Third Person’s POV
The people waiting outside Alex’s house had no idea that he and Serene had already left, following the map Nadine had given them. The place was far, so they hurried. Serene led the way, with her husband following closely behind.
After over an hour, they finally arrived and found Enzo. The area was vast, with houses spaced far apart. They were now on the boundary of Lakeesha, three towns away from Ling City, and beyond that was already a different province. Everything-whether houses or establishments-was scattered and distant.
“Where are they?” Serene asked. Enzo stood behind an old waiting shed next to an abandoned outpost.
“35 meters away.” He pointed towards a large house, though it was bungalow-style. The fence surrounding it was low, making it easy to see the yard and the few people there who seemed to be enjoying a party.
“Why are they there? Isn’t that location too open?” Alex asked, confused.
“Maybe that’s exactly what they want-to make people think nothing suspicious is happening inside,” Enzo replied.
“Where’s Princess?” Serene asked.
“On the other side. Your guy was in such a rush to follow them that he dropped his phone, so he couldn’t call you,” Enzo replied, looking at Alex.
Alex narrowed his eyes. “What about you? Why didn’t you call Serene so she could tell me what happened?”
“We were already following them, and I wanted to make sure we had secured the location first.” Alex nodded, then turned to the house, silently praying his parents were alright.
Serene placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We’re going to save them.” Alex nodded back with a small, tense smile. Even though he was certain they would do everything to rescue his parents, he couldn’t shake off the overwhelming fear gnawing at him.
He admitted to himself that he had never felt this terrified. He loved his parents dearly and knew they felt the same for him.
Fear, worry, and anger surged through Alex, tightening his jaw and clenching his fists involuntarily.
“Who’s in the car?” Serene asked Enzo.
“Sacramento’s right-hand man.”
“Are you sure?” Serene’s voice grew more serious, and Enzo nodded.
“Why do you seem so shocked?” Alex asked, sensing her unease.
“If Sacramento is evil, his right-hand man is worse-cruel and without mercy. That’s why, for every important task, Sacramento sends him to do the dirty work.”
“Are you certain, Enzo?” Alex’s voice was now laced with concern, and Enzo nodded again. “And he’s in there right now with my parents?”
Alex tried to rush toward the house as soon as he said that, but the two quickly held him back. “My parents are in there! Along with that heartless man you’re talking about!” Alex said, almost shouting, his voice trembling with frustration and fear.
“We know, but that doesn’t mean we should rush into decisions. We need to think about how to get in there because their open location is also a disadvantage for us. They can easily spot us.” Serene’s voice was filled with impatience and annoyance because of her husband’s outburst.
“Honey, I can’t just stand here and wait for something bad to happen to them,” Alex said, his voice tense.
“I’m not saying we should wait until something happens to Mom and Dad,” Serene quickly replied. “I want to save them even more because I know I’m the one they’re after. I’m the target. So please, listen to me.”
Alex couldn’t say anything. He knew his wife blamed herself for what happened, and he also knew she was right. But as a son, he couldn’t help but worry and be terrified for the safety of the two people who loved both him and his wife-and soon, their baby as well.
“Are you planning on going there, too?” Alex asked after he calmed down, his voice suddenly sharp and concerned. “Oh, please don’t tell me-you’re pregnant, for heaven’s sake!” he exclaimed when Serene didn’t answer right away.
“I can take care of myself and our baby. I promise nothing bad will happen to us.” Serene’s words made Alex close his eyes for a moment. It was only now that the gravity of the situation started to sink in fully. He wanted to save his parents, but he didn’t want to put his wife and soon-to-be baby in danger. Above everything, he knew that they were his priorities.
A few seconds later, Serene received a call that was diverted from Alex’s phone. She answered it and realized it was the general Alex had been speaking to earlier.
Alex took the phone and spoke with the general, sharing their location. He let out a sigh of relief when he learned that the general was calling the chief of Lakeesha to help them.
Serene felt a bit of relief when Alex told her what the general had said. “So, stay here, okay? We’ll handle it from here if anything happens.”
“But-” Serene tried to argue.
“No buts. Just listen to me, honey,” Alex said firmly.
“Yeah, boss, we’ve got help now from the authorities, so there’s no need to worry,” Enzo added, backing Alex up. Serene had no choice but to nod in agreement, though in her heart, she was ready to jump in and help no matter what happened.
They waited in silence for a few moments before the police arrived. They kept everything quiet, making sure their target wouldn’t notice them.
“We’ve been briefed on what we need to do. There will also be officers covering the other side and the back in case anyone tries to escape,” the head of the police team said.
“We have people on the other side too. Can you inform them?” Alex asked.
“Yes, sir,” the officer replied. He immediately radioed his team and began giving orders to his fellow officers.
They were planning a surprise attack while trying to sneak in. The fences were low, and the area was lit up by strong lights around the property, making it easier for them to be spotted.
“Let’s go,” the head officer said as they started moving toward the house.