Betrayal by So-Called Friend

I suddenly remembered that April and I had always been linked through the "Find My iPhone" feature. Originally intended as a safeguard against losing our phones, it had now become a weapon against me. Turning off the location service now would only raise suspicion.

As expected, April sent a screenshot of my location, confronting me: "You're clearly at home, why won't you admit it? Don't you want to help me anymore? We've been best friends for ten years..."

I quickly crafted a lie and replied: "My phone died just as I was leaving, so I switched to a backup. This phone is just sitting at home."

On the surveillance feed, I saw Kyro's eyes lock onto my keypad. "Let's go in then. If she's lying, we'll handle it right away. If she really is out, we'll just wait for her inside. It’ll be like setting a trap."

A wave of dread swept over me. April didn't know my password, but she could probably guess it, given how well she knew me.

If the wrong password is entered three times, the lock won't accept more attempts for thirty minutes. But if she guesses it within three tries...

I didn't have time to overanalyze. I frantically called the police: "There are suspicious people at my door trying to unlock it. I suspect they want to kidnap me!"

At the same time, I heard the sound of the keypad beeping. I hid inside the closet, my heart pounding in my chest. Finally, I heard the electronic lock announce, "Three consecutive incorrect attempts. Please try again in thirty minutes."

I collapsed inside the closet, trembling uncontrollably.

On the surveillance, I saw the three of them react to the sound of approaching sirens. Kyro and Everett quickly disappeared from view.

Two officers, Johan and his partner, arrived and noticed April, her face bruised and battered. Their expressions changed from caution to concern. "What happened? Have you been assaulted?"

April quickly dismissed it. "No, it's nothing. Just a mishap during a corporate retreat."

"Do you live here? Were you the one who called?" Johan asked.

"Ah, yes, I called," April replied.

Johan frowned, "You mentioned suspicious people at your door. Are you sure these injuries weren't from an attack?"

April shook her head. "I heard noises outside, so I called. But when I opened the door, it was just a couple of stray dogs. I scared them off."

I wanted to burst out of the closet and scream for help, but cautionary thoughts held me back. "Don't! Kyro and Everett have drugs and knives. If you open the door, they'll use extreme measures, overpower the police, and take you away. They've already disabled the building's security cameras. If they take you, no one will know where you went."

Just then, a neighbor, hearing the commotion, opened their door.

April quickly said, "Ma'am, you've seen me before, right? I live here, don't I?"

The neighbor nodded. "Yes, I often see you with the girl next door."

April quickly added, "That's my best friend. We live together. She's on a business trip today."

Johan nodded and said to April, "Since everything seems fine, you should head back inside and make sure to lock the door when you're alone."

April nodded eagerly. "I was just about to go downstairs to grab a late-night snack. I'll head down with you."

Feigning composure, April joined the officers in the elevator.