Source...
"If you value your life, keep quiet." Olivia placed her finger to Daniela's mouth, pulled out tape and covered it, then locked her arm into hers, and dragged her away from the front door.
Try as she could, Daniela couldn't wiggle free from her grasp.
Olivia pressed Daniela against the side of the house and handcuffed her to the extruded pipe, then moved in front. She felt imprisoned by not only the handcuffs, but the fear of two criminals who wanted her dead.
Frightened, Daniela drew a sharp breath as Olivia pulled out her weapon. Expecting to not be alive the next moment, she closed her eyes. Running from one maniac into the hands of another, she thought. Daddy, if you ever loved me, please come! she prayed. It seemed like a lifetime, but only a few moment before she realized a shot rang out. Her eyes flew open. Thank God. But still helpless to even move or scream, she turned away, but glanced back in time to see Lyle rush toward Olivia.
Daniela's eyes darted between Lyle and Olivia's struggle for her gun. Moments later, he stood over Olivia. One strike, and she fell to the ground.
What twisted turn of events. Olivia and Lyle at odds! Daniela's loyalty immediately shifted to the person who at least on the surface was in her favor. Finished with Olivia, he assumed, Lyle jerked his head in her direction, quickly assessing her dilemma. An evil smile tiptoed across his face. Inches away, Lyle fell forward right into her face before falling into the grass. Behind him, Olivia stood, her shoulders heaving, with crimson streaming down her face.
She dropped the weapon and walked calmly over to Daniela, released the handcuffs, then removed the tape. From behind the house, she held Daniela up until they rounded the corner.
To her surprise, Walter stood with his weapon in his hand pointed at them. From his front window, he witnessed Lyle running from the house toward the back yard. He didn't know it then when he saw Olivia arrive that she was there to help.
Sirens screamed in the background. Dazed, Daniela didn't see her father and brother arrive and race toward her, snatching her out of Olivia's reach.
"No! No!" Daniela whispered. "She saved my life."
Another few moments, and the police joined them in several squads of cars. An ambulance arrived shortly thereafter.
The quiet neighborhood with its exquisite, canopy-forming oak trees lining the street where Lyle and Daniela resided wasn't the topic of conversation on that late summer afternoon as a cool breeze warned of the season's change. Instead, neighbors, police vehicles, and an ambulance in front of their home filled the quaint street. And all this took place in broad daylight before noon.
Several drops of rain fell gently on the street and sidewalks. Those watching in the distance paid no attention as they disbursed into small groups and continued to dissect the morning's saga that interrupted their daily schedules.
Opposite the Reddingham's home, a short, heavily built man concealed himself behind those who'd gathered to witness events. He overhead a few conversations in which people referred to matter as "the husband's takedown". The motive. Uncertain.
Parting the crowd, he scrutinized the scene across the street. He shook his head. Familiar.
Frowning, Jesus reached inside his pocket.
"Got bad news on two fronts. Seems your favorite liaison met an unfortunate end. I knew he was lying when he assured us he'd handle the situation. Seems like the situation handled him. And that bitch he was shacking up with in midtown. Narc. At least you won't have to worry about him exposing our entire operation. She can't find the evidence. However, I think it's best you relocate immediately from the waterfront."
Sirens swirled again as a second ambulance arrived.
Jesus watched as officers made their way across the street interrogating witnesses. He pivoted toward the rear of the crowd, then walked briskly without looking back toward to his car.
Paramedics loaded Lyle into the back of one ambulance and shut the door. With her father's arms around her, Daniela stood watching, tears streaming down her cheek. Neighbors refused to leave the scene waiting for answers.
As the ambulance drove away in silence, the second one hosted Olivia and Daniela and headed to the hospital for medical attention.
Another vehicle cranked its engine, then drove in the opposite direction, following Jesus.
Now, Part 10
Nothing about the secure room and attentive care served to comfort Daniela. The stark, white walls staring back reminded her of their fake marriage. Devoid of color and love. At least one half.
But why guards posted outside her hospital room. Staff wouldn't answer any questions. Finally, she requested a visit. Olivia may shed light on her confinement.
Bandaged herself with one arm in a sling, Olivia knocked gently on her door.
"I was under the impression that you and Lyle." Her voice trailed off, not wanting Olivia to read more into her query.
"It was my intervention why the police backed off and didn't pursue your interrogation. Elevated to federal crimes. Authorities can't find the evidence of his world-wide trafficking. The business Lyle's in is dangerous to anyone close to him. He's a particular kind of devious dangerous individual."
