Abducted

CHAPTER 44

Tommy did not see the two unmarked vehicles, which were hot on their trail.
Lieutenant Ralston in hot pursuit.
Followed by a black rented SUV.

Marina, Geronimo and Detective Cassio sat in the vehicle, which was driven by Geraldo.
A knife could have cut through the silence in the vehicle.
Everyone peered ahead, anxious to see what will unfold.

They had just arrived at the mansion, when they saw Isabella's car leaving. They knew something was up when they saw Tommy's car, leaving a minute after.

Geraldo drove carefully.
He knew that the wet road could easily cause loss of friction.
As the tyres moved over the wet surface, the water usually fills the tiny pits, effectively smoothing the surface.
As a result, if he did not steer the vehicle knowledgeably, the normal heat and friction created will decrease, leading to a surface, which is more slippery, than when dry.

Tommy's vehicle turned into the street, next to the park.
The digital display on the dashboard read 7.55 pm
The place was dark.
Couples were strolling arm in arm while others sat, either hugging or talking.
Isabella's vehicle was not in view, but had to be up ahead, somewhere.

Tommy drove to a secluded section and parked.
He disembarked and looked around.
Seemingly satisfied, he ducked behind a small tree.
He was immediately swallowed by the darkness.

A vagrant appeared out of nowhere. He progressed to the bin seemingly rummaging for scraps of food.
A later way off, an aged gentleman struggled with a cane. Back bent, he ambled to a seat and began to massage his  aching, left knee.

A decently dressed couple was crossing the street. They appeared to be totally engrossed in each other, so much, that they had to jump out of the way of the passing Benz, which bore rental plates.
After jumping out of the way, they laughed and continued on their own way.

The sun, having completed it's work for the day, was replaced by hundreds of stars, which dotted the black tent. The night was cool. The wind rustled the leaves, which could have been heard, but not seen.

They all sat waiting expectantly, praying for the darkness which had covered the Hartland family, to pass, allowing the sun to shine on them, once more.

Eduardo emerged from the Benz, at the same time Isabella stepped out of her vehicle.
Smiling, linked arms with him, strolling in the direction of a dark and secluded area.

A flash of red caught Geronimo's eyes. Turning he got a brief glimpse of Tommy, as he darted from tree to tree, seeking a closer vantage point!

Everyone was on high alert!

Geraldo and the others, remained in the vehicle.

Unknown to Isabella, Geronimo had  snuck into the house unseen, while she was in the shower.
The miniature device which he had placed in her handbag, was working perfectly.
It consisted of a radio transmitter and a microphone.

Lieutenant Ralston had broken the rules, when he had issued one to Geraldo. Nevertheless, everything was progressing as organised.

There was a soft hiss and cackle, then Eduardo's voice came across audibly.

"Do you have the money?"
"Yes, but before I hand it over, how did you find out that Geronimo is sterile?"

"Geronimo told me everything after we made love." Eduardo boasted.
Geraldo turned sharply to look at his twin, who had sunk very disgracefully in his seat.

"Now, may I have the money please?" asked Eduardo licking his lips, lasciviously.

"How do I know that you will not blackmail me after?" was Isabella's next question.

"Up to you!" Eduardo declared grinning.
"Are you going to hand it over or not?" demanded Eduardo.

Pulling out the gun, Isabella aimed it at Eduardo.

"Do you even know how to use that thing?" he laughed.

"You are a fool Eduardo! Do you really think that I would have given you all that money? A scumbag like you!"
They never noticed the undercover officers, creeping up on them.

"Okay, let's see here. Holding his phone, Eduardo declared

"You don't have the nerve to shoot me! Just one touch, and an email will be sent to various persons, detailing your little kidnapping plot.

"Drop the gun!"

"Boom!"

Isabellas's hand jerked!
The gun fired off!

"Drop the gun!"

Eduardo was already sagging to the floor. Blood pouring from a hole in his chest!
A look of surprise was plastered on his face.
Reaching his almost lifeless hand, to splay it across the wound, he fell backwards, his life's breath, a thing of the past.

Tommy did not wait for the police to do  their job. He raced from amongst the trees and jumped on Isabella, who was about to obey the  officers' request.

She fought him  off and stood.
The gun had escaped her grasp and was laying near her feet.

The vagrant, the old man with the cane and the loving couple, all had their guns aimed at Isabella.

Realising that she was surrounded, Isabella screamed:
"Arrest him, he tried to kill me!"
"Stop it Isabella, barked Lieutenant Ralston from a distance.

Sara has already confessed!

"It was not me. Sara planned everything!" Isabella pleaded.

"No Isabella, it is too late!
My mom told me everything before she died.
She had overheard your telephone conversation with Eduardo.
That is what caused her attack.

Lieutenant chimed in..
"Isabella Hartland nee Pearson, you are under arrest for..........."

"No! I am a Hartland, you cannot do this to me!
I am the twin's sister!
I have proof!
Mr. Hartland left my mom pregnant and alone and got married to that witch."

The guns never faltered from their target.

"You are lying!" shouted Tommy.
"I am his son!"
"Mr. Hartland had an affair with my mother, when she first began to work at the house."

Isabella paled!
"You cannot be my brother!
I slept with you!
I am carrying your child!"

Geronimo, upon hearing the conversation, jumped out of his vehicle and threw up his lunch.

Marina's face was ghastly white!

Geraldo sat stiffly, staring straight ahead, while the Detective bowed his head, wishing to be anywhere, but there.

Suddenly!
In a frantic attempt to escape, Isabella threw herself down and grabbed the gun, movie style.

"Drop it! Stay where you are!" were the orders as the crescendo rose to a high pitch.

Isabella swerved and fired at Tommy, striking him straight in the middle of his abdomen.

"Nooooooo!"
Marina screamed from the vehicle as Geraldo held on tightly to her.

Shots rang out from all directions, striking Isabella.
She writhed like like a cobra, from the impact of the bullets.
Her lifeless body, fell to the ground.
The cracks in the earth, thirstly drinking in her strength.

"Stop!" Someone was gripping on to Tommy's shirt, trying to pull him away.
Tommy pummeled away at Isabella's hand. ......

"Boom!"

Another shot rang out in the still if the night!

Everyone in the vehicle froze!

The officers had surrounded the

She fought with all her strength!