Emily's Pov
"Emily Pierce, right?" One of my father's colleagues asked, a man who had worked with him at the FBI for years.
I wondered how he knew me because I was sure this was my first time seeing him. Except my dad had mentioned about me to him, then that would be the exception.
"Yes, sir." I smiled politely, nodding at strangers who only saw me as the FBI Director's daughter.
"Wow you looked just like your mom," another one said.
"Thank you." I replied with a smile.
"You can have your seat dear," my father said, gesturing beside him.
It was only my second time having this opportunity following him to a meeting. He rarely let me out of the house, and when he did, I stayed close to him like a shadow.
The men around the table talked for over an hour, their voices blending into a dull hum. My legs ached from sitting so long. But at this point, I needed air.
Leaning toward my father, I whispered, "I'll be back in a moment, dad."
"Okay, dear. Take care, and be quick," he replied without looking up from his notes.
I passed through the exit, opening the door and stepping out. The cool night air kissed my bare shoulders at that moment and I immediately felt like I could breathe for the first time that evening.
I decided to stretch my legs further by taking a walk down the city and maybe back, but that's when I heard it.
The sound of someone walking.
I turned, my eyes scanning the street but it was empty. I brushed it off at first, saying it was in my mind.
My phone rang but I silenced it. I kept walking, enjoying the cool night air and that's when I heard it again, it was steady, deliberate, like someone was carefully following me.
My heartbeat quickened as I pulled out my phone, dialing my driver's number with shaking hands. It rang but he didn't answer.
I tried again and I could hear the footsteps growing louder and faster.
I ran as quickly as I could before they could get to me, turning into a narrow alley hoping to cut toward to the main road, but I froze.
From the dark, shadows peeled away from the brick walls. Two men, broad shoulders, looking muscular, faces half hidden under dark hoods stepped in front of me.
I fumbled with my phone, trying my driver again but still nothing. I dialed my father next but he declined the call immediately.
I know he's still busy with his meeting, but he should have answered to know if I'm alright. What's will he say if something happens to me right now?
"Evening, sweetheart," one of the men said, his voice deep and slick with mockery. "Where's your daddy tonight?"
They both laughed as they exchanged looks. "No one is coming to save you, dear."
"You're making a mistake." I said, clutching my purse.
"Pff... Mistake?" The second man smirked. "No, dear. We are not."
I tried to run back but someone blocked my path, probably the one chasing me from earlier.
In mere seconds, I was surrounded and they were closing in on me. Fear gripped me as one of them tried to reach for me but I flinched and they all laughed after.
Before, I could scream, tires screeched at the entrance of the alley, drawing the attention of the men surrounding me. A sleek black car came into view, the headlights flooding the entire alley in bright lights.
I watched as the driver's door opened but no one stepped out.
"You've called for rescue?" one of them mocked and laughed.
"Too bad. Looks like they're scared to face all of us at once." another added.
"I didn't—" I whispered but just then, someone finally stepped out. He stood besides the car gracefully, like he owned the street, tall, broad shouldered, a dark suit perfectly cut to his frame, his hands tucked into his pickets.
There was something about the way he stood, the way he watched and said nothing, his presence alone was radiating command.
"Who is he?" the men muttered to themselves.
He didn't answer, he just stood there.
"Screw this," The first man lunged at him, his voice demanding, "Who the fuck are you supposed to be?"
There was still no answer, even while the man charged at him swinging.
"Hey! I asked you—"
Before he completed the statement, he dropped to the ground. The movement was so far I barely caught it.
Two sharp punches, one to his throat, the other to his gut and that was it, that was enough to drop the man.
"Shit. I'm out," The second tried to run for his life, but the stranger grabbed an iron bar from the floor and threw it across the alley, knocking him out immediately.
The third ran the opposite side, but he was caught by the collar, slammed into the wall face first, and left to collapse on the ground.
I stood there, watching in fear and horror as one guy knocked three out without breaking a sweat.
He turned to me, straightening his cufflinks as if nothing had happened, then his gaze locked on mine.
I took a step back immediately, fear crawling up my spine because I didn't know if he would attack me next. "Please don't—"
"Get into the car," he said, his voice was calm and smooth, but carried an edge that left no room for argument.
I hesitated. "I don't even know who you are."
"You don't need to. You just need to decide if you want to walk away… or survive the night."
I didn't understand what he meant until another pair of figures appeared at the far end of the alley, shouting and running towards us.
My pulse thundered and I made my choice.
Sliding into the leather seat, I felt the door close with a heavy, final sound. The stranger slipped in beside me, started the engine, and pulled away from the alley.
I didn't know where he was taking me but all I knew was that we had long lost whoever was chasing.
Neither of us spoke during the drive. I studied his face in the dim dashboard light, the sharp line of his jaw, the focused set of his eyes pinned on the road.
"Who are you?" I asked, breaking the silence.
He smirked, eyes still on the road. "Someone you shouldn't trust… but you'll thank me later. I promise."