The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 17

The van jostled along, heading out of the city.

Noella noticed they were headed towards Imperial West Hospital, and thought, “Well, ain’t that a stroke of luck! These goons are giving me a free ride.”

“Who sent you?” she demanded.

The kidnapper let out a sleazy chuckle, his face full of creep.

“Listen, girlie, we ain’t lookin‘ to harm ya, but you had to go and get greedy, eyeing stuff that ain’t yours.” he taunted.

“We’ll just dump ya in some mountain area, and don’t you worry, you won’t be seeing the light of day again! Lucky for you, you’re easy on the eyes. That pretty face of yours could bring in a good chunk of change up in the hills. Pop out a few chunky kids, and you’re golden.”

Noella swiftly reached for the small knife tucked at her waist and conked out a few of the kidnappers, then pressed the blade against the driver’s neck.

“Who sent you? My patience is wearing thin.”

The driver, shaking like a leaf and gripping the steering wheel, stammered out, “Oh please, have mercy! We’re just hired guns! It was Belinda! She forked over a cool hundred grand for us to whisk you away and sell you off in some mountain dump!”

Belinda hadn’t said that Noella could fight!

With a nonchalant “Drive to Imperial West Hospital,” Noella might as well have been the Grim Reaper sharpening his scythe. The driver nearly lit the steering wheel on fire getting her there.

As soon as Noella got out, she shouted at the guards at the door, “They kidnapped me!”

The guards had seen her coming and going from Imperial West Hospital and knew her as the pretty granddaughter of the Schnabel family who was also a chess whiz.

The hospital guards were special forces soldiers pulled from the ranks for duty. They were used to standing guard.

Hearing Noella’s cry for help, the special forces guys stepped up and quickly subdued the bad

guys.

“Thanks,” said Noella.

“Don’t mention it, Miss. Get inside. Mr. Marcel has been fussing over you for ages. We’ve got this!”

They all thought highly of Noella, a real looker who was polite and smart to boot–a true Schnabel family gem.

No sooner had Noella stepped into the ward than she heard Marcel’s robust voice, “Where’s my

13:13

they say she was on her way?”

did you take

lit up at the sight of Noella.

darling. Tavian from building three is waiting to play chess with you.”

knew Marcel was dodging the subject

handed over the daily meds to Marcel

Grandpa. Be good.”

and pulled a face. “Disgusting! Why are

morning and had

to worry Marcel she kept mum about the kidnapping ordeal. She could handle. Belinda’s antics on her

with that bore? Shopping’s fine. My granddaughter ought to dress to

Thanks, Grandpa.”

led her to another ward. “Come on,

lose at chess all the

smiles, Heh, his granddaughter

Harmonia Country, looked on with admiration. Judging the player by the play,

offered, “Noella, if you ever run into trouble, come to

not having it. “Who needs your big talk?

if you kick the bucket or not. My word carries more weight.” said Tavian.

Noella, go play. I’ve got to settle a score with this geezer!”

just nodded and bowed to Tavian before leaving

as she stepped out, her smile vanished, replaced by a chilling aura. She sensed the presence of an assassin. It seemed the Cerulean Whale had sent

entered the green–lit emergency corridor, pulling out her silencer–equipped pistol

Schnabel

the door, flinging herself at Sienna who was tending to her

news!! saw Noella being taken

her $3 million watering can crashing to the

are you

of the study with the four Schnabel sons

were just discussing which country to buy Noella a castle in when Yvonne’s panicked. words

fainted on the spot!

call us? Why didn’t you call the police first? What if something

home to tell Mom and Dad.” Yvonne sobbed, displaying her cracked phone and bruised knees, the unfortunate result of her joy at seeing

their dirty work, she even strolled around Rising Glory Mall treating herself to a shopping spree, a nice meal, and a full–blown skin pampering session, all to be in tip–top shape to witness Noella getting the boot

phone and called the

and said, “You’re only telling us about something that went down at three in the afternoon? What

tears and said in a pitiful tone, “What’s that supposed to mean, Jasper? Of course. I was at the hospital taking care of Grandma. Ever since she’s been admitted, it’s