The Chief pondered. “Somebody must have seen something. One cannot just vanish into thin air.” He looked at his team. “Kane, you and I need to personally interrogate the staff. The others, Melissa will be in charge.” He looked at Melissa. Melissa’s eyes widened and then snapped to attention. She was ready.

  Melissa gathered her team in the meeting room.

  “I suggest we continue the search where we left off. However, I think we should just go with our gut feelings. If there is anything suspicious, check it out and radio the team. If Jennifer has been kidnapped, the kidnappers must be hiding her in remote corners.” All the officers nodded.

  Thomas rubbed his chin. “We ought to talk to Scarborough PD too. Some part of the forest areas come under their jurisdiction. You might cross over unintentionally.” Melissa nodded.

  “That’s a good idea. Can you clear it with their PD? Jake and I were doing Elizabeth Park and the forests, so we’ll need that clearance in case we get into Scarborough.” Thomas nodded and left the room.

  “Let's get cracking. I know we’ll find her today.” Melissa stood up. The other officers left to take stock of the search party volunteers. Just as he was leaving, Jake stopped and said, “You know, I always thought you weren’t up to the job. Water cooler talk. But you’ve really shown your expertise here.” Melissa warmed up to him.

  “I appreciate it, Jake. Hopefully the others feel the same. Can you round up our volunteers before we go?” He nodded and left.

  Let’s do this. Melissa walked out of the police station to her volunteer group.

  “Hello. Thank you so much for volunteering to find Jennifer today. Our area of allocation is the woods near Elizabeth Park. If you find anything that you think is important for the case, please let Officer Jake or myself know if we are around. If not, please let one of the juniors know. Don’t let anything slip away; you never know how important it might turn out to be. The town appreciates your efforts.” The group of volunteers cheered and got into police cars.

  Jimmy started walking to an area of the woods she hadn’t been to. She looked up and down for clues. Come on, Jimmy. There must be a reason why you brought me here. What is it? The woods were thickly forested in summer with a healthy growth of underbrush. Melissa narrowly avoided getting hit by a stray branch.

  “Jimmy, is there anything over here?” Melissa sounded skeptical. Jimmy’s bark alerted her, and she walked up ahead. She could see something shining by Jimmy’s paws and bent down to pick it up.

  “This looks like a lapel pin or a…” She snapped her fingers.

  Kane picked up her call almost immediately.

  “Officer Campbell, do you have anything to report?” he said in his trademark gruff voice.

  “Kane, Jimmy found a pin in the woods near Elizabeth Park. You know those pins that hotel staff have to wear on their uniforms?” Realization dawned on Kane’s face.

  “You’re thinking the kidnappers will be missing their pins. Good catch, K-9 unit. I’ll let the Chief know, and we’ll start rounding up the staff.” Kane disconnected the call. Melissa felt triumphant. We’re one step closer to finding you, Jennifer.

  “K-9 unit, come in. This is J. A volunteer found something that might be of interest. I’m with the volunteer.” Her radio crackled.

  Melissa picked up her radio. “This is K-9 unit. Got you. We’ll be there.” Jimmy was going around the area. Melissa called out.

  “Jimmy, track Jake. Take me to Jake.” Jimmy understood, and they were off. It’s a marvel how he manages to find people from their smells. I wonder what Jake has found.

  Jake was standing with a middle-aged woman. He had his gloves on and a slipper in his hand. Melissa’s eyes sparked with recognition.

  “That’s Jennifer’s slipper. We found one at the hotel. Good job,” Melissa commended the volunteer. After the volunteer had moved ahead, she went up to Jake.

  “I found this a few miles inside.” She held out the gold pin. Jake frowned. “Isn’t this…” Melissa nodded. Jake snapped his fingers.

  “So the Chief was right. This is an inside job. Did you let him know?”

  “Yeah, I did. Standby. If Jennifer is around, her kidnappers may be around too. Keep the civilians safe.” She had a determined look on her face.

  “Will do, Boss.” Jake tipped his hat and walked towards the civilians. Melissa held out the slipper to Jimmy.

  “Jimmy, track.” Her German Shepherd sniffed it once and then took off. Melissa had a hard time keeping up with him. He took her deeper into the woods than she had ever been.

