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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: OVERKILL
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"you said millions right?"
The group of people nodded, smirking in victory as they heard your response, satisfying them and you choice to finally comply to their rules of the game.
"Those millions are worth more than him, if I heard what you said correctly, then what's your gain? You clearly have millions of dollars waiting at home that can be spent however the hell you want. So what's the point of you taking this man?" You sassed at them, furrowing your brows in anger. You hated the way they spoke of Joshua, they spoke of him in a way that made him seem less, less than a human.
The people were taken aback with your remarks. They thought they had your wrapped around their finger, they were so sure that they did. And this frustrated them even more, you were making their job harder and it was obvious you'd be a huge obstacle in this 'rescue mission' of theirs.
"His family wants him home that's all." The woman spoke sternly. "We're doing our job and just trying to help him out. He won't be able to make it far on his own, and no one wants him to end up in a bad situation." They began trying to guilt trip you with their words. And maybe if you really were just a regular person who had no association with Joshua, you would've perhaps took their word, but the thing is, you knew everything. You knew what they were trying to do, and why they were even doing this.
"So, just tell us where he is." At this point, they had begun speaking with a pleading tone.
"Like I said, I do not know who he is. From what it looks like, I'm pretty he's smart enough to not get himself kidnapped. And you guys just seem like rude and disgusting people." You put on a disgusted expression and crossed your arms, disappointed. "Anyways, since clearly you both have no more business here, I'd like to ask of you to step away now." You slam the door on their faces, furious, and lock it along with putting on the chain.
You turn around, and hear running footsteps, and you suddenly feel arms wrap around you. And as if it was a natural instinct, you hugged Joshua back. His head resting on your shoulder and his heavy breathing was enough to show you how much fear engulfed him in those couple of minutes. And you couldn't blame him for feeling the way he did.
"T-thank you so much... I really wish that you know how much I appreciate everything you've done." He softly spoke, his voice shaking as he said the words. It warmed your heart that he was genuine.
You parted from the hug and ruffled his hair, giving him a big smile. "You tell me whenever you get the chance, and I think it's been engraved in my brain at this point. And just like how I always tell you, we stick together, right?" You replied with a playful tone in your voice, hoping to lighten up the mood.
