Unable to use the car and unwilling to risk encountering the driver again, Nicole had no choice but to walk in the rain, hoping to find someone who could help her.

Eventually, a car approached from behind. It was a private vehicle with a local Ardlens license plate.

Nicole felt anxious, unsure whether to flag it down. She feared encountering more trouble, but she also worried the driver might regain consciousness and pursue her in his car. With her condition as it was, she couldn't run faster than a car.

While she hesitated, the car stopped. Nicole's heart raced.

The window rolled down, revealing a woman with short hair and glasses who looked Like a teacher. She regarded Nicole with concern and asked, “Miss, are you okay? Do you need help?"

Nicole nodded and then shook her head, torn.

The woman in glasses persisted, "It's rare to see cars around here. Are you sure you don't want my help?"

Nicole paused briefly before asking, “Could you do me a favor and call up the cops?"

The woman with glasses, showing her laid-back demeanor, responded, "Sure thing. I'll dial them up pronto.”

It appeared the woman was concerned about Nicole's nerves as she activated the speakerphone, connecting to a seasoned operator on the other end.

"Hey there, Ardlens Police Department. What's the trouble?"

The woman with glasses said, “Hi, I stumbled upon a wounded girl on the road, likely attacked. She's stranded. Could you send some help?"

"Do you have a name?"

The woman with glasses turned to Nicole, querying, "Miss, what's your name?"

Nicole shared her name and explained, "Hey, someone kidnapped me. He was a total stranger. I got his plate number..."

“Got it, sending an officer pronto. Hang tight."

With the call wrapped up, Nicole's tense demeanor eased a bit. The woman with glasses extended another invitation. "Miss, why not hop into my car and chill for a bit? It's pouring down hard, and your shoulder's still bleeding. Keep this up, you won't last until the cops roll in..."

After the call, Nicole's guard was down a notch with the woman. Plus, the woman had just spelled her ID and name over to the operator. Her name seemed to be Evelyn Quinn.

Nicole nodded. "Alright."

Once in the car, Evelyn pulled out a towel from the passenger seat's storage and offered it to Nicole. "Here, wipe up. You don't wanna catch a cold."