When lightning struck the sky, the tip struck the road and the car swerved to avoid it. The tires squealed as the car straightened and the driver pulled to the side of the road. He leaned back in his seat and let out a sigh of relief while he picked up a piece of paper on the seat next to him. His eyes scanned the information in front of him and a sneer appeared on his twisted lips. Then he tossed the paper back into the seat and continued driving down the road.

@#$%

The phone rang and she jerked awake instantly. She looked around the room and sat up immediately as she couldn't place the location. A side door swung open and she saw her boss step into the room. Her eyes narrowed and she swung her legs over the couch to where her feet rested on the red carpet. When the man hung up his phone, he sat a drink on the table in front of her and then he left the room.

She looked at the soda in front of her and heard clanking going on through the door. When she stood up, her entire balance failed and she fell back onto the couch. Her head started pounding and she held it to try and fight the spell off until she got to her medicine. Then she felt it lessen and she got to her feet again. This time she had some balance and she walked over to a door with her jacket hanging next to it.

When she grabbed her jacket, she heard "You shouldn't be up and if you go out in that weather you will only get worse."

She turned slightly and said "I'm fine."

He was leaning against the wall and said "You're the one that passed out at the end of our conference. Doc says to keep you resting until a week has passed. You don't remember?"

Her mind raced to remember but she said "No."

With a sig, he said "Apparently the meds you've been taking for migraines lowered your immune system and messed with your blood system. Did you know this was happening?"

This time she shrugged and said "I knew when I signed to buy the stuff."

He rolled his eyes and asked "Then why didn't you tell us?"

She opened the door and said "It isn't your problem."

She stepped onto the porch and made her way down the walk until she remembered she had no idea how to get home. She shrugged the fact away and began walking down the road to get her bearings. When she reached downtown, she let out a sigh and made her way to the street her home was on. The walk seemed to last forever and when she reached her door; she unlocked it and stepped in. Her jacket was immediately off and she made her way to her room.

As soon as she some medicine in her, she took a deep breath and took a hot shower. When she was sitting in her living room watching some television just to pass the time, someone rang her doorbell. She forced herself up and walked over to the door. She opened it and sighed as she let the man step into the hall. With one hand closing the door, she walked past him and returned to the living room.

When he entered the room she asked, "Will you leave me alone?"

He shook his head and said "I can't. The business can't afford to see you get sick."

She sent him cold look and said "Like I care what the business can and can't afford."

He was about to speak when the doorbell ran and she pulled herself back onto her feet to answer it. When she was about to open the door, the stupid knob turned and he stepped into the place. She froze instantly but let her cool mask remain perfectly intact. Their gazes held one another and Ken stepped into the room. She could have killed him for being here when now she had to face the man in front of her but she didn't get the chance.

His hand was around her neck instantly and he was growling "Your secret got out. Now it's my move."

She jerked at his grip and he said "Don't fight it. You only hurt yourself more when you do."

He tightened his grasp and she felt her air supply slowly disappearing from her. She tried prying his hand free from her crushing neck and he threw her to the floor. Deep breaths still didn't replenish the missing air and he sent a blow to her stomach. It sent her onto her side and she fought to stay conscious as to not appear weak, but luck wasn't being easy. Her vision started to darken, but she managed to see Ken approach the man and she forced herself off the carpet.

Jared eyed the man and asked "New boy?"

Ken stiffened and said "Just a friend."

He chuckled and he sent the man flying back into the middle of the couch. As he approached Ken, she managed to get to her feet and she made her way over to a side table. Her hands quietly opened the drawer and she picked up the metallic object. She aimed it and the man's back and cleared her throat to gain his attention. When he turned to look at her she saw him stiffen for a second and then his smirk returned.

She found herself lying on the floor with her stomach killing her and she turned her gaze to the man holding her only defense inline with her head. When she saw him set the trigger, everything blacked out and the gun went off.

PGS