After returning from school and freshening up, she entered the kitchen with a sudden craving for cupcakes. She scanned the kitchen for flour, but was disappointed to find none.
The craving was too strong to ignore so she decided to head to the nearby supermarket to get a pack of flour.
Hurriedly, she went back upstairs and changed into something suitable for public outings, grabbed the credit card Shawn had given her and made her way to the car parked outside. The engine purred to life as she drove towards the supermarket.
On arrival at the supermarket, she parked the car and made her way inside. As she walked towards the baking aisle, a man with an unkempt appearance and bloodshot eyes approached her. She felt a sense of unease, but brushed it off and continued towards the counter.
“Hi, beautiful,” the man said in a drawled tone, attempting to start a conversation.
Ignoring him, She hoped he would get the hint and leave her alone. However, he persisted. “You look like you could use some company. What do you say?”
Rolling her eyes, She replied curtly, “I’m not interested. Please leave me alone.”
But the man refused to back down. He Kept following her around. She was forced to stop and issue a warning.
“If you don’t leave me alone, I will call the security on you.”
Suddenly, He raised his shirt up and revealed a gun tucked into his waistband, sending a jolt of fear through her. She glanced around nervously, Hoping people were in sight, but unfortunately, no one was.
“You see this? Now, I suggest you come with me to my car,” he said, his voice filled with menace.
Trembling, She reluctantly complied, her mind racing with thoughts of how to protect herself. He led her towards the backdoor exit, as they walked out the door, she prayed for a miracle, desperately hoping that someone would notice the danger she was in.
Unfortunately, no one did and the man led her to his car.
“Get in,” He ordered.
She hesitated as she looked around for help.
“You like to play fiesty, don’t you?” he said, and the next thing she felt was the nuzzle of the gown on her side.
Shaking uncontrollably, she got into the car and he locked it before walking over to the driver’s seat. Turning to the other side, she was surprised to see another man in the car and as she attempted to scream, he covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
That was all she remembered until she woke up to find herself in a dark room with only one little window. The room was poorly ventilated and very hot, it could pass for an oven.
“Hello?”
Silence.
“Who is there?”
Silence.
“Let me out!” She screamed, yet no response.
She doesn’t know her abductor from anywhere and does not remember hurting him. Why then would he kidnap her, because this was obviously a case of kidnap?
She was still contemplating, when the door went open and her abductor walked in.
“Oh, you are finally awake.” He said and dropped a plate of food in front of her.
“Why do you have me here?”
“You don’t ask me questions!” The man barked, and she cringed in fright. “Now, eat up!”
She shook her head and moved backward.
“I said eat! Don’t make me hurt you, little girl.”
Reluctantly, she uncovered the plate and her stomach grumbled at the sight of the well garnished rice and chicken wings.
“Go on, eat the food.”
She picked up her spoon and scooped a spoonful into her mouth.
“Usually, we don’t feed our captives with such sumptuous meals, but you are different. We did a background check and found out that you are not only the daughter of wealthy businessman Russell Gold, but also the daughter in-law to another goddam wealthy businessman, Ryan Gold. And the most interesting part is that you are married to his son, Shawn Gold, Vancouver’s newly elected business chairman and the third richest youngest Billionaire. You are one lucky girl, aren’t you?”
Tiffany just moped at him in shock as he spoke.
“We were asked to do something really bad to you, but guess what? If you are ready to comply with us, we will let you go unharmed.”
“What do you want?” She asked, looking at him suspiciously.
“Money. Lots of it, and you are going to help us get it. Agreed?”
She stayed mute and gaped at him.
“Fucking answer me! Do you agree to comply?”
“Yes…ye.. yes.” She stuttered in fear as she saw the wicked silver glint of the gun, subtly tucked in his waistband.
“Good girl. We will talk better tomorrow. For now, eat and have a good night’s rest.” With that, he walked out of the room.
SHAWN’S POV
He closed from work, eager to see Tiffany. Before heading home, he made a stop at a confectionery shop to get her cupcakes. Ladies love cakes, right?
After the cake was wrapped the way he wanted it, he made payment and dove home. On arriving, the house was surprisingly quiet.
He expected to see her sitting on the couch and watching TV while waiting for him. Concluding she was in her room, presumably taking a nap, he walked up to his room. After freshening up and changing into something comfy, he walked to her room door with the Cake.
Gently, he rapped his knuckles on the door, but no response. He knocked again, and again and yet again, but there was no response. Then he pushed the door open and was surprised to find her room empty.
“Tiffany,” He called out, assuming she was in the bathroom, but no response was heard. He walked to the bathroom door and knocked on it, yet no response. Then he jerked the door open and it was still empty.
He became worried as he walked back to the room and saw her school uniform in the laundry basket, indicating she was back from school. He checked her shoe rack and found that her school shoe was there.
Where could she be? He wondered as he walked out of the room. Then he decided to check downstairs. He walked into the kitchen, and it was empty. By then, his heart was thumping in his chest.
Determined to find her, he walked to the pool area and she was still not there. He became alarmed and screamed her name countless times, yet, no response.
Panicking, he rushed back inside and dialed her number but it was switched off. Then he called her father because she can’t be at his parents place owing to the fact that his mother traveled.
“Good day, Sir. Is Tiffany by any chance at your place?”
“My place? Of course not. I’m at a meeting and I have not set my eyes on her since the day she was discharged from the hospital.” Mr Dion replied. “Is anything the matter?”
“Ummm…actually, yes. I just got home from work and couldn’t find her.”
“That’s not good. Have you tried calling her?”
“Yes, I have. Her phone is switched off.”
“Are you sure she is not at school?”
“I doubt that. Her worn school uniform and shoes are in her room, indicating she is back from school.”
“I will be heading back now. Try to call the school authority to ask if she left the school after dismissal and by what time.”
“On it, sir.” And without bothering to change into something befitting, he picked up his car keys and drove out. On his way, he dialed Mrs Campbel’s number.
To his disappointment, she insisted all the students left the school premises before she left for home and advised him to lodge a complaint in the police precinct. Seeing reasons in her suggestion, he changed the car direction and drove straight to the police precinct.
He rushed into the precinct, his heart pounding in his chest. He approached the front desk and explained the situation to the officer on duty.
“Please, sir, we need to find my wife. She went missing and I don’t know where she is. Her phone is switched off and her school says she left after dismissal. I’m really worried,” He pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
The officer nodded sympathetically. “Alright, sir. Please fill out this form with all the necessary information about your wife. We’ll do everything we can to locate her and bring her back safely.”
He quickly filled out the form, providing Tiffany’s full name, physical description, and any other relevant details he could think of. He handed the form back to the officer and anxiously waited for any updates.
While waiting, He called Mr. Dion to inform him about the situation. He assured him of being on his way to the precinct and that they will find her together.
Hours turned into what felt like an eternity as he anxiously paced around awaiting news from the officers. Just then, Mr Dion walked in.