Honestly, Lyra, you should consider annulling your bond with him if your marriage isn’t working out,” he suggested.
I hung up, unable to stomach his words any longer.
Moments later, David appeared at my doorstep, his face pale. He had just confirmed with his colleagues that the abduction was real.
Without hesitation, he called Leo.
“Leo, you need to get back here right now,” David said urgently. “I think your parents may have really been abducted by the Feral Rogues.”
To our surprise, Cheryl’s voice came through the receiver instead. “Seriously? You’re ruining my Valentine’s Day!”
“Cheryl, this is serious! The abduction is real!” David pressed.
“Lyra’s just being a jealous woman.” Cheryl scoffed. “She’s been keeping tabs on Leo all day. Can’t she give him a little freedom? Even criminals deserve a holiday now and then!”
“Cheryl, put Leo on the phone right now!” David demanded, his voice tight with frustration.
“Are you in on this with Lyra?” Cheryl accused. “Leo’s roasting a chicken right now, but fine, I’ll ask him if he wants to talk to you.”
After a pause, Leo’s voice came through the line. “That crazy woman can’t let me catch a break. Hang up!”
David’s frown deepened as the call abruptly ended. He turned to me, his concern evident.
Helpless, I sighed. “The abductors want me to deliver the money to Moonshines Winery, but I’ve only managed to gather about half of what they’re demanding. Maybe I should take what I have and deliver it while you figure out the next steps.”
A female sheriff standing nearby interjected, “I’ll drive you there, ma’am.”
I shook my head. “If the abductors recognize you, we’ll all be in trouble. I need to handle this myself.”
