When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Talbot was located in an abandoned building in the suburbs.

I had heard from Lisa that Talbot had his hands in a few pies before, all of which crumbled for one reason or another. Not only did the investors lose their money, but the building remained uninhabitable, a concrete ghost.

Despite the collective legal battles waged by the disgruntled investors, their efforts were fruitless.

Years had passed-five or six at least since the project's abandonment, and it seemed destined to be forgotten.

I drove out to the site with Galen Brown, the surrounding area barren except for a solitary cell tower and overgrown weeds—a hideout's nightmare.

As we got out of the car, my phone rang. It was Talbot.

"Is that Galen Brown with you? Put him on the phone!"

Galen, who used to tower over me, now stooped nearly to my level, his face and voice unrecognizable from the man he once was. Talbot had every reason to be suspicious.

Clearing my throat, I replied, "Galen was injured in a fire. He lost his voice and... his face was damaged."

There was a pause on the other end before Talbot snickered coldly.

"So, you recognized Galen Brown right away, you traitor! Just like your father, always scheming!"

"And here I thought you were so confident. You've got the fund, haven't you?"

Ignoring his rants, I pressed, "Where's Geneva?"

"Upstairs, seventh floor!"

Choosing the middle floor was likely a strategic move for concealment.

Looking around, there were hardly any hiding spots for a sniper, let alone the police. If they drove up, Talbot would notice immediately.

My heart sank, but Galen gently took my hand, his voice changed, his skin rough, "Follow me, it'll be okay."

His reassurance calmed me.

Throughout my childhood, he had

always been there, a reliable

presence besides my parents.

Looking at his distorted hand now, I

felt a surge of courage.

Reaching the seventh floor left Galen breathless, and Talbot's laughter greeted us.

"No wonder I couldn't find you!"

"You've

been hiding in hospitals, haven't you? I've seen you several without realizing it was you!"

"You lot are like cockroaches, surviving everything. Why didn't that fire kill you?" Talbot's laughter was manic as Geneva stood beside him, sobbing uncontrollably.

Galen removed his hat and mask,

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,her mouth gagged,

Waving a gun in our direction, Talbot spat venomously, "Traitors, all of you."

"Melanie, I tried to help you with your divorce, and this is how you repay me? You conspire against me?"

“I should've had someone take care of you in Aurorea, run you off the road before you married Clyde!"

"I was too kind, letting you live!"

He seemed lost in his delusions, ranting about his perceived generosity.

I ignored him, inching towards Geneva.

Suddenly, Talbot aimed the gun at me, "Don't move, or I'll shoot!"

"Six bullets, enough for each of you twice over."

My legs trembled, frozen in place.

Then, Galen dropped to his knees, his voice raspy, “Let the kids go, and I'll come with you."

"You want the fund, right? I'm the only one who can access it."