try begging

Tap. Tap. The sound of a riding crop lightly hitting leather gloves echoed through the quiet forest.

 "Grace isn't very interested in revenge."

 Leon, walking along the forest path following the recent tire tracks, began to speak about hisfavorite topic. It had been quite a while since revenge had been his go-to subject of conversation. 

It seemed like he was on the verge of turning the world to ashes, but as soon as his daughterreturned, he had become someone who had forgotten the entire world.He twisted his lips and chuckled.

 "Such a generous woman. Perhaps that's why my life is still intact."

 He continued,

 "Revenge and yet she's the one suffering. I did feel a sense of satisfaction seeing himunhappy without me, but looking at it from Grace's perspective now, I wonder if that was trulyrevenge." 

"Besides, she's far more fragile than she seems. I suppose that's why she's trying to take care ofsomeone like me."

Dave glanced nervously at the officer, who was once again grinning as he looked towards thewinding road. 

"Grace isn't pleased with the time I spend, even briefly, with your daughter. It sounds strange to put itthat way, doesn't it?" 

The young officer assisting Winston laughed, but Dave couldn't join in. 

"If I have to waste time with someone elses daughter, I'd rather spend it with my own. It's abrilliant thought, isn't it?"

 "Why has he brought me to this desolate forest and is spouting such nonsense?"

 His hand, shackled,visibly trembled. Even though the execution date had arrived, Dave was not yet hanging from thegallows. Winston had said that the world believed he was executed on that day. It was an ominousstatement. 

"This time too, your life was extended thanks to your daughter." 

But Dave was never grateful to Nancy.Nancy had been captured. Now he was as good as dead, helpless. She should have been escaping,not getting caught by causing unnecessary trouble.In the past month, he had anxiously awaited the day he would actually die. 

It was only this morningthat he realized, with deep regret, that he had secretly hoped for an unexpected stroke of luck toprevent that day from ever coming.The guards had suddenly put him on a transport vehicle and driven him for a long time to thisremote forest. The ominous words from Winston and the deputy seemed to come closer with the  sound of the river.

Robert Fisher also said he would let her go, seeing her as a daughter and feeling pity for the wifeand child.Winston's expression twisted as if he was displeased.

 The sound of the whip cutting through the airgrew sharper. 

"I don't empathize with Fisher's feelings. He was also involved in the circus attack and had plannedto kill my daughter, and he was a key culprit in the abduction. I have no desire to forgive him.However, it is best to fulfill the wishes of the family. Don't you agree?"

 So Winston began to talk about how he "dealt with" Robert. He said that Robert had been infiltratedinto a workers' union and was now among a few former revolutionary comrades.

 "Of course, there are some who, as a father, I can empathize with." 

Dave looked at Winston with a fearful gaze, as Winston spoke with a seemingly carefreeexpression, as if reflecting on the final moments. 

"You've heard of Jeffrey Sinclair, right? You must know that he was never involved in theinsurgency. As expected, he was framed by a petty king." 

"From Bobby to Sinclair. Why does he keep telling me confidential information that should neverleak?" 

Dave grew increasingly anxious.Grace had once said,

 "During the circus attack, I didn't realize you would risk your life to protectyour daughter."

" It was odd to think that she saw me as a heartless monster, but looking back, I wasindeed a heartless monster back then, so it was natural for Grace to be surprised." 

"Dave still saw him as the same heartless monster. He realized then. He had never understoodJeffrey Sinclair's willingness to sacrifice his freedom and life for his son, but somehow he hadbecome like that himself." 

Winston suddenly turned to Dave, causing him to flinch. 

"You must also empathize, right? You can sacrifice your life and freedom for your child." 

Dave, who hadn't realized he was expected to answer, kept silent, only to feel the whip's tip pokehim in the chest. 

"Y-yes..." 

It felt like a trap, but he had no choice.

"Yes, you are also a father with a daughter. Now you understand the anguish of having yourdaughters go through hell." 

"..."

 As Dave struggled to control his emotions, Winston's gaze suddenly became menacing. Winstonraised his hand, but rather than strike with the whip, he reached into the inner pocket of his officer'sjacket, pulling out something.Winston, with a religious fervor, kissed the item as if it were a crucifix and closed his eyes, his jawmuscles occasionally tensing as if suppressing rising emotions.

