CHAPTER 119: DO OR DIE DECISION
After two days from the time the kidnappers called me, I gathered all the money they needed. A thousand million dollars, cold cash and are now securely settling in several money bags in front of me. It was definitely a hefty amount, but it’s nothing to me compared to the freedom my daughter deserves.
These are hard-earned money by my late father, accumulated assets from his properties and saved money from different banks, but I believed that he would be doing the same thing as what I did, if he was in my shoes. He would certainly be saying what I had in mind. That there is no amount of money that will be equivalent to Michelle’s safety. He will definitely be agreeing with me if he was still here.
I am currently waiting for Michelle’s abductors to call again. It had been two days since they last contacted me, and since then, the phone hasn't rang again. I was instructed about the amount of ransom they needed and that I should be on my own in handing it to them, but where I will head and when, was still a mystery.
As days pass, the turmoil inside my head and the anxiety my heart feels continues to eat me alive. There’s not a minute that my entire body trembles with grave fright and my head spins in restlessness. I was literally a ticking time bomb. That any minute I might snap and totally lose my sanity. I don’t know what will be the outcome of this madness these criminals are cooking at, but one thing is for sure, I will have my daughter safe and alive even if I lost my very own life.
“It’s them, Penelope! They’re calling now!” Lewis abruptly appeared from the doorstep, looking agitated and frantic. My body swiftly moved and ran past him, straight to the staircase and into the living room in rapid motion. General Lombard was the one standing right next to the center table, where the ringing phone was situated.
“Go ahead, Miss Hunt,” He uttered authoritatively before picking up the cradle and handing it to me.
“Hello.”
“Pleasant day, Miss Hunt. Is my money ready?” The man at the other line spoke straightforwardly. I could hear mellow music playing in his background.
“I have them now here.”
“All of them? A thousand million dollars?”
“Yes. Cold cash, as you've instructed.”
“Wow! That’s quick! Well knowing how wealthy you are, Miss Hunt, this may be just nothing from you I guess.”
“Where do you need me to drop it off? And when?”
“All Star Arena in Bronx. Tomorrow. Precisely seven in the evening.”
“Alright, I will be there.”
“Be reminded that your daughter’s life is entirely based on your actions, Miss Hunt. I will be watching you closely. My men are more alert and armed than your police help. No hanky-panky, Penelope Hunt, or I’ll see to it that the next time you see your daughter is in the morgue. Cold, ashen and lifeless.” My entire blood hastily froze at what I heard. My knees weakly wobbled and literally gave up. Good thing Lewis was behind me and swiftly caught me even before I could totally collapse on the floor.
“Please! Don’t hurt her! I will do everything you ask of me to do! I won’t bring anyone with me, I promise! No police, just me and the ransom money! Don’t hurt Michelle! Please! Don’t!” River of tears blinded my eyes as I continued gripping the cradle tightly as if my whole life depended on it.
“Do your part as ordered, Miss Hunt, and I will give you the assurance that not a single hair will be removed from your daughter’s.”
“Yes! Yes, I will! You have my word!”
“Good! Until tomorrow, Miss Hunt. It’s a date. See you tomorrow night.” And the line suddenly went dead.
I wailed loudly like a mother with a dead offspring. Lewis immediately caged me in his embrace. I cried endlessly in his chest as he tried to ease my grievance away.
“All Star Arena isn’t far from here, so these criminals are just within the vicinity. They are just here in New York City as well. But they are smart fuckers, alright! Fuck they are smart!” I heard General Lombard speaking.
“Why?” Lewis answered.
“Because tomorrow at six, there will be a football game at All Star Arena. It’s a do or die game, so it is expected that a lot will be watching, maybe all of New York City’s football fans. Hundreds of people will be at the arena tomorrow. These rascals certainly knew what they were doing. They are no amateurs.”
“Fucking shit! Those sons of bitches!” Lewis spilled out loudly while continuing to stroke my back.
I knew what they had in mind. They will be insisting on going with me tomorrow night to secure both Michelle and my safety. But I wouldn’t allow them to screw up this deal. I must stick up to what I was ordered to do to assure Michelle’s safety.
“I will go tomorrow on my own! End of discussion!” My voice roared boldly right after I pulled away from Lewis’ embrace.
“But Penelope…”
“No buts, Lewis! This is my daughter’s life we're talking about here and I am her fucking mother! You do what I say! I will go tomorrow at the arena all by myself! Am I understood?”
Not a single word was heard from any of them. My eyes glanced at each and every man standing in the living room. There may be doubt inside my head as my emotions are badly shaken and all mixed up, but I will stand my ground and do what I have to do.
After minutes of silence, I hastily marched away from them and returned to my room filled with blinded determination. The moment I closed and locked the door, my tears began to pour once again. I helplessly ran towards my bed and slumped myself in grievance.
I know this is a do or die decision and that I might either win or lose from this dubiousness. But God forbid, I will do everything to regain Michelle. That even if I die trying, I will still do it, just to rescue my daughter and have her safe and alive.
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