Chasing the Elusive 'H'

Chapter 7

(Abigail’s Point Of View)

Day Fifteen.

I woke feeling refreshed, well rested and eager to get straight down to business. My alarm clock that was set for 8am, hadn’t even gone off yet. Even better. I re-applied my bandage on my injured hand and added another ice pack to the folds. It seems like the swelling had reduced a lot since last night, but it was still sensitive. I wasted no time getting up and having a shower, during this time I was purely thinking about my case. Positioning myself in front of my wardrobe to grab my outfit for the day, I now realised that there was one thing that I hadn’t considered…

My lunch with Robin.

Even though right now I see this lunch date with Robin as ‘part of the investigation’, doesn't negate the fact that this is the first time I’ve gone out with a man since I was 22… Although I know about Robin’s appearance on the video, I have to ‘play dumb’ enough to lull him into a false sense of security before I get him to spill the beans. So begs the question, if I’m playing the part of being on a ‘date’ with him…What the hell do I wear?!

After some thought and considerations, I chose to go with a semi-formal look, with a plain long sleeved shirt, matched with dark jeans and sensible shoes. Well, c’mon, I’m not going to a gala… it’s a lunch date, that may-well end up as a pursuit. I had to be prepared.

By this time, I noticed that it was nearly 8:30am, I grabbed my pre-packed handbag, filled with the items I would need for the day and threw in some makeup as I raced out the door. My first destination, The police station. I deliberately went to the other police station, the one where I researched where ‘H’s’ truck was headed. I did this so I wouldn’t have to interact with any one of my co-workers. Avoiding my base station was probably for the best.

As I arrived, I presented my badge and was buzzed through. I found an empty cubicle and started to log into the system. My search today would consist of finding out who owns the van, which was in the I.T.G’s security footage. Notebook in hand, I flipped it open and started to type into the ‘licence plate search’ …REF 4067.

The search was almost instantaneous. I was at least hoping for a little bit of head scratching, but it seems that it’s all here. A name, address, phone number, blood type… It was all too easy. I decided to still read it and learn everything I could about this person.

I brought up her citizen profile. Personal Profile/Ms. Emilia Huesten. Age: 48. Residential Address: 79 Cass Avenue, Midtown, Detroit. Occupation: Unknown. Landline: 313-885-99…

Wait … what? Midtown Detroit? That’s in the wealthier part of town. In fact I know exactly where that street is, as it’s only a few suburbs away from my father’s place. I noticed that her occupation was written as unknown. So that begs the question, what does she do in order to keep a place on Cass Avenue?

My financial investigation expertise is finally needed in my case, and I was super excited to test out my ability to scope out the truth. The first things to find out would be the amount in her funds and where they are coming from, or at least the sum of her wealth and when it started to exist.

My fingers glided on the keyboard, searching up her banking details and searching through her financial history. I noticed that funds were being transferred into her account from an unknown source, as $5,000 is seen on the transaction history on a weekly basis.

I then trailed this history along, until I reached the start of these weekly funds. The date of these transactions starting was around the same time that ‘H’ first appeared. Either she is being paid for her ‘services’ or there is another story here.

I glanced at her profile picture, as I was thinking about other possible ways to attack this subject.

She was a pretty lady with brown hair and hazel eyes. In the profile photo, she had her hair done up in a tall regal style, her face was basically plastered with makeup but I could see lines of old ag…

“Wait, she looks familiar…” I thought aloud. Maybe if I search up her personal history, I can find out a little more about her. So I typed into google to see if her name would spawn any results, only a few gala and high end events from around town popped up onto the search. Curious about it I clicked on the link and after a few minutes looking and searching for details, I found a journalist report talking about a certain Ms. Huesten. She was reported in an article that she was ‘getting cosy’ with one of the many rich snobs there.

