Chapter 9
Jacob felt like he was drifting in the ocean, waves pushing him forward into deeper waters, his consciousness floating and sinking without
anchor.
He dreamed a long dream, seeing every moment with Allison. Her smile was so vivid, almost within reach, yet when he tried to touch it, it dissolved into a puddle of bubbles.
He saw himself kneeling on one knee beneath cherry blossoms, holding a ring.
“Allison, my love, will you marry me?”
Joy and surprise shimmered in Allison’s eyes, tears quickly welling up.
“I know being with me might bring danger–desperate criminals, vengeful offenders… But I swear I’ll protect you with my life.”
“I have only three loves in this world: my duty, my homeland, and… you.”
“As long as I live, I’ll never fail you!”
He saw Allison extending her hand toward him. Just as he was joyfully about to slide on the ring, she withdrew her hand. He saw Allison’s somewhat pale face.
“Jacob, you faithless man, you’ll end up abandoned by everyone and die alone.”
The next moment, she fragmented into countless shards before his eyes.
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Chapter 9
“Allison-”
Jacob shouted, bolting upright. The pungent smell of disinfectant assaulted his nostrils–he was lying in a hospital bed.
“Brother Jacob, you’re finally awake…” Sadie’s tears hovered at the edge. of falling.
But Jacob threw off the covers and tried to dash out barefoot.
“Allison… I have to find Allison!”
Yet after just two steps, his vision blacked out momentarily. He gripped the bed frame to avoid collapsing.
“Captain! Urgent orders from above! We need to leave now!”
“Jacob, I’m coming with you!”
Faced with the urgent document, his fingers trembled slightly. A teammate nearby immediately said, “The rescue boat is still searching!”
In truth, no one believed there was any hope of survival for those on board. They were just trying to comfort Jacob.
Jacob took the document and said hoarsely, “Let’s go…”
“At Warehouse No. 5, the hostage is a key member. Orders from above: ensure their safety at all costs!”
Jacob strode over. Someone quickly explained the situation, then whispered, “Captain, my condolences…”
Chapter 9
He halted, his eyes instantly turning icy. “Condolences for what!?”
The teammate was startled, instinctively stepping back, too afraid to utter
a word.
Jacob clenched his fists, nails digging deep into his palms, but he knew this wasn’t the time for rage.
The loudspeaker crackled to life as Sadie stepped forward, delivering soothing reassurances.
The kidnappers remained silent. Jacob took the speaker and uttered one word: “Terms.”
“Straight to the point,” one kidnapper pressed his blade against the hostage’s cheek. “Get us across the border. We keep one hostage–that
woman.”
The knife pointed at Sadie.
Jacob barely furrowed his brow when Sadie paled beside him, shouting, “Impossible! How dare you demand two hostages!?”
Jacob whipped his head toward her, expression darkening. “Shut up!”
Such unprofessional words from a negotiator!
Sure enough, the kidnapper seemed provoked. His blade carved a deep gash across the hostage’s face, blood splattering instantly. “Are you giving it or not!?“–
“Stay calm! We agree!”
Sadie instinctively stepped back, stammering, “N–no, I can’t-”
Chapter 9
Her terror was unmistakable to everyone, planting visible doubt in their
minds.
Is this really a professional negotiator?
Sadie clutched Jacob’s sleeve desperately, yet she felt the collective shift in their gazes. Her face turned even paler.
“Then we’re done talking.” The kidnapper pressed his blade forward another inch.
I’ll go!” Sadie suddenly shrieked. “I’ll go…”
But her legs felt like lead, utterly refusing to move.
Jacob couldn’t help but furrow his brow tightly, muttering: “Follow the manual.”
Sadie’s lips trembled, “I…”
But the words seemed stuck in her throat. Shivering, she walked toward the kidnapper, Jacob made a hand gesture behind his back as the commander’s voice came through the earpiece.
“Attention all, snipers in position, prepare for assault!”
