Chapter 37 A Desperate Escape for a Glimmer of Hope

In the residential area near the Pine City border, Andrew stood by his car and answered Eric's call, "What's up?"

 

"Are you at the police department?" Eric asked.

 

"Don't you know? I'm here at the border catching grain smugglers," Andrew replied, wiping the sweat off his face. "Just finished. I am about to head back."

 

Hearing that Andrew seemed unaware of what was happening at the police department, Eric didn't elaborate but pleaded, "I'm in serious trouble and need your help."

 

"What kind of trouble?" Andrew asked.

 

"I can't explain over the phone. Can you come back and help me get my mom and sister out of here?" Eric said quietly, "I won't trouble you for long. They'll stay at your place for a maximum of two hours."

 

"What exactly is going on?" Andrew was puzzled, as Eric had never spoken to him like this before.

 

"Don't ask for details. Anyway, I can't stay in Pine City anymore. I have to leave," Eric said, worried that the two men watching him might get suspicious. "I can't find anyone else to help, so I'm begging you."

 

"Alright, I'm heading back now," Andrew responded without hesitation, "I'll be there in about half an hour."

 

"Andrew, don't tell anyone I called you," Eric warned.

 

"I won't tell anyone," Andrew promised. He rarely made promises, but he never broke them when he did.

 

"Mom and Sophia will be at the North Station soon," Eric instructed softly, "Pick them up and keep them in the car. I'll call you when it's over."

 

Andrew was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Can Samuel help you with this? If he can, I'll call him right now."

 

Eric welled up with tears, and after a long pause, he said hoarsely, "He... he can't help."

 

Andrew sank his heart. "No more talking. I'm heading back now."

 

"Thank you," Eric said.

 

"Contact me anytime," Andrew added.

 

"Okay."

 

After ending the call, Andrew opened the car door and shouted to his colleagues who were cleaning up the scene, "I have an urgent matter to attend to. You guys head back on your own and call me when you get to the station."

 

"What's up?" a colleague not far away shouted.

 

Andrew didn't respond but instead floored the gas pedal, disappearing into the night.

 

At home.

 

Eric walked to the back of the wardrobe, bent down, and reached into the gap between the wardrobe and the wall. After some time, he pulled out a round oilcloth package.

 

At the table, Eric unwrapped the package, revealing a large-caliber P202 handgun.

 

Eric had bought this gun three years ago from a gun dealer to practice shooting during his off-duty hours. The precinct had a limited number of practice rounds, and he didn't have the extra money to get special approval through gifts. He had to practice on his own to get a good score and a promotion. In fact, Eric did achieve first place in shooting at the police department. However, all he got was a cash reward that covered the cost of the gun. The promotion went to those who rarely used their guns.

 

Eric skillfully checked the gun, loaded two magazines, and put the gun in his inner pocket before striding out the door.

 

At the door, Eric suddenly stopped, looking back at the small house and the simple furniture. This was all he had worked hard to achieve, but now it seemed like he could not take any of it with him.

 

On the cabinet were several certificates and trophies, achievements from his shooting skills. Ironically, he had never fired a shot in a real major case.

 

Eric took a deep look inside the house before turning to leave.

 

Through the iron gate and past the wall, Eric arrived at his mother's house. "Are you packed?"

 

"Eric, what trouble have you gotten into? Why do we have to leave all of a sudden?" his mother asked, her voice trembling.

 

"Mom, I can't explain it in a few words. But don't worry. I've contacted Andrew, and we're leaving tonight to find him," Eric said, telling a white lie.

 

His mother sighed, wiping her eyes. "It's all my fault. I pushed you to find a woman. Is that why we have to leave so suddenly?"

 

Eric looked at his mother, suppressing his emotions, and turned to Sophia at the door. He squatted down and asked, "Sophia, in five minutes, take Mom to the North Station."

 

"Okay." Sophia, though blind, nodded calmly.

 

"You should remember Andrew's voice. When he arrives, get in his car. I'll pick you up in no more than two hours," Eric instructed again.

 

Sophia was silent for a moment, then whispered to Eric, "I know what happened when Paul came back."

 

Eric was stunned.

 

"We've already lost one brother. I don't want to lose another," Sophia added.

 

"I'll come back," Eric said, holding back tears.

 

"Go," Sophia said.

 

"Wait for me." Eric stood up and left the house.

 

Five minutes later, Eric was back in the car.

 

The driver glanced at Eric and frowned. "Why does it take so long?"

 

"Didn't you hear?" Eric asked expressionlessly.

 

The driver was taken aback, and then said, "I heard some noise. What's the problem? Family trouble?"

 

"Nothing, let's go," Eric answered.

