The Tunnel - Episode 2
by Violetta Rand
Tell me what you see.
It’s so dark.
Your eyes will adjust.
I’m next to the tracks.
I think there’s a walkway.
I see concrete walls.
And lights behind metal caging.
I can hear water dripping.
Do you see anyone?
Hear anything out of place?
No.
Good.
If you can walk, follow the walkway.
Allison looks around.
I can limp. I twisted my ankle.
Be careful. Stay alert.
Remember, I’ve got your back.
Where are you?
On the walkway.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
As soon as I can get out of here, I’ll find you.
I know.
Thank you, Jake.
For what?
Helping me.
I still don’t understand how you saw me earlier.
I’ll explain later. I promise.
Keep moving.
Jake!
What?
There are three duffel bags in the middle of the walkway.
Shit!
Listen to me.
There could be explosives inside.
Get off the walkway.
Allison?
Are you there?
Allison!
I hear voices nearby.
Male or female?
Male.
Where are you exactly?
Next to the bags.
I told you to get away from them.
Too late.
I already looked inside two of them.
Jesus Christ, Allison.
I told you…
You’re killing me!
I’m sorry.
Don’t do it again. Please.
What’s in the bags?
Guns. Rifles. Bullets.
Drop to your knees!
Allison crouches.
How far away from the ladder are you?
I’m too far away to see it.
Why?
Do you see any doors?
No.
Alcoves?
Maybe. Up ahead.
How far?
I don’t know.
Can you get to one?
I think so.
Go.
Now.
Stay close to the ground.
Allison crawls to the nearest alcove.
I can’t do this anymore.
Yes, you can.
The voices are getting louder.
Closer.
Is there anything in the alcove?
A crate. A trash can.
Hide behind the trash can.
I don’t want to move.
You’ve got this.
You’re brave.
No, I’m not.
I’m a coward.
Always have been.
Stop it.
I know better.
You’ve made it farther than most would.
How do you know?
I’m a detective, Allison.
I observe people every day.
You’re not a coward.
Allison takes a deep breath and crawls behind the trash can.
NYPD?
Yes.
Why are you helping me?
Why not someone else?
Truth?
Yes.
I deserve that much, right?
Yeah. And more.
We’ve met before.
Talked on the train.
Quite a few times.
I like you.
When?
What did we talk about?
Houses.
Antiques.
Food.
You told me you never wanted to live in the city.
That you didn’t like crowds.
But you moved here to take care of your aunt.
Another admirable trait.
Proves you’re not a coward.
She’s family.
That’s what I was supposed to do.
Stop being so hard on yourself.
You like me?
Yeah.
As in friends?
More.
Wait!
I know you.
Dark hair. Blue eyes. Over six feet tall.
That’s you?
You remembered all those details about me?
You want the truth?
Of course.
You’re hard to forget.
You like cannoli.
Correction.
I love cannoli.
What do I love?
Sushi.
OMG.
Allison peeks around the side of the trash can after hearing a loud boom.
Fuck!
Allison?
What’s wrong?
Allison!!!
Jake. Gun shots.
How close?
Rapid gunfire. Those men are laughing.
Who are they?
Fuck!
I’m going to kill the assholes in the Transit Bureau!
What?
That tunnel was cleared earlier, Allison.
No one should be there.
I walked you into danger.
Who is it, Jake?
Russians.
Can you see them?
No. I’m still behind the trash can.
I’m afraid, Jake.
What if they find me?
Derek and I won’t let that happen.
Derek?
Yeah.
Derek Rojas, my partner.
Where is he?
Here. With me.
Jake!
Allison braves another look.
I can see one of the men.
Allison repositions herself behind the trash can.
What does he look like?
It’s too dark.
Allison, tell me. Please.
Tall. Black hoodie. Dark hair. Beard.
Don’t move, Allison.
I’m coming to get you.
Now?
Yes.
Don’t, Jake.
I’m bringing Derek into the conversation.
He’ll talk to you while I’m on the move.
OK?
Allison???
Don’t risk it.
That’s my decision to make.
Allison? This is Derek.
Hello, Derek.
Jake knows what he’s doing. OK?
OK.
Jake?
I’m here.
Please be careful.
Don’t worry about me.
Stay where you are.
I’m on the way.
Jake?
Please don’t get hurt.
Allison. Jake left.
Stay with me.
I’m here.
Good.
Once this is over, I’ll buy you a beer.
App