Abducted

CHAPTER 12

Upstairs in her room, Isabella had become conscious of the noise below. To her they sounded like angry protestors. She had no idea what they were arguing about, nor did she care. In an attempt to block the drone of their voices, she turned on the radio which was on the lamp stand.
In need of a rest, she rested her head on the satin covered pillows.
Three year old Sally was in the Nursery under the watchful eyes of her Nanny, Rebecca. Isabella smiled. Her child was as precious to her as fine gold.
Through little Sally, Isabella was able to see the life, which she had always longed for as a child.
A life she would do anything to keep, now that she had it all at her fingertips.
Isabella became conscious of a hysterical scream. It sounded like the maid Tara. A litany of words followed. Isabella quickly grabbed her robe and rushed to the balcony.
The first person whom she saw was Lieutenant Cassio.
"What is happening now?"
"Why is the police here?" she asked herself.
Geronimo, Tara, Tommy and the Lieutenant were all stooping in a circle, examine something which lay on the floor.
Leaning to get a better look, she gasped.
Mrs. Carla Hartland, lay immobile on the floor. Her face contorted in pain. "Is she dead?"
Isabel instantly felt guilty at her thoughts.
"Call 911!" Geronimo yelled at no one in particular.
"I already did!" Tommy responded.
Soon the mansion was ablaze with the insistent sounds of a siren.
Isabella's eyes remained glued to the fracas below.
Becoming increasingly agitated, she wanted desperately to call out to her husband, to ask what happened.
The two ambulance attendants rushed in with Catarina, Marina and wait!
She was back!
When had she returned!
Of course, she must have come back to be at her friend's side for for the funeral.
"What happened?" the three ladies chorused.
"Is my mother alive?" Geronimo questioned the attendants.
After checking for pulse and heartbeat, they nodded affirmatively.
Settling Mrs. Hartland onto the gurney, the attendants told them to clear the way. The three ladies were close at their heels.
Tara stood in the hallway, anxiously wringing her palms.
Geronimo wanted to run somewhere far. This was becoming too much for him. He wished he could have gone back two days in time, when his brother was alive.
He would have taken charge..
Searching his pockets for his keys, he raced out behind the attendants.
"Oh mother!"
He kissed her cheek.
The cheek of the woman who had borne, nourished and loved him.
Suddenly remembering his wife, he turned to go back into the house.
Rushing up the spiral staircase, he stepped into their bedroom.
Isabel lay fast asleep on the bed.
Her sweet, innocent face reminded him of how lucky he was, to have an angel like her.
She seemed so at peace.
Not wanting to disturb her, he lightly traced the back of his palms, along her smooth cheek.
Her eyelids fluttered, but she did not awaken.
"How could one man be so lucky?"
He asked himself.
On top toe, he exited the room and quietly closed the door.
Isabella opened her eyes. A rueful smile played across her beautiful features.
Geronimo, her kind, loving and trusting husband.
His very name, conjured up the words glamour and wealth.
Moving slowly, Isabella went to the window.
They were all leaving. Finally!
As the procession passed through the gates, Isabella's mind strayed once again on Sara.
"I will need to keep an eye on her." she muttered to herself.
Looking around her room, she was awed by the elegance, once more.
The gold and white draperies, were epic, adding to it's splendour.
She was busy staring at all her good fortune, a soft rap on her door invaded her thoughts.
"I am not hungry Sara!"
"Isabella, it is me!" came the response from an oh so familiar voice.
"May I come in?"
Isabella's face lit up.
A wide smile replaced her ever present frown.
Springing into motion, she opened the door, allowing the person in.
Ensuring that the lock was secure, Isabella turned and flew into the arms of the man, who held her heart!