"I had a hard time leaving my daughter behind this morning. My heart ached so much. When I saidit couldn't be done, she asked me to at least take her most cherished rabbit doll."

 Winston opened his eyes and began to smile, though the menacing atmosphere did not ease. 

"I was told it wouldn't fit in my pocket, so I was given this. Isn't it lovely?" 

What he held was a baby's pacifier.

 "I'm afraid I've used up all my life's luck in getting this child. I'm terrified that all my past sinsmight turn this child's future into a thorny path. Does becoming a parent make everyone as fearfulas I am?"

 Winston's words, which didn't seem fitting for a man who embodied fear itself, were spoken with asense of pride.

 "The overwhelming joy of being recognized from afar and having her call me 'Daddy' is beyondwords." 

Winston, continuing to boast about his child, suddenly grinned broadly at Dave.

 "You should feel such joy too." 

When the winding path revealed the scene ahead, Dave hesitated.

 "Father!"

 "As you can see, I haven't cut her tongue."

 Nancy, with her limbs bound and cut, stood in front of the transport vehicle, held by soldiers. Davelost his words at the shocking sight of his daughter after years, while Nancy began to shiver, herblunt hands trembling. 

"Did I mention it? Your daughter lost in an intelligence battle with my 33-month-old." 

Seated comfortably in a chair that a soldier had brought out of the transport, Leon crossed his legsand chuckled. 

"I've learned over the past month that your daughter is cunning but lacks foresight." 

Nancy had pretended to have valuable information about the rebels, despite not knowing anything.When that didn't work, she began mimicking Grace's expressions and mannerisms in an attempt tosurvive. 

"She must have been desperate.She mimicked Grace, hoping to charm or manipulate me, but to noavail."

 Leon chuckled as he watched Nancy and Dave tremble like leaves in the wind. It was as if he were recalling a fond memory. 

"Grace survived because she's Grace." 

Leon gave his subordinate a quick nod, and the young officer, understanding the unspokencommand, stepped forward. 

"Begin." 

At that moment, Dave finally understood why Leon had brought him here.They were going to kill his last remaining daughter in front of him, and then kill him.A large river stretched out before them, swollen from last night's rain, with white foam swirlingviolently along the current. As Dave imagined the terrible fate awaiting them, he collapsed to hisknees, overwhelmed by despair. Leon looked down at him curiously, as if he were nothing morethan a bystander.

"Why are you acting like a condemned man about to face execution?" 

The answer seemed obvious, but when Dave lifted his head to meet Leon's gaze, Leon sighedheavily. 

"Oh, you thought I brought you here to kill you both? What a terrible misunderstanding."

Was this just another extension of the torment? Dave was about to plead for a swift death whenLeon said something unexpected.

 "I'm not seeking revenge. I'm going to let you both go." 

Leon's words weren't empty promises. As soon as they were spoken, soldiers moved forward tounlock the cuffs and chains that bound Nancy and Dave. 

"I've come to see things as Grace does now. I'm not particularly interested in revenge anymore.Spending time on this feels like a waste when I have a beautiful woman and daughter waiting forme at home." 

With a grin, Leon added that he wanted to "wrap things up quickly." What he meant by that becameclear soon enough. 

"But I do expect a little something in return for my mercy."

 The soldiers grabbed Nancy and Dave, dragging them toward the end of the dock. There, theyopened a large metal box on the ground and took out two items: thick chains with square metalboxes welded to them.Each metal box was affixed with a circular object sealed with white wax — a clock.

They were time bombs. 

Whatever hope Dave had briefly clung to crumbled. He collapsed again as the soldiers fastened oneof the bombs around his neck, securing it with a heavy padlock. The same was done to Nancy. 

"I'm interested in family bonds deepened by adversity.

 Maybe my tastes have changed. Lately, Ifind myself wanting to witness things like that.

"Family bonds? What in the world is he talking about? Dave thought to himself, in a daze, as he andhis daughter stared at each other, their necks chained to the bombs."

"Don't think it's a trap. There's a way to survive."

