**Inspector**
**AN HOUR EARLIER**
I secured a tactical team ready to breach and save Miss Sinclair at my order. I had to get Mrs Mitch and her husband out of harm’s way first.
My mind was whirling as different thoughts were entering and leaving. The most important one was if I would save them in time. The plan was already in motion, it’ll take a while for me to get there. The window is just too little. I needed a contingency plan. I quickly dialed one of my contact’s number. He’ll know what to do if we didn’t get there on time. This way, I could rest easy a little. I still have to hurry. People’s lives depend on it.
**PRESENT TIME**
I rushed towards the burning car. I failed them. I failed. I can only hope my backup didn’t. I prayed and quickly checked the car. There wasn’t a corpse in sight. I fell on my knees exhaling in relief. Something caught my eyes, a man close to the bushes. Our eyes met and he quickly took off.
I engaged in a hot pursuit but he was long gone.
I quickly got my phone out and confirmed. Mr and Mrs Mitch were safe. He got them out in time. Oh my God.
I raked my hands through my hair and moved to phase two of the plan. It’s time to rescue a woman who’s been through hell and back for people who caused her pain. I’m looking forward to meeting her properly. Not using her as bait or feeling extreme pride for taking a leap of faith. Not even meeting her at the hospital after her check up but a proper meeting. It’ll be an honour to see and talk to her. A soul like hers makes me have faith that this world isn’t lost. Annabelle Sinclair is the embodiment of perfection.
“Get me all the teams. Fucking all. We’re raining hell on someone, some people.”
I smiled in satisfaction as they got to work.
“Annabelle.”
I mutter softly chuckling.
**Annabelle**
I whimpered in fright, she carefully brought the knife to my face ripping my skin from my cheeks. I screamed in pain and blood gushed out slowly. She took it away when her phone began ringing.
“Saved by the phone. I’ll be back.”
She placed it down and answered the call. Her countenance changed seconds later, she turned and smacked me across the face hard.
**You better be fucking with me. I want those two dead. Six fucking feet below or else I’ll put a bullet in your skull Renee. **
She spat out and hung up tossing her phone aside before turning to face me.
“I have no idea what sort of good luck seems to be following them but definately not you. I’ll have them killed. It might take longer than expected but trust me, I’ll kill both of them. You on the other hand have no one to save you. No one at all.”
She grimaced and went back to pick up her knife obviously eager to get back to where she stopped.
“Stephanie please.”
I begged as she inches apart. Just then, I heard gun shots coming from outside. The knife slipped from her grip and she panicked.
“What the fuck is Happening!”
She screamed and rushed towards the door. They were getting louder. I heard rushed footsteps and Stephanie seemed genuinely frightened.
“You bitch!”
She screams and quickly brings her gun out pointing it directly at my face.
“You fucking slut!”
She spites out and unties me pointing the gun at my head. The gun shots are closer than ever now. It even feels like they’re right outside.
Seconds later, the door bursts open and men rush in.
“Freeze or I blow her brains out.”
Stephanie says. I sight the inspector and whimper frightened. His eyes rake my body and they are red with pure rage.
“Let her go. You have a long list of crimes. We wouldn’t want to add this murder to it.”
Stephanie cackles and holds me tighter giving me a small opening. He notices me gaze and shakes his head but I’m done feeling defenseless and helpless.
I take a short leap of faith stepping on her foot. Out of shock, the gun slips from her grip. Her head is against the trigger and a shot is fired.
We all hit the ground and time literally stands still.
****