Jim and I arrived at the abandoned building before the police did.
As soon as the car stopped, Jim parked farther away from the entrance to avoid drawing attention.
"Sir, should we wait for the police first?" he asked cautiously.
I glanced toward the dark building ahead before opening the car door.
"I can’t wait."
"Sir, it’s too dangerous—"
I didn’t let him finish.
I was already walking toward the building.
How was I supposed to wait any longer when I had no idea what situation Alicia was in right now?
Every second that passed made the fear inside me grow worse.
What if I was already too late?
The thought alone made my chest tighten violently.
I moved quietly through the abandoned building, my footsteps echoing faintly in the darkness.
The air smelled damp and rotten.
Then, as I approached one of the rooms deeper inside, I suddenly heard voices.
"...such a waste getting rid of her."
"Yeah. She’s actually pretty."
"Let’s have some fun first—"
My expression darkened instantly.
Get rid of her?
Rage exploded through me.
Without thinking, I kicked the door open violently.
Bang!
The scene inside instantly sent my fury spiraling out of control.
Alicia was lying on the floor covered in blood.
Her face was swollen badly, blood staining her skin and clothes while three men surrounded her.
One of them was gripping the hem of her blouse, clearly trying to tear it open.
My mind went blank.
I strode forward and yanked him away from her violently, throwing him backward.
"What the fuc—"
The man stopped mid-curse the moment he recognized me.
His face turned pale instantly.
The other two immediately stepped forward warily.
"How did you get in here?" one of them snapped nervously.
For a moment, it looked like they were about to attack me.
Then suddenly—
Police sirens echoed loudly from outside the building.
"The police are here!"
Panic spread across their faces immediately.
Before I could stop them, all three turned and ran toward the back exit in chaos.
I didn’t even bother chasing after them.
The moment they disappeared, I dropped to Alicia’s side.
"Alicia."
My hands trembled slightly as I untied the ropes binding her wrists.
When I saw the injuries on her face clearly up close, my breathing nearly stopped.
An unbearable pain struck my chest instantly.
I carefully lifted her into my arms.
She felt frighteningly cold.
"Let’s go," I said hoarsely. "I’m taking you to the hospital."
Her fingers weakly grabbed onto my sleeve.
Her eyes struggled to stay open as she looked at me.
"Hurry..." she whispered weakly. "My ba..."
Her voice faded before I could hear the rest clearly.
Fear gripped me instantly.
"Alicia."
I carried her out of the building quickly while police vehicles screeched to a halt outside. Officers rushed past us toward the building as another car engine suddenly roared somewhere behind the property.
The police immediately gave chase.
But my attention remained completely fixed on Alicia.
I carefully carried her into the car.
"To the hospital. Now."
Jim immediately started the engine.
Alicia’s eyes were slowly closing in my arms.
Panic surged through me.
"Don’t close your eyes," I said quickly, holding her tighter. "Just stay awake a little longer. Please."
My heartbeat pounded violently the entire drive.

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