"Mignonne, have I told you you've changed a lot? If you were this wise back when we were together, I'm sure I would have never broken up with you." Every time Gerard brought this up, he felt intense regret. As a proud man, he knew better than to entangle himself in pursuing Leena again. He came to S City to find an answer for his restless heart and just as he had guessed, the situation between them was irreparable. He only hoped he could spend time with Leena as a friend over the next few days. It would serve as a remedy for his broken heart.
"So, you regret it now? I am grateful that you let me go. Because of it, I found the person with whom I want to spend the rest of my life." She told herself not to look at Kevin and Daisy umpteen times, but couldn't help herself. This time when her eyes wandered back to their seat, they were gone. She stood up in alarm, her eyes abruptly searching for them.
What are you looking at? Are you searching for someone?" Gerard asked, standing up in confusion as well. He noticed that she kept looking in one direction, but he found nothing unusual when he followed her gaze. Previously, he had seen a passionate couple occupying a table there, but such intimacy was common in the western world. Leena herself should know, as she had lived in France for a long time. How was she still bothered by it?
"Nope. Let's sit. I saw something but it must have been my imagination. It's probably because I feel a little dizzy," Leena said, patting her hair nervously. That must be it. In any case, Kevin and Daisy were not supposed to be so snug and intimate. In actuality, the criminals had left, so Kevin and Daisy followed them. That was the reason why Leena couldn't spot them anymore.
Still keeping up the ruse of being a couple, Kevin and Daisy stalked the criminals from a distance and made sure they weren't discovered. They took the elevator and got to the floor where the criminals stayed. Straightaway, the culprits caught sight of them and raised their guns. Kevin and Daisy found themselves in a sudden encounter. Fortunately, they had prepared in advance for such a scenario. The innocents staying on the same floor had been relocated to a safer place earlier. At least Kevin and Daisy didn't have to worry about hurting them.
Who the hell are you? Cops or agents?" One of the criminals asked with an authentic English accent. None of them had the guts to shoot as the noise would attract more attention. Their smuggled goods were still in the room.
Neither," Kevin responded as he pushed back one of the culprits. He didn't hesitate before punching him in the jaw. Kevin had the strength and wits of a true soldier.
"Shit! Who ARE you guys?!" The man asked, wiping the blood from his mouth. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen the fist coming. How did he not have the upper hand here?
"I'll answer that question after we take you all down," Kevin said with confidence. He held his head high like the proud Major General he was.
Huh! Even the trash from ICPO could do nothing to us. And you think you two can bring us down? What a joke!" In the narrow hallway, the two sides came to blows, fighting fiercely for life and death.
Meanwhile, Leena went upstairs with Gerard. They reached the stairway where the fight was happening. Caught unawares, Leena was hit and seized by a man.
Who are you? Get your hands off her! Take me instead!" Gerard shouted in panic. The gunman held his weapon to Leena's head. Gerard dared not step forward in case the criminal pulled the trigger in desperation.
Back off! Or I'll shoot her," The criminal shouted, seemingly nervous. His eyes flitted from side to side and flashed with ferocity.
Leena went blank for several moments. She was so terrified that she couldn't think. Never in her life had she expected to be the victim in such an encounter.
Leena! Why are you here?!" Kevin, who had followed the criminal to the staircase, yelled in astonishment once he saw Leena. The gunman took the opportunity and turned to shoot him. Mercifully, Kevin was swift enough to leap aside and avoided the bullet.
Kevin, are you all right?" Leena squeaked, recovering quickly. Her heart drummed loudly watching Kevin almost get shot. "I'm fine, Nana. Don't worry about me! I'm going to get you out of here!" Kevin called out, frowning. 'This is a set-up, isn't it? Why are there innocent people in the corridor? Why is my wife here!' Kevin asked himself in alarm.
Yes. Yes, I trust you," Leena replied back with a relieved smile. Now she was sure that what she had seen back at the restaurant was not real. Kevin and Daisy were on a secret assignment. Thank goodness she hadn't said hello to Kevin back there, or it would have been disastrous. However, looking at their current situation, she had still managed to become a burden to him.
Leena, what are you doing here?" Daisy asked, her eyes wide. It shocked her to see Leena in the culprit's grip. Daisy's trepidation grew. The criminal who seized Leena was probably the best of the lot. He already got away from the fight once.
"Daisy!" Leena addressed her, but her voice held no panic from before. She knew she would be fine as long as Kevin and Daisy were here.
"You back off! Step two meters away," the criminal shouted, poking the gun against Leena's head. He seemed frantic, like he could kill Leena any moment now.
"Okay. We will back off. Just don't hurt her," Kevin said quietly and stepped backward. Daisy followed his move. Kevin pulled Gerard back, who had been rooted to the spot in fear.
"What happened? I thought they had stopped others from walking around on this floor? Why is Leena here?" Daisy whispered. If something bad were to happen to Leena, she wouldn't know how to forgive herself. More importantly, how would Edward handle something like that? He would be shattered. Daisy could tell how much he loved the girl. "I have no idea. Maybe they are too careless! What about the others? Have they been caught?" Kevin asked. His eyes didn't move from Leena.
"Well! We've got Hawkeye and others keeping an eye on them. I was worried you wouldn't be able to cope with this one all by yourself, so I followed you here. But I didn't expect this," Daisy said as she perused her surroundings stealthily. She tried to find the best corner to snipe at the gunman.
Any good position?" Kevin asked her quietly. He had coordinated with Daisy for many years so he could tell what she was thinking.
"Honestly, no. We are in a dead corner, so we have zero chance. Let's play it by ear," Daisy replied, frowning. She had carried out lots of missions in the past but never before had she been so flustered.
What are you two discussing? No talking or I shoot her!" The criminal announced. His eyes shone fiercely as he held Leena tightly. Leena winced in pain but made no noise. She didn't want Kevin to worry about her.
"As far as I know, you are a veteran! Do you consider it manly behavior to take a vulnerable girl hostage?" Kevin goaded him promptly. He was worried sick and on edge, but he pretended to keep his cool. The more dangerous the situation was, the better it would be for him to be of sound mind.
"You sound like you already have all the information on us. No wonder you found us so fast," the criminal countered back, feeling agitated. Their gang arrived in S City only today. How could these guys be so quick in gathering intel and taking all the necessary precautions? It seemed these two knew the gang too well.