Chapter 25

Derrick's driver was stunned for a moment before rushing forward. He yelled, "Hey, what are you guys doing? Get out of here before I call the cops!" He jumped into the fray but was quickly overwhelmed. He suffered a few blows before shouting for Melanie to get Derrick into the car. Ignoring the pain in her shoulders, Melanie lifted Derrick into the back seat. "You're not going anywhere!" One of the men closest to her yanked her hair and dragged her out of the car. Although her scalp burned, she managed to slam the door shut and lock Derrick safely inside as she was pulled backward. They yanked and shoved her, but she didn't budge from the car door. Inside the car, Derrick stared out the window, torn between anxiety and rage. Outside, Melanie's face and body were crushed under the mob's pressure. Someone took the chance to slap her, yank her hair and clothes, and even pry at her fingers. Despite that, she gripped the car door with an unshakable resolve. "Melanie, open the door!"