Chapter 164: After uttering those words, the scarred man, Rugal Delgado, burst intoughter.


    Damon, why are we even wasting breath on this woman? If she puts up a fight, well start the bloodbath with the girl.


    Rugals eyes zed as he aimed the gun directly at Ken and Lorna.


    Lorna continued sobbing uncontrobly, clinging to Kens sleeve, her fear palpable.


    Ken met the killers stare with steely resolve.


    He understood their coded threats and realized they were aiming to put pressure on Allison.


    Rugals grin widened slowly.


    Dont fret, Ms.


    rke.


    Cooperate, and no innocents get hurt.


    But cross us, and we y rough! They had been briefed on Allisons cunning.


    Even unarmed, overpowering her seemed unlikely; it was smarter to avoid a direct confrontation and get her back quietly.


    Once they reached the Burned Inds, they could decide what to do with her.


    To their surprise, Allison proved morepliant than expected.


    Fine, I wont resist.


    Take me, she said, raising her hands in surrender, projecting an air of docility.


    Acting in the tight confines of the ne made any rebellion risky; out in the open, the tables could turn.


    Hah! See? No threat at all! Rugal kicked open the cockpit door, pressing his gun against the pilots temple, forcing an emergencynding.


    With Allison keeping her hands up, she shot Ken a knowing nce.


    I warn you, dont try anything stupid! Damon Santiago, with a tattooed neck and aposed demeanor, swiftly blindfolded her and bound her hands when he noticed what she was trying to do.


    Finally, they whisked her away uponnding.


    Meanwhile, arriving police swiftlyunched an inquiry, deploying additional aircraft for passenger safety.


    Returning hastily to Ontdale, Ken found Lorna drenched in cold sweat.


    Though asleep, her body trembled uncontrobly.


    Dont be scared, Lorna.


    Its over, he reassured, meeting the private doctors arrival with a grim expression.


    The doctor, startled by Kens intensity, hesitated, unused to such raw anger from him.


    Mr.


    Ken, whatever happened, take care.


    Stress-induced headaches have no quick fix.


    Kens eyes were cold.


    I wont copse until this is settled.


    Check on Lorna first.


    Beyond Lorna, Kens greatest concern was Allisons fate.


    Uponnding, he had mobilized a search, but no word on Allisons whereabouts had surfaced.


    Jim, concerned, urged, Mr.


    Lloyd, you havent slept since you returned.


    Why dont you rest for a bit? No need.


    Look after Lorna.


    I have pressing matters.


    Ken knew they had taken Allison to the Burned Inds.


    With her situation still unclear, any dy only heightened the danger.


    After the doctor administered Lornas medication, she calmed slightly but remained curled at the edge of the bed, her fingers trembling.


    Her eyes were vacant as she fought anyone who approached fists, feet, even biting in fear her condition worsening.


    Jims heart ached.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, Lornas shaken by the gunfire.


    Ill take care of her.


    You focus on Ms.


    rke.


    Jim knew Allisons bravery had saved everyone on that ne.


    Ken steadied himself, focusing on Lorna.


    He squatted by her bedside, gripping her hand, and promised silently with determined eyes, Lorna, Ill bring Allison back to you.


    Upon hearing this, Lorna, though still curled up and unable to speak, silently shed two lines of tears.


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