3#03

3

"Anthony rang me..." Rich paused before continuing, "he mentioned his parents were just assisting you in creating a commotion to keep him at home..."

I lacked the energy to even dispute it.

Officer Chavez, one of the law enforcement officials beside me, broke the uncomfortable quiet. "You should contact him, sir. Inform him of the situation."

Rich agreed and moved away, phone in hand. I could faintly hear his dialing, but the line was engaged.

My thoughts drifted to my mother-in-law—her gentle, delicate nature. She was the type who'd weep for someone to cool her finger if it was burned by hot tea. Now? Only heaven knows what agony she might be experiencing.

I gulped, trying to compose myself, and promptly dialed Anthony's uncle.

However, I had no success. His line was also busy.

Time crawled by until my phone illuminated again—Anthony's uncle returning my call.

Before I could inquire if he'd secured the funds, he exhaled and said, "Denise, I must say this—how could you orchestrate such a deception to trick your husband's parents?! I understand they treat you like their daughter, but you should be the one urging them to be more sensible! Goodness, I almost had a cardiac arrest! Thankfully, I asked Anthony after hearing about this!"

In that instant, I felt utterly despondent.

"Uncle, are you suggesting Anthony told you this... this was all fabricated?!" My voice quavered. "Fine, don't trust me. But can you reach my in-laws? Because I can't. And the police are here now."

A prolonged sigh came from the other end. Then another.

"Anthony has someone else, Denise. Look, if it's unbearable, just end the marriage. It'll liberate you both."

I ended the call without another word.

Meanwhile, Rich had finally connected with Anthony.

"Bro, you need to return!" Rich exclaimed urgently. "Your parents might actually have been abducted!"

But the voice that answered wasn't Anthony's—it was Debbie's.

"Rich? Oh, come on, are you participating in Denise's theatrics too? Your brother's occupied with barbecuing. Wait, I'll fetch him."

I heard her calling Anthony in the background, but he didn't even take the phone.

He just muttered to her, "Hang up. That crazy woman just won't let anyone be at peace!"

And then the line went silent.

Rich turned back to me, his forehead deeply creased.

I lowered my gaze and emitted a cynical chuckle. "I'm at a loss for what to do next. But the kidnapper wants the ransom delivered to Hopewell Square. I don't have sufficient funds, but I'll go anyway. If I'm the lure, perhaps it'll give the police a chance to apprehend them."

Officer Chavez beside me disagreed, "Ma'am, allow me to deliver the ransom instead."

I shook my head. "What if he recognizes me? If you go, they'll suspect something's amiss. Just please remain nearby and protect me. I'll deliver it myself."

With no better alternatives, everyone concurred with my plan.

When the kidnapper called again, I falsely stated the money was prepared. I inquired where to bring it, vowing to hand it over in exchange for my in-laws.

The voice on the other end released a cold laugh and casually replied, "Alright."

But something in his tone made my skin crawl. My instincts screamed at me, and before he could disconnect, I blurted, "Let me hear my in-laws' voices!"

The man sneered. "Why the hurry, babe? You'll see them soon enough."

With that, the call terminated.

I swiftly instructed my financial advisor to withdraw the maximum amount of cash possible. Once the suitcase was filled, I hauled it to the location the kidnapper specified.

Upon arrival, another call came through. The kidnapper's voice was as menacing as ever. "Leave the money and proceed to the underground parking lot. The old fools are waiting for you there."

I no longer cared about the money—the police were tracking it. I left and hurried down to the underground parking area.

And that's when I saw it.

My in-laws' vehicle.

The door was slightly open.

Inside, they sat slumped in their seats, their throats... their throats cut! Blood... pooled... on the floor...

My legs gave way, and I fell, crawling toward the car as sobs tore through my body.

Somehow, my shaking fingers managed to dial emergency services.

"Two elderly… throat cut… Hopewell Square underground parking lot. Please… send help! Hurry!"

I grasped my in-laws' cold hands tightly. "Mom… Dad… please hold on, okay? The medics are on their way..."

"I'll call Anthony. I'll make him come here immediately."

My poor in-laws, barely clinging to life, weakly shook their heads.

"Denise," my mother-in-law whispered, "after we're gone... divorce Anthony. All of our shares, properties, funds, and money... will all go to you. Dear, we're so sorry."

I suppressed a sob and shook my head frantically. "No, no, no. You don't need to apologize, Mom. It's my fault! I didn't obtain the money quickly enough! I wasted too much time!"

She gave me a faint smile. "Oh, sweetie, don't blame yourself. It's not... It's not your fault. The kidnappers... they never intended to spare us."

I kept calling Anthony, repeatedly. The phone rang, but no one answered. Desperate, I sent him a message on Telegram.

[Anthony, your parents are severely injured! Come back immediately!]

But the message seemed to disappear into nothingness. No response.

I kept calling, kept messaging… until his Mom and Dad slowly closed their eyes for the final time. And still, Anthony hadn't replied.

The ambulance arrived, but it was too late. There was nothing they could do.

I stood up, the world spinning around me, everything fading to black. I grasped the car door to steady myself, only to feel someone supporting me. I turned to see one of the officers accompanying me.

"Ma'am," he said gently, "the ransom wasn't collected. The kidnapper who came to retrieve it fell from a height during the pursuit and is currently unconscious."

He paused, then added, "I'm sorry for your loss."