The Night He Chose Her, His Hair Turned White Chapter 2

He blamed me for everything.

After Ethan left, I immediately called 911. Thirty million dollars wasn’t a small sum, and it had to be cash. I couldn't just produce it instantly. Besides, there was no guarantee the kidnappers would release them even if they got the money. I had to call the police, let the professionals handle this.

I dialed 911, and they dispatched officers from the nearest precinct. But before the police arrived at my door, I received a call from someone familiar.

“Hey, Sarah, it’s Mike Davis. Are you and Ethan having problems?”

My brow furrowed. “What do you want, Mike?” I asked, my voice edged with impatience.

“Well, you just called 911, didn’t you? I know we’re friends, but making false police reports isn’t a small matter. You and Ethan can argue all you want, but you can’t go wild like this. Ethan and Scarlett have nothing going on. You’re being so relentless, it's making Ethan look like a fool.”

I listened for a while, finally understanding what he was implying. “What are you saying? Did Ethan tell you I made a false report?”

A silence stretched on the other end. I let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Mike, I advise you to dispatch officers immediately to handle this situation. Otherwise, I’ll be filing a complaint.”

Mike scoffed. “Sarah Wilson, don’t treat everyone like Ethan Miller, ready to do your bidding. I’m not your family’s security. You’re a shrew. Scarlett’s little finger is worth more than you.”

I hung up. Then I redialed 911, and immediately reported Mike.

The second police unit arrived about fifteen minutes later. They asked me a few questions and listened to the recording of the first call. Everyone’s expression was grim. They quickly traced the incoming number; it was unregistered, and calling back got a disconnected signal. All they could do was wait for another call.

While the officers waited, I contacted my private financial manager.

“How much liquid cash do I have available?” I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. “Seventeen million? Prepare all of it.”

After hanging up, I called Ethan’s uncle, David Miller. Hearing that Robert and Eleanor had been kidnapped, he gasped. “Who did it? Is Ethan there?”

“I don’t know who the kidnappers are, Uncle. Ethan went camping with Scarlett. They’re demanding thirty million dollars in cash. I can’t raise enough on my own. Can you gather what you can? I’ll pay you back in a week.”

“Sarah, child, for my brother and sister-in-law? Don’t talk about paying me back! How much are you short?”

“Thirteen million.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get it.”

The half-hour flew by. The phone rang again. I snatched it up, and the tech officer beside me immediately began tracing the call, but quickly shook his head. Untraceable. My heart sank. I heard the kidnapper’s harsh voice. “Time’s up. Is the money delivered?”

“Not yet. Please, I need more time. My husband isn’t here, and I don’t have that much money on hand.”

“I told you. If the money isn’t here when time’s up, we execute them!”

I pleaded desperately, “Don’t hurt them! You want money, don’t you? Killing them means you get nothing. That’s a loss. Give me another half-hour. I promise I’ll have the money then.”

No sooner had I spoken than my in-laws’ agonizing screams echoed from the phone. The kidnapper’s cruel voice cut in again. “Half an hour. Five fingers per person! If you want to stall, then stall away!”

The call disconnected. Just then, Mike appeared in the doorway. He’d heard everything. His face was ashen, his eyes wide with horror.