Con artist

The chase

The car eventually slowed to a stop on a desolate country road, and the driver turned to me with a concerned expression. "I don't think it's safe to stay here. We need to find somewhere secure for you."I nodded, my mind still reeling from the shock of my escape. I didn't know who to trust or where to go. Every minute that passed felt like a ticking clock, with Pierre's agents potentially closing in on me.The driver—whose name I learned was Mark—was a middle-aged man with a gruff exterior but a kind heart. He insisted on taking me to a secluded cabin he owned, far from the city. It wasn't much, but it was a temporary refuge. As we drove, I could see the edges of the city fading into the distance, replaced by vast stretches of trees and open fields.---Back in the city, the tension between Pierre and Hannah was palpable. Pierre had already dispatched his best agents to find me, his fury at Victor's failure only adding to his already dangerous demeanor. Hannah watched with satisfaction as Pierre's men scoured the city, their search growing more frantic by the hour.Hannah's plan was set into motion. She had provided Pierre with the location of the cabin where I was being taken, and now, she waited in the shadows, ready to pounce once Pierre had done the dirty work. She was determined to see me out of the picture, no matter what it took.---The cabin was small but functional. Mark made sure I was settled in before leaving to fetch supplies. I felt a flicker of hope as I took in the simple surroundings—a small bed, a basic kitchen, and a window that overlooked a peaceful forest.But my respite was short-lived. As the night deepened, the sound of tires crunching on gravel grew louder. Panic surged through me. Pierre's agents must have found me. I had to act fast.I hid in a small closet in the cabin, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear the agents' footsteps, their voices muffled but unmistakable. They were close. I waited in the darkness, my breath shallow and my body tense.---Outside, Pierre's agents scoured the area, their flashlights cutting through the night. They were relentless, their search methodical and thorough. One of them spotted the faint glow from the cabin window and signaled to the others."This is it," the lead agent said, his voice low and determined. "She's here."They approached the cabin cautiously, the door creaking open as they entered. I held my breath, praying they wouldn't find me. The agents moved through the cabin, their voices growing louder as they searched each room.I could hear their footsteps getting closer to the closet. The door creaked open, and I forced myself to stay as still as possible. I could see the agents' shadows through the slats of the closet door, their flashlights sweeping across the room.---The agents finally discovered me. They pulled me from the closet, their faces a mix of surprise and determination. I struggled against their grip, but it was useless. They were too strong, and my strength was fading fast."Got her," one of the agents said, his voice triumphant.---As they dragged me outside, I saw Hannah standing in the shadows, her eyes gleaming with a cold satisfaction. She had orchestrated this—she had used Pierre to get rid of me, and now she was ready to claim her prize.I struggled, my mind racing with thoughts of Elijah, of the life I had tried so hard to protect. I didn't know what was going to happen next, but I knew it wouldn't be good.Hannah approached Pierre's agents with a smirk, her expression a mask of triumph. "She's all yours," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Make sure she pays for everything she's done."Pierre's agents nodded, their expressions grim. They knew their orders—bring me to Pierre, and let him deal with me as he saw fit.As they prepared to take me away, I glanced at Hannah, her eyes filled with a twisted satisfaction. I realized she had made a deal with Pierre to ensure my downfall. Her motives were clear—she wanted me out of the picture so she could have Elijah all to herself.The agents loaded me into a vehicle, and as we drove away from the cabin, I glanced back at the forest, the only place that had felt safe for a brief moment. The road ahead was uncertain, but I knew one thing—I had to keep fighting. For Elijah, for myself, and for the chance to make things right.