Chapter 50 Kidnapping
Athena’s mind raced, but her expression remained calm and composed. She knew this situation was getting out of hand. Every word the driver spoke only seemed to dig a deeper hole, and she had to find a way out, or she wouldn’t make it through this alive.
The car jolted back to life, and the driver began speeding toward an unknown destination. Athena forced herself to stay still, pretending to comply with his demands. Inwardly, her mind was running through every possible scenario. The distress message was sent, and if the police were tracking her, they would find her soon. But until then, she had to stay alive and think on her feet.
As they drove down the deserted road, Athena’s eyes darted around, looking for any opportunity. She noted the trees lining the side of the road, the occasional building, and the lack of vehicles. They were far from any populated area, and it was clear that wherever they were heading, there was no one to help her.
She breathed steadily, trying to ignore the searing pain in her abdomen from the earlier jolt. Her only focus now was on getting through this. She had to remain calm.
A few minutes passed in tense silence before Athena spoke again, her voice low but steady. “You think you’re going to get away with this, don’t you?”
The driver laughed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. “You’re in no position to make threats, Miss Newton.”
Athena’s mind worked furiously. Arlan, this driver, they were all part of a bigger game, one she couldn’t afford to lose. But she also knew she had to outsmart them if she was going to make it through this.
With a quiet, calculating breath, she made a move. “Arlan has a lot of people who owe him,” Athena said softly, her eyes narrowing. “But I’m not just anyone. I know things about him that could make your life hell, driver.”
For a moment, the driver didn’t react. His eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, and Athena seized on his hesitation.
“I know who Arlan’s associates are. I know where the bodies are buried,” she continued, her voice unwavering. “You may think you’re doing him a favor, but if you help me, I can make sure you stay out of this mess.”
The car sped on, but Athena’s words had the desired effect. The driver hesitated again, and she could feel the tension in the air. He was starting to doubt himself.
“You think I’m afraid of a threat?” he sneered. “You’re wasting your breath.”
Athena’s gaze hardened. “I’m not threatening you, I’m offering you a way out. Keep pushing me, and you might find yourself in more trouble than you can handle. Do you really want to throw your life away for someone like Arlan?”
There was silence in the car, the only sound the tires crunching against the road. Athena’s heart was pounding, but she kept her face neutral, waiting for the driver’s response.
Finally, the driver swore under his breath and slammed his hand against the steering wheel. “I don’t know what your game is, but you’re not going to talk your way out of this.”
But Athena could see the crack in his resolve, and that was enough. She just had to keep him on edge, keep him doubting his decision.
“I’m just trying to help you,” she said, her voice calm. “But I guess you’ll find out soon enough what happens when you’re loyal to the wrong person.”
The car took another sharp turn, and Athena’s mind raced. She had no more time to waste. The moment they reached wherever they were going, she’d have to act. She had no idea what Arlan planned for her, but she had a plan of her own now.
The stakes were high, but Athena was used to playing a dangerous game. And this time, she was going to win.