  “Jimmy, slow down. I’m coming too,” Melissa panted. She caught her breath and joined an impatient Jimmy. There’s no slowing him down when he finds his scent.

  0o

  A few miles further, Melissa noticed the path had worn out. They were walking between the trees. Jimmy started getting excited a little further. Melissa knew they were getting close. At the next turn, there was a small wooden hut with no windows. The cabin looked so tiny; she doubted there would be any space for anyone else to fit. There was a tiny door, which Melissa opened gently.

  Inside the tiny hut was Jennifer. She was tied up on a chair and appeared unconscious.

  15

  Melissa breathed in a sigh of relief. She walked into the hut and untied Jennifer’s hands. Jennifer groaned, and her eyes fluttered open. She took off the cloth on her mouth. The kidnappers had tied her legs to the chair. Melissa took out her pocketknife and started cutting through the ropes. She managed to cut through the ropes after some time. Jennifer didn’t move. Is she drugged?

  “Jennifer, I’m Officer Melissa. I’m going to take you back to your family. Can you move your hands?” Melissa stood in front of her. Jennifer groaned again and moved her head. Melissa checked her hands for any puncture marks, but there were none. She slowly started massaging her wrists to help blood flow.

  “Does that feel better, Jennifer? You have to stay with me. Stay with me.” She encouraged. She checked her phone, but there was no network. Can’t update the chief. She took her radio out.

  “This is K-9 calling J. J, come in. I’ve found Jennifer. I’m a few miles off the trail road to the north. There’s a small hut in the middle of the park.”

  There was no response. Melissa could only hear some radio crackle. She repeated her message twice, but Jake didn’t respond. I’ve got to take Jennifer to safety now.

  * * *

  Kane looked at the staff they had rounded up. All of them had their hotel pins intact. He walked and observed every single one of them.

  “We have a solid lead. If one of you is guilty, this would be the time to confess. Whoever it is, the DA can cut you a deal. The longer you take, the less cooperative the state will be,” the Chief said. Kane watched the staff for their expressions. Most people simply didn’t care. The innocent ones wouldn’t care about a plea deal, anyway.

  Kane crossed to the sous chef. He walked one step ahead and then walked back.

  “Sir, have you seen anything out of the ordinary among your staff?” Kane asked.

  The sous chef started sweating bullets. “I-I-I…” he stuttered. Before Kane could say another word, he pushed another member of staff and started running. Kane muttered under his breath and followed him. The sous chef kept toppling things to slow Kane down. Kane avoided the obstacles and caught up to the sous chef and pinned him down.

  “Why did you run? Do you know where the child is?” Kane forced his head down.

  “I don’t know anything, and I won’t say anything,” the sous chef muttered.

  “Where is she? You know it. Tell me, or else it won’t be good.” He handcuffed the sous chef and helped him up. The sous chef looked at him belligerently. Kane landed one punch on his abdomen. He howled in pain.

  “Your game is up. Unless you start talking, things are going to be very bad for you.” The sous chef tightened his lips. Kane pulled his hand back and was about to punch him again when the sous chef recanted.

  “Okay, I’ll tell you. Don’t hurt me. I don’t know much; I just transport the product for extra cash. I know the girl is somewhere in the woods. Near Elizabeth Park. I’ve heard the boss talk about it. But I swear I don’t know the location. But it’s too late now. Everything is going to be over soon.” Kane’s eyes narrowed. He looked at the Chief. The Chief’s eyes were wide.

  “Let’s get you to jail, and we can talk later.” Kane pulled him up to his feet and handed him over to the deputies on scene.

  The Chief and Kane came to the same realization. Kane didn’t need to be reminded twice. “Go, go, go,” the Chief said. “Evacuate the civilians and ensure Jennifer is safe.” Kane concurred and quickly left the scene. He tried reaching Melissa, but her phone had no network. He tried Jake. Thankfully, he picked up.

  “Jake, we managed to get one of the perps, and he gave us a location—somewhere north of Elizabeth Park. He suggested someone will be destroying all the evidence. I’m calling off all the search parties and bringing the forces to the woods. Evacuate the volunteers and find Melissa. She may be in danger, especially if she has found Jennifer.” Kane rushed to his car.

