The Sunday before The Dark Hand had died, Tess had been at a local pharmacy trying to exchange anything she could for her father’s medication. She never told anyone, but that was the first time she saw the The Dark Hand. The run-down pharmacy was closing and security was trying to get her leave, but she just couldn’t head home without the pills.

        A disturbance near the front entrance distracted the security guard and the pharmacist long enough for Tess to snatch the medication she needed. She crept silently through the aisles toward the side exit. The alarm would go off, but she’d have enough time to escape before anyone caught her.

        “I’m going to die.” Tess heard a strange voice whisper. It sounded electronic. Fake.

        The figure grasped onto Tess’s arm, his red glove exposed. His outfit was all black and bulky and his face was covered with a black, face-shaped, plastic mask. She knew who it was.

        Tess pulled away.

        “What?” Tess hissed.

        “They’re all traitors. I just need someone to know,” The Dark Hand said. His voice chilled her to the bone. “I’m sorry, but I have to do this.”

        He stepped closer to Tess and pushed her long hair away from her ear. He whispered something.

        Tess opened her mouth to respond, but The Dark Hand put his gloved hand on her shoulder.

        “You can’t tell anyone,” The Dark Hand replied.

        He waited until she nodded and then hurried to the exit. The blaring alarms forced Tess to follow him, but when she entered the alleyway The Dark Hand was gone.

        So, Tess kept his secret. Who would believe her anyway?

Next Chapter: index