NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: The Consequence
The highway was eerily quiet under the blanket of night, with only the distant hum of passing cars breaking the silence. Maria sat in the passenger seat, her heart pounding as Fredrick kept his eyes on the road. Both were tense, knowing the danger that loomed over them.
"We're almost out of Vancouver," Fredrick said, trying to sound reassuring. "Once we hit the next turn, we're in the clear."
Maria nodded, clutching her seatbelt tightly. "I just hope we can make it before Vincent figures it out."
As if on cue, the sharp screech of tires filled the air. Fredrick glanced in the rearview mirror and froze.
"Damn it!" he cursed. "They're here."
Maria turned, her eyes widening in terror as Vincent's black SUV sped toward them, flanked by two other vehicles.
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The Chase
Fredrick floored the gas pedal, but the SUV was faster. Within seconds, it pulled up alongside them.
"Pull over, Fredrick!" Vincent's voice boomed through a megaphone from the other car.
Fredrick gritted his teeth. "Don't listen to him, Maria. Stay calm."
But Maria's calm shattered as one of the SUVs swerved into their car, forcing Fredrick to lose control. The tires screeched as the car spun off the road, coming to a jarring halt on the shoulder.
Before they could react, Vincent's men surrounded the vehicle.
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The Confrontation
Fredrick stepped out first, raising his hands in surrender. "Vincent, don't do this. Let her go."
Vincent emerged from his SUV, his face a mask of fury. He strode toward Fredrick, a cold menace in his step.
"You thought you could outsmart me, Fredrick?" Vincent said, his voice low but dangerous.
"I was just trying to help her," Fredrick replied, his voice shaking.
Vincent laughed bitterly. "Help her? You think she needs your help? She belongs to me."
Maria stepped out of the car, her hands trembling. "Vincent, please. Don't hurt him. This was my idea."
Vincent turned to her, his eyes narrowing. "Your idea? You're the one who's been testing my patience, Maria. And now, someone has to pay the price."
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The Gunshot
Before Maria could react, Vincent pulled a gun from his jacket and aimed it at Fredrick.
"No!" Maria screamed, stepping between them. "Please, don't do this!"
Vincent grabbed her arm, yanking her back. "Stay out of this, Maria. You need to learn what happens when you cross me."
Fredrick held his ground, his eyes locked on Vincent. "If you want to punish someone, punish me. Leave her out of this."
Vincent's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Gladly."
The gunshot echoed through the night, and Fredrick crumpled to the ground.
Maria fell to her knees beside him, tears streaming down her face. "Fredrick! No!"
Vincent loomed over her, his voice cold. "Let this be a lesson, Maria. The next turn is yours if you dare defy me again."
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The Return
Vincent's men dragged Maria to his SUV, her cries of protest falling on deaf ears. She was shoved into the backseat, her body trembling with fear and grief.
The ride back to Vancouver was silent except for Maria's muffled sobs. Vincent sat beside her, his expression unreadable.
"You brought this on yourself," he said after a while, his tone devoid of emotion. "I warned you, didn't I?"
Maria didn't respond, staring out the window as the city lights came into view.
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The Lock-Up
The SUV pulled up to Vincent's nightclub, and Maria was dragged inside. The music and laughter of the patrons contrasted sharply with the turmoil in her heart.
Vincent led her down a dimly lit hallway to a private room. He opened the door and shoved her inside.
"This is where you'll stay for now," he said, locking the door behind her.
Maria sank to the floor, her mind racing. Fredrick's lifeless face haunted her, and Vincent's words echoed in her ears.
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The Night of Reflection
Alone in the room, Maria tried to make sense of everything. Her parents were gone, Fredrick was dead, and she was trapped once again under Vincent's control.
But as despair threatened to consume her, a flicker of resolve ignited within her.
This isn't over, she thought. I'll find a way out. I have to.
The night stretched on, but Maria's determination only grew stronger. She would not let Vincent win. Not this time.