Chapter 17 The Kidnapping
Keenan had no idea why they were headed to Aurora Estates.
Seryna lived there.
An hour later, they stood outside her door.
The neighborhood looked worn. Keenan still couldn’t figure out
why Calbert had come.
Calbert gave him a look. “Go grab the key from property
management. And don’t let the owner know“”
Keenan hesitated, confused.
But one look at Calbert’s face told him not to ask. Then he
turned and hurried off.
“Gotta trust Mr. Hatfield. He has a plan,” he muttered.
With a few quiet words and the right name, Keenan had the
key in minutes.
He unlocked the door to Seryna’s apartment. It was a two-
bedroom with soft white tones and a lived–in feel.
There was a custom sofa set in the living room.
Chapter 17 The Kidnapping
Beside it, a round coffee table held a pot of blooming orchids.
Bedrooms were on either side.
Near the door was a small kitchen and bathroom. Everything
felt so warm.
Keenan stood there, still wondering what Calbert was up to.
Then Calbert spoke, voice cool as ever. “Pick me up tomorrow
morning.”
Keenan stared at him in disbelief. He wanted to ask if Calbert
was staying here tonight, but didn’t have the nerve.
He just said yes and ran off to buy toiletries.
Calbert walked into the room he’d used once. Everything was
exactly as it had been.
By the bed, he spotted the note he had left under the pillow. A
faint smile touched his lips. Just as he thought, Seryna hadn’t
seen it.
He picked it up, fingers loosely curling around the paper.
Her scent still lingered, light and familiar. He sat down slowly,
then lay back.
Chapter 17 The Kidnapping
The bed was small, but it was the only place he could truly rest.
He closed his eyes, then opened them, over and over, until sleep
finally came.
Later, Seryna finished her shopping.
The store would deliver her purchases.
She and Natalie stood by the curb, waiting for their ride.
Suddenly, a white van pulled up.
Seryna narrowed her eyes but didn’t move.
The door slid open. Two men jumped out, grabbed her, and
yanked her into the van.
Instead of screaming, she just turned to Natalie with a calm, pleading look.
Natalie froze, totally shocked. It was hard to believe someone would try a kidnapping in the busiest part of town.
Then she snapped a photo of the van’s plates, called the police,
and dialed Devona.
Devona was the only hope. Natalie knew how the rest of the
Chapter 17 The Kidnapping
Willard family treated Seryna, so she didn’t bother with Rashad.
Devona’s angry voice came through. “Natalie, do whatever it takes to get Sera back. She’s been living with me. The family already suspects I’ve picked her as my successor. I haven’t even announced it yet, and someone’s already pulling this.
“Find out who’s behind it. I want them in prison.”
Natalie kept her cool. “I’ve called the cops and pulled a team together. Don’t worry. I’ll get her back.“”
Just as she hung up, the car arrived. She hopped in, ready to
chase the van.
Meanwhile, Keenan had just returned from the store when the manager called. “Mr. Avery, bad news! The woman you asked about was just kidnapped off the street.”
