It was Claire's number. Alex was overjoyed and immediately pressed the answer button.
"Claire, where are you now?"
"Why aren't you answering my questions? Are you okay?"
Alex spoke several sentences in a row, but all he heard were noisy sounds coming from the other end of the line. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Claire? Hello, are you okay?"
"Huh, Alex, it seems like you're very nervous!" A hoarse male voice sounded, and the corner of Cole's mouth lifted into a mocking smile.
Alex's heart pounded fiercely, and his hand holding the phone began to sweat.
"Who are you, and what is your purpose?"
"You're asking about Claire?"
The voice on the other end took a deep breath, trying to keep it steady and cold. "It doesn't matter who I am. All you need to know is that she's in my hands now!"
With that, Cole grabbed Claire next to him and threatened, "Say something for him to hear!"
