“I know you’re here,” Marcus’s voice echoed outside. “Give me the note and the boy.”
“Never,” Alexander muttered.
They escaped toward the river, running through brush and stone. Ethan struggled but didn’t stop. Shadow kept pace.
They reached the riverbank. Fog hung thick.
A small wooden shed stood ahead.
“Victoria!” Alexander called.
The door creaked open.
A pale woman stepped out.
Their eyes met.
“Alexander…?”
He ran to her, catching her as she collapsed into his arms.
“I thought I lost you,” she whispered.
“Never,” he said, holding her tightly.
“Sir!” Ethan shouted. “They’re here!”
Gunshots rang out.
“To the river!” Alexander ordered.
They plunged into the freezing water. Bullets sliced the air. One grazed his shoulder, but he didn’t slow.
They reached the other side, collapsing behind rocks.
“It’s over…” Victoria whispered weakly.
“No,” Ethan said, holding up a cracked phone. “I called the police. Said a kid was in danger.”
Sirens wailed in the distance.
Soon, the area was flooded with police. Marcus and his men were captured.
Hours later, in a hospital room, calm finally settled.