Chapter 257

Howard's POV

Sitting in the taxi, I unconsciously clenched and unclenched my fists,palms already damp with sweat. The cab moved through New York's busy nighttime streets, neon signs and streetlights casting shifting patterns through the windows. The atmosphere inside was tense; even the driver seemed to sense my anxiety, occasionally glancing at me through the rearview mirror-a rare sight for someone who prided himself on maintaining composure in any situation.

When the vehicle suddenly ground to a compete halt two blocks from our destination, my patience reached its limit. The road ahead was completely blocked, cars lined up bumper to bumper, horns blaring in frustration.

"What's happening?" I asked, my voice low as I stared at the flashing warning lights ahead.

The driver shook his head, turning on the radio to find traffic updates."Looks like an accident up ahead. Police are working on it."

"How long until we can get through?" My voice carried an unusual urgency.

"Hard to say, sir," he shrugged. "These situations usually take at least thirty to forty-five minutes."

I quickly calculated the time-Sarah's ultimatum gave us one hour, and twenty minutes had already passed. Every second was precious; I couldn't afford to wait.

"How far is the abandoned factory on Fifth Street from here?" I asked,

already unbuckling my seatbelt.

"About fifteen minutes on foot," the driver replied.

I quickly pulled out my wallet, extracting several large bills and placing them on the front seat. "Thank you, I need to run."

Without waiting for a response, I pushed the door open and plunged into the night.

My leather shoes struck the pavement in a rhythmic pattern as I

unfastened my suit jacket and loosened my tie, running at full speed.Years of morning jogs were paying off, but my heart still raced at an alarming rate-not just from physical exertion, but from the profound

worry about Annie's safety that gripped my core.

Passersby cast surprised glances at the well-dressed man sprinting through the streets, but I had no time for their curiosity. My mind focused on a single goal-finding Annie and ensuring her safety.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Still running, I pulled it out to see Robert's number on the screen. I immediately answered.

"Howard," surprisingly, Sarah's voice came through, unnervingly calm."You soundout of breath. Haven't found Annie yet?"

I slowed slightly, breathing heavily, "Sarah, tell me where Lucy and Brian are."

A soft laugh echoed through the phone. "Asking about the children now?I'm afraid it's too late for Annie,Howard."

"What do you mean?" My voice dropped dangerously low,fingers tightening around the phone. The implication behind her words sent ice

through my veins. "If you harm even a single hair on Lucy's head..."

"Don't threaten me. Howard," Sarah interrupted, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. "I didn't call to give you information. I'm just curious why you didn't go to the old pier in Long Island as instructed?"

I clenched my jaw and continued moving, realizing Sarah's call was likely meant to delay me. "Where are Lucy and Brian?"

"I told you. they're with me," Sarah's voice suddenly sharpened. "Both children are with me! Did you think you could break my rules and get away with it?"

Just as I was about to hang up, I heard a sudden commotion on the other end-sounds of a struggle, objects falling, and muffled shouts. There was no way to know what was happening, but it sounded like Robert might be attempting something desperate.

Then the call abruptly disconnected. My instincts told me the children were likely at the lighthouse keeper's cabin, but I had no time to worry about what might be happening there; Annie needed me now. If Sarah's ominous "too late" meant what I feared, every second counted.

I immediately pocketed my phone and quickened my pace. Robert's message confirmed my suspicions-Sarah wasn't working alone, and Annie might be in even greater danger.

Fifteen minutes of intense running brought me to my destination.The abandoned factory on Fifth Street loomed like a sleeping beast, particularly ominous in the darkness. "Danger, Keep Out" signs hung on the dilapidated walls, but I unhesitatingly climbed over, landing in a cloud of dust.

The factory complex was more extensive than I'd imagined, with several rust-covered buildings scattered across the overgrown grounds. Sarah had specified "the abandoned factory" but hadn't indicated which building.Scanning the area. I decided to start with the main structure.

In the darkness, the factory's silhouette appeared especially eerie, its uneven windowslike lifeless faces silently watching the uninvited visitor.I carefully avoided broken glass and metal debris on the ground,moving swiftly toward the main building.

"Is Annie okay?" I whispered to myself, Sarah's words "too late" echoing in my mind, making my heart sink. I fought to banish the worst scenarios from my thoughts, focusing instead on the search ahead.

Pushing open the heavy metal door. I entered the dark interior. The smell of mold. dust, and damp air hit me immediately. I took out my phone and activated the flashlight, illuminating the corridor ahead. My normally impeccable appearance was now covered in dust, face streaked with sweat,but my gaze remained sharp as a hawk's.

"Annie?" I called softly, my voice echoing through the empty building.No response.

I regulated my breathing and began systematically searching the interior.The first floor was a large production area with machinery covered in thick dust. I quickly moved through,checking every potential hiding place.

The stairs to the second floor were partially collapsed, and I carefully stepped on what appeared to be stable treads. The second floor seemed to have been an office area, with faded safety posters hanging on partition walls and desks and filing cabinets scattered haphazardly.

"Annie!" My calls grew more urgent, but only my echo answered.

A terrifying thought crossed my mind what if Annie wasn't here at all?What if Sarah's instructions were just a ruse to separate Annie and me.leaving us both vulnerable to danger?

Just then, I heard a faint noise, like metal scraping against the floor.coming from a room at the end of the hallway. Immediately alert, I silently approached the source.

When I carefully pushed open the final door, my heart nearly stopped beating.

In the dim room, moonlight streamed through broken windows,illuminating a figure on the bed. Annie lay naked, curled up, with ropes cutting deeply into her wrists and ankles, leaving angry red marks. Her golden hair was disheveled, partially covering her face, and bruises were visible on her body.

A horrifying thought flashed through my mind: "Was Annie raped?" The idea pierced my heart like a sharp knife, making it difficult to breathe,my body rigid with shock.

Sarah's cold words "too late" echoed in my ears as unprecedented rage and fear simultaneously washed over me. I stepped forward, my throat tight with emotion.