Chapter 9 The fight
The moment I sent the message to Carson, I knew I had made the right decision. But now, standing in front of Victoria, I realized I might not have enough time.
She was already smiling like she had won. Fred, on the other hand, looked like he was about to throw up. I wanted to believe that he didn’t set me up, but it was too late for that. The fact that Victoria was here, blocking my way, meant that things were already bad and I just had to get out.
But right now, Carson looks like my own route to escape. I know he's dangerous too, but all that matters right now is to get out of this snare of the fowlers.
I decided to see what I can do on my own, so I took a step back, but one of her men moved closer. There were two of them, both standing by the door. I glanced at the other entrance, the one leading to the back of the café. If I could just get past them…
Victoria noticed and let out a wicked smile.
"Thinking of running?"she asked.
I said nothing.
"Annabelle, do you really think you can escape? Where would you even go? Who would help you?"She said again.
I wasn’t going to answer that. The less she knew, the better.
Fred moved closely beside her like trying to tell her something but it wasn't audible and later he spoke out.
"Victoria, maybe we should—"He said, unable to complete the statement before Victoria cuts in.
She raised a hand, cutting him off.
"No, no, no. You don’t get to talk”She said.
“You already failed your part, Fred. You were supposed to keep her close, but now look at where we are. She doesn’t trust you anymore, and guess what? That’s on you."She added.
"What do you even want from me?"I asked.
Victoria sighed, looking at me like I was stupid.
"It’s not about what I want, Annabelle. It’s about what you saw and what you know”She said.
“People like you who don’t know when to stop asking questions, always end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. And guess what?" She said and paused.
"That’s exactly where you are right now."She added.
My heart pounded. I wasn’t going to wait to find out what she planned to do next.
Before she could say another word, I turned and ran.
I pushed a chair in her direction, making her stumble. Then I grabbed a table and knocked it over. A few people in the café screamed.
The distraction was enough. I dashed towards the back door, my heart pounding. If I could just get out, if I could just make it to the street, I might___.
Just as I was still thinking, a hand grabbed my arm strongly.
I started twisting, kicking, trying to break free, but the man holding me was too strong.
"Not so fast," he muttered, yanking me back.
Victoria walked up, dusting off her dress like nothing had happened.
"You never learn, do you?"She said.
I struggled harder, but it was useless.
"You think I came here alone?" she asked.
"Annabelle, I was ready for this. I knew you’d run and try something stupid. That’s why I brought backup."She said again.
I looked around. The two men at the door weren’t the only ones, another one had just entered through the front, blocking the exit.
The café owner was nowhere in sight. A few customers looked scared, but no one moved to help me.
Victoria took a step closer.
"You should’ve just listened to Fred. Now, we have to do things the hard way."She said again.
Where was Carson? I thought to myself.
I had sent the message. He must have been on his way.
Till he comes, I need to stay strong.
"You’re making a mistake."I said to Victoria.
"Oh? And why is that?"She asked.
"Because someone’s coming."I said.
Her smile didn’t fade.
"Oh, I know."She said.
I frowned.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"And that’s exactly what I want."She said.
"You sent him a message, didn’t you? Thought you were being smart? Guess what? We wanted you to. That’s why I let you keep your phone."She said again.
I stared at her, my mind racing.
No. No, this couldn’t be happening.
Carson was walking straight into danger.
I had to stop him.
I tried to move, but the man behind me gave me a look that made me stay.
Victoria sighed.
"Relax, Annabelle. Just enjoy the show. It won’t be long now."She said.
I wasn’t just going to stand here and let this happen, I had to do something. But what?
"Fred," I said quietly.
Victoria noticed.
"Oh, please," she said. "You think he’s going to help you? Fred made his choice. He picked his side. Didn’t you, Fred?"She added.
Fred didn’t answer.
"Fred, you said you wanted to protect me. Prove it."I said.
"Annabelle, don’t—"He said.
"You told me you cared," I pressed. "You told me you weren’t working against me."I pressed further.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Fred, ignore her. She’s trying to mess with your head."She said to him.
Fred let out a deep breath but still said nothing. Then, in a single movement, he turned and grabbed the man holding me—and pushed him backward.
The guy stumbled, caught off guard.
"Fred, what the—"Victoria screamed, shocked at Fred's decision.
But I didn’t wait.
The moment I was free, I moved.
This time, I didn’t aim for the back door—I ran straight ahead and I was faster.
People were walking by, cars were moving—normal life was happening like I wasn’t just inside, fighting for my life.
I didn’t stop. I ran down the sidewalk, dodging people, looking for a way to escape completely.
Then I heard it.
A loud bang and behold The café door had burst open.
It was him
Carson stood there.
Dressed in black.
His eyes looked straight into Victoria's.
And just like that, the whole street went silent.
I became so certain that things were so far from over, because Carson will definitely not go without a fight.