In an abandoned, dilapidated house on the outskirts of the city, dim light filtered through cracked windows, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The air was heavy with the scent of mold and dampness, but the atmosphere inside was far darker. The sound of muffled cries and the sharp crack of a whip echoed through the empty rooms.
One of the nurses who had attended to Emma during her stay at the hospital was tied to a chair in the middle of the room. Her face was bloodied and bruised, her body trembling with fear and pain. The men around her showed no mercy, their eyes cold and ruthless.
"Tell us everything you know about the woman who was brought in that night," demanded one of the men, his voice a low growl. He wore a leather jacket and had a scar running down his cheek, adding to his menacing appearance.
The nurse, tears streaming down her face, shook her head weakly. "I don't know anything. Please, I swear, I don't know!"
Another man stepped forward, holding a knife. He leaned in close, his breath hot on her skin. "You're lying. We know she was brought to the hospital. You saw her, you attended to her. Tell us where she is now."
The nurse sobbed, her voice breaking. "She was taken away by the FBI. That's all I know, I swear. They took her, I don't know where."
The man with the scar stood up and pulled out a phone. He dialed a number and waited for the call to connect. When it did, he spoke with a mixture of fear and urgency. "Boss, we found the nurse. She says the woman was taken by the FBI."
The voice on the other end of the line was cold and furious. "The FBI? How did they find her so quickly? She must be found at all costs. Do you understand? She cannot remain in their custody."
"Yes, boss. We'll find her. We'll tie up all loose ends," the man replied, his voice trembling slightly.
"And make sure the nurse doesn't talk. Eliminate her," the boss ordered before abruptly ending the call.
The man put his phone away and nodded to his companions. They understood immediately. Without hesitation, one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at the nurse.
"Please, no! I told you everything I know!" the nurse pleaded, but her cries fell on deaf ears.
A single shot rang out, echoing through the abandoned house. The nurse slumped forward, lifeless, the chair creaking under her weight. The men moved quickly, erasing any evidence of their presence before leaving the scene.
---
Meanwhile, back at John's mansion, Emma and John were oblivious to the sinister events unfolding elsewhere. They were focused on unlocking more of Emma's memories, unaware that danger was closing in on them.
The next morning, Emma felt a growing sense of unease. Despite the progress she was making with her memories and skills, there was a nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that someone was out there searching for her.
"John, I think we need to be careful," she said over breakfast. "I don't know why, but I feel like we're in danger. Like someone is looking for me."
John looked at her with concern. "We've taken all the precautions we can, Emma. The guards are on high alert, and I've contacted some friends in high places to keep an eye out. But we'll be extra vigilant. If you feel something is off, we'll act on it."
Emma nodded, appreciating his support. "Thank you, John. I just hope we're not too late."