“I am not forcing you to do anything,” Gloria continued. “Please know that I will never try to jeopardize your life. I feel strongly about what I’ve been doing these past few days.”
“I will proceed,” Anna said as she nodded. “Where were we?”
Gloria’s cane touched a nearby bench. She moved her fingers around on the seat and sat down. “Stand near the walls and begin touching and guessing what’s near you.”
Anna started to move around inside the almost empty train station. As she touched several objects while leaning against the walls, Gloria heard something fall on the floor.
“Dammit!” Anna said with frustration.
“Take your time. Pick up whatever you dropped, with your eyes closed.”
“That is, if I can find it first,” Anna protested. She kept moving her hand and became more agitated. After a few minutes, she decided to stop resisting Gloria’s advice, and calmed herself by standing still for five seconds before starting over. Anna remembered to walk back a step. She bent down, moved her hand slowly, and managed to pick up a plastic holder and several papers. She then walked back and forth, and stayed in one place for a few seconds.
“Touch the materials and guess until you’re ready to start moving again,” Gloria said.
While moving, Anna’s kneecaps hit a bench, and a rush of pain went through her body. She rubbed her knees for a second, then resumed moving around the thin size bench. She felt an empty area, moved closer, and touched a thin size table. Anna continued to move her head until she felt a small, square object. She then moved her fingers up the cardboard box and felt sheets of very slippery papers.
“Advertisement?” Anna said to herself. She continued to move her fingers on thick paper. “It’s postcards. More ads.” She walked a little quicker and hit her knee on another bench. Once again, she experienced a dose of pain. “Ouch! Really, Gloria,” Anna yelled for her sister to hear. “Does this practice involve bruises, too? I bet someone is smirking from afar.”
“I truly know you care about your safety more than bruises and people staring at you. Besides, I don’t hear many people here,” Gloria replied back.
Anna kept her temper at ease, yet it was simmering. “This is too...”
“Stop complaining,” Gloria said.
“Just sit there and look pretty,” Anna said sarcastically. As she calmed down moments later, she then felt bad for bickering with Gloria, and began to focus again. She continued to move further until her fingers were no longer touching a surface. She touched a wall and moved her hands up and down until they touched the edge of a wooden frame. She pressed her fingers forward on the frame and felt several sheets of papers in different sizes.
“Remember to walk back and forth,” Gloria said loudly enough for her to hear. Anna touched an object a second time, and then moved further until her legs hit another bench minutes later.”
“Ouch! Dammit! Ouch!” Anna yelled.
Gloria moved her ears away from her sister’s agony, and heard water moving back and forth in a bucket. She heard the sound of an object being shoved in and out of the water and then onto the floor. A janitor put a yellow “Wet Floor” sign on the ground. Then he started to mop the floor. At a distance, Anna continued moving her fingers on the ticket machines.
“Sorry about that. Move a little slower and get familiar with how the station looks in your mind with your eyes closed by the touch of objects,” Gloria said aloud for Anna to hear.
The janitor mopped and looked at Anna as she walked awkwardly while trying to touch objects. As he went back and forth cleaning the floor, the keys on his side started to make a noise. Anna stopped moving her hand.
“Keep your eyes closed,” Gloria yelled out.
“Good day,” the janitor greeted her.
Gloria heard the man and turned her head slightly towards him. “How are you today?” she said with a smile.
“I am well, thank you.” The janitor turned to look at Anna. “Does the woman need any help?”
“My sister is just practicing. It’s a long story,” Gloria replied.
The janitor nodded and continued to mop as his keys continued to make a noise. “You came on a good day for your practice,” he said. “There is construction work today. Flyers are posted, and the regular announcements on the intercom should come on in about ten minutes. Everyone is taking a train on the opposite side of the platform.”
Gloria wanted to continue talking, but the distraction from several distinct sounds became her primary focus. “I’m sorry, did I ignore your last comment?”
“That’s all right. I see you’re more preoccupied with your sister,” the janitor said.
“Oh! I’m so sorry. Forgive me,” Gloria said and then had a frown of second thoughts. “I was too focused.”
“I have to finish my work, anyway. Take care,” the janitor replied.
“Same to you,” Gloria replied, and the janitor continued moving his mop around.
CHAPTER 9—UNCERTAIN
Benjamin gazed at a large plasma television screen with his friend and colleague Colin Shields, the owner of Transparent Security Company in New York City. The lights were dimmer in this area of the office. The digital screen, which was clear and bright, showed two maps: that of the United States on one side and a world map on the other. Hundreds of orange and red dots populated the inside of each digital map.
“There are new virus threats occurring in this area over here,” Benjamin said as he pointed at Massachusetts.
“I don’t see many in Pennsylvania. Try focusing on the tri-state area,” Colin said.
Benjamin clicked on the U.S. map with his fingers and zoomed in on the area that showed the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. “Gloria’s sister works in Manhattan and lives in Northern New Jersey. I think I should focus on these two states,” Benjamin said, pointing at the screen. He then went over to a laptop and used a wireless mouse to zoom in on the two states. Benjamin looked up and took a few steps to the large digital screen right in front of him.
