Chapter 23
Fifty thousand dollars.
Ethan didn't have that kind of cash liquid, especially not with his house currently burning to the ground. His savings were tied up in investments, and the banks were closed at midnight.
“Ethan, what are you going to do?” Melissa whispered, staring at the digital clock on the dashboard. 12:14 AM.
“I’m going to use the only leverage I have left,” Ethan said, his voice cold. He dialed his father, Richard.
Richard answered on the first ring, his voice thick with panic. “Ethan! I just heard on the police scanner—the house—”
“Dad, Marcus Vance has Lauren and Noah. He’s working with Mom. He wants fifty grand in less than an hour or he kills them.”
A heavy, horrified silence fell over the line.
“Marcus?” Richard breathed. “That piece of trash... Ethan, I have the cash. It’s the money from the soybean harvest. It’s in the safe at the farm.”
“I don't have time to drive to the farm, Dad! He’s tracking my location through the phone! If I veer off the highway, he’ll know!”
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“Then meet me at the construction yard off Exit 42,” Richard said, his old voice suddenly hardening with a father’s resolve. “I’ll tear down the highway right now. I’ll bring the money, and I’m bringing my hunting rifle. We end this tonight.”
Ethan gripped the steering wheel. The trap was set, but he knew Marcus Vance wasn't an amateur. If Marcus saw two cars, the trigger would be pulled before Ethan could even step out.
