Charisse and I spent the night hacking into the cloud. The tape was indeed deleted but Charisse was able to recover it and we were right about the blond woman. Charisse also ran facial recognition and we got a name.
Thena Montgomery.
And just like Clair and her sister, we had nothing on her.
I went out in the morning to grab some gear while Charisse explained to May the plan. You see, it was all part of a plan. The bombs, Clair, the attack the other night, it was all part of a plan by someone.
I then picked up May after we had a job to do. Once we got to our destination and parked the car, the both of us sat in silence.
I looked over at May and decided to talk first.
Harlan: You okay?
I asked May. She looked at me.
May: Yeah, I'm fine.
Harlan: You know, you don't have to do this. You can still go.
May turned to face me.
May: I don't think I can. I don't think I can just leave all of this behind.
May looked at me, sincerely.
May: Why didn't you tell me? Why?
Harlan: Tell you what?
I watched and listened as the one word I never hoped to come out of her mouth came out.
May: Hannah.
We all have that one word. The one that punches us in the guts no matter how many times we hear it. But it was out, she knew. Well at least a part of it at least.
I bit my lip and fought back some tears before looking back at my friend.
Harlan: May, I think it's time you knew the truth.
_.-
May and I went in the lift of The Shard, both in formal wear. May was wearing an emerald dress, a black suit with red decorative linings for me. May wore an earring which were actually her comms in disguise.
Harlan: So you know what to do?
May: Yeah I got it, don't worry.
I chuckled. She smiled.
Harlan: Alright.
I smiled at her.
Harlan: May, I-
May: No.
Harlan: Sorry?
May: Save it. Once this is all over, we're gonna go out and grab a drink, you and me. My bill. Okay?
I nodded as the elevator door opened and me and May walked out of the elevator to a glamorous ballroom.
As soon as we walked out, me and May went our separate ways. May stayed below as I went up to the second floor of the ballroom.
May (Comms): On my way, Harlan, copy?
Harlan: Copy, and report immediately.
May switched off her comms as I got a glass of champagne from a waiter.
I stood by the rails, overlooking all the people in fancy clothes, talking, laughing, partying... and dancing. Part of me watched them melancholically and jealousy. Part of me wanted to be there. Down there with all of them. But something was missing.
Clair: Well this is a surprise.
I turned around to face Clair.
Harlan: Clair.
Clair: Harlan.
I looked at Clair. Gone was her prison jumpsuit and free blonde hair. Standing in front of me was a beautiful young lady, hair fixed, purple lipstick, and a shining white dress.
Clair: You know, for someone who is supposed to be locked in a cell, you look fancy.
Harlan: Same to you.
Clair walked to me, slowly. I noticed as she looked at the corner of her eye, as if to make sure no one was listening.
Clair: Harlan please, leave.
Harlan: What are you planning Clair?
Clair: You shouldn't have come here so please leave now.
I grabbed Clair's hand.
Harlan: What are you hiding Clair?
Clair: I'm protecting you H-
Harlan: Bullshit. You think I'm gonna believe a word from you?
Clair: Yes. Because I've never lied to you a single time, and we both know the other reason.
Clair looked at my eyes, and I looked at hers. I forgot how easy it is to get lost in her eyes until her voice snapped me out of it.
Clair: Please Harlan, leave, while you still can.
Clair tried to pull her hand away from mine, but I held on.
Harlan: No.
Clair's face changed.
Clair: Then I'm sorry Harlan, I really am.
Suddenly, I felt a needle penetrate through my neck, then pulled out immediately. My vision started to get blurry and I lost my balance before passing out.