Leon stood up and began strolling casually toward the dock, explaining as he walked. 

"The method is simple. There's a car waiting for you across the river, just like Nancy requested. Thekeys are already in the ignition." 

It was true. Dave turned his head and saw the black sedan parked on the opposite riverbank. 

"That's not all. In the driver's seat, there's a note that will tell you where to find the key to unlockyour chains. There's a way to remove the bombs and save your lives."

 Leon pointed his whip at a small boat tied to the dock. 

"You can use that boat to cross the river."

 He stared at the boat for a moment, sighing deeply. 

"I'm really too generous for my own good. I even provided escape money, as Nancy requested." 

A brown leather bag sat in the middle of the boat, heavy enough to remain motionless despite therocking waves. It was filled with cash. 

"I sincerely intend to let you go. There are no bombs hidden in the car or boat. There are no snipers,either. I promise I won't chase you. Whoever makes it across the river will gain both freedom andlife."

 Still skeptical, Dave glanced at Nancy, but Leon, sensing their doubt, defensively added: 

"The timer is set for five minutes."

 As soon as Leon finished speaking, the soldiers activated the timers on the bombs and backed away.The ticking of the clocks was the only sound that broke the heavy silence. Nancy was the first toreact. 

"Let's go!" 

She rushed to her father, pulling him toward the boat. Even if Leon had some other trick up hissleeve, they couldn't just sit there and wait to be blown to pieces.There were two oars in the boat, but since Nancy had no fingers, Dave had to row alone.

 The riverwasn't wide, so he figured they could make it across with time to spare. 

"Four minutes remaining!" 

A soldier called out over a megaphone from the dock. Leon sat back inhis chair, watching them row with a relaxed expression.Finally, we're getting away from that devil, Nancy thought, tears of relief welling up in her eyes asshe looked back at the shrinking dock. 

"Three minutes, thirty seconds remaining!"Nancy turned around and saw that they were only halfway across the river.

"Dad, faster!" 

She began to sweat, urging her father to row harder. 

"It's not enough just to cross the river. We still need time to find the key to unlock these bombs." 

The note in the car wouldn't contain the key itself, just instructions on where to find it. They neededto hurry. 

"Faster! Row faster!" 

"I know!"

Dave snapped. His face was flushed red, his strength waning as he struggled to row theboat alone. 

"If you're not going to help, at least be quiet." 

"......" 

"Why is this boat so heavy?"

 Dave grumbled as he continued rowing, but the boat didn't move as fast as he wanted. Nancy's eyesfell on the bag of money. 

"If we throw that overboard, the boat will be lighter..." 

"Three minutes remaining!" 

"Dad, throw it overboard."

 The boat was old and creaked dangerously as the water slapped against it. It wasn't built to carrytwo people and so much weight. Water had already begun pooling in the bottom. 

"Two minutes, thirty seconds remaining!" 

Time was running out. The note wouldn't tell them the exact key's location, so even two and a halfminutes might not be enough. Nancy pointed again to the bag of money, but Dave ignored it,rowing with all his might toward the other side.

 "Dad, throw it overboard! Please!" 

Nancy's voice was frantic as she kept pointing to the heavy money bag between them.Throw it overboard? 

"What?"Dave finally met Nancy's eyes, and in them, he saw sheer terror. She was fumbling to lift the heavybag, her stumps of hands making it difficult. 

"Sorry, Nancy." 

"No, no, don't do this!"

A struggle ensued between them, both desperate but for different reasons. Nancy, with her slightframe, was no match for her much larger father. 

"Throw the bag overboard! I'm not saying throw me, but the bag!" she pleaded. 

"I'm really sorry. But you brought this on yourself by getting caught in the first place!"

Nancy was on the verge of tears, realizing her father's true intent. In desperation, she cursed him asshe fought in vain.

 "How could you? You're still my father? Did you sacrifice my sisters this way, too, just to saveyourself?" 

"What do you know!" 

"You demon! You deserve to rot in hell!" 

Splash! 

With a final shove, Dave sent Nancy tumbling out of the boat and into the river. He didn't even lookback. He kept rowing, thinking:It couldn't be helped. I had to do it to survive.At first, Dave tried to justify his actions. But as the boat glided forward more easily now that its weight was reduced, his self-blame began to morph into anger toward Nancy.

