To the end

20

The Escape

Thargen, completely unaware of the plan unfolding, was overseeing the final preparations for his business deal with the Russians. The tension in the mansion was palpable as he gave instructions to his men, ensuring every detail was accounted for. His focus was solely on the negotiations that awaited him on the distant island. The deal was too important to risk any mistakes.

As he paced the grand halls, barking orders, his son Thant observed him from the shadows. Thant’s heart pounded in his chest, knowing the risk he was taking. He had planned everything down to the second, using his father’s departure as the perfect diversion to execute the escape. Tonight, freedom was within reach—for both Vegas and himself.

Earlier that day, Thargen had clasped a firm hand on Thant’s shoulder. "Don’t let anything go wrong while I’m gone," he’d said in his deep, commanding voice. Thant had nodded, feigning obedience, all the while keeping his plans hidden behind a mask of submission.

Now, as the final preparations were underway, Thant moved stealthily through the corridors of the mansion. Vegas was already waiting in the shadows near the back exit, his face pale but determined. Every sound, every flicker of movement, felt amplified as the two of them prepared to make their move.

“Are you ready?” Thant whispered as he approached.

Vegas nodded, his voice low but resolute. “I’ve been ready for years.”

Thant gave a small, tight smile. “Then let’s go.”

They crept through the dimly lit corridors, each step calculated. The mansion’s silence was deceptive, broken only by the occasional murmur of guards stationed throughout the estate. But Thant’s plan had accounted for this; most of the guards were preoccupied with ensuring Thargen’s departure went smoothly.

As they reached the back door, Thant hesitated for a moment, listening intently. Satisfied the coast was clear, he opened the door slowly, the creak of the hinges sounding deafening in the quiet night. The cold air hit their faces like a slap, but it carried with it the promise of freedom.

“There,” Thant said, pointing toward the dock. A small boat bobbed in the water, hidden in the shadows. “That boat will take you to safety. It’s your only chance. The guards will be focused on my father’s departure soon, but you need to move now.”

Vegas looked at the boat, his throat tightening. He turned to Thant, his voice raw. “Why are you doing this? You don’t owe me anything.”

Thant shook his head. “You don’t understand. I’ve seen enough of his cruelty to know I don’t want to be part of it anymore. Go, Vegas. You deserve a chance at life.”

Vegas’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you. I won’t forget this.”

“You don’t have to,” Thant replied firmly. “Just get out of here.”

Vegas took a deep breath, nodded, and ran toward the boat. Each step felt like a battle, his body screaming at him to look back, to hesitate. But he didn’t. The boat was waiting, and freedom was so close he could taste it.

As he climbed aboard, the sound of Thargen’s main boat starting its engines echoed across the water. Vegas glanced back one last time, the mansion now just a silhouette in the distance. Thant stood at the back door, watching him go, his figure disappearing into the shadows.

The small boat pushed off from the dock, the gentle rocking of the waves lulling Vegas into a momentary sense of calm. He knew he wasn’t safe yet, but the distance between him and the mansion was growing, and with it, a fragile sense of hope.

---

Hours later, the boat reached the middle of the lake. The moon cast a pale glow on the water, and the silence was broken only by the soft lapping of waves. Vegas stood at the edge of the boat, scanning the darkness. That’s when he saw it—a larger boat approaching from the shadows.

His heart raced as it drew closer. The boat slowed as it neared, and a man aboard extended his hand to Vegas, pulling him onto the deck. The man’s face was unfamiliar, but his voice was calm and steady.

"Kim is waiting for you inside," he said, nodding toward the cabin.

Vegas’s breath caught in his throat. He stepped cautiously across the deck, his legs unsteady beneath him. Reaching the cabin door, he hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the handle.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open. Warm light spilled out, and there, standing in the middle of the room, was Kim.

Vegas froze, his emotions crashing over him like a tidal wave. "Kimhan," he whispered, his voice breaking.