49

My head throbbed as I gradually regained consciousness, my senses awakening in tandem. To my dismay, I found myself bound to a chair, my hands tightly restrained behind my back. Though my feet were free, I pondered why they hadn't tied them as well. Above me, a glaring light illuminated the room, reminiscent of those interrogation scenes from dramatic soap operas.

Without missing a beat, I discreetly pulled out a small cutter nestled up my sleeves, a tool I always kept at the ready for situations just like this. Its inconspicuous nature allowed me to bypass metal detectors effortlessly, and its concealment was equally effortless.

Just as I began attempting to sever the ropes binding my hands, the door abruptly swung open, interrupting my covert endeavor. My focus shifted to a man who stood before me, his face partially obscured. I furrowed my brows at him, my expression betraying no hint of the escape plan I was secretly concocting.

"Hello, Mrs. Moretti," he greeted me, his words ring