- 2 days ago
My Mafia Husband Begged Me Back EP
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The day my daughter died, my husband was standing right there.
00:03The railing gave way.
00:05Kelly and Madeline slipped at the same time.
00:06He grabbed Madeline, without hesitation, and Kelly fell.
00:10She fell right in front of us.
00:12After that, his family blamed me for her death.
00:15His mother held me over a ventilation shaft, and pushed me to the edge again and again,
00:19just to make me feel what Kelly felt in her last seconds.
00:23That was the day I learned I never mattered.
00:25Not to him, not to his family.
00:27And my husband, his response was to offer me 30% of his company shares.
00:31If I took the blame, those were the last honest words I ever said to him.
00:36Because after that, I divorced him, uploaded the recording that proved everything to the
00:40dark web, and boarded a helicopter out of his world forever.
00:44Finally, I was free.
00:46What he didn't know, was that I'd taken more with me, enough to burn his empire to the ground.
00:52After my daughter Kelly died, I erased every habit my arms dealer husband had ever.
00:57ever disliked.
00:59I stopped asking, where he went.
01:01I slept just fine, when he didn't come home.
01:05Even after I was injured in an explosion, the medic told me to notify my family.
01:10I just replied calmly.
01:11I don't have any.
01:12A nurse recognized me.
01:15Mrs. Curran, right?
01:18Mr. Curran is right next door.
01:20Should I inform him?
01:22I shook my head.
01:23That won't be necessary.
01:26Thirty minutes later, Everett showed up anyway.
01:29His sharp eyes carried their usual oppressive intensity.
01:32Why didn't you tell me you were injured?
01:34I lowered my gaze.
01:36Just shrapnel scratches.
01:38Nothing serious.
01:40My indifference irritated him.
01:42He was about to speak.
01:44When the guard's voices drifted in from outside.
01:47Mr. Curran really cares about Mrs. Finley.
01:50She only twisted her ankle.
01:52He called in a helicopter and carried her on and off himself.
01:56He wouldn't even let her feet touch the ground.
01:59Everett panicked.
02:00He glanced at me, waiting for me to make a scene like I used to.
02:03But I didn't even blink.
02:06I simply leaned back against the pillow and closed my eyes.
02:13The air around Everett grew heavy.
02:16Don't listen to them.
02:19Madeline is a specialist in the company.
02:22If she's hurt, it affects operations.
02:26I'm just doing it for the greater good.
02:28I nodded without a word.
02:30His temper flared.
02:31You don't believe me?
02:33I do.
02:35You personally trained Madeline to keep personnel.
02:38And you're her superior.
02:41It's only natural you look out for her.
02:43My calm response unsettled him.
02:45More than anger ever could.
02:47A loud crash echoed from outside.
02:51Madeline staggered into view.
02:53And collapsed right in front of my ward.
02:56Everett strode over.
02:57And swept her into his arms.
02:58What are you doing here?
03:00Didn't I tell you to stay in bed?
03:04I heard Mrs. Curran got hurt.
03:07I came to check on her.
03:09She shrank into his embrace.
03:11As if I were something to fear.
03:13Mrs. Curran.
03:14Please, don't blame me.
03:18I never meant for Kelly to die.
03:21In the past, I would have seized him by the collar.
03:23I would have demanded to know why he was shielding the woman.
03:26Responsible for our daughter's death.
03:29But now...
03:33I just stared at the ceiling in silence.
03:35I'm taking Madeline back to her ward.
03:37I'll be right back.
03:39Everett turned and carried her away.
03:41It was midnight.
03:42He still hadn't come back.
03:45Instead, I got a call from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
03:48Mrs. Simpson.
03:50Are you absolutely sure you want to join the Welkin Shield Project?
03:53This is a classified initiative at the highest level.
03:55Once you're in, you'll be stationed at the base for a minimum of 20 years.
04:00Completely cut off from the outside world.
04:01That includes your husband.
04:03Yes.
04:05I'm sure.
04:07The person on the other end hesitated.
04:10If you change your mind, you have three days to withdraw.
04:14After all, you used to care so much about Mr. Current.
04:18I won't regret it.
04:20Because I don't love him anymore.
04:28The next second, the door slammed open.
04:31Everett stood there.
04:32His gaze icy.
04:35You don't love me anymore?
04:38I dare you to say that again, Alicia!
04:43I quietly ended the call and closed my eyes, fending sleep.
