Marie.
~
Darkness..
Nightmares..
People shouting, crying .. Oliver is fighting..
More noises..
Asin..
Asin..
" Asin!"
I woke up escaping the darkness that enveloped me.
Found Henny and Lilly sitting around me.
" As.. Asin!? Please don't.. P-please..
" Calm down, Hon.. " Lilly pushed me down." he is alive and..
I pushed back immediately and got up.. Only to sit down again.
My head was spinning.. He was.. He looked dead.
I felt tears rolling down my cheeks.. Felt.. Something hard in my stomach.. Like a knot, heavy and suffocating..
" Where is he!?" I tried to get up again. " Take me to him.."
Henny tried to stop me. " Marie, please..
" You said his alive!!? Yes!!? Then take me there.. Or let me go! "
They couldn't do much but help me.. Which was good. I was one more pointless sentence away from knocking them out.
I was helped.. Walked fast as I was able and soon found myself outside.
The air almost knocked me down.. No one was around except my sister and Oliver sitting near the medical tent.
" Marie? What are you doing..
" Out of my way, Ayshe.. "
The air helped me a lot, and a lack of crying and wailing gave me strength back.
I walked straight past my sister and inside the tent.
Two of Asin's security stood near the entrance, and they quietly nodded as I walked past them.
" Yemge ( sister in law) .. Let it pass. "
" Let it pass, Yemge.."
There he was on a bed ..
He was hooked on all sorts of machines.. His expression pale.. But his chest risen..then fallen..
I almost fallen down as a euphoric wave washed over me.
He was alive.
I walked over slowly and gently removed some of his hair from his face. Leaned down and kissed his cold lips.. Didn't even notice my tears falling on his face.
There was a rhythmic sound coming from the machine above me.. Showing his heartbeat.
That sound.. It was the most relaxing noise I ever heard.
Oliver and my sister stood beside me.
" How did this happen, Oliver? Who shot my husband? "
I felt.. Anger I never felt before growing in my chest. My insides were screaming..
" We soon find out.. Don't you worry. But before that.. Listen.."
He told me their next move..
" I see.. good .. And when we will leave? "I asked, absent-minded.
" I just need a name from Ovuz..
His words were cut short by his phone buzzing.
" That's him.. You Simon.. go and grab the medical team.. Prep my brother gently.. we are moving out in minutes."
He walked outside with one of the security guards close behind. My sister walked beside me.
" Marie.. Let's wait outside..
" No.. I won't leave him. You go if you like." I cut her off.
She sighed and changed tactics.
" I mean.. The doctor team will soon arrive. We might be in the way.. Do you want that? "
I gave her a prickly look.. Using clever wording to guilt me? But she could be right..
I gave a small kiss to my sleeping husband and reluctantly left the tent.
As soon as we did, Dr. Botrol and his team walked inside with Simon, closing the line of people.
I shook my head.. Tried getting this irritating feeling out of my chest, but nothing helped.
" You okay?" Ayshe asked.
I just shook my head. Heard the sound of leather and were soon joined by Henny and Lilly. The latter holding her phone.
" The Internet is blowing up.. Every report is about the unlawful use of deadly weapons against street racers .. They say the police captain is refusing to give information who gave the order.."
" According to the law.. Firearms can only be applied or used against confirmed terror organisations and / or individuals who are holding one themselves..
" Henny, please.." I asked, closing my eyes.
Her speed of telling made my head spin..
I saw people going in and out of the tents used for sleeping. Oliver told me they were all hard at work figuring out the people responsible.
" Marie.. He is fine. The bullet was removed, and if not for the risks involved, he wouldn't even have to go to a hospital.." Ayshe hugged me from behind.
I rested my eyes a little and let her words sink in.
A few minutes later, Oliver arrived back, clapping his hand.
" The med bus is almost here.. We will go separately. Called ahead to the hospital and have them prepare a nice comfortable room.. Then.." his eyes shook. ".. We have to call his parents before they read it from somewhere else.. They would be a disaster. "
I was glad the plan was simple.. And I could even help.
" Just tell me when.. I will call them myself. "
He almost argued, but seeing my eyes, he relented.
" Alright then.. Come on. We have a story to memorise. "
We all stood closer as he laid out the plan.
