Chapter 314: Danger (3) Kidnap

Hannah was startled. Theodore, however, remained composed, as if expecting this.

"What should we do?" Hannah asked anxiously.

"Go after him," Theodore replied.

"Where?"

"I don't know. We need to leave," Theodore admitted, internally uncertain how to proceed but outwardly calm. Hannah mirrored his composure, assuming Oscar wouldn't risk his life against a drug cartel alone.

"We have to go," Theodore said.

Hannah turned to Thoth. "Stay here. Tell your family to pick you up. Theodore and I won't be back soon."

"Okay. Be careful," Thoth replied.

"Take care," Hannah said.

They left the hospital and returned to the car.

"We should check into a hotel," Theodore told Jimmy.

Hannah frowned. "Why? We should be looking for Oscar."

"Do you know where to find him?" Theodore countered.

"Just go after him, like you said," Hannah responded.

"But we need a destination," Theodore insisted.

"This isn't a time to rest! We need to do something," Hannah protested, exasperated by Theodore's self-possession. Her anxiety was mounting.

"We'll discuss it at the hotel," Theodore insisted.

Hannah finally conceded. Theodore secured a room. The receptionist eyed them suspiciously, likely mistaking Hannah for something she wasn't. Hannah questioned Theodore's request for only one room, but decided to trust his judgment.

After checking in, they entered a musty room.

"Get used to it. There are no nice hotels in this town," Theodore said, lying on a bed, his apparent familiarity with such conditions striking Hannah. She found the place unsettling, though tolerable.

Theodore, a Wolds gentleman of considerable means, would typically find such lodgings unacceptable. Even Hannah felt uneasy, though she could endure it.

"It's fine. We're here for Oscar, not a vacation," she stated.

"Rest. Don't worry. Jimmy and I will maintain distance," Theodore assured her, though she hadn't been concerned about that.

"We act tonight. Rest now," Theodore said.

Hannah nodded, lying down on a bed. The hard mattress and damp quilt were unpleasant, but she closed her eyes. Oscar's image, however, flooded her mind.

What a reckless man! Who does he think he is, some kind of savior? How could he try to fight drug dealers alone? Tossing and turning, Hannah felt a surge of annoyance, wishing she could slap some sense into him. Her worry banished sleep and appetite.

Jimmy brought dinner to the room. Afterward, Theodore changed, handing Hannah a heavy black vest.

"It's bulletproof," he explained.

Her hands trembled.

"Afraid?" Theodore smirked.

"No. Just curious," Hannah replied, putting on the vest.

"Don't worry. Jimmy and I have ours," Theodore said, already wearing his own. Hannah's concern for Oscar briefly resurfaced before she composed herself and set off with them, Jimmy driving. This time, they headed to the hospital.

"Why the hospital?" Hannah asked.

"We need information from someone," Theodore replied.

"One of the drug dealers?"

"Yes," Theodore confirmed, indicating he anticipated an opportunity during the day.

"Will anyone listen to us?" Hannah questioned.

"They're addicts. We can control them with drugs," Theodore explained.

Hannah nodded, suggesting, "We need a leader. A small fry won't know their boss's location."

"Exactly. We're targeting someone important," Theodore agreed.

"Who?"

"Jason, a sub-leader. I saw it on the list and paid attention to him. He should be severely injured and under police watch in the hospital," Theodore stated.

"How do you know he's a sub-leader? Did you have them investigated?" Hannah asked.

"Oscar and I investigated them before he acted," Theodore revealed.

"So he told you?"

Theodore nodded. Hannah fell silent.

"Don't be mad at him. Oscar wouldn't tell you anything dangerous. He'll be fine," Theodore reassured her.

"I don't want to know who you both are," Hannah said.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that Oscar loves you," Theodore responded.

They reached the hospital. Theodore, fully armed and disguised in a white coat, said, "Wait here." He entered alone.

Hannah was surprised. "He's going alone?"

Jimmy nodded, accustomed to Theodore's methods.

Hannah felt uneasy waiting. After two hours, Theodore hadn't returned.

"Isn't he finished?" Hannah urged.

"Not yet," Jimmy replied.

"We need to go in," Hannah insisted.

"No, you'll alert them and endanger him," Jimmy argued.

"We'll just visit Thoth. I won't alert anyone. Trust me!" Hannah insisted.

Relenting, Jimmy agreed, suspecting the delay was excessive. They entered the hospital, heading for Thoth's ward, searching for Theodore. Suddenly, Jimmy shoved Hannah into a corner. Horrified, she saw that Thoth had been kidnapped.