Chapter 23

Chapter 23
THE FRIEND IN DANGER

Point of View: Luna Hart

As I gaze at the photo on Mr. Cole's phone, my heart beats like a drum. My dearest buddy Mia is strapped up, her eyes wide and terrified. My stomach aches from the words underneath it: You escaped, Luna. Your pal didn't, though. Come by yourself, or she will leave. My mom and I are sitting in Mr. Cole's automobile, still wrapped in police blankets after the collision with the river. I don't feel the cold or wetness of my garments. I'm the reason Mia is in jeopardy. Due to our fictitious marriage, I, Luna Hart, the lost girl from Hart Global, am hiding my secret while residing in Mr. Cole's penthouse. Mia has joined Ethan, Aunt Victoria, and their aides in their pursuit of us. With shaking palms and stinging eyes, I push the phone away.

With his hands gripping the wheel tightly and his voice low, Mr. Cole adds, "Luna, we'll get her back." The city lights are fuzzy as he speeds through the dark streets.

My mother gives me a tighter hug, her arm trembling but warm. "Don't go alone," she says in a terrified whisper. "It's a trap."

My throat tightens as I nod. Mia is always there to support me when I'm feeling down and to laugh with me at lunch. I'm to blame for her fear now. With a sorrowful heart, I wipe my eyes. "Where are they expecting me to go?" I inquire in a low voice.

Mr. Cole glances quickly at his phone. A former factory next to the river. We'll accompany you.

I give a headshake. "Alone," the message states. They could harm her if they see you.

His eyes are serious as he gazes at me in the mirror. "Luna, I won't leave you by myself. We will be astute.

My mother gives me a hand squeeze. "He's correct. We must have a strategy.

I twist my stomach as I nod. We park behind trees in a peaceful area close to the factory. The windows of the large, black structure are fractured like fangs. The earth is damp beneath my feet as we creep closer, and my heart is pounding. Mr. Cole takes the lead, walking quietly and scanning his surroundings. My mother's icy fingers grip my hand.

We pause and peep out from behind a wall. Light is streaming out of the factory door, which is cracked open. Inside, I hear harsh, low murmurs. My breath catches. Mia is inside. I must save her.

"I'll enter," I mumble. "Here, you wait."

Mr. Cole gives a headshake. "No. I will slip around the rear. Your mother remains here to observe.

My mother nods, concerned in her eyes. "Luna, exercise caution."

With my heart racing, I give her a short hug. With unsteady hands, I tiptoe to the door and sneak inside. The tall, rusting machines at the factory. The rear room is the source of the light. I approach on tiptoe, hiding behind a large box. I can hear my breath in my ears.

I take a quick look inside the box. There's Mia, strapped to a chair, her eyes crimson with tears. Beside her, Ethan is chatting with the man with the knife while holding his phone. "She will come," Ethan says icily. "She is overly concerned."

With a trembling voice, Mia looks up. Luna won't arrive by herself. She is intelligent.

Ethan chuckles cruelly. She is frail. similar to her mother.

My stomach is burning. I wait with my hands clasped together, wanting to rush in. Mr. Cole's shadow is coming silently close to the back door. His eyes are keen as he nods at me. I inhale deeply before leaving, shouting loudly. "Ethan, let her go!"

Ethan smiles sharply as he turns. "Luna. You arrived.

With his blade near Mia, the man with the knife seizes her chair. Mia looks at me with wide eyes. “Luna, flee!” she shouts.

My heart is pounding as I shake my head. "Give her up. Instead of her, you want me.

With nasty eyes, Ethan takes a step closer. "You're correct. She is, however, bait.

The man with the knife is tackled by Mr. Cole, who storms in from behind. The knife clatters loudly as it flies across the floor. As her chair tilts, Mia cries, but I rush to her and untangle her ropes. I say in a tremulous voice, "It's okay." "We are leaving."

Ethan's hands are firm as he grips me. His breath is heated as he whispers, "Not so fast."

He grunts and lets off when I give him a strong kick to the leg. Punches flying, Mr. Cole battles the man. We dash for the door as Mia gets up, her legs shaky. Ethan's footsteps are audible behind us. "You can't get away!" he shouts.

The chilly air slammed into my face as we exploded outside. With wide eyes, my mother is waiting. She murmurs, "This way!" and draws us in the direction of the trees.

Mia's hand in mine as we run, my legs burning. Despite her tears, she continues. Behind us, Mr. Cole yells, and then we hear his footsteps. He catches up and cries, "They're down..."

We quickly pile into the car when we get there. We accelerate as Mr. Cole turns on the engine and the tires squeal. My mother gives me and Mia a close embrace. "You're secure," she murmurs.

Mia's eyes are moist as she looks at me. "I'm grateful, Luna."

My throat tightens as I nod. "I apologize. I am to blame.

She gives a headshake. "I was saved by you."

Mr. Cole takes a car to a tiny home outside of the city, which is his new safe haven. There, with their lights flashing, the cops meet us. Before they take Mia to her family, they give me a hug. "We will always be friends," she murmurs.

My heart is heavy but full as I nod. Ethan and the man with the knife are apprehended by the police, while Aunt Victoria remains unaccounted for. With a gentle grin, my mother clutches my hand. She responds, "We can start over now."

My stomach continues to twist even after I nod. Mr. Cole gives me a gentle glance. He declares, "Our deal is off." "But if you want, I'm still here."

My cheeks are heated when I smile. "Thank you."

The meal is warm in my stomach as we eat dinner at the safe house. My mother makes us giggle with her stories. I feel safe for the first time. However, my phone—a secret one from Ms. Linda's belongings—buzzes as I turn in for the night. With my pulse pounding, I open it. This is a message from an unidentified number: Luna, do you think it's over? Victoria is only the beginning. Be mindful of your back.

My hands tremble. Who is this? The night is gloomy as I gaze out the window. My heart sto
ps as I see a shadow move in the trees. There is still someone observing.