The Cold Bite of Autumn (pt.7)

>Half a day later, Cheryl/Samantha opened her eyes. Daniel remained still to see if she could focus on her surroundings.

“Where am I and who the hell are you?” She squinted his direction and rubbed her left hand on her temple.

“The hospital – and I should ask the same of you. Is it Samantha or Cheryl?”

Her pause revealed a struggle with who she was speaking to and how Daniel fit into her web of lies.

“Samantha,” she decided.

“Nice of you to be so, shall we say – forthcoming?”

“Fuck you.”

“Harold came by to see you.”

An eyebrow betrayed her otherwise calm face. “Harold who?”

“If that’s the thanks I get for chasing him off before he injects you with something nasty, you need to find your manners.”

“You’re in over your head hero. You shoulda let him do it. Woulda saved all of us some trouble.”

“He and his buddy will be back soon. It’s been about eight hours. Why don’t you let me help you. I’m not asking you to tell me what this is all about, although it would be nice.”

“You’re dead just being in this room mister.”

“Daniel.”

“Daniel. Once they find out you’ve helped me, you’ll die. They will find out.” Samantha folded her hands on her lap and began to flex her fingers.

“That may be true, but I’ll take a few with me before I go.” Daniel collected some clothes he purchased for her after Harold left the building.

“No, you mustn’t.” Samantha’s face contorted in bloodless white lines and a set jaw. “They’re the good guys.”