Without hesitation, he brought it to his lips, took a deep breath, and blew. “Whoo—”
This time, it wasn’t a hesitant attempt. He blew with everything he had. The shrill sound sliced through the night—sharp, clear, cutting straight through the noise.
Eric shut his eyes, his voice barely a whisper. “Hadley… if it’s really you… please—let me hear you again.”
In the shadows, Hadley frowned. That sound again—the whistle. This was the second time, so it wasn’t just in her head. The tone was familiar and unmistakable. But why would she be hearing that now?
She didn’t have time to think. She had been trapped here too long. Her body was pinned beneath debris. The air was thinning—tight and stale in the cramped space. She couldn’t move. She had to call for help.
The whistle meant someone was out there. Someone was close.
Hadley took a deep breath, silently praying it wasn’t just her imagination. She raised her head and screamed with everything she had. “Here! I’m here! Someone! Help! Please—save me!”
It was her.
His heart pounded, a surge of adrenaline rushing through his veins. Then—he heard Hadley again. His eyes flew open. No mistake. It was her. Not nearby—but close.
He turned fast, breath caught in his throat, and moved without hesitation.
“Mr. Scott?” Phillips shouted, then looked to Tamara. She nodded and followed, signaling the guards to stay sharp.
Eric stopped in front of a collapsed section—rubble piled high.
Phillips hesitated. “This area’s already been searched,” he reminded, his tone careful. “The rescue team cleared it earlier.” Meaning Hadley couldn’t be here.
“She’s here,” Eric insisted. He pressed his temples, forcing his thoughts to stay clear. “Fan out. Search every inch. Don’t miss a single gap.”
Lɑττ cнαρτ?rs n glov?l.o
This wasn’t right. They could be wasting precious time here—time they could have used to rescue Hadley.
“What are you waiting for?” Eric’s voice cracked, fury and fear mixing in his eyes. “Tear this place apart! Hadley’s here—I know it!”
“Y-yes!” Phillips finally responded, swallowing his protest. He leaned toward Tamara and spoke quietly. “You stay with him. I’ll bring the rescue team.”
Eric wanted to dig through the rubble by hand, but that wasn’t realistic. They needed machinery. Anything less wouldn’t be enough. And it was up to him to make that happen.
Tamara gave a firm nod. “Don’t worry.”
Phillips nodded. “I’ll be quick.”
The rain had eased slightly, but it still fell steady and cold, soaking through layers of fabric. Tamara stayed close to Eric, unwilling to leave his side.
“Where are you?” Eric muttered hoarsely, his head pounding, heart racing. “Hadley… where are you?”
But now—he couldn’t hear her.
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Message from Noah: I hope you enjoyed the chapters. I’ve also renewed the invitation to the WhatsApp community, so you, dear readers, can join whenever you like. God loves you, and I wish you all the best. ( ? )?
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