by Aman Gupta
“There is no record of Kate Ericson older than 3 years, other than just hearsay. It’s like the only people who have claimed to have worked with her, have conveniently died,” said Emma.
“I know how it looks, but don’t you trust me?” asked Kate.
“I ask the questions now,” said Emma.
“Okay,” said Kate.
“How did you know Jacob?” asked Emma.
“I didn’t,” said Kate.
Emma fired a shot next to Kate.
“Next one goes between your eyes,” said Emma.
“He was meant to deliver something for me, but he gave it to Vitaly,” said Kate.
“Deliver what?” asked Emma.
“A keychain,” said Kate.
“So, did you kill him? Jacob?” asked Emma.
“No, I didn’t. He said the person behind it, changed the instructions at the last minute. He showed me the new instructions, and I walked away,” said Kate.
“What were the instructions about?” asked Emma.
“Emma, you’re asking questions that you don’t want an answer to. You have to trust me!” said Kate.
“Trust you? Like Sarah Daulton trusted you? Tell me Kate or Jenna, whatever your name is, did you feel a shred of remorse when you killed her and her little daughter?” asked Emma.
“Of course, I did. I was pushed into a corner, and I made the wrong decision. I wish I could take it all back,” cried Kate.
“What did the instructions say?” asked Emma, with a straight face.
“I was supposed to deliver a keychain to Anthony’s house. But later they cut me out,” said Kate.
“So you didn’t deliver anything then?” asked Emma.
“No, I did,” said Kate.
“You just said you didn’t. Stop playing me Kate or I swear to god, I will pull this trigger,” said Emma.
“I’m telling you the truth. That guy you met the other day, Morgan. He delivered me the package. It had the keychain,” said Kate.
“What else did it have?” asked Emma.
“Two phones. One for me and one for the person I was supposed to meet,” said Kate.
“Meet where?” asked Emma.
“At Anthony’s house,” said Kate.
“Did you kill him?” asked Emma.
“The other guy I met was Morgan himself. He delivered the keychain. Few minutes later, the house exploded,” said Kate.
“So you knew Vik didn’t kill him and yet you conspired against us anyway. All this time,” said Emma.
“There’s no us. He was just using you. And I was trying to right a wrong,” said Kate.
“By framing the man whose wife you killed?” said Emma.
“You know about that?” asked a shocked Kate.
“Yes, I know all about him. I bet you did too,” said Emma.
“No, I swear I didn’t,” said Kate.
“So Morgan killed Anthony?” asked Emma.
“I did too,” said Kate.
“How?” asked Emma.
“If no one had showed up, I would’ve delivered the package myself,” said Kate.
“Jeez, Kate, who are you working for?” asked Emma.
“I didn’t care, somehow I wanted this,” said Kate.
“I don’t understand,” said Emma.
“I know, but I can’t tell you more because even if you don’t believe, I do love you,” said Kate.
“Was Jacob working for the same people that you’re working for?” asked Emma.
“I don’t know, but I am going to find that out,” said Kate.
“How?” asked Emma.
“I’m not sure,” said Kate.
“I still don’t believe it. You’re my friend, and I don’t even know the person standing in front of me. What could possibly have you gone through that you decided to kill your best friend?!” said Emma.
Kate looked at her, almost prompting Emma to have a moment of self-introspection. A few seconds later, Emma lowered her gun.
“We all are forced to do desperate things in desperate times. Mine just happened to be my worst nightmare,” said Kate.
“I have to get out of here,” said Emma.
“Where are you going?” asked Kate.
“I need to prove Vik’s innocence before it’s too late,” said Emma as she rushed out grabbing all her files except one.
Kate looked at it, and broke down. It was the last picture that she wanted to look it, a crime scene she dreaded.
“What are we going to do about Kate?” asked Joey.
“What about her?” asked Eric.
“We’re the only two people who know her real identity. She has been playing me, playing us from day 1,” said Joey.
