Chapter 33: Chapter Thirty-three

Have you ever experienced seeing your life flash before your eyes? Heard your heart beating too loudly; felt your eyes catch in a daze? Seen that light that is supposed to comfort you, yet it does the exact opposite? Life is something we borrow, and it gets taken away once it’s time.

Blood. The metallic taste made me cringe when I tasted it, a result of biting my lower lip too hard in thought. As the car sped down the road, my eyes were frantically searching for the white van. Cursing at myself for not even memorizing the license plate—well, if I had one—and not acting too fast, I blared the horn at a few drivers to get past them. It earned me a rolled down window and shouts that were muffled. I checked every nook and cranny for the vehicle, even dark alleys to see if they were hiding, but there was no sign of it.

“Where is it?” I hissed out in exasperation. Time was ticking, and the more it did, the farther away the chances of getting Harvey back became. A flash of white went by my peripheral vision like a ghost walking past those dumb lead characters in a cheap horror film. Responding to it, I sharply turned to see the exact van that took Harvey whipping past me.

Hands quick to act, I shifted to the next gear and chased the speeding vehicle. I got you now. Cautiously trying to hide behind a few cars so that I wouldn’t seem suspicious, the van continued its journey. Ignoring the calls that were making my phone go wild, I focused on not losing it. Not losing Harvey.

I can’t let him down now. Especially not by some phone call.

When the vehicle turned right, I followed them silently. It was then that I realized we were almost at the outskirts of town. Where are they taking him? Once they drove down a deserted road with closed stores, I slowly turned to a stop, not wanting to be seen behind them. Just as the vehicle was about to disappear from my view, I drove down the asphalt.

Seeing the white van parking in a distance, I hid the car in a blind spot beside a green dumpster. Before climbing out, I took my phone and began typing the address to my father. The moment it was sent, I threw it on the backseat. Engine off and car keys in my pocket, I ventured outside. The stench of garbage and smoke was unbearable; it made me wince.

The sound of a car door being shut caused my whole body to tense. Hiding behind the wall, I peeked to see the same men wearing bonnets carrying an unconscious Harvey. Much to my relief, they didn’t hurt him. Probably just let him inhale something to make him pass out. The same burly man who almost killed me opened the door to a building and led the men inside.

That bastard.

The last man closed the door, and once again, it was quiet. I waited for a few seconds to see if one of them would come out, but no one did. Taking this opportunity to sneak inside, I silently walked towards the door.

A rat that ran across me and safely in the sewer almost scared the wits out of me. It’s all right, Rachel, it was just a rat. Slowly making my way over to the building, I tried the knob first to see if it wasn’t locked. Twisting it once, the knob stopped. Tch, it’s locked!

Glancing up to see if there were any cameras around, and finding none, I went to find a window. There’s got to be one here somewhere!

Circling the run-down building to the right, I smirked at what the heavens graced me with. It was a broken window. Not to mention, the lights were off in that room, giving me an advantage. But, before I could turn the lock open, I stopped in my tacks.

All right, Rachel, let’s say you get inside, and then what? Harvey could be heavily guarded wherever he is. You can’t just break him out of here without being seen or caught! You must have a plan—

“Fuck!’

If only it was me who swore, I wouldn’t have my nerves all over the place right now. A shadow of a tall man painted the concrete floor a few feet away. It seemed he was carrying a weapon. Eyes wide, I scrambled to find a hiding place.

Think fast! Where—? He’s coming this way!

Diving behind two stacked boxes, I waited for a few seconds to see if he would come closer. When I heard his soft footsteps, I began to panic and frantically searched for a weapon of my own.

Quick, quick! A rock? Should I even rely on my aim right now when my hands are quivering? A plastic spoon—how did that even get here?—that might easily break? Perhaps I could stab it in his eye and blind him…?

The moment I saw his foot on the side, I saw it as a giant’s foot who was ready to attack a village. Gosh, my nerves are really all over the place. Without a second thought, I grabbed the dirty spoon and aimed it at the man.

“Try to approach me, and I swear—”

“Rachel?”