“What about South Jersey; do you think we should rule that out?” Colin asked.
“I don’t think we should rule out any parts of the state. I’m speculating that it must consume quite a few hours for the killer to hide there and then come to North Jersey or New York to make an attempt at killing Anna. There’s a lot of farmland in South Jersey, and there tends to be lots of space between houses. The miles are too long, so to speak,” Benjamin replied.
“Mr. Taylor?”
Benjamin turned around to discover FBI Agents Sanchez and Henderson. He turned to his colleague. “Please take over. I should be back in about 10-15 minutes. I have to speak with these gentlemen.”
“Sure,” Colin replied.
Benjamin went over and shook hands with each of them.
“We’re with the FBI, and are trying to get information on two missing women by the names of Anna and Gloria Rank,” Special Agent Sanchez said.
They showed him their badges.
“Do you know them well?” Sanchez asked.
“I’ve never met Anna, but I met Gloria for the first time when she interviewed me for her radio show. She told me what happened to her sister and wanted me to help due to my profession,” Benjamin replied. “Do you want to come into my temporary office and talk there?”
“No thanks. Please tell us when was the last time you saw Gloria?” Special Agent Henderson asked.
“I spoke to her over the phone on the evening she said Anna left with you to a secluded place,” Benjamin answered.
Special Agent Sanchez started to write on his notepad, then looked up.
“Are they missing?” Benjamin asked.
“We can’t get a hold of either of the sisters. Anna left before we arrived,” Sanchez explained.
Benjamin did not say anything.
“Mr. Taylor, we need as much information as possible,” Special Agent Henderson pressed.
Benjamin shook his head once more. “You
are working diligently, I understand that, but I also need to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again. I have to somehow find the criminals quickly.”
He started to move, but both agents put out their hands, signaling for him to stop.
“No, no, no. Hold on. That won’t be necessary,” Special Agent Henderson said.
“That’s not a good idea at all,” his colleague concurred. “Your so-called 'help' will only hinder our investigation. Please stay out of this, and just let us know as soon as you hear from the two ladies again,” Special Agent Sanchez said.
“We don’t want another person’s life at risk, Mr. Taylor,” Special Agent Henderson added.
“I actually expected Gloria to call me from work to inquire about any updates,” Benjamin said. “I wouldn’t want to bother her unless I get a breakthrough from one of our other IT professionals I’m working with. The women are already frightened as it is. Gloria is a bit reserved, I’ve noticed, and I didn’t want to press her to tell me where she is at all times.”
“I understand. Maybe she’s trying to prove herself to the world by overcoming her disability,” Special Agent Sanchez hypothesized.
“I strongly disagree,” Benjamin said. “Gloria is simply trying to protect her sister as best she can by going into hiding with her because you let Anna down.”
Special Agent Sanchez put his head down, tapped his notepad twice with his pen, and looked up at Benjamin seconds later. “I apologize for my comment.”
“That’s fine.” Benjamin glanced at his watch. “I need to go.” Then he walked right past them.
The two FBI agents turned in his direction, only to find that the door was closing with Benjamin already heading down the stairs.
“What’re we doing wrong?” Special Agent Henderson asked.
“We will get the bastard!” Sanchez sneered as he closed his notepad. He walked towards the door, with Henderson following from behind.
CHAPTER 10—UNRAVEL
Benjamin went inside the WCOK 32.9 AM radio building. He moved up the stairs at a fast pace as he passed by several posters with advertisements related to radio programs throughout the day. He opened the door, and saw Gloria’s radio partner walk out of the on-air room. Then he turned to John and stopped him.
“Hi Benjamin. Weren’t you supposed to go to California?”
“I have another business agenda here,” Benjamin said. “Did you see Gloria this week? I’m looking for her.”
“She’s on vacation,” John replied.
“On vacation?” Benjamin asked. He stopped talking for a second and thought deeply about John’s statement. “I see,” he then said slowly, as if to himself.
“Is there something I can do for you?” John asked.
“Can I speak with your boss? It’s kind of urgent,” Benjamin replied.
John was taken aback.
“I really need to. I don’t want to worry you or anyone else. Just let me speak with her, please,” Benjamin said.
“Come with me,” John said, remaining serious.
Benjamin followed him toward the boss’ office until John stopped by the closed door.
“Let me see what I can do. I’ll talk with her and be back in a few.”
“Thanks,” Benjamin replied.
John went inside the manager’s office and closed the door behind him, only to reemerge a minute later. “You can come in.”
“Thanks a lot,” Benjamin said.
“No problem,” John replied.
Benjamin entered the room. The head of the radio station was on the phone, but she hung up within seconds. “Please have a seat.”
Benjamin sat down.
Gloria’s boss shifted several papers to one side of her desk. Her movements made her bob style haircut swing from the left to the right side of her face. Her glasses were kept in place over her eyes with a shiny Swarovski crystal chain, which was attached to each end of her eyeglass temples. She then pushed her 60th birthday card closer to the frames of her children and grandchildren. The desk before her was now clear, and she crossed her arms.
“My name is Catherine,” the woman said while extending her hand.
Benjamin shook it. “Thanks for giving me a moment of your time.”
