Snippet #2229274

Nicole studied Even for a moment, searching for any lies or hidden truths; if something terrible had happened, there was no doubt in Nicole's mind that Eve would attempt to keep it hidden from the rest of the group. Nicole saw through Eve's efforts to conceal her trauma by claiming it was fear of abandonment. No one gets this worked up over being late, Nicole thought, trying to piece together what might have happened to Nicole.

"We'll talk about this later, Eve," Nicole told her; she wasn't satisfied with the explanation Eve had given her. Nicole heard a faint noise coming from outside: it sounded like a small struggle but quickly erupted into a panicked frenzy. Many people were screaming and seemed to be running. Nicole could hear the sounds of creatures tearing the flesh from their human victims. Nightcrawlers? she thought, but quickly rationalized as she knew Nightcrawlers wouldn't dare enter a town this populated unless the power went out on its own. Nicole turned to see Eve run towards the window to see the madness unfold.

"Stay away from the windows!" Nicole warned, chasing after her. Nicole arrived at the window just as Eve backed away and Samara entered the hotel; she seemed exhausted and frightened. Nicole gave a faint smile before listening to her speak through her deep breaths. She told Eve and Nicole that they had to leave immediately. She then questioned where Blake was, but neither Nicole nor Eve had seen him since they returned to the hotel. Eve suggested waiting another minute for Blake to arrive.

"We'll wait one more minute," Nicole agreed, "then we have to leave." Nicole unsheathed her sword and moved towards the back of the hotel lobby. "We need to try to remain unseen by whatever's attacking the town and try to keep quiet." Nicole made her way to the front desk. Nicole saw the manager of the hotel huddled behind his desk, mumbling prayers to himself. Nicole grabbed him by the throat and told him to keep quiet before throwing him down. The man fearfully complied.

"I'll keep an eye out for Blake, and in one minute we leave," Nicole explained, "You two can make your way out of here; I'll attempt to create a distraction and look for Blake. I'm not leaving him to die in this place if there's even the slightest chance he's alive and out there." Nicole was tired of leaving good men behind to die so that the mission or raid could be successful. Nicole knew that Samara and Eve needed a leader like Blake; someone who was kind, compassionate, wise, and brave. They couldn't succeed with a harsh, unforgiving, iron-fisted leader that Nicole had learned to be. Nicole was going to find Blake if he didn't return shortly, or die trying.

One...two...three... Nicole slowly began to count down, hoping Blake would come in the short time lapse they gave him. Four...five...six...