Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

Melody was hanging by a thread, quite literally. Whether the rope was cut or burned, when she fell, it would be her end.

Dexter was freaking out. “What the hell are you cops good for? Do something, damn it! You promised to keep her safe!”

I couldn’t help but snort. Now he’s desperate.

“You’ve seen how smart the perp is. We’re cops, not wizards. Give us a minute,” Robin snapped at Dexter, clearly annoyed by his clamor.

Robin was sweating bullets as he eyed the intricate setup of ropes.

“This guy’s a bloody Houdini… If the candle’s moved or goes out, the heat’s gone, the airflow changes, and those little ball bearings will drop just like a row of dominoes. The blade gets released, the rope still snaps, and Melody–she dies all the same.”

And if you mess with those bearings too early, the weight shifts, and it’s game over anyway.

Melody didn’t dare to move a muscle.

“Dexter… please, save me. I’m scared,” Melody sobbed out to Dexter.

“I’d advise you to keep it down. This whole setup’s more sensitive than a spirit level. Keep shouting, and you’ll meet your maker even sooner,” I warned Melody, frowning deeply.

Melody’s face turned red as she tried to stifle her cries, too afraid to yell any longer.

Looking up at Melody, for some reason, I felt an inexplicable rush of…satisfaction. I admit it. I have a dark side. I didn’t want to save her.

I knew Colin could do it, but selfishly, I didn’t want Colin to save her.

Robin turned to Cory and the other officers. “Every move’s a gamble here. When’s the rescue team getting here?”

They’d called for a cherry picker, but it wasn’t going to be quick.

“But it’s gonna take time for the rig to get here. This is an industrial zone, best case–twenty minutes…”

Twenty minutes, obviously longer than Melody could wait.

“What do you mean, twenty minutes? In twenty minutes, that rope will have snapped already!” Dexter continued to lash out in panic. He spun around to face Colin. “Is it you? Did you do this, lure us here on purpose? You’re the murderer; it’s gotta be you!”

Dexter had Colin in his sights.

Colin just stood there, cool as a cucumber, not saying a word. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

09:36

“Don’t go barking up the wrong tree.” I snapped at Dexter.

“If it weren’t for him pinpointing this place, we’d have found her too late, if at all,” Robin intervened, trying to get Dexter to cool his jets.

Colin remained still, a low pressure all around him. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought I saw a hint of a smirk in Colin’s eyes.

Just my imagination, surely.

“It’s definitely him. Why else would he know about this place?” Dexter was still raving.

“Mr.

exter, I urge you to calm down. The only person who can save Melody before she dies is Colin. You’d better beg him to save her!” Robin angrily grabbed Dexter by the collar, urging him to plead with Colin.

“Beg him? In your dreams!” Dexter clearly had no intention of begging Colin.

Colin stayed aloof, leaning against a pillar, mouth shut tight.

“She won’t last much longer,” Robin muttered, frowning.

“Seems Melody isn’t all that important to you, huh?” I sneered, enjoying the rare opportunity to threaten Dexter. It put me in a surprisingly good mood.

“Colin, can you save her?” Cory was desperate, looking at Colin anxiously.

Colin remained silent. I knew he wouldn’t make a move unless I spoke up.

“What will it take… for you to save her?” Finally, Dexter bit the bullet and spoke.

Colin straightened up, his voice low and grave. “You take her place… and I’ll save her. You have three minutes to decide.”