“No, you’re not,” Jake assured her.
“Call me once you find Ryan. I don’t want any surprises this time.”
“I sure will,” Jake said.
Kiara looked at him for a moment and then walked to her desk. She took out the car keys from her bag and left. Jake kept looking at her until she stepped out of the main door. With that, he turned to the interrogation room.
CHAPTER 12
Donald was in deep sleep. Jake entered without making any noise, and as he reached the table, he punched it as hard as he could. Donald woke up in shock. It took him a few seconds to realize where he was. Sweat drops glistened on his face.
“You… you gave me a heart attack,” he said while panting heavily, “What time is it?”
“Myth-busting time,” Jake replied. The tiredness had left his face.
“What?” Donald asked.
“Get up and dust yourself. We’re going to meet your friends,” Jake replied.
“What friends?” Donald asked and looked at the interrogation mirror. “What’s happening?”
“No one is out there. Now get up or we’ll be late,” Jake said firmly.
A streak of nervousness ran across Donald’s face. “Where are you taking me?”
“Real subtle, Jake,” Jake said to himself. “I’m taking you to the place where the actual perpetrators of this nonsense are hiding.”
“You mean…” Donald said in disbelief.
“Yes... they’re real people,” Jake said. “Now, get up.”
Donald got up reluctantly. “Why are you taking me?”
“So that you could see it with your own eyes,” Jake said. “See, you’re going to jail anyhow. I want you to see the real picture before that happens.”
“And, you won’t harm me?” Donald asked.
“If anyone comes to know I took you out of here, I’ll lose my job immediately,” Jake said, “If you aren’t sitting here tomorrow morning, it will be ‘The End’ for me.”
Donald nodded reluctantly. “What if you bring me back, and I still tell your boss about this?”
“That’s the risk I’m willing to take,” Jake mused, “And, believe me, if I’m right, you’ll not complain against me; you’ll thank me instead.”
“I guess, I don’t have anything to lose,” Donald agreed.
Jake took hold of his arm and came out of the interrogation room. The whole place was empty barring a few voices coming from upstairs. Once sure that no one was noticing them, he walked to the main entrance.
“You wait here while I get the car,” he said, “As soon as I reach here, you get inside immediately.”
Two guards were doing the night shift. Jake walked to the car and got inside quietly. He started the car and looked at the guards from the rear-view mirror. They noticed the sound of the car engine but went back to their positions in a moment.
He drove the car to the main entrance. Donald got inside immediately.
“I’m not sure why I’m doing this,” he said while shaking his head.
“You had your chance in the interrogation room,” Jake smirked, “Now, sit tight.”
“Where are we going?” Donald asked as they came out of the city and entered the freeway.
“You don’t recognize the route?” Jake asked with a faint smile.
“Are we going to…”
“Yes, we are,” Jake finished the sentence.
“Why?”
“Because, the extraterrestrials have set up a base there, and they would love to meet their old pal,” Jake said.
“You’re insane,” Donald said with nervousness, “What are you planning to do with me?”
“Give me five more minutes. Let’s reach their base first,” Jake said.
“I shouldn’t have come with you.” Donald said and started mumbling some prayers. Jake ignored him and concentrated on driving.
Jake parked the car on the roadside as they reached Donald’s old address. He got out of the car, walked to Donald’s side, and opened his door.
“Get down,” he said.
“I won’t,” Donald resisted.
Jake took out his gun and showed it to Donald. Donald began to shiver in fear. He got out reluctantly while looking around. There was not a single soul in the vicinity and at this hour even the road was devoid of any traffic.
“Don’t kill me,” he said in a quavering voice. “I… I did what they told me to do.”
Jake looked at him with surprise and began to laugh. “You think…” he said and pointed at his gun.
“Listen, I’ve nothing against you. In fact, I’m doing you a favor. Come with me.”
With that, he pulled Donald from his arm and brought him to the gravel path.
“The man who kidnaped my partner stays there,” he pointed at the house. “Does the name Martha Jones rings some bell?”
“Martha?” Donald asked and thought for a moment. “I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“Okay… you’ll now,” Jake said, “She and her son are behind everything, including what happened to you seven years back.”
“What?” Donald asked with wide eyes.
“I’ve brought you here so that you can confront the man yourself and get closure on the incident that changed your life. You’ve to go to that house, and as soon as he sees you, his expressions will tell you all that you don’t believe now. Once you know there is nothing extra-terrestrial about this stuff, I’ll make an entry and then we three will head back to the division. Plain and simple.”
“Are... are you sure?”
‘Yes… 100 percent. We three will go back,”
“Not about that,” Donald said, “About him?”
“Yes,”
“Then he would recognize me?”
“That’s the plan.”
“He may hurt me?” Donald asked.
“I won’t let that happen,” Jake said and patted on his shoulder, “It’s my guarantee.”
“This isn’t good,” Donald murmured. Jake knew Donald needed a full assurance.
