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*****

Screams shot through her ears, and her mind soared into the recollection of the incidence. The voices yelling and her very own cries ushered her back to consciousness as she snapped out of her sleep. Her eyes peeled open and she met with the dark wall across her.

Looking around, she noticed she was in a small murky room. There was no means of illumination in the room. All she could see was a door at the right side, but there were no windows.

A striking pain throbbed in her temple, and she tried to raise her hand to her head, but she couldn’t as both her arms were held to her back. Panicking, she wriggled her arms, as she tried to get them free, but the chains only rattled loudly.

“Help!” She screamed out, but her voice only came back to her, and everything went quiet again.

Looking to her feet, she noticed that they were also bound with chains. Again, she tried to wring herself free, but the cold metal of the chains burned into her skin. The inside corners of her eyebrows slanted upwards as she winced. Yet, despite her tries, the chains refused to budge.

Her shoulders slouched as she was hit with the feeling of failure. Her eyes glistered with tears as she thought of Alex, and as much as she tried to repress the tears, they rolled out of her eyes. She had lost the fight even before it had begun. She, just like the others who had been taken, will forever be forgotten.

Her mind went to the last conversation she had with the girls, and a sad smile crawled up her lips as she remembered their plans, and how they had grew a faint faith that they would be able to defeat the syndicates.

Her thoughts were drawn away from this as the image of Alex being hit the head and passing out kept flashing before her eyes, causing a burning sensation to tingle in her chest.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she forced the pain out of her system in the form of bitter tears that streaked down her raised cheeks.

All of a sudden, she was overwhelmed with anger. Her jaws clenched tightly as she pressed her lips together, and screamed. “Show your faces, assholes!”

Now, she did not care what will happen to her. All she cared now was to make sure she would not go down without a fight. They would not be able to keep her hostage, and use her for their own pleasure. No, it was either she escaped this or she lets death snatch her.

Yelling out, she cried, “I said show your stupid faces!”

Instantly, the door flew open and two buff men came into the room, walking straight to her. From her position on the cold floor, the men looked like two haunting giants, but Minnie was not scared of them.

To be sincere, she couldn’t care less if they killed her. Now, even death doesn’t scare her.

Their faces were smartly hidden beneath skull masks, and they were clad in jeans and dark hoodies.

“Shut your mouth, bitch!”

One of the men yelled at her, his voice sounding tough, and aiming to be intimidating, but to their shock, Minnie laughed.

“You both are crazy bastards,” She mocked, “I don’t have to waste my words with you. I need to speak to your fucking bosses!”

The man, who had earlier spoken, raised his hand and slapped her hard across her cheek. Her face was flown to the side, due to the severity of his slap. Minnie could feel the pain surge through her jaws, massaging their way to the rest of her face. But, she looked right back up to them, ignoring the pain and the tears which had gathered in her eyes.

“I said I need to speak to your fucking bosses!” She repeated, making sure her voice was much louder this time around.

This angered the man, who surged at her with his arms, and gripped her hair. She cried out as her scalp flared up in pains and the roots of her hair threatened to rip out. The man and his companion laughed as they watched her writhe in pain.

And, when she thought her whole head would scar up, she heard his voice.

“Leave her, Scorpio!”

On hearing their boss’ command, the men instantly stepped away from her, and she threw her gaze to the floor, her hair falling over her face.

The footstep of their boss knocked on the floor as he walked to Minnie. “You asked to see me, Dominique.”

The cords in her neck became rigid and she clawed her fists into balls, as she looked up and saw the huge stature of their ‘so-called boss’ hovering over her. Just like the rest, he had his face buried behind the mask, and his body was shawled in a cloak.

“Yes, I needed to see the head of these entire motherfucking beasts that are holding me here,” Minnie gritted out through her clenched teeth.

The masked boss laughed, and her ears instantly sprang up, as his laughter echoed in her ears. She had heard this laughter before, in fact, this she was well acquitted to this voice. Her heart raced in her chest as her eyes sunk at the thought of the man behind the mask.

