Haunted By The Past

Chapter 5

"Have you disclosed this to anyone yet? The cops, friends, or family?”

"Nope, just you alone. So, what do we do now?” asked, Antonio. Showing Anabel a clear photo of the car plate number.

"There's only one way. We track the plate number. It might lead us to the abductors. But we need to be careful. I don't trust the damn cops, they might be working for the kidnappers. I don't understand how long it takes to find 3 boys,” Suggested, Anabel.

"You're right. I've got a friend who works for a tracking agency. Not to worry, he's trustworthy,” Antonio assured.

"How long will it take?” Giving an inpatient look, Anabel asked.

"24hr. I would be here this time tomorrow with good news, I suppose,”

“24hr?" She exclaimed.

"That works. I'll wait. My kids are worth it. I just hope the plate number gets us what we need to apprehend those bastards. And when they're caught, I'll personally strangle them with my bare hands!” Anabel fumed as she saw Antonio off to the door exit.

************************

The night was fast approaching as the dark clouds gradually enclosed the earth's surface. “Oh, my handsome boys. Please return home to Mama. It's never been the same without you." Holding their picture frame close to her heart, Anabel broke down in tears and communicated as though the boys were around. They could be missing, but she could still feel their presence around her. It's been 24hr without the boys and Anabel is already feeling lonely. She missed having them around and was wishing they'd just walk home and dive straight into her arms, saying, “Mom, it was all a prank. We weren't abducted.” After weeping for so long, Anabel developed a swollen eye and dried her tears. Somehow, she was confident, Antonio would show up tomorrow with positive news. She walks to her room to sleep with the belief that the boys would be found.

*************

Another day has dawned, conveying new hopes and aspirations. The rays of the sunlight flickered into Anabel's room from the window as she rubbed her eyes. Glancing at the wall clock hanging on her wall, she could confirm it was a few minutes past 6:30 am. “Oh, the kids! They'd be late for school.” She screamed and rushed to the children's room, that was the moment Anabel realized they'd been abducted. She was sobbing as tiny particles of tears strolled down her cheeks. She returned to her room to see a notification popping from her phone's screen. She grabbed the phone, looked at the text, and behold, it was her Boss Douglas. “If you don't show up at the office this morning, you can as well tender your resignation letter,”

"That bastard! How do I explain to him my boys were kidn*pped from school? This is tough!” Anabel muttered and sighed. She tried reaching out over the phone, but he wasn't responding or returning the calls. It then occurred to Anabel that her boss was upset at her for skipping work the previous day without notice. Now she's faced with a dilemma of going to work or waiting for Antonio to show up with a piece of proper evidence that would be pivotal in finding her son.

This was the moment Anabel wished she exchanged phone contact with Antonio. “What if he shows up, and I'm not home? He would go back with the evidence. This job is my only source of raising funds for the ransom. I can't quit now,” with determination and focus, she had a quick bathe and got ready for work amidst the anxiety scrubbing her face. Anabel was pretty sure of the backlash that awaited her in the office. Douglas is never passionate about humanity and is most likely to strike her with a suspension.

Pulling up to the company's garage, Anabel remained glued to her car seat, breathing heavily and unable to step out as many thoughts invaded her mind. "What if I get suspended? What if he confiscates my salary for this month? This is so challenging! Now I have to start begging the same person I wanna avoid forever. I just wish to overcome this phase,” bowing her head on her car steering, Anabel was exhausted. She hasn't gone in yet, but she already foresaw the challenges that await her. With hope and confidence, she stepped descended from her car and marched inside the company.

"Hey, girlfriend. Why didn't you show up yesterday? I would have called if I had your number,” Mariam asked in excitement as she welcomes Anabel.

"I'd tell you about it later. Is the Boss in?” Lowering her voice, Anabel asked, pointing to Douglas's office.

"Girl, he's so worried about you. Of course, he is in. I could go tell him you're here.”

"No, no! I'll do that myself. Thank you.” Anabel refused, bracing up for the worst to happen as she entered his office. Without hesitation, she went on both knees, explaining her reason for skipping work the previous day. Focusing on his computer, Douglas replied, “Go home! You've got two weeks off. You'd still get paid regardless, and good luck finding your kids,” what a cold response! Anabel remained on both knees, to be certain she heard him correctly.

"I don't wanna repeat myself. Now leave my office. Report to duty 14 days from now.” Douglas reaffirmed, with a loud voice, discarding Anabel.

"Thank you so much, this means a lot to me,” Anabel quickly stood up and left before he reversed his decision. Douglas wasn't always that nice, but when it does, he makes the best decision. Fortunately, Madeline was opportune to be at the right place. Despite refusing his relationship advances, Douglas was fair in his decision-making.

A blessing in disguise for Anabel, who never wanted to be at work. She saw this as a perfect opportunity to quickly rush home to receive Antonio when he shows up with the evidence. Hurriedly, she drove home, and to her surprise, Antonio was already outside awaiting her presence.

"Never thought you'd show up this early,” Anabel teased Antonio, who maintained a straight face as though something was wrong.

"What's wrong? I know that look on your face. Were you able to track the plate number?

"No, I wasn't. I guess they disposed of it after their operation. Those bastards won't get away with this,” Antonio was so infuriated at himself for failing Anabel. Just when he thought his heroics were already manifesting, he never knew the abductors had other plans.

“So what do we do now? We can't let those kidnappers get away with this. They must be brought to book,”

"That's where we activate the plan B. Seek help from Dominique,” Anabel replied empathically.

"Alpha who? Can he rescue your kids? Mind if I come with you?” Antonio asked, Curious to know who Dominique was for Anabel to have so much trust in him. Within less than 48hr of meeting Anabel, Antonio has shown more interest in finding her sons as though he were their father.

"Sure. I'd just go call Lady Macbeth to take us there. She's my next-door neighbor.” Anabel replied as she gestured to Lady Macbeth's apartment. Finally, she swallowed her ego to allow Dominique to help find the boys. She couldn't deny the fact that Dominique was the best man for the job, but her hate for him blinded her eyes to see the truth.