  “Will do, Boss.” Jake disconnected and got to work. He tried reaching Melissa, but all he could hear was radio crackle. He stomped the ground in frustration.

  “Where did she tell me she would be hunting?” He scrunched his eyes in concentration. Finally, a light bulb went off in his head. He was checking the public areas of the park. The northern parts of the woods were like a forest. She would most likely be checking there.

  “Volunteers, the search is called off. Let’s move,” Jake shouted as he rounded up the volunteers.

  * * *

  Melissa was trying hard to revive Jennifer. I think the lack of oxygen and light has made her drowsy. This hut must have been torture. There are no windows, and there’s only the door for any form of ventilation. Who could be so cruel?

  She turned around and saw Jimmy standing alert. She beckoned him closer.

  “Jimmy, guard me please.” The dog understood and immediately went a mile ahead and stood guard. Melissa took off her backpack and found a bottle of water. She opened Jennifer’s mouth and slowly poured a little down her throat. Jennifer groaned again, and this time, her eyes completely opened.

  Melissa offered her some more water, and Jennifer drank it. She looked at Melissa with gratitude in her eyes. She swallowed. Her voice came out all raspy.

  “Please save me. I feel so weak. I want to go back to my parents.” That effort tired her out, and she closed her eyes. Melissa patted her to keep her awake.

  “Hey, Jennifer. Stay with me. Your parents are waiting for you.” Jennifer sighed and tried to move, but she couldn’t. She’s too heavy; I can’t lift her all by myself. Melissa grunted. Still, she tried to get her on her feet. She put one of Jennifer’s arms around her neck and held on to her and slowly hobbled. Just a few steps till the others find me.

  She opened the door to the hut to find a gun to her face. She stared at a masked man who tried to push her inside the hut. Melissa looked behind him and saw Jimmy waiting to attack. He started growling. Melissa slowly adjusted Jennifer, so she sat on the chair, and put her hands up in the air.

  When she first saw the gun, Melissa froze. She felt all her strength leaving her. She happened to steal a look at Jennifer, and to see her so powerless ignited a spark in Melissa. I can’t panic. I have a responsibility to ensure Jennifer and Jimmy are safe. I can’t let him get the better of me. Her eyes sparkled with an idea. What if I pretend to be dirty and keep him occupied? That should be enough. If he threatens me, or if the situation gets out of hand, I’ll use Jimmy. I’ve just got to keep faith; God will look out for me.

  “It’s a pity you found her. Because now we’re going to destroy all the evidence. And that includes you,” the masked man snarled. I just have to keep him occupied for a while. The others must be on their way.

  “What’s going on? What evidence are you talking about?” she quizzed. The man cocked his gun and pointed it at her. She shrugged. I need to trick him into believing I’m on his side.

  “Well, it’s no fun if I don't know why you did this. How else can I help you escape?” The man was surprised. “Escape? What are you talking about?”

  Melissa yawned. She took a few steps forward.

  “Bet you didn’t know I was dirty. I’ve been looking for a side deal for a while. A cop’s salary ain’t enough.” She smirked. The masked man laughed and took off his mask. Melissa tried to rein in her surprise.

  “You’re the Head of Security from the hotel. Mr. Kowalski,” she said, sounding bored.

  “Good catch, Officer. Now you better tell me how you’ll help me escape, otherwise I’ll shoot you right in the head. Then I’ll shoot your dog and the girl. And burn the place down.” Melissa’s heartbeat sped up. I have to stop him. But how? She thought of Erik, and a sense of peace and calm came over her. She smirked.

  “Well, isn’t it simple? There’s obviously something you’ve hidden here. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that its drugs.” Kowalski grunted, and she knew she had hit the nail on the head. Melissa frowned as she tried to connect the dots. Suddenly, everything was clear.

  “You were peddling drugs at the hotel that night. Jennifer saw you. You had no choice but to kidnap her. She was a witness.” Kowalski looked bored. Jake, please get here fast.

  “Anyway, she’s too heavy for me to lift. So I suggest we leave her here. If you’ve got drugs hidden here, empty my backpack and fill it. I know you don’t trust me, so you can do the packing, and you can keep the backpack too.” Kowalski glared at her. He emptied her backpack and thoroughly checked all the pockets. Satisfied, he pried open a log of wood and took out packets of white powder and stuffed it in the backpack. Slinging it on his shoulder, he walked out of the hut, followed by Melissa. Jimmy growled, but Melissa put her hand to quieten him.

