Deadline

by Zaheera Walker

  “Where could she be, then? It’s getting late and I don’t know anymore.”

  “She’s a wise young lady and I’m sure she will not get herself into unnecessary danger. Will she?” Anne remembered the assignment Feriyal had mentioned to her.

  “I don’t know anymore. She was dead set on this serial killer task and she has been acting strange these past few days.”

  “You’re making me worry now. Come to think about it,

  she did mention this assignment. Said she couldn’t give me further details. I’ll be right over. Alert the police. I know it’s not twenty-four hours yet, but this is different.”

  “I’ll do that right away. Please pray for her safety, Anne. She is my whole world and I can’t lose her.”

  “Have faith. Don’t go having an emotional meltdown now. You have to be strong. For Feriyal’s sake.”

  Shane’s hand trembled as he punched Smith’s number into his cell phone. “I might have some bad news. Can’t seem to trace Feriyal. My fear is that she has gone after the serial killer! Please call on your best men to find her. Please.” His voice broke.

  “I don’t believe she would do such a thing without informing me. Anyway, I gave her a cell phone with a builtin chip. Wherever she is, we’ll find her. I’ll work the entire night if I have to. Hang in there.” He ended the call.

  ***

  Anne potted around Shane’s kitchen making coffee and monitoring her cell phone, just in case… just in case Feriyal called. The security buzzed Shane’s apartment. “There’s a policeman here to see you, sir.”

  “Okay, send him up. I am expecting him.”

  Shane greeted Smith at the door. He knew something was wrong.

  “Okay, spit it out. It looks like you have some bad news.”

  “Bad, yes, but there is some hope. It seems the SIM card I gave her for the cell phone was removed. There is no way we can call her directly. Detectives are trying to trace her location through the built-in chip, but I fear she might not have the device with her.”

  “Well, what now? I feel so useless sitting here drinking coffee when she could be fighting for her life. Do you think I should call in private investigators?”

  “No. That the worst thing to do right now. The fewer people who know, the better. Otherwise, we’re just going to create waves of panic out there.” He scrolled through the numbers on his cell phone. It made him feel better just to do something with his hands. “Why don’t we go to the newsroom and see if there’s anything we can find among her stuff?”

  “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go now. We can drive in my car.”

  He grabbed his keys off the glass cabinet. “Anne, please can you stay here until we return?”

  “Yes, I will. Anything to help you and my dear Feriyal.” She shooed them off. Shane turned to face her. “Not a word about this to anyone. We can’t afford to raise any hackles just yet.”

  “Cross my heart this stays with me and only me. Now go off and bring back my young reporter.” Anne’s affection for Feriyal was evident in her words and mannerisms.

  Shane’s car roared through the dead of night. They reached the office in less than two minutes, breaking the speed limit from his penthouse to the newspaper building.

  “We need to look at all her files. Notepads; things she requested in the last few weeks; phone numbers dialled from her landline and cell phone. Anything that could lead us to her.”

  “Come to think of it, she did ask me to sign a document. Can’t remember when exactly, but it wasn’t too long ago. Said it was a claim for coffee and things. The form she used appeared different to the others. I was just about to watch a soccer match and didn’t read what I signed. Trust was something I didn’t question when it came to her. Now, I see how clumsy I was.”

  “No point bashing yourself about that now. Who processes these claims or forms, as you call them?”

  “I have to sign off first and then my personal assistant hands it to the finance department. I’ll give her a call and see if she knows anything further.”

  “Yes, do that. We can’t afford to leave any stone unturned.”

  ***

  “Hi Charmaine. How are you this evening? Hope I’m not disturbing you. I have some urgent business to take care of and I need your help, please.”

  “That’s all right, Mr Black. What is it that you need? Is it urgent? Can it not wait ’til the morning when I can give you my full attention?”

  “Tomorrow might be too late. It’s rather urgent or I wouldn’t be calling.”

  “In that case, I’ll try my best to help you. Hopefully it’s not about your meetings scheduled for tomorrow. I don’t have access to your diary at the moment.”

