Balfour always knew, the guiltier one feels, the louder one becomes.
These kidnappers were all desperate characters. While Balfourâs currently in a disadvantaged position, there were always vulnerabilities to exploit in such a group.
Especially the Boss, who seemed to have a soft spot for his bygone days of youth-a target for exploitation if there ever was one.
Not to mention, the whole gang seemed petrified of the Boss. He was probably the mastermind behind every heist and the commander on the field. It was likely that he had blood on his hands.
Of course, these were just Balfourâs hunches. If he could avoid a head-on clash with them, heâd prefer it.
But knowing that they were desperadoes meant that even after getting the money, they might not stick to the original deal and let them go.
Balfourâs brow furrowed subtly, the slap on his face was the least of his worries.
His concern was for the aftermath, especially since he had Victoria by his side.
From the moment they were kidnapped together, he never once thought of escaping alone.
He could only hope that Dean wouldnât take the kidnappersâ demands seriously; relying on the police was the only way to go.
It was only when the Boss stepped out to rummage through his backpack that Balfour managed to sit upright, using his core strength.
âVictoria, are you okay?â he whispered.
Hearing Balfourâs voice, Victoria finally let out a sob she had been holding in.
She had been silent when the Boss was around, terrified that any sound might get her dragged away again.
âIâm sorry, they were after me today, and I didnât mean to drag you into this,â Balfour expressed his sincere regret.
âDonât worry, as long as Iâm here, Iâll protect you,â he reassured her.
Victoria sniffled, âIâm okay for now, just lying on the ground. My hands and feet are num Do you know who these people are? Weâve never crossed paths with them, so why kidnap us? Is it really all for money?â
Hearing Victoriaâs voice steady yet not blaming him for their situation, Balfour felt a mix of fear and anger emanating from her. Her considerate nature prevented her from condemning him, which he appreciated; after all, no one would be pleased being dragged into such a mess.
âThese people are only after the money, and I hope theyâll let us go once they have it,â he said, not very convincingly.
Victoriaâs heart sank even further. âYou said it yourself that theyâre vicious. How can we expect them to just let us go after getting the money? Our hands and feet are tied; thereâs no escape. I just want to go home! If only I knew, I wouldnât have fought with my sister last night.â
She collapsed, crying again, and Balfour felt helpless. He wanted to tell Victoria not to be afraid or worry, but he knew how hard it was to stay calm in such a situation. Any reassurance seemed empty when he was bound and powerless.
Maybe once Victoria calmed down, things would seem a bit better. At least the kidnappers werenât around now. Let her cry if she needed to.
Outside, the kidnappers rudely slashed Balfourâs backpack to shreds, spilling its contents which included his student ID and some cards.
âBoss, check this out, this kidâs got the looks-his ID photo could pass for a celebrity shot,â jeered the skinny one, who had previously crossed the Boss, as he presented the cards.