Chapter 6: Breaking the Perimeter, Testing the Walls

Under the cloak of the early morning mist, Sarah and Brody began their infiltration of Blackwood Creek Annex. Brody, using the schematics he had managed to acquire, guided them through the dense woods towards the western loading docks. The terrain was uneven, and the silence of the forest was broken only by the rustling of leaves and their hushed whispers.

They reached the perimeter fence, a formidable barrier of chain link topped with razor wire. Brody produced a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters which he pulled from his car earlier. “Stay low,” he instructed, carefully snipping through the thick metal, creating a small opening.

They slipped through the gap and moved stealthily towards the loading docks. The area was dimly lit by motion-sensor lights, which they carefully avoided. They noted the position of security cameras and the infrequent patrols of armed guards.

“According to the schematics,” Brody whispered, pointing to a large metal door, “there should be a service entrance behind those crates.”

They moved cautiously towards the loading docks, using the stacks of crates as cover. As they rounded a corner, they froze. A security guard, making his rounds, was approaching their position.

Meanwhile, inside the Blackwood Creek Annex, Elias continued his tentative exploration of his cell. He had managed to reach the door again, his movements becoming slightly more fluid as his strength returned. He ran his hands along the cold metal, searching for any irregularity, any sign of a manual override.

Suddenly, the door hissed open.

Standing in the doorway was a nurse, her expression neutral, holding a tray with a syringe. “Mr. Thorne,” she said calmly, her eyes fixed on him. “It’s time for your morning medication.”

Elias froze, his senses instantly on high alert. He could feel the subtle tension in her posture, the almost imperceptible flicker of apprehension in her eyes. This wasn’t a routine check.

“What is it?” Elias asked, his voice raspy from disuse.

The nurse didn’t answer, taking a step into the room, the syringe held steadily in her hand. Elias knew he had to act. His first act of defiance was about to become a confrontation.