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“What do you mean?”
“Taking me to dinner. Hanging out with me. I’m fine, you know. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“You think I’m doing all of this because I’m worried you’re going to do something silly?” Elizabeth asked with a chuckle.
“Aren’t you?”
“I know you’re a little upset right now and for good reason, but no, I’m not here for that. I enjoy the company. So do my dogs. It’s the most excitement we’ve had in weeks. Believe me.”
“Excitement. You think hanging out with me is exciting?”
“It is, dear. Believe me. Now, come on, let’s go to the supermarket. I’ll get everything I need to make my famous spaghetti.”
She laughed with the older woman. Taking the leads, she walked the dogs as Elizabeth carried her briefcase. “How was work today?”
“Good. Good. I have told them of my intention to leave. I’ve got an appointment at another firm in a different town. I’ve told them I’m in the process of selling my house, and wishing for a fresh start. We’ll see what happens.” She offered a smile to Elizabeth.
“You don’t think you’re acting a little rash?”
“Nah, I’ve got to get a move on. I’ve got to do something. Staying here is no longer an option for me.” She couldn’t even find Rix to let him know about the baby. She’d come to a decision that she would tell him about the baby, but she also would tell him he wasn’t obligated to do anything.
They’d find some agreement between the two of them to actually make it work with any baby, if he wanted to.
“Well, you know I’m going to miss you,” Elizabeth said. “It’s not right, how you two are ending things.”
“I know, but relationships don’t always work in a happily-ever-after. I think I’m more upset about your cursed houses thing,” she said, offering a smile.
“Why?”
“I couldn’t even make that work.” She shrugged. “I’ve accepted it.”
“Honey, what’s to say it’s not still working?”
Before she could comment, the sound of squealing tires filled the air.
Anna-Beth watched in amazement as a black van came to a sudden stop. Masked men shoved a bag over her head and threw her into the back of the vehicle.
She heard Elizabeth and the yapping of dogs. Her hands were also tied behind her back. She let out a scream but no one came.
Darkness enveloped them as the door closed.
“Well, this has never happened before,” Elizabeth said.
“Elizabeth? You’re okay? You’re fine.”
“Very much so, dear. I have to say I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s all an entirely new experience.”
“I don’t know what’s going on. What’s happening?” Fear rushed through her. She didn’t know who those men were or what they wanted.
“I’m guessing we’ve been kidnapped.”
“Kidnapped? Why?” She tried to free her hands but it was no use. She growled in frustration. “I hate this.”
“Don’t stress so much.”
“It’s hard not to. There’s no reason to kidnap us. I don’t get it.”
“Just take a deep breath.”
She heard the whining of the dogs. “They took the dogs as well.”
“I know, it happens.”
She shuffled until she was sat upright with a groan. “I hate this right now. I can’t believe you’re so calm.”
“I’ve got no reason not to be. We don’t know why they’re doing this.”
This all seemed a little too surreal for her. Elizabeth wasn’t panicking. There was no fear. What the hell was going on?
They drove for hours. They only stopped every now and again to be given some water.
“I won’t be able to cook my famous spaghetti for you.”
“I’m sure one day you will be able to. When all of this is, you know, over.”
“I don’t know.” She huffed. She started to mutter things about the worst timing.
“It’ll be fine, Elizabeth. I’m sure your casserole is the best there is going to be.”
“It will be. Stupid men.”
“I know.” This was so surreal. As the hours passed, they continued to hydrate them but food seemed to be forgotten.
She stopped panicking when the car came to a complete stop and the engine turned off.
“We’ve stopped.”
“I know.”
“This is the part where they’re going to kill us?” Anna-Beth asked. “I haven’t told Rix about the baby or how much I love him. I’ve wasted so much time.”
“Don’t panic.”
The doors opened up and this time she did scream. She didn’t know what happened to Elizabeth as she was carried somewhere, her arms still bound behind her back.
She was dumped on a bed. She screamed as the ties were cut off.
The man stepped back.
The room was still dark. A lock clicked into place.
At first, she didn’t move. Her heart raced.
Finally, she scrambled with her hood, tearing it off her face. Next, she worked her arms, wincing as she brought circulation back to them. Getting to her feet, she went straight to the door, trying the handle.
“It’s locked,” Rix said.
This made her jump, release a little scream, and turn to find him sitting in the corner of the darkened room. He turned the small lamp on, showing him in his full leather kit.