 How dare she accuse me of that? She doesn't know what I've been through.Anyone who had spent three years in Leon's control would understand that sentimentality like"family love" was useless. 

If Nancy had been able to row, she would've tossed him overboardwithout hesitation to claim the money for herself.

 "Two minutes remaining!"

 Finally, with the boat now lighter, Dave made swift progress toward the shore. He jumped out assoon as he neared land and scrambled toward the waiting car.He yanked the car door open and snatched the note from the driver's seat. His eyes went wide withshock. 

**"The key to Nancy's bomb is hidden under the money bag. The key to your bomb is attached tothe bomb around Nancy's neck."** 

"One minute, thirty seconds remaining!" 

"No! No!"

 Dave's desperate scream echoed through the forest. He spun around, his heart pounding as hesprinted back to the riverbank, frantically looking for Nancy. She was nowhere in sight.

Dave fell to his knees and clawed at the chain around his neck, trying in vain to pry it off.Boom!A deafening explosion shattered the silence of the forest, and a second, smaller blast followedmoments later, sending water and debris flying into the air. 

The echoes of the explosion faded, replaced by the peaceful sounds of birds chirping and the river'sgentle flow. Leon, who had been casually watching the scene, murmured in disappointment. 

"That was underwhelming. I was expecting something a bit more... heartwarming, like a familymoment. Maybe I misunderstood what I wanted."

 Campbell, observing the situation, realized that Leon's prediction about how things would unfoldhad been spot on. 

"This was always a game." 

The game was full of loopholes, both visible and hidden. Leon had designed it that way, leavingroom for escape.

 "The basic scenario was simple and fair." 

Leon explained, half to himself, as if reflecting on the experiment.Had Dave followed Nancy's advice and thrown the money bag overboard, he would have found thekey beneath it. He could have saved his daughter first and then realized that the key to his ownbomb was attached to Nancy's bomb. They both could have survived. 

But by choosing to abandon Nancy, Dave had lost the game.

There was still a way to survive.

Tap. Tap. The sound of a riding crop lightly hitting leather gloves echoed through the quiet forest.

 "Grace isn't very interested in revenge."

 Leon, walking along the forest path following the recent tire tracks, began to speak about hisfavorite topic. It had been quite a while since revenge had been his go-to subject of conversation. 

It seemed like he was on the verge of turning the world to ashes, but as soon as his daughterreturned, he had become someone who had forgotten the entire world.He twisted his lips and chuckled.

 "Such a generous woman. Perhaps that's why my life is still intact."

 He continued,

 "Revenge and yet she's the one suffering. I did feel a sense of satisfaction seeing himunhappy without me, but looking at it from Grace's perspective now, I wonder if that was trulyrevenge." 

"Besides, she's far more fragile than she seems. I suppose that's why she's trying to take care ofsomeone like me."

Dave glanced nervously at the officer, who was once again grinning as he looked towards thewinding road. 

"Grace isn't pleased with the time I spend, even briefly, with your daughter. It sounds strange to put itthat way, doesn't it?" 

The young officer assisting Winston laughed, but Dave couldn't join in. 

"If I have to waste time with someone elses daughter, I'd rather spend it with my own. It's abrilliant thought, isn't it?"

 "Why has he brought me to this desolate forest and is spouting such nonsense?"

 His hand, shackled,visibly trembled. Even though the execution date had arrived, Dave was not yet hanging from thegallows. Winston had said that the world believed he was executed on that day. It was an ominousstatement. 

"This time too, your life was extended thanks to your daughter." 

But Dave was never grateful to Nancy.Nancy had been captured. Now he was as good as dead, helpless. She should have been escaping,not getting caught by causing unnecessary trouble.In the past month, he had anxiously awaited the day he would actually die. 

It was only this morningthat he realized, with deep regret, that he had secretly hoped for an unexpected stroke of luck toprevent that day from ever coming.The guards had suddenly put him on a transport vehicle and driven him for a long time to thisremote forest. The ominous words from Winston and the deputy seemed to come closer with the  sound of the river.