04:47Everett approached, his presence cold and commanding.
04:50But he paused when he saw my tightly shut eyes.
04:53He thought I'd been talking in my sleep.
04:55His frown eased slightly.
04:57Yet somehow that only fueled his anger further.
05:02He couldn't stand the thought of me leaving him, even in dreams.
05:05He grabbed my wrist and then shook me awake.
05:10Allie, did you have a nightmare?
05:12I lowered my eyes.
05:13I dreamed about Kelly.
05:18The word struck him like a blade.
05:20He pulled me into his arms.
05:23Allie will have more children.
05:25Lots of them.
05:29I said nothing.
05:31My heart was damaged beyond on repair.
05:34And even my tears had long since run dry.
05:42Kelly was gone.
05:43Did he really believe another child could erase that?
05:49Everett, it's the middle of the night.
05:51Why are you here?
05:52He looked caught off guard.
05:55Allie, Maddie's stomach is bothering her.
05:57She's craving that soup you make.
06:02My body went ice cold.
06:07I just survived an explosion.
06:09Shrapnel was still embedded in my body.
06:11And here was at Everett, waking me in the dead of night to make soup for Madeline.
06:15Get me a pen and paper.
06:17I'll write down the recipe.
06:18Everett signaled one of his men to bring them.
06:24As I handed him the paper, his fingertips trembled.
06:29Recognition dawned on him.
06:33Once, long ago, he'd asked me for that recipe.
06:37Back then, I told him,
06:39I'll give it to you the day we part ways.
06:41As long as we're together.
06:43I'll always make the soup for you myself.
06:46Now I'd handed it over without a second thought.
06:48Mr. Curran.
06:49Miss Finley is in considerable pain.
06:51She's been asking for you.
06:52He frowned and strode out without a backward glance.
06:55I was accustomed to this by now.
06:57I closed my eyes and tried to rest.
07:01But I'd barely drifted off when a brutal force pulled me up.
07:05Alicia, Maddie coughed up blood after drinking that soup.
07:08Why?
07:10This grip on my chin was punishing.
07:14What did you put in that recipe you gave me?
07:18I glanced at him flat.
07:22You think it's off?
07:23Let the medics check it!
07:27Allie, if you're upset, just say so.
07:30Don't shut me out like this.
07:32I'm your husband, not your enemy.
07:33I closed my eyes.
07:35I have nothing more to say to you.
07:37For a moment, he thought he'd stopped breathing.
07:39What is that supposed to mean?
07:41I fell silent.
07:42As if he weren't even standing there.
07:44Outside, his subordinate's voice filtered through.
07:47Mr. Curran, Mrs. Finley's stomach has been humped.
07:49She's out of danger, but she's terrified.
07:51She keeps calling for you.
07:52I see.
07:53He turned back to give me one deep look.
07:55Get some rest, Allie.
07:56I'll drive you back tomorrow.
07:58That night stretched on, like an endless winter.
08:01Allie, my daughter, who'd grown inside me for ten months, would be reduced to ashes tomorrow.
08:07Sealed in a cold urn, and laid to rest in dark earth.
08:11The next day, Everett drove me to the country town.
08:14Hidden deep in the mountains, leaning on my crutch, I made my way into the funeral home,
08:19desperate for one last glimpse of my little girl.
08:21But the instant I crossed the threshold, Beverly Curran lunged at me like a woman possessed.
08:26You vile bitch!
08:28You actually have the nerve to come back?
08:33Beverly slapped me twice, across the face.
08:36Kelly died because of you!
08:38You knew she was afraid of heights.
08:40Why did you take her to that observation deck?
08:43You wanted her to die.
08:45I went cold.
08:46All over.
08:48Madeline was the one who took Kelly to the observation deck.
08:51Why was Beverly saying it was me?
08:53I turned to look at Everett.
08:55He looked away.
08:56The other friends stepped forward, joining Beverly as they struck me with cold.
09:00Cedar!
09:01Kill her!
09:01She murdered her own daughter!
09:03You don't deserve to see Kelly one last time!
09:07Sticks and batons rained down on me, without mercy.
09:10Someone threw a rock that split my forehead open.
09:12My crutch was grabbed and used as a weapon against me.
09:15I collapsed to the floor, blood and dust smearing across my face.
09:20Enough!
09:22After what felt like an eternity, Everett pushed through and shielded me with his body.
09:29Kelly's death was an accident.
09:31Allie isn't to blame.
