“Can I help you, sir?”
“Yes, TJ. I’d like you to locate Kelsey Braden for me. It seems she’s missing.”
“Isn’t that the woman…?”
“Yes, it is.” Gianelli paused. “I want you to find her.”
“You got it, boss. I’m on it.”
“Thank you, TJ,” Gianelli said as he disconnected the call. Sitting back in his heavy leather chair, his thoughts went to the missing girl. She was his insurance policy, and he wouldn’t be happy if he’d lost that vital link.
* * * *
Kelsey slowly woke, but had trouble focusing. She was groggy and tired, and felt as if she needed several more hours of sleep before morning arrived. When it finally occurred to her that it must be morning because the room was bright and sunny, she rose from the bed with great difficulty, needing to get ready for work.
Why is my body so heavy? Why didn’t my alarm go off? Why does my bed feel so strange? Why am I wearing sweats instead of my nightgown?
That’s when the memories started flooding back. She remembered being attacked while walking in the dark to fix the circuit breaker. She never saw who threw her down, and had no idea where she was, other than it wasn’t the same place she’d been held captive before. Slowly coming around, she began to survey her surroundings.
The room was well lit. The tiny excuse of a window provided a remarkable amount of natural light for its size. Judging by the height of the window, and the hint of grass she could see beside it, she had to be below ground. She thought briefly about trying to climb up and out, but, even as petite as she was, there was no way she’d fit through such a narrow opening.
White paint concealed panelling on three of the walls and the fourth was covered with mirrors from floor to ceiling. The furniture consisted of a full-sized bed, a card table with two chairs, a small bookcase filled with a generous selection of books, a small dresser, and a treadmill in the corner. On the floor was a short-piled carpet that was firm but cosy against her bare feet, and cushioned the hard floor underneath. She walked around the bed and saw rows of indentations by the wall. Putting together the combination of the mirrors, the treadmill and the marks on the rug, which she figured had been made by free weights, she deduced she was now being held in the home gym of an unknown person.
There were two doors in the room, one in the middle of the wall opposite the mirrors, the other in the corner. Desperate to get free, she ran to the door in the middle, pulling frantically on the knob. Nothing. The solid steel door was locked tight.
Defeated, she tried the other. There was a small glimmer of hope when it opened easily, replaced by frustration when it led into a small bathroom. She dug around the medicine chest then the vanity for anything that might help her—a razor, a hairpin, something—not that she knew how to pick a lock. She found various soaps and toiletries, but nothing that could help her escape her new prison.
Resigned to her fate, Kelsey returned to the bed, at least comforted by the fact that this place was nicer than the last place she’d been taken to. She assumed it was the same people. Who else could it be? At least the creepy man who’d attempted to rape her was no longer a threat.
She stood from the bed when she heard an unusual beeping coming from the door. A few seconds later it opened, and an ominous, dark figure entered. He was covered from head to toe—pants, turtleneck, gloves, ski mask and large sunglasses—all solid black. With the exception of height and weight, he concealed all the features that would assist in future identification. He was intimidating, and her pulse quickened when he entered.
Once he’d passed, she caught a brief glimpse of the environment outside her room, and she noted that the beeping noise had come from a high-tech combination lock attached to the doorknob. As she looked outward, she caught a glimpse of a rec room, two sofas and chairs and a full bar along one wall. On the far end of the basement, over fifty feet away, stood the staircase, and her only chance at freedom. Her hopes for an escape diminished greatly.
She took a few steps back when the man brought in a tray holding a variety of foods. He walked it to the card table and set it down, never turning his head far from where she stood. A brief thought travelled through her mind of making a dash for the door, but not only was she twice as far away as he, but she hadn’t yet fully recovered from her drug-induced stupor. A struggle would be pointless.
Without a second glance, the man left as abruptly as he’d entered, leaving the food behind. She didn’t want to eat, but, not knowing when the next meal would be offered, she walked to the table and nibbled tentatively. After the first few bites, she began eating in earnest, comforted by the solitude she was given by her mystery abductor.
When she picked up the bottle of water lying on the side, she was surprised to find a blank white envelope hidden underneath. She sat on one of the chairs and pulled out the single sheet of paper.
Please make yourself comfortable, there’s no telling how long you’ll be here. No one knows where you are and there’s no chance of escape. There are a few changes of clothes in the dresser and the bathroom is stocked with everything you should need. You have reading material available and if you require anything else, I will decide if I will provide it. Behave yourself, and you will be treated well. Cross me, and you will regret it.
Unnerved by the words, she folded the paper and replaced it in the envelope. She wanted her nightmare to end. She buried her face in her hands and silently wept, unable to comprehend what her life had suddenly become.
* * * *
Nick finished packing the rest of his things in his duffle and rushed out of the door, still amazed that he hadn’t been found. He’d planned on getting out of town as fast as possible, but when he’d passed near Kelsey’s apartment and seen the police activity, he’d had a change in plans.
He hurried into the alley where his bike was parked. After securing his duffle, he pulled out his phone and punched in the number.