Robert Fisher also said he would let her go, seeing her as a daughter and feeling pity for the wifeand child.Winston's expression twisted as if he was displeased.

 The sound of the whip cutting through the airgrew sharper. 

"I don't empathize with Fisher's feelings. He was also involved in the circus attack and had plannedto kill my daughter, and he was a key culprit in the abduction. I have no desire to forgive him.However, it is best to fulfill the wishes of the family. Don't you agree?"

 So Winston began to talk about how he "dealt with" Robert. He said that Robert had been infiltratedinto a workers' union and was now among a few former revolutionary comrades.

 "Of course, there are some who, as a father, I can empathize with." 

Dave looked at Winston with a fearful gaze, as Winston spoke with a seemingly carefreeexpression, as if reflecting on the final moments. 

"You've heard of Jeffrey Sinclair, right? You must know that he was never involved in theinsurgency. As expected, he was framed by a petty king." 

"From Bobby to Sinclair. Why does he keep telling me confidential information that should neverleak?" 

Dave grew increasingly anxious.Grace had once said,

 "During the circus attack, I didn't realize you would risk your life to protectyour daughter."

" It was odd to think that she saw me as a heartless monster, but looking back, I wasindeed a heartless monster back then, so it was natural for Grace to be surprised." 

"Dave still saw him as the same heartless monster. He realized then. He had never understoodJeffrey Sinclair's willingness to sacrifice his freedom and life for his son, but somehow he hadbecome like that himself." 

Winston suddenly turned to Dave, causing him to flinch. 

"You must also empathize, right? You can sacrifice your life and freedom for your child." 

Dave, who hadn't realized he was expected to answer, kept silent, only to feel the whip's tip pokehim in the chest. 

"Y-yes..." 

It felt like a trap, but he had no choice.

"Yes, you are also a father with a daughter. Now you understand the anguish of having yourdaughters go through hell." 

"..."

 As Dave struggled to control his emotions, Winston's gaze suddenly became menacing. Winstonraised his hand, but rather than strike with the whip, he reached into the inner pocket of his officer'sjacket, pulling out something.Winston, with a religious fervor, kissed the item as if it were a crucifix and closed his eyes, his jawmuscles occasionally tensing as if suppressing rising emotions.

"I had a hard time leaving my daughter behind this morning. My heart ached so much. When I saidit couldn't be done, she asked me to at least take her most cherished rabbit doll."

 Winston opened his eyes and began to smile, though the menacing atmosphere did not ease. 

"I was told it wouldn't fit in my pocket, so I was given this. Isn't it lovely?" 

What he held was a baby's pacifier.

 "I'm afraid I've used up all my life's luck in getting this child. I'm terrified that all my past sinsmight turn this child's future into a thorny path. Does becoming a parent make everyone as fearfulas I am?"

 Winston's words, which didn't seem fitting for a man who embodied fear itself, were spoken with asense of pride.

 "The overwhelming joy of being recognized from afar and having her call me 'Daddy' is beyondwords." 

Winston, continuing to boast about his child, suddenly grinned broadly at Dave.

 "You should feel such joy too." 

When the winding path revealed the scene ahead, Dave hesitated.

 "Father!"

 "As you can see, I haven't cut her tongue."

 Nancy, with her limbs bound and cut, stood in front of the transport vehicle, held by soldiers. Davelost his words at the shocking sight of his daughter after years, while Nancy began to shiver, herblunt hands trembling. 

"Did I mention it? Your daughter lost in an intelligence battle with my 33-month-old." 

Seated comfortably in a chair that a soldier had brought out of the transport, Leon crossed his legsand chuckled. 

"I've learned over the past month that your daughter is cunning but lacks foresight." 

Nancy had pretended to have valuable information about the rebels, despite not knowing anything.When that didn't work, she began mimicking Grace's expressions and mannerisms in an attempt tosurvive. 

"She must have been desperate.She mimicked Grace, hoping to charm or manipulate me, but to noavail."

 Leon chuckled as he watched Nancy and Dave tremble like leaves in the wind. It was as if he were recalling a fond memory. 

"Grace survived because she's Grace." 

Leon gave his subordinate a quick nod, and the young officer, understanding the unspokencommand, stepped forward. 

