Uneven Exchange

by Derban, S. K.

  “What do you mean? Jake, what is going on? You’re not making any sense.”

  Isaiah’s insistent questions helped to clear Jake’s head. “Isaiah, I’m sorry, but I can’t get into it right now. I need to think.” He walked toward the door before adding, “I’ll see you later.”

  Jake slowly descended the stairs, taking them one at a time. Needing to move, he walked along the empty streets in front of the closed restaurants and shops. Soon the area would hum with the usual tourist activity, but the early-morning quiet allowed him to scan his thoughts. They raced through his head like a feeding frenzy of pigeons. Over and over, Jake examined the events leading up to Alexandra’s departure. For some reason, he kept coming back to the impromptu photography class. He knew Alexandra liked photography, but signing up for a class on such short notice had seemed out of character to her.

  He continued deliberating during the drive home, and by the time Jake reached his house, he was convinced the photography class had something to do with this mess. When Alexandra first told him she had signed up for the class, Jake remembered thinking how odd it seemed. It came out of the blue and was not her normal behavior.

  Jake parked his SUV and hurried to the front door. The moment he entered, he ran into the kitchen and yanked down his calendar from where it hung inside a cupboard door. Then, he dropped it onto the dining room table, flipped back to October, and stared at the numbered squares.

  “Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,” he said. “Who was she with, and what was Alexandra really doing? I don’t understand. Why all the secrecy?”

  Jake’s speculation turned to Alexandra’s mobile phone. If she left class, or skipped it altogether, she might have made a call. Fortunately, they had a combined business plan. Unfortunately, the statements were back at the office. Jake climbed back into his vehicle and headed there.

  After he pulled into the parking lot, Jake raced up the stairs, smiling at the darkened windows. Fortunately, Isaiah had already left and Jake could be alone. Once inside, he went directly to the filing cabinet where they kept the paid bills to retrieve copies of their mobile phone statements. Anxiously, he opened folded invoices and scanned through the preceding three months. He then cross-checked the calls with the dates, circling any number called after six p.m. on a Tuesday or Thursday and all of the numbers called on Saturday. In the process, Jake noticed that several similar numbers showed up when she was supposedly in class. Angered that Alexandra obviously wasn’t where she said she’d be, Jake’s first thought was to call each number and demand to speak with her. He promptly decided against it.

  Instead, he extracted a yellow legal pad from his briefcase and systematically recorded each number on a separate column. Of the seven total numbers, three were called only once, two had been called three times each, and one number, five times. She’d called the seventh number more than a dozen times.

  Jake took the pad to his computer, logged into their reverse directory service, and checked the numbers. All three of the numbers Alexandra had called only once belonged to clients of the firm, but none of the rest were listed. Jake paced and thought, thought and paced, and then without thinking through the consequences, automatically dialed one of the unlisted numbers.

  “Hello,” a woman answered.

  Jake greeted her and asked if he had reached the right number, which he read aloud.

  “Who is calling, please?” she asked suspiciously.

  “I’m sorry,” Jake stammered. “I must have misdialed.” Frustrated, he hung up.

  A recorded voice answered the second call without disclosing any information. The caller was simply asked to leave a message. The same recorded voice answered his third call, also without disclosing any information. Without leaving a message, Jake hung up and stared at the final number. It loomed before him ominously as he slowly tapped it into the keypad. In preparation for a verbal confrontation, Jake squeezed the receiver and waited for a response. None came as he listened to the hollow, empty ringing.

  He continued dialing the mystery number on and off for more than two hours. When he had no success, Jake finally decided to enlist the help of a friend. He knew Alexandra had lied to him, but instinct alerted him to the possibility that she could also be in danger. It was not like Alexandra to lie. But it was like Alexandra to protect those she loved. He knew it was far-fetched, but he also considered the possibility that she was being blackmailed. This time when he picked up the telephone, he dialed the police.

  “Police department,” the male dispatcher answered.