“Yeah, it’s me. I don’t have much time, so listen. I’m leaving Brookfield. I’m gonna pitch this phone, but I’ll contact you when I can. I may need your help.”
“You got it, Nick. I’ll do whatever you need, you know that,” the woman responded.
“Thanks. I’ll be in touch soon.”
“Nick?”
“Yeah?”
“You take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will,” he said and switched off his phone. He dropped it to the ground, and, with a powerful stomp with the heel of his boot, he smashed it to bits. After sweeping the pieces from the ground and tossing them into a nearby dumpster, he hopped on his bike and headed out of town.
He was a man on a mission.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Come in!”
Ronald entered the cluttered office. “Ms Langer, thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice.”
“No problem, Captain. Have a seat, please. What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to speak to you about my brother.”
“I’d assumed as much.”
“Ms Langer, it’s been six days now. Why are you insisting he be held without bail?” Ronald tried to keep his temper in check. Since Bart’s arrest, Ronald’s family, Faith most significantly, had been hounding him to speak with the DA about having Bart released. He’d been confident she’d allow bail, but as time went on, he was beginning to believe that wasn’t going to happen. Ronald didn’t like to use his position for special favours, but the DA wasn’t giving him an option. He had to intervene.
“He’s a flight risk,” she answered very matter-of-factly.
“A flight risk? Are you serious? Bart’s lived here his entire life. His family lives here. He worked in our pop’s market from the time he could walk. He went to the academy right after graduating from the local college. He’s worked on the force for six years, becoming a decorated detective in that short time. His brother is a captain on the force and his wife is also an officer. He owns a home not five miles from here. Flight
risk? You have got to be kidding me!” Realising his voice had gradually risen in volume and he was now standing directly in front of her desk, Ronald took a breath and backed away in an effort to compose himself.
“Exactly why he’s a risk, Captain,” Leslie responded. “I’m sure he has many friends on the force who would turn a blind eye. He’s probably got more connections than you know.”
“You’ve got to be joking. So you’re really going to keep him locked up? For how long? Until his trial?”
“If necessary, yes.”
Ronald could see the determination in her eyes. She wasn’t going to budge—at least not now. “Well, then, perhaps I need to speak with Judge Sampson.”
“Captain,” she said in an authoritative tone mixed with irritation, “I understand finding out your brother has been accused of such a terrible breach of trust must have come as a huge shock, but I’m afraid your personal feelings are clouding your judgement. I made my argument with Judge Sampson as to why Detective Kapman should be held without bail and he obviously agreed with me. You aren’t involved in the investigation, nor are you in a position to make any demands of me, so I’d appreciate it if you would stay out of my way.”
Ronald didn’t move a muscle when she stood, seemingly squaring up for battle. Her reputation had preceded her, but until that moment he hadn’t seen the barracuda everyone claimed her to be. “Bart doesn’t deserve to be in there. And I intend to prove it.”
“Good day, Captain.”
Ronald gave her one more intense glare before leaving her office, slamming the door behind him. Not much more can go wrong. His brother was in jail, his sister was missing—for the second time—and he was powerless to do anything about either. He had to get a break soon.
* * * *
Kelsey had lost track of how much time had passed while cooped up in that room. Had it been five days or six? “What difference does it make?” she whispered to herself as she made herself comfortable to begin reading yet another book. If she was honest with herself, the first couple of days hadn’t been nearly as horrible as she’d expected. As busy as her life had been, she’d had little or no time to relax, and reading had always been a favourite pastime. With the assortment of books provided on the neatly stacked bookshelves, she’d had no problem finding several that piqued her interest. She’d lost herself in tales of adventure and romance for hours, forgetting where she was and the danger that could present itself at any moment.
But now several days had passed and the enjoyment was long since over. To a woman who was eternally busy, the stillness and quiet were beginning to drive her crazy. She craved something to keep her busy besides the sea of books standing in the corner.
After reading the same sentence for the third time, she shut the book and tossed it aside. She was just about to scream in frustration when she heard the familiar beeping of the door lock, alerting her to her captor’s presence.
As was the norm, the ominous man entered the room without a sound, carrying her tray of food. She thought of the mismatched eyes of the man who had visited during her first abduction, and suddenly this man’s dark sunglasses intimidated her all the more. She had no idea if or how he was looking at her. She’d always believed eyes are the windows to the soul, but with his hidden, she was left to wonder what his intentions were, and that frightened her more than anything.
He said nothing as he walked his normal path to the table and set down her food. When he had finished, he looked around the room, she assumed so he could make sure everything was as it should be, then began to walk back out.
“Um…excuse me…” she said timidly when he reached the door.
He didn’t speak, but turned his head towards her.
“I…I was wondering,” she began, trying to summon the courage to speak to him, “if I could have some paper and a pen? Just… Just to pass the time?”
He made no indication of anything and again turned to leave.
“Oh, and…”
He stopped, keeping his back to her but turning his head to indicate that he was listening.