“That’s right! I’ve seen Ms. Huesten attending these high-end events, how could I not have noticed before?” I said as I was zooming in on the gala photos. I guess it was because she was wearing layer upon layer of makeup, that it was hard to make recognise her in her profile photo. It was now easier to assume what sort of role she plays in the ‘H’ cases. My theory is that she is hired to gain Intel and get cosy with rich fellas in order to steal their banking details, for ‘H’ to rob them blind. I’m guessing this because I know she’s already involved with the ‘H’ cases, I just had to simply connect the dots...

After a few more wild theories about how Ms. Huesten is involved I came to a realisation.

My eyes felt strained of how much they were bulging out of my head. “Oh my … Ms. Huesten … Is ‘H’” It all adds up. Her wealth with no known occupation or inheritance, the amount of money gone into her residential estate, the time period of that said ‘wealth’, seeing her on the I.T.G. security footage presenting the suitcase to Robin and her van’s licence plate verifying that it was indeed her, her appearance at high end events looking out for her next victim, and finally her last name … Huesten…Aka, ‘H’

I now know why she would have to employ a heavy lifting man, as described in the suspicious vehicle report. But I’ve yet to know why she would have needed Robin apart of her scheme. “I guess I have more to ask of Robin when I see him later today.”

There has to be something that he can tell me about this woman. Anything would be useful at this stage to get more decisive evidence against her in a court of law...

At this point I glanced at the desk’s digital clock and realised I was going to be late for my ‘date’.

“Oh snap…” Scooping up my bag after I logged off quickly, I dashed out the police station and whistled for a taxi driver’s attention.

As I was riding in the taxi, I removed the bandage from my hand to observe the damage. It looked like the bulk of the swelling had gone, so I removed the entire dressing. My hand was still sensitive though, as I winced whilst applying makeup to my face, preparing myself for the ‘date’ with Robin.

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Arriving at I.T.G’s dock a little past 12:30, I noticed Robin was writing on his clipboard and checking pallets as they were being loaded into the trucks. Even from behind, he is a hunk of a…

“My god, act professional.” I whispered to keep myself in check. I was able to make my way up towards him before I made my presence known.

I cleared my throat, in a way to rid the awkwardness that was stopping me from speaking in the first place. “H-hey… Sorry, I was held up at the station.”

“Was starting to think that you blew me off, Miss Mason.” He answered, not turning from his position nor glancing to the side. He didn’t sound like he was angry or upset … He sounded smug.

“Well, I’m here now. Have you eaten or can I still treat you to lunch?” I asked, trying to gauge the situation at hand.

He dramatically sighed whilst turning around to face me, “Since you made me wait, I hope you’ll make this lunch worth my while.” I could see now that he was just fooling around with me, as his charming smug-like smile told me that much. His face fell a little when he looked me up and down, I guess he was surprised that I didn’t dress up for the occasion.

“Where to then?” I offered, trying to break the awkward silence.

“You’ll see when we get there.” His smile grew again, then he looked towards his co-worker and tossed his clipboard for him to take over. “Going out for lunch, you can manage right?...” The man nodded his response and started to read the clipboards’ notes.

Robin then turned back towards me, wrapped his arm around my shoulder and turning me to face the way we were headed in a guiding fashion. It almost seems like he did it without thinking, like it was the most natural thing for him to do at this time. “I’ll drive” He announces, as he fishes his keys out of his pocket with his free hand.

Guiding me along, we shortly arrived at his ute. I wasn’t at all interested in his choice of vehicle, but I did realise that it was a relatively new model. He opened the passenger side for me and I gave him a nod and a quiet thanks. Soon after he settled himself in the driver’s seat we were off. The length of the car ride was short, but I felt like we were an awkward silence the whole time driving there. When he finally pulled up, I glanced out of the window to see where we were headed. The only thing that was related to food was a chain store called ‘Chilis’.

“We’re having lunch at Chilis?” I asked, trying not to sound surprised by his choice.

