However, my face darkened instantly. My credit card had been cut in half, and the funds had been frozen by Shane.
Taking a deep breath, I called my secretary at the company.
“How much cash can we liquidate and transfer within ten minutes?” I asked.
“15 million dollars,” she replied.
“Good. Transfer it to me immediately.”
Since tracking the abductors wasn’t an option, the only choice was to meet their demands. 20 million dollars was no small sum, but it was a price worth paying if it meant saving Shane’s parents.
Still five million dollars short, I quickly reviewed my options and dialed Craig Fletcher, Shane’s uncle.
“Uncle Craig, Shane’s parents have been abducted. We’re still five million dollars short of the ransom. Could you lend it to me? I’ll repay you as soon as they’re safe.”
Craig gasped in shock. “Has my sister been abducted? Does Shane know about this?”
I sighed and replied calmly, “I told him, but he doesn’t believe me. He’s at the hospital with Hailey right now. You’re the only one who can help me.”
“Stay right where you are. I’ll transfer the money right away!”
As soon as Craig hung up, the abductors called again.
“Time’s up. Where’s the money?”
My heart sank, but I kept my tone as even as possible. “It’s almost ready. Please just give me a little more time. You’ll get every penny you asked for.”
The abductor’s voice grew impatient. “Come over with the 20 million dollars now. Not a cent less, or I’ll kill them!”
Fighting to keep my emotions in check, I said, “Just 30 more minutes! If my in-laws are still alive, I promise you’ll get the full amount!”
No sooner had I finished speaking than I heard Shane’s parents wailing hysterically in the background.
The abductor’s voice turned icy and venomous. “If the money doesn’t arrive within 30 minutes, you’ll be collecting their bodies!”