2#02

2

Anthony put all the blame on me.

When he left in a huff, I immediately contacted the authorities.

The ransom demand was enormous - five million dollars in cash. It wasn't something I could quickly arrange. Moreover, there was no certainty that my in-laws would be released even if the ransom was paid. I had to involve the police and let professionals handle the situation.

After dialing 911, they promised to dispatch officers, but before they arrived, I received a call from someone I recognized.

"It's Rich here. Did you and Anthony have some sort of disagreement?"

I replied coldly, "What's the reason for your call?"

"Well, you contacted the police, didn't you? Look, I understand you're upset with Anthony, but making a false report? That's going too far. You shouldn't be so childish!"

I remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"Listen, there's nothing going on between Anthony and Debbie. But now you're causing a scene over nothing. Honestly, you're making him look bad!"

After listening for a while, I finally grasped what he was getting at.

"Are you suggesting that Anthony claimed I filed a false report?"

My question was met with silence on the other end.

I let out a small laugh and said quietly, "Rich, let me offer you some advice: do your job and send officers over. If you don't, I'll report you as well."

He scoffed. "Denise, don't think I'm like Anthony, always letting you push him around. I'm not at your family's beck and call!"

Then he added, "Ha! You crazy woman! Even a single hair on Debbie's head is worth more than you!"

I ended the call without another word.

Then I contacted Rich's police station and made sure to file a complaint against him this time.

Another group of officers arrived about 10 minutes later. They questioned me and listened to the recording of my earlier phone call.

Their expressions turned grave.

They attempted to trace the kidnapper's number, but it wasn't registered, and when they tried calling back, the phone was already switched off.

We had no choice but to wait for the kidnapper to call again.

While the police worked, I phoned my financial advisor.

"How much cash can I withdraw from my accounts right now?" My financial advisor checked, and I responded, "Three million? Alright, get it prepared."

Then I called Anthony's uncle. The moment I informed him that his brother and sister-in-law had been abducted, he gasped. "What?! Who would do such a thing? Where's Anthony?"

"I don't know who they are. Anthony's on a camping trip with Debbie. Uncle Joe, the kidnapper is demanding five million in cash. I don't have enough. Can you help me? I'll reimburse you within a week."

"You foolish girl! You're trying to save my brother! Don't talk about reimbursing me. How much do you need?"

"Two million."

"Understood. I'll handle it."

Thirty minutes flew by, and the phone rang again. I answered immediately, and the technicians began tracing the call, but one of them shook his head—the location couldn't be pinpointed.

My heart sank.

On the other end, a harsh voice barked, "Time's up. Is the money ready?"

"I haven't gathered it all yet," I said quickly. "Please, give me a bit more time. My husband isn't here, and I don't have that much cash available."

"I told you already—no ransom, no Winston, no Adelle. I'll end their lives!"

"Wait! Please don't harm them!" I pleaded urgently. "You want money, right? Killing them won't get you anything. Why go through the trouble of taking them both if you won't get what you want in the end? Please, just give me 30 more minutes. I promise I'll have the rest by then!"

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard agonized, desperate screams of pain. It was my in-laws!

The kidnapper's menacing voice followed. "30 more minutes. If you're late again, say goodbye to their five fingers!" He sneered, adding, "And if you're trying to stall, go ahead and see where that gets you!"

With that, the call ended.

When I turned towards the door, Rich was standing there.

He looked utterly shocked.

He'd heard everything.