The back of the truck smells like gasoline and saltwater, and the metal floor is cold against your skin. Your hands are tied in front of you, your heart pounding as the truck rumbles along a dark, uneven road. Panic bubbles in your chest, but you force yourself to focus, straining to hear anything beyond the hum of the engine.

Suddenly, the truck slows to a stop. You hear muffled voices coming from outside.

“I did what you wanted, Barry,” a voice says sharply—angry, but uneasy. “Now let’s end this. Let her go.”

You recognize the voice immediately—Rafe Cameron. Everyone on the island knows him, the infamous Kook with a temper as fiery as his reputation. But his tone now isn’t the cocky arrogance you’ve heard about. He sounds… scared.

Barry laughs, low and cold. “You think that’s how it works, Rafe? You owe me money. Big money. You don’t get to call the shots.”

“She doesn’t deserve this,” Rafe snaps back. “She has nothing to do with any of this! You said no one would get hurt.”

Your heart races even faster. Rafe’s voice grows louder as the argument escalates.

“I’m not gonna keep doing your dirty work!” he yells. “This isn’t what I—”

“Keep your voice down,” Barry hisses. “Or do you want her to hear just how screwed you are?”

The truck door slams open, and suddenly, Rafe climbs into the back. The dim light from outside illuminates his face—jaw clenched, eyes flickering between anger and regret. You shrink back instinctively, your breath catching.

“Relax,” he says, holding up his hands. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”

You glare at him, your voice trembling. “Then what the hell is this?”

Rafe sighs, running a hand through his hair. He looks frustrated, almost defeated. “I didn’t want to do this,” he mutters. “Barry… he’s got leverage on me, okay? I had no choice.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” you snap, shifting uncomfortably against your restraints. “You kidnapped me, Rafe!”

“I know,” he says, his voice breaking slightly. “I know, alright? This is so messed up. I just—I’m gonna fix it. I swear.”