Her lips trembled as she asked, “Who are you?”

The masked man laughed again, this time louder. “Oh, so the princess wishes to know me?”

Her face remained hard on him, as she tried to convince herself that it could not be him, but her mind remained strong. The masked man noticed this, and laughed. He crouched down to her front, and brought his hand to his face. Slowly, he pulled down the mask, and Minnie eyes widened as his face came into the light.

Her jaw dropped to the ground, as she gaped. Quivering, her lips parted as she gasped out his name.

“Vincent!’

💮💮💮

Amelia paced in her office as several thoughts rushed through her mind. Her brows were knitted tightly and her eyes were moist.

How is it that the very day she decided to see Dominique was the same day the girl gets abducted?

Even as she tried to calm herself that her daughter will be fine, she could not get rid of the tightening feeling in her stomach. She was scared of what will happen.

What if she never gets to see her baby girl again?

To think that she had met with her daughter before, but she had no idea that that waitress at the party was her won daughter. Fate had thrown her an opportunity to listen to her heart, but she had blindly ignored it.

The door flew open, and she snapped her face to the doorway. There were two men from the office of the commissioner, and she could tell that Lateef had sent them over.

Without replying their greetings, she asked, “Is there any news of Dominique and her boyfriend?”

One of the men replied, “Ma’am, the search is still on for the young woman, but Mr. Canaan had been taken to the army hospital where he is said to have fallen into a coma.”

She gaped at this, “Will my daughter be found?”

The men exchanged glances, and the second spoke up, “The NPF will do everything in its capability to ensure that Miss Dominique is found and brought back alive and well.”

She nodded as she tried to convince herself that they were right. They had to be right, and she had to remain optimistic. God will not be as wicked as to let her lose her child a second time.

No, Dominique has to be saved.

Turning to the men with a much calmer face, she said, “Do let Lateef know that in case he needs any help, I mean any, he should contact me immediately.”

The men acknowledge this with nods.

Still she continued, “Please, do keep me informed.”

“We will,” The first man spoke, and they both excused themselves, and walked out of the office. Amelia placed her hand on her hip as she began to think of all ways she could ensure that her daughter will be saved. Then her eyes brightened up, and she picked up her cellphone from her handbag which was on her desk.

She imputed a number into it, and dialed it. After some rings, the call got connected, and from the other end was a slightly brisk voice.

“Hello.”

She parted her lips to say something but her words were hesitant to come. It had been years she had spoken to him. After the marriage court, and the divorce, she had kept away from him. Now, almost fifteen years later, she was now calling him.

The voice came in again, this time a bit worried, “Hello. Please who am I speaking with?”

She took in a deep breath, and released. She had to do this. Besides, this was for their daughter. This was to save their child.

Reluctantly, in a tiny voice, she said, “Joe.”

His voice went mute for a while, but then it came back with a slight clearing of throat. In a deeper tone, he replied, “Yes, Amy?”

She bit her lip, and looked open to the ceiling, “Joe, we need to talk,” She paused and squeezed her eyes, “It is about our daughter.”

💮💮💮

In the Army Base Hospital, Alex laid in a VIP ward. The room was low in lamination, and there were cords hanging down from the IV solutions beside his bed. The bedside table has several get well cards a bouquet of flowers which had been sent by his friends, family, and near fans who on hearing about the incidence rushed out to show their support and their hate at the attackers.

Abigail, his mother, walked in with Madison and their eyes flew to Alex on the bed, several wires were glued to his chest, and some came up through the neck of his hospital gown. A breathing cup sat comfortably on his nose and mouth connected to a tube that led to the ventilator on his right hand side.

The monitor screen by the side of the bed beeped slightly, as mother and daughter walked to the bed. Abigail’s eyes were strained with worry, as she cupped the hand of her son in hers. Although the doctor had claimed that he was out of danger, she still had her fear buried up in her heart. Alexander had never ever gone into a coma. Yes, he had not been the healthiest child, but hospitals weren’t his frequent visits. In much, he’d only be seen in hospitals because he was obliged to. However, this all changed when he met Dominique. He changed everything about himself to fit hers. Abigail could tell that her son was very much affectionate towards the girl. She knew that a budding love had soared in between the duo.

