Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

The voice on the other end of the line wasn't Blake's; it belonged to a stranger.

Dahlia furrowed her brow.

"Who are you? Why do you have my brother's phone? Where is he?" "Him?" the stranger chuckled.

"He's currently here learning how to swim." With that, the phone was passed to someone nearby, who called out, 'Hey Crosby! Your sister wants to talk to you!" Sounds of splashing water filled the receiver, followed by Blake's panicked voice, Dahlia! Please, you have to save me, they're going to kill me, Dahlia—uh—" Before he could finish his sentence, there was a sound of something being pushed into the water, accompanied by gurgling noises.

Dahlia's face turned pale.

"What are you doing? Are you trying to kill him?" The man took the phone back, smiling.

"Kill him? Mam, we are law -abiding citizens, not involved in any illegal activities.

But your brother owes our boss over ten million.

If the boss doesn't get his money back, he won't pay us our wages.

We're all waiting on this bit of money to make ends meet.

Since he refuses to pay, we're just making things happen." After explaining, he grabbed Blake's head and pulled him out of the water with a splash.

Blake was terrified,

tears streaming down his face as he cried, "Dahlia! Please, you have to hurry and give them the money, they're going to kill me..."

is there still an outstanding debt of

the money gone?" Blake stuttered, unable to

Dahlia's heart sank further.

few seconds, she gritted her

go gambling again?" Blake sobbed, "I thought I could double it

such good luck those few

I don't know what happened, I just kept losing..." His voice trailed off

just wanted to win some money

cursed, her face

gambling! Have you forgotten how Dad died? It's because of you gambling he had a brain hemorrhage and

very strict about my spending,

since you kept giving me money..."

money?!" With his life currently in the hands of debt collectors, Blake dared not

"Dahlia, I'm sorry, please save

kids are

something happens to me? w Dahlia

were gambling, why didn't you think about your children?" Before Blake could respond, the debt collector