Chapter 10.20

"What's happening? Are the police here?"

Blake, with years of experience aiding destitute women, was the most attuned to the sound. Previously, he’d react swiftly, utilizing his escape skills before police arrival. He performed good deeds discreetly, recording them in a diary at home.

However, tonight, he couldn't leave yet.

Magnus frowned. "Who called the police?"

"Help! Someone is attacking me!"

Another girl cried out from the darkness. Marilyn, employing the same tactic again, was diverting their attention. Shane and Red fled.

"Don't get distracted! Don't let the prey escape!" Magnus commanded. "The police won't come tonight!"

Avery, snapping out of her daze, fired a bullet at Shane's back.

"Be careful!" Red exclaimed.

Bang!

The gunshot echoed. Blood bloomed in the night. Shane turned, the tragic scene freezing him. Heartbroken, he was speechless.

Thud.

Red fell, groaning weakly, but managed to gasp, "Go you guys, run"

Tears streamed down Shane's face. A burning sensation scorched his skin.

"Red!!"

Marilyn rushed over, heedless of everything else. Although not close to Red, she was her only sister.

Blake felt pity for the two young, beautiful girls. Magnus was ruthless.

Footsteps echoed.

"Police! Hands up!"

Magnus felt a slap to the face. He'd claimed the police wouldn't come, yet a large contingent had arrived. The leading officers were not local police, but Sage and Ashton from Yeringham.

"How did this happen?" Blake was surprised.

The others looked at Magnus, whose face remained calm.

"Shane, put me down," Emmanuel, on Shane's back, spoke unexpectedly.

"Manny, you're alive?" Shane, wiping away tears, smiled. "I thought you were dead! I was worried about Mackenzie. I was afraid I'd have to care for her!"

Emmanuel smiled faintly, stepping down. Pale-faced, he said to Magnus, "Who is the hunter, who is the prey? Sometimes, it's hard to tell."

Magnus smiled approvingly. "Impressive. A backup plan. Judging by the timing, you started arranging things with Queenie, right?"

Emmanuel nodded. "You're not bad either. You guessed right."

Magnus looked at Marilyn, his lips curving into an enigmatic smile. Perhaps the sirens attracted the real police? Tonight was getting interesting. Only Emmanuel was a worthy opponent.

Ashton rushed forward, gun aimed at Blake.

"Hands up! You're suspected of multiple murders. Resist arrest, and you'll face the consequences!"

Blake, raising his hands, protested, "Officer, are you biased? Why me? Magnus is our boss!"

Ashton's gaze, complex, fell on Magnus.