Chapter 3

He stammered, trying to explain:

“Julian called me and said it was the elders playing along with you, just to keep him home…”

I couldn't be bothered to speak. The police officer beside me said:

“Call Julian. Tell him what’s happening.”

Officer Miller acknowledged and stepped aside to make the call.

From his phone, I heard the line was busy.

I thought of my mother-in-law’s delicate nature, how she’d need someone to blow on her fingers if hot water touched them. Now, who knew how much pain she was in.

I took a deep breath to calm myself and quickly called Mr. Harrison.

His line was also busy.

A few minutes after I hung up, Mr. Harrison called back.

Before I could even ask if he’d raised the money, I heard him sigh and say:

“Anya, it’s not that I want to lecture you, but how could you use such a thing to trick your elders? Your father-in-law and mother-in-law dote on you, but you should also advise them to be reasonable. If I hadn’t asked Julian, you would’ve given me a heart attack.”

At that moment, my heart died.

“Julian told you this was our act? Uncle, you don’t have to believe me, but can you reach my in-laws? The police are right here with me.”

The person on the other end sighed repeatedly, then said:

“Julian has someone else in his heart, child. If it’s too much, just divorce him. That way, you’ll both be free.”

I hung up the phone. Officer Miller finally got through to Julian.

Officer Miller said:

“Julian, come back quickly. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace really seem to have been kidnapped.”

The voice on the other end wasn’t Julian’s, but Serena Cross’s.

“Officer Miller, are you guys playing along with Miss Smith’s act too? Your Julian is grilling right now. I’ll call him to the phone.”

After her words fell, I heard Serena relaying Officer Miller’s message.

Julian didn't even take the call. He just said to Serena:

“Hang up. That crazy woman Anya Smith, she never wants anyone to be happy.”

The call ended. Officer Miller looked at me, his brows furrowed.

I lowered my gaze and smiled bitterly:

“I have no idea, but they want the money delivered to Liberty Square. Even though I don’t have enough, I have to go. If I go as bait, won’t that increase your chances of solving the case?”

The female detective beside me said:

“Ms. Smith, I’ll go deliver it instead.”

I smiled:

“What if the kidnappers recognize me? If you go, won’t that just provoke them? You can protect me from the perimeter. I’ll go myself.”

Since no one had a better plan, they agreed to my request.

When the kidnappers called again, I lied, telling them I had gathered enough money.

I asked them to confirm the delivery location, where I would deliver the money, and they would release my in-laws.

I heard a cold laugh, followed by a chilling reply:

“Fine.”

A sudden unease gripped my heart. Before he hung up, I quickly asked:

“I need to hear my in-laws’ voices.”

“What’s the rush, Ms. Smith? You’ll see them soon enough.”

With that, the call disconnected.

I had my financial manager withdraw the cash.

Dragging a suitcase full of money, I drove to the location the kidnappers specified.

Then I received another call from the kidnappers, telling me to go to the underground parking lot; my in-laws were waiting for me there.

I ignored the money; the police were upstairs. I sprinted to the underground parking lot.

I found my mother-in-law’s car in the parking lot.

The doors were open. They both had their throats slit, blood gushing out.

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I ran frantically, dialing 911 as I went.

“Someone has been slit in the throat at Liberty Square’s underground parking lot. Please hurry!”

I clutched their hands tightly:

“Mom, Dad, hold on! The doctors will be here soon!”