Chapter 670 Rescue Plan
After getting George settled, the group switched to a black van. Oscar gripped the steering wheel with one hand and quickly dialed a number with the other. "Proceed as planned. Is Team A in position?"
A deep voice responded from the other end, "In position. The surveillance system will be down in three minutes."
Satisfied, Oscar hung up and glanced at the two people in the backseat through the rearview mirror. "The security system where Seraphine is held is tight, but even the strongest fortress has its weaknesses."
Celeste stared at him coldly. "What's your plan?"
Oscar's lips curled into a slight smile. "A diversion." He handed Celeste a small earpiece. "Put this on and stay in contact."
The van stopped two miles from the holding location.
If Oscar hadn't done his homework, Emma would never have guessed that Michael hadn't moved Seraphine but kept her in the original mansion.
It seemed the most dangerous place was indeed the safest.
This worked in Emma's favor, as she was more familiar with the home turf.
Oscar turned off the engine and looked at Emma. "Ms. Stuart, I need you to play a part."
"What do I need to do?"
"Simple," Oscar pulled a phone from his pocket, "send Michael a message saying you're willing to come back, but only if Seraphine is safe."
Emma took the phone with trembling hands, typed the message, and sent it. Within ten seconds, Michael called.
"Answer it," Oscar whispered, "and do as I say."
Emma took a deep breath and answered the call.
"Emma," Michael's voice was cold and controlled, "whose phone is this? Where are you?"
"I'm near the hospital. It's a stranger's phone," Emma replied as Oscar instructed. "I want to see Seraphine."
There was a brief silence. "One hour, the back garden of the mansion. Come alone."
After hanging up, Oscar smiled confidently. "Step one, complete."
Meanwhile, Celeste had changed into a nurse's uniform, complete with a mask and wig. She checked the pocket watch she carried, her tool for hypnosis.
"Remember," Oscar told Celeste, "your job is to distract the guards at the back door. Team A will create a diversion on the east side. Move when you get the chance."
Celeste nodded and disappeared into the night.
Emma looked at Oscar anxiously. "Can Celeste handle it alone?"
Oscar chuckled. "Don't worry. Celeste was top of her class in medical school. Her hypnosis skills are no joke."
Sure enough, within ten minutes, Celeste's calm voice came through the earpiece. "Back door guards neutralized."
Oscar immediately started the van. "Our turn."
In the back garden, Michael stood with his hands behind his back, four bodyguards at his side. The moonlight made his features look even more severe.
Emma approached alone, and Michael squinted. "Emma, come here."
Just as Emma was about to reach him, the garden fountain suddenly burst, sending water shooting into the air. The bodyguards instantly went on high alert, with two quickly moving to shield Michael.
"What’s going on?" Michael demanded.
Suddenly, the sound of a piano playing came from inside the holding area. Michael frowned. "Who's playing the piano?"
One of the bodyguards hurried to check, only to freeze at the door. Celeste stood by the piano, gently swinging her pocket watch.
"Look at it," Celeste's voice was like a lullaby, "you're very sleepy... very sleepy..."
The bodyguard's eyes glazed over, and he slowly collapsed.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Oscar led Emma through a side door into the holding area. The hallway was empty; all the guards had been drawn to the garden.
"Seraphine is in the room at the end of the third floor," Oscar whispered. "Follow me."
They quickly ascended the stairs, only to run into a maid at the landing. The maid was about to scream when Oscar lunged forward, covering her mouth. "Don't make a sound. We won't hurt you."
Emma recognized the maid who took care of Seraphine and rushed forward. "It's me! Where's Seraphine?"
The terrified maid nodded and pointed upstairs. "In the playroom."
Outside the playroom, two armed guards stood watch. Oscar signaled Emma to hide while he adjusted his collar and walked up to them.
"Stop!" one guard barked.
Oscar raised his hands, smiling innocently. "Relax, I'm the new family doctor. Mr. Russell asked me to check on Seraphine."
The guards exchanged suspicious glances. "Do you have a pass?"
Oscar pretended to reach into his pocket, then suddenly sidestepped, pulling a tranquilizer gun from his sleeve. Two shots, and the guards dropped.
Emma rushed into the playroom and saw Seraphine playing with her teddy bear in the corner.
"Mommy!" Seraphine ran into Emma's arms, excited.
She was so bored playing alone and really wanted to go to preschool.
"Sweetheart, Mommy's here." Emma hugged Seraphine tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Oscar quickly checked Seraphine. "She's fine. We need to go."
As they reached the first floor, a piercing alarm sounded throughout the mansion. Michael's icy voice came over the intercom. "Seal all exits! Don't let anyone escape!"
Oscar cursed and pulled Emma towards the basement. "This way!"
In the basement, Celeste was waiting beside a ready-to-go SUV.
"Get in!" Celeste opened the door.
As the SUV roared to life, Michael and his men burst into the basement.
The SUV had barely sped five hundred meters from the mansion when four black sedans emerged from a side road, forcing the SUV to a stop. The doors opened, and Michael's bodyguards surrounded them with guns drawn.
"Out of the car!" the lead bodyguard shouted.
Inside, Emma clutched Seraphine tightly, her face pale. Oscar squinted, his hand inching towards his gun. Celeste grabbed his wrist, shaking her head gently. "Don't do anything rash."
Michael approached slowly, his black coat billowing in the night wind. His eyes locked onto Emma. "Emma, bring Seraphine over."
Emma trembled but stubbornly shook her head. "No way!"
Michael's eyes turned icy. "Do you think you can escape?"
At that moment, the roar of engines filled the air. Over a dozen motorcycles sped towards them, surrounding the scene. Oscar grinned. "Looks like my people are here."
The situation flipped in an instant. The Gutierrez Gang, armed to the teeth, faced off against Michael's men. The tension was palpable, ready to explode.
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