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Dee awoke in the wee hours of the morning and grabbed her buzzing phone from Winston’s nightstand.
Unknown number
She crept out of bed, careful not to wake Winston and snuck into the hallway. “Hello?” she whispered.
“Hello, Deidra.”
It can’t be.
She smashed her hand over her mouth to stifle her scream. “Who is this?”
“Deidra, it’s me.” The person snickered. “Jonathan.”
“You sick fuck.” She moved toward the linen closet. “Jonathan’s dead. Is this your idea of a joke?”
“Hold on.”
A sound alerted her of a video call.
Dee pushed the button and Jonathan’s face came on the screen. “Ooh!” She covered her mouth to catch the scream.
He had on black exercise pants with no shirt. “It’s about four a.m. here in Wales.” He stretched his athletic arms. “We’re five hours ahead of you.”
“This isn’t happening.”
“You see me, right?” He pushed his face into the camera. “What more proof do you need?”
“God, stop this.”
“You look beautiful in your nightgown. That pink is radiant on your skin.”
“You faked your death just to get me back?”
“We can discuss the details once you’re here in Wales.”
She touched the top of her head. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I have your sister and if you want her to stay alive, you’ll get on a plane.”
“Oh my god.” Her heart jumped, knees shuddering. “What?”
“I’m telling the truth.” He grabbed a phone off the dresser and held it to the screen. “This is Lydia’s phone.” He scrolled through Lydia’s gallery of pictures of her and Dee.
“Oh.” Dee slammed her eyes shut, sobbing. “You bastard. Let me see her.”
“Can’t at the moment.” He gave a crooked smile. “Had to sedate her because she got a bit too hard to handle.”
“Lay a hand on her and I’ll kill you.”
“I wouldn’t hurt her.” He smacked his lips, rolling his eyes. “Why does everyone think that? I want to make her happy like I wanna make you.”
“Jonathan, please.” She leaned against the wall, shaking her head. “I’ll do anything you want.”
“Glad to hear it. If you want Lydia back, bring me what I want. If you don’t, whatever happens to her is on your head.”
Dee sniffled, struggling to appear strong.
“My private jet will bring you to Red Marrow, Wales. An associate of mine will travel with you to keep you in line.”
Dee whimpered, covering her mouth.
“You’ll have a fake passport emailed to you. Once in Wales, the associate will bring you to my estate. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“Jonathan, think. This is insane.”
“You’ll come or Lydia will pay the price.” He blew a kiss into the phone. “Don’t tell anyone. See you soon.”
“Wait.” She took a deep breath. “Promise me you won’t hurt Lydia.”
“If you’re so worried I suggest you get here as soon as possible.” He moaned. “I can’t wait until you take your place by my side. Where you belong.”
After Jonathan hung up, Dee called Lisa.
“Leece.” Dee panted, clasping her bosom. “I need to tell you something and you can’t tell anyone else. Promise me.”
“What is it, girl?”
“It’s Jonathan.” Dee looked at Winston’s bedroom door. “He’s alive, and he has Lydia.”