One Lock between Life and Death

As she spoke, Jenna stepped forward and gently rubbed Jake's head, comforting him.

"Alright, don't be upset. Worst-case scenario, you can just quit. I'm more than capable of taking care of you. It really breaks my heart to see you always getting bullied."

Her voice was soft and tender, and she looked like she was feeling extremely bad for Jake.

A bitter ache spread through my chest.

Just then, Dr. Goldberg poked his head out of the ambulance again. "We really can't delay any longer. Your mom's complexion looks terrible, and we're running low on oxygen, too."

Even though I knew full well that Jake was lying, I really couldn't afford to waste any more time. With no other choice, I asked, "How much is the fine?"

"The fine is just 1,000 dollars," he answered meaningfully. "You're not going to tell me you can't bear to pay that either, right?"

I thought the 800 dollars for unlocking the clamps was already outrageous enough, but now, just for calling an ambulance, I was being fined another 1,000 dollars.

I looked at Jenna exasperatedly. "Do you still think I'm the one in the wrong here?"

"This just shows that our complex has great security measures," she answered unapologetically. "Besides, Jake already told you that these rules were set by the head of security. Stop making things difficult for him and just cooperate. What's the big deal?"

Jake added, "If you don't pay the fine, Mitch, I really can't open the gate for you."

But I clearly caught the flash of provocation in his eyes. And with Jenna standing beside him, firmly against me, I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Do you even know who the patient in the ambulance is?" I roared.

Jenna rolled her eyes. "Of course I do. But no matter who it is, you still need to cooperate with Jake. How could I bear to let the young man I sponsor suffer any grievances?"

"Okay, fine," I said, nodding and scoffing coldly, not wanting to say another word to her.

Just then, Dr. Goldberg shouted anxiously, "The patient has gone into cardiac arrest! If we don't get to the hospital right now, it might be too late!"

Trevor couldn't stand it anymore. He shouted at the stunned Jake, "Open the gate right now! If the patient really dies, you'll be going to prison!"

Jake's face immediately turned deathly pale. This time, I didn't have to say anything before he scrambled over to unlock the gate, his hands trembling.

"Why are you shouting?" Jenna continued to mutter in annoyance. "How can someone go into cardiac arrest that easily? I bet she's just faking it."

As she spoke, she walked over to the ambulance, probably wanting to check for herself. She casually glanced inside, and the next second, her whole body stiffened.

A scream unlike anything I'd ever heard before erupted from her.

"Mom? Why is it you?"