“Yer… why not? I’m in serious need of meat and an Awesome Blossom!” He had a childish gleam in his eye when he mentioned the ‘Awesome Blossom’ part. I couldn't help but smile at his attempt to show his enthusiasm for this food chain.

We entered together and were settled down to a booth quite quickly, as they were already clearing up from lunchtime. A waitress came up to us after a minute to take our orders.

“What can I get for you today?” Her voice sounded rough and tired.

He didn’t even look at the menu, he just turned his head to view the waitress and ordered. “Yes, I’ll have the Southern Smokehouse Burger and an Awesome Blossom. A bottle of water for the table.” He then looked in my direction again and continued. “What are you going to order Miss Abigail, a salad perhaps?”

“A-actually, I would like the Honey-Chipotle Full Order Ribs instead...thanks.” I could see a change of expression on Robin’s face in my peripheral vision, but I was focusing on ordering at the time to comment on it. “And a coke,” I added.

“Very good,” She stated and turned on her heels, heading for the chef station.

My gaze was now back onto Robin, who was beaming a brilliant smile. “I’m impressed. Most girls I go out with only order the salads, I could only assume that you’d do the same.”

“Assumptions like that will get you in trouble someday.” I teased lightly.

“You say it like you have experience in that field.” He raised his brow, fascinated with my teasing. “Very well … I’ll play. So how would you punish me for being naughty?” His head tilts to the other side and a boyish grin took over his face, waiting for my answer.

“Wait…what?! No, I was only tryi...” I tried to disarm his flirtatious question, as I was trying my best to act professional.

He suddenly placed his elbows on the table, supporting his head with his hands in a mocking and flirtatious sort of way. “Do you write them up?... Tell them off?” Honestly I was glad that he was going that route that I started to ease slightly. But that was when his eyes spoke something different.

“Or do you use submission to make them comply?” I knew he was having fun playing with me, but it was just too much. My face felt beet red.

This absolutely gorgeous guy, was just asking me the most seductive questions, that I’ve ever experienced first hand. Sure, I’ve seen soap operas and have read provocative stories, but I was so taken a-back by his words. I knew that I had to take control of the situation at hand, otherwise I’d be lost to his frisky charms.

“The truck!...” I blurted out, in an unladylike fashion.

“Yer, what about it?” He asked, his face now dropped from being a grin.

“Y-you told me that you found the truck when you took the trash out.” As I saw his eyes slightly widen, I felt like I finally have myself back in control of the situation. “But that was a lie, wasn’t it? You knew the truck was there from the start, because you were there on the night it was driven in.” I accused.

“I guess you saw me on the security footage, huh?” He withdrew his elbows off the table, and looked towards the chef’s station. He was probably eager for his food to arrive quickly, so he could avoid questioning.

“So you don’t deny it?” I questioned further.

“How can I when you’ve seen me with your very eyes?” He retorted, his eyes not fully meeting mine, as his head was turned away.

“Fair” I answered. “I was hoping that you would shed some light on what happened that night.” I pressed, now fishing out my notepad from my purse to take down notes. “If you would be so kind as to help me with my investigation again, of course.”

His eyes and face finally give me their full attention again, but his smile was pretty much gone. “Shoot.” He allowed with a normal enough voice.

“Okay, what happened?” I asked, with pen and paper at the ready.

“Be more specific.” he said, with a slight authority in his voice.

“What happened on the 24th of April, when the truck drove into I.T.G’s driveway access?”

“Well as you probably already know, I was in that truck. I drove it onto the lot and parked it where it is now.” I nodded as he spoke, “After I parked the truck, a van drove up and the woman who gave me my instructions got out. She said her thanks and gave me payment for a job well done.”

It all seems to fit my best interpretation of the situation, but I still had more questions to ask of Robin. There were things missing from his statement. I needed to know everything he knows.

“In the recordings I actually see three people, you are obviously one of the three. I was wondering if you know the other man who was in the truck with you.”

“He was in the back of the truck for the ride. I didn’t know him beforehand…He did mutter something about protecting the cargo, now that I think about it.” Robin answered with his eyes wondering around, trying to recall the events I assume.