I squinted to see the man’s face in the dark, trying to recognize him. When I saw those familiar blue eyes lit under the moonlight, I couldn’t help but be shocked. What is he doing here?

“Chad?”

He let out a nervous laugh. “I’m glad to see you.” Seeing his hand reach out, I took a step back, still having doubts over him. Chad’s lips shaped into an ‘o’ and he let his hand fall to his side. “Yeah, right. You seem to think that I have a hand in this thing—which I don’t.”

“I don’t know whether I can trust you or not,” I admitted softly. Although I want to.

Chad heaved a sigh and nodded. “Fine. I’ll prove my innocence to you, even when it’s not needed.” He turned towards the broken window, before facing me once again. “You were trying to break in?”

I placed my hands on my waist and gave him a glare. “I was, until you decided to show up and scare me.”

Chad raised an eyebrow at my words. “Oh. So, that explains why you’re holding a plastic spoon.” I looked down to see that the utensil was still in my hands. Blushing, I glanced up at him with narrowed eyes.

“I was about to stab this in your eye,” I hissed. “I thought you were some creep!”

“Right…”

I rolled my eyes, now wishing I had stabbed him with it. “Let’s just get inside. That is, if you want to help me.” This got a reaction from him. The way his eyes bore into mine, and his stance, made him intimidating.

“Listen here and listen well, Maxwell. I don’t know who told you those things, but here I am right now, ready to prove that what you heard is nothing but bullshit,” he retorted hotly, in a soft voice. The chances of being caught while debating here in the open were high. We weren’t risking that.

“Fine!” I whispered back. “Just help me save Harvey right now!” Protected by the darkness of the night, Chad reached to unlock the window through the hole, careful not to cut himself in the process. Click! I smiled in triumph as he hoisted up the window.

“Do you have a plan?”

I scratched my cheek and shrugged. “Get Harvey out and warn the police?” It’s not a good plan, to be honest. It was all I could think of. But I’m not voicing that to him. Sure, he may not be trustworthy at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I won’t need his help.

“I already did. They promise to get here as soon as they can.”

“Good,” I commented. Chad offered his hand and I stepped on it, before being hoisted up as quietly as possible. It wasn’t long until we both were inside, maneuvering carefully in the dark. “Don’t knock out anything that could alert them to our presence,” Chad whispered. It was a bit of a hard task to do, but we both managed to reach another door. Underneath it, light was flooding on the other side.

“What do you suppose could be out there?” I questioned quietly, my hand resting on the knob, ready to turn it and reveal what was behind it.

“Um, let’s see… I might know—Of course I don’t know!”

I winced when Chad hissed right into my ear and I had to cover his pipe hole. “Would you keep it down? We might get in trouble because of that mouth of yours!” I didn’t know what was wrong with what I said until Chad’s throat rumbled in a chuckle.

“Oh? But I was under the impression you like this mouth. Didn’t you like the wonders it does to—?”

“Oi, Rob! Are you here?”

Chad’s innuendo was cut short (much to my delight) when we heard voices outside. Both of us stiffened on the spot. My hands were together, lips moving in a silent prayer, while Chad remained still, ready to act if the door suddenly burst open. This can’t be happening, not right now!

“Yeah? What is it?” the man named Rob responded in a gruff voice. “Can’t a man take a drag in peace?” Footsteps, however soft, passed by the door before disappearing. It was safe to say that we were off the hook right now. I let out a sigh in relief and wiped the sweat of anxiety off my forehead, letting out a shaky laugh. “For a second there…I thought we were both screwed.”

“Me too,” Chad admitted quite breathlessly before clearing his throat. “We should go now, they might come back soon and we might not be able to have this chance again.”

“Say no more.” I turned the knob open and pushed the door slowly. Observing the surroundings, I stared at the surprisingly clean floor and white walls. Walking out of the dark room, I glanced at the hallway on the left. A few doors lined the hall, and the right hallway was the same.

Where could Harvey be?

“Chad, you go check the left, I’ll go to the right,” I ordered in a whisper. Chad merely nodded and we took off. To my surprise, all the doors weren’t locked. But, much to my dismay, there was no sign of Harvey in any of them. Returning to the room we entered, where Chad was waiting, I stared at him with hopeful eyes.

