Sometimes it feels like these weeks just fly by. I’m certain that yesterday was Monday, yet here we are and it’s Saturday. Time passes quickly. We’re in the last days of April too. But, you aren’t here for that. You are here for Chapter 12 of What Would You Do. So, here it is.
Chapter 12
Tessa’s hands shook as she dialled her father’s cell. Her mother answered.
“Tessa, I’m glad you called. We just arrived at the hospital and Susie wanted to talk to you.” She heard the sound of the younger girl in the background crying.
“Can I talk to her? What happened?” She heard her father say something.
“We just arrived at the hospital. We’ll send updates when we can. How long are you working, today?”
“Until four.”
“Your father will come pick you up after work so you can come to the hospital. I’ve got to go. I love you.” Before Tessa could respond her mother hung up. Tears burned her eyes and she broke down crying just as Daniel was walking by. He rushed to her side.
“Tess? What’s wrong?”
What Would You Do
Fear took over and Davis fought desperately to get away. However, the two men were stronger and his hands were tied tightly behind his back. The man from the previous day came over.
“Fighting will only make this worse for you Davis. Stop struggling.” Davis felt the tears forming, his breath coming out in panicked gasps. Hyperventilating, he was unable to struggle. The men sat him in the chair and the boss came over. “Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Again, we are not going to kill you. You are more useful alive.” He saw the teen’s eyes dart towards the table and smiled. “For now, that is only for show. We want to get a point across to your parents. Now, breathe.” His calm tone, and assurance that Davis would not be tortured, helped the boy to calm down, his breathing still hitching every few breaths. He was finally able to speak.
“Why are you doing this to me?” The man’s smile disappeared.
“Because I want your parents to know exactly what I went through!”
Chapter 12
Seeing the confusion on Davis’ face, the man reached into his pocket, pulling out a wallet. Opening the wallet, he took out a photo of a young boy.
“This was my son. He was seven years old when he was taken. I was working for your father at the time. After receiving the ransom note, I went to your father for help. There was no way I could come up with the money on my own. He refused. They sent photos, videos and even let me talk to him on the phone once. This was to prove that he was still alive. I begged your father, and even went to your mother for help when he still refused. She also refused to help. Her exact words were this isn’t my problem.” Davis felt his heart sink. How could his parents have been so cruel? He also had a feeling that he knew exactly where this story was going, but heard himself ask the question he didn’t want the answer to.
“What happened?” The man’s eyes shone with unshed tears.
“They sent me my son back, piece by piece. First I got an ear. Then a finger. I sent them as much money as I had, begging for my son’s life. Their response was to send me his leg. By the time the police found my son, what was left of him, he was dead. I quit working for your father after that and began my quest to get revenge on the people who took my son from me. It was easy to find people to help, some with dangerous skills. One by one I tracked them down, the kidnappers. Do you want to know what happened to them?” Davis shook his head. “The same thing they did to my son. They died a slow, and very painful death. Now, it’s time for your parents to pay.” Davis felt numb.
“You’re going to kill me after all.” His voice sounded hollow to his ears. The man’s face was void of all expression.
“Your parents will pay.”
What Would You Do
William and Valerie rushed into the dining room at the sound of Amanda’s scream. She sat, staring at the mail in front of her. Maria and Leanna also rushed into the room.
“Mrs. Steel? Are you alright?” She looked up, finding her husband’s face, terror in her eyes. He crossed the room, looking at the table, his heart skipping a beat. Staring up at him was a picture of his son, attached to a note with big bold letters.
We have your son. You will pay.
Valerie had joined them and gasped when she saw the note. Mr. Steel grabbed the note and picture, exiting the dining room and heading to his office. As he shut the door, the sound of his wife crying reached his ears. Pulling out his cell phone, he collapsed in his office chair. The call was picked up.
“Frank. I know who has my son. Edward Shaw. Find him, Frank, before he kills my son!”
Chapter 12
Tessa exited the diner. She wasn’t sure how she had made it through the rest of her shift. After telling Daniel what happened, he had talked with her and helped her to calm down. When she got back on shift after her extended break, Edgar and Bethany had been informed of what had happened. Bethany had hugged her and told the younger girl that she would help in any way she could. Edgar had pulled her aside and told her she was getting a raise, and a bonus, to help. A donation box was put on the counter, and customers were told that they were raising money for a young girl with cancer. Many had put in money and by the time her shift was done, Edgar had handed her fifteen hundred dollars. She had cried and thanked everyone before leaving. Her father pulled up alongside the curb.
“Hey sweetheart. How are you holding up?” She slid into the passenger seat, wiping her eyes and told her father what had happened as he pulled into traffic. She could see him blinking back his own tears. “You have an incredible boss, Tessa. Remind me to thank him.” She nodded.
“How’s Susie?”
“Not well. The doctor said we have to move up the surgery again. It’s happening tomorrow!”
Until Next Week
Well, that was a roller coaster of events, wasn’t it. You can tell that Davis’ parents must be haunted by the memory of not helping Edward Shaw save his son. They must have seen the consequences for them to react the way they did. I wonder who this other guy, Frank, is and what his connection to the Steel family is? And poor Susie is about to go for surgery. I’ll see you all next week as we find out what happens next. Have a great rest of your weekend.
