I dragged my stepfather out from under the bed, where he had hidden.
After more than ten years, he still looked the same, fat, dirty, and shabby.
His face bent with flattery as he stared at me, wagging like a dog and begging, “Daughter, long time no see…”
Before he could finish, I kicked him hard and sent him flying. “Who’s your daughter? Disgusting!”
He rolled across the floor, skidding to a stop, then struggled up, messy and pitiful.
“Back then, I was taken by evil, that is why I tied you in the street, that is why you were shamed and torn by dogs… Now I truly know I was wrong.”
Each word cut into me like a whip. Rage burned away all reason. I pulled out a gun and aimed at his head.
One shot would end him, and my painful past would be buried for good. But suddenly his fear faded, and he laughed with triumph.
I frowned instantly. Turning my head, I saw a man dragging Emma over as a hostage.
“Dear daughter, didn’t expect I’d still have a backup, did you?” he said, threat dripping from his voice.
“As long as you give me money and let me go, I guarantee this woman will be safe. Otherwise, she won’t see tomorrow’s sun.”