CHAPTER 261
“Mr. Schuck, we have a serious problem. A maniac broke into the station, and he’s holding people hostage in Studio One. The situation is bad. He’s demanding to see a reporter or anchor, but most of our team is out at the convention. I’ve tried contacting everyone, but no one’s available right now. Is there anyone here who can help?”
William was taken aback, clearly shocked. Incidents like this had been on the rise lately, but he never imagined one would happen right here at the station.
Forcing himself to stay calm, he replied, “I don’t have anyone immediately available, but I’ll try to get someone on the phone.”
The staff member, however, was growing more frantic.
“There’s no time! He’s got a child as a hostage. If the child panics or the madman loses his temper, it could end tragically.”
Desperation filled his eyes as he scanned the contestants, settling his gaze on them.
“Aren’t they anchors? Can’t one of them step in?”
“No!” William immediately protested.
“They’re still in training, not experienced in field reporting, and... they’re young women. If something goes wrong…”
The staff member, undeterred, turned back to the contestants and addressed them directly.
“Would any of you be willing to go and speak to him? Try to negotiate and find out what he wants?”
The contestants instinctively took a step back, fear evident on their faces. Dealing with a dangerous criminal was no small matter, and none of them wanted to risk their safety.
As the words “a child is in the madman’s hands” echoed in Arianna’s mind, she felt her resolve harden. Her fists clenched at her sides, and a determined look settled in her eyes. Without hesitation, she stepped forward.
“I’ll go.”
All eyes turned toward her, and a mix of shock, admiration, and fear reflected on their faces.
William, responsible for the safety of the contestants, quickly intervened.
“Arianna, please think this through. This isn’t something to take lightly. You could get hurt… or worse.”
“We can’t just leave the child in danger,” Arianna responded firmly, then turned to the staff member.
“Take me there. We don’t have any time to waste.”
The staff member, clearly moved by her bravery, nodded. “Alright, come with me.”
Before leading her, he quickly addressed William. “Mr. Schuck, please make sure everyone else is evacuated from the station. Ensure their safety!”
Without a moment’s pause, Arianna followed the staff member.
William called after her, “Be careful, Arianna!”
He then turned to the rest of the group.
“Let’s get out of here, now.”
Suddenly, Harmony spoke up.
“Mr. Schuck, I’m worried about Arianna. I want to help. I’m going to Studio One.”
Before William could stop her, Harmony had already sprinted off.
Left with no other option, Walter sighed and motioned for the remaining group to follow him.
“Everyone else, let’s go!”
…
Arianna followed the staff to the entrance of Studio One. Inside, most of the employees had been evacuated, leaving only the madman and the child he held hostage.
A small crowd of staff and security personnel had gathered outside the door, but no one dared to act. Security had attempted to intervene earlier, but the madman had immediately pressed a knife to the child’s neck, drawing blood, and forcing everyone to retreat in fear.
The staff member grabbed Arianna’s arm gently and explained in a low voice, “We’ve got him surrounded. The police and special forces are on their way. Once you’re inside, you need to keep him calm, buy us as much time as you can, and make sure the child is safe. Cooperate with us, but don’t provoke him. You and the child could be in danger if anything goes wrong.”
Arianna nodded. “I understand.”
The staff hesitated for a moment before adding, “And if the situation gets out of hand… you must prioritize your safety.”
“I will,” Arianna reassured him.
He handed her an anchor badge, a microphone, and a discreet Bluetooth earpiece. “Be careful!”
Arianna placed the earpiece in her ear, letting her hair fall over it to keep it hidden. She adjusted the badge and microphone in her hands. “I’m ready.”
Everyone around her wished her luck. “Stay safe.”
With a steadying breath, Arianna knocked lightly on the door, slowly opening it and stepping inside with deliberate care.
The scene in front of her was tense: the madman sat on a table, holding an eight-year-old boy tightly. A small knife was pressed against the child’s neck, and faint red marks showed where the blade had already grazed his skin. The boy’s face was streaked with tears, frozen in fear, too scared to even cry.
The madman’s eyes were wild and sharp. As soon as Arianna entered the room, he locked his gaze on her like a predator sizing up his prey. A chill ran down her spine, but she kept her expression steady.
She had barely taken three steps inside when the madman barked,
“Close the door and lock it!”
Arianna hesitated for a second, and the madman’s voice grew more hostile.
“Lock the door! Or I’ll hurt him again!”
The threat hung heavy in the air.
The madman pressed the knife harder against the child’s neck.
“I’ll lock the door! Please, don’t hurt the child! I’ll do as you say,” Arianna said, her voice calm but urgent, as she slowly backed toward the door. She gently closed it and locked it with a soft click.
She turned to face him again, speaking softly, “The door’s locked, just like you asked.”
The madman’s eyes flicked to the door lock for a few seconds, then shifted back to Arianna. His voice was harsh as he barked,
“Come closer!”
Arianna didn’t hesitate. She walked toward him silently, her steps slow and steady.
When she was a few feet away, he stopped her. “That’s close enough! Stay right there!”
Arianna immediately froze, standing perfectly still. She could sense the tension in the air, but her calm compliance seemed to ease some of the man’s anger. His grip on the knife loosened slightly, and the pressure against the child’s neck eased a little.
Seeing that, Arianna allowed herself a small, silent breath of relief. She kept her voice gentle and relaxed,
“I’m here now. You can tell me what you need. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
The madman remained silent, his expression tight and unreadable.
Instead of pushing him, Arianna shifted her approach, speaking as if she were having a casual conversation.
“The weather outside is really beautiful today. Have you noticed? The air feels fresh, and the sky’s so blue—nothing like the cloudy days we’ve had recently.”
For a moment, the madman’s gaze drifted toward the window, momentarily distracted by her words.
