Rewrite the Apocalypse dream (by Dee Cari) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Jake it looks like your luck is finally changing

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They hurried over to the van, escaping the torrential downpour. Joanna climbed into the driver’s seat while Jake helped Raven into the back, wrapping her in one of the spare blankets before sliding into the passenger seat beside Joanna. “My name is Joanna Harington by the way, buckle up.” She threw the van into gear, navigating out of the dark, shadowed alleyway and onto the neon-blurred streets of Felton.

As the heater began to blast warm air into the cabin, Jake ran a hand through his wet hair, letting out a ragged sigh.

“They nearly got her last week, too,” Jake explained, staring fixedly out the side window as the city lights flashed across his sharp face. “A group of professional kidnappers cornered her near a park. Luckily, I was close enough to intervene and rescue her. I thought I handled it, but clearly, they didn’t give up.”

Joanna kept her eyes on the road, listening intently. “Oh, I thought they were human traffickers but they were specifically after your sister. Why are they targeting her so aggressively?”

“We moved to Felton recently,” Jake said, his jaw tightening. “I inherited a substantial amount of family money, and word must have gotten out to the wrong people. These kidnappers aren’t looking for a random victim-they are after the inheritance money. They want a massive ransom payout. Ever since we arrived, we’ve been lying low, changing locations, and trying to stay off their grid. But they found our trail tonight.”

Joanna nodded silently, her mind already calculating the value of a heavily muscular, protective ally with significant financial resources for the impending apocalypse. “Where are you two staying right now? I can drop you off safely.”

“The Grand Regent Plaza,” Jake replied, leaning his head back against the headrest with a weary sigh. “It’s a high-end place down the avenue. I figured the heavy hotel security would keep them away, but now I realize they were just playing the long game-sitting outside, waiting until we stepped foot off the property. Tonight I just wanted to buy some clothes for my sister, but the bastards trailed us all the way to the mall. We spotted them, hid inside, and thought we could slip out safely through the back alley service door. I had no idea they had guys posted back there, too.”

Joanna’s eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. A slow, knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Well, Jake,” Joanna said, turning the steering wheel to guide the van back toward the familiar route. “It looks like your luck is finally changing. That’s the exact same hotel I’m staying in. Let’s go home.”

The rain was still hammering against the windshield when Joanna pulled the rented van into the dry, brightly lit underground parking garage of the Grand Regent Plaza. She guided the

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Chapter 38 Jake it looks like your luck is finally changing

vehicle to the secure guest elevators and cut the engine.

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Jake unbuckled his seatbelt, turning to look at his sister, who was fast asleep under the heavy utility blanket in the back. The sheer exhaustion of the night had completely taken over her small frame.

“We’re safe for the moment,” Joanna said, turning in her seat to face him. “But those guys out there aren’t going to just give up. If they tracked you to the mall, they know you’re staying here. The lobby might have cameras, but garages and side doors have blind spots.”

Jake’s jaw tightened as he glanced toward the elevators. “I know. The hotel has heavy security, but after what happened in that alley, I don’t trust a single open space in this city. I can’t let Raven out of my sight.” He paused, looking directly at Joanna, his dark eyes filled with an unfamiliar vulnerability. “Look, you risked your life for us back there. And honestly, I don’t think I can clear our floor safely while carrying her alone. Come up with us. At least let me make sure the suite is clear, and I can give you a proper thank you.”

“Lead the way,” Joanna agreed smoothly.

Jake gently scooped an eleven-year-old Raven into his massive arms, ensuring she stayed wrapped tightly in the blanket. Joanna followed him closely, keeping her hand casually tucked inside her jacket pocket ready to pull out a knife from her storage space if needed, scanning the concrete pillars as they walked to the elevator bank.

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