breaths and read it again.

'The Naval Shipyard' I felt like I had heard of that before…

Suddenly I remembered, years ago that place was shut down for illegal activities.. like transporting guns and drugs. They built a new port closer to security and barred up all the other possible entrances into the city. It was pretty much abandoned now.

Shaking my head, I climbed over into the driver's seat and grasped the wheel. A massive headache struck me and my thoughts began to rush. What if she is lying, what if it's a trick? Is my brother alive? Is it worth the risk? Questions kept popping into my head, no answers seemed to appear. I told myself that everything would be fine.. everything will be fine... But nothing was fine. I looked around to make sure she was gone. I clenched the steering wheel tighter, as if I were holding on for my life. Fear filled me. Maybe he's still home, maybe he got drunk and lended his car to some crazy woman.

I took off the brake and drove home, I drove as fast as I ever have, with eagerness. Maybe this is all a prank to scare me, Matt was always making jokes.. but not to this level.. I skidded around the corners and made the water spew behind me.

As soon as I got home I threw open the door and ran inside. "Matt! Matthew!?" I yelled. There was no reply. I started to scour the house for him, every hall, every room, I kept yelling out his name. I made my way up the stairs, nearly tripping. This is the last place he could be.. If he isn't here.. He has to be! I threw open his bedroom door. My heart dropped in disappointment, my last sliver of hope dissipating.

There was no sign of life within the house, except for myself. I trudged back to my room and sat down on my bed, still trying to stomach everything. Is he really.. gone? Is he somewhere out there, suffering in a cold, dark room? I sank into the pillow. I was exhausted.. I hadn't dare look at the time.. I for one would just wish I was having a nightmare, but I knew it wasn't, it was all real.. Either way, it was a nightmare being awake or not. I turned the lamp off and uttered a quiet prayer of hope to myself. Throwing the blanket over my head, I kept telling myself the same thing. "Everything will be fine... Yes, everything will be fine."

Opening the door, I took in a deep breath of the morning air. The sweet aroma of spring filled my nose. I noticed something in the driveway. Looking down I saw an object swaying in the wind, a flower, growing in the crack of the cement. I picked it out of the ground and admired it. It was a beautiful red rose, its petals flowed in such a way, it made it just more beautiful.

I remembered how much my brother admired nature. He said it made him feel at peace. I touched the rose, almost caressing it, and it felt just like silk.

Suddenly, I felt a pain in my hand. My hands became covered in blood, which started to drip down my arms. The thorns had pierced me deeply. The petals turned black and crumbled, and withered away in the wind. One by one, the petals fell and revealed the center, a heart, which appeared to be beating quickly.

I heard a bang and turned around. I saw him lying on the ground. Matthew... He gasped and held the wound where blood had been running down his leg. He was crying and raised his hand in the air, to the person whom stood over him. The person was holding the gun.

"This is the end for you." They said.

My heart bolted and I screamed in fear. "Matthew!" I tried to run towards him but I couldn't move, my legs seemed to be glued in place, like I was standing in cement.

"You are too late." They muttered, their voice directed towards me but still staring at my helpless brother, emotions completely devoid from their expression.

In an instant, they pulled the trigger, sending a bullet into his head. He collapsed instantly, falling completely limp, lifeless.

The heart in my hand had stopped beating and turned black. I felt a tear run down my cheek, and fell on my knees.

"You should have listened." They turned to me, with a devilish glare in their eyes.

I looked at the heart, which started to wither as the petals did, into small specks of ash, blowing away in the darkness.

"I warned you not to betray me." They raised the gun, pointing it towards me.

Looking up, I felt my own heart begin to hurt.

"Matthew..." I uttered, the pain of losing someone else…

Suddenly, I heard the bang.

Jolting out of bed, the alarm blared in my ears. Sitting there, I stared forward, becoming reminded that my brother wasn't here. It was just a dream, a horrible nightmare.

I took a deep breath, before reaching over and silencing the clock. I plumped back down into my pillow and stared at the ceiling.

What if he is already dead.. Or what if that lady is lying? How could he get caught up in whatever the hell this is? A job? He ran because of a job? I couldn’t help but think maybe it was some sort of illegal job, considering how harsh that lady was. Matthew was a good person though, he wouldn’t get into that willingly… would he?

I couldn't keep my mind off of him. How am I supposed to pretend everything is fine? My brother is being held hostage, and who knows if he's alive or not, and I have to do some sort of job to save both of our lives. What has Matthew gotten into? How did he get on her bad side, why didn't he tell me! What kind of job is she going to give me.. For all I know, she could tell me to murder someone! I honestly wouldn't be surprised.. She seems heartless. And she's already made her way into my nightmares. I'm all alone in this. No family, no friends. Just me and my doubt.

Soon it was 10PM. I'm not sure if I was relieved or scared. I re-read the note, skimming over it multiple times. Wear dark clothing. I opened my closet and picked out some jeans and my black hoodie. I got out my work boots, since it was still wet from the rain outside. I slipped my phone in my pocket and grabbed my wallet and stuffed a few dollars in it. I'd rather be early than late, I'm not risking being late, especially since I'm walking. It's only a few miles away, so I should be fine.

Walking out the door, I began to head to the shipyard. I stomped through the water, growing annoyed by the wetness. I’d usually exercise every day, but work has gotten to me- and now this, I had barely moved out of bed all day, constantly stressing for the moment soon to come. A couple of minutes in, I started to regret not driving. I was tired and stressed.

