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.

comfortably at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pretending to be a devoted husband without

toward Cedrick

accusations. “I don’t feel guilty. I haven’t

was the girl whom Joe had

you used to be. Since you’re so capable, find your wife on your own. But let me remind you, I’ve been treating your wife kindly lately. Nevertheless, in the next two days, you can expect a little surprise gift from me. Perhaps her ring

the receiver tightened. “Joe Landon, if you dare to

threat with indifference. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve been living in a state worse than death for a long time,” he

Joe continued, Swain

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

state-of-the-art technology used in investigations, Joe remained oblivious to the fact that all the information from his phone was being encrypted and uploaded to the

fully focused on the computer screen as he deftly manipulated complex

conversation with Cedrick. “Cedrick, we’ve been friends for years. I might consider letting your wife go if you admit to your past mistakes. Kneel before Eryn’s grave

with Joe, who had been on the run for many

in disguise and had a highly

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

so there was no reason for him to falsely admit wrongdoing and perform such

tense exchange, Cedrick chose to remain silent, seemingly

press him further. “Take your time to think it over. If you don’t call me by this time tomorrow, be prepared to receive a gift from me,” he warned ominously before abruptly ending

Beep! Beep! Beep!

immediately leaned in.

his mercy. I’m in control of the situation,” he declared firmly. “We still have twenty-four hours, so let’s use the remaining time

himself in the realm of hacking

took him a few hours to finally establish a connection with

late afternoon, the displayed location on Swain’s screen indicated that Joe was still in

itself on Cedrick’s countenance as he fell into deep