  “May I speak with Detective Sean McKittrick, please?” Jake asked courteously.

  “One moment, please,” the dispatcher said.

  Jake heard the clicks of a transfer, followed by a different ringtone.

  Within seconds, the line was answered. “McKittrick here.” The gruff sound of the officer’s voice was reminiscent of a cement mixer.

  “Hi, Mac, it’s Jake Taylor.”

  “Jake, my man! It’s nice to hear your voice. How’s business going?”

  “Well,” Jake stuttered, “that’s kind of why I’m calling. It’s about Alexandra, my business partner.”

  “Yes, I remember Alexandra. Is she okay?” McKittrick sounded concerned.

  “Frankly, Mac, I don’t know.”

  “Then start at the beginning. Why are you concerned? What happened?”

  “All I know is that she’s missing, Mac. She was supposed to be in London, on an emergency design job. But when I called this morning, she wasn’t there, and the proposed job appears to be just a sham.”

  The line went quiet for a moment. “She actually told you she was going to London,” he pressed, “or you assumed it?”

  “She told me. Alexandra even left me the telephone number.”

  “Is the telephone number she left for you the exact same telephone number you called?”

  “Well, no.” Jake paused. “I lost the original number, but Alexandra also left me the name of the man who hired her. So I looked up his telephone number.”

  “What is his name?”

  “William Jamison.”

  “Jake, you must realize that William Jamison is a very common name, especially in England. Are you positive you reached the correct William Jamison?”

  “Yes, I’m positive. His assistant even knew of Alexandra.”

  “What did this Jamison have to say?”

  “I didn’t get to speak with him. He’s out of the country.”

  “Then there you have it! Jamison must have hired Alexandra personally, without involving his assistant.”

  “I don’t know, Mac.” Jake hesitated. “It doesn’t seem likely because his assistant, Emma, said Jamison tells her everything he does.”

  “What about her cell? Did you try calling her directly?”

  “Yes, but it just rang and rang.”

  “Did you send a text?”

  “Yes, with no reply.”

  “Maybe she doesn’t have service,” McKittrick suggested.

  “I know, and that’s exactly what Alex said before she left. But something isn’t right. I can see keeping some jobs confidential but not one like a bed and breakfast. Besides, she lied to me about another thing.”

  Jake proceeded to untangle the story of Alexandra’s photography class and the calls made from her mobile phone at the same time she was supposed to be attending. He also explained how he tried to look up the numbers using the online reverse directory and what happened when he called each of them.

  “Jake, I’m sorry, man, but this sounds more like a personal problem,” McKittrick interrupted. “Is it my imagination or do you have feelings for Alexandra?”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yes, very. Does she know?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Well, she must. It sounds to me like Alexandra is seeing someone she doesn’t want you to know about. They’ve obviously gone somewhere together.”

  “I don’t know, Mac,” Jake answered
solemnly. “I can almost believe she didn’t want to tell me about traveling with another man, but the rest doesn’t make sense. Why would she lie to me about taking a photography class?”

  “Maybe she didn’t lie to you. Those calls could have been made when she was on a break.”

  “No, there were far too many. Plus, why would she lie to her parents?”

  “I don’t know. Perhaps she was trying to spare their feelings?” McKittrick guessed.

  “No, that doesn’t make any sense either. Seriously, Mac, I’m really worried about Alexandra. Maybe she had no choice but to lie? What if she’s in some kind of danger?”

  “You mean kidnaped?”

  “I don’t know what I mean,” Jake shouted. “All I know is that I can’t run the risk of doing nothing!”

  “Calm down, my friend. Now tell me, when is she supposed to be home?”

  “She’s scheduled to fly in this coming Sunday. Her flight arrives around one thirty, and I’m supposed to pick her up at the airport.”

  “That’s only the day after tomorrow, and she’s already been gone for more than a week. Jake, I seriously don’t think a couple more days are going to matter.”