Even if her husband thought otherwise, she approved of the girl. Dominique was the reason for his happiness, and as a mother, she had to support whatever made her children happy.

A warm hand came over her shoulder, and she looked to her side and caught Madison looking at her, with a comforting smile etched unto her face.

“Mom, he’ll be fine,” Maddie said, and looked to the bed, “Zander is a fighter.”

Abigail smiled dryly, as she looked at the face of her son, “I know he is, and my prayer is that he wakes up, and everything becomes okay.”

Madison’s smile deepened as she wrapped her arms around her mother, “I hope that too, mom.”

The door to the room came open, with a slight creak.

The mother-daughter dup looked at the direction of the door, and saw Noah, all bandaged up, walk in, and behind him was Andrew.

Abigail’s face lighted up on seeing Andrew, and a genuine smile came up her lips. ‘Andy, my baby,” She called out to him.

With his hands his pocket, Andrew stared over his mother, and saw his twin on the bed. His chest twitched as he felt the familiar pain, he usually had whenever he saw his little brother in pains. Despite the fact that they never got along, Andrew cared for his brother, and could not bear to see him in pains.

He sighed, and trudged to his mother. On getting to her, he placed a peck on her cheek, “Mom, how’s he?”

Abigail’s smile disappeared as she looked at Alex, “You heard the doctor, right? He said Alex will be fine, and he’ll wake up anytime soon.”

Andrew shrugged, “But, mom, I also heard the part where the doctor warned that Alex could develop a complication due to the hit on his head.”

Madison scoffed, “Try to be optimistic sometimes, bro. You have no idea how much good that will do you.”

Andrew glared at Madison, and she immediately looked away. Noah, who had been standing aside, spoke up.

“All Alexander needs now is our support. We need to help in finding Dominique, and keep praying for him,” Noah said.

Abigail and Madison agreed to this.

Andrew brushed this off, and chimed in, “What of Jeff and the other officers?”

The corners of Noah’s lips went downwards, “Several of the officers were killed in the crossfire, and Jeff suffered major injuries to his chest, and he’s currently in the ICU.”

Madison gaped, and Abigail looked down sadly as Noah’s words made way to them. The room went quiet as everyone buried themselves in their thought. Madison was cared of what will happen to her family, while Abigail was weighed with all the happenings, and prayed that everything returns to normality.

Meanwhile, Andrew was thinking of ways he could locate Dominique, and find her. If for anything, finding Dominique would probably make Alexander forgive him for all he had done, and maybe, Dominique might not hate him again.

The monitor beside Alex went up loudly, catching everyone’s attention, as they all swiped their heads to Alex. They all watched with bated breaths, but nothing else happened, and the monitor returned to normal.

Then just as they were about to look away, one of Alex’s finger moved, and he stirred slightly on the bed.

Call the doctor!” Abigail screamed out.

💮💮💮

The doctor rounded up on his check on Alex, who had woken up from his slight coma, after thirty two hours of being unconscious. Everyone had to leave the room, as soon as the doctor came in, in order to give him the privacy needed to conduct a full checkup on his patient.

Alex looked quite weak as he stared at the doctor.

“How are you, Alex?” The doctor enquired.

Alex’s forehead furrowed and his face kneaded, as he wondered why he was in an hospital. “What am I doing here?”

Now, it was the doctor’s turn to be surprised, “What do you mean, Alex?”

“I-” Alex stuttered as he raised his palm to his head, “Well, I can’t actually remember why I am here in an hospital. What is going on?”

The doctor sighed, and pulled on a smile, “You will be fine, Alex. Just don’t force your memories back at once. This must have been caused by the impact you took to your head, but you will be fine. You just need to rest.”

