Chapter 21: Chapter 21

The search of the venue and questioning of the staff had yielded nothing. It was time to involve the authorities. Everyone was on edge, but Xander’s worry was on a whole other level.

“I want every nook and cranny of this place combed through, including the exterior. She didn’t just vanish into thin air. Someone must have seen something.”

The police arrived and began their investigation by questioning the guests.

“Mr. West, were there any issues between you and your wife?”

“Why would you ask such an absurd question? We just got married. Stop wasting time and find her.”

“Sir, sometimes a woman might feel she’s made a mistake and run away. She might come back when she’s ready.”

Xander was about to lunge at the officer when Kurt held him back.

“Do you think she would leave without her purse, money, or phone? Do your job and start looking for my wife.”

Despite a thorough search of the building and its surroundings, no clues were found. The staff hadn’t noticed anything unusual, and the surveillance camera at the back was conveniently out of order, which was suspicious in itself.

“Mr. West, I suggest you go home. Your wife might try to contact you. We’ll continue our search and keep you updated.”

Xander glared at the officer.

“My wife has been kidnapped, and I think I know who’s behind it.”

“Who?”

“Tony Axton, Kat’s ex.”

“Why do you suspect him?”

“He probably holds a grudge against me for reporting him for fraud.”

The officer was familiar with Tony, who had jumped bail and was believed to be out of the country. He immediately alerted his team to be on the lookout for him.

“We’ll do our best to find your wife and this man. I understand your concern, but there’s nothing you can do right now. Go home.”

Fred approached Xander and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“He’s right; we can’t do anything more here. Your mother and Clara are worried sick. Let’s take them home.”

“Dad, I can’t leave without knowing where she is and if she’s safe.”

“The police are right. She might try to contact you at home since she doesn’t have her cell.”

Reluctantly, Xander agreed to leave. Once home, they all gathered in the living room. His eyes welled up with tears, and his heart ached. All he could think about was whether she was okay or if whoever had taken her was hurting her. Was it Tony or someone else? Even the private investigator he’d hired to keep tabs on Tony was clueless.

Kurt handed him a drink.

“Here, I think you need this.”

“Kurt, I can’t just sit here and do nothing while she’s out there. I have to go look for her.”

“You wouldn’t know where to start. I’m sure she’s okay, and we’ll hear something soon.”

“You know she wouldn’t just run off.”

Kurt rubbed the back of his head, clearly worried about Kat and wondering if Tony was involved.

“I know she wouldn’t. I hate this waiting game too. If it’s okay, I’ll have Clara lie down. All this stress isn’t good for her or the baby.”

Xander glanced at the women and saw the toll the situation was taking on them.

“Yes, take her to one of the bedrooms.”

***

An hour later, the police arrived at the house with additional officers.

“Mr. West, we have evidence that Mr. Axton is in the city and believe he has your wife. He might contact you for a ransom. Can we set up our equipment to trace his call?”

“No, I want you and the other officers to leave my house now.”

Everyone was shocked when Xander refused. Kurt was livid and pointed a finger at him.

“What the fuck do you mean no? My sister has been kidnapped, and you’re refusing.”

“I’m refusing because I know Tony is too smart not to suspect police involvement. He could be watching the house right now or have someone doing it for him. He won’t call until they’re gone. You have to trust me.”

“You can’t handle this alone.”

“I have to; it’s the only way to save her. I will get my wife back safe and sound. If it’s money he wants, he’ll get it, no matter the amount.”

The police were unhappy about leaving but promised to continue their search for Tony. They also warned Xander not to take matters into his own hands and to call them if he heard anything.

Another hour passed, and his parents and Clara had fallen asleep. Kurt stayed with Xander, and finally, the phone rang. It was Tony.

“Mr. West, I have something of yours that I think you would like back.”

“You son-of-a-bitch, if you harm one hair on her head, I will kill you with my bare hands.”

“Tsk tsk, you’re in no position to make threats. Now, if you want her back in one piece, you will do as I say.”

“What do you want?”

“You ruined me financially; I lost everything. Now you owe me. I want five million dollars in unmarked bills. You will then arrange for your jet to fly me to a secret location.”

“Do you know how long it will take to get that amount of cash from the bank? It would be quicker to transfer the money into your account.”

“I’m not a fool, once in my account it will be frozen by the cops. I want the cash and I know you can make it happen.”

“Then let me send it to an offshore account; it won’t be traced back to you.”