  “But—”

  “Hang on a sec, I’m not finished. Why don’t you give me those unlisted numbers, and I’ll look them up.”

  “Then what do we do?”

  “Let me run the numbers first, and then we’ll talk some more. Does that sound like a plan?”

  “Okay,” Jake said reluctantly.

  After he recited the unlisted telephone numbers, McKittrick read them back for confirmation. “Now, hold tight,” he instructed Jake. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “Thanks, Mac. You have my number, right?”

  “Don’t worry, I’ve got it.”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-FIVE

  TIME TO TELL

  Drug Enforcement Administration

  National City, San Diego County, California

  Kevin

  Bone-tired, Kevin dragged himself through the hallway toward his office. As he neared the door, he could hear the persistent ringing of his private line, but it stopped before he had time to answer.

  Agent Burke appeared from around the side corridor. “Hi, Kevin,” she said. “Welcome home! How are you holding up?”

  “Hi, Sparky.” Kevin attempted a smile. “I’ll feel much better when Alexandra is home safely,” he said while unlocking his office door and walking inside. Once there, he slumped into his cushiony leather chair.

  “Don’t worry,” Natalie assured in a comforting tone. “Alex will be fine. She’s in good hands with Rico. He’ll keep her safe.”

  “I know he will. It’s just such a long trek back.”

  “Yes, I heard. Are you surprised they’re coming home by way of La Paz?”

  “Not really. I’m more surprised I didn’t think of it myself. I must be losing my touch.”

  “Don’t be silly. Besides, that’s why you have field agents. Rico is much more familiar with Mexico than you.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “I know I am.” Natalie smiled. “How did it go with Santiago?”

  “Like clockwork. Our flight from Mazatlan to Nogales took less than three hours.”

  “Well, you can’t beat that. Did you have any problems crossing into US airspace at night?”

  “Not a one. Torres handled the paperwork allowing us to leave Mexican airspace, and Scott did a great job on this end.”

  “Is Scott still with Santiago?”

  Kevin nodded. “Yes, he was already there waiting when we landed. Since I had to get back, Scott will stay on for a few days as Santiago is processed through the system.”

  “I bet you hated to leave.”

  “You know it! But at least Riggs will be in Santiago’s face, and I’m going back soon. Miguel Santiago hasn’t seen the last of me.” The increase in Kevin’s adrenaline fed his enthusiasm. “So,” he prompted Natalie, “catch me up on your end. I know you’ve been busy.”

  “Not with any hard labor,” she explained. “I have mostly been directing and intercepting telephone calls.”

  “Armando and Conner?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “Where are they now?”

  “Let’s see.” Natalie paused to check the time on her watch. “It’s Friday afternoon, so by now they should be on the plane to Cancun.”

  “They do know not to release Daniela until we give them the high sign, right?”

  “Yes, they definitely know. According to Mando, they plan to hang out at the condo and wait for our signal.”

  “Good. We can’t risk freeing her until Alexandra has safely crossed the border.”

  “Don’t worry, they know,” Natalie said. “In fact, Conner said they plan to wait until they hear from Alexandra personally.”

  “Well, hopefully, if all goes according to plan, Alex and Rico should be boarding the ferry soon.”

  “What time does it leave for La Paz?”

  “Three o’clock.”

  “It’s an overnighter, correct?” Natalie asked.

  “That’s correct. They should arrive in La Paz at nine tomorrow morning.”

  “Where do they go from there?”

  “Unfortunately, once they disembark the ferry, they will have to head straight to the bus.”

  “Did Rico make their bus reservations in Mazatlan?”

  “According to Rico, there are no reservations, and that is what he likes best,” Kevin explained. “He plans to purchase what he called a boleto, a ticket, and simply hop on.”

  “That sounds pretty good to me. So when are they expected?”

  “Now that’s the bad part. The bus ride takes anywhere from twenty-five to twenty-eight hours.”

