Chapter 86
The leader let out a harsh, almost manic laugh. “Do you think we care about worsening our situation? We came here prepared to die!” He pointed his rifle toward the audience. A man in the front row whimpered and dropped his head into his hands. The terrorist leader’s tone dropped lower, more chilling: “Free him, or the floors of your precious hospital gala hall will be washed in blood.”
I felt my stomach knot, bile threatening my throat. My nails dug into my palms. Around me, people clung to each other. Strangers suddenly bound by terror. I wanted to stand up, to scream at them to leave us alone, to take me if they wanted someone, but my legs were stiffen.
The police tried again. “Hurting civilians will only guarantee your downfall. There are innocent lives in there.... pati
