Chapter 4 BRING HER OUT

The company was in chaos as everyone run around looking for Wendy.

The account manger just found out that $350,000 was missing in the company's safe.

Aside the accountant, and the CEO, the other person who knows the password to the safe is Wendy and the CCTV captured her sneaking in last night.

CEO Reginald's face turned red with rage. Especially since Wendy didn't come to work today and she her number has been unreachable.

CEO Reginald was determined to find her by all means.

$350,000 is not small.

And now it looks like she has absconded with the money.

"Miss Clara you're her best friend. You should know her whereabout" One of the staff pointed out Clara, making all eyes fall on her.

CEO Reginald cold glance swept over Clara, making her sweat.

"Miss Clara what do you know?" he demanded, his cold gaze making Clara squirm.

"Sir..I...I.. don't know anything" she stammered, avoiding eye contact.

With Clara's mind racing, she thought -

Wendy didn't tell her anything about this yesterday.

What could Wendy have been thinking? Why would she steal from the company?

The CEO's anger boiled over. "Are you saying she acted alone?" Reginald pressed, his voice piercing.

"She really didn't tell me anything" Clara could only stare at the floor.

"Mark, search the whole city for her. Even if you have to turn the city upside down" The CEO commanded.

"Take me to her house" CEO Reginald said, facing Clara.

Clara could only nod and lead the way.

Mr Jackson sat in front of the house, pretending to read a newspaper while waiting for Wendy to return.

That silly girl got angry and walked out on them. She didn't even spend the night in the house. He was so sure she would come back today, giving Wendy's character.

"Is she not back yet?" Nana's voice sounded, making Mr Jackson jump.

"What are you doing here? You should be inside, resting" Mr Jackson was acting all worried.

"I'm fine. The one you should worry about is Wendy. She hasn't come back home since she left last night, I just hope she is okay" Nana couldn't sit still or rest when her daughter is still out there doing only God knows what. She can't loose Wendy like she loosed Wynne.

"If she still doesn't come home this afternoon, I'll go and look for her myself " Nana said, extremely worried.

Mr. Jackson feigned concern, thinking, _This is not good. Wendy's disappearance could ruin everything.

"I am sure she is fine. You don't have to bother yourself, I'll go and look for her now" Just as he was about to leave, 2 muscular men walked in.

"It's time for you to fulfill your end of the deal. Bring her out now," one of them said.

Mr. Jackson hesitated, thinking, _I need to stall them. If they find out Wendy's gone, we're in trouble.

"She quickly went to get something. She will be back soon. " Mr Jackson stood up so that they can sit and he helped his wife inside to rest.

"Who are those men?" Nana asked as Mr Jackson was about to leave.

"They are from the company I work for, they are here to collect something. I'll be back soon, so, rest" Mr Jackson put the pillow under her head and walked out.

After waiting for over an hour, the men exchanged skeptical glances.

"Where is she?" one of them asked, his voice growing menacing.

"Where is she?

This is getting out of hand. Mr. Jackson thought, feeling a sense of unease.

"She is coming" Mr Jackson tried to sound calm.

"Don't give me that bullshit! Are you hiding her somewhere?" The other man asked.

Mr. Jackson's anxiety spiked. Where was Wendy? Why hadn't she returned yet? He hastily fabricated an excuse.

"She went to work. I apologize for the earlier deception."

The two men eyed him skeptically. "We hope you're not lying again. We'll wait for her as long as it takes."

Mr. Jackson's mind racing, he thought, Wendy should be at work by now. He offered them snacks, but they declined. As they sat outside, waiting, a commotion erupted in front of the house.

CEO Reginald's voice boomed, "Wendy Jackson, come out now! Where are you hiding?"

Mr. Jackson's eyes widened. This is not good.

"CEO, what brings you here? Isn't Wendy at work?" he asked, trying to stall.

The two thugs stood up, sensing something was amiss. "Do you mean she's not at work?" one of them asked, suspicion etched on his face.

CEO Reginald's expression turned accusatory.

"Not only did she skip work, she stole $350,000 from the company safe. Mr. Jackson, where are you hiding your daughter?"

One of the men whipped out a pocket knife, moving menacingly closer to Mr. Jackson. "You lied to us, didn't you?"

Nana, who had been eavesdropping, rushed out. "What's going on? What do you mean my daughter stole $350,000?"

Reginald's response was cold. "You have 24 hours to produce your daughter. If not, prepare for the worst."

As Reginald left with Clara and his bodyguard, Nana turned to Mr. Jackson, her voice trembling. "Tell me it's not true. My daughter wouldn't do such a thing."

The two men closed in on Nana, their voices dripping with malice. "Will you bring out your daughter or should we take your wife instead?"

Mr. Jackson's face contorted in desperation. Reluctant to part with his wife

"I really don't know where she is," he pleaded. "I'll bring her to you once she returns, I promise."

The two men signaled to eachother, and their next statement made Mr Jackson's knee go weak.

"If that is the case then, you'll have to choose between your wife and......."