Chapter One

Michael

Boring.

I sigh, barely taking note of what’s on the tv display as I surf the channels. Days off from my job on the police division are at all times mind-numbingly boring. Positive, it’s not like I normally see a whole lot of motion – possibly issues can be extra thrilling if I lived in Chicago as an alternative of McHenry – however at the very least I’m contributing to our group’s security once I placed on that uniform. What good am I parked in entrance of my TV?

I’m about to surrender on discovering one thing to look at once I land on the native information channel. The anchors have a grim look on their faces, and scrolling throughout the button third of the display are, “ACTIVE HOSTAGE SITUATION AT HARVEY’S DINER.” I lean ahead in my seat, instantly involved. Harvey’s is my favourite place in Woodstock. I would know whoever’s trapped in there.

“Police on the scene at the moment are telling us they’ve made contact with the assailant,” the feminine reporter says. “No phrase on whether or not or not the hostage was injured within the gunfire.”

Gunfire? Fuck, what else have I missed?

I stand up and seize my deserted telephone from the kitchen counter. There are a number of messages from my associates on the power there. The newest replace I’ve is that the hostage needs to be launched within the subsequent jiffy.

Reduction floods by my physique as I make my approach again to my recliner. I joined the power to assist harmless individuals, and I at all times really feel responsible when one thing occurs on my days off… even when it’s the following city over. As I’m checking the remainder of the messages, the industrial break ends.

“Welcome again to The Star Information. We’re about to point out you reside photos of the hostage being launched,” the person says.

The display cuts to shaky footage from the bottom. Pink and blue lights flash in opposition to the harmless trying diner. A line of police stand with their weapons drawn in anticipation of the discharge, and a feminine officer stands able to take the sufferer to security. Then, after a number of tense seconds, the door to the diner opens and a woman is shoved out, falling to her knees from the power.

The officer runs ahead, pulling the now-free hostage to her ft earlier than hurrying towards the road of police. As they get nearer to the digicam, I can hear the reporter offscreen asking for an interview. The woman’s escort solutions, however I don’t hear what she says – I’m too enchanted by the woman.

It’s apparent she’s been crying, her face is crimson and her eyes are puffy. Items of her strawberry blonde hair are caught to her cheeks. Even with the dim lighting, I can inform there’s a smattering of freckles throughout the bridge of her button nostril. She appears to be like like she’s in her late teenagers, early twenties. Protectiveness flares in my chest. She’s been by the worst, and I can’t let one thing like that occur to her once more.

I instantly ship a message asking for the police report as quickly because it’s written up, then I return my consideration again to the anchors. Apparently, the woman’s going to provide an interview.

In all probability a silly thought for the cops to let her do this, I believe to myself. No less than I’ll get to see extra of her, although.

Virtually an hour later, the newscast is interrupted with a “BREAKING NEWS” display. They lower rapidly to the scene in entrance of Harvey’s. The police presence has thinned, and the sector reporter is standing subsequent to the attractive lady. She introduces herself and the sufferer – Sabrina. She’s then given the chance to supply her model of occasions that unfolded earlier within the night.

As quickly as Sabrina opens her mouth, I’m spellbound. Her voice is good and lyrical, the phrases coming from her excellent lips are melodic. It’s nearly like she’s singing a tune. I may take heed to her converse for hours. How may somebody take this stunning angel hostage? What proper did this asshole suppose he had?

I all of a sudden discover myself desirous to know all about her; what are her pursuits, her passions in life, her favourite film? I wish to know what she likes to do on a weekend however most of all, I wish to defend her. However how?

Come on, Michael. You don’t even know this woman!

It is so in contrast to me to be considering like this, a couple of full stranger. What’s up with that? Nonetheless, my thoughts deliberates over all of the methods I can care for her. She deserves somebody that anticipates her each want, attends to them with out her even asking. Somebody who will do something to guard her and maintain her secure. Dangerous guys at all times appear to prey on the sweetest, most harmless of individuals.

That’s the final time this prick will get to put eyes on Sabrina once more.

My telephone vibrates; it’s my associates from the power. Seems the assailant, Lester Povich, tried to rob Harvey’s Diner however issues took an unsightly flip after a member of employees referred to as the cops. So, Sabrina was taken hostage, discovering herself within the unsuitable place on the unsuitable time.

I flip my consideration again to the woman on the display.

Sabrina is mine. She simply doesn’t realize it but.

Chapter Two

Sabrina

Every time I shut my eyes to sleep, visions of that evening dance behind my eyelids. The final time I awakened peacefully and well-rested was two months in the past, the day I made a decision to overview Harvey’s Diner for my weblog. I curse myself for that selection each single time I verify my recently-installed cameras earlier than coming into a room. For sure, the native enterprise evaluations have been postponed indefinitely.

By some means, even after going by a dramatic, life-altering occasion, I’ve managed to maintain going. Issues gained’t ever be the way in which they used to. Fortunately, I’m capable of make money working from home – working a recipe weblog doesn’t actually require too many adventures into the surface world, particularly since I can do most of my procuring by way of grocery supply apps.

However once I do have to depart my residence, I’m stuffed with dread. Panic assaults generally seem day by day, simply out of the blue. I’m fortunate sufficient to have my Mother and greatest pal, Bianca, to face time me every day. With out them I’d be misplaced. After the incident, they have been ready to stick with me for a number of days at a time, however they’ve their very own lives and jobs and might’t watch me 24/7.

Eight weeks on and I’m nonetheless scared. Nonetheless checking the cameras and watching the information. The nights are the worst. I verify the locks two, three, 4 occasions till I’m utterly glad nobody can get in.

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