  “No, it’s not. A while ago, Feriyal asked me to sign a document. She said it was for a claim, but I get the feeling now it was for something else.”

  “Oh yes, I remember. No, it wasn’t a claim for anything. She said it was to book an apartment for a client. That you were aware of it. I keep a record of everything. Just check in my filing cabinet next to my work station. It’s a large black file titled ‘financial affairs’.” She could sense something was wrong.

  “Good heavens, Charmaine. Did this not sound suspicious? Did you even care to check the form? Why didn’t you speak to me about it first?”

  “Uh. I’m so sorry, Mr Black. I don’t know what to say.” Shane could hear the crack in her voice. “Feriyal handed me a signed form. It had your signature on it. What was I supposed to do? I took it at face value and did what I do with all other requests. I’m terribly sorry.” She sniffed to clear her muddled thoughts.

  “Forgive me for snapping your head off, but it’s been a long day. It’s not your fault. Whatever happens, it is not your fault. As you say, I signed it. I should have checked to see what the request was about. If anyone is to be blamed, it should be me. ”

  “What’s going on, Mr Black? Surely this is not just about the leasing request.”

  A dead silence followed. “I don’t really know, Charmaine. Feriyal went out earlier today and she hasn’t been seen since. I’m afraid she might be in danger. Has she told you anything?”

  “Oh heavens. That sweet girl. No, Mr Black. She hasn’t mentioned anything unusual.” She tried to recall the last conversation she’d had with Feriyal. “Just a minute. And please don’t be upset with me.”

  “What is it, Charmaine? Tell me now, because it could be the one thing that could save her.”

  “She asked me to take her to one of my psychic friends. Just out of the blue, she asked me if I could get her an appointment. I went with her.”

  A brief pause followed. “I recall my friend, Bonita, warned her about a dangerous situation. Could this be what the warning was about?”

  “It’s hard to say for sure. Did Feriyal know what she was talking about? She never mentioned this reading to me.”

  “I’m sure she didn’t. People brush off mediums as crazy. Feriyal certainly wouldn’t want you to think she was looney.”

  “You’re right.” What was he going to do now? “Do you think we could go to your friend to see if she could lead us on the right track?”

  “Yes, Mr Black. I’ll give her a call right away.” She clicked the receiver back and scurried to the bedroom to find Bonita’s number.

  ***

  “Look what I found. Massage tapes and lingerie. Hasn’t been opened. The price tags are still attached.” Smith was beet-red with embarrassment.

  “There’s a receipt here too.”

  “What? No way; there has to be some sort of mistake.”

  “I can assure you there’s no mistake. The stash was hidden at the back of her top drawer. We’re not going to get anywhere if we stand here and debate it.”

  “What do you suggest, then?”

  “Let’s go to the store where she bought the stuff. The one in Smith Street. It’s not difficult to find.”

  In just a few hours, Shane looked old and grey; tired, with red, swollen eye
s. “What was she thinking? That silly girl! God, I love her so much. We have to find her.”

  As the car pulled up in front of the store, Shane’s cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He didn’t have the energy to answer. He handed the phone to Smith. “Please get that for me, will you?”

  “Shane Black’s phone. Can I help you?”

  “Hi there. This is Charmaine, Mr Black’s personal assistant. Is he available to speak to me?”

  “I’m afraid he’s a bit tied up. Is there a message I can give him?”

  “Yes. Please tell him we can see Bonita at 8am tomorrow. He’ll know what I am talking about. Bye now.”

  Smith rubbed his palm on Shane’s wrist. “You’re gonna be fine. Just take a deep breath and think positive.” He looked at the worn-out man.

  “She’s a fighter and will not stop at anything.” What was that meant to be? She’s too tiny to fight her way out of a largerthan-life situation. If she’s fine, she would have called. Wouldn’t she?

  “I know you mean well, but you don’t know her like I do. She’s vulnerable; determined, yes, but not strong enough to handle the blows of life.” He turned off the ignition and stepped out into the dark night.

