23
The wind screamed across the bridge, whipping at clothes and nerves alike. Below, the river roared, black and endless, reflecting shards of city lights. For one suspended heartbeat, no one moved—not Adrian, not Elena, not even the kidnapper. The countdown had ended, and the moment of choice had come.
The kidnapper moved first. A metallic clatter bounced across the concrete—something skittering dangerously close to Elena's feet. Instinct took over. Adrian lunged forward, but the distraction was enough. In a blur of motion, the kidnapper twisted free and ran, boots pounding the bridge as he disappeared into the fog.
Emma clung to Elena's jacket, her small fingers trembling. "Daddy…" she whispered, fear heavy in her voice. Elena's arms tightened around her, shielding her from the chaos ahead.
"He's fast," Adrian muttered, voice tight with frustration, eyes scanning the dark streets. "But we're faster. We can't let him disappear again."
