T5: Talisha

"We need to clear the upper level!"

Talisha's heart was pumping hard, her throat dry and her guts churning. By the way that Alba was pointing, it was clear that the 'We' meant 'You'. She glanced back at Peppa and saw little in the way of help there. The two of them had never got on; Talisha thought Peppa was a cheap little tramp; Peppa had called Talisha a 'public-school princess' on their first day of training. The thought of ascending those steps with a council-estate escapee who thought one could wear a red bra under a sheer white blouse filled her with dread...

"Now, girls! Let's go!" Alba's voice had steel in it.

Peppa gave her a nod. Insufferable bitch.

Talisha's ankle boots clicked on concrete as she took the first few steps, weapon raised. The wall lighting threw awkward shadows, making it hard to see. She inched forwards, trying to squint around the side of the stair well. Was there movement? Her muzzle twitched- too slow!

The muzzle flare of the waiting pistol back-lit someone in a leather jacket at the same time as something punched her between the breasts and sent her reeling backward. She felt a cry of pain and surprise escape her lips, her perception of her surroundings swaying dizzily as the strength went out of her legs. Peppa's pistol banged, hurting her ears; she cried out again, offended. Heels scratched on concrete- Peppa pushing past her with casual indifference at the same time as she sank to her knees and twisted, gasping and gulping for air. The stairwell was hard and cold under the skin of her thighs and her palms, her breath coming in short, painful pants. She cried out again, her plaintive voice echoing from the hard, cold surroundings. Peppa's sandal heels clacked and clicked as the bitch pressed on up the stairs, leaving her doomed rival behind.

"Please..." Talisha tried to call out, but the word came feeble and breathy, and a wracking sob cut off any further attempts. She could hear gunfire from within the compound, distant shouts and yells. This is such a pointless, stupid way to die... she told herself, as the tears stung her eyes and her lungs began to cramp and burn.