Going against his own dad? Lance let out a relieved chuckle.
Got it.
Despite being cautious, next day, Bettie found herself in hot water.
As Bettie headed to the studio, her assistant pinged her on Facebook.
They were waiting upstairs with the makeup stuff.
Recalling her past ordeal in the parking lot, Bettie had her assistant meet her downstairs.
It raised eyebrows but the assistant agreed.
Upstairs, Bettie relaxed, unaware. She told herself that maybe Keilanis father had a bit of decency, realizing his daughters wrongs, and wouldnt touch her.
After prepping the model, Bettie sent her to the studio ahead, popping to the restroom herself.
Just as Bettie entered, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Before she could yell, it was too late.
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Hands clamped over her mouth, a blow to her neck, and Bettie blacked out.
When Bettie came to, darkness engulfed her.
Soon, she realized it wasnt the room but her own blindfolded eyes.
Her hands were tied behind, tightly bound.
Bettie had no clue where theyd taken her, just the wind howling, messing her hair, and brushing her cheeks.
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October in Mathias warmed up, but now, the autumn breeze chilled her to the bone. Such gusts were rare downtown. Probably, they were in the outskirts.
Bettie kicked herself for letting her guard down and letting someone exploit her.
This time, could she still count on Lance to rescue her?
Despair filled her heart. Sure, Keilanis dad wouldnt kill her but everything else was up in the air. She might lose a limb. The thought made her go pale, swallowing hard.
Youre up, huh? A male voice shattered the silence, with a heavy accent. Bettie tensed up. Who are you?
Its none of your business. But youve crossed the line.
Whats your game? Her voice shook as she asked this.
Youll see soon enough. With a rough jerk, the man hoisted her up and nudged her forward.
The wind roared, swirling her clothes with a chilling rustle. A sinking feeling gripped Bettie.
Even in the outskirts, Mathias summer wind wasnt this fierce, unless they were atop a mountain.
Cool air brushed her face, making her feel like she was staring into nothingness.
Then it hit Bettie. She stood at the cliffs edge!
Fear shot through her, cold sweat beading her brow, her lips pale, legs trembling, afraid a single step would send her tumbling.
No Please, dont kill me, Bettie begged, tears in her voice, inching back until she collapsed. She didnt want to die. She was only twenty-six. Her mom loved her dearly. How shattered would she be by then? And Lance. Unspoken forgiveness lingered after he vanished post-rescue. How crushed would he be?
But the man seized Betties arm, yanking her up, his voice smug.
Dream on. My sister suffers in jail while you roam free. Better luck next time!
Bettie struggled to stand, her heart racing and her lips trembling.
If you harm me, the cops wont go easy on you.
Ill take my chances. With a shove, he sent her plummeting.
No! Ground vanished, Bettie plunged into darkness, despair swallowing her whole.