Chapter 1533
After a pause, Lily continued, "Someone is tapping my phone, but don't worry. I've switched to a new SIM card, enhanced my phone's cybersecurity, and bought a new phone. Nothing should happen for now.
I know you're worried about our children and me, but seeing you won't make these dangers disappear, and this isn't your fault. You have to let me see you!"
Lily didn't know if she'd convinced Alexander or if he was simply too weary to argue. After a pause, he finally relented.
"Make sure you take precautions and bring bodyguards. Leave immediately if you're in danger. Don't try to be brave."
"I will," she replied, then, fearing she might disturb him, quietly hung up.
Alexander soon forwarded his location. Lily pinpointed it to a small village where she'd previously traced his signal. Unable to sleep, she splashed cold water on her face, changed clothes, and, seeing it was daylight, decided against bringing a driver or bodyguards. Their skills, she reasoned, were inferior to her own, and a large entourage would attract unwanted attention. She drove a seldom-used car, quietly leaving Kingsland for the nearby village.
A faint sound of movement drifted from the basement. Austin wondered if he was hallucinating. He had lost track of time, feeling utterly drained, hungry, and exhausted. Without the bread, water, and medicine Thompson had provided, he would have died long ago. Reluctantly, he moved, forcing open his heavy eyelids. The sound outside grew louder, closer. It seemed too real to be a hallucination.
He struggled to sit up, a glimmer of hope flickering in his heart. 'Is someone coming to save me? Did the news get out?' The basement door opened, and a shaft of light streamed in—but the hope quickly died. The man wasn't a savior; he was familiar—Mike Corden, the man who'd had a dispute with Rhea that night.
Mike approached, bending to peer at Austin. "Are you dead?" Austin didn't answer.
"If you are, I'll have you dragged out and buried!" Mike snapped coldly.
Austin spat on the ground. Mike laughed.
"It seems you're not dead. Since you're still alive, get up and follow me!"
"Where are you going?" Austin asked, his voice hoarse and painful.
"Do you have the right to ask?" Mike retorted, straightening and looking down with a mocking smile. "Can you stand up?"
Austin's mind raced. Staying meant certain death; following this man offered at least a glimpse of the outside world before the end. He struggled to his feet, but a sharp pain shot through him, sending him crashing back to the ground with a grimace.