“I don’t think she’s been playing us. She has been just lying,” said Eric, as he put down the drink.
“What’s the difference? From where I am standing, she should be the one behind bars for whatever she did, now and then,” said Joey.
“You’re just saying that because you’re hurt. You think if you hate her enough, you’ll gain courage for what’s coming next,” said Eric.
“What’s going to happen?” asked Joey.
“Sarah once told me that she feels she had lost Jay to her father, but I now think she got it wrong,” said Eric.
“So what, Vik is as bad as Victor Daulton was?” asked Joey.
“Interesting name choice. Vik. Do you wonder why he chose that name?” commented Eric.
Emma knocked on the door and walked in.
“Sir, there’s something you should know about Kate,” said Emma, with tears in her eyes.
“We know,” said Eric.
“No, sir. I don’t think you understand,” said Emma.
“We know everything, Emma,” said Joey. “About Jenna.”
“What? How?” asked Emma.
“When Vik confronted her. We were listening in the other room,” said Joey.
“Then why aren’t you doing anything about it?” yelled Emma.
“What do you expect us to do? Just let him go? He is still a suspect in Anthony’s murder,” said Eric.
“But he didn’t do it,” said Emma.
“How do you know that?” asked Eric.
“Because Kate did it. I confronted her about it, and she confessed that she teamed up with a guy in Anthony’s murder,” said Emma.
Eric looked at Joey.
“Did you arrest her?” asked Eric.
“No, I thought, I should bring this information to you,” said Emma.
“Oh my god, she’s going to run away, isn’t she?” blurted Emma.
“I don’t think so. I think I managed to convince her to stop running,” said Eric.
“So what do we do now? Arrest her?” asked Joey.
“We need to find that guy. He’s the only one who can tie it all together,” said Eric.
“I have seen him,” said Emma.
“When?” asked Joey.
“The day when Anthony died. In the morning. He came with a package for Kate,” said Emma.
“Great. Go to Adam, and get him to prepare a sketch. Take all the uniforms with you and search every street and house in this town. I want him found. We have to end this thing,” said Eric.
“And do yourself a favor both of you. Get some sleep. It’s been a long day, but it’s going to get longer tomorrow. Tonight might be the last time we get some shut eye in a while,” said Eric as he looked out his window facing the town. “Leave the files.”
The next morning, Emma, Joey and Adam spread across town searching for Morgan. Officers Mortan and Trent weren’t trusted with this information, and were told to continue finding evidence against Vik. The remaining uniforms were deployed to subdue any unrest among the civilians.
Eric decided to visit Vik at Stanton Road Penitentiary, after a day.
“How you doing?” asked Eric, as Vik sat down across the table.
Vik had a black eye and was walking funny.
“Splendid,” said Vik.
“I could say you should see the other guy, but don’t think they allow visits to the infirmary,” said Vik.
“Why attack someone?” asked Eric.
“I wanted to visit the infirmary, and meet the people,” said Vik, visibly bored by the conversation.
“Yesterday, Emma dropped some of your research,” said Eric.
“Swell. It would’ve been a shame if she had lied on her resume about Morse code,” joked Vik.
“What’s that got to do with anything?” asked Eric.
“Nothing important,” said Vik.
“There’s something troubling me,” said Eric.
“I said I’m fine. Just a black eye,” said Vik.
He knew Eric wasn’t talking about the eye.
“Fine, what?” asked Vik.
“Why did you surrender?” asked Eric.
“Because you caught me. Clever thinking, going to Sera’s,” said Vik.
“See, I don’t think we caught you. I think you let us,” said Eric.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Vik, as he looked around to see one of the inmates meeting a visitor.
“When we caught you, you didn’t have the proof that Sera gave it to you, on you. That means you had already received it in the morning, and stashed it for Emma to find it. I think that was your second trip to Sera’s,” said Eric.
