*The Figure in The Distance

Stay hidden, stay unnoticed. That’s what kept running through my head as I slipped down the alleyway. My job was to send a message to one of the leaders of the resistance, unnoticed. And a job that was. I am already being watched by spies every moment of my life, and just slipping away will lead to suspicions. 

Snap!

I froze. Someone is following me! I realized my heart rate sped up. I can’t be caught with Andrew. Not after everything I’ve done to avoid being in the grips of Rafael and his men. Which means I have to ‘take care’ of them, without being caught. 

A chill ran down my spine. After all this time in the resistance I still haven’t had to “take care” of someone yet, and I wasn’t really hoping to have to do it either. I lowered my head and sped up. I could feel their gaze cut through me as I continued to walk. 

Give them a chance. They might just be trying to get somewhere and just happen to be behind me. You shouldn’t just assume and kill an innocent man, who was just going to visit his sister. 

I turned at the last second into another alleyway. I wasn’t really planning on going this way, but I had to be sure if I was actually being followed. I glanced over my shoulder to see the figure turn as well. My hair stood on end, I was starting to believe that they were following me. My eyes caught the glint of a ladder that led to the roof. 

The first thought that went through my head was: People still have those? After everything, haven't they learned to stop putting them in? Then I realized I could use it to get the high ground. I walked in its direction with a brisk pace and silently watched the ladder come closer. I made it look as if I had no interest in the ladder, but as it slowly came to my side. I rushed forward, grabbed the cold metal bar and began to climb as fast as I could.

As soon as my feet hit the flat roof I turned and ran at a full sprint for the next roof, no longer caring for going unnoticed. My feet pounded soundlessly against the roof as I ran, not even stopping when the end of the roof closed in. With all of my effort I jumped and prayed that I would make it to the other side.

My fingers grazed the ledge of the room before I began to fall. However I was able to catch a window ledge, before I fell too far. I flinched as the brick mercilessly cut into my palm. I looked up to see a figure on the roof I had jumped off, staring down at me. I could still feel their gaze on me, it felt as if a dozen daggers were jabbed into my back all at once.

Who is that and what do they want from me? And why are they just standing there, looking at me? They looked as if they were hoping my grip would fail me and I would fall to a horrible death. Well that’s not going to happen any time soon bucko.

I was able to get a foothold and began to climb back up to the top of the roof. I could feel the gaze of the figure follow every move I made, like a predator watching its prey struggle before delivering a killing blow. With a grunt I pushed myself on to the roof and got to my feet. I ran for the next roof without a glance back. Because I knew the figure was right behind me again. 

Once again I jumped, I know you think I would’ve learned my lesson the first time. Well here’s a quick fact about myself, I never learn when to tell I’ve gone too far. Never. It’s a strong word that doesn’t even fully describe it.

Unlike last time I was able to get a hold of the roof's gutters and pull myself up without much issue. I glanced back to see the figure was running towards me. I knew they would make the jump. So, I ran with all my might, refusing to get caught. I jumped to the next roof and pulled myself up. I know I had to find a new strategy, because this wasn’t slowing them down at all. In fact I think they were gaining more ground on me doing this more than in the alleys. 

A thought went through my head: Are they an assassin? I shook my head, it couldn’t be. No one could want me dead unless they’ve figured it out…

No, I told myself. They couldn’t have found it out. I refused to accept it, so I did the only thing I could, I completely ignored the idea. 

I stopped at the edge of the roof and scanned the ground below, I was near the spot I needed to meet Andrew at. Which meant I had to get down anyway. I decided to jump to one more roof and see if there was a ladder on it or not, because this building didn't. I backed up and with a running boost jumped. 

For hopefully the last time that day I jumped from one rooftop to another. Like the last building I was able to grab a hold of the rim and push myself up. I let out a relieved sigh when I saw that this building did in fact have a ladder. I glanced back and saw the figure was still gaining on me. But I had enough room to get down the ladder and still have a gap between us. So, I scrambled down the ladder as I heard the person and on the roof with a soft Thud.

My feet hit the ground and with no hesitation I ran into the dark alley. My breath was all I could hear when I stopped in the cover of shadows. But I knew they were still there, watching me. 

Can’t they just leave me alone? I thought angrily, I just need to meet with Andrew, give him what he wants then go on with my day! I shouldn’t have to be jumping from one rooftop to another, constantly looking over my shoulder! I wanted to yell, but I kept my mouth closed. I needed to keep going. 

I pushed myself to move forward. I didn’t care why I was being followed, I just didn’t want to be caught in the first place. I turned a few corners and found Andrew waiting for me. But he seemed off, he wasn’t his normal cheery self.

“About time, Skyler.” He uttered, in a rough tone.

Yep, something was definitely off with him.

“I’m sorry I had a… detour.” I replied.

“And what would that be?” 

“I was trying to shake someone off. I think I lost them, though.”

“You think? Do you know anything! You can’t survive if you think you ate or had some water. You don’t need to just think, Skyler, you need to know these kinds of things!”

Why is he so mad? I know I made a mistake but Andrew is the last person I would expect to explode like this.

“Look I’m sorry, okay? Now can we get over this and get to what we need to discuss.”

“Sure, fine. But first I want you to answer one question…” 

A gun clicked from behind me. I froze as he asked the question.

“Who really are you? I know you’re not really Skyler Hawthorne.” 

I smiled, I had been waiting for someone to realize. That’s right I’m not who you think I am, I never was. I turned around, hands in the air to see the man who had been following me. He had a gun pointed at my head, a 45. 

“Dash,” I remarked. “I thought you only killed those who deserve to die.”

“And a double agent, who doesn’t care who lives and who dies, does deserve it. I know who you really are, Skyler.”

“Then tell me Dash, who am I?”

Anger burned in his eyes as he spat my name, my true name. “Jasper Lennox.” 

I smiled, “Too bad you all couldn’t figure it out quicker. You're both too late, the damage is already done and there is nothing either of you can do about it.”

“You're wrong Lennox, there is one thing we can do.” Dash whispered.

A blade was placed against my neck. I cursed for forgetting Andrew was still behind me. More importantly, forgetting that Andrew was once a blood thirsty assassin, who couldn't control his dark impulses.

“This isn’t over Dash! You will fall one way or another.” I snarled, as the blade cut into my throat and my world began to fade to black.