Chapter 19 Where Is She?

Judy's voice came through on the phone. "Ms. Maia left before daybreak, sir. I tried to persuade her to wait until the snowstorm stopped, but she seemed in a hurry and told me to mind my own business."

Cedric frowned. As soon as he hung up, Zera spoke again.

"So you were really with Maia…" She lowered her gaze and murmured, "She must have gone to see you on purpose so you wouldn’t suspect her."

She grew more anxious as she continued, "This way, she’d have an alibi. Mom's kidnappers would never say she did it if she paid them off or threatened their families. She knew she’d never be charged! Oh, my God, how could she be so evil?"

Zera frantically paced in circles. "I wonder how Mom is now…"

Suddenly, a loud crash was heard as Cedric smashed his phone to pieces.

He looked terrifying as he said, "Find out where Maia is."

Baz nodded. "Yes, sir!"

...

It was still snowing that morning. Maia trudged through the thick layer of snow to arrive at Burgess Winery.

Suddenly, a whistle c