After walking for about twenty minutes, I finally reached the shipyard. It was empty and dark. I headed to the east side as the note had said. Walking around the cargo containers, I came to one near a lamp post and leaned against it, hoping I was able to be seen.

I checked my phone. It was 10:58, she should be here any moment.. So I should probably just wait here…

Looking around, I felt uneasy. It felt weird to be out here, like I shouldn’t be here. Like some sort of sketchy drug dealer. I felt a soft breeze pass, which helped me cool down from the humidity.

My gaze lingered to a cargo container across from me, I saw movement. I felt an urge of fear hit me. Eyes peered around the corner, fixated on me. She took a step out of the dark and looked around more. I recognized the outfit, it was her. Stiffening myself, I waited for her to approach me.

"Hey-" I awkwardly gestured, not entirely sure what to say.

She put her hand on her holster. "Turn around, hands on the wall." She immediately commanded.

Hesitating, I was confused for a moment, but obeyed her. I turned around and put my hands on the cargo container. She searched me and pulled out my phone and my wallet. She threw the phone down next to me and stomped on it, breaking it to pieces. I turned around and stared in surprise.

"What the hell was that for?!" I gawked.

"I told you to bring nothing. You're lucky I'm letting you off for that…" She opened my wallet and started to take cards out of it. "You came alone, right?"

"Well yea- If you wanted to rob me you could have just done it last night.." I said.

She looked up at me for a moment. "I'm not robbing you. I can't have anything on you to identify yourself in case the mission goes south."

She handed me back the wallet, just leaving the few dollars I had stuffed in there. She put the cards into her pocket. "Walk with me." She commanded.

Still annoyed and confused, I walked up with her. She took a flip phone out of her pocket and handed it to me.

"What's this for?" I asked. Still annoyed about her smashing my other phone.

"You'll be meeting someone." She said.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a key as we approached a car. It was a nice black camaro which seemed to be brand new.

"Nice ride." I commented.

She handed the key to me. "Not anymore. This is the car you will be driving for the mission. An old truck isn't gonna be able to outrun anyone if you get into trouble."

I stared at her confused and excited. "Why I- Okay!" I looked back at the car and admired it.

She handed me a piece of paper. "That's the number you will be calling. Address him as 'Giovanni Freeus', you're going to have to be smart for this one."

"What do you mean? I questioned worryingly.

"Your job is to secure and interrogate him. I have given you a few weapons in the car's glove box. Nothing to permanently injure him, but just something to knock him out with. I also left a recorder in there, don't forget to turn it on and hide it on you."

I stared at her aghast, checking to see if she was actually serious.

"You want me to kidnap someone?! You must be joking!" I burst out.

The expression on her face indicated that she was definitely not joking. I stared for a moment.

"When am I doing this?"

"Tonight, after I explain this to you."

I held myself from saying no. I couldn't even if I wanted to.

"When you call him, tell him you have important info that needs to be talked about personally. Do not reveal your name or anything regarding me. He will most likely choose the location, so you'll just have to drive there and meet him. When you get the moment, knock him out and tie him up, the trunk should be big enough."

I stood silent. "W-what do I do after that?" I asked, already regretting everything.

"You'll call me for further instruction. My number is on the back of the paper I gave you, don't get them mixed up. Do not keep the paper in your pocket, hide it somewhere in the car."

I nodded warily.

She looked at me cold in the eyes. "If anything happens.. Don't tell them ANYTHING. I will know. If you do, you and your brother are dead."

I bit my lip and shook my head.

"Good, make the call and get this done." She turned around and started to walk away into the dark.

Once I lost sight of her, I looked down at the paper and the phone in my hand, processing everything in my mind. I felt like I had been hit by a bus. The information was still processing what I just agreed upon.

I took another glance at the car. It was beautiful. I unlocked the car and opened the door. The seats were lined with black leather. I got in and ran my hand around the steering wheel, which was also lined with leather. I put the key in and turned it. The car purred loudly and the lights flashed on.

I shook my head from the delight and reminded myself what I was here for. I looked towards the glove box and opened it and saw a few objects. A small metal pole, a wrench, and a dull hammer, and a few other things like screws and screwdrivers which looked like they were all part of the same kit. I took a brief sigh and closed it. I took the phone and flipped it open, taking the paper she had given me.

Dialing the number, my finger hovered over the call button, preparing myself for what to say.

After a moment of composing myself, I pressed the button and held it up to my ear, silently hoping that nobody would answer.

"Hello?" A deep voice grunted as someone had answered the call.

A tinge of nervousness hit me, the voice sounding that of a middle aged man.

"H-Hello, is this Mr. Freeus?" I managed to say, trying my best to speak confidently and clearly.

There was a moment of silence.

"Who's askin’?"

I remembered not to mention my name.

"That doesn't really matter, I have some important information for you."

"What is it?" He replied, seeming impatient or paranoid.

"It needs to be disclosed in-person." I mentioned quickly. "I can't be sure someone won't record this call." I lied.

There was another moment of silence. I was sure he wouldn't believe me.

"Meet me at the park at the end of the tunnel on Valley Drive. You'd better come alone."

Before I could reply, he hung up. Looking down at my phone, I was surprised. He took the bait?

Taking another breath, I put the car in drive, and made my way out. The car pleased me as it roared down the road with ease. I revved it louder and sped up, hoping the short burst of adrenaline might take my mind off of what I was about to do next.