CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN: THE UNLIKELY HERO

My feet dragged across the sand as my abductor led me into a bushy area, the gun pressed firmly against my lower back. The sound of the waves at the beach had faded. I had questions to ask, but I didn’t dare speak. I could feel sweat gathering at the nape of my neck and between my shoulder blades.

A hut came into view—old, wooden, and half-covered by branches and vines. It looked abandoned. A hideout spot.

“Inside,” the lady ordered with a rough voice, like she didn't want to use her real one.

My legs trembled as I stepped in. The floors were wet and muddy. It was hot and dark inside. The air was thick and smelled like wet, dirty clothes.

She shut the door behind us with a loud creak.

“On your knees,” she said coldly as she pushed me forward. I fell, my hip and elbow hit the wet, sticky ground.

I felt the coolness of the ground ripple through me.

“I said on your knees!” she screamed. I struggled to go on my knees, my mind was spinning with roaming thoughts. Why did she feel st