Chapter 69-the stand off

The police cars parked in a line, their flashing lights casting an eerie glow over the old warehouse. Shadows danced across the cracked walls as we moved in, trying to keep our footsteps light. Harrison held my hand tightly, his jaw set and his eyes fixed on the doors ahead. My heart was pounding, each beat a reminder that Ethan was so close, yet still not safe. Detective Lancey led the team, her face focused and determined. She held a hand up, signaling for everyone to stop. We could hear voices coming from inside----Luca's voice, harsh and cold, along with a faint whimper. My heart squeezed as I recognized it. Ethan. He was right there, trapped with Luca. Lancey looked at Harrison and me, her eyes serious. "Stay close, and let us handle this." But as she pushed the door open, the scene inside stopped us in our tracks. Luca was standing just a few feet away, gripping a gun in his hand. Ethan was tied to a chair beside him, eyes wide and terrified. The gun was pointed directly at my so