Maya was rushing out of the police station, her heart pounding as her shoes clattered loudly against the tiled floor. She could barely focus, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The corridor stretched endlessly before her, every step echoing like a countdown. As she reached the staircase outside the station, her adrenaline surged, her body practically flying down the steps two at a time.
But before she could make it far, a shadow loomed behind her. A hand clamped over her face, muffling her scream before it could even escape her lips. Maya struggled instinctively, her body twisting, ready to fight back, but she was thrown off balance. Her feet slipped on the edge of a step, and she was about to tumble headlong into the void when something cold and unyielding pressed against her back.
The sharp, chilling sensation of a metal rod froze her in place.
"Be quiet," a voice hissed into her ear. The words were barely audible, but the menace behind them was unmistakable. Maya's struggles weakened as drug overtook her. Her vision blurred, her breaths ragged and shallow. And before she could even think of a way to fight back, darkness consumed her. She fell unconscious.
She adjusted the unconscious Maya over her shoulder, her movements calculated and efficient, as though she had done this before. Her eyes darted around the dimly lit parking lot, her senses heightened, ready to act at the slightest sign of trouble. Her car was parked only a few meters away, and the weight of Maya's limp body pressed heavily against her.
As she moved toward the car, she was stopped abruptly by a tall, broad-shouldered officer who had just stepped out of the building. His suspicious eyes scanned the scene, narrowing at the sight of a frail woman carrying an unconscious woman.
"Hey! What are you doing?" he barked, stepping into her path. His hand hovered near his radio as if ready to call for backup.
Her heart raced, but her face betrayed nothing. She adjusted her hold on Maya, forcing a casual smile to her lips. "Ah, officer, no need to worry," she said smoothly, her voice light and disarming. "She's my friend. Had a bit too much to drink tonight, and I'm just helping her to the car."
The officer's gaze didn't waver. "Where are you coming from?" he asked, his tone stern.
"A nearby restaurant," she lied effortlessly, gesturing vaguely toward the street. "It was supposed to be a fun night, but she overdid it. You know how it goes."
The officer stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied Maya's unconscious form. He bent slightly, gently shaking her shoulder. "Hey! Wake up! Do you know this person?" he asked loudly, his voice sharp.
Maya didn't stir. Her head lolled to the side, her breathing shallow but steady.
The officer straightened, his suspicion deepening. "What's your name, miss?" he demanded, his tone hardening.
Her mind raced, but she kept her composure. "My name?" she repeated, feigning confusion.
"Yes! Tell me your name… now," the officer snapped, stepping even closer.
She forced a laugh, though her grip on Maya tightened. "Why do you want to know my name, officer?" she asked, her tone light but with a subtle edge of defiance.
The officer's gaze bore into her. "You look suspicious, that's why. Now tell me your name. Quickly."
She hesitated for the briefest moment before responding.
"Vivian Donovan," she said, her voice steady, almost daring him to question her further.
"And the name of this woman?" the officer pressed, nodding toward Maya.
Vivian hesitated again, just long enough to arouse even more suspicion. "Maya," she said finally.
"Full name?" the officer demanded, his tone sharp.
"Maya…" Vivian started, but before she could finish, the officer's radio crackled, and a voice called out urgently, pulling his attention away.
Vivian seized the opportunity. She adjusted Maya's weight on her shoulder and started walking briskly toward her car, her pulse pounding in her ears. She reached the vehicle, threw open the back door, and dumped Maya onto the seat. Slamming the door shut, she climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine, and sped off.
---
Back at the station, chaos reigned. Sarah Blake paced the room, her mind racing as officers scrambled around her. Max stood near the wall, silent but visibly tense, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
"Yes, ma'am?" A junior officer approached Sarah, his face pale with anxiety.
Sarah turned to him, her eyes blazing. "A fugitive has escaped the station," she snapped. "You were outside. Did you see anyone running out?"
The officer's eyes widened. "No, ma'am," he stammered. "I didn't see anyone running."
Sarah's glare intensified. "Are you sure?" she pressed, her voice cutting through the noise around them.
"Yes, ma'am," he said again, his voice trembling. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he hesitated. "But… I did see a woman carrying another woman out. She said the other was drunk, but…"
"What?" Sarah's voice rose sharply, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "You saw someone carrying another woman? And you didn't stop them?"
"I did, ma'am!" the officer protested, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I stopped them and asked their names."
Sarah's patience was wearing thin. "And? Who were they?"
The officer glanced down at his notes, then back up at Sarah with a look of guilt. "The woman said her name was Vivian Donovan, and the other was… Maya."
"Maya?" Sarah's voice cracked as the name echoed through the room. Gasps rippled through the gathered officers.
Max stiffened, a chill running down his spine. "Vivian," he whispered, his voice barely audible. He exchanged a tense, knowing glance with Sarah.
"You let them go?" Sarah barked, her fury boiling over.
"Ma'am, I… I was going to bring them inside," the officer stammered. "But then you called me on the radio, and—"
"Damn it!" Sarah slammed her hand onto the nearest desk, her frustration spilling over. "Where are they now?"
"They… they drove off, ma'am," the officer admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
Sarah didn't waste another second. "Get the plate number," she ordered sharply. "Alert all nearby stations and roadblocks. Find that car, and stop it. Now!"
The room erupted into action as officers scrambled to follow her orders. Max, unable to contain his anxiety, bolted for the door.
"Where are you going?" Sarah shouted after him.
"To find them," Max called back, his voice grim.
Sarah hesitated for only a moment before motioning to a few other officers. "Go with him," she commanded. Then, turning to the remaining officers, she added, "The rest of you, stay here and keep me updated. We're not letting them disappear."
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