Missing Link

by Varun Vashist

  With that, they came near Chris, "We will see what we can do Mr. Cooper. It was nice meeting you."

  With that, they started walking towards the hall.

  "Wait," Chris shouted as they were halfway down the hall. He rushed towards them.

  "Why would he do that? …My father," he asked.

  Kiara looked at Jake and then at Chris, "When did he come to know that you loved Sarah?"

  "After the kidnapping. I mean he had a general idea. He had seen us having coffee sometimes. Also, I invited her for dinner couple of times. Of course, my father was not there, but he would have come to know," Chris said thoughtfully.

  "It fits my theory. As I told you, Sarah's kidnap was not pre planned. Maybe your father came to know that she was going to Kingston with the dairy. He got her kidnapped as a knee jerk reaction. Maybe he intended to eliminate her. But, then he saw how devastated you were and realized his mistake. But, it was too late. You had already involved the police. So he planned this whole stunt to cover it up as a kidnap."

  "I still believe he wouldn't do this even if he did not know about my feelings," he said but without any confidence.

  Kiara came near him, "These are just theories. I hope I am wrong."

  Chris nodded, "So what are you planning now?"

  "We need to do get some information about these people, including your father," she said, "I have a hunch that they will be contacting me one last time. We have to find out at least one person in the whole chain before that. We need to catch them red handed."

  "I hope it works out," Chris nodded.

  "Don’t worry. We are at the last stage. They have to show their face now," she said and shook hands with him.

  Chris looked at her, hoping she was right. He had no other options and did not want to leave Kingston empty handed. He stood there listless thinking about the possibility of his father being part of it. Kiara and Jake knew what Chris had in his mind as they walked towards the main door.

  Chapter 13

  "What are you thinking?" Jake asked as they came out of the guest house.

  "We are still missing something," Kiara said thoughtfully." Something that is in front of us, but somehow I am not able to put my finger on it."

  "Let's check all these people first," Jake suggested. "Maybe we could get a clue."

  "You are right," she said, "I have my money on Richard."

  "I think the reporter is the key," Jake said with a smile.

  "So, let's find out. You go ahead with the reporter. I will go after Richard."

  "What about Cooper, senior?" Jake asked while pointing towards the guest house.

  "I don't think he would have done this. Let me think over it," she said." We will check on him later."

  Jake nodded and looked at her bruise, "You may get another message today. Please be careful this time."

  "Don't worry. I don't think I will go after him again." Kiara said while running fingers across her face.

  Jake started the motorcycle. Kiara looked at the guest house one last time before joining him.

  Kiara kept thinking about her theories as she walked towards the main street. Everyone had a motive behind Sarah's kidnap. However, she still felt that none of them had anything to do with a ransom. The reporter, maybe, but it was a long shot. Richard could do it to save his ass. William Cooper could have done it to stop Sarah till the takeover was finalized. But, none of them had a reason to involve her in it. If the diary pages were sent to her, then there was a reason behind it.

  She crossed the main street and did not see anything unusual. In the morning, she had felt as if some riot was going to happen, but it was all fine now. Maybe no one had noticed Chris going inside after all.

  As she was about to turn towards Paul's house, she heard a honk. She turned around. It was Jake.

  "Come with me," he said while pointing towards the back seat of his motorcycle.

  "What's happening?"

  "I will tell later," he insisted.

  Kiara looked around. No one was in the vicinity. She was really confused, what had happened in the last half an hour. Jake started driving towards his house.

  "What's happening?" Kiara shouted.

  "Not here," he replied.

  Kiara could not understand what was happening. Quite a few people noticed them while crossing the old hospital road. Kiara avoided any eye contact. She already knew there were rumors of her dating Jake and did not want to add fuel to fire. It took them ten more minutes before they reached their destination and by then Kiara had thought a hundred of possibilities of failure of her plan.

  Jake stopped the motorcycle in front of his door. Kiara got down while he went to the back of the house and parked it.

  "What's happening?" Kiara asked as he fiddled for his house keys.

  "Let's get inside," he said while opening the door.

  He closed all the drapes and switched on the lights.

  "The reporter who went after Cooper Industries now works for Richard. He joined a day after Richard threatened to blackmail Cooper's," Jake said making Kiara jump from her seat, "Not only that, he was in Portland the same day Sarah was kidnapped. He left in the afternoon."

  "Are you saying Richard is behind all of this?" Kiara asked.

  "I think so. The person behind this knows everything about the report and also knows everything about the diary," he said, "Richard had also accompanied Sarah during her visit to Kingston."

  "We need to get a list of people he met that day," she added.

  "Well, he stayed back with Harrison, while Sarah and Kevin went inside."

  "Who is Kevin?"

  "He is another guy who drafted the project report along with Sarah."

  Kiara nodded, "We need to get this Kevin guy also checked."

  Jake nodded, "Will do that."

  Kiara started walking across the room. Jake looked at her, "What are you thinking?"

  "We need to get our hands on the local connection as soon as possible. He is the only piece of the puzzle that is going to help us. Rest all pieces are in New York."