“Did you happen to see what it was that you were transporting?” I enquired further.

“No, I was instructed to only meet up at a certain place and to make sure that the truck reaches it’s destination.” He looked me back in the eye.

“When did she instruct you, and how did she contact you?” I was really onto something, now that he was complying with my questions.

“I don’t remember dates that well, but I remember she physically came to see me and asked me to do the deed then.”

“Do you know why she chose you? Did she already know you?” My hand was at the ready.

‘Well I was still wearing my uniform, so I don’t think so…Maybe she already knew about the space we have on site...She did instruct me to park there, after all.” He shrugged.

My eyes flicked from my notepad to his face. “So you just agreed to a job that was obviously sketchy?” I pressed.

This is when he looks downwards, and sighs. He took a moment before he replied. “I needed the money…She offered more than what I’d make in a month of wages…I had a feeling that I was doing the wrong thing.” His eyes then met mine again, “…But when I saw you, I thought I could make amends to the law by pointing you in the right direction. I know that sounds bad, but I never did anything illegal.” He reassured.

“A court may have a different say in the matter.” I informed him.

“Of course.” He acknowledges, his head now hanging low.

There was an awkward silence for a small amount of time. There were still questions that I needed to ask and information which I wanted to confirm with him. I realised that Robin was probably not going to continue answering my questions if I kept pressing him at this rate. The need to turn this conversation back around became crucial, I had to ensure that I have further time to ask him questions at a later date.

“A-anyway…” I started, Robin’s head slowly rising again to meet my eyes. “You’re too pretty to go to prison” I tried to compliment him, as well as subtly telling him that he was going to be fine. I was using his ego against himself to disarm this awkward silence between us.

A raised eyebrow and a smug smile appeared on his face now. “Oh, really?” It seems like I hit a sweet spot. He seemed to recover quickly and returned to being his flirtatious self once more. At least he seems interested in continuing this ‘date’ at least, maybe I’ll have a chance to ask further questions later now. “I would have classified myself to be in the ‘Dashing’ category” He continued.

I was glad that I was able to turn the conversation back around. But I knew that if I were to have another suggestive situation that would turn me into a beetroot, that I probably wouldn’t be able to stop my heart from fluttering again. That was when I caught glimpse of the waitress who took our order. It looked like she was carrying our food. I prayed that it was ours, not because I was famished but because I needed a breather from his gorgeous face making seductive comments.

I subtly breathed a sigh of relief when she approached our table. I noticed in my peripheral vision that Robin didn’t remove his eyes off me, as we were being served our food.

“Here’s your meal, Sir … and here’s your ribs Miss” She stated as she was placing them in-front of us on the table. “Enjoy” she added.

My mouth was watering now, as the sweet smell of honey tickled my nose. I dug in nearly instantly, cutting the bones off and slicing the meat into smaller slices. I was about to take my first bite, my hand was guiding the fork towards my mouth, when I noticed that Robin was still watching me. “Aren’t you going to eat?” I stopped to ask, wondering why he hadn’t even touched his food yet.

“Sorry, I guess I was watching to see if you could really eat the whole thing.” He said sheepishly, he was now reaching out for his burger. A minute or two passed of us wolfing down our meals before he commented. “You have an appetite of a viking but the manners of a lady, it’s quite a rare sight to see.”All I could do was avoid his eye contact and try my best to not show how embarrassed I felt to hear his words. I’m just glad that he didn’t notice or comment that I was struggling with my injured hand.

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Not much was said during our meals, but we did exchange small glances and simple questions to get to know each other. After sometime when we were nearly finished both of our meals, the same waitress came back with our bill in a black folder wallet. “Here, just place the money in the wallet when you’re ready and leave it on the table for me to collect.” She placed the bill more or less on Robin’s half of the table, probably assuming that he was going to pay.