Alex gave a nod to this, even if he was not satisfied with the fact that he could not recall anything due to the striking pain in his head. But, he had to do what the doctor advised, and rest. Although, he could not help but feel that he had to do something really important. He just couldn’t tell what.

💮💮💮

Abigail, Madison, Andrew, Noah, and Matthew were in the visitor’s room when the doctor came out of Alex’s ward. He informed them that Alexander was awake, but he had suffered a mild concussion to his head, and had a temporary amnesia.

“What are the things he doesn’t recall?” Matthew asked.

“Well, judging from the questions I asked him,” The doctor began, “He seems to have lost memories from five years back.”

They all gasped, but Matthew remained unfazed.

“So, this means he doesn’t remember all that happened in the last five years, right?” Matthew asked.

The doctor nodded, “Yes, but this will only be temporary, as very soon he’ll recall everything. I can assure you that he will be fine.”

Abigail chimed in, “But, doctor, is there any way we can help him recall all these faster?”

The doctor was about to reply, but Matthew beat him to that.

“No, doctor! Please, do not endeavor to quicken his memory,” Matthew said, “Some things are better forgotten for now,” he added.

“Alright, sir,” The doctor answered, and excused himself, before returning back to the ward. As soon as he left, they all turned to Matthew.

“Dad, why did you ask that Alex should not be helped to recall those memories he lost?” Andrew asked.

Matthew’s face was hard, as he said, “He doesn’t need the troubles of that girl now. It’s best he doesn’t remember her for now.”

Abigail and the others couldn’t believe that Matthew was satisfied with his son’s amnesia.

“Matt, this is wrong. Alex needs to know about the woman he loves,” Abigail said.

“She’s right, dad,” Madison joined her mother.

“It’s best he doesn’t hear from her for now,” Matthew replied, his voice stern, and his face emotionless, “No one should mention anything relating to Dominique around Alex. This is best for his recovery!”

They were about to argue with him, but he held up his hand, and shook his head, “I wouldn’t hear any objections.”

They all exchanged glances at Matthew’s order. He as prohibiting them from letting Alex know anything about Dominique. In as much as they all disagreed with his decision to keep Alex in the dark, they could not go against his words.

💮💮💮

Few hours later, Andrew drove down the highway, as he headed to the outskirts of the city. Now, that Alex was totally helpless in finding Dominique, and the CID had relaxed in her search, Andrew knew that he had to take a step. He and Noah had agreed to keep pressurizing the officials of the law. While Noah chose to take the case to the Air force, Andrew chose to seek the help of his uncle.

If there was anyone who understood the underworlds well, it was Vincent Canaan. Andrew knew well that his uncle was involved in several drug cartels across the nation, and he also had major roots into the criminal webs. He would therefore be the best help in finding those who had taken Dominique.

He horned once on getting to the huge black gate, and after the guards at the door noted his face, they let him in, and he drove into the premises of the mansion. He was well familiar with this place, as this was Vincent’s major hideout, and the venue where all the major drugs got packaged and carted.

Vincent’s men informed him that Vincent was in his study with some important visitors. Without waiting, Andrew walked up the stairs to the room. However, as he walked closer to the room, he could make out Vincent’s conversation with whosoever where his visitors.

“If it gets too obvious that you guys are holding her in that building, ensure you ship her here,” Vincent said.

Then, Andrew heard another voice, a much younger voice reply, “The CID are no longer a problem but we still have the NPF, and the interference from those activists. We also have to worry about the soldiers who are being sent from the United Nations. I’m afraid that they will soon find out that Dominique is being held with us.”

Andrew froze on hearing her name, and instantly he felt his blood boil in his veins. His jaws were clenched tightly as he thought of the fact that Vincent was that one behind Dominique’s abduction.

Angered, he barged into the room, knocking the door open as he marched in. Vincent and John threw their shocked glances to his director as he stormed in. John and his two men immediately pulled out their guns, and pointed at Andrew.

“Vincent?!” Andrew gritted out.

♀️
*****

Lovelies, do not forget to leave a like and probably some comments before you go. Thanks.
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