"You know, it's funny that you would ask. Let me just get straight to the point, I have your dearest mother here with me, and if you want to save her, you have to come to the old Seakards factory at 8:00p.m. Come alone and unarmed. Don't be late."
"I don't believe you!" Denella screamed.
"What? You think I'm bluffing? I never bluff."
Denella and Raphael heard Celcus' poisonous breath in the speakers. Then, they heard another voice.
"Denella! Don't come to save me. Stay right where you are!" Her mother cried.
"Mom? Is that you?" Denella questioned.
"Yes, Denella. But, listen to me, don't--" she couldn't finish because she was interrupted by Celcus when he took the phone away from her.
"Mom!! No! What did you do to her?" She snapped at Celcus.
"Nothing," he said in a calm and careless voice, "At least for now. If you want to see her again, come to the warehouse tonight, alone." And then he hung up.
Denella felt her blood boiling. She was so angry at Celcus and she needed to let her anger out. She was also shocked. The last conversation she had with her mom was full of hatred. Even if it wasn't her real mom, it was still her mom.
"What am I supposed to do?" she said as she swallowed saliva.
"You have to go, but I'm coming with you." He put his hand on top of hers. "You're not going there alone."
"I have to. He told me that I had to come alone. Who knows what he will do to her if I don't. What if he kills her? What if I never see her again?" Tears filled her eyes.
"You will, don't worry. We should get going now. It's going to be a while until we get home."