Chapter 13: Into the Storm
411 Words
Rain poured heavily as Ethan drove through the empty highway.
The location sent by the kidnapper led to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city.
Daniel's words echoed in his mind.
"It's a trap."
Ethan knew that.
But he also knew he couldn't leave Emma alone.
He stopped his car a few hundred meters away and continued on foot.
The factory was silent.
Broken windows, rusted machines, and darkness surrounded the building.
His phone vibrated.
A new message appeared.
**"Come inside alone."**
Ethan took a deep breath and walked through the broken entrance.
The large warehouse was empty.
Or so it seemed.
"Emma!" he shouted.
Only his echo answered.
Suddenly...
The lights turned on.
More than ten armed men stepped out from behind the old machines.
At the center of the room stood the masked man.
"I knew you'd come."
Ethan looked around.
"Where's Emma?"
The man laughed.
"Safe... for now."
"If you hurt her—"
"You'll do what?"
The masked man interrupted.
"You came here alone."
"You have no weapons."
"And you're surrounded."
Ethan remained calm.
"I came for Emma."
"Nothing else matters."
The masked man slowly removed his gloves.
"You really love her."
"I do."
"Interesting."
He clapped his hands.
Two men dragged Emma into the room.
Her hands were tied, but she was unharmed.
"Ethan!"
"I'm okay!"
Ethan took a step forward.
"Let her go."
The masked man shook his head.
"Not so fast."
He threw a folder onto the floor.
Inside were confidential documents from Brooks Corporation.
"Sign these papers."
"And everything ends."
Ethan looked through them.
His eyes widened.
They would transfer ownership of Brooks Corporation to an unknown company.
"So that's your plan."
"It was never about Emma."
"It was always about my company."
The masked man smiled.
"I wanted both."
"The company..."
"...and your suffering."
Emma shouted,
"Don't sign them!"
"Ethan, don't do it!"
Ethan looked at her.
Then back at the papers.
Without saying a word...
He picked up the pen.
The masked man smiled.
"Wise choice."
Just as Ethan was about to sign—
The sound of police sirens echoed outside.
The masked man's smile disappeared.
"What?"
Daniel's voice came through a loudspeaker.
"The building is surrounded!"
"Drop your weapons!"
Chaos erupted inside the warehouse.
The kidnappers rushed in every direction.
The masked man grabbed Emma and pointed a gun at her.
"No one move!"
Ethan froze.
One wrong step...
Could cost Emma her life.
**End of Chapter 13**
- Writer