“Could I have the key to the treadmill? I…could use a little exercise.”
He waited, perhaps to see if she was finished, before silently walking out of the door, locking it tightly behind him.
Kelsey exhaled a nervous breath once she was sure he was gone. It terrified her to speak with him, but she had to do something about her boredom or she would surely go insane. She was left, however, with no idea if she would find relief.
The wonderful smells wafting from the table caught her attention and her stomach rumbled at the thought of a good meal. She had to admit, the food was far superior to what she was used to. She could only assume there was a chef working in the kitchen.
She sat alone, once again, to eat her lunch. Though the food she’d been served during her imprisonment was delicious, it did little to offset the feeling of isolation that was beginning to wear on her. Her appetite quelled with the thought that her life was in someone else’s hands.
* * * *
Nick angrily walked out of the convenience store, mumbling under his breath. Another dead end. He’d been searching for days and had come up with absolutely nothing. He wasn’t sure where to go next, but he wasn’t going to give up. Kelsey’s life depended on it.
He pulled his new phone from his pocket and dialled as he lifted his leg over his bike.
“Yeah, it’s me. You get my new number?”
“I got it,” the woman answered.
“Any word?”
“Nothing. I’m sorry.”
Nick dropped his head into his hand. “Come on, there has to be something. A person doesn’t just disappear into thin air!”
“Did you check the usual spots?”
“I’ve asked every gas station clerk, drug store cashier and fry cook in a ten-mile radius. No one has seen anything.”
“Are you coming back?”
“I can’t. I have to stay out of town. I show my face in Brookfield and Ronald will make sure I’ll be sitting in the cell beside Bart.”
“He’s in solitary, you know.”
“Is he doing okay?”
“Fine, from what I hear.”
“Good. Look, I gotta keep moving. Let me know as soon as you hear, okay?” he asked confidently, trusting word would come sooner rather than later.
“You be careful, Nick.”
“I will. I’ll be in touch.”
* * * *
Gianelli tightened the belt on his robe as he walked away from the two used women lying naked on his bed. “That was great, ladies, thank you. Clean yourselves up and leave.”
As he closed the door, he was approached by his henchman, TJ. “Mr Gianelli,” he said, “I’m afraid we’ve found no sign of Miss Braden.”
“She’s got to be somewhere. Keep looking,” Vincent replied, now in a much better mood since taking the edge off.
“Yes, sir. Oh, and sir, we found out Mr Romano was released today.”
“Perfect. Thank you. Any word on the case against Kapman?”
“Nothing has been said. We know they’re keeping him in isolation.”
“Damn. Have someone watch him. As soon as you can get to him, take him out. I have no further use for him.”
“Yes, sir,” TJ said before walking away to follow his boss’s instructions.
Vincent headed for the shower. “One more loose end tied up.”
* * * *
Ronald had barely made it back to his office when his intercom chimed. “Yeah, Kapman here.”
“Captain, there is a gentleman here to see you. Says he’s FBI.”
“FBI? Okay. Send him in.”
Ronald watched as a serious-looking gentleman walked through his door and closed it behind him. He was non-descript, early thirties, average height, average weight, though seemingly in good shape. Perhaps his common appearance worked to his advantage in his profession, but Ronald certainly expected more from a special agent.
“Captain Ronald Kapman?”
Ronald rounded his desk to greet the man. “Yes,” he said, extending his hand, “Can I help you?”
“Special Agent Timothy Fota, FBI,” he said as he held up his badge for Ronald to inspect. “I’d like to speak with you regarding Vincent Gianelli.”
“Gianelli? What about him?”
Tim made a motion for them to sit. “I’ve been involved with the investigation of Vincent Gianelli for several years. I understand the officer who is being held for tampering with evidence against Ernesto Romano is your brother.”
“Yes, he is,” Ronald said dryly, unsure what to make of this man sitting across from him.
“I’d like to see the case file against Detective Kapman, if you don’t mind.”
“I’m sorry, Agent Fota, but I’m not one of the officers assigned to the case. Perhaps you should talk to one of them, or even the DA, Leslie Langer.”
Tim paused, shifted forward in his chair, and gave a quick glance to the closed door behind him. “Are we alone here?”
“Yes. This office is secure.”
“Captain, I’ve heard good things about you from very reliable people. I’m not here just to enquire about your brother. We have some common goals and I believe we can help each other out.”
“Help each other? How?”
“What if I told you I know where your sister is?”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
After missing Ronald at the station Tuesday morning, Faith parked her car in the driveway of his house. She was still trying to get past the shock of her overly devoted brother-in-law leaving work in the middle of the day when she walked up the sidewalk towards the bright red front door.
“Faith. What are you doing here?” Ronald’s wife asked when she answered the doorbell.
“I’m sorry to barge in, Marissa, but I need to speak with Ronald right away. Is he around?”
“He’s in the yard. Go on back. I was just on my way to the store.”
“Oh, my car isn’t blocking you, is it?”
“Nope, you’re fine. I’ll see you later, okay?”
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