“Don’t you want to get to the end of this?” he asked. “You’ve suffered for so long because these people played with your mind. You became a shadow of your formal self. You lost everything because of these people. However, you were lucky. At least, you weren’t murdered like the other three. If you’re happy to live the rest of your life as a victim, it’s your choice. It’s your only chance to make the rest of your life worthy.”
“You’re right,” Donald said, “They have fooled me for a long time. Now, it’s their turn to be on the receiving end. I’ve suffered enough.”
Jake heaved a sigh of relief. “Okay… now do as I say,” he said. “You knock on the door. At this hour, he won’t let his wife open the door. As soon as he sees you, he will be startled. You’ve to use this moment to attack him. Tell him that you found out that he and his mother are the ones behind the attacks. He will feign ignorance, but don’t let him shut the door on you.
Tell him that you know Ryan is in his captivity and that Ryan had sent a message to me about the place before he went missing. It will be enough to pique his interest.
He will tell you that we had visited him and had found nothing. You tell him that after going from here, we followed Martha and found out that she had two phone numbers registered under her name and the second number is with him.
I think this will be enough to seal the deal. He has to confess after that. And, that’s when I’ll make an entry.”
Jake pulled out a phone from his pocket and gave it to Donald. “I’ll be connected to you through this. Keep it in your top pocket.”
Donald did as Jake told him. “He will try to trick you. But, don’t fall for it. Now, go.”
Donald nodded and turned to the gravel pathway.
“One last thing,” Jake said. Donald turned to him. “There is a thin line between life and living. Which one to choose is your call.”
Donald looked at him with some confusion and then started walking tow
ards the house. Once he was halfway, Jake started from his position. The whole area was covered in a blanket of darkness and the shadows of the large trees under the moonlight added to the eeriness. Jake could hear Donald’s nervous breath in his earpiece.
As soon as Donald reached the door of the house, Jake hid behind one of the trees. He heard the sound of the doorbell piercing the silence of the night. The first floor light switched on in a moment. Jake looked at the door with anticipation and noticed the nervousness in Donald’s behavior.
He heard the sound of footsteps on his earpiece and hid him further behind the tree. Donald’s breathing had increased on hearing the footsteps, and as the door opened, Jake could hear him panting heavily.
“You?” the man asked in disbelief, “I… I mean who are you?” He tried to hide his surprise, but Jake could hear the anxiety in his words.
“Why did you do it?” Donald asked.
“Who are you, some lunatic? I’m going to report you.” He said, and as he was about to shut the door, Donald came forward.
“There is no point in feigning ignorance. I know you and your mother did this to me.”
The man stopped where he was. “What… what do you mean?” he asked.
Jake knew he had hit the nail on the head.
“They know you have their agent,” Donald said firmly, the nervousness in his demeanor had all but gone.
“I don’t know what you mean,” he replied, “The F.B.I. team has checked the whole house. There is no one in here.”
“Did they check all the rooms – inside and outside the house?” Donald asked surprising Jake.
There was no response for a few seconds. “I forgot you lived here,” the man said with a smile.
“You really are the one behind it,” Donald gasped.
“You had doubt?” he smirked, “Anyhow, we need to discuss it. Why don’t you come inside?”
Donald was reluctant, but he knew this was his only chance to seek revenge. He had to play along.
He walked inside as the man stepped aside. He looked at the path once before shutting the door. Jake came out of hiding and walked closer. In a few seconds, the whole ground floor lights were switched on. Jake could hear Donald’s heavy breathing again. He knew Donald was getting nervous again.
“Honey, who is there?” Jake heard a voice from the distance.
“Why don’t you settle down?” the man suggested, “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Jake could hear the sounds of footsteps going upstairs. He just hoped that Donald won’t wilt under the pressure. After a minute or so, he heard the sounds of footsteps again. However, the sounds stopped after a few seconds. Jake checked his earpiece, but there was no sound coming from the other end. He feared a weak connection. He was about to remove the earpiece when he again heard the footsteps.
“Here, have some water,” the man said, “You look a bit nervous. It will help.”
Jake knew the mind games had started. “I think it’s time we got introduced. I’m Simon Jones,” he said. There was no fear in his voice, “If you know everything, then how come you came here alone?”
“I… I,” Donald was taken off-guard.
“You understand that I know everything about you, including the fact that you were in police custody till few hours back,” Simon said. “Are you on their side now?”
“I’m on no one’s side,” Donald said with difficulty, “I just want the answers. The cops questioned me all night and then suddenly they told me to leave.”
“Just like that?” Simon smirked.
“Even I was surprised. But, then I overheard them,” Donald said.
“What did you hear?” Simon asked. Jake knew Donald had taken the discussion in the direction he wanted it to go.
“They were checking all the numbers in James’ call records and found two numbers registered under Martha’s name. They have been following Martha for some time now and with the agent missing after visiting your house, they think there is a connection.”
“This is the work of that Agent – Jake Carter. He is persistent. Isn’t he? I thought he’ll not disturb me again,” Simon fumed. “My mother warned me about him. Everything was going fine. You played your part, and I was ready to catch hold of him. But, this kid came in between. He spoiled all the fun.”
