Kidnap II

Staring at them with a racing heart, it occurred to her she could pretend there is one to ward them off. With or without the recording, Lijuan believes everything and anything she says, so she was still at an advantage. Wu on the other hand was screwed.

She slowly stepped back, continuing with her false threats as Wu and Xin were glued to their spot.

She successfully got out of the bar, then bolted to her car parked at the other side of the road. She quickly searched for her key, but all she felt was empty pockets.

She turned back to see Xin and Wu by the pub entrance, the former with the key in his hand.

She cussed then ran, looking for a nearby bus stop or a passing taxi. Xin and Wu took different directions, already knowing where she was heading.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she ran like a madwoman down the side roads, searching for a person or thing that could assist her with getting away. 

Xin was used to running in situations like the one he found himself in. His legs covered the tarmac with a great lolloping gait that suggested his ankles were made of tightly coiled springs rather than the sinew and bone other people have. He could see her, and he knew a shortcut where he could get to her.

Jessica wondered what the deal was with the lonely streets and quiet environment. 'Maybe if I raise my voice someone will hear.' Before she could part her lips, they dragged her into an Alley, a hand over her mouth to stifle her scream.

"Please hear us out." Xin said.

She struggled with him, and tried to call for help, but the more he moved backwards, it reduced the chances of them being noticed. 

Jessica was scared. She didn't know what they were planning to do to her friend. Hearing the words bet, lies, plans, was all she needed to know their true intentions.

"I apologise for doing this to you, but you leave us no choice" Wu said as he finally caught up to them.

Her voice was nothing but muffled screams, and no-one other than the three could hear. With a hidden route, they took Jessica back to the bar. Fear ate up her mind as she was taken to the storeroom with the two men she thought were dangerous. 

They had no choice but to tie her up for the meantime and also muzzle her to stop her screaming. Despite how much she was at a huge disadvantage, she didn't stop struggling with the ropes.

Xin and Wu felt bad, but they found themselves in a dilemma, and who knows if the choice they made to take her captive was a good one. She already had a bad perspective of them from the start, but now, she could justify her beliefs.

An hour passed, and Jessica still hadn't calmed down. That was all they asked for, and all they needed, Just an opportunity to talk.

Wu's phone buzzed, and it was Lijuan calling. He didn't know what to tell her. He silently stared at the screen with her contact details on it.

"Answer it" Xin said. In that moment, Jessica's muffled scream became louder.

"Answer it...outside" Jessica glared at Xin for ruining her only chance. She could only watch Wu leave the storeroom to talk to her clueless friend.

Xin sighed, then lit a cigarette "I don't mind waiting here all day until you realise we mean you no harm." 

Jessica wobbled in her seat, but after a while she stopped, and dropped her head in defeat as her tears fell unto her trousers. She believed they were going to kill her to silence her permanently, and she'd never get to see her best friend again.

"Hello, Miss Qin" 

"Wu, where are you?" 

"I'm sorry. I ran into a sticky situation, and I lost track of time. I'm sorry." 

"Are you busy right now? Should we move this to another day?"

Wu was actually dying to see her again, but he wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to do so again. He literally kidnapped someone unwillingly, and he could get in a lot of trouble for it since she was the type to call the cops over every issue she faced.

"Wu?" 

"Sorry" he snapped back into reality and gave a reply, "I might not make it…"

"It's okay. I guess some other time."

 Wu frowned. She sounded hurt over the phone, and before he could say a word, she hung up.

Wu went back to the store to find Jessica crying, and Xin staring at her with no idea of what to do. 

"I kinda canceled the date…"

"What?! Why?!" 

"The lady we kidnapped" He looked at Jessica.

"Go. I'll handle this, so don't worry."

"Are you sure?" 

Xin nodded "So just go to the woman you love." 

Their conversation irritated Jessica , but there was nothing she could do but watch Wu leave again, but this time, to see Lijuan in person.