I thrashed against their grip, trying to break free.

“Let me go!” I screamed, my voice cracking under the pouring rain.

One of the men shoved a black fabric hood over my head.

Everything went pitch black.

The smell of cheap polyester and sweat filled my nose.

I was lifted off my feet and thrown onto a metal floor.

A sliding door slammed shut with a heavy, metallic bang.

The engine roared to life, and the vehicle bolted forward, throwing me against a hard wall.

My shoulder throbbed with pain.

I lay on my side on the cold floor of what felt like a cargo van.

My hands were pulled behind my back, and a plastic zip-tie was looped around my wrists.

It bit into my skin as the driver pulled it tight.

I forced myself to breathe through my nose, trying to stay calm.

In the darkness of the hood, I thought of the small transmitter in my coat pocket.

My coat was thick, and the inner pocket was deep.

If they didn’t search me thoroughly, they might miss it.