Chapter 13

"Are we going to die?" the blind girl asked, her voice strained with fear. "I'm terrified... I just want to be back home..."

"Please, don't cry. We'll make it through this.Remember, you mentioned your father and uncle are influential. They're bound to rescue us," the other girl said,her own eyes betraying her terror.

Evelina, meanwhile, tilted her ear toward the door,gauging the noise outside. The thugs were still there.

That was all she needed to know. With a deft movement, she loosened her bindings and freed her hands.

She had slyly ensured the ropes were loosely tied when the thugs restrained her.

"Sweetheart,your blindness came later in life, didn't it?"Evelina knelt before the blind girl, gently untying her wrists. "Let's dry those tears now. Crying can strain your eyes."

Unbeknownst to the others, the blind girl was Florrie Russell.

Startled by the unknown voice,Florrie initially recoiled.Yet there was something reassuring about Evelina's tone,which eased her fear quickly

"Who are you?" Florrie murmured. "How did you know I wasn't born blind?"

The other girl gazed at Evelina, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Have they taken you captive too?"

"Indeed." Evelina swiftly reassured, gently stroking Florrie's hair. "Don't worry, I'll lead us to freedom."

"Is it true?" Florrie's voice rose with a spark of hope."Could my uncle have sent you to rescue us?"

"Keep it down," Evelina quickly cautioned, placing her hand gently over Florrie's mouth to silence her.

Understanding the need for quiet, Florie nodded, her lips shaking slightly.

Turning to the second girl, Evelina swiftly untied her."Are you hurt? Can you manage to run?"

Tears were wiped away as both girls nodded in affirmation.

Evelina assessed their surroundings quickly. The windows, too high and narrow, offered no viable escape; the only exit was the door, guarded by three thugs.

They would need a clever plan, not force,to escape

She gathered the girls close, sharing her plan in a hushed tone. "Everyone understand?"

"Understood," they replied softly.

"Great. Now, let's make our move."

Shortly after, all three girls were ready in their assigned spots.

On the floor, Florrie mimicked a seizure, convulsing and frothing effectively. Simultaneously, her companion unleashed a barrage of screams,hammering on the door.

"Help! We need help! She's got foam at her mouth!l think she's dying! Please!"

The commotion disturbed the three thugs outside,who were laughing over their game of dice and drinks.One of them abruptly put his glass down.

"Quiet down in there!" he yelled, delivering a forceful kick to the door.

Paralyzed by fear, the girl who was screaming momentarily lost her script. Without missing a beat, Evelina pleaded, "Please, sir!Consider this-if she expires here, what will you say to Mr.Reid?"

Provoked by her words, the thug, swearing under his breath, unlocked the door and stormed inside.

"What the hell is going-"

Before he could finish, Evelina landed a precise elbow to his neck, knocking him out instantly.

"Move!" Evelna commanded sharply, pulling the blind girl swiftly to her feet. "Grab my hand and hold tight -do exactly as I say!"

Aware of Florrie's vulnerability, Evelina positioned herself protectively.

She pushed a broken chair leg into the second girl's hands. "Stay behind me, and keep close."

Holding Florrie's hand securely and ensuring the second girl followed closely, Evelina surged toward the exit.

"Where do you think you're running off to?" Two more thugs rushed in from the side,brandishing metal pipes menacingly.

The sudden threat immobilized the girls momentarily, their knees shaking from fright.

"Run!" Evelina fiercely pushed the second girl onward."Don't look back!"

Spotting another broken stool leg nearby, she quickly kicked it upward with perfect aim, striking one attacker squarely in the face.

"Argh!" The man collapsed instantly, unconscious before he hit the ground.

Enraged, the last thug swung his pipe viciously toward Evelina and Florrie.

Though unable to see, Florrie sharply heard the rush of the weapon and instinctively gasped in alarm.

Terror froze her muscles, leaving her helplessly immobilized.

Evelina grabbed the back of her head and pushed her down with a steady hand. "Stay low!"

Florrie ducked at the last second, and the pipe sliced through the air right above her.

Despite repeatedly dodging attacks, Evelina struggled to find an opening to counter, her energy quickly draining.

Anxiety gripped her,tightening her breath. Surprisingly, Florrie's fear transformed into a sudden burst of bravado, and she giggled mockingly. "You can't even hit us, can you? You're hopeless!"

Furious, the thug's face contorted with rage."Bitch-you've asked for it!" With a fierce yell, he raised the pipe high, bringing it down savagely toward Florrie's head.