The hideout was an abandoned warehouse outside the city cracked walls, dust-filled air, and a damp smell that clung to the skin. A single light bulb hung from a frayed wire, flickering every few seconds as if struggling to stay alive.

Jamie and Anika sat on the cold floor, their wrists tied loosely with cloth. Both were trembling, eyes swollen from crying. The man Lena had sent her old boyfriend, Marcus paced in the corner, checking his phone every few minutes.

“Stop shaking,” Marcus muttered, though his voice held no real authority. “Your mother will be here soon.”

Anika whimpered. “My mom… she’ll come find us… she always does…”

Jamie...