Chapter 36: Chapter 36

At the Chandler family’s anniversary banquet, the Sanders family was hit with the shocking news of Annie’s kidnapping.

Tom rushed out with others to gather information, and Helen joined the search. Jessica and Yolanda shared a glance, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and thrill.

“Jessica, are we in trouble?” Yolanda asked, worried.

“Don’t be such a scaredy–cat,” Jessica scoffed. “Mason has a beef with Annie. What does it have to do with us?”

“But didn’t he just text you, saying he did it for you?” Yolanda asked.

“Please. I lost my phone. I never got any message.” Jessica casually took apart her phone and tossed it in the trash, as if it was nothing.

Yolanda felt a pang of sympathy for Mason, used and discarded without any gain. But as her sister said, the deed was done by Mason, and they were in the dark, so it had nothing to do with them.

*****

Jackson had paid his respects to Brian Chandler and quickly made an excuse to leave. Pulling out his phone, he frowned, still puzzled by the strange call from Annie. He signaled for Donald to come over.

“Annie Sanders is in trouble?” Jackson asked, his brows furrowed.

Donald nodded. “Yeah, boss. Word is she’s been kidnapped.” He’d mentioned it before, but Jackson had brushed it off.

“Give me the details,” Jackson demanded, his patience wearing thin.

Donald curiously asked, “Why the sudden interest, boss?” Jackson said he didn’t care earlier. It felt strange.

“Skip the questions!” Jackson snapped.

Donald quickly complied, explaining, “Not sure on all the details, but Ms. Sanders left early ‘cause her feet were killing her The driver never picked her up. Surveillance shows she was grabbed right after the elevator doors opened.”

Jackson’s eyes Mason?‘

narrowed, his gaze turning cold. ‘Annie is no fool, How had she fallen for such a blatant move by someone like Without a moment’s hesitation, he walked outside. “Track Annie’s phone. See if we can pinpoint her location.”

Donald’s eyes widened in surprise. “Boss, you’re… getting involved?” Jackson said just the opposite earlier.

“A good deed never goes unnoticed,” Jackson replied. If he didn’t step in, Annie could be in for a world of hurt. He’d hate to see such a captivating woman fall. Consider it his good deed for the day.

Donald smirked. ‘Right, because our boss is just a fountain of compassion.’

When they got in the car, Donald booted up his laptop, quickly homing in on Annie’s phone signal. “Last known location was near 203 National Road in Xecority, then it went dead–probably the phone got trashed.”

Jackson twirled his phone, finally settling his grip, his gaze firm. Not many dare to snatch someone on the Chandler family’s watch. Call Warren. Find the culprit in thirty minutes.”

Donald whistled low. Even dragging Warren into this meant their boss was playing for keeps.

Feeling Donald’s curious stare, Jackson glanced over, his look cool. “What are you staring at?”

“Wondering when our boss got a heart of gold,” Donald replied casually.

“What’s your guess?” Jackson asked.

“Hmm…” Donald hesitated, “Seems like you changed after meeting Annie Sanders.”

Jackson sneered, “Impressive. Your imagination’s in overdrive.”

Donald was at a loss for words.

Jackson was right. Few would dare such a brazen act on the Chandler family’s doorstep. The culprits were either more powerful and reckless or utterly clueless, unaware of the trouble they’d stirred. This time, it was clearly the latter.

In less than twenty minutes, Warren called. “The kidnappers are from a small–time gang called the Tigers. Their boss, Thomas, is a loose cannon willing to do anything for cash. There are a few abandoned factories up Xecority way. That’s likely their hideout. I’m rolling out there with my team.”

Warren’s report was swift and to the point, not a beat wasted.

Donald couldn’t resist remarking, “There are always folks who can’t see the big picture, picking fights with the wrong people.” He shot a glance at Jackson, then clicked his tongue again. With his boss involved, the culprit wouldn’t easily walk out of this.

“Enough. Buckle up,” Jackson barked, flooring the gas pedal, the car’s engine roaring as it tore down the road, disappearing into the horizon in a flash.

*****

Time seemed to blur as the car finally screeched to a halt. Annie was hauled out and unceremoniously dumped onto the cold ground. Blindfolded and bound, she was in the dark about her captors and what lay ahead.

But in that moment, she was oddly composed. It was like facing death had reset her priorities.

Voices soon echoed around her. “We’ve brought her. Time to settle up, don’t you think?”

A man snapped, “Who said you could start this in the hotel’s parking lot? You know whose turf that is? If the Chandlers trace this back to me, you’re signing my death warrant.”

The kidnapper said, “We were just told to grab someone. You didn’t say where we couldn’t do it. We’ve done our part; what happens next is on you.”

“You-“The man was angry and at a loss for words.

The kidnapper made an offer. “How about this? For an extra 1 million dollars, we’ll make her disappear, no trace, no way to link it back to you. Interested?”

The man seemed to be shocked. “Wh–What? Kill her?”

“Think it over,” the kidnapper sneered.

Annie, with her keen ears, caught every word. ‘Are they really considering murder to tie up loose ends?‘ She frowned briefly, then smoothed her features, speaking with a calm and measured tone, “Mason, can I have a word?”

“How… How did you know it was me?” Mason stammered, his voice hitching in panic.

Annie was momentarily at a loss. We’d just met. It’s easy to recognize his voice.

Thomas, the Tigers‘ boss, frowned and gestured. “Shut her up!”

“Wait!” Annie knew this might be her only chance to speak. “Mason, have you really thought this through? Are you ready to take a life? Even if someone else pulls the trigger, you won’t escape the fallout. When it’s traced back to you, can you handle it?”

Annie continued, “My father is Yosef Sanders. If anything happens to me, he’ll move heaven and earth to find the one responsible. You think you can outrun him?” Each word was sharp and decisive. Annie’s presence was commanding, as if she held the cards.

“I…” Mason actually retreated a few steps.

A slight smile played at the corners of Annie’s lips. It seemed shed read him right; Mason just wanted to scare her, vent some steam, not commit murder. That made her situation a bit more manageable.