The Ex and Her Riches

“Who are you looking for?”

The man’s voice over the phone sounded raspy and unpleasant.

As Cedrick listened to the man’s voice, memories of Joe’s face from their younger days and the shared experiences of training together came flooding back.

During their training, Cedrick and Joe, along with their fellow trainees, learned a few voice modulation techniques.

“Joe, is that you?” Cedrick inquired, though deep down, he was already certain of the answer.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a light chuckle. “Looks like I’ve underestimated you, Mr. Jenson. I’m impressed that you were able to figure that out. That explains why you’re still at the helm of the Federal Bureau of Investigation after so many years.”

Cedrick, not interested in pleasantries, got straight to the point. “Where’s my wife? Release her immediately. If you have any demands, speak to me directly,” he demanded.

The man sneered, his voice hoarse and tinged with mockery. “I’ve always thought you had a heart of stone, but it seems you love your wife deeply. Tell me, are you willing to give up your life if I want you dead?”

Cedrick remained silent for a moment, contemplating his response carefully. When he spoke again, his tone was serious and unwavering. “If you release Gwendolyn and guarantee her safe return, you will witness news of my self-inflicted gunshot the next day.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“We’ve known each other for years, and you know I’m a man of my word. If you don’t trust me, I can write a will.” Cedrick spoke calmly as if discussing something trivial.

However, Cedrick’s serious words seemed to have the opposite effect, further enraging the man on the other end of the line.

The man’s voice grew even more venomous as he reminded Cedrick of a past tragedy. “Cedrick Jenson, have you forgotten about the girl who died for you? You were heartless back then, and now you’re claiming to be a perfect husband, willing to sacrifice your life. Do you think I would let you off so easily?”

Cedrick’s face turned pale as Joe’s words unearthed haunting memories from his troubled past.

Bureau of Investigation, pretending to be a devoted husband without any guilt?” Joe’s voice dripped with bitterness as he

toward

expressionless, refusing to be swayed by the man’s accusations. “I don’t feel guilty. I haven’t done anything

“her” mentioned in their conversation was the girl

of a wild beast’s growl or a lurking predator’s hiss, thoroughly provoked. “After all these years, you’re still the same heartless man you used to be. Since you’re so capable, find your wife

the phone, Cedrick’s grip on the receiver tightened. “Joe Landon, if you dare

a state worse than death for a long time,” he replied callously. “But it would be quite a treat if I could make you and your wife

the intense conversation between Cedrick and Joe continued, Swain proactively traced and analyzed

a specialized communication device—a surveillance mobile phone equipped with advanced technology—to facilitate his communication

oblivious to the fact that all the information from his phone was being encrypted and uploaded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s cloud database the moment the call

fully focused on the computer screen as he deftly

been friends for years. I might consider letting your wife go if you

dealing with Joe, who had been on the run for many years, would be no

exceptional skills in disguise

with the fact that many things could happen in three days, who could be

his innocence regarding the past events Joe mentioned, so there was no reason for him to falsely admit wrongdoing and perform such an unusual task as

tense exchange, Cedrick chose to remain silent,

further. “Take your time to think it over. If you don’t call me by this time

Beep! Beep! Beep!

leaned in. “Boss, what’s the

as he focused his determination. “We’re not at his mercy. I’m in control of the situation,” he declared firmly. “We still

immersing himself

establish a connection

displayed location on Swain’s screen indicated that Joe

itself on Cedrick’s countenance as