Chapter 4 The remote sat in my hand for 24 hours .
It was slick with my blood , but I couldnt bring myself to press the button .
Twenty four hours later , the kidnappers were dead , shot down by the SWAT team .
A group of officers stormed in , their uniforms pristine , their movements precise .
Leading the charge ? My parents .
I was lying on the floor , barely clinging to life , as they rushed right past me .
They didnt even notice me .
Didnt even flinch when they stepped on my severed fingers scattered across the ground .
Instead , they scoured the room , their eyes darting over the corpses and the kidnappers setup .
Damn it ! Wheres the video ? Did the bastards hide it somewhere ? Doesnt matter , Dad muttered .
Theyre all dead now .
No one can bring it up again .
Yeah , unless … Moms voice trailed off , and both their heads snapped toward me .
Mom knelt down next to me , her eyes flicking briefly to my mangled hand before a look of disgust crossed her face.
She reached out like she was going to touch me maybe brush my cheek or hold me .
But instead , she just straightened the collar of my shirt .
Her face crumpled into an imitation of concern .
Charlotte , honey , were so sorry we got here late .
Thats on us .
Did you hear the kidnappers mention anything ? Maybe about the video ? Whered they hide it ? I stared at her , my eyes hollow .
My right hand twitched .
If shed cared , even just a little if shed asked if my hand hurt or if there was any chance of saving it she mightve 07:13 Fingerprints of Betrayal 2.3 % Chapter 4 noticed the remote clutched in my palm .
But she didnt .
She and Dad scoured the room a little longer , eventually concluding there was no evidence left behind Relieved , they both let out a long sigh .
Thats when the medics arrived .
A few nurses rushed to me , their faces filled with tears .
One of them crouched down , speaking in a soft , soothing voice .
Its okay , sweetheart .
Youre safe now .
Youve been through so much .
Its not going to hurt anymore , we promise … They wept as they moved around me , carefully picking up my severed fingers , even though they knew there was no way to reattach them .
They treated them like something precious , handling them with so much care .
And my parents ? They had already turned their backs and walked away .
When they lifted me onto a stretcher , one of the nurses noticed I was gripping something tightly in my hand .
She leaned in close , her voice gentle .
Sweetheart , can you let go ? Let me bandage you up .
I promise it wont hurt as much after .
I didnt respond .
She tried to pry my fingers open , but the movement made me bleed more .
She had no choice but to stop .
Reluctantly , she called out , Captain Quinn ! Your daughters holding something in her hand .
It might be evidence or something important .
Do you want to check ? Dad froze , his eyes narrowing .
He took a step toward me like hed just realized something crucial .
But before he could reach me , Lila burst into the room , dressed in a flowing white gown , flanked by officers protecting her like she was a princess .
She threw herself into Dads arms , sobbing like her life depended on it , as though shed been the one kidnapped .
Dad held her , whispering reassurances until her tears subsided .
07-13 Fingerprints of Betraval 2 Chapter 4 Only then did he glance back at me .

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Lilas gaze followed his , and when she saw my mangled hand , a flash of something ugly crossed her face jealousy , fear , hate .
She shrieked , clutching Dads arm .
Daddy , her hand ! Its so gross ! Dont go near her ! Lila will have nightmares ! Dad stopped in his tracks , instantly shielding her eyes and turning to lead her out of the room .
His superior stepped in , frowning .
Quinn , that girl keeps looking at you .
Its like she wants to say something .
You sure you dont know her ? Dad didnt even glance back .
Never seen her before .
The man clapped him on the shoulder .
You better keep an eye on Lila from now on .
Those kidnappers were definitely targeting her .
Dad nodded .
Of course .
Even if something happens to me , Id never let anything happen to my daughter .
Mom sighed softly , murmuring , Thank God it wasnt Lila who got taken … I lay there like a dead fish , barely able to lift my eyelids as tears slipped silently down my face .
With every ounce of strength I had left , I raised my right hand toward her .
Mom … My voice was weak , barely audible .
This is what youre looking for , isnt it ? I kept it safe for you .
Why wont you just look ? Do I disgust you that much ? Mom gasped , letting out a sharp scream as she recoiled , smoothing down her spotless uniform like shed been contaminated by just being near me .
My hand froze mid air .
Come on , Mom ! Lilas voice rang out , cheerful and carefree .
Lingerprints of Retraval Chapter 4 Dad said were going out for steak to celebrate surviving all this ! I watched them walk away , the picture of happiness , leaving me behind like I didnt exist .
That was it .
I couldnt take it anymore .
My bloodied fingers twitched .
Slowly , I loosened my grip on the remote , my trembling hand moving just enough to press the button .