Chapter 12 - THE TRADE
The FBI became involved.
Kidnapping changed everything.
They told me not to respond.
I responded.
“You’re not getting Lily.”
Diane called immediately.
“No police.”
“You already have police.”
“Then your father dies.”
“Where is he?”
“You’ll know when you’re ready to trade.”
“You think I’m bringing a four-year-old child to you?”
“She belongs with family.”
“She is with family.”
Diane laughed.
“Do you know what your father did to me?”
“He had an affair.”
“He promised me everything.”
“Then blame him.”
“I did.”
My eyes shifted toward the agents listening.
“Why hurt Rachel?”
“She interfered.”
“You killed her because she told the truth.”
“Truth is expensive.”
“And Vanessa?”
A pause.
“What about her?”
“You raised her to hate people she had never met.”
“I raised her to understand what was stolen.”
“You destroyed her life.”
Diane’s voice turned sharp.
“Bring Lily.”
“No.”
“You have until midnight.”
The line died.
Agents traced part of the signal to an industrial area near the river.
Dozens of warehouses.
At 11:10 P.M., police narrowed it to three buildings.
I wasn’t allowed to go.
I went anyway.
The command officer threatened to arrest me.
Cole quietly pulled me aside.
“If you interfere, your father could die.”
“I know.”
“Then stay in the vehicle.”
At 11:47, tactical teams entered the first warehouse.
Empty.
Second.
Empty.
Third.
Gunshot.
Everyone moved.
I heard shouting over the radio.
“Suspect moving east!”
“Hostage located!”
“Possible explosive device!”
Then silence.
Cole ran toward the building.
I waited ten seconds.
Maybe twelve.
Then followed.
Inside, my father was tied to a chair.
Alive.
An officer cut him free.
“Where’s Diane?”
Dad coughed.
“She left.”
“When?”
“Minutes ago.”
“Where is she going?”
He looked at me with horror.
“She said the trade was never real.”
My stomach dropped.
“What?”
“She never wanted Lily brought here.”
I already knew.
It had been a distraction.
I grabbed my phone.
Called Megan.
No answer.
Called my mother.
No answer.
Called the protected residence where Lily had been moved during the operation.
An agent answered.
“Carter detail.”
“This is Ryan Carter. Check Lily.”
Pause.
“Sir?”
“CHECK HER NOW!”
I heard footsteps.
A door opening.
Then shouting.
The agent came back.
“Mr. Carter...”
My knees weakened.
“The protection officer is unconscious.”
“No.”
“The rear window is open.”
“No.”
May you like
“And Lily is gone.”
---
