Where Is Rebecca? (The Chosen One)

Chapter 3: Desperate Time

    After a stressful day, Joe returned home and looked worried. His wife, Emily could not hold back, but to ask, "Sweetheart is everything alright?" "Yes, but why did you ask?" "Common! You need to look at yourself at the mirror. You're stressed out and looked very worried." "Really? But I'm perfectly fine." "I don't believe you. Please, tell me if something is wrong." "You wouldn't give up, right?" "You know me better than that. I know you're keeping something from me." "Alright, Dr. inquisitive! I'm worried about the new case, I'm handling." What about the case?" "It's a high profile case, involving the President's daughter that seems to be kidnapped." "Oh! But you shouldn't worry so much about the case. Just give your best to it and leave the rest for God" "That's the problem. I have given my best to the case, but no single clue to connect me to Rebecca." "Oh! That's the girl's name?" "Yes, Sweetheart." "Don't worry. I believe that she will be found soon." "I hope so too."

    Emily wondered how a Seven years old girl could disappear from her house, which was so secured, without anyone, not even the gate-man noticing her!  Sweetheart, based on what you told me, nothing is adding up."  "You see why I'm so worried? Sweetheart, my career is on the line. I must crack this case." "So, what are you going to do next?" "Well, I need to take a desperate step." "What did you mean by that?" "I need to partner with Jade." "That will be great! Just remember that I'm here for you and that I will support you in any way I can."

    Joe placed a call to Jade, who was so happy to hear from his friend. It had been a while they talked. After their usual pleasantries, Joe revealed why he called him. They agreed to meet up in Joe’s apartment the next day. When Joe ended the call with Jade, he informed Emily about their arrangement. Emily was optimistic that something good would come out from the collaboration.

    Joe appreciated Emily for her understanding and support. She smiled and said, “Who else would I understand or support, if not you?” Joe held her closely, looked into her eyes and said, “You’re the best, my love!” Emily smiled again and said, “Thanks love.” They kissed each other and retired to bed.

    The next day, Jade met with Joe in his apartment, as planned. Joe explained the details of the case to him. After looking through the case file, Jade expressed his view that the case was one of a kind! However, Jade promised that he was going to start investigation immediately.

    Jade started an investigation. He went to Mr. Dickson’s area and monitored everything from afar. All he could see were Security Guards moving around Mr. Dickson’s compound. When he was exhausted, he returned home.

    Jade repeated his visit to Mr. Dickson’s area for investigation, but he could not discover any substantial evidence to help the case.  He was a bit frustrated, but he never gave up. He was optimistic that he would find a leading clue.

    As Jade was about to return home, he looked at the case file inside his car and decided that Judith needed to be recalled for further interrogation.  He placed a call to Joe to inform him about his intention to recall Judith for interrogation. Jade did not believe Judith’s story about the girl in veil. He convinced Joe that the possibility of the girl being Rebecca was high. Joe agreed with him.

Immediately, Joe placed a call to Judith and scheduled a meeting with her. Judith was worried about what could have made Joe to recall her for further interrogation. However, she promised to honour the invitation.

    Judith attended the further interrogation at the FBI’s office. Joe asked Judith, "Can you identify the woman that was with the girl in veil at the airport?" After deep thought, she said, "Sure, I will be able to identify her." "Then, you need to come with me to the airport."

    They went to the airport. On getting there, Joe met with the Director of the intelligence department. After exchanging pleasantries, he requested for the footage, which covered the activities of the day Judith traveled to China. Judith identified the woman with the girl in veil in the footage. Joe requested for the profile of the woman. The Director retrieved her data and submitted it to Joe. The woman’s name was Margret Edward.

    Joe placed a call to Jade and asked that he met up with him in his apartment later of that day. Joe dropped Judith off and drove back to the FBI’s office. He picked up some things from his office and closed for the day.

    Joe got home and Emily was not around. He was worried about where she could be and decided to place a call to her . "Hi Sweetheart. Where are you?" "Sweetheart, are you back home?" "Yes, I was surprised when I didn't find you home." "Sorry, I didn't tell you that I would be stepping out to get some groceries." "Alright. Come home soon. Take care of yourself." "I will. Thanks. See you soon."

   Joe used the opportunity of being alone to sleep. He was still sleeping when Jade visited his apartment. Jade rang Joe severally before he woke up. He staggered to the entrance door to welcome him. It was obvious, Joe had been sleeping and Jade could not hold back, but to say, "Common man, you looked exhausted! You need to go back to sleep.” "I'm fine. Besides, what matters to me at this moment is not sleep, but to crack the case and return Rebecca back to her family."

    Joe excused himself and went inside his bedroom to get the document and footage given to him at the airport. He handed all the information about Margret to Jade. Joe brought out red wine and had a drink with him. They cheered to success! After having a couple of drink, Jade called it a day.

    Immediately Jade left, Emily returned home. Joe was glad to welcome her back. She was excited to see Joe in good mood after a long while. She asked, "What is the celebration all about?" "Why are you surprised? Is this the first time, you saw me drinking?" "Surely not.  However, for a long while, you haven't been yourself. Today is just different!" "You really know me so well. The good news is that the journey of our success in the case has just begun." He held Emily closer and gave her the glass of wine to sip from.

    The next morning, Jade set for Shanghai City to search for Margret. He was so convinced that the girl in veil was Rebecca! Besides, he had no other leading clue at that moment.

    Jade placed a call to Joe to inform him that he was set for the journey. Joe drove to Jade’s apartment to pick him up for airport.