Kidnapping the Billionaire's Baby

Jaslene dropped back into her chair and studied Amara with a concerned air. “No, I was bluffing. Does Frederik always act that way when he sees you?”

Amara also sat, suddenly exhausted as the adrenaline broke down in her system. “No. He’s condescending and likes to get in a nasty remark or two, but nothing like today.”

“You should think about getting a restraining order,” Jaslene said.

The suggestion shocked Amara. “It’s not bad enough for that.”

“It went south pretty fast, Amara. He tried to shove you out of the way to get to your baby. It was physical, and that’s really bad.”

Amara considered it. No. It wasn’t like he hit her or anything.

“Why was he trying to get to Hampton? What if he had gotten to him?” Jaslene asked.

“He only wanted to look at Hampton, probably to say mean things to me about him. That’s what Frederik does. He attacks with words.”

“I don’t see why he can’t let this go. You’ve been broken up forever. And I don’t see why he’s the bitter one.”

“He was caught lying, and he lost a lot of status because of it.”

“He should have been fired,” Jaslene said.

“Maybe. Not my call, though. I keep thinking he’ll move on, get on with his own life again,” Amara said. “So far though, no such luck.”

“At the very least, you should tell the dean.”

“I’ll think about it. Anyway, I’ll stay away from the office for a while to let Frederik cool down. It’ll be okay. He’s all talk, trust me.”

“I hope you’re right.” Jaslene glanced over at the sleeping baby. “For both your sakes.”

THE NEXT NIGHT, AT HOME, Amara had just finished Hampton’s evening bath when her phone rang. She picked up her phone and saw Kari’s smiling face on the screen.

They’d spoken several times about what Frederik had done at school, and Kari probably had plenty more to say. Amara considered ducking the call, but answered nonetheless. Kari was her best friend, after all.

“Hey Kari. Let’s not talk about Frederik anymore, just for tonight, okay?” She headed back to the kitchen, picking up the dishes from her dinner.

Kari’s tone was hard to place, not happy, not excited, not sad, but perturbed in some way. “That won’t be a problem. I just called to make sure you’re home. I’m outside, and I’ll be up in a sec.”

“Okay,” Amara said, but Kari had already hung up.

Amara placed the dishes in the sink then headed to the living room to wait for Kari. It didn’t take long before her brisk knock came on the door. Amara let her in.

Kari looked harried and frantic. “I came right over. Thought you shouldn’t be alone when you hear this. And since you’re looking confused, I know you haven’t heard.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket and rapidly thumbed over it.

Kari handed it to Amara and said, “Read.”

Amara hesitated, concern for her friend warring with curiosity.

“Read it,” Kari repeated.

Amara looked at the phone. It was open to a news app. The top story’s headline was in caps, bold and large:

PHILANTHROPIST AND CEO QUINT FORBES

FOUND ALIVE IN SOUTHWEST TAJIKISTAN

She stared down at the story, agape. Her hands began to shake, making it difficult to read.

“I know,” Kari said. “Sit down.”