A nursing staff interrupted them. Immediately upon her leave, Olivia continued resembling a mild taunting.
"You're lucky. For some odd reason he liked you. It wasn't the norm for him to actually take a chance and marry someone. Apparently you made an impression." She gave Daniela the once over. "I can see the physical attraction. But he said you had no brains."
Daniela didn't know whether to be offended or grateful.
"Did you come to our home? What an appearance!. Scared me to death."
"Checking if you were still alive. You have no idea how much danger you were in," she stated matter-of-factly looking directly in Daniela's eye as though attempting to instill upon her the dire situation.
"In his confession before you arrived. He advised me to get to know someone before going further in a relationship."
Olivia chuckled, then held her bruised rib. "That's rich!"
Daniela winced in pain and shifted position. Time for answers. "What are you? some sort of undercover agent? And why the guards at my door?"
"You could say. That's all I'm allowed to divulge. Nice work on your part, though. If it's any consolation for what you've endured. At least you're better off than some of his past acquaintances. More than a few individuals are interested in your knowledge. That's why you need my protection."
Thousands of questions prowled through her mind chasing Olivia's last sentence.
She shrieked, "but Lyle's dead. The danger is over, isn't it? His secret in the attic I know nothing of. He admitted to moving the real evidence. Only left are three coded ledgers I discovered in a cutout cupboard the detectives missed."
Without a word, Olivia turned her back and shrugged as though considering available options, then turned again to face Daniela. The expression on her face sent cold, spider-like fingers racing down Daniela's spine.
Olivia shook her head slowly and emitted a low laugh together with several inaudible words suggesting Lyle was correct, then spoke out loud.
"Lyle is of minor concern. The individual he's supplying traffic to known only as The Boss doesn't tolerate loose ends."
She stared Daniela in the eye for several long moments. "And from where I'm standing, you're a loose thread dangling in the wind for anyone to pull in their direction."
Daniela jerked back while Olivia disappeared through angry tears that strolled down her face as she clutched the bedsheet. For the first time, she cursed Lyle.
Scouring the room, her gaze stopped at the door. She lowered her voice to a whisper and hissed, I"d better get out of here then."
Grabbing Olivia's uninjured arm, she cried, "What did I do to deserve this?"
For a long moment, Olivia kept silent. "You already know. The question should be 'how the hell can I avoid dying because of it? I'll be back later to check on you. We're both scheduled for release tomorrow morning.
Daniela followed Olivia steps as she eased out the door, stopping to speak with a security officer. Talking low, she couldn't decipher their conversation.
She didn't have time to formulate a plan of escape. The painkillers kicked in. She fell back on her pillow and dozed off.
A few hours later, a masculine hand quickly covered her mouth. The other one maneuvered itself under her back and lifted her body upright in the bed.
"If you value your life, keep quiet," Daniela heard as she struggled to wake.
Though dimness pervaded the room, she managed to shove the hand away and gasp as a male outline came into view. His stubble face grazed her check.
Jerking a sharp breath, she struggled to free herself. "No, it can't be. Get away from me. You're dead. Lyle, you're dead."
[to be continued]
For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the 
14 March 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3042: can’t find the evidence
5 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2973: has no heart;
4 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2972: reinforced;
3 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2971: can’t overlook that;
1 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2969: what an appearance!;
22 December 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2959: the last date; and
21 December 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2958: the secret in the attic
Source...
Ahora, Parte 10
Ni la habitación de seguridad ni los cuidados esmerados servían para tranquilizar a Daniela. Las paredes blancas y austeras que la miraban fijamente le recordaban su matrimonio falso. Desprovisto de color y de amor. Al menos por una de las partes.
Pero ¿por qué había guardias apostados fuera de su habitación del hospital? El personal no respondía a ninguna pregunta. Finalmente, solicitó una visita. Quizás Olivia pudiera arrojar algo de luz sobre su confinamiento.
Con un brazo en cabestrillo, Olivia llamó suavemente a la puerta.
«Tenía la impresión de que tú y Lyle...» Su voz se apagó, no queriendo que Olivia le diera más importancia a su pregunta.
«Fue gracias a mi intervención que la policía desistió y no siguió adelante con tu interrogatorio. Se ha elevado a delito federal. Las autoridades no encuentran pruebas de su tráfico a escala mundial. El negocio en el que se mueve Lyle es peligroso para cualquiera que esté cerca de él. Es un tipo de persona especialmente retorcida y peligrosa».
Una enfermera los interrumpió. En cuanto se marchó, Olivia siguió con lo que parecía una burla velada.