09:32Anyone who touches her again will be dealt with according to family rules.
09:39His razor-sharp gaze swept the room, until the crowd slowly dispersed.
09:43Only then did his expression soften.
09:49He lifted me into his arms, and carried me back to our bedroom.
09:53He retrieved the first aid kit to tend to my wounds, but my eyes remained utterly cold.
09:59Everett, Madeline took Kelly to that observation deck.
10:02So why did Beverly say it was me?
10:04His hand holding the gauze paused.
10:05His hand holding the gauze paused.
10:06Allie, Maddie is the weapons expert the family invested in.
10:09Her identity is sensitive.
10:12If anyone finds out she was indirectly responsible for Kelly's death, she won't have a place here anymore.
10:18You're different.
10:19You're my wife, under my protection.
10:24Take the blame for her this once, okay?
10:27I'll transfer 30% of Curry Defense Industries shares to you as compensation.
10:31He watched me with barely concealed unease.
10:34He thought I'd break down crying or lash out.
10:36But my expression stayed so calm.
10:37It sent panic seeping into his chest.
10:40I merely glanced at him flatly.
10:41Whatever, I don't care.
10:45He should have felt relieved.
10:47Instead, something in his chest tightened painfully.
10:52Allie, don't overthink it.
10:54Maddie is talented, and that's why I look out for her.
10:57That's all it is.
10:58I understand.
10:59I lowered my head.
11:01You don't need to explain.
11:03Only someone still in deep love.
11:05Needed explanations.
11:07I didn't love him anymore.
11:08So none of his words meant anything to me.
11:11Utterly irritated, Everett was about to say something.
11:14But before he could, a guard burst in.
11:18Bad news, Mr. Curran.
11:20Mrs. Finlay went to pay her respects and ran into Ms. Curran.
11:24They're fighting.
11:25Diane Curran was the family's true-blooded heir.
11:28Everett's expression changed drastically.
11:30Allie, bandage yourself.
11:32I have to handle this.
11:33He strode out hastily.
11:35The moment he left, Beverly barged in with several of her trusted people.
11:40Alicia, no one's here to protect you now.
11:44Her gaze was pure malice.
11:46Kelly's dead because of you.
11:51I'm going to make sure you understand what it feels like to fall.
11:56She signaled her men to drag me to an abandoned ventilation shaft.
12:01Deep, dark, with cold wind howling up from the bottom.
12:05Kelly fell from that observation top 30 stories high.
12:10Do you have any idea how terrifying that fall was?
12:15Beverly grabbed my hair and forced my upper body over the shaft's edge.
12:19You were right there.
12:22Why didn't you catch her?
12:25Dizziness overwhelmed me.
12:26The darkness below gaped like a monster's mouth.
12:30Beverly pushed me to the edge time and again, yanking me back only at the last second.
12:35Breathe!
12:36You know how to breathe, don't you?
12:38When Kelly fell, she didn't even have time to cry!
12:42After several rounds of this torture, a sharp pain tore through my chest.
12:47A metallic taste flooded my mouth.
12:49Blood trickled from the corner of my lips.
12:52Her internal organs might be damaged.
12:55If this keeps up, she could die.
12:57Only then, did Beverly let go?
13:00I slumped to the ground, my consciousness fading.
13:03When I woke, I was in the ward.
13:06Everett sat by the bed.
13:08You're awake, Ellie.
13:09Why?
13:10He held my hand.
13:11His eyes bloodshot.
13:13I'm sorry I didn't protect you well enough.
13:16Don't worry.
13:17I've dealt with everyone who hurt you.
13:19I warned Mom, too.
13:20She won't lay a finger on you again.
13:22A deep chill ran through me.
13:24I'd nearly died.
13:26And all he did was warn her.
13:28He still hadn't told her the truth.
13:30He never failed to disappoint me.
13:32Okay.
13:33I closed my eyes, unwilling to say another word.
13:37Allie, I know you're upset about Kelly.
13:39I promise I'll make it up to you.
13:42We have a long future ahead.
13:47I'll make you fall for me again.
13:48He stood and left.
13:50The moment the door closed, two encrypted messages arrived on my phone.
13:54The first was from the courthouse.
13:56Miss Simpson, your divorce from Mr. Curran has been finalized.
14:00The second was from DARPA.
14:02Miss Simpson, the Welkin Shield project launches tomorrow.
14:05Your helicopter is ready.
14:08I stared at the screen for a long time.
