Humming to herself, Rebecca set the dining table for dinner--the rhythmic clinking of plates was a comforting backdrop to her evening routine. But suddenly, a violent knock at the door shattered the calm.

"Who's there?" she called out, placing the plates on the table before heading to the door. As she turned the knob, the door was forcefully pushed aside, and men in black jackets stormed in. Their guns were drawn, and their threatening presence was undeniable.

Rebecca staggered back, her heart pounding. The men's menacing demeanour was clear as they entered, their faces resolute and unfeeling.

"What… what do you want?" she stammered, her voice trembling as she looked from one menacing face to another.

The gang leader, Benjamin, pushed past her and barked an order, "Get the boy!"

"What boy?" Rebecca's voice cracked with fear. Moving toward the men advancing towards her rooms, she cried, "What do you want? Who are you?"

Benjamin grabbed Rebecca's arms and shoved her to the ground. "Don't move, woman!" he snapped, aiming his gun at her.

"No!" Rebecca's cry was filled with anguish as the men rough-handled her kids out of the room. Tears streamed down her face, her heart breaking at their distress.

"Mom!" Kate called out, her voice filled with fear. Though blind, she could sense the chaos and tension. "Mom!" Kate's sobs were heart-wrenching as Rebecca's pleas grew more desperate.

Rebecca's heart raced. Her kids meant everything to her; the thought of losing them was unbearable. She shook her head in disbelief, unable to process the horror unfolding before her.

"Take them away," Benjamin ordered, gesturing towards Kate and Josh.

"Don't touch me!" Josh yelled at Scott, one of the men. "Leave us alone!"

The men laughed at Josh's defiance. Scott wagged a finger at him. "Don't be stubborn, kid." He shoved Josh towards the door.

"No! Leave my son alone!" Rebecca screamed desperately. When she stood to reach for  Josh, Benjamin shot her in the neck; she collapsed to the ground and gasped in pain, her vision blurring, and her hand barely grazed Josh's face as she fell.

"Mom! No!" Josh's screamed with horror. Tears streamed down his face while struggling to break free from the men holding him.

"Let me go! Mom! Mom!" he cried, fighting against his captors.

"You little brat!" Benjamin muttered as he hit Josh on the head with his gun. Josh's world went black as he lost consciousness, Kate's cries fading into the darkness.

** ** ** **

Josh's eyes fluttered open, pain coursing through his body. He was in darkness, tied to a chair. He struggled against the ropes binding his wrists and ankles, wincing as they chafed his skin.

A door creaking open and high heels clicking on the concrete floor made Josh look up. The room was suddenly flooded with harsh light, making him squint and grimace.

A young woman in a fitted blue gown and black jacket stood before him. Her lips curved into a smirk, and her brown eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto his.

"Hello, Josh," she said softly, her voice almost soothing as she brushed a strand of hair from his face.

Josh blinked, fear evident in his eyes. "Who are you? Did you send those men? What do you want? Where's my sister?"

"She's safe—for now," the woman replied calmly. "But she'll stay that way if you do exactly as I say."

"What do you want?" Josh asked, his voice trembling with fear.

"You'll need to replace someone and spy for me," she said, her tone unwavering.

"Replace someone? Spy?" Josh's confusion was palpable.

"Yes," she said, leaning closer, her hands resting gently on his shoulders. "You're going to replace your twin brother."

"Twi...twin...brother?" Jeff stuttered shockedly.

The young woman nodded, smiling, "You have a twin brother, Jeff. He's with your aunt, Mrs Anderson. Your real mother died when you guys were babies. I heard your father killed your mother. And that faithful day she died, your nanny, Rebecca, ran away with you."

"No," Jeff muttered, shaking his head, "That's not true."

"That is the real truth, darling. You and your twin brother look so alike that no one will notice the switch when you replace him."

"No! I can't do that!" Josh shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "You're cruel."

"You can call me whatever you like," she said coldly, cupping his face. "But you'll do it."

"If I refuse, will you hurt my sister?" Josh asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The woman's smile widened, her eyes cold. "You're quite sharp, Josh. I'm glad you understand."

"I won't be part of your plan! You killed my mother!" Josh's voice cracked with desperation.

"And I'll kill your sister if you don't comply," she said, her voice ice-cold.

Josh shivered under her gaze, swallowing hard. "I'll do it," he whispered, defeated.

"Good boy," she said, her smile returning. She kissed his forehead gently. "Your sister will remain safe as long as you follow my instructions. Understand?"

Josh nodded numbly, unable to speak.

"Prepare him," As the young woman walked out, Josh heard her command. And the darkness returned, engulfing Josh once more when she closed the door.

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