(Zane POV)
I don't even know what came in me to follow this guy all the way to his home because as I was trying to drive cautiously and maintain my car's distance from him so he wouldn't think that somebody's stalking him, I noticed that this is quite far from civilization already. Who would like to live in these areas? No offense!
I was following his car when an old abandoned basement came into the view. Is this where he lives? What the hell is he doing here?
I stopped and backed my car off a little bit near the bushes so it would be hidden from his sight. He parked his car near the basement before getting out with the steel chains and padlock he bought. He went to the basement doors before binding the two knobs with chains and sealing them with a padlock.
What is that for?
Suddenly, I heard screaming.
"Help! Help me! Someone please!" A lady's voice called.
"Scream as much as you want, lady! No one will ever hear you."
What on earth did he just say? What have I gotten myself into this time? Maybe this is my chance to do something cowardly or courageous with my advantage. I got inside the car and fastened my seatbelt.
Alright, here it goes, no more backing down now.
I over revved the car in his direction and the moment he saw that he was going to be run over, he looked like a deer caught in headlights…literally. I ran him over flat followed by a huge and intense thud on my car. I quickly went out to check the basement but it was locked already. However, I saw the bolt cutter that he has in the trunk of his car. I retrieved it to cut the binding metal around the knob. As soon as it was cut loose and it dropped on the ground, I made my way inside to see the hostage.
To my huge surprise, it was actually Eloise tied up like a dog and there's a bomb attached to the metal post she was tied to.
"Zane!!" She exclaimed. "Help me!"
I ran to her so I can cut the chain and untie the knot of the rope around her wrists. As soon as she was set free, I tried guiding her to stand and I saw that we only have two minutes left before the bomb explodes.
"Eloise, listen, can you walk?"
"I don't think so." She cried.
"We're running out of time. Hop on." I said as I squat down so I can lift her off the ground and carry her on my back all the way to my car. Once I managed to keep my balance, I ran as fast as I can so I can get her out of here already. As soon as I placed her on the backseat and I settled myself on the driver's seat, I made haste in driving away.
Once we were far enough, we heard the hellacious sound of the explosion from behind and we even felt the slight tremble of the car. Who would do such a thing?
"Thank you, Zane! Orville's really lucky to have you." She burst out in tears.
"Eloise, who did this to you? Do you have an idea?"
"Ari, my traitor friend who's obsessed with Orville. You have to find a way to stop her."
"But I don't even know her." I said.
"She's my friend who previously had a fling with Orville, long before he met you. Orville needs to know about this. She has to be stopped. I don't want my children to die." She sobbed.
"Don't worry, she won't succeed." I said.
--
(Orville POV)
Gillian and I are drinking coffee at Starbucks when my phone began ringing. I saw that it was Zane who's calling.
"Hey Zane!"
"Orville, it's me, Eloise!"
"Eloise!!" I said which alerted Gillian.
"It's Ari!"
"What?"
"It's Ari! She's the one who held me captive for so long."
"Who? Who held you what?" I asked due to having a weak signal.
"Ari held me captive for so long and she tried to kill me. Now, she's after the kids!!"
"What? Are you sure?"
"Yes! Zane was the one who saved me!" She hurled in the phone.
I couldn't even process what's happening because it's all so fast. First of all, why is Ari doing this? Second, how did Zane discover where she is? Third, is she somewhere safe right now?
"Orville, what is she saying? I want to talk to her." Gillian said.
"Are you safe right now, Eloise?"
"Yes, I'm in Zane's apartment. He's going to bring the kids here as well to keep them safe."
"Alright, good! We're on our way there. Lock the door and make sure not to let anyone in." I said.
I hung up before fixing myself.
"It's Ari, she's the cause of all this. Come on, let's go to Eloise. I know where Zane's apartment is."
Gillian and I rushed out of the coffee shop and I drove as fast as I can to get to her as soon as possible. I just hope Zane and the kids are okay right now.