I paused by my Kia Forte as we made it outside, urging Brendan to do the same. 

"They have the old Mortal Combat machine." Brendan gasped. "I thought those were recalled years ago." 

Oh, that didn't matter. Not to the Tiffins. 

"They're stinking rich." I shrugged. "They can buy whatever they want." 

Brendan groaned. "That's crazy!" 

"Brendan!" I interrupted impatiently. "I'm kind of confused here; that conversation didn't solve much." 

He checked his perfectly filed nails. 

"What were you hoping to get out of it? Isn't she some royal bitch?" 

I sighed. "Yes she is, but... there's something weird going on. I was hoping I could bring up this girl..." 

Brendan raised a brow. 

"Hero's not cheating is he?" 

I shook my head. 

"No, that's the thing. I believe him when he says he doesn't care for her, but I'm not sure if it's the case for the girl. Her email is Rose MC. That's all I know." 

Brendan cracked his knuckles playfully. 

"Well, whoever that is, I'll gladly beat her ass." 

I giggled.

"Me too. I just need to ask around. They facetimed the other day. She's based in Alaska. That much I know. Maybe someone from my college went there too... first, though, I need to help Dorinda. She's being threatened into a ransom." 

Brendan's eyes widened. 

"Seriously?" 

I nodded silently. There wasn't more to it than that. 

As the days went on, I waited earnestly for my books to arrive. In a way, it was exciting. I was like some undercover cop trying to unearth who this girl was. 
Funny that it all started with a dream... well nightmare. 

I did my research on ransoms thinking I could find clues on Google. Knowing Hero's family, if I called the cops, they wouldn't take too kindly to that.

One of the first links that popped up listed the top three culprits of ransoms:

1. Family members

2. Employees

3. Foreign strangers 

I had to drop my phone at the first on the list. Family members. Why was that so common? I supposed it was because in some, jealousy ran deep.

Was it so disturbing to think Dorinda had a brother, or even a sister, that hated her?

What exactly did Hero's family specialize in? Oh, I wasn't sure if I remembered. They probably had their fingers in several pies. 

One day at work, I'd brought up the subject of their company slyly, bringing up our fake photocopying stint only a week ago. 

"Telecommunications," she'd admitted, "that would be the most prevalent."

As soon as I was left alone, I'd typed in the company logo I'd managed to snag on my work computer during my first break. 

It turned out Dorinda wasn't the face of the company. Chester was. She had done a few interviews over the years, explaining that her frequent absences were due to unfortunate family situations.

It also turned out Diedre had started the company with her late husband, though she sold it off, too depressed to carry on. 

Yeah. More like she was too busy molesting children. 

I didn't buy into the fact that Dorinda was disappearing because of family affairs. What would occur that both she and her husband couldn't figure out? 
Diedre wasn't concerned with business transactions either.

Something wasn't right here. 

"Kristina!" 

Hero shouted from the other end of the house. I jumped from our bed, running for the door, only for him to meet me at the threshold. 

"You're just glued to that damn phone," he began irritably holding out a package. "This came in the mail for you." 

I could tell what it was by its sharp edges. My heart leapt into my mouth as he picked at the box. I ripped it out of his hand, trying not to be obvious. 

"What is it?" He asked.

"Nothing," I quickly spat out, tossing it aside. "It's girl stuff... tampons." 

Hero raised an eyebrow.

"Couldn't you just have sent me to the store?" 

"Bulk," I quickly said, "I needed to buy them in bulk. It's super heavy this month." 

At my response, he looked like he might puke. 

"Okay. That's your business.... Baby, you're okay right? You've been distant lately."

I glowered. At least now he knew how I felt. 

I instantly forced a smile. 

"Of course. I love you. Work is just hectic lately. I'm going to just take a nap if that's fine?" 

Please leave me be. Please leave me be. 

He replied by gathering me in his strong embrace and slapping me hard on the butt. 

"Good. You'll need it. I just have to run into town. Dorinda... needs to talk." 

Hmm. Is that the truth? Are you really speaking to Dorinda? 

I nodded in acceptance. 

"Have fun." 

As soon as he shut the door and I heard the jingling of keys, I began ripping into the box. When I finally rested a hand on the black glossy cover, I blew through pages.

As expected there were photos of small children and teens smiling with teachers and groups of friends. 

There were several charity causes and extra curriculars. 

Then of course, the yearbook photos. 
I felt like I was getting nowhere as I went past several classes and saw no mention of any familiar names.

Much to my displeasure, Hero wasn't present. 

Then, as I was about to give in, a name stuck out to me at the very bottom of one class. 

Rose Montgomery. 

Her striking resemblance to the girl in my dreams was apparent. She appeared innocent enough, though I could see the bitchy side on her perfect face. 

This had to be her. 

Then, like my prayers were answered, a text materialized on my phone from a blocked number I couldn't trace:

Hi. My name is Rose. I know you don't know me, but I believe we have things to discuss. 

Cliffhanger 😤😤

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