Under the scorching sun, Josie stood. The heat was so intense that sweat seeped from her skin, her eyes filled with fear. In Arnold’s eyes, that scene was incredibly beautiful.
He found her beauty so breathtaking that he couldn’t help but laugh. In a soft voice, he said, “You really didn’t die.”
Suddenly, Dexter rose to his feet. Raising his hand, he commanded, “Stop!”
Mark’s people immediately ceased firing, careful to avoid accidentally harming Josie. Josie sensed the impending danger. She knew she was done for.
Step by step, Arnold made his way toward Josie. His gaze, however, was fixed on the two figures standing behind her. He recognized them. They were his own subordinates. Yet, the guns they held were pointed directly at him.
“Step back!” the two men shouted.
It doesn’t seem like they’re associated with underground mobs and more like they’re with law enforcers. Arnold licked his lips as a realization dawned on him. “Undercover, eh?”
Once their undercover identity was exposed, it would bring them endless trouble. Thus, Josie stepped forward. “I’m the one who held them hostage. If you have the guts, come at me.”
Arnold didn’t even glance at her as he spoke. “I recognize you two skilled operatives. How long have you been undercover in my operation?”
One of them would rather die than surrender. “Mr. Carter, you are courageous and strategic. It’s not too late to turn back now. If you return to the interrogation room in Wavery, I will plead for you.”
Chuckling as he tilted his head back, Arnold said, “I should be thanking you for not forgetting old times.”
Scarface had already surrounded them with his men. “Boss, they’re from the police. Let’s take them down.”
“Apprehend them.” Arnold issued his command, then turned to Josie. “You put on quite a show with Dexter to deceive me. However, your survival has indeed created many opportunities for me.”
After he finished speaking, he grabbed Josie by the back of her neck, pushing her in front of him with one foot resting on the step. “Dexter, I appreciate the hostage you left for me.”
Josie didn’t even dare to meet Dexter’s worried gaze. He realized he had acted recklessly, ruining the plan.
Stumbling forward, Mark was abruptly caught by Dexter. Struggling to speak, he demanded, “Give her to me!”
Arnold cast an intrigued glance at Josie. “Give her to you? If I give her to you, how will I survive?”
The veins on the back of Dexter’s hand bulged as he struggled to remain calm. “Do you think you’re hot sh*t threatening a woman? I’ll trade places with her. You stand to gain much more.”
“I’ve tried, Mr. Russell,” Arnold said with a hint of amusement. “Clearly, I can’t hold you down. You’re just too cunning.”
Then he said to Josie, “I even suspect that the one you love is not him but me. You came to my rescue when I was in the most perilous situation, a helping hand in the hour of need.”
Josie’s back was rigid with tension. “Kill me or flay me. It’s your call. Your life won’t change either way.”
Before Arnold could even respond, Mark was the first to speak out. “No, don’t listen to her, and don’t hurt her!”
Mark’s words were filled with anxiety and panic, fearing that something bad would happen to Josie.
Josie gazed at the elderly man before her, a tumult of emotions stirring within her. She recalled their last encounter at the Olsen Residence in Wavery. After he had taken a knife for her, he fell into a coma at the hospital. Josie, however, had not gone to visit him.
Even she couldn’t articulate why, but perhaps it was mostly fear. She found it difficult to confront the person who was incredibly important to her.
“Jo…” Mark’s eyes welled up with unshed tears, “I will definitely save you. Believe in me, and don’t give up!”
Josie’s brows furrowed in concern. “At your age, you shouldn’t have come.”
Mark shook his head, “In the past, when I didn’t know where you were, I was determined to bring you back, no matter if you were at the ends of the earth. Now that you’re right in front of me, how could I possibly stand by and do nothing?”