  "There is one other thing," Jake said with hesitation.

  "What?" Kiara asked. Jake took a moment to collect his thoughts making her nervous.

  "Say it. Have I done anything wrong?" she asked further.

  "Harrison did not like your meeting with Chris. It undermines his authority," he said, "He is planning to tell Carlson about it."

  Kiara came near him, "Why would he do that?"

  "As per him, Chris has seen you. Had you been working in background, he had no issues. But, now he feels you should not be here. He felt the meeting with Chris to be very long. He suspects Chris has got something against you. Otherwise, he would not have grilled you for so long."

  "Oh…When do I leave?"

  "I have convinced him not to call Carlson till Chris is in town," Jake said softly, "I feel you have at max two days here."

  "That would be enough for me. I am expecting a last message today."

  Jake looked at her, "How could you be so calm?"

  "First thing is to ensure Sarah's safety. I will deal with my issues when the time comes," Kiara said, "This reporter. Can you get his call records? I need to check who he called that day. Maybe our messenger will get a name."

  "Let me see what I can do," Jake said, still not able to believe Kiara's reaction.

  "It's getting dark. I should leave. Don't want to miss the message," Kiara said and got up.

  "Would you mind if I am by your side tonight? I may notice something that could identify this guy," he knew Kiara did not need any help from him, but he wanted to ensure her safety.

  "But, you can't come face to face with him," Kiara agreed.

  "Of course," Jake said immediately and took out the keys.

  Kiara's mind was wandering as they drove past the cottages. What was exactly that the kidnapper wanted? If it was money, they would have said so by now. What was so secretive about this whole thing? They had to finally ask for something and e
ven if they get it and hand over Sarah, she will tell their names to the police. So, it was not as if they had a safe passage. What was their plan after all?

  Her mind was running when Jake pressed the brakes. The entire path was full of water.

  "I have to park here," he said and looked at her dull face, "What happened?"

  "Nothing," Kiara said while getting down.

  She kept walking while looking down.

  "What's going on?" he asked while patting on her shoulder.

  "I am not able to figure out what they want?"

  "It has to be money," Jake replied.

  "But, that will leave a trail up to them. They have planned everything carefully. Why would they want to get caught in the end?"

  "So, you are thinking about the mode of money transfer,"

  Kiara looked at him, "No, I wasn't. But, now I am. Thanks."

  "What?"

  "They can't take the money directly. So, how they intend to get it transferred?" she asked.

  "No idea. Let's wait for the message," Jake suggested as they entered the porch. Paul was sitting while reading something. He got up as he looked at Jake.

  "Hey, Paul. What's happening?" Kiara asked with a smile.

  "Is everything all right?" Paul asked while looking at Jake.

  "Oh… we are working on the project. Just thought of having dinner together," Kiara replied.

  Paul did not say anything and instead went inside the house. Kiara looked at him and then towards Jake.

  "Police sure have made a good impression on the citizens," she said while opening the lock.

  "Don't blame me. It's all Harrison," Jake replied.

  Kiara looked at him and gestured him to get inside.

  "You want some water?" she asked as Jake sat down.

  "No, I am good," he replied, "What if they don't want money?"

  "What do you mean?" Kiara asked while pulling a bottle out of the refrigerator.

  "I mean, if actually Richard is behind this and his intention is just to stop Sarah from releasing the documents before the takeover is finalized,"

  "So, why would he contact me and why would he want me to speak to Chris?" she asked while walking towards him.

  Jake moved his fingers across his forehead, "Maybe the reporter wants to teach Chris a lesson and also wants to warn you against going Sarah's way. Maybe, Richard and the reporter have different motives."

  "As you said, this was not pre planned. This has to be for ransom,"

  "OK, then. Let's have a bet,"

  "What bet?" Kiara was not in a mood. She had too many things going on in her mind rather than having a stupid bet.

  "Fifty bucks, no message will come. They only wanted you to tell Chris about the kidnap and make him suffer for his sins as they said,"

  Kiara looked at him for a moment, not able to understand his point.

  "They will release her after the takeover is finalized. That way Richard gets to keep the money given by Morgan," he clarified.

  "I don't want to bet," she said, "And stop creating these conspiracy theories."

  "My mind starts wandering if it doesn't have anything to do," he said while fiddling with his phone.

  "Ok. I will give you some work," she said, "Do a background check on this Kevin guy."

  "Ok. Let me make a few calls," Jake said and got up, "Let me go inside."

  "Do whatever you want to do. Just keep quiet," she said while gulping the last drops of water.

  Jake went inside and Kiara started thinking. All her hopes were pinned on the message that she was expecting. She knew Carlson would immediately call her back once Harrison informs him. Whatever needs to be done had to be done in next two days.

  Suddenly, Jake came out. "That was quick," she said with surprise.

  "Kevin's details will take time. We don't have anything except his name. But, I have something else for you. Can you connect your laptop?"

  "Sure. Give me a sec," Kiara said and opened her laptop.

