Chapter 5 - The Confrontation
The dial tone buzzed in my ear like an angry hornet. I stared at the screen, my heart pounding against my ribs with terrifying force.
“David? Who was that?” Marcus asked, his eyes wide with alarm.
“That was the man who has Sarah,” I said, my voice shaking with a mixture of cold fury and dread. “He told me to stop investigating or I’m next.”
Marcus stood up, grabbing the manila folder. “We need to play this recording for Detective Vance immediately. They can trace the cell tower ping—”
“No,” I interrupted, shaking my head. “The caller said they were watching. If we involve the police directly right now, they might hurt her before we can track them down.”
“David, you can’t negotiate with kidnappers on your own,” Marcus argued, grabbing my arm. “You’re a businessman, not a tactical operator. Let the professionals handle it.”
“The professionals are following protocol while my ex-wife is sitting in some damp basement because of secrets I never even knew she had!” I pulled away from him, running a hand through my hair. “Two million dollars, Marcus. Think about that. Sarah wasn't just an ordinary art teacher. She was keeping a massive secret from me for years.”
“Then we find out what that secret is,” Marcus said, softening his tone. “Look, I agree we shouldn't rely solely on the local cops if they're moving too slow. But don't go charging into a trap alone. Let me deploy our private security firm—the guys we use for high-risk corporate audits overseas. They're ex-military. They know how to handle hostage situations and trace digital footprints without triggering a violent response.”
I took a deep breath, fighting the panic clawing at my throat. Marcus was right. If I walked into an ambush, Ethan and Emma would be left completely alone in the world.
“Fine,” I said tightly. “Bring them in. But I want updates every ten minutes.”
“Done,” Marcus said, pulling out his phone to make the call.
I turned back toward the hospital room. Ethan was still sleeping soundly, and through the glass window, I could see a nurse checking Emma’s vitals. They were safe here, guarded by the hospital staff and the police officer stationed outside.
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I had to leave the hospital for a few hours. I needed to go back to Sarah’s house.
If the kidnappers were watching, they wouldn't expect me to return to the crime scene in broad daylight while the police were canvassing the neighborhood. But Sarah’s house held answers, and I was going to find them.
