𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏𝟓: 𝑨𝒃𝒚𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

He was exhuasted and immediately started his car once he climbed in, all ge wanted to do was go to sleep and forget the roller coaster ride of emotions and thngs that happened today.

Leo's heart sank as his car choked and stalled, leaving him stranded in the desolate industrial area. He knew he was in trouble when the eerie silence was shattered by the sound of a white van pulling alongside him. His initial relief at the sight of the headlights quickly dissipated when the driver's face revealed an unfamiliar presence. He was larger than Adrian, with a square jaw and piercing eyes that sent a shiver down Leo's spine. The driver claimed to be an old associate of Adrian's, offering help with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. Despite his unease, Leo's desperation overruled his instincts. As the burly men emerged from the van, he could feel the situation spiraling beyond his control. The one who called himself Mark checked under the hood, a ruse to distract him while the others approached. The sting of the cloth against his face was the last thing Leo felt before the world went black, the acrid scent of chloroform burning his nostrils. His body went limp as the strong arms of the unseen assailants hoisted him into the van, the cold metal floor against his cheek a stark reminder of his newfound vulnerability. The engine rumbled to life, and the vehicle lurched forward, swallowing him into the abyss of the night.

Leo awoke to the rhythmic hum of the van's engine, his head throbbing and his vision blurred. The darkness inside the van was suffocating, broken only by the faint glow of passing streetlights filtering through the small, barred windows. As he tried to move, he realized his wrists were bound tightly behind his back, the rough rope digging into his skin. Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to stay calm, breathing slowly to steady his racing heart.

The van suddenly veered, taking a sharp turn that sent Leo sliding across the cold metal floor. He strained his ears, trying to catch any sound from his captors, but the only thing he could hear was the low murmur of voices, too muffled to make out. His mind raced with possibilities-who were these men, and what did they want with him? Was Adrian behind this, or had he stumbled into something far more dangerous than he'd ever imagined?

After what felt like an eternity, the van came to a screeching halt. The back doors swung open, flooding the interior with harsh light. Leo squinted against the brightness, his eyes struggling to adjust. He was roughly pulled out of the van, his legs too weak to support his weight, causing him to stumble. The men surrounding him offered no sympathy, their grip like iron as they dragged him across a gravel-covered ground.

Leo was forced into what looked like an old, abandoned warehouse, its walls covered in peeling paint and the air thick with the smell of rust and decay. He was shoved into a chair in the center of the room, and as the ropes were tied around his chest, securing him to the chair, Leo finally saw the figure stepping out from the shadows.

It was a man in his late forties, tall and imposing, with a bald head that gleamed under the dim light. His eyes were cold, calculating, and a cruel smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he approached Leo. "Welcome, Leo," the man said, his voice dripping with menace. "I've heard so much about you."

Leo's throat was dry, fear paralyzing his voice. The man circled him like a predator, his eyes never leaving Leo's face. "You've gotten yourself mixed up in a very dangerous game," the man continued. "And now, you're going to help me clean up the mess."

Leo's mind spun, trying to make sense of the situation. "Who are you?" he finally managed to croak out, his voice barely above a whisper.

The man chuckled darkly. "Let's just say I'm someone who has a vested interest in your... friend, Adrian. He's been causing quite a stir lately, and you, my dear Leo, are going to help me bring him down."

The realization hit Leo like a punch to the gut. This wasn't just about him; this was about Adrian. The man wanted to use him as bait, to draw Adrian out into the open. Leo's heart pounded in his chest, fear and anger swirling within him. He had no idea how to get out of this alive, but one thing was clear-if Adrian found out about this, there would be blood.

The man leaned in close, his breath hot against Leo's ear. "You're going to call him, Leo. And you're going to convince him to come here, alone. Do that, and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you walk out of here in one piece."

Leo's stomach churned. He knew what the man was asking him to do-betray Adrian, lure him into a trap. But the thought of what Adrian might do if he discovered Leo's predicament filled him with dread. Adrian was dangerous, unpredictable, and the last thing Leo wanted was to be caught in the crossfire of whatever war was brewing between these men.

The man straightened up, pulling a phone from his pocket and tossing it into Leo's lap. "Make the call, Leo. And remember, your life depends on it."

Leo's hands shook as he picked up the phone, his mind racing with the impossibility of the situation. He was trapped, with no way out but through, and whatever choice he made, someone was going to get hurt.

With a trembling finger, he dialed Adrian's number, his breath hitching as the line began to ring. Each ring felt like a countdown, ticking away the last moments of his old life. When Adrian finally picked up, his voice smooth and calm on the other end, Leo's heart nearly stopped.

"Leo," Adrian said, a hint of concern in his tone. "Where are you?"

Leo swallowed hard, fighting back the panic threatening to overwhelm him. "Adrian... I need you to come. Alone." His voice cracked, and he prayed Adrian wouldn't hear the fear behind his words. "I'm in trouble."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and when Adrian spoke again, his voice was cold, calculated. "I'm on my way."

The line went dead, and Leo's heart sank, knowing that whatever happened next, there was no turning back.