“So do I.” Arrow said. “Everybody here except you has their license to carry. No, we’re not specially trained, but the people in power who do have specialized training aren’t doing anything.”
The keyboardist with the blue hair whose name was Juliet and a middle-aged woman with stringy brown hair named Charlotte were instructed to stay in the car to be in charge of surveillance and communication. Meanwhile, Sirona, Misha the drummer, and Arrow clipped communication devices and first aid supplies to their belt.
“First rule…” Arrow continued, addressing the entire group. “The first rule is to only shoot if threatened or there is somebody else in danger. We do not react out of desperation or fear of failure.” Arrow’s eyes narrowed as they landed back on Clive. Clive nodded reluctantly. Arrow studied his friend a few more moments then said, “You will not be getting a firearm. But, since you’re already here, I imagine we can’t stop you from going with us.” Arrow reached into the trunk and pulled out a can of pepper spray, and Clive took it gratefully and clipped it around his waist.
“Alright guys,” Arrow clapped his hands together and rubbed them. “Last time we did this mission, we failed. Failure is not an option now.”
“Better not be…” Clive muttered.
“What did you say, Doc?” Arrow asked a slight edge to his voice.
“I won’t let us fail this time. That’s why I’m here.” Clive said, loud enough for everybody to hear.
Sirona ducked her head in shame and Misha stared at Clive in open disbelief. The two women handling surveillance continued to prepare the car and tried to ignore what was going on.
“This group was handpicked by me. Even if you weren’t here, I would have ensured that your wife was returned with us safely.” Arrow’s tone was kind but firm.
Before he could stop himself, Clive’s dormant anger and pain flared up as he said, “Sirona? Really? She failed the first time. And you? A drunk. An alcoholic in denial.”
Everybody stopped moving. A few distant cars rushing on the highway could be heard and Sirona sniffed, but otherwise, it was completely silent.
Arrow closed the gap between him and Clive. Clive was reminded how much bigger Arrow was than him and immediately regretted what he said. “Look, if you can’t show some respect and work together with us, I will make you stay behind. Sirona is here because she has comprehensive knowledge of this facility. She did not have any preparation time in the first instance. Secondly…” Arrow jabbed a finger into his broad chest. “…I know my weaknesses. I know what I’ve done. That has changed and I know the responsibility I have in this situation is great. I would never allow myself to be intoxicated while on a rescue.”
Clive nodded, feeling an unfamiliar feeling of shame begin creeping across him. “I’ll be respectful.” He said simply.
“Good.” Arrow nodded, then turned to Misha and Sirona. “Let’s go. Stay close to me.”
Clive followed and took a quick assessment of their surroundings. They were in a perfectly square parking lot with very few cars, illuminated by silent LED street lamps. The surrounding area was dotted with trees and beyond the trees was a major highway. Clive understood why they had chosen this spot. The business that used to be operational here had been closed for a long time by the looks of it. It was a small white cinderblock building with a faded palm tree mural painted on the side. It gave them just enough cover to be able to approach the doctor’s office from behind without being seen.
“We will be listening to Juliet and Charlotte on the radios to give us the signal. They will temporarily disable security for us to get in the back and we will need to locate the patients. There are fewer employees working today due to our inside contact, so hopefully we will be in and out very quickly.”
“Okay, got it.” Clive agreed.
“Don’t you dare go off on your own.” Arrow said firmly.
“You’re telling ME this?”
“I don’t mess around when others are involved.” Arrow said firmly.
Clive didn’t comment. He had seen Arrow drunk and out of his mind. He had seen him in prison. He had seen him in a suit and tie. He had seen him in love. He had never seen Arrow responsible.
“The cameras will be deactivated in three minutes.” Sounded a female voice from the radio.
“Good deal.” Arrow responded. He flipped his left wrist around and set a timer on his watch for three minutes.
Clive did not like being a follower. He liked to be in charge and have an understanding of all aspects of a situation. In this case, all of his trust was in the hands of a functioning alcoholic, a woman who had failed before, and an intimidating-looking man he barely knew.
When Arrow’s timer went off, they opened the door quickly. Once they were inside, they were assaulted by cool LED lighting and white walls. The hall before them was lined with shut doors and stretched far into the building, intersecting with another hallway going the opposite direction. Not a soul besides them was in this part of the building, but that wouldn’t be for long. Clive knew from experience that medical facilities rarely stayed quiet for enough time to allow trespassers to wander around.
“Down here.” Arrow said gruffly as he marched to the third door on the left of the hall.
The door opened easily and brought them into some sort of computer lab. The main lighting was off, but each computer screen glowed dimly in the gloom. Arrow gestured silently to the group to follow again and they all piled into a large supply closet at the far left-hand corner of the space. When the door clicked shut, Clive became very aware of the cologne that Misha was wearing. It was musky and strong.
“Wait until I give the signal. You may be in this closet for 30 to 45 minutes.” One of the women said over the radio.
Clive nodded, but nobody could see each other in the darkness and even if the light had been on, the women back at the car would have no idea that he nodded. Clive spent most of his life being “on” and ready to socialize, so even in the darkness, he was trying to make sure he was giving off the proper body language.
As minutes ticked by, the group stood in a tight clump, elbow touching elbow, but it wasn’t awkward. Business was business. However, it crossed Clive’s mind that this space wouldn’t have been nearly as cramped if he hadn't stowed away.
However, if they had included him earlier, accommodations might have been made in advance.
“This isn’t what I expected.” Clive said breaking the silence.
“What are you talking about?” Misha asked sharply.
“Not as much action.” Clive tried to sound lighthearted.
Misha grunted in response but refused to continue the conversation.
30 minutes later from the failed conversation starter, they were given the signal to go. According to the women, the employees were doing shift change reports for the incoming night staff and would be gathered up at the front of the building.
“You’re looking for room 101B.” The voice that identified herself as Charlotte said.
“Got it.” Arrow confirmed.
They all made a concerted effort to make no noise and Clive did his best to mimic what the others were doing. Clive then caught the expression on Sirona’s face and was surprised by how intense and sorrowful she looked. When they reached the end of the hallway, Arrow put a cautious hand on the butt of his gun as he peered left, then right.
“It’s clear.” He whispered.
