Talk To Me

33. Calm before a storm

Wale, Swalha, and Todo found themselves in utter turmoil as they searched desperately for Kind. No word had come from him, nor had any demands for ransom arisen, a puzzling silence none could ignore. They were certain Kind could not have vanished without trace. He was due to return two nights prior, and Wale had eagerly anticipated their reunion. But Kind never arrived, his phone disconnected and unreachable. Of the three, Todo exhibited the greatest distress, eventually delegating Kind's case to her mother. Although Kind was last seen by Swalha, none could fathom why he had diverted from his course to Todo's estate.

Todo's mother, however, managed to calm them and promptly arranged a separate security detail for Wale and Swalha, reassuring them that clarity would emerge within days. After a week, she informed them that Cherry's sister was behind Kind's abduction, though she had made no demands. Apparently, she had approached Todo's informants to reveal she had acted on instruction but had received no payment. She was promptly apprehended, and Wale insisted she be held in isolation, untouched by interrogation, out of consideration for the child they were soon to bear.

Cherry's sister was placed in a secure location, accessible only to Todo's mother and Wale. Though initially uncooperative, she eventually confirmed Todo's mother's suspicions about the identities behind the scheme. "Even without payment, it was worthwhile. That man shattered my brother's life, robbed him of everything. Anyone in my place would defend their family," she claimed. "As for his fate, it is of no concern to me. I was instructed to bring him unharmed, and I did. Beyond that, he could be lying in a ditch for all I care."

"Was Cherry involved in this?" Wale demanded, pushing for answers after each revelation she made.

"How many times will you ask that? Why don't you inquire after him yourself? Have you even considered his well-being or that of your soon to be child? She is devastated, left by her fiancé for another man! Do you imagine he could simply have moved on? I hope they find him dead, that they deliver his remains to you, so you might understand the pain you've caused my family!"

Though her words were harsh, Todo's mother attempted to calm her, but she continued her tirade against Wale, who listened without reaction. Rising silently, she left the room, retreating to her quarters. Sitting in solitude, Wale pondered whether she was truly devoid of emotion, unable to grasp why Cherry's sister would go to such lengths to harm Kind, someone she'd never met. All Wale ever sought was Kind, alive. She leaned forward, covering her face with her hands, recalling the brief joy she'd felt on the island with Kind. They'd not spent such intimate time alone since Kind had moved out of their shared apartment seven years prior. She'd felt lost, plagued by fear since learning of Kind's abduction, guilt-ridden for having put him in harm's way.

And what of Swalha? She, too, could fall into peril, even though she presently resided with Todo. What of Todo, who had tirelessly aided the search for Kind, despite her own distress? She'd even been the one to locate and apprehend Cherry's sister. Wale felt paralyzed by helplessness.

Just then, a knock interrupted her thoughts. "The door was open... May I enter?" Todo's mother inquired, and Wale nodded. "I am convinced Cherry's sister holds no further information on Kind's whereabouts. Keeping her here is futile. We could, however, employ her as bait to flush out her accomplices, though that would require time. There is a bolder, quicker course: confront the threat head-on. I have already pressured two suspects from the files you provided my daughter, and they have relented. It's remarkable how people's weaknesses can be exploited."

Sitting beside Wale, she gently patted her back. "Your parents amassed great wealth by understanding the risks entailed in investing. They knew what was at stake. You must hold steadfast and not yield. This is an old battle. Your approach of fostering peace with those managing your family's assets was wise, for it shielded Kind. But now, your adversaries know where you are vulnerable. Now is the time for assertiveness."

Wale nodded, aware she would ultimately face difficult choices, whether she wished to or not. "Cherry's sister was but a pawn, drawn in by quick money," Wale reflected, and Todo's mother agreed.

"True, but you overlook one vital point. You may hail from a fractured family, but others would do anything for their kin. Just as you would sacrifice all for Kind, I assure you Cherry would act to protect his sister. My methods may not align with yours, but I am beyond trivialities."

She continued, "While you stepped out, I managed a conversation with her. She's clever, having kept her identity concealed, though it endangered her sister. Now, we may find Kind this very night. She has given me a location, which I've already relayed to my team. Kind may be wounded, but her claim is that he has been denied food and water since his capture."

"What?" Wale's heart pounded as she leapt to her feet. Kind might be found, yet he could be gravely injured. He could have perished from hunger, dehydration, or worse. "Where is he? I must go!" Wale trembled, her heart racing, an acrid taste filling her mouth. The dread was overwhelming. She shouted, collapsing to her knees, racked with sobs. What if they never found him in time?

Drawing a deep breath, she fought to steady herself. Kind was surely alive; he remained their most powerful leverage. "Summon my uncle. He alone remains beyond my reach, and I'm certain he holds Kind to assert his dominance over me. My family's assets are secure, and there's no further need for delay," Wale said resolutely.

Todo's mother watched her break, only to find resolve again. She smiled subtly. "You cannot be strong always. Allow yourself to release such burdens more often." Rising, she moved toward the door but halted mid-step. "I am still convinced Cherry and his sister know more than they confess. While I handle them, prepare to find Kind. He may be rescued tonight."

"What makes you so certain?" Wale asked, a sliver of hope glinting through her confusion.

"This fight belongs to your parents, and the older generation will see it through. I have waited years for this chance. My company has concealed countless crimes for your uncle, but now I'll use them against him," she assured Wale.

"I don't understand."

"When you asked if I knew of your parents' death, I didn't answer fully. My husband's final message to me contained evidence linking your uncle to a company responsible for the drug overdose they suffered. Accomplices have anonymously agreed to testify."

Wale realized, then, she would never dare cross her. "Did you allow Kind's kidnapping for this?"

"To gain your attention," she admitted. "But I underestimated your ex-fiancé's sister. I assumed her a mere pawn, yet she harbored her own vendetta. Rest assured, I shall locate Kind not only for you but for my daughter as well, tonight."