"Looks like my sister didn't tell you what I want." Allen's vicious laughter echoed through the phone. "I am not a greedy person. All I ask for is five million in cash and two new identity cards. And you need to send us abroad safely. Once my request is met, I will give my sister back to you."
"That's not gonna happen," Anthony refused outright. "Allen, do you know how many people are pursuing you? You can't leave Y City, let alone go abroad. I advise you to turn yourself in. Otherwise, you will just get yourself into bigger trouble..."
"Anthony..." Allen interrupted him before he could finish his sentence. "I called you to tell you what I want. I don't need you to tell me that I am in trouble."
You know what? I am going to hang up and have a good talk with my sister. This way, you will have time to reconsider my offer. What do you think?"
"Please...don't hurt her," Anthony pleaded, his voice shaking ever so slightly. Hearing Allen's threat made him panic immediately. "Please listen to me," he complied. "I will try my best to fulfill your request."
Upon hearing that Anthony would help him, Allen broke into a smile of relief. He snorted, "If you had simply decided this earlier, my sister wouldn't have had to suffer like this."
Trying not to imagine what Sue had gone through, Anthony closed his eyes. "I can give you the money," he negotiated, "But I can't get you two fake identity cards. I also won't be able to find a way to send you abroad. How about I give you six million and you release Sue?"
"Stop bargaining with me," Allen responded petulantly. He had no time for this. "Don't you forget that I am the boss now. You are not in a position to haggle with me."
'If I had knew earlier that kidnapping Sue would make Anthony submit to me, I would have done it earlier, ' he thought.
Allen watched Sue struggle. She was sitting on a chair with her hands tied tightly behind her back. "My sister is carrying your child. I know you will find a way to help me," he said.
"You have two days. I will call you and if you've not done what I've asked, I don't know what I will do to Sue. Just remember that," Allen added coldly before ending the call.
The line went dead. "Hello? Allen?" Anthony cried out. Flustered, Anthony dialed the number back, hoping to speak with Allen again. The phone rang but no one picked it up. He was so furious that he almost threw his phone onto the ground.
"What did he say?" Sheryl asked nervously once Anthony had slightly calmed down. "How is Sue doing?"
Not knowing how to respond, Anthony simply shook his head slowly. He had no idea of Sue's physical condition, which made his heart ache. The one he loved was in danger and he couldn't do anything about it. 'I hate feeling so powerless, ' he screamed in his head.
He started to understand how Charles felt back then when Sheryl had disappeared.
"What's going on? Stop shaking your head and say something," Sheryl urged with a worried look.
"He said..." He hesitated for a moment but went on, "He asked me to prepare the money and new identity cards for him and Peggy. He also asked me to send them abroad."
Frowning, Sheryl asked, "Did you agree to all of this?"
With a resigned smile, he replied, "I don't have much of a choice. They have Sue."
Sheryl rubbed her chin, trapped in her own thoughts. After contemplating for a while, she advised, "How about you buy us some time? I will go ask Andy for help. If we fail to find their whereabouts before the appointed time, you will have to wait for Allen to contact you."
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