By now, more and more police had gathered outside, completely surrounding the bank.
Seeing the scene outside, the kidnappers grew flustered but soon demanded five million in cash within an hour before they would even consider releasing me.
I knew that was impossible. An hour wasn’t nearly enough time! That meant I’d be stuck here all night.
I shouted immediately, “No, you can’t give it!”
Several kidnappers grew angry and moved to attack me.
But I told them to hold off, explaining my reasoning. “Trust me, I’m on your side.”
They all looked at me suspiciously, waiting for an explanation.
“Cash like that isn’t easy to prepare. If you really demand it within an hour, it’ll all be freshly printed, consecutive-numbered bills from the bank.”
“Even if you steal it, you won’t be able to spend it. Wouldn’t that be a complete waste of effort?”
Hearing this, the kidnappers exchanged looks, realizing it made sense and nodded in approval.
“You educated folks really have the brains. We never thought of that!”
“So what do you suggest we do?”
After a moment’s thought, I offered my idea. “If you want cash, it has to be old bills. Preparing those takes time.”
“Just give them more time to gather the old bills.”
The kidnappers glanced at one another, finding this reasonable.
One of them immediately shouted outside, “You get three hours, but the cash must be old bills!”
“If you don’t have it by then, we won’t be polite!”
Hearing this, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Three hours would be just enough for me to make it through the crucial period.
Outside, my father learned the news and reassured my mother. “I’ve already arranged for someone to prepare the cash. Don’t worry.”
He pulled the police commander aside to ask about the situation. “Have you figured out a way?”
The commander seemed to have a plan of his own. “Rest assured, we have internal personnel who can resolve this matter.”
“Even if that fails, we have backup plans. They won’t escape. Our job is to ensure the hostages’ safety.”
Hearing this, my father finally relaxed.
Inside, since I was cooperating, the hostage-takers didn’t trouble me. They just told me to sit quietly and not move.
Suddenly, a girl quietly approached me and whispered, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll help you.”
Startled, I wondered who she was.
But when I saw her about to act, I urgently called out, “Don’t be rash!”
My interruption forced her to retreat, missing her chance to take down the nearest hostage-taker.
When the robbers weren’t watching us, she finally asked, “What are you doing?”
That had been a golden opportunity for her.
“Just wait for the ransom to arrive. If you act now, others might be put in danger too, right?”
My thoughtful expression made her hesitate, uncertain about her plan. With no other choice, she had to wait for the right moment.
Finally, the three agonizing hours dragged to an end.
My father emerged, carrying two large suitcases, escorted by the police.
The robbers’ eyes widened at the sight, immediately preparing to seize the money.
The moment their guard dropped, the girl who had quietly approached me earlier struck. She snatched the robber’s homemade gun and pinned him down with a swift, decisive move.
“Freeze! Police!”
Other SWAT officers stormed in, swiftly subduing all the robbers. Their coordinated assault ensured not a single person was injured throughout the operation. Everyone, including me, was safe.
I exhaled a long breath, feeling as though I had just stepped back from the brink of death.
As I walked outside, countless cameras immediately turned toward me, their flashes bursting in rapid succession.
“Mr. Alex, why did you volunteer to be a hostage?”
“Are you injured?”
“Do you have anything to say at this moment?”
They all shouted questions at once, eager for answers.
I simply smiled at the cameras and thanked the police for protecting us. The officers worked quickly, immediately escorting me away to shield me from the press frenzy.
The robbers were loaded into police vehicles. After a brief investigation to verify my identity and the circumstances, I was cleared to return home.
But just as I was leaving, I overheard officers from another department rushing about.
“That killer’s back!”
“Move out!”
Clearly, the serial killer had struck again.
My heart tightened for a moment, then eased. At least this time, I hadn’t been caught up in it. I had the perfect alibi.
Yet I never expected that the very next morning, police would come knocking at my door.
“Alex, we suspect you’re connected to the recent serial murders.”
