They\u2019re\u2026 here for us, \u2014 she heard behind her.<\/p>\n
The man was standing, leaning against the wall. He looked pale, but his eyes were clear, focused \u2014 the eyes of someone used to danger.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Who are you? \u2014 Natalie whispered.<\/p>\n
He exhaled a heavy breath.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Police. Yesterday I was on an undercover operation. The criminals found me out\u2026 planted explosives. I didn\u2019t want to drag you into this. I\u2019m sorry.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Why didn\u2019t you say so immediately?!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Because\u2026 if they\u2019d detected a 911 call, the ones rushing here wouldn\u2019t have been my team \u2014 it would\u2019ve been them. Last night, I contacted the department through a secure channel. I sent the address. They promised to be here by sunrise. If that\u2019s them \u2014 we\u2019re safe.<\/p>\n
But Natalie looked out the window again \u2014 and her blood ran cold. No one got out of the van. The windows \u2014 fully tinted. The doors \u2014 closed. The vehicle was far too still, far too quiet.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u2014 Are you\u2026 sure it\u2019s your people? \u2014 she mouthed.<\/p>\n
The officer turned even paler.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
And as if hearing his words, the van trembled slightly. The driver\u2019s side window slid down \u2014 just a few centimeters.<\/p>\n
Inside sat special forces officers.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, we\u2019re saved! \u2014 the policeman said with relief.<\/p>\n