Clara's POV This would probably be a problem, especially when Mom and Ivy woke up. I decided to make a trip to the drugstore. I left a note on our kitchen counter saying I'd be gone for a while. I might as well grab a coffee and use the time alone to reflect.I wore my hoodie over my head as I left the house.I hadn't almost forgotten just how relaxing walking can be at times. It can help to relieve you of anxiety and all your negative thoughts. I was lost in a daydream as I continued walking. Exactly why I hadn't expected it when a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me into a corner of the street. There was a hand placed over my mouth as I used all my strength to try and fight back.I was about to get kidnapped! My mind yelled in panic."Please don't shout," a voice said.Wait, I knew who that was.What was Waylen doing here? My mind registered.My body relaxed for a moment as Waylen's grip on me loosened. I pushed him back, and he fell on the tar."What is wrong with you?" I yelled, st

Derek POV The texts were mostly about an anxious Katy asking her where she was or when she would return. The replies from Clara were mostly the same, reassuring as she texted that she would be back soon and that everything was alright. I didn't know what Katy was so worried about."She never sends a text without a full stop at the end," Katy pointed out. With the back of her hand, she wiped the tears off her cheeks. "And here..." She pointed again. "She texted O-K, Clara would never do that. She always writes it out in full as Okay. This is not her. Someone else has been using her phone." She concluded.I placed the phone on my desk. Her reasoning was absurd, but I was not about to say that to an emotional teenage girl deeply worried about her sister."Did you try calling her?" I asked instead."Just once, but she sounded very strange. We only spoke for about ten seconds before she cut us off. Something is wrong." She continued.I didn't know what to make of all of this. For all I kn

Derek POV "I tried to tell him that, but he said he trusted you more. He would like you to do it as soon as possible. He mentioned something about a potential buyer being on the line." He continued."Can't you just tell him I'm busy?" I replied as I scratched the back of my head.My grandfather and his problems are the last thing I want to deal with right now."He's just going to keep calling if you don't. I'm sure it won't take long. Might as well get it over and done with." Luke insisted."Fine," I sighed. "I'll be there in half an hour. Tell him to send the location." I answered."Sure thing," he answered. "And also, about the DeLuca contract, you still need to sign it. They want things prepared as soon as possible," he added."Why don't I meet you at the site so I can sign it there?" I suggested."I'll be there," he answered.We then ended our call.I returned to the living room to see my parents still looking worried."I'd love to stay here and argue with you guys, but I have to

Clara's POVIt's been two days, at least I think it has. My only way of telling time was by how dark it got and the occasional meals they gave me.My hands were tied behind my back to a pole.I tried loosening the rope by wiggling my hands, but it was too tight.The place was dusty, with nothing but sand and concrete around me. I wasn't conscious when they brought me here. If it wasn't some abandoned warehouse, it was most likely some unfinished building. We were definitely on a higher floor. I knew this because of the concrete staircase on the left. The foundation also ended further down, with bricks piled up on the edge.The two guys who kidnapped me had their backs turned on me and were busy wiping the blades of their knives. If I was going to devise an escape plan, now was the time.I noticed a broken glass piece on the floor. I tried stretching my leg out to kick it towards me, but I had no luck. It was too far, and my legs were too short.I sighed in frustration. How else was I

Clara's POV "Now, you will pay for all of this!" Amelia yelled, picking up her gun.She turned off the gun's safety before placing her hand on the trigger."Wait!" Scar yelled in panic. "There is someone here. Standing by a car parked outside, I see another car coming. You can't shoot her now. They will hear the gunshot." Scar warned.I was about to scream when Moustache placed his hand over my mouth.She remained hesitant as she pointed the gun at me.She finally accepted defeat as she pulled the gun down. Maybe if I made enough noise, someone could find me, and I'd finally be freed from this."You got lucky this time, and you won't be so lucky next time." She threatened.We heard footsteps and voices entering the building."I want you to tie her up and wait for me until I return. I have to try and get rid of whoever it is." She announced.She then slipped her gun back into her handbag and walked downstairs.I tried to free myself from Moustache's grip. Scar walked over to me and co