Time passed slowly. It had only been five minutes since Albert took Janine to the room, but it felt like centuries for
Zephyr and Cordelia.
Meanwhile, the authorities arrived and quickly informed the family about the situation.
“The criminal has tied the hostage near the window. He’s armed with a gun and a dagger, so we can’t charge in
recklessly,” one officer reported.
Concerned, Cordelia asked, “Doesn’t the room have a good view?”
“Yes, but…” The officer hesitated. “He’s cunning to have placed Ms. Janine near the window. She can be easily
harmed if our snipers open fire from the building across.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDesperate, Cordelia couldn’t hold back her tears any longer.
Zephyr tried to remain composed, but his mother’s life was at risk, making it impossible to stay completely calm.
In an attempt to take action, he reached for a gun from one of the bodyguards, his rage evident.
“Calm down, Zen!” Cordelia pressed his hand down, her eyes filled with worry for Janine.
“Let me handle this, dad,” Zuko said, stepping forward. “You and mom should step back. I’ll handle it.”
Lina swiftly obtained the hotel’s floor plan, spreading the thick stack before her. She intently studied the building’s
structure, sweat forming on her forehead while her heart pounded. Her goal was to find the best strategy amid the
complex data and lines.
Zuko joined her, and they marked the paper with a pencil, discussing possible approaches.
“This location… And this one…”
“Zuko, the direction from across the building seems promising!”
“Unfortunately, it’s too far away…”
“Brother, Pammy!” Toph rushed downstairs, feeling someone following him. “It doesn’t matter how far they are!
Look who I brought!”
Everyone turned their heads in the direction of his voice.
They saw Toph’s relieved smile as he was accompanied by a person dressed in black, wearing heavy army boots
and a bulletproof vest with his name on it.
The Tac-50 sniper gun he held was strikingly eye-catching.
Lifting his cap, the man revealed a handsome face and smirked playfully.
Zephyr was taken aback and called out in surprise, “Chris? Is that you?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“Uncle Zephy, Aunt Cordelia!” Chris greeted them, “I’m back.”
Cordelia’s lips quivered as she tried to speak, feeling choked with emotions.
Zuko approached and patted Chris’ shoulder. “We heard you’d be coming home this time, but we never expected to
meet under these circumstances!”
“I arrived in Centrolis yesterday.” Chris explained, “I planned to attend the event but overslept. When I woke up, I
saw Toph’s missed call and learned about what happened!”
He reassured them while holding the gun, “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely save Grandma Janine!”
With Chris by their side, Zephyr and Cordelia felt a glimmer of comfort.
–
As the evening sky darkened, the fog began to set in, making it harder to see.