Page 69 of Captured Heart

Victor scowls. “English,” he barks. “Or the call ends now.”

“Sorry. Sorry.” Kenji’s voice trembles as he switches to English. “Katelyn, are you alright? Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?”

“I’m fine, dad.” Her voice cracks, wavering from the emotions she’s trying to hide. “But I’m...I’m scared.”

“Don’t panic,” Kenji assures her, his tone softening. “I’m doing everything I can. But you...youhave to do everything you can...” He pauses. “...to stay strong. You’re so strong, sweetheart. And I know you’ll find a way to escape...” His voice cracks and there’s another brief pause. “...all this trauma they’re putting you through. Just find a happy place in your mind and remember what I’ve always told you. No matter how dark things get...youhave the power...to overcome any obstacle, any evil in this world. You just need to—”

“Pep talk is over,” Victor interrupts. “Time is running out, Kenji. When am I getting my files?”

“Victor, please. I just need a few days to get the files ready. Two, three at most, and I’ll get them to you.”

Victor’s expression remains impassive for a long while before he nods. “Three days. Not a second longer.”

“Thank you. Thank you.”

“Once you

Katelyn, I love you. I love you with my wholeheart...Call me soon.”

“Dad?”

Her eyes widen. I don’t know what it is, but something he said freaks her out. She goes ash-white, all color draining from her face. Granted, it’s an odd thing to say. He knows she doesn’t have a phone, so it would be impossible for her to call him. But it could just be an automated response, something he said without thinking. I don’t understand the panic.

“Dad!” Her eyes flick to Victor before darting somewhere else. It’s like she’s worried he might see something he shouldn’t. “Daddy!”

Vic doesn’t give them a second chance to talk. He ends the call and tucks his phone into his pocket. He looks at Katelyn, his gaze cold. “I don’t know what God you believe in, but I suggest you pray for your father to come through on time.”

He leaves without another word, Bowman following close behind.

The sound of the door slamming echoes in my head long after Victor’s footsteps fade down the corridor. She’s pacing now, her bare feet padding against the cold floor, her fingers worrying that damn locket around her neck. I’ve seen her do that many times before. It happens when she’s overthinking. But it’s more than that now. She’s spiraling.

I watch her; the tension winding tighter inside me because I know I need to say something, but I’m unsure how to begin.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask.

Her hand drops instantly from her neck, her spine stiffening. “Nothing.”

She won’t even look at me. The distance between us feels wider than it has in days, and I know I’ve done this. I’ve put thatwall back up with what I said to Victor, and I need to explain what happened. Cautiously, I step closer, like approaching a cornered animal.

“Katie—”

“Stay away from me!” she yells, her voice cracking as she shoves me hard. “I keep thinking I can trust you, and you keep proving why I can’t!”

“Youcantrust me.”

“Stop trying to bullshit and manipulate me!” Her chest heaves with barely restrained anger. “Last night, I thought...” She stops, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I thought maybe you cared about me. But you don’t give a damn. That’s what you told Victor, right? He can do whatever he wants to me because you don’t give a shit.”

“Katie, I had to say that.”

“Liar!” she screams, the screechy pitch reverberating off the concrete walls. “Every word that comes out of your mouth is a lie!”

“I’ve never lied...not to you.”

She lets out a bitter laugh, the sound sharp and jagged. “Of course, you lied. You lied to me abouteverything.”

I take a breath, steadying myself against the surge of my growing frustration. “And what did I lie about?”

“Your name, for starters. Which happens to be a fundamental part of your identity, by the way. You’re John Turner. That’s lie number one.”

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