Chapter 15: Aide in Danger

The men were still trying to stop Nelly. Stacy fought them off, trying her best to keep them out. Fresh blood dyed her bandage due to overexertion. She felt like she was about to pass out, yet she held on, keeping her ground against them.

At one point, she saw light. She focused on their movements, holding her hand out to block. She expected someone to run into her or any attacks. There was none. She stood on the spot, staggering twice before she could see again.

Jack and Neil were in front of her, holding the men back. “Come on, guys! I can understand you not believing Sammy. Nelly’s my sister. Don’t you have faith in me?” Neil voiced out. There were murmurs going around. “Are you sure she can do it?” Voices of doubt went around the group. Neil kept assuring them that it’d be alright.

“I’ll go check on Chad,” someone finally said. He left in the direction of the “operating room” and the crowd gradually calmed down.

Seeing that the situation was in control, Stacy limped out of the picture. She reached for the first aid kit and sat leisurely, planning to treat her wound. The temporary peace was suddenly disrupted when the man rushed out of the room. “What happened? Is he alright?” Those outside were immediately on full alert. “Water.. water..! Chad asked for water..” he blurted urgently. “I’ll get it,” someone immediately sprang up from his seat.

First, it was water. Then, he asked for lots of gauze. The whole clubhouse turned into chaos. Everyone was running around. Stacy simply sat to the side, bandaging her wound in a laid-back manner.

“Nelly! Can you come in here for a bit? Chad asked for you,” someone rushed out of the room. Nelly was busy with her work. Her eyes were focused and her hands steady. She resembled a surgeon with years of experience, much contrary to the vibe she had when she first entered. “I can't leave now,” she said.

A second passed. “Nelly, we really need you here. He’s in a terrible condition. Chad needs assistance!”

Nelly continued without wavering. “If I leave, he’ll die,” she said bluntly. Everyone around was speechless.

Stacy hopped steadily towards Nelly and James. “I’ll take over from here. Please help Chad save that man,” Stacy said. Nelly raised her head and their eyes met. “Take good care of the patient,” Nelly said before leaving the tools in Stacy’s hands.

This time, nobody stopped her. They were busy ushering Nelly into the room. The tension in the room was obvious. Everyone gathered around the door, waiting for any orders.

Time ticked by. Both Chad and Nelly busied themselves in the room. Stacy continued her work with the same precision Nelly had. The men continued pacing around and helping whenever asked.

Finally, Nelly left the room. She removed her mask and looked around. “He’s alright now,” she told the men roaming outside the room. Everyone felt the burden left their shoulders.

Nelly immediately headed towards her former patient. Stacy was nowhere to be seen. Jack and her brother stayed by the patient’s side. She squatted down to check his wound. It was neatly stitched up. She checked the patient. Everything was alright. Stacy did a great job. She smiled with relief. “Where’s she?” Nelly asked her brother.

He shrugged. “She left right after she's done here,” Jack replied. Just then, they caught her limping out of the kitchen. She had a slice of bread in her mouth. As if nothing had happened, she limped out through the door as casually as the way she entered.

Nelly watched without blinking, amusement clear in her eyes. “Who’s that? I thought women aren't allowed in here?” Jack laughed out loud. “She isn't just any woman. She’s cool! She makes guns,” he exclaimed proudly.

A sneer sounded behind him. Mark joined them. “Woman.. I don't see anything womanly about her,” he commented bitterly. Jack started laughing. After his friend finally got out of danger, his bubbly persona was back to shine. “Don’t mind our grumpy Mark here. Sammy once pointed a gun at him,” Jack teased, elbowing Mark.

Nelly gasped. “Pointed a gun?” She mused. “Yeah. She was working in the workshop and this guy decided to enter and..” Jack sprung up and went into his story-telling mode. Mark rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “Nobody will call you a mute if you don’t talk,” Mark complained.

“Oh, come on..” Jack continued on but Nelly’s attention started drifting away. She kept looking at the door.

Meanwhile, at the warehouse, Stacy was back to work. She modified the gun according to Jack’s descriptions. When it’s ready, she moved to the shooting range. She was shooting when she heard light footsteps behind her. It wasn’t the normal walking footsteps. It’s as though someone was trying to sneak up on her. That person’s really good. If not for her years of training, she might not even realize their presence.

She listened tentatively. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. She whipped around and pointed the gun right at him. “Woah, easy!” Chad lifted both his arms in surrender. “Are you a ghost?” She murmured. “A ghost you caught,” he replied with a crooked smile. Stacy couldn’t help but roll her eyes. What was that? She shivered.

“I wanted to thank you for your help. I couldn’t find you anywhere. Figured you’ll be here,” Chad said. He’s changed out of his blood and sweat soaked shirt. His hair was slightly wet.

Stacy turned and moved to her workbench. “Don’t mention,” her reply came short. She felt utterly awkward. She wasn’t used to people thanking her or being polite.

Chad followed her to her work area and took a seat opposite her. “What are you working on? This one looks special,” he watched as she made modifications.

Without lifting her eyes from the object at hand, she replied, “Jack’s gun.” Chad’s brows furrowed. “You’re customizing now?”

“Do you need a new batch?” She finally lifted her attention to him. “Not for now, no. I mean, don’t I have one?”

“Huh?”