in threes
chapter 68

Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Alex’s POV

As we secure Jason in the cellar and leave Del behind to keep watch, a newfound determinationcourses through my veins as we start up the car.

Lottie’s presence beside me, her eyes ablaze with a mix of fury and courage, strengthens myresolve as I floor the gas and speed down through the backroads – leading us back towards thehighway.

We won’t let Tommy and Holden get away with this..

Greg is annoying yet crucial in this moment, his laptop displaying the live tracking of Tommy’s truck.The blinking dot on the screen represents our target as they continue to move, and with everypassing moment, we draw closer to Anna’s location

The urgency to reach her, to rescue her from the clutches of these psychopaths, fuels ourdetermination as I drive at a lightening pace…

The drive to Oakridge feels like an eternity, the tension thick within the confines of the vehicle.Lottie sits beside me, her fingers gripping the seat, her face a mask of fierce determination – hereyes now dry and sore from crying.

I steal glances at her every so often, admiring her sudden strength and resilience having finallysnapped.

Together, we will bring Anna back safely.

I cut the two hour drive down to just over an hour, as I weave my way through the cars on thehighway–never slowing for anyone.

“They’ve stopped moving now… the dot is stationary in a field.” Greg Informs us. before yawning –showcasing how bored and uninterested he is in the

mission.

I hate him… but we need him….

“How far now?” I question, keeping my eyes fixated on the road and the directions as I take the nextcut off…

“Forty minutes…” lace states as I groan why can’t this thing more any faster

Lottle remains silent for the journey, her eyes never leaving the road ahead, and it isn’t long until weturn down onto some country roads…

Finally, we arrive in Cakridge, a small town nestled among towering trees and rolling hills. Greg’stracking device leads us to a secluded area just outside of the town which means we are close…

Within ten minutes, we roll up to a desolate farmhouse that seems frozen in time… creepy anddark

This is where Tommy and Holden have taken Anna.

We park the car at a safe distance, hidden from view, and formulate our plan. Greg, of course,being useless beyond this point decides that he’s staying back in the car.

“Maybe you should stay too…” I begin, earning an annoyed look and an eye mll from her in return.

“I should’ve stopped them from taking her in the first place! I’m coming in! Lottie is adamant, as mymouth practically drops with her response..

She is a total new

person…

“Stay close to me then!” I demand, my voice leaving no room for argument now as she nods. “We’llreplace Anna and get her out of there no matter what it

Lakes.”

Lottie and Jace both nod, as we climb out of the

car,

fixed on the farmhouse ahead….

Together, we approach the farmhouse, our footsteps muffled by the thick grass. The air is heavywith anticipation as we inch closer to the entrance.

As we reach the front door, I hold up my hand, signaling for Lottie and Jace to stop. We exchangea brief but intense look, silently reaffirming our commitment to each other and the mission

R

Chapter 68

I reach into my pocket, retrieving the small pistol I had brought along for protection – which causesLottie to gasp in horror.

I place a finger to my lips, hushing her instantly as she slaps a hand over her mouth…

Now is not the time!

Lotties eyes flicker to the gun, deep concem held in her gaze, but she doesn’t say a word andremains quiet.

With a deep breath, I push open the creaking door, the sound slicing through the stillness of thenight. The dark interior of the farmhouse looms before us, and a chill mans down my spine… itseems deserted…

We step inside cautiously, the musty smell of old wood and decay filling the air. Moonlight seepsthrough the cracks in the boarded–up windows, casting eerie shadows across the worn–outfurniture and dusty floor

I motion for Lottie and Jace to follow me as we navigate through the dimly lit rooms. We movesilently, each step calculated to avoid alerting anyone

Inside

As we make our way deeper into the house, a sense of unease settles over us. The absence ofany signs of life raises questions in our minds.

Where the fuck could Tommy, Holden, and Anna be?

