The sound of police sirens faded as the ambulance pulled up to take the injured officers away. Two of them had been shot during the gunfight, but luckily, they were alive, though hurt pretty badly. Some of Vincent's men didn't make it, their bodies lying lifeless on the ground. The cops managed to catch two of Vincent's guys, and they were quickly taken for questioning.
Detective Harper stood by, looking frustrated. "We've got two of them. That's something. But Vincent's still out there and Bella's still missing," she muttered, her annoyance clear in her voice.
Gabriel and I exchanged worried looks. We had just fought for Bella, but it didn't feel like enough. The night dragged on, and Bella was still out there all alone.
Meanwhile, back at Vincent's place, the kids, Josh and Vanessa, had been sneaking food and juice from their mom's kitchen to help Bella. This time, they had a plan.
Josh tiptoed into the kitchen, making sure to be quiet. Vanessa followed, looking around nervously. They quickly grabbed sandwiches and juice from the fridge. Once they were done, Josh whispered, "Let's go."
They headed down to the basement where Bella was still tied up in the dark. The door creaked when they entered, and Bella looked up, surprised but grateful to see them.
"Here," Josh said, handing her the food. "We brought you something."
Bella smiled weakly as they gave her the food. "You're too nice," she replied softly, her voice tired from not talking for so long. The small kindness from Vincent's kids was a welcome break from her dark surroundings.
Josh, with his bright eyes, sat down next to her. "We're going to play, okay?" he said, taking out a set of colorful building blocks. "Let's make a castle together."
Bella couldn't help but smile. "A castle? I like that idea." She leaned in as the kids untied her and started stacking the blocks, working together to create something special.
They built a tall castle with walls and turrets that reminded Bella of better times. It felt small but like a win. For a moment, she forgot about the danger she was in.
Vanessa looked at her with big eyes. "You said you'd build us a bigger castle when you get back, right?"
Bella hesitated, feeling the weight of her promise, but nodded. "I'll build you a bigger one. I promise."
Josh and Vanessa paused, and for a moment, it felt like they weren't stuck in a dark basement, but in a place where everything was okay. Then Vanessa got serious. "You need to leave soon. Your mom might be looking for you. Dad will be mad when he finds out you're missing. We can help you get out."
Bella's heart raced. "What do you mean? How?"
Josh pointed to a little window near the top of the basement wall. "There's a camera. We can turn it off. We know how."
Vanessa nodded eagerly. "We've seen him do it. We can show you."
Bella felt hopeful. This was her chance to escape. She quickly stood up, brushing off her clothes. "Okay," she whispered. "Show me how."
The kids helped her find the switch that turned off the camera. They didn't ask why she was so desperate; they just wanted to help. Josh, being the older one, led the way, opening a small door that led to the hallway.
"Go," Vanessa urged softly but urgently.
Bella hesitated for a second but took a deep breath and stepped through the door into the hallway leading outside.
The cool air hit her face as she stepped out. She hurried along, her feet on the dirt floor of the old house. Every sound felt loud and made her heart beat very fast. But she pressed on; there was no turning back now.
Once outside in the thick forest, the night air surrounded her. She looked around, noticing the dark trees and thick brush. It felt so confusing and difficult to navigate, but she had to find her way out. She needed to call her mom.
The forest was quiet except for the rustling leaves and noises from birds and wild animals. Bella hurried on, fear eating her away. Time was running out. If Vincent came back and found her gone, things would get bad fast. She had to move.
As she walked deeper into the woods, scanning the darkness, she spotted a small path ahead. She rushed toward it, hoping for something good. When she stepped onto the path, her eyes caught something that made her heart skip.
A phone. An old, cracked phone lay on the ground by a fallen tree. Bella scrambled over, her hands shaking as she picked it up. It was old and dirty, but worked. She quickly dialed her mom's number, praying someone would answer.
The phone rang. Once. Twice.
Then a voice came through. "Hello?"
"Mum," Bella whispered, her voice choked. "Mum, it's me. I'm okay. I'm in the forest. I don't know where, but I need help."
There was a pause, and then her mom's voice filled with relief responded, "Bella? Where are you? Just stay where you are. We're coming for you."
Bella pressed the phone to her ear, finally allowing herself to believe she could make it out alive. She had reached someone. She wasn't alone.
But as she looked around, a gunshot rang out, and men's voices echoed in the distance, getting closer.
Vincent and his crew were coming.
Bella's panicked. She had to move quickly.
"Please hurry, Mum," she whispered urgently. "Please hurry."
Then without hesitation, she hung up and started running.