Day 24/366

She turned the key in the lock and opened the door. To her horror, she saw…

An empty room.  "No!"  A deep, guttural scream erupted from her throat, ripping at the tender flesh and leaving her vocal chords battered and bruised.  "You liar!  How could you?"

She'd been so sure that this time she'd learned the truth.  That this time they were destined to be reunited at last.  But, once again, the tables were turned in his favor.

"Hello, Genevieve."  The male voice sounded hollow, disembodied.  It echoed through the emptiness, and resonated insider her heart.  "And here we are once again."

Gen fell to her knees and covered her face in her trembling hands.  "You promised me...just one more job and then--"

"And then I'd give you your treasure.  But the job isn't done just yet," the humor was laced with a sadistic thread, and it threatened her undoing.  "I have one.  Last.  Task."

She glared up at the speakers above her head, tears smearing her mascara and leaving black tracks down her cheeks.  "I am DONE working with you!"

His tone shifted quickly.  "You are done when I say you are done, my pet.  I'm the one holding all the cards in this hand.  Do not forget that."

She slumped against the stainless steel wall, the chill cutting through her feverish anger.  "Please, no more."  Defeated, Gen knew the Guardian had won her loyalty one last time.

All words are property of Deena Peterson and not to be used without permission.