“I don’t care about anything or anyone,” Donald said. “I want my answers and that’s why I came here.”
“Yes… your answers,” Simon replied. “First I have to safeguard myself from your friends who must be following your trail.”
“No one is following me,” Donald said without much confidence.
“Really? They know my mother and I are involved in this, but they’re not planning to catch us?” Simon said, “Do you think I’m that stupid? Come with me.” With that, he got up.
“Where are we going?” Donald asked in a frail voice.
“You want the answers, right?” Simon said. “I’ll give you the answers.”
Jake couldn’t hear anything for some time. He thought of confronting Simon, but before he could have stepped out, the door opened. Simon came out followed by Donald. Jake could see Donald looking around for him.
“Are we going to the outhouse?” Donald asked.
“Oh… it’s more than an outhouse now,” Simon replied.
“What do you mean?” Donald probed.
“Either I can tell you, or you can see everything for yourself,” Simon retorted. “Now, don’t make any noise. The kids are sleeping.”
Everything went quiet as they walked towards the backyard. Jake kept looking at them until they went out of sight. He checked his gun and walked in their direction slowly. He stopped as he reached near the back yard. He waited for any movement from the other side and once sure, he came out from behind the wall. There was no one in the backyard. A small mud path led from the house to a thick cover of trees that were even more imposing than the one in front of the house.
He rushed towards the path while looking around for them. After a minute of walking, he noticed light filtering through the leaves at some distance to his right. He got out of the path and made a way through the trees towards the light source. As he walked, he noticed the light was coming from a small room with a tin roof. Jake noticed a small window on the wall facing him and instead of a door; there was a large metallic gate with a slide-rail.
He pulled out his phone and checked for the signal. There was no signal making him nervous. He rushed to the gate and tried to hear sounds from the other end.
“How are you feeling now?” Simon’s voice came from the other end.
“What?” Donald asked.
“Never mind,” Simon said. “You had some questions?”
“Where is the Agent?” Donald asked.
“What agent?” Simon replied and paused, “Oh… you thought I had kept someone hostage… here?”
“Where is he?” Donald asked again. He wasn’t nervous anymore.
“I told you; it’s no longer an outhouse,” Simon said, “It’s a portal.”
“What portal?” Donald asked.
“To the other world,” Simon said, “I’m surprised by your question… you have seen it… twice.”
“I don’t believe in that bullshit anymore,” Donald roared, “You let that kid go or else…”
Donald’s slip made Jake close his eyes in anguish. “Or else?” Simon asked. “I’m such a fool.”
There was the sound of footsteps followed by Donald’s loud cries. “You aren’t doing right,” He said in a muffled voice between the blows.
After a minute of struggle, everything went silent. Jake knew he didn’t have much time with him.
“Whom are you talking with?” Simon shouted. Jake took out his phone at once and disconnected. “You’re finished.”
“Where is the kid?” Donald cried, but there was no response. Jake could hear footsteps going away from him.
After a few seconds, he heard a wild scream from Donald.
“N
o… don’t do it to me,” he pleaded. Jake was unable to understand anything. “I did what you told me.”
Jake tried to hear Simon’s voice, but apart from Donald’s sobbing, he couldn’t hear anything.
“Forgive me… I challenged your power. The agent told me that you don’t exist,” Donald said.
“So, they have arrived,” Jake said and pushed the door. It didn’t move but made enough of a sound to attract Simon’s.
“Who is there?” Simon shouted. “Oh... you son of a…”
Jake knew he didn’t have much time. He kept the gun in the back pocket and pushed the door with both hands. After a couple of attempts, the door moved a little. He used all the strength left in him and opened the door completely.
It took him a few moments to understand where he was standing. Donald was sitting on a chair covering his eyes with his hands. Simon was standing in the corner with an iron rod in his hand. As soon as he recognized Jake, he lunged forward. Jake pulled out his gun in a flash and pointed at Simon. That didn’t deter him, though. He walked towards Jake, and as he was about to hit him, Jake fired. The bullet hit the wall behind Simon, and he could hear the sound echoing through the silence of the night for a few second. The iron rod fell from Simon’s hand, and he collapsed on the floor.
Jake dragged him to one corner and then walked to Donald.
“Open your eyes,” Jake shouted.
“The eight suns,” Donald said with fear.
“There is nothing in here,” Jake shouted again. It worked as Donald opened his eyes, but as soon as he looked at Jake, he closed them again.
“Don’t take me with you,” he pleaded, “I did what the agent told me to do.”
Jake knew Donald was delusional, and there was no point wasting time on him. He looked around the room, but the room was empty barring the chair on which Donald was sitting.
He checked the walls for any secret opening, but the walls were solid. He looked everywhere, but couldn’t find anything.
“RYAN,” he shouted, but to no avail. He walked to Simon and kicked him a couple of times.
Simon opened his eyes and looked at Jake and then at his gun.
“I… I haven’t done anything. He has lost his mind,” he cried. “I’ve no idea what he is saying.”
Davenport Mysteries 04-Loose Ends Page 19