Story Chapter 10: An Unwelcome Escort

The security guard secured his grip around Red Mirage's upper arm and began escorting her along the narrow paved walkway beside the facility's tall concrete wall. Her wrists remained cuffed behind her back, the polished steel catching occasional flashes of sunlight as she walked beside him. She kept her head slightly lowered, allowing a worried expression to settle across her face while sweat still glistened on her forehead from her earlier jog. “Please, officer, is all this really necessary?” she asked, glancing at him with an uneasy smile. “I told you, I was only out for a morning walk. I didn't mean to cause any trouble.” The guard continued walking, maintaining a professional expression. “I understand, ma'am, but this is a restricted facility. You were lingering beside a secured entrance, and you couldn't provide identification when I asked.” Red Mirage let out a small, embarrassed sigh. “I suppose it does look a little suspicious when you put it that way.” She gave a nervous laugh, hoping to make the encounter seem like nothing more than an unfortunate misunderstanding. “I'm not some kind of criminal, you know.” “I haven't accused you of being one,” the guard replied. “At the moment, you're being temporarily detained while we establish your identity. If your explanation checks out, we'll determine what happens next.” She nodded obediently, though inside her mind, a very different conversation was taking place. Great. I got caught, she groaned inwardly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. All I wanted was a closer look at the entrance, and now I'm being escorted along the wall in handcuffs. She glanced at the guard again. He appeared cautious, but he didn't seem to suspect that she was a spy investigating the facility. As far as he was concerned, she was simply a jogger who had wandered too close to private property without carrying identification. That was a small mercy, at least. “So, where are you taking me?” she asked aloud, keeping her tone polite. “To a security office near the entrance,” he explained. “We'll contact the appropriate personnel and see if your identity can be verified.” Red Mirage tilted her head in feigned confusion. “And I really can't just give you my name and go home?” “You already had the opportunity to provide identification. Until we can verify who you are, I can't simply let you walk away.” She pressed her lips together and nodded reluctantly. “All right. I understand.” They continued along the wall, passing beneath several surveillance cameras and another security post. Red Mirage carefully avoided staring at the equipment, even though every detail interested her. A security office. Wonderful. That sounds like exactly where I want to spend my morning, she thought sarcastically. Outwardly, however, she offered the guard another apologetic smile. “I promise I'm usually better at planning my morning walks.” The guard gave a brief, almost amused shake of his head. “Next time, choose a public route and bring your identification.” “Believe me, I'll remember that,” she replied. Despite her growing frustration, she realized that he still regarded the situation as a routine security matter rather than a serious espionage threat. She needed to preserve that impression for as long as possible. With her hands restrained behind her back and the guard guiding her forward, Red Mirage continued the escort without resisting, quietly searching for a way to turn this unexpected detention into something she could survive without exposing her real mission.