Chapter 317: Danger (6) Out of the Woods

It took Theodore a few seconds to understand.

"You mean, you came here for evidence?"

Hannah nodded. "Yes. Now you find Oscar; I'll investigate. When I'm finished, I'll call the Kensbury City police. You need to protect yourselves. Trust me, I'll help."

Theodore hesitated, then said, "Fine. You stay here with Jimmy, and I'll find Oscar."

"I'm alone," Hannah corrected.

"No way!" Theodore exclaimed.

"Listen," Hannah said, "They haven't noticed me. No one expects us to look for evidence—that's why we got Jason. But your task is far more dangerous. Finding the mastermind is risky. How could you control Jason while driving alone? You must have help."

"Oscar wouldn't let me leave you alone," Theodore insisted.

"It's not about leaving me alone. I have a plan. I'm not with Oscar for advantage; I want to help. Trust me, I can protect myself and help you."

Theodore remained silent.

"Say no more," Hannah told Jimmy. "Pull over."

Jimmy waited for Theodore's response, but none came.

"Theodore," Hannah said seriously, "you don't want Oscar's partner to be incompetent, do you?" She knew Theodore deeply respected Oscar and would never want a burden on him. He believed Oscar deserved a capable partner.

Theodore agreed. "Okay, you stay here. But Hannah, be careful. Your life matters most."

"I understand."

Jimmy pulled over. Hannah exited the vehicle. Theodore watched her go, then instructed Jimmy to drive away. Oscar's well-being was his priority. He hoped Hannah was stronger than she seemed.

After they left, Hannah returned to their hotel room. She wondered how to find the evidence. Had the fire destroyed everything? Had Oscar retrieved it? If so, where was it? Her thoughts kept her awake.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside. Startled, she opened the window and climbed out, clinging to the window frame. It wasn't a large hotel, and her room was on the third floor. She told herself she wouldn't die even if she fell.

The door burst open.

Hannah held her breath. Multiple footsteps filled the room. After about five minutes, a voice said, "They didn't check out, no suitcase. They must have left."

Hannah couldn't hear the rest of the phone call. Eventually, silence returned.

She tried to climb back in but couldn't. Jumping seemed to be her only option, but it was risky. Feeling desperate, she heard a window open below. Without hesitation, she cried out, "Help!"

A woman, startled, eventually looked up and saw her.

"How are you there?" she asked, frightened.

"Long story. Please pull me up! My room isn't locked. I can't hold on much longer!"

"Give me a moment." The woman called her husband. "Hurry, upstairs!"

Soon, the couple pulled her up. Hannah was drenched in sweat. She could have died.

The woman was shaken. "How did you end up there?"

Hannah fabricated a story about a fight with her husband. "Anyway, thank you."

"Should I call the police?" the woman asked, concerned.

Hannah shook her head. "No. I'm going to Kensbury City. He won't find me there."

"Okay," the woman said. "Good you're safe. We'll go back to our room."

"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome."

After they left, Hannah left immediately. She knew she was a target, and time was running out. She rushed to the fireworks factory, taking a taxi.

The driver was shocked. "Why are you going there alone, so late? Don't you know about the explosion?"

"My husband worked there. He died in it. I want to see the place one last time."

"The past is gone," the driver said.

"I have to go."

The driver shook his head. He thought she couldn't face the truth. Hannah said nothing more. She imagined Oscar sneezing repeatedly, having been the subject of her negative thoughts all day.