“Find anything?”

Chad shook his head. “He must be somewhere. Let’s go search the building.”

I nodded in agreement and pointed to another hallway. “Let’s go our separate ways. I’ll go here, and you in the opposite.” Just as I was about to leave, he grabbed my wrist.

“Wait, what? No, you’re coming with me, Rachel.”

I frowned. “This is much easier, and faster. If we investigate together, it’ll take time!” Refusing to listen, Chad gripped my hand, giving me a furious glare. “No. It’s not up for discussion. What will happen if they manage to capture you? What if they kill you? I can’t have that!”

Angered by his scenarios, I slapped his hand away, but he didn’t relent and held on. “Will you stop following your selfish desires? So what if I die? I must save Harvey no matter what!”

Chad began to shake me, as if to knock some sense into my head. “Listen, Maxwell! If you die, do you think Harvey will be able to live with himself? I know I won’t! I’ll remember this day if I ever see his face or someone mentioning your name and how I failed to protect you. I won’t let that happen!”

“Is it the glory you want? You are not my boyfriend, our father—you don’t have an obligation towards me!”

Chad’s eyes widened at the words I sprouted out and I mentally slapped myself. Seriously, Rachel! Keep your head above water! Don’t let the pressure affect your feelings and ruin things!

I sighed, pulled his hands away, and looked away from his face. Don’t stare at him, Rachel. If you do, he might convince you to stay. It’ll break your heart just seeing it.

“If something happens, go out and look for help. You said that the police are coming, so rely on that. I’ll be careful, I promise.” I didn’t wait for his reply; I didn’t have to. Chad knew I wouldn’t give up.

Like wind just flowing by, I sneaked down the hallway, alert for any movements. I ended up checking every room in the vicinity, but they were either empty or just filled with useless junk. What is this building for anyway?

I soon stumbled upon a few flights of stairs that probably led to the underground. Harvey might be in there! Putting into mind that there was at least someone guarding Harvey, I went back up the stairs and began to search for Chad.

Where is he? I finally found the room where Harvey might be, and now he’s nowhere to be seen?

The pounding of my heart soon disappeared when I spotted him peeking through a door. “Chad,” I whispered fervently. He shot up straight, whipping his head to face me, and sighed.

“You scared me, Rachel. What is it?”

The intensity in his eyes, the worry etched in them, made me guilty to the core. Then, he smiled. My lips parted at the sight and tears started to form in my eyes. I lowered my head in shame. For the things I’ve said and done…

I’m sorry Chad.

“I know.”

Surprised, I glanced up and raised an eyebrow. Wait, did I just say those words aloud? His hands reached out once again, hesitant now. When I didn’t offer some resistance, they wrapped around me and pulled me close to his warm chest. Even though he was sweating, the cologne he applied was still present. It was comforting.

“We’ll take Harvey out of here, I promise you that,” he whispered in my ear, lips pressed against my forehead for a few seconds. “Come on, let’s go.”

Nodding, I pulled away. “Did you find anything?” When he shook his head once more, I pointed down the hallway. “I found some stairs leading to the underground. I have a huge hunch they’re keeping Harvey in there.”

“Are you sure? Did you check it?” Chad asked softly as we made our way to the underground. My heart was pounding once again.

“No, I didn’t. But out of all the rooms, it was clear to me that they’re hiding him there. I also think that there are men guarding it, which is why I didn’t take the risk of opening the door.”

Chad suddenly stopped in his tracks. “Then, let’s leave now.”

I frowned at his words and gazed him in the eye, thinking he must’ve been struck in the head or something. “Are you kidding me? Right now, when we know where they’re hiding him?”

“Just think, Rachel. There are men guarding Harvey, armed by guns, and you want us to what? Barge in like we own the place, or something? We’ll obviously get a bullet through our heads!” he argued. “I suggest we go out and wait for the police to arrive.”

My mind, running erratically for any way of us getting inside without getting detected, was put to a stop. He’s right. We might just die and Harvey will too, because of my stupidity. I let out a small gasp and winced, holding my forehead where Chad flicked it.

