Asia could hear the clock ticking away the seconds in the forefront of her mind. Fifty-six seconds, she tied her soiled shirt tightly around Denver's chest. Fifty-two seconds, she unhooked the key ring from the dead guard's belt loop. Fifty seconds, she swiped the card through the reader. Forty-four seconds, the red light flashed to green and the door scrolled open. Forty-three seconds, Keller scowled at her as she entered the holding room.

      "We only have fifty-two seconds to find the right key," Asia said walking toward a chained up and handcuffed Keller as she decided on which of the seven keys to try first. "Let's see if the small one works." She stood on her tiptoes reaching for the handcuff. Keller moved his handcuffed wrist back causing Asia to fall onto him. "What are you doing?" She held onto his wrist steadying her feet. "Stay still." She ordered.

      Keller didn't follow instructions and this time he used his chest to bump her away from him. "Stop. Turn around and go!" He bumped Asia again making her drop the keys. "Get your ass out of here!"

      "I'm not leaving you, Keller." Asia yanked the keys off the floor. "They don't get to claim us. Not now. Not ever." She clutched another key, this one silver.

      "You don't know what you're talking about." Keller lifted his leg, jutted his bare foot out, striking Asia in the stomach and pushing her away. She stumbled backward. "You think I was in that tree by coincidence. You really think I could've broken out of a state-of-the-art, military grade transport van. Don't be so naïve, Asia Knight."

      "How do you know my last name?"

      "He told me...Dr. Cummings. Your real dad." Keller looked at her skirt and shoes. "I see you're in the gray so I know you meet your mom, already."

       Asia narrowed her eyes, her bronze skin turning a reddish tint, "You lied to me."

      "No, I didn't." Keller insisted vigorously shaking his head. "I am Keller, my identification code is 8519, I'm an OXRO and my friends were slaughtered in these woods. All true."

       "Fuck that!" She shoved him in the chest sending him swinging back. "You're a liar!"

      "Liar. Bastard. You can hate me. I don't give a damn. Your feelings don't pertain to my mission. Just leave!" Keller's voice was heavy with urgency. "Go!" He shouted at her causing her to jump.

        "Wish granted!" Asia flung the keys at him, smacking him in the eye. "Cause I'm wrong about you." She glared at him for a moment, the mist in her eyes collecting for another reason—betrayal. She pushed her emotions to the side as the ticking clock in her mind struck nineteen seconds. She spun around and advanced to the door.

      "Don't go that way!" Keller yelled. "Climb on me, use the chains and go through the vent. Do not go back." The desperation lacing his words brought chills to Asia's partially covered back. "I apologize...just do as I say, please."

        Asia stood in front of the door, flipping the card in her hand. Thirteen seconds.    

What does Asia do? Does she trust Keller or step into the hallway?