Catherine tugged her pink cashmere turtleneck a little with her freshly manicured fingernails. “Your name sounds familiar. You did a recent interview, but I didn’t have a chance to meet you in person. John says it’s urgent for you to speak to me.”
“I’m helping Gloria with something important, and was wondering if she told you where she was going,” Benjamin said.
Catherine shook her head. “No, she did not say. Has something happened that I need to be aware of?”
Benjamin hesitated for a moment. “I don’t know whether to tell you this, but...” He took a moment to speak. “...Gloria is missing.”
Catherine had a puzzled look on her face. “What do you mean?”
“She’s in danger, and I need any tips that will lead me to her and her sister.”
“What kind of danger is she in?”
“A killer is on the loose.”
“I don’t believe what I’m hearing,” Catherine said, shocked by his words.
“Do you have any idea where she is?” Benjamin asked.
The boss shook her head again. “No, although I wish I did in this case.” Catherine grew more concerned. “And where are the police? They are already involved, aren’t they?”
“Yes, yes they are, but finding a suspect takes time. I’m concerned that it would take too long,” Benjamin explained.
Catherine nodded in agreement. “Of course, Benjamin, but I don’t know how I can help you.” She tapped her pen on her desk and started plugging into her memory.
Benjamin looked to the side, in deep thoughts again.
“I have a good idea,” Catherine said.
Benjamin leaned closer. “I’m all ears.”
“Gloria has a helper, a volunteer name Brenda Cheng who stops by three times a week. She sometimes takes Gloria here, but Gloria manages successfully on her own most of the time. I think Gloria said she comes in late afternoons. Today is one of those days. Did you see Gloria before she left, besides the interview she did with you?”
“No, I haven’t seen her since the interview,” Benjamin replied. “Do you know her home address by any chance?”
“Mr. Taylor, you know that I cannot give out confidential information.”
Benjamin bit his lip. “Yes, right,” he said with disappointment. “I was in such a rush that I didn’t even think of this.”
“The police should be getting more deeply involved in the case. Inform them about your concerns!” Catherine suggested.
“They are involved, it’s just taking them a lot of time,” Benjamin said.
“That’s how the law works, supposedly, but trust the police,” Catherine said to Benjamin, who looked deeply thoughtful. “You are in a sticky situation, and I sure wish I could be more helpful. If you were a close friend and had visited her, you’d have known her address already.”
Benjamin nodded. He remained quiet for a second as he gazed around the frames on the walls behind Catherine. His eyes caught a photograph in a frame depicting all the staff members. He zoomed in on John and Gloria, who sat next to each other at a banquet, smiling.
He glanced at his watch, which Catherine noticed and took as an opportunity to end the meeting. “Please call if you have more news on Gloria’s whereabouts,” she said.
“Absolutely,” Benjamin replied and got up.
Taylor walked out of the door feeling more lost than when he came. Reluctantly, he proceeded slowly toward the exit, before he stopped with another thought on his mind. He turned around, saw John speaking with a coworker, and quickly walked over to have a word with John as soon as the discussion ended.
“Hi again, so how is Gloria?”
“She’s in trouble, and so is her sister,” Benjamin said. “You’re the best person I can
think of to help me find Gloria.”
“Tell me! Do tell me what I can do!” John eagerly said.
Benjamin took a moment to search for the right, most convincing words. “I need her address,” he then simply stated.
John hesitated, and Benjamin picked up on that. “I’m fully aware that you don’t know me very well, John. If I was in your position right now, I’d feel hesitant myself.”
“I just need to know what kind of trouble she’s in,” John replied.
“A murderer is on the loose. I am hoping you know her address so that I can talk to her volunteer. I have no leads to where she is, and every minute counts,” Benjamin declared.
“Let me help...”
“I do not need any more people risking their lives,” Benjamin injected.
“Okay. Okay. Every minute counts, you said,” John remarked. “But no one must know I gave out her address. “
Benjamin nodded. “Of course.”
“If I was in your position, I’d try to do the same thing you’re doing.” John brought him to an undisturbed spot. “Do you have a pen?”
“Yes.” Benjamin took out a pen from his shirt pocket underneath his jacket, a piece of paper from one of his pants pockets.
“Here it goes. 10 Vose Avenue, South Orange 07079. Let me think of a better shortcut to get there,” John said.
“Forgive me for cutting you off, but I have a GPS in my car,” Benjamin said.
“Even better. Let me know if you find them,” John said.
“Will do, thanks again. I really appreciate your help,” Benjamin said. Then he shook John’s hand and exited the building.
Twenty-seven minutes later, Benjamin was in the town of South Orange. He drove down South Orange Ave and found himself passing food delis and diners, several banks, three phone carrier stores, a newsstand, jewelry shops, accessories and clothing stores, as well as ice cream parlors. He continued to follow his GPS, but waited until an elderly traffic officer, who was waving his hand and blowing his whistle, gave him permission to turn. He then turned the corner to Vose Ave, and parked his car in an empty parking space three sidewalks down from Gloria’s place. After a brisk walk, he hurriedly opened the entrance door to Gloria’s apartment building and headed straight towards a security guard.
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