Finally, two days had gone by and the children were released. Emma headed straight to her room and she was bedazzled by the sight. Everything in her room had been changed and all her paintings and portraits had been gotten rid of by her parents.
"Mum! Is this actually my room? I didn't leave my room this way. This isn't fair", Emma cried.Aiden too was trying to understand what was actually going on. He was almost in tears.Mr and Mrs Kinney were in their room listening to their kids' wailings but didn't make a move."Their addiction has to stop. They can't go on like this. They ain't kids anymore for chrissakes. I think they should even take a break off from social media. That'd help them a lot", and with that Mr Kinney made his way to Emma's room and snatched away her phone. Same with Aiden.* * *Marcus was up in his room studying and he soon got bored. He changed his T-shirt and put on a pair of white canvas before he left for Eric's house. As he arrived, he saw Eric with two strange looking guys and a brown paper bag. On seeing Marcus, they immediately hid the bag."Hey, who the fuck is this kid. You didn't tell us someone was coming over", the one with red hair and a large nose smirked." Uhm… Marcus, you didn't inform me you were coming over", and then he turned to the other guys, "I'm very sorry guys, and besides, I think Marcus will like the deal", Eric smiled and gave Marcus a slight shove in the shoulder.Marcus shook his head and turned to leave but was pulled back by the guy with a large nose,"You're with us now. You've seen us already. Besides, you can make some cool cash. Just check this out, you get 100 bucks on every transaction. You'll be a rich young man having to buy all the expensive dresses, shoes and hang out with the most beautiful girls at your school. Just deliver this package at a warehouse on Simpson street on your way to school. I'll give you more details to locate the warehouse. A man will be waiting for you there".A cold chill went down Marcus's spine. A lot was running through his mind at that moment. He had a lot to say but didn't know what exactly. Finally, he found his words and spat out,"No. I wasn't trained to do stuff like this. My parents will be disappointed if they found out about this".Noah, the second guy who had been quiet all the while laughed at Marcus,"Mummy's boy. Ain't you like 18? Mummy will never get to know about this", and he continued laughing.This really got Marcus. He hated it when people thought he was a weakling."I'll do it. But first I must know what's in the bag".For a second, the guys whispered amongst themselves and then Roderick spoke,"You'll know what's in the bag later. You just have to deliver it first".Unconvinced still but not ready to argue, Marcus picked up the bag and hurried home.Emma was already waiting anxiously for his return and when she saw him, she walked up to him, "Bro, where did you go? I wanted to ask for some money. Please?" And she gave him the puppy eye.Marcus, annoyed by that, walked past her without saying a word and headed for his room."Hmm…. He has never behaved in such a manner to me. I think I need to get paid before I do anything in this house. Or maybe I could offer to clean Dad's car every morning for 4 dollars. Brilliant!" She said and hurried to her room.* * *"Yes Ryan, can you brief us on the history of Puerto Rico?" Mrs Heffley, the history teacher asked.Ryan just stood there staring like a moron. He was like the dullest kid in Aiden's class and he wasn't even making any efforts to improve.All eyes were on him now and Mrs Heffley was yet to decide his punishment when she caught a glimpse of Aiden sleeping in her lesson."Can someone wake that kid up?"A fat girl sitting right next to Aiden banged at his locker and he woke up, stunned."Why are you sleeping in my class, Aiden? You will have detention for one week. So after school, move to Mr Ray's class and stay for an hour", she said.Aiden had a movie to see at Donald's place after school so he just thought of running home immediately the bell for dismissal went.But sadly for him, Mrs Heffley waited right outside his class and took him to Mr Ray who offered Aiden a seat right next to a bully named Leon Ricket. Leon Ricket wasn't a bright kid. But anyways, Leon was in detention for what he did when a wasp perched on the window in the homeroom. He had smashed the window with a seat.After two minutes, Aiden got a plan. He fell on his knees and started crying, "Mr Ray, I'm not feeling too well. I was diagnosed with ulcer and I have to take my medications sir".Mr Ray quickly let Aiden go home.On his way home, Aiden met Marcus having a conversation with a man who he (Aiden) would call a rogue. From his physique to his eye patch and several other things that Aiden didn't like about him. They both stood in front of a warehouse. The place actually looked abandoned and until now, Aiden didn't know that people go in and come out at intervals."Bro! Good I met you. I always see you around here so what's….." Aiden was pulled aside by Marcus." Hey, what the fuck are you doing here? What is your problem? Can't you just head back home without having to trouble me?" Marcus said with a slight look of irritation on his face.Aiden wasn't surprised anyways. He knew that he and Emma always gave Marcus much trouble. His attention was caught by the wrist watch Marcus had on. It must have cost a fortune.