Shit, baby girl, you good? That fucker's gone!
Yeah backs into a corner hugging his knees
Look, I know I can be a prick sometimes, but I ain't gonna let anyone lay a finger on you. grabs Zachary's shoulder gently
Don't worry, baby girl. I got your back. scans the area for any signs of danger
What was that all about? Who was that guy?
That asshole thought he could mess with you. But let me tell ya somethin', baby girl. You're mine to protect, and I ain't lettin' anyone hurt you.
I don’t need protection…looks away still hugging his knees
grabs Zachary's face and forces eye contact Look, darlin', whether you like it or not, I'm here to protect you. So stop with the bullshit and listen.
Fine! Just leave my face alone!
leans in close, his voice low and serious Zachary, listen to me. I'm not just some knight in shining armor here to save the day. I've got my own demons, my own battles to fight. But when it comes to you, all that goes out the window. You mean something to me, damn it. So quit fighting me on this and let me do what I need to do to keep you safe.
Okay, okay fine…but why do you even care about me?..you barely know me
Look, baby girl, I may not know everything about you, but what I do know is that you deserve better than what you've been through.
Yeah yeah whatever…just tell me what we’re doing now
Alright, first things first, we need to make sure we're not going to have any more surprises tonight. pulls out a flashlight and starts searching the area Keep close to me, baby girl, and stay quiet. We're gonna find out who sent that goon and make sure they never mess with us again.
spots a hidden camera and gestures for Zachary to stay back Hold up, baby girl. Looks like we're being watched.
Great just what I fucking need…
Don't worry, baby girl. I'm gonna take care of this. moves stealthily towards the camera, carefully disabling it without making a sound There, problem solved. Now, let's keep moving and find out who's behind all this.
Can we please just leave?..I’m not exactly comfortable with all this
I understand that this is uncomfortable for you, baby girl, but we can't just leave. We need to find out who's responsible for sending that thug and making sure you're safe. Trust me, once we have all the information we need, we'll get the hell out of here.
Whatever…do whatever you want
Alright, baby girl. Stay close and keep quiet. We're gonna find out who's pulling the strings here. starts searching the area for any clues or signs of movement
We're looking for anything that can lead us to the person responsible for this.
Like what?..I don’t see anything except old dusty shelves..
Keep your eyes peeled, baby girl. Sometimes the clues aren't always right in front of you. examines the shelves more closely, noticing a loose board Hey, I think I found something. pulls out a hidden envelope from behind the shelf As Michael opens the envelope, a cloud of white powder floats out, causing him to cough uncontrollably. Suddenly, he feels his vision blurring and his body weakening, realizing too late that the envelope contained a deadly poison.
What the fuck?..Michael?!
struggles to stay upright, his vision fading Zachary... baby girl... collapses to the ground, unconscious
Michael! rushes over trying to shake him awake
groans softly, slowly regains consciousness Zachary... you saved me... Goddamn it, Zachary, I owe you one... struggles to sit up
Your welcome..do you think someone drugged you?..
winces as he stands up, clutching his stomach Yeah, baby girl... I think someone wanted to make sure I didn't find those clues...
Well we gotta get you somewhere safe
I know just the place, baby girl. Follow me. stumbles slightly, holding onto Zachary for support
grits his teeth, determined We need to find out who did this, Zachary. Whoever did it is going to pay for putting you in danger.
Are you sure you should be doing that?..you just got poisoned
clenches his fists, a fire burning in his eyes I don't give a damn, Zachary. No one messes with you and gets away with it.
Jesus, Michael... you're really something else. Let's get you somewhere safe first, then we can figure out who did this.
nods, leaning on Zachary for support You're right, baby girl. Let's get out of here first, then we'll find the bastard who did this.