After getting an earful, the grunt dared not utter another word, yet he remained.

"What the f*ck are you waiting for?"

"Y-You're injured," the grunt asked tentatively, hoping to please Mike. "Would you like me to send you to the hospital?"

"Thanks, but no thanks! If we can't get our boss back, we'll all die. You might as well send me to the morgue!" Mike sneered. "Oh, and you'll join me there, won't you?"

Terrified, the grunt hastily replied, "I'll go right away!" and ran off. Silence followed. Mike, however, remained in the secret room, likely for safety, as did Lily, seemingly lost in thought.

Five minutes later, the bookcase door creaked open, revealing Mike. "You can't hide here long," he said solemnly.

Lily nodded, eager to leave.

"What about him?" Mike gestured toward the unconscious man.

Lily glanced at the man, then at Edward. "Does anyone else know about this place?"

Edward shook his head. "I doubt it. I only discovered it by chance." He'd found the secret room unexpectedly when the boss had left it unguarded.

"Then we'll hide him here," Lily said, extending her hand to Edward. "Give me the chloroform."

Startled, Edward produced the bottle. "How did you know I had it?"

Mike grinned, enjoying his superior knowledge. "Didn't you use it on the guards outside? Do you think Lily wouldn't notice?" Edward complied, handing over the chloroform.

Lily poured the appropriate amount onto a handkerchief, pressing it firmly against the man's nose and mouth. After a time, she removed it. "He should remain unconscious until night. We need to leave now and discuss this later."

"Wouldn't others find him?" Edward asked.

"I doubt it. They've already searched the office. The most dangerous place is often the safest. Besides, there's no better hiding place, and we can't just run off with him," Lily reasoned. Edward agreed.

"Then we'll interrogate him tonight?" Mike suggested eagerly, though he knew the man wouldn't yield easily. His priority was Nick's safe return.

"We'll decide later," Lily replied.

She started to leave, but Mike stopped her. "Wait, let me check if the coast is clear."

Lily waited as Mike limped to the door, peered outside, kicked the unconscious bodyguards to confirm their state, then beckoned Lily back.