Maraâs heart hung suspended, a balloon tugging against the string of her anxiety, yearning. for the power to teleport straight to the place where they held her father captive.
As the investigation progressed and the pieces came together, an air of excitement began to bubble among the team, like champagne threatening to pop the cork.
Her heart steadied, anchored by their confidence. It meant they were close, and that they had the upper hand.
All that was left was to pinpoint where the kidnappers were hiding, and they could bring her father home.
But she gave no thought to Victoria. Dark thoughts crept in, wishing, almost hoping, that Victoria would quietly slip away in this ordeal. No more competition for her fatherâs affection. The thought was selfish, but it was there.
Oh, Victoria, Victoria, itâs not a curse from me, but karmaâs own design! Why did you have to set your sights on Balfour, the one I had my eye on first? If you had cared for me, your own sister, you wouldnât have been so entangled with Balfour. Mara thought.
She had never suspected her sister and Balfour were anything more than friends. But their joint abduction laid bare an ugly truth.
Victoria, always preaching about putting studies first, claiming romance was off the table, yet clinging to Balfour behind closed doors!
He was meant to be Maraâs, but Victoria had to wrench him away.
If Victoria didnât care about sisterly bonds, why should she keep up the pretense?
âI wish youâd just vanish, never to darken my life again.â The thought of Victoriaâs demise brought a chilling smile to her face, one that startled the teacher who had been by her side throughout the ordeal.
âYou-â
But as Mara turned back, her face was once again the picture of woe. The teacher must have imagined that fleeting grimace.
âIs something wrong?â Mara asked.
âNo, itâs nothing. Do you want me to get you a fresh cup?â
Mara shook her head, a picture of despair, âNo thank you. Iâve lost my appetite.â
She wouldnât even drink her water, poor child, so worried about her sister and father, thought the teacher.
âDonât fret. We have to have faith in the police. Theyâve identified suspects. It wonât be long before they rescue your sister and father. Thereâs no need for such worry.â
Mara kept her head down, masking her eyes from the teacherâs view. She has never been worried about Victoria. It would be better for her if Victoria were dead.
Meanwhile, the kidnappers celebrated into the night, with only a couple maintaining any semblance of sobriety.
âYou two, stay on guard. Donât let your eyes off those three,â slurred Jaxon, barely able to keep on his feet.
Elton watched quietly, filing away every detail.
âDonât worry, Boss, Iâll keep them locked up.â
Jaxon belched, âOn the next call, weâll squeeze them for all theyâre worth! Letâs make sure itâs payday for all of us, eh?â He chuckled, dreaming of the good times ahead.