  “Who was that on the phone?”

  “Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. It was your personal assistant. She wanted me to tell you about an appointment with Bonita. Said it was at 8am tomorrow. That you’ll know what it’s about.”

  “Yes, I do. Thanks.” He stepped into the dimly lit shop with Smith in toe. “What on earth was she doing in a sex shop?”

  “Beats me. Let’s ask the attendant if she recalls seeing anyone who resembled Feriyal.” They stepped over to the counter. “Any chance you have a photo of her?”

  “Right here in my wallet. Close to my heart. Always.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Excuse me, miss?”

  “The name’s Ginger, darlings. What can I do for you men tonight?”

  “We’re hoping you can help us with some information about a young customer you had recently.”

  “Oh blimey. Why would I wanna do that?” She seemed agitated because the men were wasting her time. “I serve my customers and don’t get into their private lives.”

  “I’m sorry to waste your time, Ginger, but a young woman has gone missing. We combed through her stuff and found some items she purchased from you. It wasn’t too long ago.” He was prepared to offer her some money for any information she could provide. “Here, take a look at this photo. Perhaps you’ll remember her.”

  “Mmmm.” Her tawny eyes lit up. “A shy young one who spun a crop of lies. Yes. Came here one Friday not too long ago.”

  “Did she say what she was doing here?” Smith needed to know all the details. “This is Shane, by the way. The young woman’s friend. He’s battling to accept this whole episode.”

  Shane glanced at the woman and forced a slight smile to thank her for agreeing to assist them.

  “You could see on her face that she was lying. She was very nervous.”

  Ginger stopped to ring up a few items for another customer. “I offered to help her because she seemed lost. Said there was some kind of party for a friend and she wanted to buy some lingerie and videos.” She remembered Feriyal like a distinct picture because of her fair beauty and innocent eyes. “That’s all I remember. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

  “Thanks for your time, but if you remember anything, anything at all, please give me a call.” He gave her his contact details and handed her one of Shane’s business cards.

  They walked to the car feeling the depths of defeat. The drive back to the penthouse was long and hollow. Nobody uttered a word. Hope was diminishing.

  ***

  “Did you manage to find anything?” Charmaine let them in when she heard the sound of the approaching lift.

  “No. Nothing. Not. A damn. Fucking. Clue!” He smashed a champagne flute against the tiled wall.

  “Calm down, Shane. We are all feeling helpless, but this is no way to act. Especially now.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to deal with this. We write about such stories, but until it happens to you...” He could not complete what was on his mind and dragged himself to the bedroom. “Please let yourselves out. I want to be alone.”

  ***

  Evil clouds gathered to welcome the arrival of icy showers. The thunder rumbled and hail pelted the windows. Shane rolled over, hoping to cradle her in his arms. Maybe if he hoped with all his heart, she would be there. He found nothing. He was a lost, empty man. Big splashes of tears welled from his strained eyes. He pulled the covers over his head and cried like a baby.

  Help me, dear God. I have never cared to acknowledge you for most of my life, but I know you are all-forgiving and merciful. Please, Father, bring her back safely and I promise to honour and obey you.

  His cell phone buzzed at 7:05am. “Shane Black speaking. Can I help you?”

  “Good morning, Mr Black. It’s Charmaine. Just checking to see if we are still on for our appointment with

  Bonita this morning.”

  “Oh yes. It almost slipped my mind. It’s 8am, right?”

  “Yes, it is. Shall I meet you there?”

  “Wait for me at the office. I’ll freshen up and be there in twenty minutes.” He hung up and dashed into the shower.

  ***

  “Hello, dahlings. So nice to see you again.” She kissed Charmaine on both cheeks and reached for Shane’s hand. She dropped her gaze to hide the sadness she felt.

  “Follow me.” She took them into her healing room. “Take a seat. I won’t be long.” She stepped outside.

  “This place gives me the creeps. I’m an educated man, but I’m sitting here waiting for someone to play God.”

