Chapter 2601


    Mara pursed her lips, utterly baffled by her father’s presence there. Far from being of any help, he had


    even shed tears during the negotiations. She had little respect for a man who


    cries.


    “Let’s not rush to hand over the cash just yet. Let’s get in touch with the police and see what they


    suggest,” Dean said, trying to inject some sense into the situation.


    Elton panicked at the suggestion. “How can we do that? The kidnappers have already warned us-no


    police! If they find out we’ve involved the police, won’t the kids be in even greater danger?”


    Alyssa waved a dismissive hand. “You don’t know their type, nor do you understand them. Even if we


    don’t go to the police, they have ways to threaten the kids. We need to act fast to find their hideout-


    that’s the real solution. Don’t just think about paying them off. Have you considered their greed? Can


    you truly satisfy them?”


    Elton fell silent; after all, the ransom money wasing from their pockets. He had no ground to stand


    on.


    Dean patted him on the shoulder. “Look, we are just as eager to rescue the children. But we need you


    to work with us on this.”


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    “Alright!” Elton nodded vigorously, while Mara watched with a calcting gaze. She suspected the


    situation would be resolved quickly, but she didn’t want it to be-not just


    yet.


    She hoped Victoria would get hereuppance. As long as Balfour returned safely, that was all that


    mattered.


    The police arrived quickly, recognizing the gravity of the situation.


    “Captain Aidan, I can’t believe that two children were snatched in broad daylight right at the school


    gates. What’s happening with our public safety? Is it so poor that soon people will be kidnapped just


    standing by the roadside?” Alyssa osted the officer on arrival, her voice heavy with concern and


    anger.


    The thought of Balfour, not yet an adult, enduring such an ordeal gave her a headache. His childhood


    had been hard enough without this. Once Balfour was back, she vowed to take him to church to light a


    candle and wash away the bad luck.


    Captain Aidan, looking apologetic, reassured Alyssa, “We’ve been negligent, and I assure you, Mrs.


    Howard, this will not happen again on our watch. Don’t worry; we’ve begun tracking the number that


    called you. If they weren’t careful enough, I believe we’ll soon pinpoint their location.”


    They couldn’t be certain of the oue, but Balfour was smart. With just a slight hint from her, he’d


    understand what she meant.


    “If possible, I’d like to have another conversation with Balfour,” Captain Aidan suggested after listening


    to the initial recording. It was easier said than done.


    “How about this? I’ll go ahead with the money to lure them into a false sense of security, and then we


    can make our move. How does that sound?”


    The others nodded in agreement. There seemed no better n; they had to wait and hope for the best.