ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON SIX

Episode 22

After the test which they assured and reassured him would be done and ready for revelation on Friday Richard had returned back home but without his daughter who was enjoying ice cream with Andrew and Glory for grandparent / granddaughter time. He half expected to have them bring her home with half a toy store. Thanks to his father and stepmother they would have to store all her toys in the condo once they moved into the house when it fully closed.

Richard let himself in the condo, expecting to see Nigel waiting for him. To his disappointment the man was not there. He figured he was still in the midst of wedding planning for tomorrow.

He took off his suit jacket and tossed it on the armchair in the living room and loosened his tie. Then he collapsed onto the sofa and toed off his shoes. He casually looked through the mail which consisted of bills, charity requests and junk mail. He wondered about the funeral for Sarah which he would be attending with Rebecca as soon as he had more information. When he had used his daughter's house key to pick up her belongings and clothes at Sarah's house he had met her  great aunt there. She was also called Sarah, Sarah Jane actually, and the elderly woman had been as nice as he had remembered her from their past previous meetings. She had promised to keep him posted on funeral details and inquired about Rebecca. He had casually mentioned Winston and the woman had not seemed impressed at all with him.

His phone rang and he answered it , saying," Yes ? Richard Norland here. "

A oddly familiar voice said mockingly," Hello, Richard Norland, are you missing someone? Like a groom? I know where he is. Would you like him back? There's a price though. "

Richard's body stiffened and he sat up straight on the sofa. " Who is this? Where is Nigel ? "

" Why," the man's voice laughed," he is right here, daddy dear. Say hi , Nigel."

He suddenly heard the man he loved and needed say in a quick nervous voice," Richard, I love you. Goodbye. It's okay. Don't come here. It's a trap. It's Lonnie......"

Then he heard what sounded like something hard slamming into something and Nigel yelling.

" Sorry, daddy," the man continued on. " Nigel had to step away. Listen to me. Do not tell anyone. Do not call the police. You tell anyone I will kill him. I'll shoot him in his knees. Then his balls. Then his chest. Then his head. Then I'll give him back to you. For the funeral. I want one hundred thousand dollars by eight tonight. I want you to deliver it without any cops. I see a cop or a cop car he's gone forever. I'll be in touch at seven for the drop off information. Don't disobey me. Nigel's life depends on you. How much do you really love him? "

Then the man, Lonnie Hawkins, hung up.

Richard stood up and began to breath heavy with his hand clutching his chest. Shit. No. He had to stay calm. Nigel was depending on him.

He couldn't call the police.

( " Don't come here. It's a trap. " )

But he wasn't going to go alone. He had to plan carefully though. Very carefully.

He needed to get his father to keep Rebecca the rest of the day.

He had to go to the bank. If he called the president of the bank he should be able to get all the money he needed.

He had to..... make a call...... to someone he hoped and prayed would help him discreetly.

He pulled up the contacts on his phone and dialed a rarely used number.

When the person answered he said," I need help. Nigel needs help. But it has to be discreet help. His life depends on this. Please."