ODD LOVE

Johnson tightened his grip on the steering wheel of his sports car as he glanced at the rearview mirror again. The black SUV was still there, following his every move. At first, he hadn't thought much of it-black SUVs were a dime a dozen in the city, often carrying business executives or tourists. But after several turns and detours, the vehicle's persistence was undeniable.

He was being followed.

The realization hit him like a cold slap. As the 24-year-old heir to his family's billion-dollar empire, Johnson was no stranger to danger. He had been warned countless times by his father and their security team about the risks his name and fortune carried. Kidnapping, blackmail, even assassination-these weren't just abstract threats. They were part of his reality.

He took a deep breath and decided to test the SUV's resolve. Johnson abruptly switched lanes and turned onto a quieter street, one that led away from the bustling main roads. The SUV followed, maintaining a safe but telling distance.

"Damn it," Johnson muttered under his breath, his mind racing. He mentally retraced his steps for the day. Had he unknowingly offended someone? Was this about business? Or was it something darker-an attack on his family?

Accelerating slightly, Johnson turned down another street, weaving through traffic as his heartbeat quickened. The SUV mimicked his every move. He glanced at the two men in the front seats-both wearing dark suits and sunglasses, their faces cold and unreadable.

Adrenaline surged through his veins. This is real. He needed to act.

Johnson reached for his phone and dialed his father head of security, Malcolm. The line rang once, twice, before Malcolm picked up.

"Mr. Johnson?" came the calm, professional voice.

"I'm being followed," Johnson said, his voice clipped. "Black SUV. Two men inside. I've been taking random turns, but they're still on me."

"Where are you now?" Malcolm asked.

Johnson rattled off his location, keeping an eye on the SUV. "What do I do?"

"Stay on main roads," Malcolm instructed. "We're tracking your car's GPS. Head toward a populated area. We'll intercept you."

-

Despite the reassurance, a sliver of doubt gnawed at Johnson. The SUV wasn't slowing down, and every instinct in his body screamed that he was in immediate danger. He took another sharp turn, this time onto a quieter street lined with warehouses and abandoned buildings. It was a gamble-fewer people meant fewer witnesses, but it also meant less traffic to slow down his pursuers.

The SUV sped up, closing the distance. Johnson's hands tightened on the wheel as his pulse thundered in his ears. He could see the glint of something metallic in the passenger's hand-a gun.

He pressed down on the accelerator, his car roaring as it surged forward. The SUV gave chase, its engine growling like a predator closing in on its prey. The quiet streets became a blur as Johnson weaved through narrow lanes, his sharp reflexes keeping him just ahead of the pursuers.

But the SUV was relentless. It gained on him, inch by inch, until it was almost bumper-to-bumper with his car. Johnson could hear the faint sound of shouting from inside the vehicle, though he couldn't make out the words. He took another hard turn, his tires screeching against the pavement as he narrowly avoided clipping a parked truck.

---

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He remembered an old construction site a few blocks away-a sprawling area filled with half-finished buildings and equipment. It was risky, but it might give him the advantage he needed to lose them.

Johnson took a sharp right, heading toward the site. The SUV hesitated for a moment before following. Johnson's heart pounded as he neared the construction zone. He knew the layout from previous visits, a remnant of his family's involvement in the project. If he could navigate the site faster than them, he might be able to escape.