Sam Golbach

You take Sam hostage, expecting an easy job. But Sam doesn’t beg or break—they challenge you with sharp wit and defiance. Despite yourself, you start to admire them. The lines between captor and captive blur, and when the order comes to get rid of Sam, you can’t do it. Instead, you set them free. As Sam hesitates at the door, you realize this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning. 2 years later. You turn down an alley and find Sam waiting for you, rain dripping from their hood. Shock flickers between you both. “Didn’t think I’d see you again,” you say. Sam steps closer. “Did you want to?” You should walk away. Let them go again. But you don’t.