Chapter 4

Through the metal door, I heard Derek's voice.

"Attention passengers! This is Derek Vaughn, your train marshal!"

"The $50 million ransom that woman offered has been transferred!"

"For everyone's safety, I've decided to use this money"

"to free the most vulnerable child first!"

"That's young Cameron here! He has severe asthma!"

"And as law enforcement family, my own family will naturally go last!"

"It's our duty and our honor!"

Cheers and applause erupted in the car.

"Way to go, Marshal Vaughn!!"

"So inspiring! Thank God we have Marshal Vaughn!"

"This needs to go viral!"

Some influencer even pulled out a phone and started livestreaming Derek.

"Guys! You won't believe this! The train marshal is giving up his own family's spot!"

"To save a sick kid he doesn't even know! So touching!"

Comments flooded in with "salute" and "tears."

Listening to this, I dug my nails into my palms until they bled.

Derek Vaughn—you're using my money to buy your bastard son's life, and building your hero image on my daughter's grave!

"Cameron, hurry, put these on."

Sounds of clothing rustling came from outside.

My heart dropped. Changing clothes? He was dressing up that bastard?

"Daddy, these clothes are too tight. I hate pink."

Cameron whined.

"Be good! This will keep you warm."

"And... only if you wear this will that lady's money work."

Derek coaxed patiently.

Those were Lily's clothes!

That pink puffer jacket was Lily's favorite birthday gift!

My heart ached hollowly.

But I had to save myself first!

I twisted my body,enduring the searing pain inching toward the damaged storage rack nearby.

The rack had a sharp, broken edge.

This might be my only chance!

I struggled to lift my cuffed hands, pressing the zip tie against the sharp edge.

"Scratch—scratch—"

I didn't dare use too much force. I could only saw back and forth slowly.

My wrists started bleeding.

Piercing pain shot through me.

I kept sawing.

Faster! Hurry! Lily was still waiting for me!

Through the small window above the utility closet, I could see part of the platform.

Spotlights lit it up. SWAT officers with riot shields formed a line, countless gun barrels aimed at the train door.

Suddenly, a familiar figure came into view.

A woman in a red coat, hiding just beyond the police line, holding a megaphone.

Vanessa!

Derek's mistress of seven years!

What was she doing here?

She clutched a photo, staring fixedly at the train door, body trembling slightly.

I squinted to make out the photo in her hand.

It was a photo of my daughter Lily!

I realized immediately.

Derek hadn't told Vanessa the whole plan!

She thought Lily would be the one coming out. She was here to... finish the job herself!

"Snap."

My wrists came free. The zip tie had snapped!

I didn't rush out right away.

I lay by the window, watching Vanessa outside, a bitter laugh escaping me.

"Heh... heh..."

Derek Vaughn—you planned everything except that your own lover would be the one to destroy it all.

You wanted to play the hero sacrificing his family.

But your precious "cousin" was outside waiting to send your "daughter" to hell!

The train door slowly slid open.

Cold wind rushed in. The car fell completely silent.

Everyone held their breath, watching the figure in the pink puffer jacket walk toward the door.