390

390
Chapter 390

THIRD PERSON POV

Roland tried his best to act normal, even though his heart was pounding hard in his chest. The black car was still there, parked across the road, not moving. He kept stealing glances at it while Sugar and Karie laughed and argued over whose fries were bigger.

He then slowly reached for his phone under the table.

“Daddy, can I have your drink?” Sugar asked.

Roland forced a smile. “No, buddy. Finish your own.”

His fingers moved quickly as he typed a message.

“Ashley, something is wrong. There’s a black car parked across from us. I think we’re being watched. Please come now. Bring men as well.”

He sent the same message to Damien, and quickly shared his location.

He slid the phone back into his pocket and took a deep breath, trying not to alarm the kids.

“Uhm, you’re quiet,” Karie said, tilting her head.

“I’m just thinking,” Roland replied softly. “Eat your food, sweetheart.”

A few minutes passed and the car was still there.

Then the doors opened.

Roland’s heart dropped because he wondered what they were up to next.

Three men in black suits stepped out. They looked serious and cold. They walked straight towards the restaurant and stiffened a little in his seat.

The kids were still chatting, unaware of whatever was going on or about to happen.

“Daddy, after this can we get ice cream?” Sugar asked.

“Yes,” Roland replied, his eyes fixed on the men.

The men stopped in front of their table.

“Can I help you?” Roland asked calmly.

One of them leaned closer. Another adjusted his position slightly, blocking the view of others around. Roland suddenly felt a hard, cold object press against his side.

Then he saw it; a gun.

The man angled it carefully, pointing it at Karie’s side, hidden by his jacket so no one else could see.

Roland’s breath hitched.

“If you don’t want us to shoot both children in the head right here,” the man whispered, “you will stand up and follow us quietly.”

Roland’s blood ran cold.

Sugar frowned. 

“Daddy?”

Roland swallowed hard and his mind raced.

If he shouted, they would shoot. If he fought, they would shoot. Even if these men were caught, the children could die.

He couldn’t risk it.

Slowly, he slipped his hand into his pocket and pressed the emergency button on his phone. He did it carefully, praying they wouldn’t notice.

“Okay,” Roland said calmly. “Please… just don’t hurt them.”

The man smirked slightly. “Good choice.”

Roland stood up, helping Karie and Sugar off their seats.

“Where are we going?” Karie asked, confused.

“Just… outside,” Roland said, forcing a smile. “Be brave, okay?”

They were led out of the restaurant and getting close to the car, the door opened.

“Get in,” the man ordered.

Roland helped the kids into the back seat and climbed in with them. The three men entered the car and one of them brought out a small spray.

Before Roland could react, the man sprayed something in his face and towards the kids.

“Daddy!” Sugar cried.

Roland felt dizzy. His vision blurred.

“Karie…” he whispered.

Everything went dark.

~

Roland groaned as his eyes slowly opened. His head throbbed and his body felt heavy. The air was cold and smelled of oil and metal.

He blinked slowly.

He was sitting on a chair, his hands were tied.

He tried to move and realized his legs were tied too.

“Daddy!” Sugar cried.

Roland turned his head sharply.

Karie and Sugar were beside him, both tied to chairs. Their faces were wet with tears.

“I’m scared,” Karie sobbed.

Roland struggled. “It’s okay… it’s okay. Daddy is here.”

He looked around.

They were in a large garage, the walls were grey and rough. Several guards stood around, watching them closely.

Then he saw her.

“Miss Rose?” Roland whispered in shock.

She was tied to a chair too. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

“Roland…” she sobbed.

“What is happening?” he asked desperately.

Before she could answer, slow footsteps echoed.

A man walked forward. Roland’s eyes widened.

His breath hitched.

It was Liam Sanchez.

He stared at him in disbelief.

“Liam…?” Roland whispered.

Liam smirked.

“Surprised to see me?”

Roland’s eyes stayed fixed on Liam, as if he was looking at a ghost. His heart pounded hard in his chest and his lips parted, but no words came out immediately.

“Liam…?” he said again, his voice low and shaky. “This can’t be real.”

Miss Rose had already seen him earlier, so she wasn’t as shocked as Roland was. Her face was pale, her eyes red and swollen from crying, but she wasn’t surprised. She only looked at him with fear and anger mixed together.

Roland turned to her. “You already know this?” he whispered.

She nodded slowly, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Liam chuckled, folding his arms. 

“Touching reunion,” he said in a mocking tone. “But let’s not waste time here.”

Roland clenched his fists against the ropes. 

“How are you here? You were supposed to be gone. You are still supposed to be behind bars.”

Liam’s smile widened. “That’s the funny part. It’s a mystery,” he said calmly. “One you will never find out.”

Roland shook his head in disbelief. “You’re sick,” he muttered. “You’ve lost your mind.”

Liam ignored him and snapped his fingers.

One of the men stepped forward and handed him a gun with both hands, bowing slightly in respect. Liam took it slowly, weighing it in his hand like it was nothing.

Miss Rose gasped and shook her head violently. 

“Please… don’t…” she begged, her voice breaking.

Roland tried to move closer to the kids. 

“Liam, whatever your problem is, take it out on me. Leave the children alone. They have nothing to do with this.”

Liam laughed. 

“You think you are a hero, Roland. But you're not.”

He lifted the gun slightly and looked around the room.

“After I finish you all off here,” he said casually, “I’ll go after Ashley, Damien, and Jacqueline.”

Roland’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare,” he growled.

Liam’s eyes darkened. “And Karen?” he paused, then smiled slowly. “I’ll save her for last. I’ll do as I please with her before I take her life.”

Miss Rose screamed.

“Don’t touch her!” Roland yelled, struggling hard against the ropes.

Liam raised the gun, pointing it forward.

Roland’s heart dropped.

“End of the road,” Liam said calmly.