Janelle
has locked herself in the Women’s restroom at the abandoned gas station,
secretly placing a call to Sheriff Horton.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Janelle
gave a sigh of relief when she heard the sheriff’s voice. “Oh, Sheriff, I’m so
glad you’re there.” She glanced at the restroom door and kept her voice low in case
Monty could hear her on the other side. “This is Janelle Weaver, and—”
“Janelle!
Nellie! Hey, it’s been a long time. Tell me, how’s your dad doing in his new
venture?”
“Sheriff,
this isn’t a social call.” Tears edged her eyes as she rushed on. “I need your
help, and I don’t have much time to explain.”
“Oh?”
The tone of his voice changed. “What can I do for you?”
“I’ve
been kidnapped by two gambling bookies.”
“Kidnapped!”
“Yes, they’re holding me for ransom at an abandoned gas
station on Route 21 south of Belleview.”
The
sound of paper rustled over the line. “What are their names?”
“Cliff
and Monty. I don’t know their last names.”
“I
know them—Cliff Vinson and Monty Klein.” He covered the mouthpiece and yelled
at one of his men. “Wilson! Get Reese and Fisher. We have a job in Belleview.”
He spoke into the phone. “Who’s supposed to pay the ransom?”
“Ben
Thorne.”
The
sheriff didn’t say anything.
Janelle imagined his mouth hanging open. “I know it’s
surprising, Sheriff, but evidently Ben is a-a—” She swallowed. “a gambler—”
“Now
don’t come unglued, Nellie. Vinson and Klein are always pulling these stunts,
and I’m tired of it.” He paused. “I can arrest them on kidnapping charges.”
“They’re
certainly holding me against my will.”
“Tell
me how they kidnapped you.”
A sudden pounding vibrated the door. “Okay, toots. Time’s
up!”
“I’ll
be right out, Monty!” She lowered her voice. “I have to hang up, Sheriff. Can
you help me?”
“I’ll
call Ben immediately. We’ll get you out, Nellie. Sit tight and don’t worry.”
“Thank
you, Sheriff. Thanks so much.” Breathing out a sigh of relief, she pressed the
button to cut off the call.
And thank you, Lord!
She was in God’s hands—and Sheriff Horton’s.
* * *
Until
tomorrow…
Good scene!!
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