“It was too late when I got there, Jace..….” He paused and faked regret. Angela's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with the news. “Jace…no…no, that can't be, tell me please, tell me my brother is okay,” she stammered, her voice trembling. Damon's face was grim, his eyes filled with sorrow. “I'm so sorry, Angela. Jace was a brave kid. He fought hard to protect the twins even though he was critically injured…he didn't make it, when I got there.” Angela felt her world crashing down around her. Jace was her rock, her father, her brother, her friend…gone. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of grief, unable to breathe. “The twins? Are they…are they okay?” she sobbed, her voice barely above a whisper. Damon nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yes, Angela. The twins are safe. They're with a trusted ally, waiting for you, trust me.” Angela's heart swelled with a little relief, she tried to stand but couldn't. Damon offered a hand but she ignored him. He stepped aside, trying not to break his character, and waited for her to stand by herself. “Please take me to them.” She sobbed. Damon nodded. “Of course but you see, I need your help, so I have no choice but to place them under a condition”. Angela's eyes looked at him sharply and her eyes narrowed. “What are you saying, and what is the condition?” she asked warily, her mind racing with suspicions. Damon's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. “You have to trust me, Angela. You have to trust me enough to come with me, without question." Angela hesitated, her heart torn. She didn't want to trust Damon, didn't want anything to do with the Montero's again. But what choice did she have? She had to get her twins to safety, and Damon seemed to be the only one who could help her. “Fine,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “I'll come with you. If that's the condition.” Damon's eyes flashed with relief, his face set in determination. “Actually that's not the case.” “What do you mean?” “Like I said I need your help, don't panic, it's something you will love to do too”. Angela stared at him searchingly, wondering what he wanted from her. Her tears dry on her cheeks.
****
Kerry, Angela's sister, was led into Montero's medical room. It was her very first time in there, her condition didn't stop her from admiring the state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest medical technology. There is a team of medical professionals in there already treating some male guards, she wondered if this was a daily occurrence. Some of them looked unconscious and badly injured. Mr. Antonio was nothing like the man she knew on screen, Angela was right, but why did she fall in love with that monster? The medics immediately swarmed around her, assessing her condition. Dr. Rodriguez, one of Montero's doctors in charge of treating the servants. He had a kind-faced and a good look which made Kerry extremely comfortable. She smiled and nodded. “Alright, now stay calm”. Replied the Doctor as he began examining Kerry, checking for any signs of injury or trauma. “We'll get you sorted out in no time,” he reassured her, his voice gentle and soothing. Kerry nodded, still shaken by her encounter with Antonio but grateful for the rescue. “Thank you… thank you all so much.” After an hour or so. The doctor was done with his examination and treatment for Kerry. A maid had informed Grandma, Antonio, and Courtney about her state. The two entered the servants' medical room to see Kerry. The medical room was filled with the beeping of machines and the soft murmur of voices, from the medics and servants in the other wards. Grandma Elizabeth was wheeled into the room by Courtney. “How are you doing now?” “I feel so much better, thanks for everything ma”. Kerry replied with genuine appreciation. Grandma Elizabeth nodded and smiled softly to her. “We are glad that you are feeling better, did you really hear the guard talk about Angela?” “Yes I did”. Kerry replied. Grandma and Courtney exchanged relief glances. “Did you know they took her?” Antonio was outside the door, listening attentively to the question asked. Kerry's face fell, disappointment etched on her features. “No… I didn't hear anything specific about Angela's location. I'm sorry.” Courtney and Grace exchanged another glance but a sad one. Antonio hit his fist against the wall after the answer. “Useless bitch, useless”. He cursed.
******
“It's okay, Kerry,” Courtney said gently. “You've been through a lot. We'll find another way to locate Angela.” Grace nodded in agreement. “We'll keep searching, Kerry. We promise. Your sister will be fine”. “Thanks a lot for your kindness but please, it's not just my sister, my whole family”. Tears summoned in her eyes. “My brother and two twin daughters, please”. She sobbed. Courtney gave her hug “Your family is Angela's family, Angela is a part of Montero, making you one of us”. Kerry looked at Courtney in surprise, a small smile on her face. “Thank you… for being so kind to me." “The night is fast approaching, you need rest, don't worry about your sister …our men will take the case…and I assure you a positive feedback”. Grandma Elizabeth told her. “I will forever be grateful to you, ma'am”. Kerry replied and slowly closed her eyes to take a rest.