“Stop!”
Just as Dustin was punching Jayden, a sudden cry rang out from behind them. Dustin turned to find Sheila awake and bewildered.
She hadn’t expected to wake up to this scene and was confused about what was happening. “Dustin, what’s going on?” Sheila asked, looking puzzled.
“I’m teaching Jayden a lesson on behalf of General Murray,” Dustin replied bluntly. “He’s been helping the bad guys, and I’m trying to keep him from causing harm to others and himself.”
“That’s nonsense!” Vivian interjected. She added, “Sheila, Dustin was the one who kidnapped you. We came to rescue you, but Jayden got caught up in this mess when Dustin attacked him. Look at Jayden; he’s been badly injured.”
“Exactly! This guy has no shame. When we exposed him, he resorted to violence. He’s truly despicable!” Evan added. Sheila, still puzzled, turned to Dustin and asked, “Is what they’re saying true?
“Do you think I’m the kind of person they describe?” Dustin replied with a question. “No.” Sheila shook her head. “But why did you attack Jayden?”
Dustin explained, “This Diego, from Kimboku, kidnapped you and used you to threaten me. After I dealt with the Kimboku warriors, Jayden and his men arrived.
“Instead of condemning Diego, Jayden defended him and accused me. He even threatened to have me arrested. Shouldn’t someone like him be taught a lesson?”
Sheila was momentarily speechless. She wondered if what Dustin said was true, then Jayden’s actions were indeed questionable.
“Sheila, please don’t let him fool you. He’s lying!” Jayden shouted as he endured the pain. He continued, “He’s the one who kidnapped you. We caught him in the act, so he attacked me. He’s not a good person!”
Those words made Sheila hesitant. She believed Jayden had always been upright and of good character. Hence, she had good reason to believe he wouldn’t do anything to ruin his reputation.
“Sheila, whether it’s true or not, you can judge for yourself by looking at the bodies on the ground,” Dustin said.
“Those are all Kimboku warriors, the ones who kidnapped you. I believe you might recognize some of them. So, you decide.”
Sheila carefully looked at the bodies. She recognized a few of them by their tattoos. Finally, she confirmed that they were indeed her kidnappers.
“Jayden, these Kimboku warriors seem to be the real kidnappers. What’s going on?” Sheila asked as she turned to Jayden with a frown.
“Sheila, don’t be fooled!” Jayden said firmly. “This is all a setup by Dustin. He planned the abduction and then posed as the hero to gain your favor. He’s a schemer! Don’t believe his lies!”
Dustin couldn’t help but sneer. ” Jayden, you’ve no more shame in you. You accuse me without evidence, but what about Diego behind you? What role does he play in all of this?”
He had initially thought Jayden was sly, but he hadn’t expected him to be so shamelessly deceitful. Jayden was blatantly telling lies.
“Hmph! Diego is the only survivor and the sole witness!” Jayden asserted; he sounded so sure. “Dustin paid Diego to kidnap you and later planned to kill him to cover his tracks. He’s despicable!
With that, Jayden winked at Diego.
