Chapter 62: The rescue
"Let’s play a game," Gianna proposed. "You tell Dylan everything you’ve heard, and I’ll tell him my version of the story. Let’s see who he believes."
Ava had no doubts that Dylan would ever believe her. What was the point of telling him? But she wouldn’t give up. At least, they wouldn’t be able to hurt her if she told him she was with them.
"Alright, go ahead," she said in a challenging way. "Call him. Let’s see how far your lies take you."
Gianna’s eyes sparkled with amusement, enjoying the little show she was orchestrating. She tapped her phone, pretending to make a call. "Of course. Let’s talk to him right here." She was stalling, waiting for her accomplices to arrive.
"Hello, Dylan," she said in a panicked tone. "Please come quickly! I just saw those thugs taking Ava away, and I’m terrified they’ll hurt her!"
Ava was shocked. "What nonsense are you spouting? Give me the phone!" she exclaimed, yanking the device from Gianna’s grip. It was only at that moment the reality struck her—Gianna had been pretending to call Dylan all along. She actually hadn’t dialed his number.
Before she could process it, Gianna snatched the phone back, a triumphant smile dancing on her lips. "Don’t worry. This isn’t a lie. Those thugs will be here soon, and they will take you away."
Ava’s world tilted. She had the feeling that the ground had opened up beneath her. She was badly trapped. If she couldn’t get away, she would be kidnapped.
Every instinct screamed at her that she needed to escape. Adrenalin surged within her, and she shoved Gianna aside, turning to bolt down the alley.