The Ransom

The Ransom(Molly) I heard the DVD whirr into place. My body shook nervously at the thought that this film could unlock the secrets to the disappearance of my little sister, Abigail.
An image of Abigail’s face lit up the screen. Her hair had been cut short and her eyes showed sheer terror. Her voice trembled as she began to read the piece of paper in her hands.
‘The men that have taken me want 9 million and they want it within the next 4 hours. A man wearing a green cap will be sitting in the city central at 7pm on the dot this evening, you must hand him the money for my safe return. Let Mum and Dad know I am safe for now, but if they fail to pay the ransom or the police are informed of this, I will be murdered immediately.’ Her eyes welled up in tears as she looked up into the camera barrel, ‘Please save me Jack.’
The screen turned blank. I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know why these vicious men would choose our family for their cruel game. All I knew was that I had 4 hours to save my innocent little sister from murder. I had no time to lose.

‘We have to go to the police,’ Dad gathered his things and headed for the door.
‘No, I have thought it over and it’s too risky,’ I said while gesturing for him to sit back on the couch. ‘We have enough in your bank account Dad. You have to go get it now.’
He hesitated for a moment then grabbed his keys and got in the car.
Mum sat, sobbing with her head buried in her hands. I sat down next to her and softly whispered, ‘It’s going to be okay, Mum.’
She lifted her head and looked into my eyes for a moment and then rested it back on my shoulder.

Dad arrived back at the house around half an hour later looking frustrated. I could see the case he was carrying, full of money. He dropped it on the dining room table with his head hung sadly.
‘Here it is,’ he whispered, basically to himself, ‘9 million.’
He stood there for a few moments, then came and sat on the couch with us. His head was still hung low but I was proud of him for what he had just done. He had worked so hard to earn this money and to see it all thrown away like this was killing him inside.
‘Okay, thank you Dad. All that matters right now is getting Abigail safely home. We can try and build our lives back later,’ I spoke calmly trying to reassure Dad that this was the right thing to do. ‘I am going to head off for the city soon with the money so I can be ready.’
Dad lifted his head. ‘I’m coming with you Jack,’ He spoke and then turned towards Mum, ‘Margaret, You have to stay here just in case something happens. We will only be a phone call away.’
She gave him a worried look, then slowly nodded and stared back at the floor.

‘What did she look like in the film?’ Dad finally broke the silence as we drove towards the city. I didn’t show Mum or him the video because I knew it would just put them in more distress.
‘Her hair was cut short and she was quite a mess. We know Abigail though, she’s a tough girl.’
Abigail was an amazingly brave 10 year old and she wasn’t the type of girl to let things worry her. She was always making others feel better and nobody ever knew when she was upset.

We drove in silence for the rest of the ride and arrived there with around 10 minutes to spare. He handed me the case from under his seat and I slipped it into my grocery bag. I opened the door and peered back at him just as I saw a tear leave his eye and drop into his lap. I turned around and walked off holding the grocery bag with a tight grasp. All I could do was hope that this was the right thing to do.

I checked my watch, 7pm, and there he was. He sat on the side of the city central fountain wearing a green cap. I took a deep breath and headed towards him. I was so nervous that my hands were sweating and I could feel my heartbeat pounding.
As I reached him he slowly stood without looking into my face and reached his arm out for the bag. I hesitated for a moment but then quickly passed him the bag.
As soon as he took the bag I felt a big part of me had just been snatched away.
‘She will be returned as soon as possible,’ he said softly, then turned and marched off with our money.

Around five hours later we heard a knock on the door. I jumped up excitedly and threw myself over the couch, towards the door. I switched the lock, ripped the door open, and there Abigail stood. I threw my arms around her and tears poured out of my eyes. Mum and Dad quickly joined the hug as well. It was as if nothing else mattered as long as she was safe. The money we gave up would never have compared to losing Abigail.