14:11Finally, I let out a relieved smile.
14:14At last, the day had come.
14:16But before I left, I had one last thing to do.
14:19I braced myself on my crutch.
14:21And walked to Madeline's room.
14:23Alicia?
14:25What are you doing here?
14:27The usual fragile act vanished from her face.
14:30Replaced by contempt.
14:31Here to look for Rhett?
14:33How pathetic.
14:34Look at how badly you're hurt.
14:36And he hasn't spared you a second glance.
14:39But me?
14:40I twisted my ankle.
14:42And he stayed by my side around the clock.
14:45I felt nothing.
14:46These petty games over attention no longer concerned me.
14:49I asked only one question.
14:51Madeline?
14:52That day on the observation deck?
14:55Did Kelly fall on her own?
14:57Or did you push her?
14:58Madeline's face split into a wild grin.
15:01Alicia, you know what?
15:03Rhett was there that day too.
15:05The railing gave way.
15:06Kelly and I slipped at the same time.
15:08Rhett grabbed me without hesitation.
15:10And Kelly fell.
15:12She fell right in front of us.
15:14Everett had been there the day Kelly died.
15:16He chose to save Madeline.
15:18He let her daughter fall.
15:21You wanna know the funniest part?
15:24Rhett knows I'm trained in climbing.
15:26He knows my balance is perfect.
15:29But his first instinct was still to save me.
15:33Tears blurred my vision.
15:35I swore this would be the last time.
15:37I ever cried for Everett.
15:40I wiped my eyes.
15:41Picked up my crutch.
15:43And walked out.
15:44I moved slowly.
15:45But I never looked back.
15:47Everett.
15:48We no longer have a future.
15:51From now on we won't see each other again.
15:54Not in this life.
15:55Not in the next.
15:56I took a vehicle to the courthouse.
15:58And picked up my divorce decree.
16:00Before getting on the helicopter.
16:02I uploaded the complete recording of my conversation with Madeline.
16:06To the dark web.
16:07Kelly's death was an accident.
16:09The law couldn't touch them.
16:11Then let the truth burn in the shadows.
16:14That was the last thing I did for my daughter.
16:16I threw away my phone.
16:18The helicopter lifted me into the clouds.
16:20Finally.
16:21I was free.
16:24The helicopter punched through layers of clouds.
16:27Below me.
16:27The company town shrunk rapidly.
16:29Until it disappeared behind rolling mountain regions.
16:32I leaned against the cabin wall as the sky out slowly brightened.
16:47My heart no longer beat for Everett.
16:50By the time we landed at the Northwest Air Base.
16:52Dusk had settled over the desert.
16:55The base sat like a steel fortress embedded in the earth.
17:01Welcome.
17:02At Mrs. Simpson.
17:10I'm Vernon Lynch.
17:11Base commander.
17:13As of today.
17:14You're the lead systems engineer for the Weldon Shield project.
17:18This will be your home for the next 20 years.
17:20Or longer.
17:23Home?
17:26Home?
17:26Home?
17:27The place I'd once called home had long become a hell that consumed me.
17:33Uh...
17:34Thank you, Commander Lynch.
17:36My voice was calm as I accepted the non-disclosure agreement and ID badge.
17:40Here.
17:42I wasn't Mrs. His Curran.
17:47I was Mrs. Simpson.
