The van sped down the deserted path.
Ste stirred awake, disoriented by the rough ride.
The ether she had inhaled in a small dose had worn off, and she was now alert.
Voices of men conversing filled the vehicle.
“Did they specify what to do with her?”
“The boss instructed us to get her on the ship and smuggle her out.
”
Ste gradually grasped their intentions.
They aimed not to kill her but to make her vanish.
Who was orchestrating this?
Was it Lindsay, her bitter adversary? Or Joann, with whom she had recently quarreled?
Her mind raced with possibilities.
Suddenly, a voice grew tense.
“We’re being tailed.
elerate.
”
Through their conversation, Ste realized there were only two men.
The young man beside her asked, “What’s our n? The ship departs at two a.
m.
If we head there now, she’ll be rescued.
Let’s take a fewps around here and lose whoever’s following.
”
The driver responded calmly, “No, head directly to the rendezvous point.
”
Ste inferred that additional aplices awaited at the rendezvous point.
Reaching that location would severely hinder her chances of escape.
She had to flee en route, or her fate would be sealed.
Ste quietly struggled.
Fortunately, the rope binding her hands was loosely tied.
She gingerly rubbed against the hemp rope, striving to free herself without detection.
This was her sole chance at survival.
Outside, amotion arose, causing the vehicle to decelerate.
Ste heard someone exit the van, followed by the young man mumbling as he also left.
Several voices conversed outside, but their words were indistinct.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Eavesdropping was not her priority.
Seizing the moment with no one inside, Ste opened her eyes, scanning for an escape route, and noticed the car keys.
The man had exited without removing the keys.
Ovee with relief, Ste hurriedly worked to free herself.
Despite the burning sensation on her wrists from the friction, she persevered, determined to escape.