We reach the last room on the ground floor, a small, dilapidated kitchen. Empty and devoid of anyclues, it amplifies our confusion. Lotties brows furrow in frustration, mirroring my own thoughts.

“Where could they have gone? The tracker lead us here?” She whispers, her voice barely audible.

I shake my head, my mind racing for answers. Then, a thought strikes me. Maybe there’s more tothis farm than we think?

1 gesture with my hand for them to follow me back out to the front of the house, seeing that theback door was bolted shut leaving us no choice but to go back the way we came

I begin to move around the side of the house, Lottie between myself and Jace as an extraprecaution…

I suddenly halt in my steps, the two of them following my action, as my eyes fixate on the barnbehind the house….

“There’s a bam out back. I think they might be in there there’s a flicker of light coming out of thesmall side window. We have to check” I keep my voice low and inform them, as they nod – Lottieseeming nervous but determined nonetheless

“Let’s go.” She breathes out, her voice steady.

The anticipation grows with each step, the cold night air hitting us, making us shiver as we move.We cautiously make our way towards the bar, our senses on high alert….

The moonlight casts an ethereal glow on the barn a weathered exterior, highlighting its rustic decay

As we approach, a creaking sound resonates through the stillness, causing us to freeze. Holdingour breath, we exchange a quick glance before pushing open the barn doors.

The doors groan in protest, revealing

ing the dark expanse within. Our eyes strain to adjust in the dim light filtering through the cracks. Aswe step inside, a combination of apprehension and worry filling the air.

Our footsteps echo on the wooden floor, and the scent of hay and dust lingers. We scan the area,searching for any signs of life. The barn appears deserted at first glance, but then we notice a dimlight emanating from the far corner..

w reveals a small room tucked away

Heart pounding. I motion for Lottle and lace to follow me towards the source of light. As weapproach, the soft glow in the corner of the barn.

This must be what Jason meant about them preparing a small hideout?

I pause briefly, before charging the room–kicking through the door feeling my adrenalineheighten…

Anna is in here alone, sitting on a makeshift bed, her hands and feet still bound and her mouthgagged.

R

Chapter 68

Relief floods over us as we rush to her side. Lottle wastes no time in freeing her from the restraintsand pulling her into a hug, her touch gentle yet urgent.

Anna looks up at us, her eyes filled with both gratitude and exhaustion. “You found me,” shewhispers, her voice shaky but filled with hope.

“We’ll always come for you – I’m so sorry!” Lottie reassures her, her voice quivering as the guiltfloods hack in

“This is not and never will be your fault! They are… awful!” Anna is the one to cry now, as sheholds on to Lottie for dear life…

Thankful with Anna now safe in our care, we relax ever so slightly… but one thick question stillremains….

Where the fuck are the pair now?

As we catch our breaths, the eerie silence of the barn intensifies the unsettling feeling that lingers inthe air. We exchange worried glances, our minds racing to comprehend the mysterious absence ofTommy and Holden.

We navigate through the dimly lit space, our eyes scanning the shades for any sign of movement.The creaking floorboards beneath us add to the unnerving ambiance, amplifying the tension thathangs in the air.

“Anna when did they leave?” Jace questions her, as her eyes remain dark and fearful.

“Not long ago… they can’t be far… Anna whimpers, as Lottie comforts her as best she can in thismoment.

“Ok everybody listen up… Lottie I want you to run back to the car with Anna… get there and lockthe doors! Use my phone to call Del and tell him to send as many of our men here as he can! Jaceand 1 are going on the hunt… I explain the plan as I think on the spot, everyone nodding nervousbut ready.

“GO!” I state, as we exit the bam, and I hold my gun up–ready for the real game to commence…

Chapter Comments

EJ Kincaid

This is going to be crazy now.

Karolina Kowalczy

they should take some of the other guys too, from 12 men backup they should take advantage ofit

VIEW ALL COMMENTS

POST COMMENT

10

SHARE