17:50that realization brought me an almost cruel sense of relief
17:55the days blurred into a rhythm of intense work and isolation
18:03no internet no personal communication only encrypted internal lines and mountains of
18:10blueprints and data i poured everything into well-toned shield each problem i solved felt
18:17like stripping away another layer of who i used to be occasionally in the dead of night kelly's
18:23face would flash through my mind the dimples when she smiled the soft way she called for
18:33me when she threw herself into my arms my heart would seize suffocating me with pain
18:41but i'd force myself back to the flickering screen
18:47work was the best sedative my deputy at damon jenkins seemed to sense something my silences
18:54but he never pried
18:57he just pushed warm energy drinks my way after i'd worked 10 hours straight
19:01one night i stood alone in the corridor staring at the stars through the reinforced glass
19:08damon appeared beside me
19:12he held out a cup of hot coffee without a word
19:16then he walked away
19:20i wrapped my hands around the warmth and for a moment the night didn't feel quite so endless
19:25three years slipped by before i realized it
19:29wellgill shields phase one test platform was about to undergo its inaugural orbital deploy-in
19:34it was the project's most critical and dangerous stage yet
19:38the entire base hummed with high pressure mixed with barely constrained thrill
19:44sometime during my eighth month vernon called me into his office
19:50he handed me a classified briefing document his expression grave
19:55something's happened to current defense industries
19:57i scanned the contents
20:00an anonymous source had leaked their covert overseas trading channels
20:05exposing a web of black market weapons deals
20:08the information had been released in carefully timed batches to international regulators
20:14each leak landed like a precision strike
20:20hurry defense industries had once seemed like an unsinkable juggernaut
20:27now it was sinking at astonishing speed
20:30very professional work
20:32pinpoint intel
20:38feels like someone on the inside
20:41vernon's gaze carried both scrutiny and a hint of probing
20:48i set the briefing down
20:49my face revealing nothing
20:51commander lynch
20:53right now all i care about is whether we can push well doc shields efficiency by three percent
20:58current defense industry situation is none of my concern
21:06i see get back to work
21:13in the dead of night when i faced the stars alone
21:15i'd think about the recording i'd uploaded before i left
21:17that was just the spark
21:22the information that followed was more fatal
21:25more precise
21:27i'd collected it during my years with the current and family
21:31an everett study in encrypted server logs beside weapons designs he thought i didn't understand
21:37like a trapped animal i'd subconsciously gathered it all
21:40the day i left
21:41together with that recording
21:43i set it all as a timed release gift
21:46i wondered if everett appreciated my parting gesture
21:5272 hours before launch
21:54i'd practically moved into mission control
21:57the entire base held its breath
22:02during the final full system integration check
22:04an unexpected alert flashed across the main display
22:09a minuscule anomaly in the orbital parameters
22:13probably background radiation interference or minor sensor drift
22:19i'm not pasta
22:20it's within acceptable tolerarity
22:23but damon kept comparing the data frowning
22:27miss simpson
22:28the fluctuation pattern is unusual
22:30i don't think it's natural interference
22:35looks more like some kind of signal injection
22:41my heart tightened
22:42i immediately pulled all relevant logs
22:44and ordered a full investigation
22:47something wasn't right
22:51someone had touched the system
22:58a few hours later
23:00the investigation results came back
23:02sending a chill straight through me
23:04three days ago
23:05someone had used a brief maintenance window
23:06to implant malicious code into the core navigation substubrate
23:09the code wasn't designed to cause immediate destruction
23:14it was programmed to trigger cumulative errors under specific conditions
23:19eventually causing the platform to drift off course
23:22or fail completely
23:25luckily we'd caught the injurgeon in time
23:28and purged the code
23:32before it could do any real damage
23:34the wekel shield project was classified at the highest level
23:41an external cyber attack was practically impossible
23:44this had to be an inside job
23:46or someone with extremely high level access
23:49security launched an immediate investigation
23:54the trail went cold
23:56when they traced it to a young technician
23:57responsible for a peripheral data interface
24:02he'd gone missing the day before the incident
24:07they found his abandoned vehicle
24:08out in the desert
24:14the car yielded no useful leads
24:16just a faint distinctive scent that lingered in the air
24:19a mixture of gunpowder and fur
24:25my fingernails dug into my palms
24:27as i recognized it instantly
24:30it was Everett's signature custom blended cologne
24:33the scent unique and long-lasting
24:37he'd once mentioned casually
24:38that the scent helped him maintain absolute calm
24:43was it him?
24:44had he found this place?
24:46or had he sent one of his men?
