Redemption (Midas x Reader)

• XII •

It was still dark when I finally made it outside.

Nobody had stopped me in the halls despite there being multiple henchmen on patrol, even more so than usual considering the recent breaches in security.

The hardest part had been sneaking out of Maya's room, she had been snuggled up to my back, and after I'd slid out from under the covers I'd had to wait a few minutes to make sure she wasn't stirring.

She kept a pistol on her nightstand, that I'd noticed the previous night when climbing into her bed. I took it, feeling a bit of guilt, but I figured she could easily replace it and I needed something to protect myself with as I made my way to the coast. I honestly had no idea how to even use it, since Shadow wouldn't allow us near any weapons, but I thought I'd try some practice after I got far enough away from the Agency.

After throwing my clothes on I'd made my way back to my room, taking the stairwell instead of the elevator to try to draw less attention to myself.

I knew Midas' office was only one floor up, and I had assumed his bedroom must be up there as well. The absolute last thing I wanted was to run into him right now.

I'd hesitated before opening my door, remembering the horror show I'd witnessed in the vent. Once I grew brave enough to go inside, I'd noticed that the stench had lightened considerably, and it was cool again, which I assumed meant that they'd at least gotten the body out of there by now.

I had quickly changed into a pair of camo athletic shorts and a matching top. I knew I would need to swim, and wanted something that would dry fast, and I'd also planned on going in the direction of the woods I'd seen in the distance, and hoped the pattern would keep me hidden. I'd put on my combat boots, not fully laced so I could remove them easily when I reached the river.

I then packed a small backpack with some snacks and a few bottles of water, a change of clothes, and Maya's gun. I left my newly acquired keycard on the kitchen counter before walking out, closing the door for the last time.

Now here I was, stood in the moonlight, once again running away.

This time, instead of excitement, I felt a twinge of sadness. For the first time in my life, I'd felt hopeful that I'd found somewhere I belonged, with people I could learn to care for.

Until that asshole decided to use me and throw me away.

I tried to shake it off. I had a long journey ahead of me and needed to focus, I still wasn't even off Agency property. I walked towards the water, looking around, trying to figure out the easiest place to cross.

I was removing my boots when I heard a distant male voice.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing over there?" It was a henchman. I'd been spotted.

I was going to have to move fast. I threw my boots into the backpack and waded into the water, trying to hold it above my head to keep my stuff dry. The water was cold, taking my breath, and the current was quite a bit faster than I'd anticipated.

I tried not to look back as I swam one-handed across the river. I knew I was moving slower than I wanted, and wasn't sure if he would try to follow. I could hear him yelling at me but couldn't make out what he was saying over the sound of the running water.

I was out of breath when I finally reached the other side, farther downstream than I intended to climb out. I dragged myself onto the bank, turning around to see the henchman standing on the opposite side with his hand up to his ear.

Shit.

He hadn't followed, but if he was speaking into his earpiece it wouldn't be long until everyone was stirring. I could maybe fight off a henchman but if Midas sent any of his agents after me I was fucked.