“What was that for?”

“You, Rachel Maxwell, think way too much. And try not to get really pressured—you won’t be able to think straight.”

I gave him a questioning look, though I couldn’t fight the smirk making its way to my lips. “And you? You’ll be able to?”

Chad smiled at this. “I’m used to being under pressure and I can think well with it. I was trained to be.”

Just as I was about to come up with a smart retort, the sound of a metal door opening caused us to frantically find a hiding spot. Chad immediately grabbed my hand and led me inside the closest room. Boisterous laughter resonated throughout the hallway as we stood behind the door in darkness, waiting, ears pressed against the wooden surface, listening for them.

“I guess you were right, Rachel,” Chad said in a hushed tone. “Harvey must be kept in the basement.” Once the footsteps and the men’s mirth disappeared, our posture slackened. It was close, too close!

“Let’s get out of here,” Chad decided in a grave tone. But once he turned the knob open, the lights in the room suddenly flashed, and soon, flooded the whole space.

“Shit!” Chad hissed. Shock painted both of our faces as we turned and found one of the men who took Harvey, his ugly face now exposed to us, glaring at us with murderous eyes.

Then, he smirked. “Well, I wasn’t expecting to see two rats roaming around in here.”

I felt my sweat and blood run cold once my eyes landed on the gun in his pocket. No, this can’t be true. We can’t be captured… We were careful! Harvey… Harvey!

Chad suddenly threw himself on the man, and soon they were both tackling each other on the ground. Alarmed that the ruckus might bring forth attention, I beckoned for Chad to run with me.

“Come on Chad, let’s go!”

Throwing a punch at the man, which rendered him to the ground, Chad pointed to the exit. “Just go ahead, I’ll follow. Trust me!”

Torn between helping him and leaving him, I didn’t budge. Sensing this, Chad growled and continued to gesture to the door. The man was already up and Chad didn’t have time to dodge the next hit.

With a heavy heart, I ran out of the door. Then, it hit me. Chad may die. The police may not arrive on time. Harvey might perish too, since they have discovered us. I’m now running like a coward. The plan failed.

“No, no, no,” I chanted under my breath as I ran for the exit. “I still have time to go and find help. The plan can’t fail!”

“Hey! You! Stop right there!”

“Bitch! Come back here!”

I cried aloud when a huge hand grabbed my shoulders, yanking me back in the opposite direction of the exit. Farther from freedom.

“No! Let me go!” I screamed out in desperation. “Let me go! Please! I must save…Harvey!” The same huge hand clasped over my mouth, making me taste sweat and something disgusting. Screams now muffled, I began to thrash around, hoping to escape if I did.

“Oh, you’re not getting away, you bitch.” I winced when the man’s grip went tight and began pulling me with him. My feet were scraping the hard ground, hands trying to claw the man from behind and tears rolling down my cheeks. If someone saw me, they might find comparison to a captured animal. An animal wanting to go back to the wild instead of being in a small cage.

The next thing I knew, I landed on the hard floor in a dimly lit room. It wasn’t the basement where they kept Harvey; it was a room close to the stairs. Just as I was about to stand and run, the same man grabbed my hand before pushing me to a chair and tying my hands together behind me, including my legs.

“What do you want from us!?” I tried asking, but none of them would answer. “Who are you people? What do you want?”

“R-Rachel?”

My breath stuck to my throat, my eyes wide in shock, and suddenly in fear. But it wasn’t fear for myself, it was towards the person who had uttered my name.

Harvey was pushed into the room, hands bound like mine. His eyes were glassy and filled with distress that I hadn’t seen for a very long time. He was soon placed in a chair a few feet beside me, but still not close enough for me to reach.

“Harvey…”

“Aw, such a lovely reunion of brother and sister,” a voice crackled, echoing across the room and hitting the walls, averting my gaze away from Harvey and towards the masculine voice in front of us. His steps grew louder, and soon, his face was visible in the light. Astonishment settled in once my eyes fell on the man pointing a gun straight at me.

No, it can’t be.

His hands were shaking while his face was the epitome of terror.

“C-Chad, what are you doing?”