The Warehouse

James stands in the dark alley looking at the old warehouse. From the looks of it, it’s been abandoned for years. He looks at the note in his hand one more time. The letters are pieced together from magazine clippings. Come alone or she dies. 129 Drell Street. The roof.

He can hear someone coming down the alley. He ducks behind a pile of boxes behind him. The clutter in the alley allows for great hiding positions but that’s it. The footsteps draw closer, echoing off the buildings on both sides.

James sees his twin brother walk right by him in the dark alley. “Jason.” He whispers. His brother turns around at the sound of his name.

“James, what’s going on?”

“I couldn't tell you over the phone but something bad has happened.”

“What is it?”

“They took her.”

“I told you this was going to happen but you didn’t listen to me.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s too late for that now. We need to go save her.”

“Where is she?”

James hands him the note and points at the building behind him. Jason looks up at the building. Not a single light is on inside. “We can’t go in there.” Jason’s voice staying quiet.

“You promised to help me.”

“I know I did but it’s just that-” Jason trails off looking back at the abandoned warehouse.

“Don’t be scared, little brother.” James has always called him that. Being born twenty minutes sooner technically makes him older. James reaches out and ruffles Jason’s hair.

“Stop that.” Jason slaps his hand away with a smile on his face.

“Have no fear, little brother, I’ll protect you.” James smiles, brushing past him.

“How are we going to get in there?” Jason turns around to look at his brother.

“Like this.” James jumps onto a dumpster and looks up. The ladder is still several feet above him. He jumps to the wall planting a foot against it and pushing off, giving him the extra height that he needs. He grabs the ladder with both hands swinging out with his legs. He steadies himself turning around on the ladder he pulls himself up with his arms.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“A little.”

“I wish you’d take this more seriously with what’s at stake.”

“I am taking it seriously, doesn’t mean I can’t have fun in the process.” James grunts getting his feet on the ladder. “Hope you’ve been practicing your parkour.” James looks down at Jason. “Let’s go.”

Jason rolls his eyes following his brother, using the wall for the extra push he needs to reach the ladder. They climb the fire exit to the first landing. The window has been broken in already, making their entrance a little quieter.

James enters first. The room is dark with little light coming in through the windows. Even with the street lights from the main street it proves difficult to make out detail.

“Remember, she’ll be on the roof.” Jason crawls through the window.

“We should find some stairs.” James hands Jason a small LED flashlight.

“I’ll look over here.” Jason moves to the right of the building.

“Jason, stay quiet.” James mimics taking soft steps with his hands. Jason holds up his middle finger with a smile and walks to his side. James muffles his laugh with his hand.

They move through the building in search of stairs, keeping their lights to the ground. They’re being careful not to flash them around too much. “James.” Jason whispers loudly. James swiftly makes his way to Jason around crates and tables scattered throughout the warehouse. Pillars are holding up the ceiling above them. Some are cracked and warn. Several of them are tagged with graffiti.

“What is it?”

“Found the stairs.” Jason points his flashlight down to the next floor. “Looks like, we’ll have to find another way.” Jason flashes his light around not caring that it might be seen anymore.

“Stop.” James grabs his hand.

“Why? They aren’t on this floor.”

“That’s not what I mean. Go back.” James guides his arm. In the corner is a freight elevator. They make their way to the corner of the building. The doors to the elevator are cracked open slightly. James shines his flashlight down the shaft. The elevator is still on the ground floor.

“Think it has power?” Jason looks down as well.

“Maybe, or they followed the fire exit all the way up.” James shines it up the shaft. “We can climb up with those ledges.”

“Could this be any more difficult?”

“Probably, but where’s the fun in that?” James muffles another laugh. “Help me get this open.” He grabs one of the doors. Jason helps him by pushing on it. The doors haven’t been opened in years from the sounds of the groaning door..

“Well, I guess they know we’re here.”

“There you go, it just became more difficult. Happy now?” James smiles. He jumps to the other side of the shaft grabbing onto the ledge. “We have to move quickly.”

