The Tunnel - Episode 4
by Violetta Rand
Jake gets a text from Derek updating him on Allison’s location.
Jake? Allison is in trouble.
The Russians are on the move.
I told her to run.
Shit.
I’ll check in as soon as I have her.
Jake stashes his cell in his pocket and enters the tunnel.
His gun is drawn.
Allison is yards away from the tunnel entrance.
She is face-to-face with the Russians she was trying to run away from.
Drop to your knees!
Please don’t shoot me.
I’m lost.
Allison’s legs almost give out and she stumbles backward but regains her footing.
Lost?
No one takes a wrong turn down here.
You’re either a cop.
Or very stupid.
Which is it?
I’m not a cop.
Then you’re stupid.
Listen carefully.
My gun is aimed at your chest.
If you don’t do what I say, you die.
W-what do you want me to do?
Turn around slowly.
Drop to your knees, cyka. Raise your hands above your head.
OK.
Allison raises her hands and slowly turns.
She spots Jake in the shadows.
The Russians haven’t seen him.
Good.
Now get on your knees.
My ankle is sprained.
I can’t move very easily.
On your knees. Now!
Allison swallows a scream and gets on her knees.
Give me a good reason not to blow your head off.
I have an eager trigger finger.
Please don’t kill me.
What are you waiting for, Serge?
Kill her.
No witnesses, remember?
There’s no reason to hurry.
I’m in the mood for some fun.
What are you going to do?
Allison looks over her shoulder at the man holding a gun to her head.
Jake is only a few feet away, standing in a spot where there’s no lighting.
The Russians are so focused on her, they don’t see him.
I don’t know who you are.
If you let me go, I promise…
Shut up!
He forces Allison’s face to the ground and holds her down.
Open your mouth again and I’ll put a bullet…
Jake rushes from the shadows and fires two shots. Allison screams.
Both of the Russians fall to the ground, blood pooling around their bodies.
Jake!
You’re okay, Allison.
Hold on just another minute.
Jake holsters his weapon and checks to make sure the Russians are dead.
He removes their weapons, placing them out of reach on the ground.
Allison?
Are you okay?
Talk to me!
Jake rushes to Allison.
I-I’m okay.
Tears burn Allison’s eyes and she’s shaking.
I can’t believe you’re here.
Let me help you up.
Come here.
Jake scoops Allison off the ground and embraces her as she sobs.
W-what about them?
Serge and Ivan?
You don’t have to worry about them ever again.
How do you know their names?
I’ve been doing surveillance on them for two years.
They’re like old friends.
But you shot them both.
Yeah.
I said old friends, not good ones.
Don’t look at them.
Look at me.
You’re safe now.
Let’s get the hell out of here.
OK?
Jake?
What is it?
Thank you.
You don’t have to thank me, Allison.
I was doing my job.
No.
You didn’t have to come down here.
I came because I knew you were special the day we met.
You did?
Yeah.
I want to kiss you, Allison.
I’d like that.
Jake gives Allison a sweet kiss on the lips.
Better?
Yes, but it wasn’t long enough.
Don’t worry, there’s more where that came from.
A lot more.
Now…
Jake sets Allison on her feet.
I need to make a quick call to command.
Jake calls Derek and his commanding officer, alerting them about the situation.
Then he stashes his phone in his pocket.
Let’s get out of here, beautiful.
Is everything going to be all right?
A unit is on the way.
Let me help you.
Jake carries Allison to the ladder.
She sees him wince and knows it’s because of his sprained shoulder.
Ready to see daylight again?
I-I don’t know.
All of this is surreal.
Like it never happened, and yet it did.
You’re in shock.
That’s normal.
What happens now?
Let’s get you to an ambulance.
You need to get that ankle checked.
And I need to take care of some things here.
I’ll meet you at the hospital later.
What happens after you shoot someone, Jake?
There are departmental procedures in place.
Wait — I’m a witness.
Yes.
Someone will question you.
They’ll understand that you had to do it, won’t they?
Don’t worry about me, Allison.
Um…That’s not going to work.
We’re a team now.
You want to play on my team?
Allison grins.
Hold on to me, we’re going up the ladder, then outside.
I hate ladders!
I know how hard it was for you to climb down, Allison.
But now you need to climb back up.
I really am terrified of heights.
I know.
Allison locks her arms around Jake’s neck and squeezes her eyes shut.
Jake climbs the ladder slowly, finally reaching the platform above.
See? Sunshine.
Allison opens her eyes and lets the sunlight wash over her.
I’ll never take a train again.
What if I’m riding the same one?
That’s the only exception.
Jake carries Allison outside.
Look!
They’ve set up triage.
Dozens of people are spread out on the ground.
Emergency personnel are everywhere.
Several bodies covered with blankets are on the sidewalk.
I’m sorry you have to see this.
There are casualties, Allison.
I-I…Thank God I survived.
Jake kisses the top of her head.
Keep your eyes on me.
We’re headed for the ambulance over there.
Do you want to walk?
Yes.
How does your ankle feel?
A little sore.
But I can manage.
Jake gently puts her down.
Let me know if I’m walking too fast.
They reach the ambulance and Jake shakes hands with one of the EMT’s.
Ready to go?
Can you go with me?
I’d like to, sweetheart, but I need to stay here.
Jake helps her step into the ambulance and sit on the stretcher.
Let me buckle you in.
Promise to call me as soon as you are done here.
I will.
See those officers over there?
Allison looks at where Jake is pointing.
Yes.
They’re waiting for me.
Jake kisses Allison on the lips.
You’re in good hands.
Jake jumps down from the ambulance.
An EMT joins Allison in the back and closes the doors, then taps on the window to the cab of the ambulance.
Allison pulls out her cell and texts Jake as the ambulance takes off.
Will you have dinner with me?
Are you asking me out on a date?
Yes.
I’d be an idiot to say no.
Yes.
Where do you want to go?
How about the hospital cafeteria?
In a hurry to spend time with me?
Try stopping me.
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