“I see my talent has been rubbing off on you. You remember the first time I was in your room? These two temporary recruits were pitching you strategies and you were looking at me,” said Vik.
“Yeah,” said Eric as he smiled, “I was looking at you turn the pages of a magazine you were holding. Every time they said something right, you turned a page. Every time they said some stupid, you turned it back.”
“Simpler days, huh,” said Vik.
“I remember when they got out of the room, you asked me for their personnel files, and then basically told me to hire them,” said Eric.
“And you listened to me,” said Vik.
“Why are you saying all of this now?” asked Eric.
“Because you’re not listening to me,” said Vik.
“I don’t understand,” said Eric.
“You’re getting into something that’s not your fight. You should walk away,” said Vik.
“What did you do with the body?” asked Eric.
“Exactly what I told you that time. Had to bury something,” said Vik.
“Why? Whose body was it?” asked Eric.
Vik didn’t say anything.
“Who’s that guy?” asked Eric.
“Who?” asked Vik.
“The guy you have been looking at, ever since I sat here,” said Eric.
“Nobody,” said Vik.
“Do you ever wonder if you hadn’t been arrogant then, how different things would have been now?” asked Eric.
“Your inability to understand something doesn’t make its existence a fallacy,” said Vik.
“I understand one thing now, though,” said Eric.
“It’s no coincidence you’re here. You planned this, didn’t you? You knew you’d transferred as soon as we catch you,” said Eric.
“Watch your back, Eric. The vultures have already smelled blood. Soon they’ll be circling for a feast,” said Vik, as he got up and left.
Eric walked out of the visiting room, and approached a guard.
“It wouldn’t kill you to protect temporary holds from your regulars,” remarked Eric.
“What are you talking about?” said the guard.
“That guy?” said Eric, pointing at Vik, “He’s here only for a few days, and yet I am beginning to doubt whether we’ll get him back in one piece.”
“Who, that guy? Good luck getting him back this week,” chuckled the guard.
“What’s so funny?” asked Eric.
“The guy who your guy got in a fight with, just happens to be my boss. So it’s not a temporary hold anymore. Now, piss off,” said the guard.
The guard walked by as Eric looked at Vik talking to the inmate.
As Eric returned to the station few hours later, Officer Trent approached him.
“Sir, there’s a woman here to meet you,” said the officer.
“Who?” asked Eric.
“Said her name was Natalie Truman. An investigative reporter,” said Trent.
“What does she want?” asked Eric.
“Didn’t say,” said Trent.
“Ok, I’ll handle it. Where’s she?” said Eric.
“In your room,” said Trent.
Eric walked into his room.
“What can I do for you, Miss Truman?” asked Eric.
“I was wondering if you could tell me about Anthony Arnold,” said Natalie, as she opened her pad. “Start from the beginning.”
CHAPTER 4: RECONNAISSANCE
Jay walked in to the headquarters on his first day at Verati. He was late to meet someone named Anderson, the person he was supposed to report to. He was a bit nervous.
“Hi, my name is Jay Miller. I am here to meet Mr. Anderson,” said Jay to the front desk executive.
“Jay Miller? I thought you were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago,” said the receptionist.
“Yeah, I got stuck somewhere. But it’s no excuse. I do apologize,” said Jay.
“Well, apology not accepted. I hate people who think their time is more valuable than mine or Mr. Anderson’s. You can leave,” said the receptionist.
“Oh, okay. And your name is?” asked Jay.
“Name’s Cathy. You know where the door is or want me to show it to you,” said the receptionist.
“No, I know where it is. Thank you for your time,” said Jay.
Jay walked out but after a minute of internal deliberation, he returned for a second chance.
“Hi, I was just here. I talked to someone named Cathy who said I should leave. But I would really love to talk to Mr. Anderson, if that’s alright?” said Jay.
“My name is Cathy. And you are?” said the receptionist.
