Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 14

Chapter 14

As they waited, Sharon and the man who had taken her hostage began to talk about family, about children, about marriage.

He told her he used to have a good life. A gentle wife, a clever daughter. A home filled with warmth. He’d only wanted to give them something better. So he took a risk–invested in a project that promised a good return–and ended up losing everything. Swindled, broken, ruined.

we debt, I’ll still end up behind bars. But I don’t want my family to be chased by

“I know,” he said miserably, “even if 11 creditors. They deserve a quiet life.”

His words left a strange feeling in her heart.

Outside, the police shouted, negotiators tryi calmer. His hands had stopped shaking.

to keep things from slipping out of control. But the man, once on edge, was now

“So, rich people’s lives aren’t so great either,” he said with a bitter laugh. “If it hadn’t been me today, you’d probably be dead by now. I lost money. You, on the other hand, might’ve lost your life.“”

He glanced at his watch. Too much time had passed. Whis eyes returned to her, there was something different there. A

flicker of sympathy.

talking with me,” he said. “You know, maybe I’m not

let her go. But the police,

through

He crumpled instantly.

splashed across her

Her mind went blank.

that. Never seen life snuffed

rushed in. They helped her out,

Carter never

hospital for checkups. It was there, in the hallway,

call. “You called me earlier,” he said.

here without a scratch on her? Must’ve been a stunt. Just trying to get your attention. Look at her, Carter. Not even a bruise.

to bring me the medicinal soup, then don’t. But please…

whole thing. Like the kidnapping never happened. Like she

known the truth. It wouldn’t have taken much. A quick check, a phone

He didn’t bother.

was as if Sharon’s life, her

never existed.

inside her began to wither then.