Through the Dark | ✓

23

What should have been a 35-minute drive only took them 13, thanks to the fake siren attached to their van. Without it, they would've been far behind. The abandoned factory was conveniently located near a forest, perfect for a surprise attack.

Michael parked the van just at the edge of the trees. "Okay, listen up," he said, turning to his men. "We're stopping here and walking to the building through the forest. The silencers are in the box in the back—grab them and use them for any guards outside. Keep it quiet." He turned to Ethan, his face hardening. "Ethan, you stay here. I don't want you getting hurt."

"But Dad—"

"No!" Michael's voice was firm. "You have to stay in the car."

"I love her!" Ethan blurted out, his heart pounding. The thought of Danielle in danger tore him apart. He couldn't just sit by while she needed him.

Michael sighed, the weight of his son's words evident in his eyes. He softened his tone. "I know you do. But I've already lost your mom—I can't lose you too."

"You know I love her?" Ethan asked, surprised.

A small smile appeared on Michael's face. "Of course I do. Joy and Jeff do too. We've all seen it, we're just surprised Dani never figured it out."

"Oh..." Ethan muttered, caught off guard by the realization.

"Now listen to me," Michael said, growing serious again. "Stay in the car, don't get out. Call Jeff and let him know what's happening." Without waiting for a reply, Michael closed the door and moved off into the forest with his men, disappearing into the shadows.

Ethan sat in the van, conflicted. His hand trembled as he pulled out his phone and dialed the house.

"Hello?" Joy answered on the other end.

"Joy, it's Ethan. We're at the abandoned factory by Lake Timothy. Marc has Danielle inside."

Joy gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh my God. Dani... Are you okay? Where's your father?"

"He told me to stay in the car," Ethan said, frustration in his voice. "But I can't just sit here and do nothing."

"E—" Joy started, but Ethan cut her off.

"I'm going to help. I can't stay here. I *have* to help her." Ignoring Joy's protests, Ethan ended the call. He stepped out of the car, determination surging through him as he walked to the back to grab a gun.

His hands shook as he picked it up, the weight of it unfamiliar. He fumbled with the silencer, managing to attach it after a few tries. "I've only held a gun once," he muttered to himself, his heart racing. He aimed at a tree a few yards away, its bark dented in one spot. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the trigger. The shot landed just above the mark. He exhaled, tried again, and this time hit the target dead center.

Closing his eyes, Ethan steadied himself. He inhaled deeply, letting his fear give way to resolve. "I'm coming, Dani," he whispered. Then, without looking back, he stepped into the forest and headed toward the factory, following the path his father had taken.

____________________________

"I honestly don't know what I can do to you," Marc mused, his voice dripping with malice as he rubbed a blade against Dani's cheek. "I could probably cut you into pieces and send them to Harris." He laughed, enjoying her fear.

"No, please don't," Dani begged, her voice shaky. She had been pleading with him for minutes, desperate for him to stop. "HELP!"

Her scream echoed off the cold walls, but Marc's sinister laughter only grew louder. "No one can hear you, bitch. We're in the middle of nowhere."

Outside, just beyond the factory, Michael heard her cry. The man he was grappling with briefly turned his head toward the sound, giving Michael the chance to land a solid punch, knocking the man out cold. "She's in there," Michael growled, turning to his right-hand man, Charles. They had been surprised by the factory's light defense—only five men guarding the perimeter. That made things easier, but time was running out.

Michael moved toward the door cautiously, signaling for silence. He glanced at Charles, who gave a firm nod. Charles opened the door, and Michael followed, keeping his gun low but ready.

"Let her go, Levine," Michael ordered, his voice deadly calm.

Marc's eyes widened in surprise for a split second before he quickly yanked Dani back against him, pressing the blade to her throat. "Make another move, and I'll slit her throat right here," Marc spat, his grip tightening on Dani. She winced as the blade pressed harder into her skin, her breath quickening in fear.

Michael took a step forward, his voice low but firm. "You hurt her, and I'll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life."