"I'm glad you're not a stupid man. I want two million dollars in unmarked bills, non-consecutive numbers," the man started. He gave dropping instructions, and a timeline for delivery. "If you do as I ask, you'll be with Molly by the end of the evening, if not then you'll be attending her funeral," the man sneered. Trenton wanted to rip the man limb from limb and was amazed he was able to keep his voice calm.
Trenton hung up the phone and felt his father's hand on his shoulder. He was amazed at the comfort he felt from the simple gesture. He hung his head and took a few deep breaths, trying to control his rage. He explained everything to his family. He looked over at Jennifer, who had her eyes on him, seeming more alert, but still filled with terror.
He walked over to the couch, needing to hold Jennifer in his arms. He didn't say a word, just sat down next to her and pulled her onto his lap. She laid her head on his shoulder and he ran his hands through her hair, both of them comforting each other.
"Please bring her back," she finally whispered, making his heart ache with the trust she placed upon him.
"I will," he promised and vowed to himself it would be one promise he'd make sure to follow through on, no matter what it took.
His father secured the money and then he was soon leaving the house, praying when he walked back in those doors it would be with Molly. He was terrified, not for himself but that he'd fail. He could care less about the money, it meant nothing to him. He only wanted Molly home. When she was, he and Jennifer needed to sit down together, because if he'd learned anything about the experience, it was Jennifer and Molly were his family now and he couldn't live without them, not even one more day.
He followed the instructions the kidnapper set and soon was waiting in the designated spot, holding a bag filled with two million dollars. A child approached him and handed him a note saying to hand the bag over and walk down to the coffee shop a block away. He did as the note said and quickly made his way to the shop.
He walked in the doors and there at a back table was Molly, sitting by herself, drinking a glass of hot chocolate. He rushed to the table and pulled her into his arms.
"Uncle Trenton, you're late," she said as she took another sip from her cup.
"I'm sorry," he told her, while taking his phone out and calling the agent, letting them know he had Molly and they could go after the kidnapper. He didn't even care what happened at that point. He just wanted to get Molly home, back into Jennifer's arms.
"That's okay, the man said to wait here for you," she told him and he was relieved she seemed to not realize what had happened. He wanted to ask her questions but he decided to just get her home and then go from there. He wouldn't feel completely safe until she was under his roof once more.
"Let's go home. Aunt Jennifer needs to see you," he said, his voice coming out choked, she thankfully didn't notice.
He walked to his car and drove back to the house. As he walked through the doors with Molly in his arms, the room exploded into action. Jennifer looked up, with her tear stained face breaking out in a huge grin. She jumped from the couch and pulled Molly into her arms and Trenton was never more thankful in his life to have been able to keep a promise.
She looked over Molly's head, her eyes connecting with his and gave him a completely unguarded smile and he couldn't resist pulling them both into his arms. He vowed to always keep them safe.
"Thank you, Trenton. Thank you so much, I love you," she sobbed, which shook him to his very core. She'd never spoken those words, before. He knew she was vulnerable at that moment but he knew it was right. He knew they were going to be okay. He kissed her gently, wanting to feel her soft lips beneath his own, wanting to make sure the moment was real. Molly giggled, breaking their spell and he kissed her on the nose, which caused her to giggle even more.
"I need to talk to my family and then we'll have a big dinner to celebrate," he told Jennifer, kissing her again. She smiled at him and took Molly upstairs, he was sure to bathe her and check every square inch of her body. He headed over to his father, needing to speak to him.
Just as he was about to pull him aside, there was a knock on the door and the agent he'd called stepped inside with a huge smile on his face.
"We caught the guy. The idiot was in a rundown vehicle that wouldn't start so he was still in the area. He was barely older than a teenager and trying to make some easy money. The good news is I don't think he had any desire to hurt the child, but he will still be locked up for a very long time and your family has nothing to worry about," the agent said.
"Thank you for your hard work. I'll let my wife know," Trenton said, shaking the man's hand. He left them and Trenton pulled his father aside, needing to talk to him. They took a walk outside and as if his father knew he needed to gather his thoughts, he walked silently next to him.