Chapter 7 - The Wedding Was a Trap
Thomas stared at Evelyn.
“Give me the phone.”
She hesitated.
“Now.”
She handed it over.
The message was from an unknown number.
There was a photograph attached.
Claire.
Alive.
Tied to a chair.
Thomas's breath caught.
Toby saw the image and started crying.
Thomas immediately turned the phone away.
“Don't look.”
The message continued.
BRING THE USB TO THE RIVER WAREHOUSE. COME ALONE.
Thomas looked at Evelyn.
“They want the drive.”
She nodded.
“They've been waiting for it.”
Thomas looked down at Toby.
The little boy was holding his jacket.
Thomas crouched.
“Listen to me.”
Toby sniffled.
“Mommy is coming home.”
“Promise?”
Thomas hesitated.
Then nodded.
“I promise I'll bring her home.”
He stood.
Security officers moved closer.
Thomas shook his head.
“No one follows me.”
The chief protested.
“Sir—”
“If they see anyone, Claire dies.”
Evelyn stood.
“Thomas, I'll go.”
He looked at her.
“You're part of this.”
“I know.”
“You hurt my daughter.”
“I know.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“You shouldn't.”
Her voice was quiet.
“But I know where they keep her.”
Thomas stared at her.
For the first time, Evelyn looked less like a bride and more like a mother who had been trapped.
Thomas picked up the USB.
He placed it in his pocket.
Then he looked toward the dark windows.
Outside, the hotel driveway was empty.
No police.
No security.
Only rain beginning to fall.
Thomas turned to Toby.
“Stay with the security team.”
Toby grabbed his hand.
“Don't go.”
Thomas squeezed his fingers.
“I have to.”
The boy whispered:
“Grandpa?”
“Yes?”
“Bring Mommy home.”
Thomas nodded.
Then he walked toward the exit.
May you like
Behind him, Evelyn followed.
👉 Thomas had entered the hotel expecting a wedding; now he was walking into a trap where his daughter's life depended on a single black USB drive.
