Chapter 2

This couldn't be a coincidence, could it?

Just because I didn't take my son to the park, the time and place of the deal had changed too.

Now it had become the clinic my son wanted me to go to for medicine?

Still not ready to give up, I sent another message to confirm with them.

You're sure? But I'm already here. If it won't work, just bring it over to me.

But they refused.

A deal like this is secretive by nature. Moving it around only invites trouble.

Do you still want it or not? If not, get your refund now. This kind of merchandise is in high demand—we won't miss one customer!

Then they sent over several more photos to prove how excellent their "living Buddha" was.

Every single one was eye-catching enough to grab attention, and every one had been taken secretly inside my home.

There was even a photo of me at my son's bedside, caring for him without sleep until I was so exhausted I'd passed out.

But I distinctly remembered that only my son and I were home that day!

The fear in my heart was beyond words. My hands were shaking.

But so I wouldn't lose the trail—and more importantly, so my son wouldn't see—I had no choice but to pretend to agree to the meeting.

Then I turned away and took off the coat I'd only just put on.

My son saw it and asked me with a puzzled look.

"Mom, why aren't you going yet? My stomach is killing me."

I waved my phone at him too and lied casually.

"Oh, my boss just messaged me. This project's needed in a rush, so I have to work overtime."

"I'll have your Uncle Jarvis bring it to the door. Same thing."

Before my son could object, I'd already sent Jarvis a message, then went back to my own bedroom acting like nothing was wrong.

But my heart wouldn't stop pounding in my chest.

Who were these people, really? And had those photos and the information about where I was going really been leaked by my son?

Should I call the police?

I was still hesitating when my phone buzzed again.

It was another message from that auctioneer.

Damn! What a rotten day. That living Buddha's throwing some kind of fit and won't go out again.

But no matter. We've already assigned someone to help you pick up the goods. Just come to this location when it's time.

They sent me another message.

The location shown on the screen was, plain as day, the underground parking garage of my own complex!

I screamed right then and there, and my phone went flying out of my hand.

Hearing the noise, my son quickly poked his head out and asked me.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

Luckily my phone started ringing, giving me a moment to recover.

I forced myself to stay calm and said offhandedly.

"It's nothing. I was just concentrating so hard I startled myself."

I picked up the phone and pressed answer. A strange man's voice came from the other end.

"Hello, Ms. James, I'm here to deliver your medicine."

"I've arrived at your complex, but I can't find Building Nine from your address. Could you come down and get it?"

"Oh, and I'm here in your complex's underground parking garage."