“I said I wanted the cash. Now, here’s how it’s going to go. You have twenty-four hours to get the money. Bring it in a briefcase or bag to your jet, which you will have ready for me. If you involve the police, I’ll kill her. Once you hand over the money, the girl will be yours.”

“How do I know she’s alive? Let me talk to her.”

“Can’t do that; she’s asleep. But I will send a picture. Hold on.”

He looked at the picture, and his blood ran cold. She was lying on a cot, her hands bound with rope. Kurt was standing behind him, gripping Xander’s arm.

“What did you do to her?”

“She put up quite a fight, so I had to subdue her. She’s alive and will stay that way as long as you do as I say.”

“She’s innocent in all of this. It’s me you want, so let her go.”

“I’m done talking to you. I’ll call you back in twenty-four hours with more instructions. Make sure you have the money, and do not call the cops.”

Before he could say another word, Tony had hung up. Xander slammed his fists on the table, a potent mix of anger and fear coursing through him.

“I’m going to kill him.”

“Xander, take a breath. I want to wring the guy’s neck too, but we’ve got to focus on getting Kat back first.”

“I know, but you can’t be part of this. If I don’t go alone, he’ll kill her. I understand your worry, but your presence will only endanger her more.”

“I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

Xander seized Kurt by the collar, giving him a firm shake.

“Listen, this is the only way. I love her, and I’m going to bring her back. I can’t risk you interfering. You’ve got to trust me.”

Tears welled up in Kurt’s eyes, and as Xander let him go, he quickly wiped them away.

“There’s got to be something I can do.”

“There is. Keep everyone else calm and don’t involve the police. Now, I need to call the bank manager and arrange a meeting.”

“Do you really think he’ll give you that much cash on such short notice?”

“He will. Now, let me handle this.”

The bank manager wasn’t thrilled about being roused from sleep, but his tone shifted once he realized who was on the line, and he agreed to meet.

***

^TWO HOURS LATER^

^At the bank^

“Mr. Jones, let’s cut to the chase. I need you to gather five million dollars in unmarked bills and put them in this bag,” Xander said, placing a bag on the table.

“That’s a significant amount. It’ll take a few days.”

“No, I need it by morning.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Mr. Jones, you know who I am and what I can do. I have a substantial amount of money in your bank, and if I were to switch banks, it wouldn’t reflect well on you to lose one of your biggest clients.”

The man swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat.

“Why do you need all this money?”

“That’s not your concern. I’ll be back in a few hours to collect.”

Xander left the bank, feeling drained and frustrated. He knew rescuing Kat wouldn’t be a walk in the park. Tony wouldn’t let them off easily. He had to be ready. He decided to call a friend of his, a Navy Seal, to pose as the pilot.

He was relieved to find Kurt passed out on the couch. It gave him the chance to call Mark without anyone overhearing.

“Hey Mark, I need a favor.”

“Xander, it’s been ages. What can I do for you?”

“My wife’s been taken, and I need your help to get her back.”

“Wait, when did you get hitched?”

“Today, but I don’t have time to explain. Let me fill you in on what’s happened and how you can help.”

“All right, buddy, I’m all ears.”

After Xander finished explaining, he waited for Mark’s response.

“I’ll help, but if you could find out where he’s holding her, we’d have a better shot at rescuing her. It could get complicated on a plane.”

“Damn it, Mark, if I knew that, I’d be there already.”

“Okay, buddy. I’ll get a chopper to your place. I’ll be there as soon as I can, and we’ll go over the plan.”

He hung up and headed to the kitchen to brew some coffee. He was grateful everyone was still asleep—until Kurt walked in.

Seeing the worry etched on Kurt’s face and the redness in his eyes, he decided to share his new plan.

“So this friend of yours, you think he can help save my sister?”

“He’s the best there is. He’ll be here soon to discuss the plan. Before he gets here, I’ll go to the bank to collect the money.”

“Xander, you should try to get some sleep.”

“I can’t rest, not until Kat is safe with me. Don’t worry, I’ll bring her home. Everything will be okay. I need you to watch over everyone else and keep them calm.”

“They’ll want to know what’s happening.”

“I don’t want them to know my plan. My parents aren’t young, and the stress could be harmful.”

“So what do we tell them when your friend shows up and you both leave?”

“We’ll come up with something. The less they know, the better. I’m relying on you to stay strong and keep your cool.”

“Kat’s been doing so well these past few months. I hope this doesn’t set her back to where she was before she met you.”

He pulled Kurt into a comforting embrace, feeling the man’s pain as if it were his own.

“Your sister is resilient, and I believe she’ll come out of this even stronger.”