Reluctantly Jason follows him. “How do you talk me into these things?” He asks after he catches the ledge next to James.

“Easy, you enjoy this as much as I do. You just won’t admit it.” James climbs up the shaft sometimes having to jump to the next ledge. Jason follows him without question.

They reach the top floor exhausted from their climb. The elevator door is conveniently open already. “Think they knew we were coming.” Jason finally laughs. They climb out of the shaft looking around the warehouse.

There’s nothing but graffiti covered pillars on this floor. A small  entryway with a door is less than ten meters from the elevator shaft. “The roof.” James runs to the door rapidly. The door is wedged in tight but after the second tug he wrenches it open.

“James.” Jason tries catching him before he gets up the stairs but he wasn’t expecting his brother to be this reckless. Jason hurries after him up the stairs. It’s brighter as he reaches the roof. The door is already flung open. Jason can see James running to free her.

She’s tied to a chair with a gag around her mouth. James fumbles with the knots taking too much time with them. Jason doesn’t have enough time to call out when the big man hits James over the head.

“Mary!” Jason yells out. Mary looks up from James to see Jason standing in the door way to her freedom. “Run Mary!” Jason yells again. Mary wiggles a hand free and unties her other hand. The big man is too busy with James to care about the girl.

Mary gets up from the chair and runs to Jason. She wraps her arms around him. “You need to help him.” Her tears are flowing freely down her face.

“I will. Just get to the fire escape downstairs. We’ll be right behind you.” Jason pulls her face so she can see his eyes. She tries to say something but Jason cuts her off. “Run Mary, we’ll be fine!”

Mary runs down the stairs to her salvation. Jason can hear her wailing all the way down. Jason turns his attention back to the big man and his brother. The big man has lifted him into the chair. James slowly starts coming to.

“Jason.” He mumbles. “Run.” He tries to yell but the big man back hands him. He ties James down with the rope that bound Mary. Jason slinks down hiding behind the air conditioning unit next to the door. James can no longer see him. He smiles knowing his brother will be safe. He turns back to the big man in front of him, blood flowing from his fresh wound on his lip.

Jason takes the chance and sneaks around the unit to position himself to get behind the big man. In a brief moment Jason has moved behind him. He cautiously advances on him. James sees his brother and his eyes grow wide.

The big man notices his eyes and turns around to confront Jason. “No!” James yells. “Please, for the love of god leave him alone.”

The big man steps to the side. “Thank you, Carl.” Jason walks in front of James. His eyes grow even wider.

“It was you?” James cries. “Why, little brother?”

“Because, James.” Jason pulls out a revolver from his jacket. “Your fearlessness will only get those around you killed. You have put yourself in danger enough with your gambling and risk taking. But now, now you’re bringing in Mary.”

James doesn’t know what to say. His eyes fill with tears. “You won’t get away with this, little brother.”

“Yes, I will. I’ve been the helpful brother since we were boys. Everyone will attest to that. I was hoping you would change now that you’re past your drinking age but unfortunately it’s been a few years and you’re still taking too many risks. More importantly I have to help Mary. She will be pulled down with you but I can’t let that happen. I have to help you again, but this will be the last time. It’s better this way.” Jason pulls the hammer back on the revolver. “Blindfold him. I can’t do it with him looking at me.”

“You son of a bitch!” James tries to struggle as Carl blindfolds him with a hood made up of black fabric. “I always knew you loved her. The way you look at her. She’ll see past you. You won’t get away with this. What will Mom say?” His threats are turning into pleading.

“What would Mom say? That’s a good question. What would she say if she knew I was doing this? I think she would say something like-” Jason pauses briefly.

“Please, little brother.” James’ hood rips off his head. Even though the light is dim it takes a moment for his eyes to adjust in the moon light after being in the dark hood. His family and Mary are standing in front of him. His Mom leans over to him. “This, is an intervention.”