24:50Vernon's face turned livid
24:51he immediately elevated the base's security alert level
24:54and reported directly to higher command
24:57the instructions came back swiftly
24:59proceed with the launch as scheduled
25:02but activate the highest emergency protocols
25:05launch day dawned bright and clear over the desert
25:08the massive launch tower stood upright against the sky
25:17inside mission control
25:18the atmosphere was heavy with tension
25:21everyone remained blue to their workstations
25:25focus absolute
25:31I sat in the chief engineer seat
25:33facing multiple screens displaying different data
25:36my heartbeat stayed steady
25:38everything else
25:40the tangled thoughts
25:41the painful memories
25:43even the recent security breach
25:46was forced to push to the periphery of my mind
25:50for now
25:51my entire world consisted of jumping data points and flowing curves
25:56one minute to launch
26:00ten
26:00nine
26:01eight
26:04three
26:05two
26:05one
26:06ignition
26:11the roar reached us through the ground itself
26:13on the screens
26:15the rocket lifted off steadily
26:20first stage separation nominee
26:22second stage ignition nominee
26:24orbit in search and phase
26:27the platform successfully entered
26:28its designated orbit
26:31the solar panels
26:32began to deploy
26:36launch of crashed ships
26:38erupted throughout mission control
26:41we've done it
26:43I leaned back in my chair
26:44and let out a long breath
26:53miss simpson
26:55we actually did it
26:56his eyes met mine
26:57for a single bright moment
26:59and he looked away first
27:05I accepted the glass
27:07and nodded at damon
27:08but deep down
27:10I couldn't shake the unease
27:12that clung to me like a second skin
27:14the security breach remained unsolved
27:16the celebration was brief
27:19I retreated to my office
27:20and pulled up every report related to the intrusion
27:24night fell
27:25the base settled into silence
27:27I rubbed my throbbing temples
27:29finally ready to call it a night
27:31I powered down my main system
27:33and was about to stand
27:34then the screen of my dedicated terminal
27:36the one used for top
27:38secret work
27:39physically air-gapped
27:40from every other network
27:41flickered to life on its own
27:43no login interface
27:44no system prompt
27:46against the black background
27:47a single line of white text floated
27:50like something risen from the depths
27:52let's talk Ali
27:56my blood turned to ice
28:00the words lingered for perhaps 5 seconds
28:02before vanishing
28:04the screen went back to sleep mode
28:07as if nothing had happened
28:08but I knew
28:10with absolute certainty
28:11that I hadn't imagined it
28:13my terminal had the highest possible security clearance
28:16theoretically
28:17external intrusion was impossible
28:19unless someone on the inside had cooperated
28:21or an unknown vulnerability had been exploited
28:24my mind flashed back
28:25to the malicious code from days ago
28:27Everett
28:28he'd actually extended his reach this far
28:30rage ignited inside me
28:32burning hot enough to freeze my hands
28:34how dare he touch welkin shield
28:36this wasn't just personal anymore
28:37it was a direct threat to national security
28:40I hit the internal emergency communication button immediately
28:44Vernon and the head of security
28:46arrived within minutes
28:49the tech experts conducted a thorough sweep of the terminal
28:55they found an extremely sophisticated
28:57deeply hidden access point
28:59its source untraceable
29:05implemented with a level of professionalism
29:07that only a handful of people in the world could achieve
29:14full sweep of every internal network and physical port
29:20Vernon's expression
29:21was darker than I'd ever seen it
29:23Mrs. Simpson
29:24it's clear
29:25you're the target
29:27you need to know what he wants
29:28and how you plan to handle it
29:30I sat in silence for a moment
29:31thinking
29:33Everett had gone to these lengths
29:34to find me
29:37he already knew about my involvement in welkin shield
29:40he might also have discovered my role
29:44in the leaks against current defense industries
29:47what did he want
29:49revenge
29:51threats
29:52or something else entirely
29:58I'll talk to him
29:59my voice was calmer than I felt
30:01completely devoid of warmth
30:03Vernon pondered for a moment
30:04then he exchanged a look with the security chief
30:08and finally nodded
30:11okay
30:12we'll set it up
30:14but Mrs. Simpson
30:16remember who you are now
30:23I'm at his gaze without flinching
30:24I know exactly who I am
30:26I'm the chief engineer of welkin shield
30:29the project lead
30:29that comes before everything else
30:31but it has to be in a completely controlled environment
30:33I need an isolated one-way communication channel
30:36fully transparent
30:36with no possibility of traceback
30:38or additional infiltration
30:39the entire conversation must be monitored and recorded
30:44they arranged the communication
30:46in a special isolation bay
30:48the room contained only the most basic audio equipment
30:52all signals were encrypted
30:54and filtered through multiple layers
30:57at the appointed time
30:58I sat down in the bay
31:00a microphone in front of me
31:03the communication went through
31:05no video
31:06just the faint static hum of electrons
31:12then that voice reached me
31:13through the speakers
31:15the voice I thought I'd long buried in the past
31:18it was deep
31:19rough around the edges
31:20carrying an exhaustion I couldn't quite place
31:23and something that almost sounded like urgency
31:27Allie
31:33that single word
31:34pierced my ears
31:35I clenched my hands against my knees
31:38fingernails digging deep into flesh
31:42using the pain
31:43to anchor myself in absolute calm
31:48Mr. Corrin
31:49my voice came out steady and flat
31:51you've illegally breached
31:53a national level classified base communication system
31:57do you have any idea what that means?
