Not A Small-Town Girl

Taylor and Emery entered the warehouse, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood. Taylor’s sharp gaze scanned the scene before issuing a firm command. "Split up and find Mr. Darling. Ensure his safety." noveldrama

"Yes, sir," came the synchronized response.

Justin lay unconscious, pale from blood loss, while Elliot leaned against a crate, his face ashen but his eyes sharp. His breath came in shallow gasps, but he forced himself to stay upright.

A shadow moved. A killer, hidden in the gloom, smirked as he aimed his weapon. The 100 million dollars bounty was within his grasp. He pulled the trigger.

The assassin dropped like a stone, a bullet having torn through his temple.

Taylor lowered his gun, the barrel still smoking. "Amateur," he scoffed. "Thought you could take on Elliot Darling? Pathetic."

Emery held up his gun and shot Taylor a sharp look. "Couldn’t wait, could you?"

"Stop complaining and check on Elliot," Taylor shot back, urgency lacing his voice.

The two hurried over to Elliot, who was slumped and bleeding heavily. "Mr. Darling, Danielle sent us to help. Are you alright?" Emery asked.

Before he could get a response, Elliot’s body swayed slightly, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.

The shrill ring of her phone broke through Danielle’s restless sleep. She fumbled for it, groggily answering.

"Danielle," Emery’s voice was tense. "Elliot’s been shot twice-one near the heart. He’s unconscious. We’re heading to St. Katherine’s Hospital now."

The words jolted her awake. Her heart thundered in her chest as she threw off the covers. "I’m on my way."

Danielle dressed in record time, slinging a small bag over her shoulder. The clock read 3:00 a.m. The campus gates would be locked, but she wasn’t about to let that stop her.

Climbing out onto the balcony, she descended the drainpipe with practiced ease, landing softly on the grass below. Sprinting to the campus wall, she leapt and scaled it effortlessly, vaulting over to freedom.

At St. Katherine’s Hospital, when Danielle arrived, the Darling family was huddled in the hallway. Vivian was weeping uncontrollably, her eyes swollen and red.

"Danielle, Elliot’s in surgery now. He should be okay," Taylor and Emery quickly briefed her, their tone trying to be reassuring.

The Darling family noticed her approach. "Oh, sweetheart, you’re here," Howard said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Vivian broke down again, her words halting