Ten years back: The David Incident

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Sia's life had been a whirlwind since she stumbled upon the first cassette tape, launching her into a dangerous quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. The investigation had exposed a web of corruption, but it had also stirred the hornet's nest of powerful individuals who were determined to protect their secrets at any cost. As Sia and her mother, Lily, pushed forward with their efforts, they began to receive threats and warnings. Anonymous messages, ominous phone calls, and even a break-in at their home made it clear that they were being watched. But Sia was undeterred. She was determined to see justice served, no matter the risks.

One fateful night, as Sia was returning home from a late-night visit to the detective's office, she found herself on the dark, deserted streets of her neighborhood. The air was thick with tension, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed. Her instincts screamed at her to be cautious, but it was too late.

A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, and before she could react, a cloth drenched in a pungent chemical was pressed against her face. She struggled against the overwhelming drowsiness that swept over her, but her strength ebbed away, and the world blurred into darkness.

Sia awoke to a world of darkness and despair. Her head throbbed with pain, and her body felt heavy and weak. She was bound to a cold, damp surface, her wrists and ankles secured by tight restraints. Panic surged within her as she realized the gravity of her situation—she had been kidnapped. The room she was held in was small and windowless, with only a flickering overhead bulb casting eerie shadows. The air was stale, and a musty odor hung in the dank space. Sia's heart pounded as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.

Over the next agonizing days, Sia's captors remained elusive, never revealing their identities. She was given minimal food and water, just enough to keep her alive. She had no sense of time, as the room had no windows, and the only interaction she had was with her captors' muffled voices when they delivered her meager sustenance.

Sia clung to the memory of her father, the strength he had instilled in her, and the determination to survive. She knew that her abduction was connected to the investigation, and she couldn't let the truth die with her.

As the days turned into nights, Sia observed her surroundings, searching for any vulnerabilities that could aid her escape. She noted the pattern of her captors' visits and the moments when they seemed most distracted.

One night, as one of her captors entered the room, Sia seized the opportunity. With all the strength she could muster, she launched herself at him, catching him off guard. They wrestled for control, and in the struggle, she managed to break free from her restraints. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she scrambled to her feet, the room spinning from the sudden exertion. 

Her captor, now disoriented, lunged at her again, but Sia's determination and desperation fueled her. As she fought back with all her might, landing a blow that sent him reeling. Sia knew she had to move quickly. She grabbed a nearby object—a heavy metal pipe—and swung it at her captor, rendering him unconscious. Her heart pounded as she made her way out of the room, determined to find a way to escape.

Sia's escape was fraught with danger and uncertainty. She had no idea where she was, and her captors could be lurking around any corner. Her head throbbed from the injuries she had sustained during her struggle, but she couldn't afford to stop. With every ounce of willpower, Sia navigated the unfamiliar building, searching for an exit. She finally found a door that led to a dimly lit alleyway. As she stepped outside, the cold night air hit her like a shock, but it was a welcome sensation of freedom.

She didn't know how far she was from home or if her captors were still pursuing her. With each step, Sia's strength waned, but her determination burned brighter than ever. She needed to reach safety and return to her mother, Lily, who must have been frantic with worry.