  “Wow,” Natalie exclaimed, shaking her head. “That is going to be one long haul.”

  “Tell me about it. That’s why I am so concerned. They won’t make it to Tijuana before Sunday afternoon.”

  “Well, at least Alexandra will be traveling with one of the best,” Natalie offered.

  “You’re right about that, but I’m still not taking any chances. I plan to have a car waiting by the bus station first thing on Sunday morning.”

  Natalie nodded her approval, then began slowly. “Kevin, we’ve had a slight situation.”

  “Oh no, what else happened?” he asked reluctantly as his private line began to ring again.

  “Don’t answer that,” Natalie ordered, simultaneously placing her hand firmly on the receiver.

  Kevin eyed her suspiciously. “Sparky, I think you better tell me what’s going on.”

  “It’s Jake Taylor. He knows something’s up. That was probably him calling.”

  “Crap! He has my private number too?”

  “What do you mean ‘too’? Have you already received a briefing about our busy Jake Taylor?”

  “Only a quick one. All I know is that he’s already called my mobile, so why don’t you start at the beginning and catch me up?”

  “Certainly,” Natalie replied. “As instructed, we kept a close watch on Jake, listening to his conversations at home and at work. Everything was going great—that is, until this morning.” She stood, walked over to the window, and then turned. “From Jake’s conversation with Isaiah, it sounded like he missed Alex and just wanted to give her a call.”

  “I’m sorry, you better refresh my memory. I’m either too tired or my mind has gone blank. Who is Isaiah?”

  “He’s Jake’s apprentice. You know, the blond kid.”

  “Oh yeah, now I remember. Go on.”

  “Anyway, all would have been fine if Jake had just called the telephone number Alexandra left for him. As planned, we would have intercepted his call, and Jake would be none the wiser.”

  “But,” Kevin injected, anticipating her next word.

  “But, unfortunately, he lost the number and had to look it up.”

  Kevin rolled his eyes. “So that’s how he ended up call
ing Jamison, Limited directly?”

  “Oh yes.”

  “Did he actually reach Jamison?”

  “No, but it was just as bad. Jake spoke with Jamison’s assistant, who emphatically denied the existence of any bed and breakfast, let alone one named Kingston Manor.”

  “Just great,” Kevin mumbled under his breath.

  “I don’t know what led Jake to check Alexandra’s cell phone bill after that. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was luck. His luck, not ours, but the next thing we hear is Jake calling Casey.”

  “He called my wife?” Kevin asked as Natalie nodded. “That’s so odd, because I don’t remember ever giving Alexandra my home phone number. Heck, we rarely use that number. It’s mostly for the kids.”

  “If I remember correctly, you did give Alex the number one time when you left your mobile at the office.”

  Kevin nodded as she spoke. “You’re right. Tell me, what did Casey say?”

  “You would be proud of her, Kevin. She left him stuttering about a wrong number.”

  For the first time since arriving from Nogales, a smile ignited Kevin’s face as fond thoughts of his beautiful wife renewed his spirits. “That’s my girl,” he said proudly. “Tell me, Sparky. How do you know Jake got the numbers from Alexandra’s cellular bills?”

  “At first, we didn’t know.” Natalie’s shoulders sagged. “That is, until Jake’s next conversation explained everything.”

  “I can tell from your body language that I’m not going to like this.”

  “I know you’re not going to like it. Jake called a detective friend named Sean McKittrick.”

  “Great,” Kevin murmured. “Go on.”

  “Jake and Alexandra have a joint business plan for their mobile service. We heard Jake explain how he first looked up the numbers on the bill, then cross-checked them in a reverse directory, and how he called the unlisted ones.”

  “Smart man,” Kevin commented. “Who else did he call?”

  “There were four involving us. He called your home, your mobile like you said, and your private line here.”

  “Then I assume the fourth call was to your mobile?”

  Natalie nodded. “Yes, and I let it go to voice mail. It’s a generic recording.”