Winnie frowned. “Can you guys ask for help from neighboring countries, then?”
“We’ve contacted people in Rodunst, but it will take some time for both parties to go through the procedure. I hope those people can be arrested and brought to justice too! They are simply too outrageous!” Zayn said through gritted teeth and thumped the car hood indignantly.
Winnie’s frown grew deeper.
“What I’m most worried about now is the safety of my granny and Rachel. Under normal circumstances, they would have reached international waters by now. If those people had kept their promise, they should have released my granny and Rachel. But if they don’t keep their word…”
Her voice trailed off.
She was well aware of the possible outcome, but she couldn’t bear to say it out loud.
Sensing her sorrow, Zayn consoled her, “Don’t worry. Our colleagues are heading to the maritime border. If the hostages are released in the open sea, we will immediately initiate search and rescue operation.”
“Thank you! Please feel free to approach me if there’s anything I can help with,” Winnie said. She shook hands with Zayn, then turned around and left.
Right after she was out of Zayn’s sight, she made a call.
The person on the other end of the line answered the call quickly. “What are your orders, Your Majesty? Please use me to your heart’s content!”
Both of them were very close friends, so there was no need for them to exchange pleasantries.
“Help me find a boat.” Winnie went straight to the point. “It’s at the border of the waters of Chanaea and Rodunst, and it’s currently moving at high speed. There are five people on board: three kidnappers and two hostages. The kidnappers are armed with guns and bombs, and the hostages are an elderly woman and a young woman. I need the hostages to come back alive. As for those kidnappers, they don’t deserve to live.”
Lucas, who was the person on the other end of the line, was slightly taken aback. “Wow! A massive operation this time, huh?”
Winnie furrowed her brows. “This is serious, Lucas. I’m not joking with you.”
Lucas hummed in agreement, then continued solemnly, “I just received news that the south dock at Avenport was blown up, and the casualties were quite heavy. Is this the work of those kidnappers you mentioned?”
“Exactly. I almost died. You know what to do.”
“Got it! I promise I’ll find the most ruthless people to handle this matter for you!”
“Lucas, I only need the steadiest ones. One of the hostages is my granny, and I want her to come back unscathed. Money is not an issue. I can afford it no matter the cost.”
“All right. Wait for my news.”
Winnie murmured an acknowledgment before hanging up the phone.
She clutched the phone in her hand and knitted her brows once more.
This country can’t be compared to Epea. Besides Lucas, I don’t have any other useful connections here. Everything is so inconvenient. Damn it!
After composing herself, Winnie went to the ambulance.
Josiah was bandaging the wound on Xavier’s arm.
Stunned by the sight, Winnie asked, “Why are you here, Josiah? Where’s the doctor?”
Josiah didn’t bother to look up as he continued to tend to Xavier’s wound.
“What’s all the fuss about? Am I not a doctor too? There are so many people injured on site. Let’s not waste any medical resources.”
“What about the wound on your back?”
“I’m fine. The injuries on Xavier and I may look terrifying, but it’s not that serious. Besides, we’re young. It will heal in no time.”
Winnie nodded before squatting down in front of Xavier so that she could see his face and he could see hers when he lowered his gaze.
As they locked gazes, Xavier’s eyes were filled with gentleness and warmth. “Have you spoken to Lieutenant Zielinski? How did it go?”
Winnie let out a sigh, but there was unwavering determination in her eyes. “Not that great. I can only depend on myself for the time being!”
Xavier frowned. “What are you going to do, then?”
Winnie could see the worry in his eyes. After pondering for a while, she decided not to tell him the plan she had in mind.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. Let’s see if the police can track their whereabouts first. Anyway, does your wound hurt?”
Xavier smiled faintly. “No. I forgot to tell you that not only is my reaction slower than before, but I’m also not so sensitive to pain. You don’t have to worry at all.”
How can I not be worried if he can’t feel pain where it should hurt?
Winnie didn’t say anything in response. She gently rested her head on his lap instead.
Xavier used his other uninjured hand to stroke the top of her head, his eyes brimming with affection.
Josiah glanced at them as loneliness and envy surged within him. He then quickly bandaged Xavier’s arm.
After a few seconds, he said, “All right, I’m done.”
“Okay. Both of you are hurt. I’ll get someone to send you two back first.” As Winnie spoke, she helped Xavier to his feet.
Xavier glanced at her sideways. “What about you?”
“I’ll stay. What if Granny comes back soon?”
“I’ll stay here with you, then. I’m not leaving.”
“But your injury—”
“It doesn’t matter. Dr. Houghton has already given me the diagnosis, hasn’t he?”
Winnie smiled in resignation. Before she could reply to Xavier, Josiah looked at her and shrugged.
“Don’t look at me. My suggestion is that he should head back and get some rest, but he definitely won’t listen to me.”
Winnie sighed. “You bring him back, then. You’re injured too and need to get some rest.”
“I’m not leaving.” Josiah pushed his glasses up his nose bridge. “Even though I’m injured, I’m still a doctor. They need me here.”
“All right. No one is leaving, then.” Winnie sat down at the side.
However, she was not one who liked to stay idle. After thinking for a moment, she turned to Josiah and continued, “Let me assist you.”
Josiah glanced at Xavier, who had his eyes glued on Winnie, and firmly declined, “I’m good. There are professional nurses over there. You can just stay here with Xavier.”
With that, he carried the first-aid kit and went to another injured person, leaving Winnie and Xavier alone.
As soon as Josiah left, Xavier called out, “Winnie Garland!”
Winnie was stunned. She was not used to him addressing her by her full name out of the blue.
“What is it, Xavier Fairchild!” Winnie responded in the same manner.
Knowing that she was rather irascible, Xavier let out a sigh and asked, “What exactly do you want me to do? Kneel down and beg you?”
“What are you talking about? Are you having a fever?” Winnie was baffled.
As she spoke, she raised her hand to touch his forehead.
Xavier grabbed her hand and stared at her intently. “I don’t have a fever.”
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