Author: Eleadnor

Rachel sat behind the steering wheel her head resting against the back of the drivers seat. It had been several weeks since the small pox out break. She really thought she was going to die then and it scared her a lot. It had defiantly put things back into perspective for her. Inside that plastic tent she had time to think about what really mattered to her and who really mattered. The jealousy factor over the other agent’s job was infinitesimal at that point. Rachel looked at things in a new perception especially Hood. She had always referred to him as her assignment but it was mostly out of anger and resentment. When she first met Hood she looked down on him because of the fact she had to baby-sit him. Everything she had worked for was shot to pieces when they gave her the file with his name on it instead of the job she wanted to land in counter terrorism but she didn’t get it so she just took it out on him. The man was a phenomenal genius there was no doubt about it but when it came to his surroundings he couldn’t take care of himself so she did. Hood could be a pain at times especially when he decide to put himself purposely in harms way, which made her job more interesting if she could put it that way. Rachel looked at the radio’s clock it was past midnight how long did it take to buy a pack of batteries. She got out of the car and noticed Hood walking across the street head bent down reading a book and a car speeding in his direction. She swore under her breath and ran out into the middle of the street and tackled Hood sending them both to the ground. The driver managed to swerve around them and gave them the finger after passing, Rachel got up fuming.

“Hood didn’t you see that car!” She demanded. Dr. Jacob Hood looked at her

“I’m sorry Rachel I was so absorbed in what I was reading that I wasn’t paying attention.” He smiled sheepishly.

“Where are the batteries?” She inquired Hood looked up from his book

“They didn’t have any left.” He stated bluntly. Rachel took the book from his hands and read the title out loud.

“The Microscopic Universe” She quirked her eyebrow and looked at him. He eagerly took the book and flipped through the pages like a child at Christmas.

“It’s quite fascinating actually.” He stated

“So what’s it about exactly?”

“Well numerous concepts diseases, genetic encoding things of that sort. For instance did you know that the human foot has three trillion germs on it.” Rachel looked at him and shook her head.

“Hood that’s disgusting” He shrugged his shoulder opened up the book and was quickly reabsorbed into his own world again. They walked back to the car; Rachel was about to get in when she heard crying around the alley’s corner. She pulled her gun and made her way through the dark alley she looked behind her and noticed Hood walking a few paces behind. She signaled for him to stay where he was and continued forward. A small shadow stirred near a dumpster. The orange streetlight outlined a small hand clinging to the grimy green metal. Then it moved into Rachel’s view a small boy no older than five years old with tousled brown hair staggered towards her. She reacted quickly and caught the small child before he fell. It was then that she noticed his face it was horribly marred on one side. The skin was sickly and yellow in some areas and other areas had tissue exposed and puss protruding from them. The little boy whimpered now and Rachel started to check the rest of his body. Her hands felt something cold beneath them and she realized with horror that a metal bar was running through his chest cavity.

“Hood call 911 now!” she could faintly hear him in the distance. All of her attention was focused on the child in her arms. His eyes got big and she saw the terror and pain that emanated from them.

“I want my Mommy, please take me to my Mommy” The boy whispered hoarsely shaking. Rachel managed to get her coat off and put it around him. She needed him to stay awake if he didn’t she knew he wouldn’t wake up.

“I promise I’ll take you to her.”

“What’s your name?” he whispered still shaking

“I’m Rachel and the man behind me is Dr. Hood, were her to help you”

“My name is Will-ia-m” Dr. Hood bent next to the little boy and looked at him

“William could you tell me who did this to you.” The little boy shook his head and large droplets started to fall down his cheeks. Sirens could be heard coming up the street.

“It was cold so cold and dark, I kept hearing voices,” whispered William. The paramedics came over and took the little boy from Rachel’s arms. Everything happened so quickly then the ambulance was gone. Rachel sat dazed in the wet street then she felt something cold kiss her check and she stared up into the darkened ominous skies. The snow started to fall more steadily now and she let a few tears slip unbidden from her eyes.

“Rachel we have to get to the hospital” Hood placed a hand on her shoulder and led her back to the car.