Chapter 3 A dangerous game

Victoria got home and was feeling scared because she was sure Derek's gang was notorious and might decide to rape Ava. So, she called to make sure she was fine. "Hy handsome, please make sure the girl is untouched. She is better to us alive than dead. And pls make sure she is well-fed." she said.

Derek, who was very angry, shouted at her on the phone "You didn't tell me we were here kidnapping a very prominent member of the society. You are paying double what we asked for, or else am asking a huge ransom on her head." he shouted on the phone.

Victoria was scared so we agreed to pay double the amount they negotiated and even added more for Ava's upkeep.

Ethan and Oliver got to Sinclair's Mansion. They met Lady Penelope outside who was eager to know about her daughter's kidnap. The prince was about to break the news when Ava's father drove hastily into the compound. He has heard what happened and has come back home. He invited the regent and Oliver into his mansion and asked his servant to give them a glass of water.

When they were settled he asked them what was going on.

"We had gone clubbing to relieve work stress when Ava suddenly felt stuffy and decided to step outside the club. I would have followed her but she said she was going to be fine on her own so I stayed back." said the poor Duke. Ava's father sighted with his hand on his forehead.

"Have you tried calling her cell phone?" asked Mr. Sinclair. She dropped it in the course of the struggle, Oliver replied. " Oh my God, have you tried calling the police," asked Ava's father again

Ethan explained in detail that he had called the police and the action was put in place to make sure she was seen alive. Mr. Sinclair moved close to his wife and told her all would be fine.

The princes stood up and begged to be released. "Please keep me informed of any latest developments from the police..we will also pull a few strings over here too," said Mr Sinclair.

Ava's woke up to find herself in a furnished apartment; she wondered who owned such a fine mansion. A lot of thoughts flooded her mind. "Could it be my ex? But who exactly could it be ?" She has dated a lot of men. She wasn't sure. So, she kept quiet and knew they would eventually show themselves to her. She was a little scared but still kept her calm.

She heard some footsteps coming toward the door and her heart began to raise "I am finished." she uttered some words and quickly covered her face so that she won't see who the person is. Derek entered the room to find Ava crouching behind a chair covering her face. Derek laughed "You can open your eyes. It is okay. Even if you leave here alive there is nothing you can do to bring us to justice." he said. He was so sure of himself that Ava began to fear for her life.

"Don't worry you are safe here. You just need to be here with us till what we want happens." Derek explained. Ava looked at her kidnapper and was in awe to see that he was a fine young man. He was covered in tattoos. The tattoo was so intricate that you couldn't tell where one part ended and another part began.

Ava regained her sense and started asking questions "Who asked you to do this to me? I haven't harmed anyone? Please, why must I be here? And till when must I be here." Ava asked Derek, look nong for closure. Derek looked at her and saw she was really beautiful.

"Don't worry about all that. You are safe here. What would you like to eat ?" Derek asked her.

" I don't feel like eating anything," she replied. But her stomach grumbled giving her away. She clinched to it while Derek laughed and said "Don't worry I will make you something to eat." He left and closed the door behind him.

Ava wondered what type of man he is and prayed she got out of there alive.

Ethan was worried. He has never been this worried before. He thought of what to do but nothing was coming to his mind. He called the station and asked what the progress was. " Your Highness Miss Ava has a lot of enemies who want her dead. She had broken so many men's hearts. So, this is bound to happen.

Ethan was annoyed and yelled at them " Who doesn't have a dirty past huh? This shows you are lazy at your job and don't know what to do to find her. I am giving you 84 hours to locate and track her or else you will be sorry." he said and hung the call.

He was sweating profusely under the air condition that was blowing steadily. He took off his clothes and relaxed on the bed.

One of the inspectors called back and requested they speak with his Victoria Harrington. Ethan said there was no problem. "Let me know when you are ready. I will take you there myself," he replied to the inspector.