“My name is Jay. I am sorry, I meant a different Cathy. You know a blonde girl, blue eyes with bangs. Fancy British accent,” explained Jay.
“There’s only one Cathy here and that’s me. By the way, you’re 20 minutes late. Ms. Anderson doesn’t like to wait. So why are you making her wait?” said Cathy.
“So, can I go to their office?” asked Jay.
“If that’s alright with you,” said Cathy, as she rolled her eyes.
Jay knocked on the door and was told to come in.
“Hi, I’m sorry I’m late,” said an apologetic Jay.
“Stop with your stupid apologies. I hate people who think their time is more important than mine,” said the voice in a fancy British accent, as Jay sat down.
The chair turned.
“Oh, you are him. Her I mean,” said Jay.
“Wow, you are quick,” chided Ms. Anderson.
“I’m sorry, I was expecting..” said Jay, before getting interrupted.
“A man?”
“A mature person. But yes, sure,” said Jay.
“Interesting name, Miller, for an Asian, I’m guessing an Indian,” said Ms. Anderson.
“Nope, born here. Mom wasn’t,” said Jay.
“Right. Could I have your file?” asked Ms. Anderson.
“Oh yes, sorry,” said Jay, as he handed over the folder.
“That’s the third time you have apologized,” said Ms. Anderson, as she took the file.
“Fourth, if you count the incident at the front desk,” said Jay.
Ms. Anderson chuckled. She began turning the pages of the file that Jay had brought.
Jay looked around and saw trophies, awards and photographs with a guy and some others with people, he assumed, that held important positions in the company, and some wax structures resembling DNA and tissues.
He didn’t want to offend her anymore, so didn�
��t say anything.
“Go ahead, I don’t bite,” said Ms. Anderson.
“I was told I was joining the Tech department, but looks like your field of work isn’t exactly hardware,” said Jay.
“On the contrary,” said Ms. Anderson. “But yes, you won’t be joining our department. I’m just filling in for a colleague who’s a bit late.”
“So much for punctuality,” joked Jay, as he looked around to avoid making an eye contact.
“You’re funny, Mr. Miller,” said Ms. Anderson. “I think you’ll fit right in.”
“It seems standard positions has already been filled,” said Jay, as he gazed at the picture frames.
“That’s my brother, but thank you for your assumptions,” jabbed Ms. Anderson.
“I was talking about the dozens of pictures with your seniors, but good to know,” said Jay, attempting to fake a smile to lighten the tension.
A few seconds later, Ms. Anderson laughed.
“I was joking,” said Ms. Anderson.
“You’re funny, Ms. Anderson. I see why you fit right in,” said Jay.
Ms. Anderson looked at Jay, and then covered her face with his file, pretending to read it up close.
“I see you’ve brought the required recommendations. Congratulations, welcome to Verati,” said Ms. Anderson, as she lowered the file.
“Thank you, Ms. Anderson,” said Jay.
“Name’s Olivia, Mr. Miller,” said Ms. Anderson.
“Good to know,” said Jay.
“You can go to the Tech floor which starts at the 13th floor, where you will be working for now. Here’s your key card for the elevator. A seat has been assigned for you. Further instructions will follow,” said Olivia.
“Thank you, Ms. Anderson,” said Jay.
“Name’s Olivia. Go ahead, say it. I promise I won’t report you,” said Olivia.
“Okay, thank you..Olivia,” said Jay.
He got up and opened the door, and turned back towards Olivia.
“You know I didn’t really mean to offend you, and I am sorry if I did. That’s a cute picture with your brother, remembering the happy times, looks like 3 years ago, only picture of yours where you’re smiling. Like a last happy memory. I know what it’s like, you know, losing someone. So if you ever need to let go of the pain, I am a good listener,” said Jay.
“I didn’t lose him, I still see him now and then. He’s over at Stanton Road for defrauding our parents, John and Sylvia, who then turned him in. You’re wrong. It’s not pain, its anger,” said Olivia.