The farce inside the car was cut short by the sudden ringing of a phone.
It came from the communicator they had confiscated from Shizuku.
Kurapika took a deep breath and steadied himself.
He answered the communicator.
Static crackled through it, followed by a young woman's voice.
"Who are you?"
Her voice carried undisguised killing intent.
It was Pakunoda.
Kurapika glanced at Chrollo in the rearview mirror.
His gaze turned icy again.
"I'm the one who took your leader."
There wasn't a trace of warmth in Kurapika's voice.
He sounded like a judge pronouncing a death sentence.
"Listen carefully."
"I'll only say this once."
"If you want him back in one piece, do exactly as I say."
The other end fell silent for a few seconds.
She seemed to be making sure Chrollo was safe.
"What do you want?" Pakunoda asked.
"A hostage exchange."
Kurapika pressed the accelerator, sending the car speeding through the rain-soaked streets.
"Midnight tonight."
"Lin Palace Airport, apron C."
"Come alone."
He put extra weight into his next words.
"Bring the boy with the fishing rod you captured, and the silver-haired boy."
"No weapons."
"If any other member of the Phantom Troupe comes with you..."
"I'll kill him without hesitation."
With that said...
Kurapika hung up immediately.
He didn't even give her a chance to object.
The rain grew heavier.
It was destined to be a long, bloody night.
Meanwhile...
Inside the Phantom Troupe's hideout in the abandoned building...
The atmosphere turned ice-cold.
Pakunoda lowered the communicator, her expression grim.
"That bastard has the boss."
The moment she said it...
The entire hall erupted.
Phinks was the first to explode.
He smashed the nearby load-bearing pillar with a single punch.
Chunks of rubble flew everywhere.
"You've got to be kidding!"
Phinks roared.
"We're the Phantom Troupe!"