32:00several seconds of silence passed
32:02then an almost imperceptible sigh filtered through
32:05yes
32:06I know exactly what it means
32:09but
32:11I needed to see you
32:13or at least hear you
32:14for the sake of those shady deals you've been running
32:16or to make things right for your beloved Madeline
32:19I let icy mockery seep into my tone
32:23the recording and those files
32:26did you enjoy them?
32:27those
32:27his voice turned rough
32:29fractured
32:31I deserved every bit of that
32:34but that's not why I'm reaching out to you
32:40oh?
32:41then what?
32:42to catch up?
32:47I'm sorry Mr. Corrin
32:48but there's nothing left between us
32:50to catch up on
32:52Allie!
32:53his voice rose
32:54carrying suppressed agony
32:57please don't be like this
33:00I know I was wrong
33:01I was ridiculously wrong
33:04I've spent every day of the past three years
33:07repenting?
33:09I cut him off
33:10the absurdity of it almost making me laugh
33:13what good does that do?
33:15can it bring Kelly back?
33:17can it undo the choice you made that day?
33:19can it make up for the fact that Beverly nearly killed me?
33:22or whitewashed those shady deals you built your empire on?
33:25my garage of Keston
33:27left him trapped in a long silence
33:29when he finally spoke again
33:30his voice was utterly wrecked
33:32without Kelly
33:34I got to the bottom of it
33:35it was Madeline
33:37she loosened the screws on that old railing
33:39back then I thought it was just an accident
33:42I was afraid that if my family found out it was her
33:44they'd deal with her so I...
33:47so you made me the scapegoat?
33:49you let your mother and your entire family torture me
33:52like I was the one who killed my own daughter?
33:56my voice trembled uncontrollably
33:58not from sorrow
33:59but from pure fury
34:04Everett, your devotion to talent
34:06your protective instincts
34:07how impressive
34:08I should probably applaud you
34:10do you have any idea what Beverly did that day?
34:13she nearly threw me down that ventilation shaft
34:16she said she'd make sure I experienced exactly how desperate Kelly must have felt
34:19I didn't know she'd go that far
34:21I warned her!
34:23his words came out rushed
34:24desperate
34:25Allie, I'm sorry
34:26I'm so sorry
34:29I'll make it up to you with everything I have
34:31I'll give up current defense industries
34:33I'll do anything!
34:34save it!
34:35I cut him off sharply
34:36I cut him off sharply
34:37all the emotions I'd suppressed surged up
34:39all the emotions I'd suppressed surged up
34:39cracking through my carefully constructed calm
34:41Everett, nothing you do means anything to me anymore
34:44not your compensation
34:46not curry defense industries
34:47not a single thing you have to offer
34:51from the moment you chose to save Madeline and let Kelly fall
34:55the only thing left between us was hatred
35:02listen to me carefully
35:03hatred
35:04tears welled up uncontrollably
35:06but I wiped them away instantly
35:08my voice turning even colder, harder
35:10you risked everything to contact me today
35:14if this is what you wanted to hear
35:16congratulations
35:17you've heard it
35:19if you had some other agenda
35:21take my advice
35:23stop while you still can
35:25Weldl Shield is not something you can touch
35:29those little games you've been playing
35:32they've already caught the attention of people
35:34far above my pay grade
35:35keep going
35:37and business sanctions will be the least of your worries
35:40I drew a deep breath
35:41using the last ounce of my strength to form each word
35:46Everett, you and I were finished a long time ago
35:50we were done the moment I left that company town
35:52and uploaded that recording
35:56no, that's not right
36:04we were done even before that
36:07we were done for good the moment Kelly died
36:10the moment you chose to protect her killer
36:14don't come looking for me again
36:19don't ever show up in my world again
36:22if you have even the slightest trace of conscience left
36:25stay away from me and my project
36:27otherwise
36:28I won't hesitate to put you exactly where you belong
36:34I cut the connection without waiting for his response
36:37my finger trembled slightly as I pressed the disconnect button
36:44the isolation bay door opened
36:48Vernon and the security chief stepped in
36:50their expressions complicated
36:52they clearly heard everything
36:59we're in the way
37:02we're in the way
37:03Vernon hesitated
37:06I looked up
37:10the tears on my face had already dried
37:13leaving only exhaustion
37:15and absolute calm in their wake
37:19Commander Lynch, I'll submit a detailed report on this incident.
