Miranda''s response was quick.


    "I''m not sure. I was in a pretty remote area then and now, too. I saw a few security cameras on the way, but they didn''t seem to be on. I''m not sure if they were working."


    This was a bit of a problem.


    M asked again, "Did you see each other''s faces?"


    Silence from Miranda.


    As soon as she didn''t answer, M had a sinking feeling. They probably did see each other''s faces. This was big trouble.


    M made a swift decision. "Never mind about covering your tracks. Find a spot, ditch the guy and the gun, clean the car thoroughly. I''ll expedite the paperwork for you to leave the country. Tomorrow-no, tonight, you need to get out!"


    Miranda hesitated, "You mean... run?"


    "What else?"


    M felt a headacheing on.


    "They''ve seen your face. There''s no getting away clean."


    "If they have guns and you''re being chased, neither side is likely to be the good guys. You''re just an outsider caught in the crossfire, destined to be coteral damage. Instead of waiting for them to track you down, running is your best option."


    "Once you''re abroad, you''ll be out of their reach. They''re not likely to chase you across borders."


    "They''re doing this in the dead of night, which means they don''t want a big scene. With the situation not too deep yet, you should get as far away as possible. Forget abouting back for a few years until things settle down."


    In M''s mind, it was better to avoid praying for unknown parties to be reasonable. It was wiser to retreat and stay far away.


    Who knew what kind of dangerous people were involved? An ordinary person caught in the middle was just a sacrificial pawn.


    Miranda was struggling to ept it. Everything had been going well. How had she ended up needing to flee, leaving behind her six-year career as awyer and all her connections?


    "But what about my job...?"


    M was exasperated.


    "For heaven''s sake, now''s not the time to be worrying about your job."


    "This is the modern age. You can handle things remotely once you''re safe. You''re dealing with people who don''t hesitate to use guns."


    After she spoke, there was no reply.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she hesitantly called out, "...Are you there?"


    ...


    From the phone came the sound of a man''s heavy breathing and a low, hoarse chuckle, his voice rasping and unclear.


    "Thinking of throwing me out of the car? That''s a bit harsh, don''t you think?"


    M''s heart sank. She took several deep breaths, calming herself before asking, "Where''s my friend?"


    "She was too noisy, so I made her quiet down for a bit."


    M''s voice turned cold, understanding that the man held the upper hand. She could only ask, "What do you want?"


    The man''s voice was gritty, with an undertone of pain, and his breathing wasbored. "Find me a safe ce and some medical supplies. I think you can manage that."


    "Alright."


    M didn''t hesitate. "My friend knows a ce. She can take you there."


    The man chuckled softly, "Rx, I won''t harm her. You''re my lifesavers this time, and I always repay my debts."


    M felt a chill run through her. She didn''t trust a word from someone so dangerous. If he didn''t turn against them, it would be a miracle.


    "Let her go. She''ll lead you to a safe ce. And let me hear her voice."


    There were some sounds on the other end, followed by Miranda''s slightly trembling voice, "M."


    M kept her words brief, offering calm reassurance, "Don''t be afraid. Listen to me. Take him to my ce. There''s a basement there where you can hide..."


    After a few instructions, the call abruptly ended.


    In the hospital stairwell, M leaned against the wall, clenching her fist and tapping it against her forehead, filled with unease.


    She hoped Miranda understood her intentions. Now all she could do was wait.