Chapter 3 - The Safehouse
My blood ran cold as I stared down the dark barrel of Arthur's weapon.
The man who had just saved my life was now threatening to end it.
"You were working with them all along," I whispered, my voice trembling.
Arthur shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips.
"No, I work for myself, and fifty million dollars is a very persuasive retirement fund."
I slowly raised my hands, my left hand hovering near my face.
"Okay, just take it, please don't hurt me."
I reached over with my right hand and began to twist the silver band off my finger.
It was tight, and I pretended to struggle with it, buying myself precious seconds.
My eyes darted around the dark interior of the car, looking for any possible advantage.
I noticed the heavy steel thermos of hot coffee I had brought from my kitchen was still sitting in the cup holder.
As Arthur leaned in closer to grab the ring, I made my move.
I grabbed the thermos and smashed it upward against the bottom of his wrist.
He shouted in pain, and the gun fired, putting a hole straight through the roof of the car.
I didn't hesitate for a second.
I unlocked my door, kicked it open, and threw myself out onto the cold concrete floor.
I scrambled to my feet and sprinted into the labyrinth of rusty shipping containers.
"You can't hide in here forever!" Arthur's voice echoed through the massive warehouse.
I pressed my back against cold steel, trying to quiet my ragged breathing.
I reached into my coat pocket to grab my keys, hoping to find a weapon.
Instead, my fingers brushed against a cold, hard piece of plastic that hadn't been there before.
I pulled it out and realized it was a cheap prepaid cell phone.
The screen suddenly lit up in my hand, vibrating silently.
There was one new text message from an unknown number.
The message read: "If Arthur is dead, ignore this. If he betrayed you, go to the cemetery."
I stared at the screen, a new wave of terror washing over me.
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A second message popped up immediately after.
It read: "They just released the dogs."