* * *Marcus stopped by Eric's house and spent some time. The new friends he kept really had an impact on him. He barely even had time to study anymore. Whenever he was home, he was either watching movies, listening to music or texting girls.Eric was in a business of selling drugs, human parts, guns and all. But to Marcus, he was just hustling. If only he knew the nature of the business, he would never have tried to be a part of it at first. He had grown his hair and got a tattoo on his right arm.Emma was cleaning her room when Aiden knocked loudly on her door. She opened the door and he stormed in."What's wrong? Who's after you?"Aiden just sat there trying to catch his breath."Look Emma I don't know but have you been noticing anything strange about Marcus's attitude lately?" Aiden asked.Bella nodded her head. Finally, someone said it. She had thought she was the one with the problem all this while. Maybe Marcus was getting tired of her excessiveness."Yeah…. You're actually making a point there. Few days ago, I saw him counting a huge sum of money and we all know that Marcus barely has time for any other thing besides his books. When I asked him where he got the money, he just yelled at me. He has never spoken to me in such a manner before"."I think something's up with Marcus. We have to keep a close watch on him. He always stops by at a warehouse every morning on his way to school".Emma was in affirmation of what Aiden said. This was like the first time they had both agreed on something.Aiden still sat there peeping at everything in the room when Emma asked him to leave. He was reluctant at first but on a second thought, he stood up and slowly walked away. At least he and his long-time enemy were at peace and he would trade a fortune to retain it.Marcus swung his backpack to his back and left the dining room after having his breakfast. He looked around and went into his room to collect the pack. Unfortunately, Emma and Aiden were in his wardrobe. As he picked up the pack it accidentally fell down and a powdered substance spilt. "What the hell is this?" He stuttered, sniffing the substance. It was too strong for him. " Gosh! This is cocaine. What have I gotten myself into now? Eric never told me the business was of this nature". Emma wanted to scream but Aiden was quick to close her mouth, " Shh… Don't make a sound. We have to follow him to where he's going". Bella nodded. Marshall packed up the cocaine and sealed it in another plastic bag. He put it in his backpack and hurried off. He didn't go through the usual route but decided to take a path that would be shorter. He knocked sharply on the door and a man opened it. Emma and Aiden hid behind a car a few meters away from the warehouse. Marcus put his backpack down on a
"Please ma'am, did you see a black Chevrolet SUV drive past this route some hours ago?" Emma asked an elderly woman who had just stepped out of a mall situated at the far end of the road Marcus and his abductors had taken."I just arrived here a few minutes ago. I think you should ask the lady at the counter", the elderly woman said and walked off carrying a bagful of groceries."A'ight, thanks", Emma replied and walked towards the entrance of the mall with Aiden following closely behind. They approached the lady at the counter and greeted her in the calmest tone they could muster. They had to appear as calm as possible to avoid suspicions."Good day ma'am, please did you see an old, black Chevrolet SUV drive past some hours ago?" Emma repeated the question to the lady behind the counter. She seemed to be busy with some calculations and took a few seconds to round up what she was doing before she looked up at the kids standing in front of her."I'm sorry, I had to clear something", an
"That feeling when you're near home", Fregley inhaled deeply and let the smoke of the cigarette out almost immediately. Their hideout was situated in the heart of the woods about 7 miles from where they were and so it was impossible for them to get there in a vehicle. They had to go on foot."Mackey, you've gotta keep a really close watch on that kid. So that he doesn't outsmart you, again", Fregley said and gave Mackey a sneer.Keith was fast asleep at the back of the car, right beside Marcus. Mackey gave him a heavy tap on his shoulder. This jacked Keith up. He immediately reached for a bottle of Bourbon that was sitting right beneath his feet. "Put it down", Fregley echoed in his usual hoarse voice."I'm starving. I need to get something in my belly, okay?" Keith returned and went on with uncorking the bottle."I said put it down this minute! We still have a distance to travel on foot and getting drunk ain't gonna be helping matters. We have a hostage that needs absolute attention