  Charmaine reached for his hand, then hesitated. “Each one to their own, Mr Black. I’ve been coming to Bonita for several years and she has always been spot on.” She was torn between feeling upset by his comment and feeling heaps of sorrow for him. “Besides, we have nothing else to go on.”

  “Okay, dahlings. Let’s begin.” She handed him a pack of cards. “Clear your mind and allow your energy to flow through. Shuffle the cards and ask for direction in the search for your Feriyal. Then cut the cards in three piles and put them together in any order.”

  “Can these cards lead us to her?” His hands trembled as he moved them about. “This has got to work or we are just wasting our time.”

  “Listen, young man…” She paused. “What is your name?”

  “Shane. Shane Black.” His name spoke volumes and power, but all he could feel was defeat.

  “I am no God. And the tarot… ” She pointed her index finger at the cards. “It will give useful information, but I can’t guarantee she will be found.” She met Shane’s gaze. “Let us be positive and hope she is brought back to us.”

  “Damn, I feel so useless. She must be so scared.” He searched for comfort in Charmaine, but there was none. Not at that time. “Shall we begin?”

  “Yes. Hand the pack back to me.” Bonita closed her eyes as if in prayer. “Now, let’s see what we can find.”

  She picked up the first card, then the second and third, placing them in a V pattern.

  “The cards will give us clues, but I also pick up images and use my intuition to decipher its meaning.” A grave look spread across her face.

  “The first word that comes to me is ‘revenge’. Does it mean anything to you?” She pushed a sheet of white paper and a pencil at him. “Write. It will be like puzzle pieces you need to fit together.”

  “I can’t think of anyone who would want to take revenge on Feriyal.”

  “That’s fine. We’ll come to that later. Let’s see what else comes up and then we can put everything together.”

  “I feel like I am being pulled towards water. I don’t know what it means. It could be anything. A sea, river or even a lake.”

  “What else are you getting? Are there any clues about the type of water here?�
�

  “It’s a lot of water that is moving. The sea! She is being held somewhere near the sea.”

  “Oh great! That helps a lot, doesn’t it?” He rolled his eyes. Bonita fired a dangerous look at him. She was annoyed that he was making a mockery of the tarot, but she understood that he was pining for a lover he might never see again. Stay focussed. Positive.

  “Moving on. I can’t seem to pick up anything more about the place, so I’m just going to throw light on what is in the air. Okay?”

  “That’s fine, but please try your best to help us. Please.” Shane was melting. He was nervous too, because Smith was trying to call him on his cell phone. He can leave a message.

  “We have the Page of Pentacles and this is linking to the ace card. Look, I’m just going to tell you what I see instead of talking about the type of cards. Okay?”

  “Whatever makes it easy for you, Bon. I just think Mr Black here would like to know there is a shred of hope.

  Something he can follow to find Feriyal.”

  “I’m seeing her going deep north. As I said, it is a place near water.”

  She studied the remaining cards. “A dark person with a strong build is with her. It could be an abandoned building.”

  “Is it a man or woman? Anyone she knows?”

  “I can’t say for sure. I don’t think she knows this person. But I’m picking up a V name here. No, wait. It could be a W. The word ‘revenge’ is coming up again. The person holding her captive is angry and seeks revenge.”

  “That doesn’t sound right. Feriyal is the sweetest girl and nobody in their right minds would want to take revenge on her. People love her to bits. Ask Charmaine. I love her.” He broke off; it was too much for him.

  “I’m concerned, because we have the king of pentacles reversed. She is weak. No energy in her, but she is determined to make it back to her loved ones.” Bonita glanced at Shane. “Her love for you is strong. Connect with her. Love her back. It might be the only thing that can save her now.”

  “Help me, Bonita! Right now, I feel like I am searching along the shores of uncertainty.”

  “I’ll do my best.” She reached for Shane’s hand and held it firmly, like a mother would do with her son. “I met her once, but I know she is a fighter. I got good vibes about her.”