Calvin grabbed three large trash bags and disposed of them. Unbeknownst to him, Carmen waited outside his apartment, clutching a small knife and two poison-filled vials. She heard noises from inside, suggesting more than one person. Suspicious, she ducked into the fire escape as he exited with the trash.
Calvin entered the elevator, cigarette in hand. As the elevator descended, Carmen cautiously emerged from the fire escape and peered into the slightly ajar door. She recoiled in shock. A bald, muscular, imposing figure—his shiny head resembling a lightbulb—stood holding a rifle. Following the scope's trajectory, she saw it pointed directly at Felicia's balcony!
Remembering Calvin's earlier threats, a cold sweat broke out. Who were these men? What did they intend to do to Felicia? She stifled a gasp. The elevator dinged; as she turned to retreat, Calvin emerged. Their eyes met. He initially smiled, thinking she'd changed her mind, but her pale face betrayed her discovery. Fear gripped him. If "Baldy" found out, they'd both be killed.
"Damn it! This bitch is going to get me killed!" he cursed inwardly. Then, he shouted, "Baldy, we've been exposed! She—"
Before he finished, the door burst open. Baldy stood there, furious. Carmen instantly fled into the fire escape, racing down the stairs, her mind fixed on warning Felicia. Baldy didn't chase her, instead ordering Calvin, "Catch her. Or you're dead!"
Terrified, Calvin pursued. Baldy returned to the room, finger on the rifle's trigger, the scope aimed at the exit. Carmen, drenched in sweat, ran desperately, oblivious to the vegetables she'd carried. She had to warn Felicia! Fueled by this, she ran faster than ever.
Calvin, closing in, shouted, "Stop! Stop right there!" But she was too fast, leaping several steps at a time. Near the exit, she sprained her ankle. A gasp escaped her as she felt a bone snap, but she couldn't stop. She limped onward. Calvin gained ground.
Realizing she might fail, she fumbled for her phone, her shaking hands struggling with the password.