The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Little Crow ruffled its feathers anxiously. “There’s a woman tied up down in the basement, with a rag shoved in her mouth. She keeps whimpering softly.” Thanks to its keen night vision, the little bird could see every detail in the pitch-black cellar below.

Nina’s skin prickled as a chill ran down her spine, and she clutched Simon’s arm tightly. “Simon, Little Crow just said the killer is in the basement… and there’s a woman tied up there too!”

Simon’s body stiffened instantly. “Do you think he’s caught someone new? Maybe he’s about to do something awful to her?”

A cold wave washed over Nina’s hands and feet, making them feel numb. “He can’t be serious… not planning to kill her right now, is he?”

Little Crow’s voice was grim. “Most likely. I just caught a glimpse of him through a crack in the basement window. He’s sharpening a knife.”

Nina had hoped to confirm the head’s presence in the basement before alerting the police, but fate was not on their side tonight. They were about to walk right into the killer’s lair, where he was holding another victim captive, preparing to commit a terrible act.

Her whole body went numb with dread. “Simon, what do we do? If we call the police now, they might not arrive in time.”

Simon’s jaw clenched tightly. “We call them. Then we let Little Crow lead us to a spot near the basement where we can keep watch. If the killer makes a move, I’ll do everything I can to stop him.”

Nina nodded, worry flickering in her eyes as she thought about Simon’s safety. The tension in the air was thick, but they had no choice.

Following Little Crow’s lead, Nina quietly dialed the tip line connected to the reward. Her voice barely rose above a whisper as she spoke, “Hello, I found Zoey’s head. I know where the killer is hiding. He has another victim, and it looks like he’s about to kill her. The address is…”

The operator responded immediately, promising to dispatch officers right away.

As they neared the basement, Simon spotted a rusty steel pipe lying nearby among the debris of the abandoned property. He grabbed it, gripping it tightly as a makeshift weapon.

Their hearts pounded loudly in their chests as the two of them—along with Little Crow—crept toward the basement entrance. The air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to hide danger.

Little Crow slipped its small body into an air vent to scout ahead. Moments later, it burst out, wings flapping wildly as it cawed urgently, “Guys, trouble! The killer just splashed water on the woman who’d passed out. Now he’s reaching for the knife!”

Nina’s voice trembled as she passed on the warning. Simon sprang into action, holding the pipe firmly. He planted his boot hard against the doorframe and kicked with all his strength. The rotten wood shattered, splinters flying in every direction.

“Police! Don’t move!” Simon shouted, his voice echoing through the basement.

The sudden chaos froze the killer in place, his hands trembling as the knife slipped from his grasp and clattered onto the floor.

Nina handed her a tissue. “It’s okay. My brother’s a cop. We’ve already called the police.” She softly patted Amber’s back, trying to soothe her like a frightened animal.

Amber took the tissue and wiped her tears, but her sobs continued. After a moment, she gripped Nina’s arm tightly. “Can I borrow your phone? I need to make a call.”

Nina unlocked her phone and passed it over.

Amber dialed quickly, and a voice answered immediately. Nina heard a man and a woman speaking, guessing they were Amber’s parents. “Amber, where are you? Are you okay? Are you in trouble?” The concern in their voices was raw and urgent.

Amber’s eyes were red and swollen. Her voice trembled with pain. “Mom, Dad, the killer grabbed me. Please, come get me. I’m so scared.”

The man’s voice rose in alarm. “Were you kidnapped? How much do they want for ransom? I’ll bring it right away!”

“No, it’s not like that,” Amber said quickly. “A cop and a girl just rescued me. Please come get me now!” She looked up at Nina, her voice still shaking. “Where exactly are we?”

Nina gave the address without hesitation, hoping help would arrive before it was too late.