Bella ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Branches scratched her arms and face, but she didn't stop. Her heart was beating very fast in her chest. Every sound behind her felt like Vincent's men were about to get a hold on her. But she pushed forward, desperate to get out of the forest.
After a hard run, she saw the road.
She began crying as she moved toward it. She waved her arms, hoping someone would drive by. Please, let there be a car.
And then, as if someone had answered her prayers, a small blue car appeared in the distance. Bella ran into the middle of the road, waving both hands.
The car slowed down and pulled over.
A man and a woman sat inside, both dressed nicely like they were heading somewhere important. The man rolled down the window.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"Please," Bella said breathing heavily. "I need help. I was kidnapped. I escaped."
The woman quickly opened the back door. "Get in, sweetheart."
Bella climbed into the car without another word. She didn't care where they were going, anywhere was better than where she'd just come from.
"We're heading to a wedding at St. Mary's Church," the woman said softly. "We'll keep you safe, okay?"
Bella nodded, still shaking.
When they arrived, the church was already filling up. The couple guided Bella inside and sat with her near the middle row. People were chatting quietly, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Bella tried to calm down, but her eyes kept scanning the entrance.
That's when she saw them.
Two of Vincent's men had walked in. She panicked. They were searching column by column, row by row, looking at every face. The church became quiet as people noticed the tension.
Bella became so afraid, and unable to breathe.
The woman beside her leaned close. "Is it them?"
Bella nodded, whispering, "Yes."
Without a word, the woman stood up and adjusted her gown. It was long, flowy, and perfect for hiding someone.
"Quick, under my dress," she whispered.
Bella didn't hesitate. She slid to the floor and crawled under the woman's gown, staying completely still.
Vincent's men moved slowly through the pews, scanning faces. One of them passed by the couple but didn't stop. They glanced around a bit more, then exchanged a look and walked out of the church.
Bella stayed hidden a few moments longer until the woman gently lifted her dress and whispered, "They're gone."
Bella crawled out slowly, blinking up at the woman with tears in her eyes. "Thank you."
The woman smiled. "You're safe now. Just breathe."
Meanwhile, back in town, Gabriel sat in his office, his phone ringing on the desk. He picked it up, expecting it to be the police or maybe Detective Harper.
But it wasn't.
The voice on the other end was calm and familiar.
"If you want to see your daughter alive and end all this mess," Vincent Julian said, "deliver 500 pounds of cocaine to Brazil. And bring back my money. That's your payment for killing my brother, Alexander."
Gabriel's blood ran cold.
"Don't tell anyone. Not the cops. Not even Harper. If you do, the deal's off," Vincent warned.
The call ended before Gabriel could reply. He sat in silence for a long moment, thinking about his next move.
He knew it was dangerous. He knew it was illegal. But he also knew one thing for sure.
He couldn't lose Bella.
Gabriel stood up, grabbed his coat, and walked out the door. He was going to Brazil.
And this time, he was ready to end the violence once and for all. He got into his car and drove down to the old warehouse.