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"Explain yourself," Dario growls, protective instincts flaring.
The figure lifts their wrist, revealing a vintage timepiece that seems strangely out of place. Dario's eyes are instantly drawn to it, captivated by its design. He glances at me, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"What does this mean?" he asks the figure, gesturing to the timepiece.
"Time is running out," the figure warns. "For all of you."
"Then tell us what we need to do," I implore, my mind racing with a thousand unspoken questions. "We'll do anything to survive this."
"Follow me," the figure commands, turning his back on us and striding deeper into the forest.
Dario hesitates for a moment, his grip on my hand growing even tighter. I can see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes – trust a stranger or face almost certain death at the hands of Frank's men.
"Let's go," I whisper, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "We have to trust that they know what he's doing. We have no other choice."
He nods, determination setting in, and together, we follow the mysterious figure, our fates now intertwined with his.
I almost trip, and the figure catches me just last minute. In that moment, that one act of unnecessary kindness, tells me all there is to know. My heart seizes in recognition.
"Wait...you're the ghost, aren't you?" I ask, my voice barely audible.
"Indeed," he replies, a hint of amusement flickering across his features. "I see that's what you call me."
Dario's grip on my hand tightens, his eyes narrowing as he assesses the situation. "So, you've been watching us all this time?"
"Helping you, more like," the ghost corrects him, his voice low and velvety. "Now, if you want to make it out of this alive, I suggest you do exactly as I say."
Dario and I exchange uneasy glances before hesitantly following, our hearts pounding with every step we take.
"Keep close and stay silent," the ghost instructs, his footsteps barely making a sound. "Frank's men are relentless, but I know these woods better than anyone."
As we trudge deeper into the forest, I can't help but wonder about the ghost's true motivations. Why would a man we've never met risk everything to save us? What could he possibly gain from it?
"Watch your step," the ghost warns suddenly, pointing to a treacherous patch of roots and uneven ground.
"Thank you," I reply, carefully navigating the obstacle with Dario's help.
"Wait," I say suddenly, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. "Why are you helping us? What do you want in return?"
The ghost stops in his tracks, turning to face us. For a moment, I see a flicker of something – uncertainty, perhaps – in his eyes before they harden once more.
"Life is complicated," he replies cryptically. "I have my reasons, but now is not the time for explanations."
"Jasmine," Dario interjects, his voice laced with concern, "we don't have time for this. We need to trust him for now."
I nod reluctantly, knowing Dario is right. There will be time for answers later if we survive this night. The ghost resumes his quick pace, and we follow suit.
"Stay close," the ghost cautions once more, his voice a low whisper in the darkness. "We're not out of the woods yet."
Chapter 40
A Brother In Arms
Dario
We exit the forest and I open the door to my car and usher Jasmine in first. Her eyes dart around nervously as she slides onto the leather seat. The Ghost follows us into the backseat.
I can't believe what just happened," Jasmine says, her voice shaking. She turned to me, her eyes pleading for reassurance.