"Begin." 

At that moment, Dave finally understood why Leon had brought him here.They were going to kill his last remaining daughter in front of him, and then kill him.A large river stretched out before them, swollen from last night's rain, with white foam swirlingviolently along the current. As Dave imagined the terrible fate awaiting them, he collapsed to hisknees, overwhelmed by despair. Leon looked down at him curiously, as if he were nothing morethan a bystander.

"Why are you acting like a condemned man about to face execution?" 

The answer seemed obvious, but when Dave lifted his head to meet Leon's gaze, Leon sighedheavily. 

"Oh, you thought I brought you here to kill you both? What a terrible misunderstanding."

Was this just another extension of the torment? Dave was about to plead for a swift death whenLeon said something unexpected.

 "I'm not seeking revenge. I'm going to let you both go." 

Leon's words weren't empty promises. As soon as they were spoken, soldiers moved forward tounlock the cuffs and chains that bound Nancy and Dave. 

"I've come to see things as Grace does now. I'm not particularly interested in revenge anymore.Spending time on this feels like a waste when I have a beautiful woman and daughter waiting forme at home." 

With a grin, Leon added that he wanted to "wrap things up quickly." What he meant by that becameclear soon enough. 

"But I do expect a little something in return for my mercy."

 The soldiers grabbed Nancy and Dave, dragging them toward the end of the dock. There, theyopened a large metal box on the ground and took out two items: thick chains with square metalboxes welded to them.Each metal box was affixed with a circular object sealed with white wax — a clock.

They were time bombs. 

Whatever hope Dave had briefly clung to crumbled. He collapsed again as the soldiers fastened oneof the bombs around his neck, securing it with a heavy padlock. The same was done to Nancy. 

"I'm interested in family bonds deepened by adversity.

 Maybe my tastes have changed. Lately, Ifind myself wanting to witness things like that.

"Family bonds? What in the world is he talking about? Dave thought to himself, in a daze, as he andhis daughter stared at each other, their necks chained to the bombs."

"Don't think it's a trap. There's a way to survive."

Leon stood up and began strolling casually toward the dock, explaining as he walked. 

"The method is simple. There's a car waiting for you across the river, just like Nancy requested. Thekeys are already in the ignition." 

It was true. Dave turned his head and saw the black sedan parked on the opposite riverbank. 

"That's not all. In the driver's seat, there's a note that will tell you where to find the key to unlockyour chains. There's a way to remove the bombs and save your lives."

 Leon pointed his whip at a small boat tied to the dock. 

"You can use that boat to cross the river."

 He stared at the boat for a moment, sighing deeply. 

"I'm really too generous for my own good. I even provided escape money, as Nancy requested." 

A brown leather bag sat in the middle of the boat, heavy enough to remain motionless despite therocking waves. It was filled with cash. 

"I sincerely intend to let you go. There are no bombs hidden in the car or boat. There are no snipers,either. I promise I won't chase you. Whoever makes it across the river will gain both freedom andlife."

 Still skeptical, Dave glanced at Nancy, but Leon, sensing their doubt, defensively added: 

"The timer is set for five minutes."

 As soon as Leon finished speaking, the soldiers activated the timers on the bombs and backed away.The ticking of the clocks was the only sound that broke the heavy silence. Nancy was the first toreact. 

"Let's go!" 

She rushed to her father, pulling him toward the boat. Even if Leon had some other trick up hissleeve, they couldn't just sit there and wait to be blown to pieces.There were two oars in the boat, but since Nancy had no fingers, Dave had to row alone.

 The riverwasn't wide, so he figured they could make it across with time to spare. 

"Four minutes remaining!" 

A soldier called out over a megaphone from the dock. Leon sat back inhis chair, watching them row with a relaxed expression.Finally, we're getting away from that devil, Nancy thought, tears of relief welling up in her eyes asshe looked back at the shrinking dock. 

"Three minutes, thirty seconds remaining!"Nancy turned around and saw that they were only halfway across the river.

"Dad, faster!" 

She began to sweat, urging her father to row harder. 

"It's not enough just to cross the river. We still need time to find the key to unlock these bombs." 

