Chapter 323: Out of Danger

The whirring of helicopters suddenly filled the air. Hannah stared skyward, wondering about their arrival. Simultaneously, a line of cars pulled over to the roadside.

Nervousness tightened its grip as several helicopters began a slow descent. Armed men emerged, immediately initiating a thorough search of the area. Meanwhile, those who had exited their vehicles on the highway joined the effort.

Hannah was quickly found; she hadn't been hiding. Instinct told her these rescuers were not the local forces. The sheer scale of the operation confirmed her suspicions. She was right. These were SWAT teams from Kensbury City.

Protected during her transfer to a helicopter, Hannah tried to locate Oscar, but was told to wait. A rescue team had already departed. She sat, waiting until a group of men returned. Hurriedly, she disembarked.

"Calm down, Mrs. Wells," a police officer intervened.

"Can you remain calm when your husband is in danger?" Hannah retorted.

Startled, the officer replied seriously, "I don't have a husband."

"Your wife!" Hannah snapped.

"I don't even have a girlfriend," the officer insisted.

Feeling her words were falling on deaf ears, Hannah's anger simmered. Then she saw SWAT officers carrying a man.

Recognizing Oscar's face, excitement surged. He was alive! She rushed forward.

"Stay with us. We've contacted a doctor in Kensbury City," the police said, noting his pain.

Fear edged Hannah's voice, "Are you hurt?"

"Got hit by a bullet," Oscar replied weakly.

"What?" Hannah gasped.

"It's okay. In the arm," Oscar quickly clarified.

Hannah examined the bandage and saw blood. Before she could speak, Oscar anxiously asked the officer, "I killed a man. Will I go to jail?"

The officer shook his head. "Don't worry, it was self-defense, and you were injured. We'll testify to that."

"Really?" Oscar questioned doubtfully, his fear seeming almost feigned to Hannah.

"Yes," the officer reassured him.

"Thank you."

The officer nodded curtly.

"Hannah," Oscar said.

"I'm here," she answered quickly.

"Can you hold me?" he asked.

Hannah frowned. "Um?"

"I'm scared," Oscar whispered, his timidity striking.

Hannah embraced him, unsure if his fear was genuine. The revelation that he'd killed a man left her speechless.

"What about Theodore and Jimmy?" Hannah asked.

"They're back in the car," Oscar replied.

"Are they hurt?"

"I don't think so, but I don't know."

"Okay," Hannah nodded.

Little was said during the flight. The helicopter landed atop Kensbury City Hospital. Doctors awaited. The officer supported Oscar onto a gurney, accompanied by two other officers to the treatment room.

Hannah remained with Oscar in the emergency room. The doctors began to remove the bandage.

"Don't look," Oscar said urgently, repeating the command.

Hannah's senses sharpened.

"Hold me," Oscar requested.

Hannah held him tight, avoiding his wound. Others might have perceived Oscar's fear, but Hannah held him closely. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor removed the bullet. Oscar required a two-day hospital stay.

Transferred to a ward, the police officer checked on Oscar's well-being. Before leaving, Oscar said, "The local forces and the drug gangs..."

"We have solid evidence and will arrest them all. Thanks to you, we discovered their existence—we didn't know the local forces had been operating so long!"

"I was just doing my part. Protecting citizens."

"Don't worry, we'll handle the rest. Take care."

"Their leader escaped. Catch him. Otherwise, he'll be back."

"We've dispatched men to track him."

"Good. Thanks for your hard work."

The officer saluted and left. Oscar's demeanor shifted.

"Are you done?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

Oscar smiled. "Yes, no need to act in front of you."

"Oscar, you've got guts," Hannah gritted her teeth, the pieces falling into place. He’d deliberately placed himself in danger.

"No, I'm scared," Oscar whispered, "Scared I wouldn't see you again."

Hannah swallowed her emotions. Oscar held her close. "I'm exhausted. Rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

Hannah nodded. It was four in the morning. Exhausted from the ordeal, they showered, changed into hospital gowns, embraced, and slept soundly until four in the afternoon. Safety had brought deep, restful sleep.

Hannah stirred from a sound, then awoke ravenous. Nearly two days without food had depleted her energy. Her blood sugar plummeted; she felt she could devour a whole cow.