A017's POV
The days had settled into a routine of relentless pursuit. My days were spent chasing leads and strategizing, all in the hope of finding Rafaela and Rigo. The urgency never waned, and neither did my determination.
This morning, I'd decided to take a brief respite from the tension. I needed to restock on groceries, so I told Eric I'd handle it myself. He was reluctant, as always, but I reassured him it was just a quick trip to the mall.
As I drove, the mundane task of grocery shopping felt oddly comforting—a small semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. The road was clear, and I was lost in thought, mentally ticking off items on my list.
The serenity of the drive was abruptly shattered. I noticed a black sedan tailing me. At first, I dismissed it as a coincidence, but as the minutes passed, the car remained unnervingly close. My instincts, honed through years of training, kicked in. I knew I had to be cautious.
Suddenly, the black sedan accelerated, closing the distance between us. I tried to maintain control, but before I could react, the sedan rammed into my car with a forceful jolt. The impact was jarring, and I felt my body being thrown against the seatbelt. My vision blurred as my head smacked against the steering wheel.
Everything went black.
When I regained consciousness, I was disoriented and groggy. The last thing I remembered was the overwhelming darkness. As my vision cleared, I found myself in the back of the black sedan, restrained and unable to move. The interior was dimly lit, and the sound of the engine was the only thing I could hear.
Panic surged through me. I attempted to move, but my restraints were tight. The dull ache in my head was a reminder of the force of the crash. My heart raced as I tried to piece together what had happened.
A door creaked open, and I heard muffled voices. Two men entered the vehicle, their presence oppressive. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense their hostility.
Man 1: (voice low and menacing) "She's awake."
Man 2: (coldly) "Good. Make sure she doesn't try anything stupid."
I struggled against my restraints, trying to get a better look at my captors. My mind raced with thoughts of Eric and what he would be going through. I had to stay calm and think clearly if I wanted to get out of this situation.
Liezel: (trying to stay composed) "What do you want from me?"
Man 1: "You've been quite a thorn in our side, Agent Alpha 017. Rafaela has a personal vendetta, and you're right at the top of her list."
The name "Rafaela" hit me like a cold wave. It confirmed what I had feared—my investigation had reached a critical point. I needed to find a way to escape and ensure that my capture didn't compromise everything I had worked for.
I glanced around the interior of the sedan, searching for anything I could use to my advantage. My phone, which had been in my pocket, was now lying beside me on the seat. I had to act quickly.
Liezel: "If you think you can get away with this, you're mistaken. The CBI will be looking for me."
Man 2: "And they will, but not before we get what we need from you. Rafaela's plans are in motion, and you're going to be a key part of it."
As the car slowed and came to a stop, I seized my opportunity. I reached for my phone, fumbling with the restraints as I tried to grab it. The men were momentarily distracted by their conversation, giving me a brief window.
I managed to grab my phone and, despite the tight restraints, I dialed Eric's number with shaking fingers. The call connected, and I could hear Eric's voice on the other end.
Eric: (panicked) "Liezel? Where are you? What's happening?"
Liezel: (urgent) "Eric, I've been taken. I'm in the back of a black sedan. They're working for Rafaela. I don't know where they're taking me, but you need to find me. Call the CBI and send backup. I'll keep you updated."
I ended the call and immediately dialed the CBI. The call was answered quickly, and I relayed the information as best as I could, despite my fear and adrenaline. I gave them the description of the car and any relevant details I could gather.
As I hung up, I felt a jolt as the car started moving again. The tension inside was palpable. I glanced at the two men, who were now discussing something in hushed tones. I had to stay alert. The more I could overhear, the better chance I had at figuring out where I was being taken.
Man 1: (to Man 2) "We need to be quick. Rafaela wants this done before anyone suspects anything."
The words hung in the air as the car made a sharp turn. I braced myself for whatever lay ahead, knowing that every second counted. The CBI would be on their way, but it was up to me to stay strong and keep my head clear until they arrived.
