Page 3 of Guarding Grace
I shivered. Wasn’t kidnapping for ransom supposed to happen to rich people? “I understand, but?—”
“Be there,” the creepy voice demanded.
“Just don’t hurt him.”
I didn’t have big bucks, and obviously, they didn’t think Elliot was worth much. My withdrawal limit was twenty-five hundred, and when it ticked over past midnight, I guessed they could double that.
“Come alone. Bring anyone, tell anyone, or call the cops, and we’ll know. Then Elliot dies.”
I shivered. “Langley and where? I don’t know all the Starbucks.”
“Look it up. There’s only one.”
“But that’s a long way. I can’t make it in a half hour.”
The line was silent.
“Hello?… Hello?”
I checked the screen.Unknown number. And the call was over.
Serena appeared, her face concerned as she reached for my shoulder.
“What’s going on?”
I held back the tears. “Nothing.” I couldn’t tell her or anyone.
“Who was that?” She blocked my way when I tried to leave.
“You have to let me go,” I implored her.
“Grace, what’s wrong? Talk to me.”
I sniffled. “They have Elliot.”
“Who’s Elliot?”
I’d made a big mistake even mentioning his name. “I need to go.”
“Who’s Elliot?” she repeated.
“Uh…” I struggled for anything that wasn’t the truth. “My newest cat, Elliot Ness. I have to go.”
“Did he get loose or something?”
Seeing an opening, I nodded. “I’ve gotta go.”
The clock was ticking down on my half hour.
“Do you need help?”
“No, no. You stay and enjoy yourself.”
With that, I escaped the room.
Terry
“Do you know where Grace is?”
