Chapter 5
1102 Words
Valerie
We would leave our apartment for a few days until I got the money.
Isabelle wold stay at our Aunt's place while I remained at work.
Isabelle’s message came in at
My shift is over.
Alright. Wait there, I'm coming.
I arrived at the café where Isabelle worked.
“Give me the car keys. I'm driving.”
“Okay… what's going on? You're scaring me.”
“Get in. I'll tell you”
I took a deep breath.
“Today is the agreed date for the second payment of mom’s debt to the crime boss, and I can't pay.”
“Maya is holding my salary, and I'm afraid he'll come after us.”
“He called few days ago, he called threatening me not to exceed the date.
Isabelle stared at me wide-eyed.
“And you didn't tell me all this was going on?”
“I didn't want you to worry”
She took a deep breath. “What are we going to do now,” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
I'll take you to Aunt Suzy’s place. I'll let her know you'll be staying there for a few days.”
“It's already eight. I'll drive you back to go get your things once it's ten.”
We bought food and ate in the car. I turned on my phone and called my aunt. Thankfully, she agreed immediately.
Mr.Hayes called the moment I finished talking to my aunt. I ignored him too. I didn't have the energy to explain, and he wouldn't understand even if I did.
Isabelle was trying so hard to hide her fears, and it made me feel worse. I couldn't protect my younger sister. I felt like a failure.
She rested her head in the window and fell asleep. She needed rest after a long day at work.
I drove back to my apartment and parked some distance away from the building.
“Isa,” I said gently shaking her shoulder. “Wake up. we are here.”
“Go get a few things you'll need. Make sure you don't forget anything.”
“Okay,” she rubbed her before getting down.
“I'll wait here. We can't go together. We don't want to attract attention if they are hanging around.”
Isabelle
I walked a short distance from where the car was parked. Took out my keys and opened the door quietly.
I packed a small bag with clothes and essentials that would last for a few days.
I was shocked to see a group of unfamiliar men sitting in the living room.
My heart dropped.
“So finally came out? A scary looking man asked as he walked towards me
“Who are? And what do you want? I asked stepping back nervously.
“You know, that's why you're running,” he replied, reaching for me.
I moved out of his reach and ran towards my room, but before I could shut the door, he pushed it open and stepped into the room.
He grabbed me roughly and pulled me out.
“Let's not do this the hard way,” he said coldly. “You either stop struggling and follow me out, or I drag you out by your hair.”
“I'll follow you out,” I said immediately.
He shoved me forward. The other men walked ahead while he stayed behind as we exited the apartment.
Someone blindfolded me and pushed me into a car.
“Boss, we got the girl’s sister,” one of the men said over the phone.
“Bring her to the warehouse”
The call ended. Silence filled the car as they drove towards an unknown destination.
My hands trembling uncontrollably on my lap.
What were they going do to me?
I didn't know my present location. Would anyone find me?
Tears streamed down my face as fear consumed me. The car finally stopped.
The men got out, and someone yanked me out of the vehicle. He pushed me forward, making me lose my balance and fall.
“Ahhh!” I cried out as my knees scraped painfully against the ground.
“Get up,” someone barked, dragging me roughly to my feet.
We walked into the warehouse. They tied me to a chair and removed the blindfold.
A harsh light blinded me for a moment. When my vision cleared, I noticed strange equipments scattered around the room. I didn't want to imagine what they were used for.
I looked around desperately for an escape route, but there was none except for the large metal door guarded by two men.
The door suddenly swung open. A man walked in alongside the guy that dragged me and another man I didn't recognise.
The moment he entered, the atmosphere changed.
He exuded strong aura you couldn't ignore. The kind of aura that immediately commands authority and respect.
I lowered my head facing the ground. He stood there silently for a few seconds before finally speaking.
“Call her sister,” he ordered the man beside him.
If I thought his appearance was terrifying, his voice was worse cold, deep, and emotionless. A chill ran through me.
Valerie picked up the phone on the first ring.
“Hello?” Her panicked voice echoed through the room.
Valerie, you know who speaking right? He asked calmly.
My sister was silent for a second.
“I have your sister,” he continued. “She will pay the debt you refuse to pay.”
“No, no, no! Please don't do this. She’s still young.”
He looked at me coldly.
“I wonder how much I can sell her.”
My eyes widened in horror, and my heartbeat accelerated. At this rate I was a few seconds away from collapsing.
“I warned you, Valerie.”
“Please… things got out of control.”
“That's not my problem.”
I couldn't hold back my tears anymore
“Valerie, please save me! I'm scared!” I cried out desperatly for her to hear.
“Release my sister and take me instead,” Valerie said Immediately.
“I don't take orders from you, Valerie.
“Please,” Valerie begged, her voice breaking.
“I'll release her when you get here. Make sure you come alone…. or you know what can happen.”
“Yes… I know”
“Good. The address will be sent to you”
The call ended.
I didn't know what Valerie had In mind, but I didn't care.
As long as I can get me out of here. She would find a way. She always did.
- Writer