  "I am transferring a file. It's the reporter.. I mean Gabriel Maloney's call details, "he said and turned the Bluetooth on.

  "That's great. We may get our hands on something," Kiara said while waiting patiently for the file to transfer.

  "The numbers he called on that day have been circled and names of the recipients are also written on it." Jake said while pointing at the monitor.

  Kiara scrolled down and stopped at the red mark. There were only four calls made on the said day. Two to his family, one to Richard and one was a toll free number for a customer care center.

  "Well, he calls Richard practically every day," Jake said while scrolling down and looking at Richard's number on other days. "And, his family and customer care executive can't be put on the list of suspects."

  Kiara was disappointed, "This is a dead end again."

  "I think we are beating around the bush," Jake said with frustration," We need to nab the local contact."

  Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Let's nab him, then."

  Jake removed his gun from the holster and stepped inside the bedroom. Kiara looked at him. He gestured her to open the door.

  Kiara opened the door with excitement, but her face turned pale as she saw Paul at the other end holding the dinner tray. As Paul kept the tray on the table, he heard a grunt from the bedroom.

  "Is everything all right?" Paul asked.

  "Yes, it's fine. Thanks,"

  Jake came out as Paul stepped out, "That's a bummer."

  "Let's have dinner and give some rest to our minds," Kiara said. Though, she knew her mind was not going to allow her any rest.

  She kept looking at the door the whole time. Jake knew what was going on in her mind, but there was nothing that he could do.

  Kiara looked at her watch. It was past eleven O' clock. They had not discussed anything in past forty five minutes. It was as though all the ideas had dried up.

  "It's getting late. You must be tired. I did not even give you time to change either,"

  "I am fine. But, I don't think we are going to make any progress this way," he said.

  Kiara knew what he was pointing at, "Maybe you are right. All this drama was just to make a statement."

  Jake got up, "Don't be upset. I say a lot of things."

  Kiara nodded, "What are we going to do tomorrow?"

  "You will come up with something. I am pretty sure," Jake smiled, trying to cheer her up.

  Kiara smiled back, "I may not be here after tomorrow. Thanks for everything."

  Jake came near her, "Keep your Thanks with you. We will talk about it when the time comes. Ok?"

  Kiara nodded back.

  "Ok then, I will see you tomorrow," he said and opened the door.

  Paul's house had gone dark and so would be most of the town, Jake thought.

  Kiara walked him till his motorcycle and kept looking at him till he disappeared into the main street. She looked around, trying to see if anyone was around. After a moment, she heaved a sigh and walked back slowly. The day had started promisingly. Chris had been helpful. Well, for most of the part. But, her calculations about the message had come wrong and played a spoilsport. Maybe, Jake was right, a good night's sleep could refresh her mind.

  Kiara was woken up by a call. She looked at the clock. It was six O' clock. Who could be calling at this time, she thought and looked at the number. It was an unknown number. A cold shiver ran down her spine. She got up immediately and picked the call. All she could hear was muffled groans of a girl, followed by the sound of a train engine. She could hear church bells at a distance.

  "Hello, who is that?" she screamed, but there was no response. Before, she could say anything, the phone disconnected.

  She jumped out of the bed and started walking across the room. She thought for a moment and then called Jake. He took some time to answer, irking her further.

  "What?" he said in a muffled voice.

  "Do you know a place that is near a railway station and a church?" she asked.
/>   "What?"

  "Can you say anything besides what?" she said angrily.

  "What is happening?"

  "First answer my question," she urged.

  "Yes, it's on the other end of the town. If you continue on the road after crossing the factory, there is a farm which used to have storage for coal in the old days. There was a railway line for transporting the coal. Now it's being used by the factory to transport the raw material. The church is just outside the farm," he said while rubbing his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

  "We need to get there immediately, that's why," she said.

  "What?" he asked.

  "I got a call from that place. They had Sarah with them too. I will tell you once you come here,"

  "I will be there in ten minutes," Jake said and disconnected.

  Kiara turned her hair into a bun and started walking across the room. They had given a message after all. Sarah is in Kingston and still alive. She kept looking at the door and then at her watch. Ten minutes seemed to be an eternity to her.

  After fifteen minutes, there was a knock at the door.

  "There you are. What took you so long?"

  Jake looked at her," You look different without the makeup."

  Kiara punched him on the shoulder and pushed him aside, "Let's go," she said while bolting the door.

  "What happened?" Jake asked while wearing his helmet. Kiara pointed at the motorcycle. Jake grunted and turned the ignition on.

  As they entered the main street, he asked again, "Will you tell me?"

  "I got a call from Sarah's captors. All I could hear was her weeping and the sound of church bells with the sound of a crossing train in the background."

  "You think that was the message?' Jake asked while he turned right after crossing the market. Kiara had covered her head under a scarf, though she knew it was futile.

  "Yes," she said.

  It was still dark and factory lights covered the entire area. The lake looked even gloomier in the dark. There was a pungent odor in the air. She hoped even Chris would have noticed that. She covered her face further as they crossed the main gate.