Halfway through

“Alright. I am calling from Brooklyn Street. We found a set of twins by the roadside who had a picture of you and a lady in their pockets, along with your phone number. Are these your children?” The lady asked and Damien felt his heart seize.

“Daddy? Is that you?” Adrian’s tiny voice said through the phone and a tear immediately dropped from Damien’s eyes.

He was happy that his children had been found but at the same time he was furious that they were abandoned on a street all by themselves.

“Harriet. Is there a woman with them?” He asked immediately, crossing his fingers as he hoped that his ex-wife would also be with them.

“No, sir. I found them sitting all by themselves around the corner. Please get here as fast as you can.” She replied. Damien’s happiness was cut short upon hearing that Harriett had still not been found.

Now, he was completely sure that it was Evelyn’s doing because she knew how much he loved his children.

Damien hit his steering wheel angrily and was about igniting his car engine when his phone started beeping, informing him that Evelyn was getting a phone call.

He immediately tapped in and listened to her conversation.

“Is it done?” He heard her say and after a few buzz, the man on the other line speaks up.

“Yes. I have released the children as you requested.” He replied and Damien’s jaw tightened.

“What about Harriett? How is she doing?” She asked.

“After hearing that her children had been released, she became quiet. She doesn’t seem bothered at all.” The man replied and Damien felt his heart lighten up with relief.

He knew what this meant- Harriett was waiting for him.

“I’m coming, Harriett. I’m coming.” He hummed and zoomed off to the location of his children.

When he got there, they were seated with an elderly lady which he figured was the same lady who called him earlier.

“Daddy!” Adrian saw him first and immediately ran to him with his hands wide open. He looked like he had been crying as his face was wet with tears and his eyes were red.

Addison slowly stood up from where she sat and walked up to him. “Mummy.. I want mummy.” She cried with puppy eyes making Damien feel like shit.

He hated himself for being unable to protect his family.

“Oh dear. Is there mother okay? They’ve been crying and calling for her since I found them.” The elderly lady who looked malnourished said and Damien shook his head before walking up to her.

“She isn’t but, I’ll find her. Thank you so much for taking care of my babies. I’ll never forget the favour.” He said and slipped a cheque that he had earlier prepared into her hand along with his card.

“This is my number. Call me if you ever need help.” He said and turned to leave when the lady opened the cheque. A loud gasp left her lips as she saw that he had given her a hundred thousand dollars.

That was nothing for a man like Damien and he would give more if it meant that his family would be happy.

“Oh my! Thank you so much, sir. I’ll be forever grateful. I pray that you find your wife and that happiness never ceases from your family.” She said with a hand on her chest as tears flowed from her eyes.

“Amen. Have a wonderful day.” He replied and carried his children to the car.

When he got to Harriet’s home, his parents were already there as both families were terribly worried about Harriett and the children. As he walked through the door with Adrian and Addison, they became overjoyed as they thought that he had found a way to rescue them.

“Adrian! Addy!” Ha Young ran to them and crouched down to their level as she attacked them with hugs and kisses.

“And Harriett? Is she outside?” Jake asked, staring at Damien who bowed his head in defeat.

“Where is she, son? Where is Harriett?” His mother asked with a shaky voice and Ha Young immediately turned to him, still holding the children.

“You… you! How could you?! You abandoned my daughter… again!” She screamed, hitting his chest repeatedly.

“I didn’t! I didn’t even know where they where. I only got a call from a stranger who found them on the street!” Frustrated and angry, he found himself raising his voice but not at anyone in particular. It was the only way he could let his anger out.

“I’ll find her! I’m going to protect my family no matter what!” He said and bent down to give Addison and Adrian a kiss on their foreheads before walking.

*

*

“What’s up?” Eric nonchalantly said through the phone.

“I need your help. Harriet has been kidnapped.” He revealed and he heard Eric’s breath hitch.

“What? Who the fuck is responsible? It’s that bitch, isn’t it?” Eric spat with disgust laced in his voice. Damien wasn’t surprised that he immediately suspected Evelyn. He knew that Eric had never liked her and with all that has happened recently, he had to say that Eric had been right from the beginning.

“Yes, but she keeps denying it. I found a way to tap into her phone but I need your help to help trace a number. I heard her speak with the kidnapper a few minutes ago so, all we have to do is find him and get him to confess. Evelyn will be done for that way.” He said and Eric couldn’t help but be amazed at how proactive his friend was when it came to Harriett.

“Send all you have to me. I’ll work on the rest. Don’t worry, Damien. We’re going to find her.” Eric assured and he nodded.

“Of course. This time, we’ll deal with that scheming bitch properly.” He said with gritted teeth as he gripped his steering wheel so hard, his knuckles were almost white.

“Oh, that reminds me. What about the plan to lead her on before dealing with her? Are you still going to go with that plan now that this has happened?” Eric asked and Damien scoffed.

“Fuck that plan. I’m getting her now!”