Chapter 33: Biking

"Hello," Charissa answered the phone anxiously, recognizing the caller's voice. "What's going on?"

"Plan canceled," the hooded man's voice came through the line, terse and unsettling.

Charissa's heart sank. "Canceled? Why?" she asked, her disappointment evident in her tone.

"Alex got into an accident," the man revealed, his words hanging heavily in the air.

Charissa's breath caught in her throat. "Is he okay?" she asked, her concern for her friend outweighing any other thoughts.

"I'll have to move on to plan B," the hooded man continued, his voice somber. "There's no deal between us, and you are free now."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Charissa stunned and conflicted.

A part of her was sad and a part of her was happy that she wouldn't be involving herself in the mess that this Mysterious man is planning to create.