The rescue

"Let's play a game," Gianna proposed. "You tell Dylan everything you've heard, and I'll tell him my version of the story. Let's see who he believes."

Ava had no doubts that Dylan would ever believe her. What was the point of telling him? But she wouldn't give up. At least, they wouldn't be able to hurt her if she told him she was with them.

"Alright, go ahead," she said in a challenging way. "Call him. Let's see how far your lies take you."

Gianna's eyes sparkled with amusement, enjoying the little show she was orchestrating. She tapped her phone, pretending to make a call. "Of course. Let's talk to him right here." She was stalling, waiting for her accomplices to arrive.

"Hello, Dylan," she said in a panicked tone. "Please come quickly! I just saw those thugs taking Ava away, and I'm terrified they'll hurt her!"