37:23I recommend we report this immediately and conduct a full assessment of the base's security system.
37:30You!
37:31The security chief looked at me.
37:34Are you alright?
37:34I'm fine.
37:38The orbital calibration data for Welkin Shield still needs review.
37:42I'm heading back to mission control.
37:46I turned and walked out, my foot stamped steady.
37:49Not a tremor.
37:50Only I knew that somewhere deep inside, in that corner of my heart where I'd stored the last fragile fragments
37:54of my past,
37:55something had finally died.
37:57Along with that conversation.
38:00After that exchange, the base entered an unprecedented state of heightened alert.
38:05Security systems underwent complete upgrades.
38:08Everett hadn't tried anything else.
38:10No further communication attempts.
38:12No new signs of malicious activity.
38:15It almost felt as if my resolute declaration had actually worked.
38:19But no one dared relax.
38:21The collapse of current defense industries accelerated faster than anyone predicted.
38:26The once mighty empire had crumbled to fragments.
38:29I threw myself back into Welcom Shield.
38:32Work became the sole purpose of my existence.
38:34The most solid barrier I could build between myself and the past.
38:40Damon grew quieter and also more devoted to the work in those days.
38:46He was no longer just my deputy.
38:49He developed into someone with remarkable talent.
38:52We developed a short hand that didn't require words.
38:56Sometimes a single glance was enough to communicate exactly what needed to be done.
39:03Still, I kept my distance.
39:05The emotional wounds of the past still haunted me.
39:15Any intimacy beyond professional collaboration made me instinctively pull back.
39:19Until the night the storm came.
39:33A rare, violent tempest swept across the desert.
39:38Damon and I worked late into the night in the lab.
39:41Trying to dedock a critical energy relay algorithm.
39:44Lightning tore through the sky as thunder crashed and rolled.
39:48Wind howled as it hurled sand and gravel against the reinforced glass.
40:03Suddenly, the emergency lights kicked on.
40:05Backup power kicked in immediately.
40:10But some non-essential systems were still affected.
40:13Including the lab's door locks.
40:20We were trapped inside.
40:24A voice crackled through the communicator from the duty room.
40:42Lightning had struck the external power line.
40:52We had to wait where we were.
40:52Repairs would take time.
40:54We had to wait where we were.
41:01The lab existed now in near-ness.
41:04Eliminated by darkness.
41:06Illuminated only by the emergency light's dim glow.
41:10And the occasional flash of lightning.
41:12Damon and I sat side by side on the edge of a lab table.
41:16For a long moment, neither of us spoke.
41:21Mrs. Simpson.
41:22His voice emerged softly.
41:24Almost swallowed by the dim space and the thunder.
41:27Have you ever thought about what you'll do after Well and Shield is completely finished?
41:33The question caught me off guard.
41:35No.
41:36I admitted honestly.
41:38Doing my job well right now.
41:39That's enough for me.
41:41Fell silent for a moment, then turned to look at me.
41:51Sometimes, I think, maybe when this is all over, I'll go see the ocean.
42:00The real one.
42:04I want to know what it feels like to be surrounded by sea water.
42:13Is it really true what they say?
42:15That it can wash away your troubles?
42:21Um.
42:25It will.
42:27I said only take Everett.
42:29You should go.
42:31After the project succeeds.
42:34Will you come with me?
42:36His question came suddenly.
42:38His tone careful.
42:39I froze.
42:41Unsure how to answer.
42:42A brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the entire lab.
42:47In that stark momentary light, I saw it clearly.
42:51The affection and anticipation in his eyes.
42:54There for me to read before he could conceal it.
43:00I stood abruptly and walked to the large observation window.
43:04In the distance, pale streaks of dawn pushing through the dark-knit darkness that had held
43:10us all night.
43:11I gazed eastward as the sky brightened.
43:13Darkness would soon be gone.
43:16Above me, the stars and the sky, the ones I had sworn to guard, were embracing a new dawn.
43:24I didn't turn around, but my fingers, which had been clenched tight at my sides, slowly uncurled.
43:36And just barely, they brushed against the hand Damon had rested on the windowsill beside me.
43:42I wasn't ready.
43:45But for the first time in three years,
43:53I thought maybe, someday, I could be.
43:58I can do it in the middle.
43:58I've got to be.
43:59I've got to be.
44:00What if you have to do?
Comments