I reached to pay for the bill, when Robin snatched the receipt off the table before I could reach it. “You didn’t think that I’d make you pay for this meal, did you?” He asked, raising his brow slightly.

“W-well I thought that was what you were getting at the other day. I thought you meant that I would treat you to a lunch for your assistance, not the other way around.” I could tell that I was visibly confused.

“It wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me to leave you with the bill... No, I merely wanted to go on a date with you. And using the investigation as an excuse to do that? Well… let’s just say, it worked in my favour.” His smile grew as he was speaking. He checked the receipt for the amount and proceeded to grab out his wallet, placing a single bill inside. He scribbled for a few seconds, signing his name no doubt.

My eyes became wide with disbelief. Did he really see this as an actual date? This hunk of a specimen was actually interested in me? I could feel my cheeks grow hotter by the second. I grabbed my glass and finished the last few mouthfuls of my drink to cool myself down. I felt conflicted, I had been using this ‘date’ as an opportunity to get further information about the case. But at the same time I was interested in him as well and didn’t want to screw up my chances of being with him…

He broke my thought process. “So will you be coming back with me to I.T.G? Is there anything you need to do there?” He looked hopeful that I’d say yes.

“I actually need to go back to the station. I have more answers I need to find out about the case.” I answered.

“Do you need a lift back to I.T.G?” He questioned.

“No, I can get to the station from here…Thanks anyway.” At first glance he looked disappointed, as his face dropped a little from his hopeful expression. “I know that we only had lunch, but I had a great time…a-and would love to see you again.” I quickly added after seeing his change in emotion.

I noticed that he raised his eyebrow ever so slightly, maybe I just gave him an ego boost? After a second or two, Robin smiled his dazzling smile again and his eyes were now holding me captive as he spoke “Well, I’m off tomorrow…” He started, “Maybe we can make some arrangements to meet?” He flipped out his mobile phone with little effort, like it was already in his hand. “What’s your number?” He asked.

Was I just played then? He went from 0 to 100, too quickly. He was working against my heart strings, and I oddly liked it. It made me feel like I was in one of those romance novels I’ve read on…occasions. Was it wrong for me to be enjoying his company? After all, I don’t really know much about him and he could still be very much be apart of this case.

I accepted when I remembered that I had to still ask him questions on this case. I was taking a risk getting closer to Robin because I’m basically mixing business with pleasure. Hopefully my heart can take it.

After he punched my number into his phone, he flipped it back into his back pocket effortlessly. “Well…I’m afraid I must go back now, they’ll be wondering where I am.” He started to get up from the booth. “I’ll call you later…to make arrangements for another date of course.” He left the black folder wallet on the table, like the waitress instructed him and turned to start leaving the restaurant.

I watched as he left and continued to climb into his ute. It was at this time the waitress came around again to pick up the bill. I continued to finish my meal, as I was only a few mouthfuls from finishing. Then I heard a gasp. My eyes locked onto the waitress, her free hand was covering her mouth as she had the bill in her other.

“Oh my gosh! A-are you sure?” The waitress grinned as she asked.

“W-what?” My eyes met hers. I’m sure that I looked dumbfounded.

“The tip.” She answered, still smiling.

My hand was now outstretched towards her, “May I see?” She seemed reluctant but she handed the bill to me anyway with the money still inside. A hundred dollar bill? And the notes section he wrote ‘keep the change as your tip’. My eyes now looked back out the window of the restaurant, watching Robin as he drove away in his ute. I handed the black folder wallet back to the waitress. “Yes, I’m sure” I answered with a smile. She turned and squealed a little, grateful of the most generous tip given to her no doubt.

I found myself looking back out that same window. Didn’t Robin say something that contradicts this generous action just now?

*Flashback*

“I needed the money…She offered more than what I’d make in a month of wages…

How much money did ‘H’ actually give him? And why was he throwing it around just now if he really needed it? There is definitely more things to uncover from Robin about ‘H’. I have to find out what he knows…

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