Chapter 39

Tiara’s parents sat huddled together on a loveseat in Dare’s living room, while Chichi slept on a long sofa nearby. They had caught up with him at the police station, and after listening to the lackluster promises of the police to find their daughter once 24 hours had elapsed, Dare had convinced them to return home with him. It broke his heart to see them in so much pain and there wasn’t much he could do about it.

He’d spoken to one of his contacts in the Nigerian Secret Service, and the feedback he got wasn’t exciting either. Just like the police, they weren’t sure there was anything they could do without any solid evidence pointing them in the direction of the kidnappers. The kidnapping seemed like a well-planned operation, and everything appeared to be in the favor of the criminals. It would take a miracle to find her if at all, they’d said.

One thing Dare knew for sure was that the kidnapping wasn’t a random abduction. That they didn’t take Chichi along proved that Tiara had been targeted. But by who? Who would want to harm Tiara and why?

Jemimah.

The name appeared in his subconscious like a news flash and Dare inhaled sharply at the thought. But of course! Who else had a grudge with Tiara if not Jemimah? He remembered their last conversation at Chief Bamiloye’s barbecue party, and how pissed she had been when he’d threatened her. Dare refused to believe that the wealthy pimp was stupid enough to jeopardize her business and risk exposure by going against him. It would be foolhardy for her to attempt such. But what if…?

“Please excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Egbuson,” he addressed Tiara’s parents. “There’s someone I need to go and see right now.”

“At this time?” Tiara’s mother asked, her voice filled with concern. “It’s nearly 3 a.m. and you know Lagos is not a very safe place at a time like this.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I won’t be going alone. I’ll be fine,” he assured her.

“Please be careful,” Mr. Egbuson appealed.

“I will,” Dare assured him and headed to his study to make some phone calls. As he rode the elevator upstairs, he kicked himself mentally for not thinking about Jemimah’s possible involvement in the kidnap. Instead, he’d been barking up the wrong tree, accusing Chichi in his mind, when the poor woman had been innocent all along.

Once he got to his office, he put a call through to his friend who owned a private security outfit and gave him a quick rundown of the situation. He then provided his friend with Jemimah’s house address and instructed him to get his team there and wait. Dare would meet up with them there within the hour for a thorough search of the premises. He then called his driver and told him to start up the Prado Jeep and wait for him inside. There was no time to waste; the love of his life was in danger, and he probably had only one opportunity to rescue her.

He went to the safe in his office and punched in the secret code. The wall safe opened up with a soft swish, revealing a steel interior containing some important documents, gold, a few precious stones, and a black leather box. Dare pulled out the box and opened it carefully. Inside, there was a black Glock nestled on a velvet fabric with a box of ammunition beside it. He picked up the gun and loaded it with live rounds before returning the empty box into the safe and locking it.

Dare checked if the safety lock of the gun was on before shoving it in the back of his pants. Now that he knew for sure that he was dealing with a crazy woman, he had to be fully prepared when he confronted her, just in case things got a little hairy.

Don’t worry, Tiara my love. I’m coming to save you, he thought bravely. And when you get back home, we will get married and have as many babies as you want.

He felt his eyes sting as he rode the elevator down to the first floor. This was all his fault. If it wasn’t for him, Tiara would still be safe and free to go wherever she wanted without fear. If only he had been more diplomatic with Jemimah, maybe he should have paid her off or given her a gift, or whatever else she wanted. Threatening her had been a wrong move and now he was paying a hefty price for it. Tiara’s life was now hanging by a thread, and she’s probably already hurt or worse.

All because of me! He thought miserably.

Not now, his brain chastised him. There’ll be enough time for this pity party later, but right now, you have to be clear minded to save Tiara.

He squared his shoulders and stepped out of the elevator with a fresh dose of confidence. Jemimah wants to see crazy, huh? Then I’ll show her crazy.