 

"Got the stuff?" the driver asked.

 

"It's on me," Eric replied, still expressionless. "Let's go find William."

 

"Alright." The driver floored the gas pedal, quickly leaving the alley by Eric's house.

 

On a street in the Black Street District.

 

After leaving Pine City Prison, Alexander drove here. After waiting for nearly half an hour, someone knocked on his car window.

 

Alexander looked up at the burly man outside the car and got out.

 

"Raise your hands," the man said expressionlessly.

 

Alexander hesitated, then raised his arms.

 

The man carefully checked Alexander for weapons before saying quietly, "Follow me."

 

Two minutes later, they entered a building and met Benjamin in a dimly lit room on the first floor.

 

"Do you need anything from me?" Benjamin asked, playing with a handgun.

 

Alexander hesitated, then took a puff of his e-cigarette. "Robert and Daniel's case can be handled."

 

Benjamin was taken aback, then laughed. "Is William messing with me by sending you?"

 

Alexander took out his phone, played a recording, and placed it in front of Benjamin.

 

After a few seconds, Robert's voice came through, "Uncle Benjamin, you can talk to this guy."

 

Benjamin was stunned to hear Robert's voice.

 

"I'm here to tell you that when Robert and Daniel were caught, they were caught red-handed. But your approach has been to resist interrogation and the justice system, refusing to explain the details of the crime. You hope that both could get out together. That's not realistic," Alexander said, taking another puff. "Save one. There's still a chance."

 

Benjamin stared at Alexander, not understanding his intentions.

 

"I'm done talking. I'm leaving," Alexander said, turning to leave.

 

"Wait!" Benjamin called out.

 

Alexander turned back. "What?"

 

"Why are you doing this? What's your meaning?" Benjamin asked.

 

Alexander thought for a moment, then replied, "Because I don't want to be the fool who offends all the drug dealers and their desperate clients, only for someone else to take the money. If you're smart, pretend I was never here today, and we'll go our separate ways."

 

With that, Alexander left.

 

The car sped toward the precinct. The driver glanced at Eric and called William.

 

"Hello?" William greeted.

 

"He got the stuff. We're almost there," Eric said.

 

"Let him in, then you guys head back," William instructed.

 

"Got it." They ended the call.

 

William, in his office, texted his brother:[The supply channel is on its way.]

 

Terry quickly replied: [OK!] 

 

In the car.

 

The driver turned the wheel and saw the police department ahead. "Get out here. William's waiting in his office."

 

Eric suddenly pulled out his gun and aimed it at the driver's head.

 

The two men in the car were stunned, turning to Eric.

 

"I lost the stuff. I really can't find it." Eric trembled his voice, but his hand was steady. "I can't go back. If I do, I'm done for."

 

"You're asking for death," the driver said, frowning. "Your home is right here. Where can you go? Can you get out of Pine City?"

 

"I want to try," Eric said, his mouth twitching. "Drive straight ahead."

 

The passenger in the front seat started to curse.

 

"Don't push me. I'm out of options," Eric said, eyes red. "Let me live, and you two can live."

 

The two men were silent.

 

"Drive forward," Eric ordered, gripping the gun. "Do as I say."

 

About fifteen minutes later, the SUV stopped on an empty road about three miles from the city.

 

"Stop the car," Eric commanded with his gun.

 

The driver glanced at Eric, then turned the wheel slightly and slammed on the brakes.

 

The icy road made a sharp screech, and the car skidded uncontrollably into a ditch.

 

"Don't try anything!" Eric, shaken by the impact, hit the driver with the gun.

 

The driver, protecting his head, calmly said, "Aren't you in a hurry? Do you want us to help push the car out?"

 

Eric looked outside and saw the car was deeply stuck. He gritted his teeth, got out, and pointed the gun at the two men. "Throw weapons and phones out."

 

The two men exchanged glances. Without further ado, they threw their phones and guns out the window.

 

Eric fired two shots, shattering the right-side tires. He then re-entered the car, searched the two men, and said, "Don't follow me. If you do, we all die."

 

He picked up their guns and phones and ran off.

 

The driver, watching Eric leave, punched the steering wheel. "Beaten by a weak opponent."

 

The man in the passenger seat opened the glove compartment and took out an envelope. "Relax, we have two phones here."

 

"Open them quick," the driver said, eyes brightening.

 

On the road.

 

A police car suddenly made a loud noise from the chassis, and the car shook violently before the engine died.

 

Andrew's head hit the steering wheel, and he cursed, "What a crappy road!"

 

At the North Station.

 

Sophia placed her mother at the entrance of the underground passage to shield her from the wind. She stood alone by the roadside, waiting for Andrew to arrive.