Chapter 9 - The Rescue
The wind roared in my ears as I plunged toward the freezing darkness.
I reached out with every ounce of strength I had in my body, my fingers stretching desperately.
My hand closed around the thick fabric of Mia’s jacket just as she slipped past me.
I pulled her tightly against my chest, wrapping my arms around her tiny body to shield her from the impact.
Suddenly, a violent jerk shattered the momentum of our fall, nearly pulling my shoulder out of its socket.
I looked up and saw Vance holding onto my ankle with one hand, his other arm wrapped tightly around a steel cable.
He groaned in agony, his face completely red from the sheer effort of holding our combined weight.
Above him on the walkway, two police officers were wrestling the screaming fiancé to the ground and locking him in handcuffs.
Other officers rushed to the edge, reaching down to grab Vance’s belt and hoist us upward.
Slowly and agonizingly, they pulled us back over the safety railing and onto the solid asphalt of the bridge.
I collapsed onto the ground, clutching Mia so tightly I was afraid I would crush her.
She buried her face in my neck, sobbing quietly, completely terrified but wonderfully alive.
I kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her tiny hands, crying tears of absolute, overwhelming relief.
Vance sat beside us, panting heavily, and placed a gentle, reassuring hand on my shoulder.
The police paramedics rushed over with thermal blankets and began checking Mia’s vital signs.
They assured me the sedative was wearing off and she was going to be perfectly fine.
The lead detective approached me, removing his hat in a gesture of profound respect.
He told me the FBI had successfully rounded up Julian, my sister, and both of my parents at the airfield.
Every single one of them was being charged with kidnapping, conspiracy, and massive financial fraud.
My nightmare was finally over, and the monsters who had tortured me were locked in cages.
I stood up, holding Mia securely in my arms, and walked toward the back of the ambulance.
Vance smiled at me and promised he would ensure Julian’s trust fund was fully secured for Mia’s future.
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I looked out over the dark river, feeling the cool night breeze on my face.
We were safe, we were together, and no one would ever hurt us again.
