Just Like Bonnie & Clyde II

29

The man's voice, which had been warm and clear before, had become deep and raspy due to the voice changer, chilling to the bone.

"Your first mission is to get that USB with the audio file on it. Oh, and remember, don't tell anyone."

"I know you're a well-connected NBI agent, but..." He paused slightly, his voice softening, and the end of his sentence lilted upwards.

"If you call for help, you'll never see your dear family again."

Lisa stood in the corridor outside the restroom, breathing heavily and her eyes flashing with rage.

"What exactly do you want?"

"Not much," the man said, sighing heavily. "I just want to play a game with you, captain."

"To ensure no interruptions, walk forward ten steps. There's a green trash can in the corridor; toss your phone into it. After you get the USB, I will contact you again."

"Oh, and one more thing." The man looked at his wristwatch and added, "You have less than half an hour. After that, I'll start giving electric shocks again. I'm also curious how much shock such a little kid can withstand. Oh, I haven't told you yet, but the voltage will increase gradually. Or, if you don't want to play this game, that's fine too. It's just that such a cute kid will be deactivated, tsk tsk tsk, such a pity."

Lisa yelled in rage, "Stop it!!!"

Listening to the shout on the other end and Lisa's furious gasps for oxygen, the man hung up the phone with satisfaction, pointing to start driving.

A cool breeze wafted across the vacant airport. A green trash can stood motionless in front of Lisa.

Lisa felt stuck behind an imaginary glass dome, with nowhere to hide.

The security cameras above and the CCTV in the hallways appeared to be pairs of pitch-black and venomous eyes that were constantly watching her every move.

She stood stuck in place, clutching her phone and trembling, filled with shock, terror, and apprehension.

Those usually serene eyes were now filled with terror.

She had several moments when she longed to call back to the headquarters for assistance, to have all of her colleagues join her in her search—there is strength in numbers.

She also had numerous occasions when she wanted to return to Jennie and inform her about the threats.

However, the kidnapper had said, "Anyone."

Anyone.

Her Adam's apple swung up and down; she could only chew this terrible poison alone.

She couldn't risk the lives of her family.

Lisa's already worried heart clenched even more at the mere thought of her mother.

The wail of someone's child in the airport pierced the air, ripping through her eardrums and striking deep into her heart.

Lisa no longer hesitated, wiped the corners of her eyes with her sleeve, took big steps away, quickly typed a line of text, pushed the send button, and tossed her phone into the trash can.

As she hurried through the airport's center hall, she noticed that the seat where they had just been sitting was now empty.

The boarding announcement had already been issued, so they had probably left by then. Lisa's heart skipped a beat, and she sighed with relief, yet her eyes went somewhat misty.

Jennie, I'm sorry. Lisa muttered softly as she made her way straight to the parking lot.

***