The Distrust Fund

Fast Drive

Winston and Rita bolted from the mansion, the chilly night air biting at their faces as they ran. Their watches had just glowed red, signaling the immediate danger had passed, but the urgency of escape still fueled their every step. Jessica's breathing grew ragged, and Winston could hear the strain in her gasps.

"We're almost safe," he panted, glancing back to ensure they were not being followed.

As they reached the edge of the estate, Rita stumbled, her hand clutching her side. Winston caught her before she fell, his eyes widening at the sight of blood seeping through her fingers.

"You monsters!" Winston yelled to the sky, his voice filled with rage and desperation. "Why are you doing this?"

Jessica's knees buckled, and she began to pass out from the blood loss. Winston held her tightly, panic surging through him as he looked around for help. Suddenly, they were surrounded by Stello and his troops, their presence as ominous as ever.

"Your friend will be fine," Stello said with a casual demeanor, stepping forward. His voice was cold and emotionless, his eyes showing no sympathy.

Before Winston could react, Stello signaled one of his men to pick up Jessica. Winston tried to hold on to her, but the mercenary was too strong, wrenching her away and carrying her to a waiting vehicle.

"Where are you taking her?" Winston demanded, struggling against the hold of another mercenary who had grabbed him.

Stello gave a small, almost bored smile. "She'll receive the best medical care. You, on the other hand, have a different path to follow."

Stello signaled again, and Winston was forcefully led to a sleek black car. He was pushed inside, where he was greeted by a middle-aged Korean woman with a warm, albeit unsettling smile.

"Hello, Winston," she said pleasantly. "I'm Sue, your driver for tonight."

Despite her friendly demeanor, Winston felt uneasy. There was something about her that set off alarm bells in his mind. "Please, Sue," he pleaded, desperation in his voice. "I don't want this money anymore. I just want to go home."

Sue laughed, a sound that sent chills down Winston's spine. "You Gen Z kids can't take a little blood and gunfire," she said, her smile never faltering.

As the car pulled away from the estate, Sue began to speak more freely. "Before your captors hired me, I used to drive your father. He fired me when my husband fell ill, and I had no way to save him. He died, and I was left to provide for my twelve-year-old son, Tao, who is paralyzed."

Winston felt a pang of guilt and fear as he listened to Sue's story. Her words were laced with bitterness and anger, emotions she seemed to barely keep in check.

"And now," Sue continued, her voice tinged with a disturbing cheerfulness, "I'm here, providing for my son by working for the people who have put you in this position. Funny how life works out, isn't it?"

Winston did not respond, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and worry for Jessica. The car ride felt like an eternity, the tension thick in the air.

Finally, they arrived at the Grand Rally Mall, an extravagant shopping center that seemed out of place given the night's events. Sue turned to Winston with that same unsettling smile.

"Enjoy your shopping spree until 11 PM," she said, her tone almost motherly. "I'll be here to pick you up."

Winston hesitated, feeling a mix of confusion and dread. "What happens at 11?"

Sue's smile widened. "You'll find out. Now, go on. Have some fun."

As Winston stepped out of the car, Sue waved goodbye with an eerie cheerfulness. He watched as the window closed, her smile never fading. The car drove off, leaving Winston standing alone in front of the mall.

Taking a deep breath, he walked into the mall, trying to push down the anxiety gnawing at his insides. The bright lights and bustling crowds were a stark contrast to the fear and danger he had just escaped. It felt surreal, like he was in a different world.

Winston wandered through the stores, his mind racing. He had to find a way to help Rita and survive the week. He knew he could not trust anyone, especially not the people involved in his father's dark legacy.

As he moved from store to store, pretending to browse, he kept an eye on the time. Every minute felt like an hour, and he could not shake the feeling that he was being watched.

Finally, 11 PM approached. Winston's watch remained silent, no green light signaling immediate danger, but he knew better than to let his guard down. He made his way back to the mall entrance, scanning the area for any signs of trouble.

Sue's car pulled up exactly on time, and she opened the door with that same disconcerting smile. "Did you enjoy your shopping?"

Winston forced a nod, keeping his true feelings hidden. "It was... fine."

"Good," Sue said, her eyes twinkling with a hint of something dark. "Let's get you back."

The ride back to the estate was silent, tension hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. Winston's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. He needed a plan, and he needed allies. But most of all, he needed to survive.

As they pulled up to the mansion, Sue's demeanor shifted slightly. "Remember, Winston," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "You have five more days. Make them count."

Winston nodded, stepping out of the car, and watching as Sue drove away. He stood in the driveway, the mansion looming behind him, a stark reminder of the nightmare he was living.

Determined to protect It and find a way out of this deadly game, Winston walked back into the mansion. The night was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever. But he was ready to fight, to uncover the truth about his father's enemies, and to claim his inheritance—if he could survive long enough to do so.