“Marilyn Trudy Harris, you get in this house right now!” I yelled for my young daughter who liked to trollop around our field like one of the ponies her Grandfather purchased for her over the years. It had become quite the Birthday tradition. I blamed him for her inquisitive nature. He left no stone unturned where she was concerned. Her Father was a dead beat and only came around when it was beneficial for him. Therefore, my Dad compensated her with material items, she in turn viewed that as love.
“Marilyn!” I screamed a little louder so my voice would carry. Still no reply.
This wasn’t the first time my calls went unanswered and it wasn’t the first time I found myself out in the meadow looking for her. But, it was the only time I could not find her. I frantically called for my Father to come assist in my search.
After about twenty minutes we stumbled across a neat little setting; A picnic basket covered by a colorful throw with the most perfect pumpkin sitting on top.
My Father anxiously opened the basket and in it was a letter requesting he pay ransom for the return of my little Marilyn. He retrieved his cell phone to call the authorities. I stopped him afraid of what would come along with such a move. He easily had the 1.5 million that they demanded.
We followed the instructions. He was to go alone, make the money drop and Marilyn would be back at the farm before he returned.
I kissed him on the forehead and quickly went to the back to pack my own things. Once he was out of sight, I ran to my car, there Marilyn and her father were waiting for me.
We made our way to retrieve the money. My Father trusted me but I lost faith in him a long time ago. Nothing is ever for free; this was a lesson I didn’t want my daughter to learn but I knew the time was coming. Her Dad took his cut and Marilyn and I set off to start our new life.
Leesa Writes 
Wow. Surprising and disturbing.
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