Katie’s body ached. Her mouth was full of the taste of copper. Blood oozed from split lips. Her head throbbed a dull ache. She was used to the feeling, usually from too much alcohol. However this was far more intense.

The darkness changed to a grey shadow world, as her eyes became accustomed to the lack of light. She could see Aaron, Marcus’ business partner next to her. Judging from the angle of his left arm and right leg, he had not fared so well from their jump into the darkness. His breath was ragged; he was alive.

They had landed at the end of an alley, and in the far distance she could see the odd car drive past. There were rubbish bags and other refuse littered about, and the ground was damp with small pools of water. The alley obviously saw little sunlight during the day.

Katie rolled to one side, pain slowing her as she tried to get to her feet. The glitter of Aaron’s gun the focus of her attention. She moved slowly towards the discarded weapon. She knew their hunters would find them. With Aaron out of action, she would need something to even the odds.

Gun in hand, Katie moved towards Aaron’s broken body. Blood seeped through his jeans near the odd angle of his leg. Fresh blood flowed from his nose and mouth. He needed help, and badly. Reaching into Aaron’s jacket, she found the remains of his mobile phone. It fared worse from the descent that it’s owner.

In the blackness above, Katie heard raised voices. Looking up she could see torchlight from the balcony that she and Aaron had jumped from. Had it not been for the trees slowing their descent, they would certainly be dead. As it was, Aaron was not looking too good.

As the blood cleared from Katie’s nose and mouth, the metallic tang was replaced with dampness and garbage. Looking about, Katie discovered some old cardboard boxes, a few plastic bags and what looked to be Hessian sacks.

Pulling them carefully over Aaron, she was able to at least hide him from anyone casually looking into the alley. With Aaron as covered, and hopefully undetected as possible, Katie began moving up the alley towards the main street.

Jesus, what a mess! Aaron was supposed to be protecting me! Not the other way around. Where was her knight in shining armour?

Explanation
This extract is set about half way through the middle of the story. Katie had just discovered that she has become entangled into something much bigger than just returning a notebook. She is also beginning to realize the stakes are very high indeed. Essentially she is also becoming quite determined to extract herself from the situation, and is finding strength she did not know she possessed. I expect great things from Katie, and I am sure many people will be able to relate to her character at some level.

Copyright © 2005 Karl Rohde