Chapter 319: Danger (8) Hannah's Emergency

Hannah saw a child's picture on the screen. Puzzled, she never imagined Oscar liked cute children. But as she studied the image, a familiar face emerged: it was a childhood photo of herself! Oscar used her picture as his screensaver.

How had he obtained it? She had no memory of this photo. Hannah's thoughts drifted. Oscar was undeniably distracting; she shouldn't be dwelling on this in an emergency. Focusing, she considered Oscar's phone password.

"XX0202" – his birthday – sprang to mind. It was incorrect. Next, she tried her own birthday, "XX0808." Her heart pounded as the "wrong password" message appeared. She'd overthought; Oscar wouldn't use her birthday. Beyond their birthdays, she was drawing a blank.

Could her recent recording serve as evidence? Northfield law deemed such recordings inconclusive; voice-altering software and actors presented challenges to their legal weight. Then, she tried "022088," a combination of their birthdays.

Unbelievably, the phone unlocked. Hannah stared, momentarily stunned by the childish password, a warmth spreading through her. She took a deep breath and opened the photo album.

There were no suspicious photos; only pictures of her. Some were headshots, others long shots; some were taken while showering, makeup-free. All were candid, taken without her knowledge. Some were even unflattering, yet Oscar had kept them all. Was he truly that…perverted? He'd secretly photographed her extensively, even using her childhood picture as his screensaver. Denying his affection for her would be self-deception.

Maintaining her composure, Hannah logged out and accessed his mailbox, using the same password. She found numerous photos in his network drive – clear images of a drug transaction at the fireworks factory, both parties easily identifiable.

Seeing this, a surge of excitement and surprise washed over her. She’d hoped for the best, and Oscar had delivered. The photos, combined with the recording, provided strong evidence of a drug trafficking operation sheltered by local authorities.

Hannah consolidated the evidence onto one phone and called Manuel.

"Hannah, I hear you're in Langley Town?"

"Yes," she replied, not questioning his knowledge; his connection to Oscar was well-established.

"Are you alright?" Manuel's concern was evident.

"I'm fine, but I need your help."

"Tell me." Manuel's tone was direct, sensing her urgency.

"Oscar uncovered a drug ring protected by local officials. We need Kensbury City police. I'm sending the evidence now; find someone connected to the Balderston family."

"Understood."

"The local officials might have Kensbury connections. Public exposure is crucial to prevent interference and expedite police action."

"We're trapped; the longer we stay, the greater the risk. We need your help."

"Agreed." Manuel's response was immediate.

Hannah ended the call, sending the evidence. Nightfall arrived, revealing she hadn't eaten all day.

As she prepared to leave the factory, she froze. Rapid footsteps approached. She'd been discovered! Hannah fled, using the darkness to her advantage. She ran across the fields, pursued relentlessly, until a stumble sent her tumbling into a ditch.

Hiding, she heard footsteps race past. Then, they returned, searching. Flashlights scanned the area. Hannah's heart pounded, her fear intense. She couldn't die here, not at twenty-two.

After five minutes of agonizing suspense, a man dialed a number. Hannah's phone – Oscar's phone – rang. She knew then it was over.

Four figures emerged, guns drawn. Any movement might prove fatal. She was a liability to Oscar.

A wave of sorrow washed over her. Would Oscar be heartbroken by her death?