The Dangerous Storm

Seven

Erin winced as she stood up from the floor and approached the window to observe Yates' activities. She drew a breath as she saw the man rising to his feet. Without diverting her gaze, she glanced back to catch a glimpse of the blond's actions and learn her name.

The brunette witnessed Jamie conversing with the elderly man, stating, "We must assist her in leaving without being noticed by him." Erin, however, remained focused on Yates as he proceeded towards the dining area after standing up.

"Detective, attempting to escape will not lead you anywhere this time," Yates remarked, casting a glance at the dining area as he advanced towards it, causing Erin to retreat. She turned to Jamie and the establishment owner, who shifted their attention from their discussion.

"We must ensure your safe departure-" Jamie started, but Erin interrupted her. "I should depart; I do not wish for either of you to be harmed because of me," she asserted.

Jamie nodded as she escorted the brunette out from the back of the diner. She advised, 'He shouldn't see you exiting through the back. I suggest you contact your team to apprise them of the situation.' Erin expressed gratitude to the blond before leaving through the back and collecting the supplies provided by the owner.

'Please go now,' the owner directed, handing her a bag of canned goods and medical supplies for treating her wounds away from Yates. Jamie, observing that Yates was no longer in sight from the front, urged Erin, 'Hurry before he returns.' Erin acknowledged and hurried across the parking lot, disregarding the pain in her stomach.

'Jamie, perhaps you should accompany her. I believe she will reach the Special Victim Unit faster with assistance,' the owner suggested, handing the blond a bag. 'Are you certain, Toby?' She inquired as she accepted the bag. 'Yes, I am sure. I will be here when you return,' Toby reassured her.

Erin glanced back and noticed Jamie catching up to her. 'I'll accompany you, I believe it's safer-' the blond was interrupted by a loud bang coming from the dining area.

'Toby?' Jamie called out as she hurried back to the dinner to investigate. Erin, following closely behind the blond, called out, 'Jamie, please wait!' They both reentered the dinner to assess the situation, with Erin scanning the area for any trace of the younger woman.

Taking cautious steps around the counter, Erin tried to locate her new friend and froze when she spotted Yates in the kitchen, holding Jamie with a gun to her head.

'Let her go, Yates. She hasn't harmed you in any way,' Erin demanded, advancing towards Yates, who pressed the gun more firmly against Jamie's temple. 'I'm afraid I can't comply, Detective Lindsay,' Yates retorted in a stern tone.

Taking a deep breath, the detective inquired, 'What do you stand to gain from causing harm to these individuals?' Erin questioned, gazing into Jamie's blue eyes. 'Release her now, and I will accompany you voluntarily,' Erin proposed, scanning the area for the owner, whose lifeless body she noticed nearby.

Erin bit her lip, regretting involving them in this situation, leading Jamie into the hands of the killer. 'Release her?' Yates echoed Erin's words. 'Let her go, and I will join you. You can punish me as you see fit, but spare Jamie as she is innocent in all of this,' Erin demanded, glaring at Yates.

Yates chuckled, observing Erin. 'I am uncertain if I trust your words. However, I will release her this time. Before that, demonstrate that you will not attempt to flee,' he stated, tossing a pair of handcuffs to the brunette.

Catching the handcuffs, Erin complied. 'Put these on!' Yates ordered, releasing Jamie to the ground. With Yates' assistance, Erin secured the handcuffs around her wrists, ensuring her arms were restrained behind her back.