My Corrupt Partner Tied Me to a Tree, but My Secret Trap Was Already Set

Andrew’s panic lasted only a moment before a dark, calculating expression washed over his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his personal cell phone, tapping the screen with a trembling but deliberate finger. He turned the glowing screen toward Heather, a sickening grin returning to his lips.

The Hostage Gambit

Heather’s breath hitched. The screen displayed a live camera feed of a cozy apartment living room. On the couch sat her younger sister, Clara, studying under the warm glow of a reading lamp. Outside the glass balcony door, a dark, masked figure stood waiting in the shadows.

"You think you're the only one who plays dirty, rookie?" Andrew whispered, his voice dripping with venom. "That's my guy on her balcony. One text from me, and she doesn't make it to her next birthday. Now, you’re going to radio your little IA friends and tell them it was a false alarm."

Heather’s heart hammered against her ribs. The cold steel of betrayal cut deeper than the ropes around her wrists. She had anticipated Andrew’s desperation, but she hadn't expected him to target her family. The flashing police lights were drawing nearer, the faint sound of sirens now echoing through the barren trees. Time was running out.

"If you hurt her, Andrew, there is nowhere on earth you can hide," Heather spat, her composure cracking for the first time.

"I won't have to hide. I'll be rich, and you'll be dead," Andrew retorted, his thumb hovering over the screen to send the fatal command. "Make the call, Heather. Tell them you made a mistake, or watch your sister pay the price."

Heather stared at the screen, her mind racing. She had to make a choice between her duty to bring down a corrupt cop and the life of the only family she had left.