Reborn From Oblivion

"Absolutely," Officer Ashburn responded with a generous nod.

Nathalie walked away, feeling the weight of her own sadness.

Lizzy wasn't having it. "He was the one who wanted to strike a deal with you, and now he's acting like he doesn't even know you. What a cold fish! Sis, you need to keep your wits about you when dealing with him."

Nathalie shrugged. "Maybe he's not cold-hearted, just prefers his peace and quiet."

Officer Baldwin, who was closely connected with No. 13, personally delivered Nathalie's gift after it had been thoroughly checked over. Yet, today, Baldwin seemed to have lost his usual gusto. He dropped the gift in front of No. 13's wheelchair and simply said, "It's yours."

No. 13 glanced down, his detached eyes flickering over the fancy gift bag. His handsome face darkened with a streak of annoyance.

"Who sent it?"

"Who else but Ashley?"

No. 13 paused, and his resolve against the gift seemed to waver. He bent over, picked up the bag, and unzipped it.

Inside were high-end essentials, a treasure trove for someone who lived as simply as he did. Yet, each item was pricey, like a collector's dream.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

She got him all wrong.

Did she think he was some kind of rich kid just because he turned down the gift last time?

He tossed the gift back on the floor. "I don't want it. Tell her to stop sending me stuff."

The officer nodded, "Alright," and was about to leave with the bag.

"Hold on," No. 13 called out suddenly.

The officer turned back. "Something else?"

No. 13 locked eyes with him, asking lazily, "Got something on your mind?"

"Yeah," the officer nodded.

He wasn't planning to spill the beans, not expecting any help from No. 13, who

was known for his indifference, even towards his own fate.

But today, No. 13 was acting out of character. "Go on, tell me."

The officer was taken aback but then moved closer to No. 13 with a hopeful look. "I'm in a bind. Can you help me?"

"Your daughter's been kidnapped, hasn't she?" No. 13 guessed.

The officer's jaw dropped in shock.

"How... how do you know?"

"Come on, haven't you been locked up all this time?"

"How could you know what's happening outside?"

"No, is there someone inside feeding you info?"

No. 13 gave him a knowing look. "I set up a hacker system before I was locked up. It gathers loads of info for me daily. I remember, about three months back, there was something about your daughter. She got on a criminal gang's radar a while ago. They want to kidnap her to get to you... after all, you're the pride of the police force." swnovel

The officer's respect for No. 13 shot through the roof. He was aware of No. 13's extensive information network but never thought his memory was this sharp, pulling out relevant details so quickly swnovel

He almost went down on one knee. "No. 13, I've never begged anyone, but I'm begging you now, please save my daughter. She's just a kid, and in the hands of kidnappers... I can't bear the thought..." The officer's voice cracked, tears shimmering in his eyes. swnovel

No. 13 didn't skip a beat. "I can help her."

The officer was floored.noveldrama

"Why... why agree so quickly? You're usually so... detached, even about your own

future. Why would you be willing to help my daughter?"