🪓ℱ𝓁ℯℯ 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒻ℴℴ𝓁

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𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓱𝓾𝓪𝓱𝓪-𝓜𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓬𝓸
01:05 𝓐𝓜
𝓣𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓭𝓪𝔂 28 𝓙𝓾𝓵𝔂 2009

Savannah's heart is racing as she swiftly navigates the arid Mexican landscape, her low black sneakers treading over parched grass and lifeless shrubs. Unsure of her destination, she continues her relentless stride, guided solely by the gentle moonlight. Fear of the Salamancas' pursuit propels her forward, her breath coming in short pants as she emerges onto a paved road nestled between two hills. Pausing for a moment, she casts a wary glance around her, her mind racing with questions. Where could she find refuge? Whom could she turn to for help? The urgency of her situation demands immediate action, and she resumes her hurried pace, her ankle stinging from an encounter with a cactus.
The distant car headlights startled her. She rose up, causing the sandy surface to slide away from beneath her. "Oh, no!" she exclaimed, but it was too late. She tumbled down the slope. Her skin was chafing in places, and she was almost certain she could feel her ribs fracture or bruise as she landed with a thud. A dry, sharp branch pierced her side, causing her to let out a loud cry of pain. Tears streamed down her cheeks from the agony as she assessed her injuries. She gritted her teeth and bit her lip as she struggled to free herself from the wood that had trapped her. She took a deep breath through her nose. Closing her eyes, she gazed at the night sky. Stars twinkled before her eyes. She whimpered as she tried to remove the large piece of wood from her body. She drops her head again, screaming and weeping. The agony is unbearable. Savannah, you can't die like this. She thinks courageously and bites her teeth together.She yells as she pulls the branch away from her body. She lays her palm on the gushing wound, trembling. "Come on, Savannah," she yells to herself, attempting to pull herself up. She collapses on her shaky legs. She slowly attempts to stand up and regain control of her breathing. 
As the sun gently rises over the hills, birds chirp merrily amidst the dry trees. Savannah gently closes her eyes to shield them from the bright light. She observes the landscape of Chihuahua. Under normal circumstances, she would appreciate the magnificent scenery. She has been walking the entire night, and her legs ache. She is exhausted, hungry, and in a lot of pain. However, she cannot give up now. Terrified, she ducks behind a mound as two voices break the peaceful silence. She cautiously peeks over the parched grass and sees two farmers getting out of their pickup truck. Relieved, she takes a deep breath and slowly approaches them. The farmers stop and look at her. "Senorita," the younger one asks politely. Savannah swallows nervously. "Please, I need help. I am lost and unsure of what to do. I am in excruciating pain, and there are dangerous men pursuing me. I am genuinely terrified. Please, I beg you to help me." [IN SPANISH]  ""Excuse me, Senorita, I'm sorry, but I don't speak English. Could you please wait a moment?" Rodriguez!" A third person steps out of the pick-up truck. "This lady suddenly appeared, Rodriguez." She only speaks English. She appeared to be quite frightened." Rodriguez nods in understanding.
"Don't worry, sweetheart; you're safe now." Please do not worry. I will accompany you to the Federales." Savannah breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you very much," she says softly. Rodriguez nods and opens the door for her. He waits for her to be seated before closing the door. He lets out a long sigh before closing the door and starting the car. Savannah gulps as she rests her head against the window. After all this time, she would be rescued... She can go back home. "Don't worry, it's not that far," he says. Savannah manages a smile. Rodriguez remains silent as he drives to the nearest police station. Savannah looks up as he finally parks his car. "I can't thank you enough," she expresses her gratitude. Rodriguez nods. "Good luck, girl. I really mean it." Savannah nods and exits her vehicle. She enters the federal office, feeling uncertain, and swallows. Her heart is racing in her throat. "Miss," the young man at the front desk greets her. "I am... um. I need to speak with an officer," she mumbles hesitantly. The federal nods. "Just a moment, please," he replies politely, walking away. Savannah is aware of several people looking at her. Soon, an elderly man with a thick black mustache appears.
As he approaches, his small, dark eyes meet hers with intensity. "Excuse me, miss," he says politely. "Please, follow me." Savannah feels a sense of apprehension as she follows him into a small, well-lit interrogation room. He takes a seat across from her. "So, miss?" "Savannah," she replies hesitantly. "Savannah Esposito." The man lifts his head, a hint of recognition in his expression. "Can you please tell me why you are here?" Savannah takes a deep breath and begins her story. She resolves to share everything, from the beginning to the end, without holding anything back. Tears well up in her eyes, and she occasionally chews her lip or swallows, but the federal agent allows her to finish her narrative without interruption.
When she has finished, he lets out a long sigh and places a cigar between his lips. He sighs as he lights the cigar. "You sound like you've been through a lot," he murmurs, offering her a cigar. She sighs and shakes her head. "You know what, please remain here." I will make a phone call. I will make arrangements for your parents to pick you up as soon as possible. Until then, may I offer you something to drink, perhaps coffee?" "Water, please," she requests. The federal agent nods and exits the room. He returns shortly with a cheese sandwich and a bottle of water. Savannah nods in gratitude and starts eating immediately, as she was famished. "I will contact your mother," he says as he leaves the room. Savannah gratefully takes a sip of the water. It was all over... It was all just a terrible memory.
The minutes pass slowly until they reach an hour. One and a half hours, two hours... When would her mother and brother arrive?
The Federal enters in response to her inquiry.. 
His smile has disappeared. He leans against the wall and lowers his head. Savannah raises her head. She takes a cautious step forward. Marco and Leonel enter. He hadn't even called her mother! He had called them! "No," she whispers. "Why, why do you do this?" she exclaims, but the Federal remains still. When Leonel gently holds her, she declines, saying, "No!" She attempts to move away from his hands, but he is too strong. Marco and Leonel escort her outside. Every Federal, when they pass, remains in the same posture. Is the cartel in control of the Federals? But, why... "No, please don't do this," she politely requests, but no one pays attention. "Please remove your hands from me," she says firmly as Leonel leads her to Nacho's vehicle. Nacho takes a deep breath and bites his lower lip. He unlocks one of the back doors. Marco suddenly pulls her back against the vehicle. "Amigo," Nacho inquires. Savannah averts her gaze from his intense stare. He holds her jaw and guides her head towards him. Her heart races as she bravely meets his gaze. Marco tenderly brushes a tear from her cheek.  "stop," he softly instructs. He spins her once more and wraps his fingers around her waist. However, when he feels something warm and moist on his hand, he lifts it and examines the crimson palm. Marco and Leonel exchange concerned glances before guiding her into the vehicle. Savannah quietly sheds tears as her suffering intensifies. She had hoped that they would have ended her life....Marco and Leonel join her inside the van. She fearfully shuffles backward, but Marco simply moves closer. Her back forcefully hits the vehicle. "No," she cries, trying to remove his hands from her. Savannah gulps and lets go of his wrist as her vision blurs .She had desired death, but now she is overwhelmed with fear that it will come. Panic engulfs her. Her wounded body is consumed by pain. Leonel tears her clothes as Marco holds her hands.They silently exchange glances. They both look back at her."Marco," she softly says before everything fades to black.

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