I personally didn't care which disgusting monster would be used as some sacrifice..
I surprised myself a little.. By how little I cared.
What's more important.. Is to find those walking dead who dared to hurt what's mine.
Let them suffer a thousand times more..
———
Oliver.
~
Saint James Hospital was only okay when using the capital standards, but once they heard who's arriving in their hospital, they pulled out all the stops.
The entire medical staff was waiting for us as the driver pulled up the visitor lot.
" Mr Aster?"
A middle-aged lady with piercing eyes stepped forward from a bunch of white coats.
".. Yes. Dr Amell, I assume?" I asked, shaking her hand.
" Yes.. We talked over the phone.. Is the patient..?"
" On route here.. Shouldn't be long. The ladies beside me are the wife and sister in law of Asin Martel." I introduced the ladies behind me. " Is everything ready for his arrival?"
" Yes, absolutely.. We also made steps to exclude the media.. He will have his own floor.. completely undisturbed. "
I thanked them all just in time for our med bus to pull up.
Dr Botrol stepped out and walked ahead with his team close behind him as the hospital staff took over.
" I'm the patient personal doctor, Dr Alem Botrol. Everything you do will run through me first when it comes to Mr Martel.. Now stay close and pay attention."
He immediately took over, showing his character told them the story we came up as he walked ahead, and even the lady doctor running the show quickly stood aside and followed him.
I saw Asin being removed from the bus, and with his security enclosing his bed, they slowly moved him inside the hospital.
Evertime I looked at him.. My soul was crying out for blood. My phone was now turned off..
On our way here, I saw about 50 missed calls from unknown numbers. The council wanted information.. Promised everything they have all the resources they possessed if needed.
The code they lived by demanding blood and forth fire for this..
Even Mr Unknown showed concern. Promised to burn those alive who had even an inkling of knowledge about this atrocity. In return, he wanted updates about Asin and his wellbeing.
Then the worst phone call I ever had..
Aunt Krista wants the heads of those involved in her vegetable garden. No excuses .. Uncle Ivan cursed us all and even questioned the very need of our existence in his anger.. Luckily, they lied to Maya, who would outright kill me and the crew without blinking or losing sleep..
But that lie only bout us time...she most likely will put two and two together soon enough.
Yet all their anger was but a tiny speck compared to mine..
Someone.. Somewhere ordered those people to kill them all. They only got 1..
The Mountain Marazzano.. His nephew.. A lot of people will die for him as well..
An awful lot graves need to be digged tonight..
And now..
" Marie.. It's time. Call the family.. Let them know immediately that he is not in danger.. And pray this town remains standing by the end of this."
She nodded grim and took her phone out, walking a little further.
Ayshe walked inside my open arms while we waited.
" You think Grandpa Erwing will have enough.. After dealing with that man..Draly?"
Ovuz managed to locate a truly vile animal.. Draly Bizue.. Sexual assault, robbery, indecent exposure to minors, fraud, and bunch of others.. Managed to avoid prison for the most.. Absurd reason of all ..
Overcrowding..
The perfect sacrifice.
" I doubt it.. The best we can hope is that he will limit his vengeance to him alone. But I don't know.. Hope Asin will come about before they arrive. If they see him like this.. It will trigger some bad memories."
" Can't believe this has happened.." she whispered it to my chest.
" Can't believe I let myself convinced.. Should made his car indestructible.. Bullet proof, nuclear proof.. We still have a lot to learn. " I sighed.
In the meantime, Marie came back.
" They know now .. Be here in a few hours. " she said, wiping her eyes. " Told them what you said. Grandpa Erwing wants to talk to every one of us, I'm sure. "
" You talked to him? " I asked.
She shook her head as we headed inside the hospital.
" Called Aunt Derya. Figured she would be the most level-headed.. I was very wrong. She wants to burn the man himself.. "
We probably have to draw lots soon .. There's a lot of people who want to light that pyre.
~
The first floor was ideal since it housed minor injuries mostly. The hall was lined with Ovuz and his man.
Asin was loaded with painkillers and was currently sleeping like a baby.
2 hours passed since we arrived.
His hospital room was quiet.. as we all listened to the EKG beeping away.
