When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I was frantically tapping my phone, trying to initiate a video call, but the other end just wouldn't pick up.

I must've replayed the video a dozen times. Geneva was definitely alive, still wearing the outfit from our barbecue night.

But the surroundings were too dark to make out anything clearly.

I knew I should call the cops, but I was torn. What if Talbot's guys were watching me? What if he decided to go through with his threats?

Talbot had mentioned I should reach out to Galen Brown, but I didn't even have his contact info.

In a whirlwind of frustration, I found myself ascending to the rooftop for some air, and there he was-Galen Brown.

"Melanie!"

He was hiding out in the same spot where we last spoke.

I stared at him in disbelief, "Galen, you've been here the whole time?"

He nodded, "It's the safest place. I know the hospital well enough to avoid the cameras."

"I've seen the news online. What's going on?"

He seemed calm, a simple suitcase by his side, signaling his intent to leave.

But suddenly, I felt a wave of panic, "Galen, Geneva's in trouble."

Since the police hadn't released any information, and it wasn't on the news, he was understandably out of the loop.

Upon seeing the video, Galen Brown closed his eyes for a moment before firmly saying, "Call the police."

I was taken aback.

"Galen, but what if Talbot is watching us? What if..."

He repeated, "Call the police."

"Just get in touch with a cop Clyde knows. I trust Clyde, and I trust his judgment."

His calmness was almost frightening, his eyes hiding an emotion I couldn't decipher.

Upon Galen's insistence, I finally contacted Officer Henson.

Honestly, just the two of us didn't

our

own. He had taken Geneva, likely baiting Galen into a trap. Wentent

a chance against Talbot on et

The foundation Clyde had casually mentioned turned out to be Talbot's breaking point. Meeting with Officer Henson, his demeanor grew serious, especially upon seeing Galen. "Galen Brown, you know what you did back then was criminal."

"I know, and I'm ready to turn myself in, hoping the police can save my daughter."

Galen's voice was steady, as if he had resigned himself to his fate long ago.

Officer Henson wasted no time in organizing a response.

I handed Galen what appeared to be a sophisticated USB drive.

"I told Talbot the access key was with you, and I couldn't touch the funds without it."

"Just pretend this is the key. He won't have time to verify it, and we can focus on saving Geneva."

The police also set up a decoy website, instructing Galen on how to log in and use it, just in case.

Throughout the planning, Galen only

nodded or shook his head,

committing every word from the police to memory, occasionally moving his fingers as if to engrain it all

Just when everything was almost set, my phone buzzed again.

Talbot had sent a location.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

"Bring Galen Brown within an hour, and if I see a third person, Geneva dies first!"

His tone was chilling, edged with fury.

My hands were trembling, but I managed to reply with a simple "Okay."

Officer Henson gave my shoulder a reassuring pat, "Don't worry, snipers will cover you."

"If he tries anything... trust me, the police will keep you safe."

I nodded, turning to Galen Brown. He

3 me a smile, though his

t seem more as a scars

his eyes were kind, his voice soft.

"Mellie, don't be afraid. Galen's here to protect you and Geneva, don't worry."

Something flickered in his eyes, then vanished just as quickly.