Mask of Lies

The Gentleman

Bramwells Hospital,
14:13

"Why do you insist? I myself haven't been here for months!"

Evan ignored her and as they approached the reception, the lady behind the desk adjusted her glasses and smiled warmly at her, "Good to see you again, Ms. Nair. It's been just a few days. Were you able to get the money?"

She cringed as she said that before that monster in Armani. "Yes, yes. Don't worry about it."

"It's terrible...did you hear the news? Half of the staffs took a leave just for our president."

She smiled slowly, "Excuses for not coming to work. Yes, it's sad."

Evan asked for the room where Agent Rooney was admitted and shortly after, he followed Sylvia to the counter.

He demanded, "Ms Nair?"

She grinned, "I have so many names you'd lose the count." She gently pushed him away and forced a smile, "Can you just not stick to me, honey?"

Evan crossed his arms and watched her as she walked to the counter. He was here for Agent Rooney but it wouldn't hurt to know who that woman was affiliated with, knowing how disloyal, vicious, manipulative and unworthy of his trust she was.

It was such a bad idea to leave her with this much freedom. He stood there for a good ten minutes and once she was done, she briefly looked at him before heading to the elevator.

He ran the few steps to join her and a pleasant silence floated around them. She realised she already needed space from him. He was invading her privacy by too much. It made her furious but she was tied here. As if everything was not complicated enough.

She knew the way by heart for the countless times she'd been here. She entered the Intensive Care Unit, walked till Room 133 and entered the area.

Evan looked at the man lying unconscious in the bed. He did not look as old as he had expected. Maybe in his early forties. Sylvia crossed her arms and said, "See? Clay Johnson. Non-existent for almost 1 year now."

"And why are you paying the bills?"

"Because no one won't if I don't. Everyone forgot about him but I can't."

Evan approached the bed. The man was bare-chested and he could see the several marks left by deep injuries. He looked at them closer. "Can't be..." He instantly took out his phone, searched for the image of his agents body in the morgue and compared the wounds.

Sylvia wondered what caught his interest so much. She stood on the tips of her toes, pressed her hands against his back and looked over his shoulder. He shook her off. He grabbed the sheet and uncovered the man. He had only one leg. Ryan covered him back, "What happened to him?"

"Why should I tell you, you nosy cat."

He arched an eyebrow at her for what she just called him and then decided to forget about it, "The wounds your friend has, matches the wounds my agents have."

She placed the sheet properly over her colleague and answered, "Can only be one thing then..."

"Your criminals did that."

She turned to him and made him aware, "Clay was with the president when this happened."

Her voice shook and she instantly looked away. She emphasized slowly, "If you want to pull a conclusion, blame it on the artefact. I thought those strange drawings were undeliberate but if they match those of your agents to this extent...then, it's just the artefact doing it."

"Or the people controlling that bloody thing."

She gave him a friendly tap, "See? We're good together."

He shook his head in disagreement and stepped out of the room, "Tell me something worth it, Sylvia."

He walked so fast. She joggled to match his steps, "Can we get something to eat? I'm feeling hungry now."

Once they turned around the corner, she spotted someone and she quickly pulled Ryan back. "What's wrong with-"

She broke in, "What's your agent's room number?"

"141. Why?"

"Geez, Evan...If you want to save him, you better do so right now."

He quickly shoved her aside and dashed to the room. She leaned against the wall. If Hans, the gentleman was here...then it was only to kill that agent that escaped last night. She walked till the room, sat into one of the chairs opposite the door and watched the battle inside.

The noise they were making... God. She was thankful all the staffs were busy because of the shortage of personnel today. A nurse spotted them and she cried in horror, "Security!"

Sylvia chuckled. Ah, they were so strong...but she bet Evan could take him down with much ease. This man's physique and skills... She had heard of the perilous missions he had undertaken brilliantly and how he was fit to be the director.

Both men chorused after a minute, "I could use some help, Sylvia!"

She shrugged and relaxed, pointedly ignoring them. Hans was already taking out his chic revolver but before he even knew it, Evan slammed his head against the wall and punched him hard in the stomach, breaking his ribcage.

Oooh...she wouldn't want to be in his place.

Evan gave him a kick to ensure he wouldn't get up any soon and he instantly after fixed his tie and his collar.

Two men came running, drawing out their batons and Evan roared at them, "Damn it. It's only now that you show your face? Hurry. Immobilise this bastard and take him away."

"Who gave you the right to speak-"

He drew out his badge and groaned, "Do not question my authority and execute my orders right now."

"Yes...sir. I apologise. It's a mistake." Evan ran his fingers in his hair and then glared at Sylvia who simply remarked, "Wow, impressive! The mobster couldn't stand two minutes."

"Thanks for your help." He sarcastically said as he grabbed her arm and hauled her up. "Ah? You're welcome. Now why are you playing around? It's time we think about the metro."

"The metro?"

"Yes, the metro. Something huge is about to happen and I haven't the smallest idea about what it can be."