The Whistler In The Night

Chapter 33

Suddenly, the barn door burst open, and ten cops flooded in, guns drawn and shooting in the air. The deafening noise made me flinch, but in that moment, a strange sense of relief washed over me. L was gone, disappeared into the shadows, as if he'd never been there at all. Scarlet, still bound and lying on the ground, gasped for air, her breaths shallow and panicked.

1 Hour Ago

After L's call, I couldn't shake the image of Scarlet, tied up and helpless, lying in that dirty barn. I knew he told me not to call the police, that it would cost Scarlet her life if I did. But I couldn't do this alone—I couldn't risk going in there with nothing and losing her forever. Desperate, I dialed 911.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"Hey, Officer, there's... there's a man who kidnapped my girlfriend," I stammered. "He gave me 24 hours to come to the location, or he'll kill her. He said not to call the cops, but please, I don't have a choice. I need help."

The officer on the line didn't hesitate. "We'll handle it. Send us the location, and we'll follow you. Do not engage with him alone; stay close to us, and we'll get her out safely."

The cops spread out, moving through the barn, sweeping each corner with flashlights. One officer called for backup, while others combed the ground for any sign of where L might've gone. I knelt beside Scarlet, untying the ropes around her wrists and ankles. She was pale, her breathing ragged, but alive. When I helped her to her feet, she hugged me tightly, burying her face in my shoulder. I could feel her shaking, and I held her close, as if I could shield her from all the horror she'd been through.

But then, something changed. Her grip loosened, and she stepped back, her gaze turning cold. Without a word, Scarlet pushed away from me and bolted for the barn door. "Scarlet!" I called, but she didn't look back.

She dashed toward her mom's car, parked outside. Before I could process what was happening, she jumped in, slammed the door, and revved the engine. The car sped down the gravel road, disappearing into the distance, leaving me standing in shock. She hadn't even said goodbye.

I stood there, surrounded by the police, feeling hollow. The officers continued their search, finding scraps of rope, muddy footprints, and even traces of blood, but L was gone, leaving only fragments of terror and uncertainty behind. I didn't know what had just happened with Scarlet, why she'd run like that, or if I'd ever see her again.

All I knew was that I was once again alone, left in a haunted, blood-stained barn with no one but the cops and the echoes of L's dark, taunting laughter in my mind.