592 Harrison’s Compound – Minutes After the Escape The two SUVs screeched to a halt just beyond the train tracks, dust swirling under the blinding headlights. The train roared past, a wall of unstoppable steel, cutting off their pursuit. Inside the lead SUV, the driver gripped the steering wheel
593 “We tried to catch them!” Ralph burst out, desperation creeping into his voice. “Boss, the train came out of nowhere. We couldn’t go around, and by the time it passed, they were gone!” “You tried,” Harrison repeated, his laugh hollow and cold. He took a step toward Ralph, who instinctively ste
594 Jimmy dropped, joining his fallen teammate. The room fell deathly silent again, save for the ringing in everyone’s ears. Harrison lowered the gun, his breathing loud and jagged as it cut through the tension. The sharp smell of gunpowder clung to the air, almost suffocating. He turned to the re
595 Dencia released her, sitting back on the worn carpet. “As long as it takes.” Mia rubbed her arms, shivering again. “I can’t stop thinking about it. Harrison’s face. What he did to them.” Dencia’s expression darkened. “Don’t think about him.” “How can I not?” Mia shot back. “He’s everywhere,
596 The door to the warehouse slammed open so hard it rattled on its hinges. The sharp echo bounced off the concrete walls, making the men inside freeze. They stood near a table cluttered with maps, phones, and half-empty coffee cups, their eyes darting nervously toward the shadow that loomed in th
597 They reached the old station and paused. The building loomed in front of them, its windows dark and shattered, its walls covered in graffiti. A sense of abandonment clung to the place. “You think they could be hiding in there?” Marty whispered, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Ralph didn’t
598 The rain had stopped by the time Darwin stepped out of the decrepit apartment building, the photograph of Lisa tucked securely into his coat pocket. His chest felt tight, a mixture of frustration and unease gnawing at him. No matter how hard he tried to piece everything together—his past, Lisa,
599 “Darwin.” The voice was soft but unmistakable. Darwin looked up to see Lady Margaret standing at the top of the stairs. Her face was pale, her hand trembling against the banister as she stared down at him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. “Lady Margaret,” Darwin said finally, the words sl
“Yes, you do,” he said firmly. “This isn’t about what you think you deserve. It’s about doing what’s right. And letting you waste away in this cell isn’t right.” Zoe’s hands trembled as she reached for the check, her fingers brushing against his. When she finally took it, she stared at it for a lo
668 Final The quiet night air carried a chill as Darwin made his way toward the old estate where Zoe was being held. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the gravel path. Each step felt heavier than the last, his thoughts swirling with memories of Zoe—the laughter they once share
667 The cool evening breeze swept over them as they exited the facility. The tension of the confrontation still lingered, though the small taste of justice had given everyone a fleeting sense of relief. Lady Margaret walked ahead of the group, her usual poise masking the storm brewing within her. D
Julius’s lips parted, but no words came. "Answer me!" she snapped. "I—" he stammered, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to—" The slap came before he could finish, her gloved hand connecting with his cheek in a resounding crack. "You didn’t mean to?" she repeated, her tone dripping with dis
666 The tension in the air was palpable as Lady Margaret, Darwin, William, James, Dencia, and Mia stepped into the observation chamber. Beyond the reinforced glass, Julius and Harrison Blackwood sat shackled to their chairs in the interrogation room. Blackwood, tall and imposing even in chains, l
William flinched at her words but didn’t argue. Instead, he gave a small nod, his expression a mixture of guilt and regret. --- When they arrived at the facility, it loomed over them like a fortress. High walls surrounded the compound, and armed guards patrolled the perimeter. The air was cold an
665 The following morning, Lady Margaret stood in the grand foyer of the Blackwood estate, her figure composed but radiating authority. She had summoned Darwin, William, and James for what was to be a defining day. The air in the room was heavy with tension, the weight of what lay ahead pressing do
664 Darwin made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders. The halls were quiet, save for the faint crackling of a distant fire and the muted hum of wind outside. His thoughts churned as he approached the chambers he had prepared
663 Lady Margaret sat in her private quarters, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to compose herself. The events of the day—William’s shocking return, Darwin’s desperate pleas, and the tidal wave of emotions that came with it—had left her drained. She stared out of the window at the darkened