Chapter 164
Rugal Delgado, the scarred man, burst into laughter after uttering those words. "Damon, why are we wasting our breath on this woman? If she fights, we'll start the bloodbath with the girl."
Rugal's eyes blazed as he aimed his gun at Kellan and Lorna. Lorna sobbed uncontrollably, clinging to Kellan's sleeve, her fear palpable. Kellan met the killer's stare with steely resolve. He understood their veiled threats—they were targeting Allison.
Rugal's grin widened. "Don't fret, Ms. Clarke. Cooperate, and no innocents get hurt. But cross us, and we play rough!" They knew of Allison's cunning. Overpowering her unarmed seemed unlikely; a quiet extraction was smarter. They planned to decide her fate on the Burned Islands.
To their surprise, Allison proved unexpectedly compliant. "Fine, I won't resist. Take me," she said, raising her hands in surrender, appearing docile. Rebellion on the plane was risky; the open offered more opportunity.
"Hah! See? No threat at all!" Rugal kicked open the cockpit door, pressed his gun to the pilot's temple, and forced an emergency landing. As Allison kept her hands raised, she shot Kellan a knowing glance.
Damon Santiago, his neck tattooed, swiftly blindfolded and bound her hands when he noticed her attempt. They whisked her away after landing.
Meanwhile, arriving police launched a swift inquiry, deploying additional aircraft to ensure passenger safety. Returning hastily to Ontdale, Kellan found Lorna drenched in cold sweat, her body trembling uncontrollably, even in sleep.
"Don't be scared, Lorna. It's over," he reassured her, greeting the arriving private doctor with a grim expression. Startled by Kellan's intensity, the doctor hesitated, unaccustomed to such raw anger. "Mr. Kellan, whatever happened, take care. Stress-induced headaches have no quick fix."
Kellan's eyes were cold. "I won't collapse until this is settled. Check on Lorna first." Beyond Lorna, his greatest concern was Allison's fate. He'd launched a search after landing, but had heard nothing.
Jim, concerned, urged, "Mr. Lloyd, you haven't slept since you returned. Why don't you rest? No need. Look after Lorna. I have pressing matters." Kellan knew they'd taken Allison to the Burned Islands. Any delay increased the danger.
After the doctor administered Lorna's medication, she calmed slightly but remained curled at the bed's edge, her fingers trembling, her eyes vacant. She fought anyone who approached, using fists, feet, and even bites—her condition worsening. Jim's heart ached. "Mr. Lloyd, Lorna's shaken by the gunfire. I'll take care of her. You focus on Ms. Clarke." Jim understood Allison's bravery had saved everyone on the plane.
Kellan steadied himself, focusing on Lorna. He squatted beside her bed, gripped her hand, and silently promised, his eyes determined: "Lorna, I'll bring Allison back to you." Hearing this, Lorna, though still curled up and unable to speak, silently shed two tears.