Do you guys remember where we left off? Our boy, Davis Steel has been grabbed, and I have to wonder how many of you screamed at the screen. Well, if you need a refresher, go back to chapter 8. But if you’re ready, let’s dive into Chapter 9 of What Would You Do.
Chapter 9
Tessa collapsed on the couch at home. Another busy day, and they were understaffed. It wasn’t a surprise to see the other waitresses taking breaks when they could. Her feet were killing her. She was contemplating the idea of taking a bath when she heard the door open. Leaping up, she ran and saw her parents walk in with Susie, asleep in her dad’s arms. Tiredness escaped her mind and she held out her arms. Both parents looked absolutely exhausted.
“Let me take her to bed. You both take a seat and I’ll fix up something to eat.” Her mother smiled as John gently placed Susie in her sister’s arms. As the teen headed down the hall, she heard both her parents head into the kitchen and sit down at the table. Entering Susie’s rooms, she was grateful for the fact that she had replaced the bedding before work. Settling her sister into the bed, and tucking her in, she turned and quietly shut the door behind her.
“Sweetheart, you look just as exhausted. Don’t worry about us, take a seat. You must have been running around at work a lot today.” Ignoring the invitation to sit, Tessa pulled some food from the fridge, making a mental note to go grocery shopping for her parents the next day.
“What did the doctors say?” Amanda sighed and John managed a smile.
“She is scheduled for surgery next week. This last scare was enough to finally push the date.” His wife’s eyes shone with the tears that threatened to fall.
“It’s so expensive. I’m worried we will never get out from under the debt.”
What Would You Do
Davis stirred, trying to reach for his head to stop the throbbing. His arms were behind him and he couldn’t move them. Confused, he managed to open his eyes, the rush of memories flooding him. Getting to the mall, someone grabbing him, losing consciousness. He was in a dark room and appeared to be tied to a chair. There was something sticking to his face over his mouth. Duct tape? Looking around, he couldn’t see much. There was a light coming from across the room, possibly from under a door. But there didn’t seem to be any windows.
Trying to remain calm, Davis managed a deep breath. The man from the diner. He must be behind this but who was he? Was this a ransom kidnapping and once they got the money they would let him go? Or was this something else? His parents had always feared he would be taken and leveraged against them. He never took their fears seriously. Not until right now. Tied and gagged, Davis could do nothing other than sit with his own thoughts and wonder what would happen to him.
Chapter 9
Tessa lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her parents were so stressed about money, and she felt like she should be doing more. Her parents were still adamant that she would go back to school in the fall. She sighed and rolled over, facing the wall and allowing the tears to fall. Susie needed this surgery, her parents needed money, and she felt helpless. Burying her face in her pillow, she cried silently, wishing there was something else she could do.
What Would You Do
John ran a tired hand over his eyes, staring at his phone, willing the text to change. It didn’t. The words still mocked him.
I’m sorry John, but there just isn’t enough work. We have to let you go.
How could he tell his wife that he lost his job? The headache that he had been battling seemed to intensify as his stress continued to grow. He needed to work, now more than ever. But where? John looked from his cell phone back to the computer screen, willing a mechanics job to show up. It didn’t. What else could he do though? Gentle hands on his shoulders caused him to quickly turn his phone over. Amanda’s arms wrapped around him, her tears dampening his face as she leaned her head against his.
“I saw the text John. What do we do now?” John turned, pulling her into his lap and holding his wife. They used to sit like this when they were dating. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
“I don’t know. Maybe I will have to stop being so particular about the work. If all I can get is a janitor job, a janitor I will be. We can’t lose faith, dear. It’s hard to see right now, but we have to believe that we will come out on the other side of this.” The Rhodes couple sat together, Amanda crying and John trying to console her. How do you comfort your wife when you feel like your world is collapsing in around you?
Can They Get a Break?
Man, I can’t imagine what the Rhodes must be feeling right now. And what about Davis? Do his parents know he’s been taken? What do these people want with him? Find out next week. For now, enjoy the rest of your weekend. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Spring seems to finally be ready to appear. Soon, it will be summer. Have a great day my friends, and I’ll see you Monday.
