Episode Six
The cacophony of blaring fire trucks and sirens from a military convoy engulfed the major roads, creating a sense of pandemonium. Thick, black smoke seized Cindy's consciousness, disorienting her. Edward, despite his reluctance, held strong, resisting the intense heat that threatened to consume them.
The inferno raged on, burning down all the doors covering the building, rendering the entrance impossible. The two were trapped, surrounded by flames that seemed to close in on them from all sides. Just as all hope seemed lost, Josean's League drove back, after seeing the success of their hard work.
As they fled the scene, the fire trucks arrived, their sirens piercing the air. Firefighters leapt into action, unleashing powerful jets of water to combat the blaze. The efforts to extinguish the fire were valiant, but the damage had already been done.
Sheriff Agent Brian Elder's voice crackled over the radio, "Hello, this is Sheriff Agent Brian Elder speaking. We have two victims from the attack, and we need medical assistance ASAP." Four officers rushed to the scene, conveying the unconscious victims to safety.
One hour later, Cindy's eyes flickered open, her gaze gradual and disoriented. "Hmm," she murmured, her voice barely audible. As she struggled to regain consciousness, the events of the past hour remained a blur, but the pain and the fear were all too real.
Cindy's eyelids fluttered open, and she was met with the warm, relieved smile of Edward. "You're awake. Thank God," he whispered, his palm clutching hers in a gentle yet firm grasp.
"You saved us, Edward," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Edward's eyes clouded for a moment before he replied, "I didn't. Destiny did."
The sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance, growing louder with each passing second. Cindy's body flinched, her heart racing as she noticed the visitor. "Dad, I can ex—" she began, but her words were cut off.
Don Emilio's face twisted in a mixture of anger and disappointment. "No, it's too late, Cindy. It's all over the news. The cops will swarm in soon. We'll have to pay protection money for the foolish thing you caused."
Cindy's breaths came in short, panicked gasps. She stretched her face towards her father, her eyes pleading for understanding, but all hope seemed lost. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "At least you might want to hear me out, Eric—"
Don Emilio's expression turned even darker. "Who cares what the kid is going through? You've brought shame to the Cruise name. You've destroyed our reputation, making us look weak to those Montenegros. You're no longer my daughter..." His words trailed off, but the venom in his tone lingered.
Edward's grip on Cindy's hand tightened, a silent show of support. "Don Emilio, that's enough," he said firmly, his voice a calm counterpoint to Don Emilio's rage.
Don Emilio's eyes flashed with anger. "Stay out of this, young man."
The door slammed shut, and Cindy felt a wave of despair wash over her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she turned to Edward. "Edward, what will I do now?" she whispered, her voice cracking.
Edward's expression softened, and he offered a gentle smile. "After you're discharged, we can go to my house, okay?"
Cindy's eyes widened, uncertainty etched on her face. "What if they don't welcome me? I just needed to help."
Edward's grip on her hand tightened reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll convince them. We'll figure it out together."
The sound of gunfire erupted outside, shattering the fragile sense of calm. "Shit, they're here again," Edward muttered, swiftly disconnecting the drip and mask from Cindy.
He lifted her into a wheelchair, his movements swift and efficient. The elevator doors slid open, and Edward pushed Cindy inside, his eyes scanning the surroundings as the doors closed behind them.
As they descended, Cindy felt a sense of unease building in her chest. The sound of gunfire grew louder, and she knew they were running out of time.
The elevator doors opened, and Edward pushed Cindy out into the hallway. He swiftly moved her behind a nearby wall, his eyes fixed on the stairs as the Josean hitmen emerged, their guns drawn.
Edward's hand closed around the grip of his revolver, his eyes locked on the hitmen. A struggle ensued, and Cindy watched in horror as Edward fought to drag the gun from one of the hitmen.
Just as it seemed Edward would emerge victorious, a gunshot rang out, and blood splattered the surrounding environment. Cindy's scream was lost in the chaos, her heart racing with fear.