"Can we go now?" he asked Ethan." Of course." I will be on my way now. Ethan got dressed and went to the station. He was welcomed warmly and they immediately left for Victoria's residence. Ethan was able to locate her based on the address she left at the office. " I think we are here," Ethan said. He got out of the car. He entered the main gate but the security was quick to stop them." How can I help you please?" asked the security man.

Ethan explained to him that Miss Vitoria works for him. "Can I call her to inform her of your arrival? or have you called her before coming? He asked Ethan.

" Go ahead and call her." replied one of the inspectors. He called the main building. Victoria asked him to allow them in. Ethan led the way in. Victoria met them at the door and ushered them in "Welcome gentlemen, your Highness." she said.

She asked them to sit. " Do you mind coffee?" she asked them. One of the inspectors said he would take one while the other said they were okay.

"Do you recall what happened the last time you went clubbing?" asked one of the inspectors. "Of course, we went to have fun but my friend ended up being kidnapped," Victoria said with a gentle voice. The inspector later went on to ask her that she excused herself to go to the guest room, and it took her a while before she came back. " would you mind telling us what that was about." asked the inspector.

"Well I went to take a leak and that was all," said Victoria trying to avoid the inspector's gaze. "Can I see your phone please? " asked one of the inspectors. She handed her phone to them. They went through her call list and found nothing incriminating on it. "here you go." She was given back her phone while they enjoyed their coffee and cookies before heading out of the mansion.

Ethan stayed back and explained to her that they needed to inspect every one. Victoria looked at him and said, "I understand your highness." Ethan wanted to leave but Victoria said he should stay back while she make him some food. Ethan stood up and wanted to leave " I am not hungry. All I can think of right now is Ava's safety. I need to make sure she is alright. Plus the kidnappers are not making any demands. Can you imagine that? " Ethan said angrily. Kicking against the chair In front of him.

Victoria moved to him and placed her arms on his shoulder trying to call him down. " Everything will be alright Ethan. We just need to be positive in this kind of situation." Ethan was about to leave when Victoria pulled him back and kissed him.

Ethan wanted to pull back but couldn't. Victoria was too hard to resist. Victoria was about to unzip his pants when Ethan held her hands "That's enough. I am not supposed to be doing this." He looked at Victoria and said bye. He headed for his car murmuring and causing his luck for staying alone with her.

The Sinclair family is also trying every means to make sure their daughter comes back to them. They make a handbill of her picture and distribute it around the street telling each person to please reach out to them if they found her. " I am tired." Lady Penelope said. She looked at her husband, "Let's go home, honey." Mr. Sinclair said. Later that night there was a news splash displaying Ava's picture declaring her wanted.

" We just have to hope the kidnapper calls for a ransom so we can know what this is all about," said Isabella. Who just got back into the country. " Am so sorry Mum that I wasn't around for my little sister," she said hugging Lady Penelope

Ava washed up and sat down waiting for Derek to come in with the food. " I just Mumh mum and Dad are not panicking right now," she said. Derek came into the room bearing gifts. He had cooked some pasta. He played it carefully on the table and asked her to have a bite. Ava looked at him and couldn't eat it. "It's not poisonous, you can eat," he said and took a bite. Ava waited for some time before she digs in. The food tastes so sweet that Ava looked up and asked if he was a caterer. " The food tasted delicious. I enjoyed it. Thanks." said Ava

Derek looked at her and smiled. Well, thanks for the compliment. He packed the dishes and headed out. He commanded one of his men to enter the room to keep a close eye on Ava so she wouldn't escape. "Alright boss." said the voice. He entered the room and looked at Ava.

Ava was shocked and immediately said "John, What the hell are you doing here? Are you the one that had me kidnapped?" John looked at her and didn't know what to say.

"shhh keep your voice down, I didn't know it was you we were coming for until I saw you on the day you were kidnapped. so calm down and we can talk this out. Ava was happy at last that she saw a face she knew. " You have to tell me everything without leaving a detail out," she begged John