Page 18 of The Kingpin's Teacher

Chris squints. "It looks like there’s been an emergency road remodeling."

"Okay, let's take the diverted path," I say before leaning back in my seat.

We drive down the quiet road and I begin to text Stella to tell her I'll be there soon.

"Something is wrong," Chris says, his brows furrowing as he looks at the map.

"There should be a—"

"Look out!" I scream as a figure suddenly appears in front of the car.

It's a man and he doesn't appear to be hurt. Instead, he's looking at our car with triumph written all over his face.

The second security sits up, his face hard.

"Turn around, Chris. Now!"

Chris tries to make an emergency U-turn but someone breaks the window on my side and I scream as a man's hand enters through the broken window and opens the door. I'm dragged out and thrown into the arms of two men.

My screams are silenced as someone ties a piece of cloth around my mouth.

My security come out of the car, brandishing their guns but they are faced with six men, all wielding guns.

One man steps out, eyes shining with mirth.

"There's no need. You're outnumbered and we have who we want."

"Give me the keys," one of them says, grabbing the key from Chris' hand.

Without hesitation, I'm pushed back into the car and two men settle on both sides of me. Two settle in front, and I almost pee on myself as the car starts. The remaining two are probably in another car. It just feels too much like a nightmare to be real.

"Don't make a sound," the one in the passenger seat turns to say to me. "Just keep mute and stay still. The don has been waiting for you for days now."

My body begins to tremble as the car moves, my head filled with horrifying thoughts of what they will do to me.

Oh God. Saint, please help me.

As we drive farther and farther away, my thoughts slip down a dangerous path.

What if no one comes looking for me?

What if it's too late for Saint to help?

What if I'm dead before he comes?

A horrifying screech makes me jump out of my thoughts, my eyes flying around to see what's going on.

"They found us," one of the men says and they all start to curse.

Is he here?

Did Saint really come for me?

There are several cars parked around this one. One by one, they all open and men wielding different types of guns step out, some using two.

I count the men and my eyes widen when I count up to twenty, and more people are still stepping out.

When the last door opens, and I see my familiar gray eyes step out, I can't stop the choked laugh that bubbles out of me.

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