The cops were at Beacon high school that morning, to have further probings with the teachers and students about the missing kids. They were directed to the office of the principal where they were offered seats."Good day ma'am. I am agent Thomas and with me is my partner, officer Jones. We're present from the NYPD 19th precinct. How're you doing today?" the agent spoke with a smile on his face. The principal was already aware of who they were and why they were at her school. Their ID card said it all. She adjusted the glasses she had on and set aside the files that were open in front of her before she went ahead to address the gentlemen in her office."Good morning sirs. You're welcome. I'm principal Daniels. It's an honor to have you in my office today. I know you're here because of the missing children from our school. I'm glad you're making so much effort in finding them. Thank you so much", she said, crossing her fingers in front of her."Thank you very much ma'am and besides, we'
Emma and Aiden were back home with their parents and no one said a word to another. The silence around the house made everywhere tense and Emma couldn't take it anymore. She was gradually drowning in guilt and she had to say something."Dad", she called out to Burdett who was sitting with his cheeks placed on his palms. He turned to Emma but didn't say a word. She went on anyway,"Are you and mom still mad at us? We're really sorry for everything. It was bad enough that Marcus had to get kidnapped, and then we just left without appropriate information on where we were going. Please don't stay angry with us forever. Please", she said, tears rushing down her face. Burdett walked over to Emma and sat right beside her. "Hey, listen darling, we're not angry with you guys. Anything could've happened to you out there. And I thank God you returned safely. We're just worried about Marcus. We don't know what could be happening with him right now. Okay? Don't be sad", he said and pulled her int
The driver had arrived at the borders between Arizona and Sonora. He calmly presented his ID card and an entry permit. The customs and border protection officers had asked him to open down the dump body of the vehicle which he did. They mounted the vehicle and examined the vehicle thoroughly. He was asked to move on afterwards, since nothing illegal was found in the vehicle. He heaved a sigh of relief and drove on.8:32pm and the truck had just arrived in Nogales. Gustavo had arrived an hour earlier to pick up Marcus. The vehicle came to a halt and the driver jumped down, looking around expectantly. Gustavo walked over to him, unsure if he had approached the right person."Are you Ethan? Ethan Farrell?" he asked, staring at a note in his hand. He seemed to have written the name down."Yes. And you're Gustavo?" the driver replied in a deep, masculine voice. They both exchanged handshakes. They walked over to the vehicle and Gustavo looked around to ensure that no one was around before
"A'ight Mrs Carla, I'm glad to announce that you're pregnant", Doctor Wyatt exclaimed, holding a report card in his hand. Carla held on to Burdett's hand tightly and didn't let go. Burdett was all smiles. They never expected to have another child after Aiden and this was like a miracle. "You're 10 weeks gone ma'am", Doctor Wyatt went on, a huge smile on his face. "Congratulations Mr Kinney", and he stretched his hand for a handshake. Burdett took his hand, grinning loudly.This was the first good news they had received in months after Marcus' abduction. Maybe God was trying to replace that which they had lost. But Carla still had faith that Marcus would return home.They got home to meet Aiden and Emma who had just returned from school and were watching the television."Welcome Mom. Hey Dad", Emma greeted without taking her eyes off the programme."What's the outcome of the test?" Aiden asked, anxiously. He had a bowl of popcorn on his laps and at intervals, Emma would throw her han
"Sara, are you set? Come on let's go or we will be late for classes", Olivia called from outside. She attended the same college as Sara. She had stopped by at Sara's house as she usually did every morning to enable them both leave for school together."Sara? Why aren't you even answering me? We're gonna be late", and she kept on knocking at the door but still got no response. She paused to check what time it was and it said 8:47 am. Classes would begin by 9am and they still had a distance of over 30 minutes to walk before getting to college. "Maybe I should leave. When she's done, she can come along", Olivia muttered to herself. But on second thought, she decided to try her luck by turning the door knob. The door swung wide open and she poked her head in but couldn't see any sign of a living soul in the house. She slowly but stealthily walked into the house and what followed was a loud, shrilling scream.On the floor lay her friend Sara, in a large pool of her own blood with her neck