Isabella's hands shook as she gazed upon her phone's screen, glowing like some sort of curse in the darkness.
A photo.
Lisa was sitting, tied up in a chair, her mouth gagged with duct tape, eyes swollen from crying. The grey, empty background behind her gave the appearance of some sort of warehouse.
Then came the text message below the image:
“Sign over Noble Best before midnight… or your friend dies. — Victor”
Isabella's breath caught in her throat. "Oh my God. Lisa." She tightened her grip on the phone, her chest heaving.
Before Isabella could respond, the front door swung open. Kaya gasped as she ran into the living room. “Madam! Mr. Alexander is back! The police released him!”
Isabella whipped around. "What?"
Alexander stepped into the room, visibly tired but resolute, with Roo
