The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 17

The van jostled along, heading out of the city.

Noella noticed they were headed towards Imperial West Hospital, and thought, “Well, ain’t that a stroke of luck! These goons are giving me a free ride.”

“Who sent you?” she demanded.

The kidnapper let out a sleazy chuckle, his face full of creep.

“Listen, girlie, we ain’t lookin‘ to harm ya, but you had to go and get greedy, eyeing stuff that ain’t yours.” he taunted.

“We’ll just dump ya in some mountain area, and don’t you worry, you won’t be seeing the light of day again! Lucky for you, you’re easy on the eyes. That pretty face of yours could bring in a good chunk of change up in the hills. Pop out a few chunky kids, and you’re golden.”

Noella swiftly reached for the small knife tucked at her waist and conked out a few of the kidnappers, then pressed the blade against the driver’s neck.

“Who sent you? My patience is wearing thin.”

The driver, shaking like a leaf and gripping the steering wheel, stammered out, “Oh please, have mercy! We’re just hired guns! It was Belinda! She forked over a cool hundred grand for us to whisk you away and sell you off in some mountain dump!”

Belinda hadn’t said that Noella could fight!

With a nonchalant “Drive to Imperial West Hospital,” Noella might as well have been the Grim Reaper sharpening his scythe. The driver nearly lit the steering wheel on fire getting her there.

As soon as Noella got out, she shouted at the guards at the door, “They kidnapped me!”

The guards had seen her coming and going from Imperial West Hospital and knew her as the pretty granddaughter of the Schnabel family who was also a chess whiz.

The hospital guards were special forces soldiers pulled from the ranks for duty. They were used to standing guard.

Hearing Noella’s cry for help, the special forces guys stepped up and quickly subdued the bad

guys.

“Thanks,” said Noella.

“Don’t mention it, Miss. Get inside. Mr. Marcel has been fussing over you for ages. We’ve got this!”

They all thought highly of Noella, a real looker who was polite and smart to boot–a true Schnabel family gem.

No sooner had Noella stepped into the ward than she heard Marcel’s robust voice, “Where’s my

13:13

Didn’t they say she was on her

did you take your

up at the

darling. Tavian from building three is waiting to play chess

that Noella knew Marcel was dodging the subject of his medicine. She

daily meds to Marcel and said,

Grandpa. Be good.”

reluctantly downed the bitter pills and pulled a face. “Disgusting! Why are you only getting here now?”

went shopping this morning and had lunch with Beckett.

worry Marcel she kept mum about the kidnapping ordeal. She could handle. Belinda’s antics on her own.

bore? Shopping’s fine. My granddaughter ought to dress to the nines. I’ll send

Thanks, Grandpa.”

all excited, led her to another ward. “Come on, let’s go play some chess!”

in the day. Tavian used to make Marcel lose at chess all the time.

beaming with smiles, Heh, his granddaughter was a champ, winning every game!

of Harmonia Country, looked on with admiration. Judging the player

you ever run into trouble, come

was not having it. “Who needs your big talk? I’m

matter if you kick the bucket or

Noella, go play. I’ve got to settle a score with this geezer!”

bowed to Tavian before leaving

She sensed the presence of an assassin. It seemed the Cerulean Whale had sent

out her silencer–equipped pistol and disappearing

the Schnabel

herself at Sienna who was tending

bad news!! saw Noella being taken

was stunned, her $3 million watering can

you talking about?”

study with the four

were just discussing which country to buy Noella a castle in when

almost fainted on the

you see that? Why didn’t you call us? Why didn’t you call the police first? What if something happened to Noella!”

scared and I ran home to tell Mom and Dad.” Yvonne

scoundrels plenty of time to do their dirty work, she even strolled around Rising Glory Mall treating herself to a shopping spree, a nice meal, and a full–blown skin pampering session, all to be in tip–top

out his phone

something that went down at three in the afternoon? What the heck have you been up to?”

said in a pitiful tone, “What’s that supposed to mean, Jasper? Of course. I was at the hospital taking care of Grandma. Ever since she’s been admitted, it’s been