«Tienes suerte. Por alguna extraña razón, le gustabas. No era lo habitual en él arriesgarse y casarse con alguien. Al parecer, le causaste buena impresión». Le echó un vistazo de arriba abajo a Daniela. «Puedo ver el atractivo físico. Pero él dijo que no tenías cerebro».
Daniela no sabía si sentirse ofendida o agradecida.
«¿Viniste a nuestra casa? ¡Menudo aspecto! Me diste un susto de muerte».
«Comprobando si seguías viva. No tienes ni idea del peligro en el que te encontrabas», afirmó con naturalidad, mirando directamente a los ojos de Daniela como si intentara inculcarle la gravedad de la situación.
«En su confesión, antes de que llegaras, me aconsejó que conociera a alguien antes de ir más allá en una relación».
Olivia se rió entre dientes y luego se llevó la mano a la costilla magullada. «¡Qué gracioso!».
Daniela hizo una mueca de dolor y cambió de postura. Era hora de obtener respuestas. «¿Qué eres? ¿Algún tipo de agente encubierta? ¿Y por qué hay guardias en mi puerta?»
«Se podría decir. Es todo lo que puedo revelar. Aunque has hecho un buen trabajo. Si te sirve de consuelo por lo que has pasado. Al menos estás en mejor situación que algunos de sus antiguos conocidos. Hay más de una persona interesada en lo que sabes. Por eso necesitas mi protección».
Miles de preguntas se agolpaban en su mente tras la última frase de Olivia.
—¡Pero Lyle está muerto! El peligro ha pasado, ¿no? No sé nada de su secreto en el ático. Él mismo admitió haber trasladado las pruebas reales. Solo quedan tres libros de contabilidad codificados que descubrí en un armario empotrado que los detectives pasaron por alto —chilló.
Sin decir palabra, Olivia le dio la espalda y se encogió de hombros como si estuviera sopesando las opciones disponibles, y luego se volvió de nuevo hacia Daniela. La expresión de su rostro hizo que unos dedos fríos, como de araña, recorrieran la columna vertebral de Daniela.
Olivia negó con la cabeza lentamente y soltó una risa ahogada junto con varias palabras inaudibles que sugerían que Lyle tenía razón, y luego habló en voz alta.
«Lyle es una preocupación menor. El individuo al que suministra mercancía, conocido solo como El Jefe, no tolera cabos sueltos».
Miró fijamente a Daniela a los ojos durante unos largos instantes. «Y desde mi punto de vista, tú eres un hilo suelto que cuelga al viento, listo para que cualquiera lo tire en su dirección».
Daniela se echó hacia atrás mientras Olivia desaparecía tras las lágrimas de rabia que le resbalaban por el rostro mientras se aferraba a la sábana. Por primera vez, maldijo a Lyle.
Al recorrer la habitación con la mirada, esta se detuvo en la puerta. Bajó la voz hasta convertirla en un susurro y dijo entre dientes: «Entonces será mejor que me vaya de aquí».
Agarrando a Olivia por el brazo ileso, exclamó: «¿Qué he hecho para merecer esto?».
Durante un largo rato, Olivia permaneció en silencio. «Ya lo sabes. La pregunta debería ser: «¿Cómo demonios puedo evitar morir por esto?». Volveré más tarde a ver cómo estás. A las dos nos dan el alta mañana por la mañana.
Daniela siguió los pasos de Olivia mientras esta salía por la puerta, deteniéndose para hablar con un agente de seguridad. Hablaban en voz baja, y no pudo descifrar su conversación.
No tuvo tiempo de idear un plan de fuga. Los analgésicos hicieron efecto. Se dejó caer sobre la almohada y se quedó dormida.
Unas horas más tarde, una mano masculina le tapó rápidamente la boca. La otra se deslizó bajo su espalda y la incorporó en la cama.
«Si valoras tu vida, no digas nada», oyó Daniela mientras luchaba por despertarse.
Aunque la penumbra invadía la habitación, logró apartar la mano y jadeó al ver la silueta de un hombre. Su rostro, cubierto de barba incipiente, rozó su mejilla.
Respirando con dificultad, luchó por liberarse. «No, no puede ser. Aléjate de mí. Estás muerto. Lyle, estás muerto.»
[continuará]
Para mi tema, me inspiré y utilicé la publicación de
5 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2973: has no heart;
4 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2972: reinforced;
3 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2971: can’t overlook that;
1 January 2026, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2969: what an appearance!;
22 December 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2959: the last date; y
21 December 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2958: the secret in the attic
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.