Marie was sat, but an inch from his bed refused to let his hand go while the girls were out for coffee me and Ayshe took the comfortable large couch they moved in from the waiting room outside.
I turned it back on and now was constantly checking my phone for updates from Kol and the others.
".. Still nothing?" asked Ayshe.
".. I doubt they have nothing. But want to be sure before they act. We can't be caught by the family. They need to believe the culprit is done for.."
I felt her rustle in my arm. ".. How exactly.. I mean, where is that man? "
" Tucked away safely.. Waiting. " I kept it short.
I was a little afraid of some sort of lecture.. From her or Marie but nothing.. Not one word about it.
Their anger and worries didn't allow such thoughts.. I was greatful either way.
Didn't have the energy to deal with the moral questioning.. I was sure it was coming at some point, but for now, I was spared.
Lilly and Henny walked back, holding a tray full of mugs.
" Come on.. Take one. Fill up." Lilly offered us some.
Marie declined Henny's offer without a sound. She hasn't said a word since we came inside.
" I'm going to make some calls.. This waiting is getting to my head." I said, getting up. " I'll just be outside. Call me if something happens?"
I waited until my words registered and walked out. I was immediately greeted with a question.
" Anything happened?"
I tapped Ovuz shoulder.
" You heard them.. Asin is fine. Nothing can happen now. " I assured him." The family will arrive in an hour or so. Get some rest.. If you can. "
He nodded, but I doubted he would heed my advice. The guilt in his eyes was clearly visible and refused to leave. I gave him another encouraging tap before leaving, and I dialled Leyla's number.
" Any news, sir? "
Her voice sounded panicky.
" Calm down, Leyla..he is sleeping now. There is no danger to his life.."
I waited until the noises dialled down in the background before asking for an update.
".. Yes.. The cleanup is finished, but..
" But?.." I asked.
" The guys are reluctant to leave.. While the boss is in..
" I see.. I'm still on loudspeaker? "
" Umm.. Yes, sir." she answered.
" Listen up, everyone.. I understand your feelings. But for now, understand this. There is nothing you can do.. But help maintain some resemblance of order. Please let me handle the rest. I promise to update you through Leyla if anything changes.. Good luck, and we see you home. "
I heard various people agreeing or grumble in the background, but soon Leyla confirmed they more or less all agreed.
After some last second instructions, I ended the call.. Almost immediately, my phone started to ring..
The caller ID was Ghost..
I contemplated just ignoring Desiree's call, but my better judgement won.
" How is he?.."
She sounded genuinely worried.. But before I answered..
" Is Anna near you?" I asked.
Her prolonged silence was all the answer I needed..
" Does she hear me?"
" No.."
I was too wired too tired to argue with her about that obvious lie and decided to just pull the trigger.
" First of all.. He is fine. But.. Got hit." I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked around. ".. We're in the hospital right now."
" Which o-one? " she asked a little shaky.
" Don't you dare.. His entire family is on their way here. Tell your friend as well to stay out of it and don't make any unnecessary waves. Okay?"
While I waited, I caught some quiet sobbing in the background.. Something breaking.. Before Desiree answered.
" I understand.. I'll keep Anna away. Oliver.. You call soon as he is awake.. Please? "
I couldn't stay rude.. No matter how much I wanted to.
" I will.. But please be patient. I'll gotta go now.." Before I hang up, I couldn't help myself. ".. Are you okay?"
" How did this happen Oli?.. why would they shoot at unarmed vehicles? " she asked instead of an answer.
" Don't you worry.. Whoever it was for whatever reason. They will regret it. The news will tell a different story."
" Alright.. But don't forget to call.. Anna's already on the edge. "
I closed my eyes and nodded to myself.
" I will.."
After putting my phone away.. The fatigue hit me like a freight train.
Slumped down with my back to the wall and let the days events replay in my head.
How did this happen?..
My phone started buzzing again.. There was no rest yet.
I saw Kol calling, and my fatigue disappeared like a lie..
Now let's hear the real reason.. Who is exactly responsible for this..
———
Ayshe.
~
".. He looks so peaceful."
I was standing behind my sister looking at Asin.. who, from all directions, looked like he was sleeping soundly.
