Berlin stared at Mrs. Lydia in shock. "Penelope was kidnapped? When? How?"
"About two hours ago," Karlos said, still holding Berlin close. "She was at the mall with friends when someone grabbed her and threw her into a van. Her friends called the police immediately."
"Did they see who did it?" Berlin asked.
"No," Prissy said, wiping tears from her eyes. "The van had dark windows. But the kidnappers left a note."
She handed Berlin a piece of paper. The message was short and terrifying:
"We have Penelope Caldwell. If you want to see her alive again, bring $10 million in cash to the old factory on River Road by midnight tonight. Come alone, Berlin Wayne. If anyone else comes, or if you call the police, she dies."
Berlin's hands started shaking. "Why do they want me to bring the money? Why not her parents?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out," Karlos said. "This doesn't make sense. Penelope's parents are in jail. Who would kidnap her?"
