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.

years, you can sit comfortably at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pretending to be a devoted husband without any guilt?”

hatred toward Cedrick

be swayed by the man’s accusations. “I don’t feel guilty. I

their conversation was the girl whom Joe had asserted had

“After all these years, you’re still the same heartless man 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.

from the other end of the phone, Cedrick’s grip on the receiver tightened.

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

Cedrick and Joe continued, Swain proactively traced and

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

all the information from his phone was being encrypted and uploaded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s

Swain, who remained fully focused on the

if you admit to your past mistakes. Kneel before Eryn’s grave for three days

head. He knew that dealing with Joe, who had been on the run for many years,

in disguise and had a highly deceptive

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

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

exchange, Cedrick chose to remain silent,

If you don’t call me by this

Beep! Beep! Beep!

immediately leaned in. “Boss, what’s the

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

right!” Swain responded, fully immersing himself in

to finally establish a connection with the tracking system on Joe’s

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

etched itself on Cedrick’s countenance as he fell