The Ghost

Chapter 27

Keith's P.O.V

Zander greets Kayleene with a nod and Gerald manages to keep his mouth shut. Jessabelle takes the bag from me, and Lyla snaps. We all look at her, and she points at someone coming down the hall.

The eleven of them form a blockade around Kayleene and I, much to my utter annoyance. I can understand the need to keep Kayleene safe, but... Me?

Oh. It's because I'm the one who Kayleene is trusting to make sure she stays standing. I get that.

"Excuse me," the man says, " do you know where Kayleene Edge's torture room is?"

Is this man really that idiotic? Seriously? I look at Kayleene, and see the look on her face. She's thinking the same thing.

"No, sir, we don't. She's been moved to the other side of the building, I'm afraid," Zander responds.

"Oh. That's a shame... Say, when did you get in here? Why aren't you in uniform?"

"New recruits. Just exploring."

"Huh..."

They advance, and soon the man is unconscious and in handcuffs. We put him into the room that Kayleene and I were just in, and close the door before walking away. 

We walk on, already knowing exactly where we're going. As we walk, Kayleene visually tires from the walking, until she's practically leaning on me. Every now and then, the others will glance back at her, as if to make sure she's still upright. Not that they needed to worry - I'm right here, and there's no way in hell I'd let her fall. Nice to know they care, though, as insulting as it may be to me. 

"Keith," she mutters softly, so the others can't hear.

I look at her. "Yes?"

"I'm not going to be able to stand for much longer... Are we almost out?" Her eyes are closed as we walk, and she's holding onto my arm.

"We have a few more corridors to go through," I say gently. "Do you think you can hold for ten minutes?"

"I sincerely don't know," is her reply.

I look back in front of me, debating. There isn't much I can do, unless I carry her, which I doubt will be appealing to her. We turn the corner, and suddenly it's not much of a debatable option.

Kayleene's legs buckle, and she falls. The only way I realize this is because her hand slips from my arm. I quickly grab her before she falls, and walk on, carrying her in my arms. 

She looks up at me, an amused smile on her face. "Great reflexes, Keith," she murmurs.

I chuckle. "They're just reflexes."

"Yeah. Just reflexes," she says. 

I smile softly. "You should get some sleep," I say. "You're obviously tired, and you just collapsed. I'll wake you if I need to."

She looks at me for the longest time, as if debating whether or not to argue. She decides against it, instead closing her eyes and falling asleep within seconds.

Zander glances back this time, and I note the small trace of concern on his face when he sees her in my arms.

"She's fine," I assure him. "Just tired."

He nods and looks back around, as a woman walks up to us. I can't see her face, due to the people in front of me, but when I hear her voice, I'm glad. 

"Ah. Are you the ones they sent to save poor Kayleene?" she asks, her voice amused. 

"Perhaps," Lyla responds, crossing her arms. Huh. Maybe Kayleene isn't the only one who disliked her while she was considered a Ghost.