The three men closely followed her as she stepped out of the car. They were clueless about her intentions but didnât ask, fearing angering her even more. Most places like this have security systems installed.
Ellinor walked up to the entrance of the diner, and with a swift, forceful kick, she busted the dinerâs roll-
up door.
The alarm blared. It was a shrill sound that caught the attention of the bystanders.
People were absolutely bewildered.
A group of four, three men and a woman in a swanky car, were vandalizing a dinerâs door? What on earth was happening?
The intimidating aura of the three men by Ellinorâs side kept the curious onlookers at bay.
Soon, the alarm brought the owner to the scene.
The owner was a middle-aged man who came with his wife.
âWho the hell are you? Why are you busting my door? Whatâs your game?â The owner barked, though he seemed quite insignificant in the presence of Ellinorâs entourage.
His wife, slightly scared, didnât approach too close but stood her ground at a distance as she warned them. âYou better not try anything funny! Weâve already called the cops. Why would you try to rob us?
Is there no law left?â
Ellinor walked up to the owner and gave him a slight bow. âIâm sorry for ruining your door. I had no other choice. I need to ask you something, but your door was closed. We had to get your attention this way. Rest assured; we will compensate you tenfold for the door.â
The wife, on seeing this, moved a bit closer to her husband while eyeing Ellinor suspiciously. âWhat do you want from us? We donât even know you! You donât strike me as a good person, so donât even think about tricking us! Do good people behave this way? Our contact number is clearly mentioned on the diner signboard, and still, you chose to break our door?!â
Ellinor bowed again. âI know it was wrong. Iâm really sorry. But Iâm desperate⦠Maâam, my son has been kidnapped. I need some info from you and your husband about the kidnappers. Can you help me, please? My son is only five years old.â
When it came to kids, women tended to empathize quickly. After seeing Ellinorâs tear-streaked face and red eyes, the wifeâs guard dropped a little. âDear, what does your sonâs kidnapping have to do with us?
We are simple folks who run an honest business. We donât know any kidnappers.â
âI know. Iâm not accusing you two of knowing the kidnappers. Just that a girl who used to work here before is involved in it. Sheâs around my age. Could you tell me how to contact her?â
The couple exchanged glances, then looked back at Ellinor.
The wife spoke again. âGirl, itâs not that we donât want to help you. But we hire a lot of temporary workers here. Many are just students on holiday or folks in need of quick cash. Who exactly are you talking about? We have quite a few girls working here.â
âSheâs around my height and build and goes by the name Patricia. Though, she might have used a pseudonym. Look at me; we might look a bit alike.â The wife walked up to Ellinor, studied her face closely, and thought for a bit. âOh yes! A girl named Megan worked here for a few days a while back. I had to let her go. She didnât work long and didnât leave any contact information. Girl, Iâm afraid we canât be of much help to you.â
Ellinorâs hope dimmed slightly, but she was not ready to give up. âCan you think of any other clues she might have left? I beg you, Iâm really worried about my son!â
Ellinorâs desperation made the wife feel sorry for her. âOh⦠Whatâs your relationship with this girl whoâs kidnapped your son? Girl, I really want to help you, but I honestly donât know her contact or address. I let her go because I noticed she was flirting with my husband⦠Oh, wait!â