TRAPPED IN DECEIT.
Alexander’s point of view.
“What did you find?” I asked, my knuckles turned white as I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.
“It is a note boss. A note from someone who claims they know everything about your plan to get revenge on the Maloney’s.” Alfred said.
My blood suddenly ran cold, and my throat felt tight.
“Who could this person be?” I mumbled.
“We have no idea boss. Seems like this note was placed by someone from the inside.” Alfred said, his voice confident.
I ran my fingers through my hair and mumbled curse words. “I want you to check the CCTV footage and find whoever kept that note in the room and where Leila is.”
“Yes boss. Give me a few minutes and I will get back to you soon.” Alfred said and I hung up the call.
My mind was racing with million of thoughts. “Who is this new enemy and how does he or she know about my dark past?”
I increased my car’s speed and tried to drive him as fast as I could.
Few minutes later, i received a phone call from Alfred. With shaky hands, I picked up the phone.
“Hello Alfred,” I said, my voice shaking . “Where is Leila? Did you find out who kept that note?”
“No boss. Seems like the CCTV cameras were tampered with few days ago.” Alfred said.
I felt like life was being sucked out of me. I have had an enemy living right under my nose all this while and I knew nothing about it.
“Can you find any thing at all that will give us a hint of where this person took Leila to?” I asked.
“No boss, we do not have any idea where this person took Leila to.” Alfred replied.
I hit the steering wheel, venting my anger and frustration on it. “I will be there soon.” I said and slammed the brakes, coming out of the car I tossed the keys to a guard who would park the car properly.
My heart pounded in my chest as I ran to my room, almost bumping into Alfred.
“Where is the note?” I asked, my breath coming in short gasps.
“Here sir.” Alfred said and handed me note.
“Comb through her drawers maybe you might find something, anything at all.” I ordered.
My abs shook as I opened the note. My eyes widened in shock as I read each word of the note out loud. “Dear Alexander, I know you must be so worried right now, but do not worry you darling wife will be safe if you do as I say. Love, your frenemy.”
I read the note over and over again. Trying to convince myself this was just some prank.
“Sir, I have found something. Hospital cards, but they do not seem to belong to Leila ma’am or any of her family members?” Alfred said and handed me two hospital cards.
“Emily Ford, Mary Ford?” I mumbled in confusion.
“What is happening here? What is the Ford’s hospital cards doing in my house? And that too in Leila’s room?” I asked Alfred , trying to clear up the confusion.
“I think these cards got into your house whilst you were still dating Tammy sir.” Alfred stated.
“This is the maid’s picture, and I think this elderly lady is her mother. But what I do not understand is why they have the same surname as Tammy, but not the same level of popularity or recognition,”He asked,adding to my confusion. “Do you have any idea about a secret family member ? “
“No Alfred, in fact this is the first time I am hearing these names or seeing this picture in my whole life,” I said, my eyes scanning the room, hoping to find more clues. “This lady is not Tammy’s mother and for all I know, Tammy is an only child. She has never spoken about a sister or a step mother.”
“I think this woman is Tammy’s step mother of her father’s mistress. And this young lady should be their secret daughter.” Alfred suggested.
“That is a possible explanation. But one thing puzzles me, how is the maid a Ford and why is Leila in possession of these hospital cards?” I asked in disbelief.
“Actually those are two things sir.” Alfred corrected my grammar and I shot him a deadly glare.
“If you paid attention to your job like you pay attention to my grammar maybe this would not have happened”. I snapped at him.
“Sincere apologies sir. I promise we will find out who abducted Mrs Castor and make them face the consequences.” Alfred said.
“We can only find that person when we know who he is or she. But this note is not helping at all.” I grumbled and flung the note away.
“I say we wait for a phone call. I am very sure this mystery person needs something from you and soon he or she will call to state the reason for the abduction and also state their price.” Alfred said.
No sooner had he stopped talking, did my phone ring. I received the call and waited for the caller to speak first.
“Hello Alexander, I see you are worried. I mean you picked up on the second ring.” A voice said chuckled, the voice filled with glee.
“Tammy!” I said, my voice sounding low and dangerous.
“I see my baby is still sharp brained. Good job Alexander, good job.” Tammy said and I heard her clap her hands.
“Enough of your drama Tammy. Where is Leila and what have you done to her!” I snapped.
“Calm down baby , calm down.” Tammy replied.
“If you hurt a single hair on her head , I will make you face the ruthless side of me.” I threatened in a low and dangerous voice.
“You are not in the position to give threats. I am the one calling the shots here and if you ever want to see your beloved Leila again you have to do what I say.” Tammy said, her voice was calm and measured.
“What do you want?” I asked through gritted teeth.