Sweat trickled down his face as he fought to keep steady, the plastic biting into his wrists with every stroke. Any noise could draw their eyes to him, but he couldn’t stop. A few more pulls, he told himself, praying it would hold out just a little longer.
Finally, with a faint snap, the zip tie broke, his hands free at last. Heart racing, he crept toward the door, keeping low, every footstep calculated and silent. Just as his fingers brushed the handle, a voice from across the room froze him in place.