The note in the car wouldn't contain the key itself, just instructions on where to find it. They neededto hurry. 

"Faster! Row faster!" 

"I know!"

Dave snapped. His face was flushed red, his strength waning as he struggled to row theboat alone. 

"If you're not going to help, at least be quiet." 

"......" 

"Why is this boat so heavy?"

 Dave grumbled as he continued rowing, but the boat didn't move as fast as he wanted. Nancy's eyesfell on the bag of money. 

"If we throw that overboard, the boat will be lighter..." 

"Three minutes remaining!" 

"Dad, throw it overboard."

 The boat was old and creaked dangerously as the water slapped against it. It wasn't built to carrytwo people and so much weight. Water had already begun pooling in the bottom. 

"Two minutes, thirty seconds remaining!" 

Time was running out. The note wouldn't tell them the exact key's location, so even two and a halfminutes might not be enough. Nancy pointed again to the bag of money, but Dave ignored it,rowing with all his might toward the other side.

 "Dad, throw it overboard! Please!" 

Nancy's voice was frantic as she kept pointing to the heavy money bag between them.Throw it overboard? 

"What?"Dave finally met Nancy's eyes, and in them, he saw sheer terror. She was fumbling to lift the heavybag, her stumps of hands making it difficult. 

"Sorry, Nancy." 

"No, no, don't do this!"

A struggle ensued between them, both desperate but for different reasons. Nancy, with her slightframe, was no match for her much larger father. 

"Throw the bag overboard! I'm not saying throw me, but the bag!" she pleaded. 

"I'm really sorry. But you brought this on yourself by getting caught in the first place!"

Nancy was on the verge of tears, realizing her father's true intent. In desperation, she cursed him asshe fought in vain.

 "How could you? You're still my father? Did you sacrifice my sisters this way, too, just to saveyourself?" 

"What do you know!" 

"You demon! You deserve to rot in hell!" 

Splash! 

With a final shove, Dave sent Nancy tumbling out of the boat and into the river. He didn't even lookback. He kept rowing, thinking:It couldn't be helped. I had to do it to survive.At first, Dave tried to justify his actions. But as the boat glided forward more easily now that its weight was reduced, his self-blame began to morph into anger toward Nancy.

 How dare she accuse me of that? She doesn't know what I've been through.Anyone who had spent three years in Leon's control would understand that sentimentality like"family love" was useless. 

If Nancy had been able to row, she would've tossed him overboardwithout hesitation to claim the money for herself.

 "Two minutes remaining!"

 Finally, with the boat now lighter, Dave made swift progress toward the shore. He jumped out assoon as he neared land and scrambled toward the waiting car.He yanked the car door open and snatched the note from the driver's seat. His eyes went wide withshock. 

**"The key to Nancy's bomb is hidden under the money bag. The key to your bomb is attached tothe bomb around Nancy's neck."** 

"One minute, thirty seconds remaining!" 

"No! No!"

 Dave's desperate scream echoed through the forest. He spun around, his heart pounding as hesprinted back to the riverbank, frantically looking for Nancy. She was nowhere in sight.

Dave fell to his knees and clawed at the chain around his neck, trying in vain to pry it off.Boom!A deafening explosion shattered the silence of the forest, and a second, smaller blast followedmoments later, sending water and debris flying into the air. 

The echoes of the explosion faded, replaced by the peaceful sounds of birds chirping and the river'sgentle flow. Leon, who had been casually watching the scene, murmured in disappointment. 

"That was underwhelming. I was expecting something a bit more... heartwarming, like a familymoment. Maybe I misunderstood what I wanted."

 Campbell, observing the situation, realized that Leon's prediction about how things would unfoldhad been spot on. 

"This was always a game." 

The game was full of loopholes, both visible and hidden. Leon had designed it that way, leavingroom for escape.

 "The basic scenario was simple and fair." 

Leon explained, half to himself, as if reflecting on the experiment.Had Dave followed Nancy's advice and thrown the money bag overboard, he would have found thekey beneath it. He could have saved his daughter first and then realized that the key to his ownbomb was attached to Nancy's bomb. They both could have survived. 

But by choosing to abandon Nancy, Dave had lost the game.

There was still a way to survive.