Henny quickly agreed. ".. He looks so young.."
He was young.. Turning 19 in a couple of days.
" Marie.. Outside and get some fresh air.. You look pailer than him." I tapped her shoulder.
I had little hope she agrees.. Or even answer, but to my surprise, she risen from her seat and walked ahead.
I exchanged some looks with the girls and quickly ran after her.
As we passed the eriee silent hall.. Saw Oliver sitting on the ground.
Passing him, I nodded towards the exit, and from his look, he understood.
Hospitals were usually bustling even at this time a night.. Injuries and death waited for no man and followed no schedule.
But the Saint James staff did their best to provide as much privacy as they could.
So when an army of reporters started rushing towards us when we got out.. Was all the more surprising.
" Mrs Martel!? Could you comment on the rumours that..
" Please, Mrs Martel.. Do you know anyone with a grudge against your..
" What can you tell us about his current situation? Is it true that he was shot during a robbery gone wrong!?"
Without missing a beat a dozen or so security, made a solid wall in front of us as I tried to shield my sister from the flashing lights.
" Hyenas.. Come, let's sit over there. "
I guided Marie towards a small garden area with several benches, and we sat down.
I let the nosy crowd of reporters disperse before turning to her.
" Marie, you haven't spoken for a while.. Please say something."
As I hugged her from the side, I noticed something in her hands.
Then the smell hit my nostrils.
A metallic smell.. She was holding the shirt Asin wore and was cut off of him. Where did she get that?
".. My nightmare becoming a reality. " she suddenly spoke up, her voice sounding hoarse. ".. Like a movie.. It keeps repeating in my head. As his car door opened and his unconscious body almost fell out..
I hugged her even tighter.." Your dream is not responsible for tonight.."
She wiped her eyes and took several deep breaths.
".. I know that. But it does seem to come at a prolific time. I heard the doctor.. If the bullet gone to 1 inch to either side.. He would've died.. A single inch Ayshe.. "
I understood better than most how incredibly rare that is. I mean, it's like we are in some kind of movie.. Where the protagonist always survives using the power of friendship or something equally ridiculous...
Real life is different.. There is no plot armour.
Asin almost died.
" Marie, look at me." I forced her to look into my eyes ".. You need to stop this. Quietly blaming yourself.. Worrying about hypotheticals. Asin will wake up soon.. And will be very mad seeing you like this."
She chuckled a little, imagining it.
" He would be.. Right! " she tapped her cheeks with both hands. ".. He would hate it. Get us some coffee and..
Her phone ringing interrupted whatever she was about to say.
".. Mom.. I can't right now. Can you?" she turned to me.
I took her phone and answered.
" Mother.. It's me, Ayshe. "
" How's your sister!?.. H-how is Asin!?"
Her voice filled with worry, and in the background, I heard several other voices.. Couldn't make out what they were talking about, but I could take a good guess..
As I did my best to calm another Konore lady.. Something came to me.
" Wait.. You are calling. Which means.. You arrived?" I asked.
" Yes, we arrived.. Be there at the hospital in 10 minutes. How did this happen?"
I took a deep breath and decided to let Oliver tell the entire family.. Since it was him who came up with the story.
As I was thinking they he appeared exiting the hospital.
" Mother, I will once you all here.. But I got to go now. "
Without hearing her answer, I followed Marie, who had already walked ahead to meet him.
" Did he wake up?" she asked hopefully.
" Unfortunately, no.. The doctor used the good stuff on him. Wouldn't be surprised if he slept through the night.. No.. Aunt Seline called. They just landed an..
" We know.. " I shook my sister phone." My mother called me already."
Oliver nodded slowly and turned to Marie.
" Listen, sister.. The family will most likely want to hear it from both of us.. So please recite the story. We can't say different things.. "
He had a point.. So as they begin to make sure their stories matched, I waited patiently.
".. Perfect. Please don't forget it. " he tapped her side." Also.. Our people located those responsible.. That's the good news. "
".. And the bad? " I asked.
Oliver face darkened. " They refuse to leave the police station.. So for now, we will have to wait with their capture. "
Capturing police officers..
It was something that my old self couldn't even begin to wrap my head around it..
Now?..
" Don't worry.. Eventually, they will get caught. "