When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 143

The police tried to hold Nelly back. There was no time to plan. Letting her leave with the kidnapper now was dangerous, maybe even reckless, but Nelly’s mind was made up. She fixed her gaze on Brody, her eyes sharp and fierce, almost like she was ready to fight.

“I have to go,” she said. “I trust the police. I’ll stay close to Carrie, and I’ll wait for my chance.”

She was so determined that the officers couldn’t do anything but give in, even though it was a huge risk. Hank wasn’t about to wait around. He barked out another warning.

“I’m counting down from two minutes. If the car isn’t here, your daughter dies first!”

Nelly’s heart jumped into her throat, but Brody still wouldn’t let go of her arm.

“Let go,” she demanded.

“It’s too dangerous,” he said, his voice steady but desperate. “Le me go instead.”

Brody spoke slowly, every word heavy with emotion. He knew he was acting on impulse, but he couldn’t help himself.

“I’m going to trade myself for Sheila. For the woman you love. Can you really stand to see her in danger?”

Nelly shook him off, her voice firm. “I’m going to save Sheila, your girlfriend. What about you? Are you really okay with her being in danger?”

She pulled his hand off her arm, her words cutting. That’s when she noticed the bruises and blood on Brody’s face and arms. He must have fought hard to get here. The man who always seemed untouchable was just as frantic as anyone else when someone he cared about was threatened.

“Is this really the time for this?” Brody muttered.

“Brody, whatever is going on between you and Sheila isn’t my problem. But if you keep getting in my way, trying to stop me from saving my daughter…I swear, I won’t forgive you.”

Her words were ice cold, each one hitting Brody right where it hurt. There was nothing soft or hopeful in her eyes, only anger and resolve. Even Brody seemed to flinch at the look she gave him.

As soon as she spoke, Hank pressed the knife to her neck, the gun digging into her temple. He kept his eyes fixed on the dark road ahead. He grabbed his phone and made Nelly call Brody, ordering the police to stop following or he’d shoot her first. With two hostages and an unstable kidnapper, the police had no choice. They backed off.

Nelly kept driving, pushed to her limit. Hank knew the area well and told her to take one deserted road after another, weaving through back alleys until they lost all sign of the cops.

“We’ve ditched the police. Find somewhere safe to stop. You can take the money and go,” she said, trying to sound calm.

“Do you think I’m stupid? The whole city’s locked down. I’ll never get away,” Hank snapped. He grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking so hard she almost lost control of the car.

“Then what do you want?” Nelly gritted out.

“Keep driving. Take me to the border and I’ll let your daughter go. I give you my word.”

He might let her daughter go, but Nelly knew what that meant for her. That was Hank’s deal with Selina. Nelly had made trouble for his daughter and was standing in the way of Sheila’s happiness. “The border… we can’t drive that long…” Nelly whispered, dread settling in her chest.