  “I’ve got my car parked around the corner, and all we need to do is get in the car and then freedom is yours.” She crossed her arms and stood, watching him. Kowalski narrowed his eyes.

  “That’s it? That’s how simple it is? There’s a catch. What’s your cut in all of this?” Melissa smirked.

  “Caught on pretty fast. I want a 30% cut from the coke sales.” Kowalski cursed. He walked a few steps away from her. Melissa looked behind. Jennifer was slumped on the chair. She walked over to her, and when Kowalski wasn’t looking, she winked. Jennifer looked at her and gave an imperceptible nod.

  “Is this one drugged? Why is she so heavy?” she asked. Kowalski nodded. “We gave her some sleep medicine. But why you so interested in a girl?” He raised his eyebrow.

  “You fool, her parents are rich. They’re businesspeople from the Big Apple. I’m surprised you didn’t make a ransom call already.” Melissa blew at her nails.

  Kowalski cursed and walked over to Jennifer. He shook her, trying to get her awake. Jennifer played her part and didn’t move. Kowalski stamped his foot hard.

  “I told Jones not to drug her so much. Never mind. A ransom is danger. Just help me get this product out of here, and you’ll have your cut. Help me escape or I’ll…” Melissa put her hands up and walked out. Kowalski followed.

  They were walking away from the hut when there were loud noises behind her and the police force filtered in. Kowalski’s eyes widened. He looked at Melissa as dots began to connect in his head.

  “You set me up.” Melissa smirked.

  “Put your hands up. You’re under arrest,” Kane shouted. Melissa counted ten police officers. She silently thanked God for sending them when he did. Before the police officers could do anything, Kowalski had grabbed Melissa and held a gun to her head.

  “Jake, take care of Jennifer. She’s drugged,” Melissa called out. Jake nodded and ran inside the hut. Melissa breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a few officers taking Jennifer away to safety. But she couldn’t dwell on it for long. Kowalski tightened his grip on her neck. She struggled to breathe.

  “You officers are smart. You let me go, and this one will survive. You take just one step forward and I’ll blow her brains out.” He scowled. Kane refused to budge. The other officers stood alert, with their guns pointed at Kowalski. She knew if it came to a shootout, she would be injured. She saw Jimmy standing to a side, ready for action.

  Kowalski started dragging her with him. The police officers took one step forward, but Kowalski brandished his gun. I need to do something, or else someone will get hurt. But I need to be fast. Nobody should know what is happening.” All this while, Kowalski outlined his conditions of escape. She pretended to be powerless to let Kowalski think he had the upper hand.

  “This is your last chance. Throw your gun and surrender,” Kane shouted. Kowalski’s eyes bulged, and he looked like he was going to shoot. Melissa knew this was her moment. She turned to look at Jimmy and shouted.

  “Jimmy, attack!” Everyone froze at the sound of her voice. Jimmy ran towards Kowalski from behind and bit him hard on his thigh. Kowalski let out a blood-curdling scream and let Melissa go. He turned around and was going to shoot at Jimmy, but Melissa punched him on the jaw. Jimmy bit harder, and Kowalski howled. By that time, Kane had run up and had him by the neck.

  “He’s the head of security. Drugs. Jennifer was a witness,” Melissa gasped. She was entirely out of breath. She sank to the ground. She put her hand out to call Jimmy.

  “Jimmy, heel,” she said. Jimmy let go of Kowalski’s thigh and walked over to her. Kowalski’s thigh was bleeding. He was muttering curse after curse, glaring at Melissa.

  “Call the EMTs and get his thigh checked out. I want two deputies with him at all times,” Kane barked. He took out his handkerchief and tied the thigh to stop the bleeding. Jimmy hadn’t bitten too deep, but the wound looked painful. The officers handcuffed Kowalski and helped him into a vehicle.

  Kane looked at Melissa with respect. He put his hand out to help her.

  “That was very brave, Melissa.” Melissa took Kane’s hand, shocked. She stood up and swayed. Kane held her.

 

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