Sarah's parents couldn't sleep either. They kept asking themselves why their daughter would leave home so suddenly.
Mum Sarah: I think Bolaji must have maltreated our daughter. Remember how she once complained that he b@at her?
Dad Sarah: But that was long ago. She hasn't complained lately.
Mum Sarah: She said he doesn't want her to do anything, and she told me she feels lonely.
Dad Sarah: I think Sarah is not being patient. Most women don't start working immediately after marriage. Besides, she just lost a pregnancy. Her focus should be on getting pregnant again.
Mum Sarah: But she said Bolaji also refused to send her to school.
Dad Sarah: You see what I'm saying? Sarah is rushing. Bolaji already told us he would buy her JAMB form this year.
Mum Sarah: Then what could make her leave the house like that? Could it be that she missed her way?
Dad Sarah: She's not picking our calls either. I just hope nothing has happened to her.
Mum Sarah: Nothing must happen to my daughter o. I told you she was too young for marriage.
Dad Sarah: Please stop that. Eighteen years old is young for marriage, but she wasn't too young for dating and even… (he sighed) doing ab0rtion. Let's focus on praying that God brings her back safely.
The next morning, Bolaji went to the police station to file a missing person report. Afterward, he returned home and kept trying Sarah's number. At first it rang, but later it went off completely.
He sighed deeply. What could be going on? Did she miss her way, or has she truly run away from me?
He became very restless and started regretting all his actions. Perhaps he had been too strict with her.
Two days passed without any sign of Sarah. Bolaji's parents had been informed, and they also reported at their own side.
Then, one early morning, Bolaji's phone rang. The number was private. He picked it quickly.
A strange voice came through:
Voice: You must be wondering who's speaking. Well… listen to this voice.
He handed the phone to someone.
Sarah (shaking voice, crying): It's me… I've been kidn@pped!
Before she could say more, the man snatched the phone back.
Voice: You hear am now? No time for long talk. Go and prepare twenty million naira. I will send the address. If you involve the police, just assume she's gone. After I confirm the money, we will release her.
The line went dead.
Bolaji froze. His heart raced. Oh God… how did she end up in the hands of kidnappers?
He tried calling back, but of course, the number was hidden. He dropped the phone on the table, running his hands through his hair.
Being a cybersecurity expert, Bolaji immediately began to trace what he could from the call. He knew tracing a private number wasn't easy, but he recorded the call and ran it through his tools. After some effort, he was able to narrow down the signal—it seemed to be coming from around Ogun State.
Could it be that she was going to her parents' side? he wondered.
He quickly informed the police about what he found. With the little information, they began to move into action.
Bolaji sat back, his head in his hands. Sarah… please be safe.