But when I began unstrapping my newborn, I felt a cold barrel pressed against my head, heard a click, and then his gravelly voice say: “As is.” I froze in fear, my heart racing as I slowly turned around to see who had me at gunpoint. It was the man who had just handed me the cash for my car.
I had no idea what he wanted, but I was certain it wasn’t good. He began to slowly back away, and I could see a sinister smile spread across his face. He motioned for me to follow him, and I knew I had no choice. I had to protect my baby.
We arrived at a dark, abandoned warehouse. He opened the door and motioned for me to enter. I stepped inside, my heart pounding. I was sure I was about to be killed.
But instead, he handed me a bag of money. He said it was the $5700 he had given me for my car, plus an additional $10,000. He said if I ever told anyone about our meeting, he would kill me and my baby.
I was terrified. I had no idea what to do. I took the money and ran as fast as I could, never looking back. I never saw the man again, but I still have nightmares about that day.
