Unraveled

Chapter Thirteen: Call It A Date.

"They cannot stand that a refugee, a black woman, an immigrant, a Muslim, shows up in Congress thinking she's equal to them. But I say to them, 'How else did you expect me to show up?'"

-Ilhan Omar

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

"I saw you checking the house. I was shocked to say the least. Why are you here Zack? And why were you acting like a stalker? What is going on?"

"I wasn't acting like a stalker… I just thought you weren't home and waited for a while. Then decided to pay you a visit later. You know, I just got here. It's been a long trip. Why don't you go home and I will come to see you tomorrow, okay?" Zack was quick to reply. Even though he never planned on meeting his father-in-law again, he was now being forced to. But the skill of lying came naturally to him."

"Where is my Veda, Zack? What happened to her?" Mr Theel sounded broken. Zach on the other hand, was seething with rage. How dare he call her his Veda?! He never cared about her! All he ever cared about was getting drunk. He even poured his frustration and anger, for not having enough cash to buy more liquor, on his poor daughter. Now he was acting like he actually cared!! But maybe he can use that to his advantage when Veda shows up. IF she shows up. If he kept his father-in-law on his good side, he will eventually throw Veda back in Zack's arms.

" I don't know… We were so happy and had a perfect life! I… I don't know why she would leave... Between us, I honestly believe she was taken" Zack's smirked to himself internally. Oh, he was good.

Mr Theel massaged his temples and ran his hand through his blonde hair, pulling it back.

" How did you know? Did she come to see you? Has she contacted you?" Zach knew it was desperate to think so, but that didn't stop him from hoping.

" Her pictures are all over the news, how would I not know? I would recognize my own daughter even if it has been years since last time I saw her. You would think that my son-in-law would tell me that my daughter was gone missing!"

There he goes again. acting like a loving father. Zach held himself back from rolling his eyes.

"The police have no lead yet. But they said that if she was taken, then whoever took her would have contacted someone. And with her picture all over the media someone should have reported seeing her. Also, why would anyone want to take my Veda? She never hurt a soul!" Veda's father continued.

They were still standing at the door of Zack's room. Clearly, Zack did not want to invite his father in law in.

" It's getting late Mr Theel, you should head home, have a drink or something. I will visit you tomorrow. I promise."

" Oh, I've been sober for a bit over three years now." Zack raised his eyebrows and gave Veda's father an impressed look. He never thought his father in law had it in him to actually quit. " You've always been a good man Zack. I'm glad Veda had you. We will get her back." he continued patting Zack on the shoulder.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

"Okay fine! You're right"

"Say that again?"

"Stop teasing Jack!"

" I can't help it. It's not every day you admit that I'm right and you re wrong" Jack answered amused.

"Oh I never said I was wrong!" sam smirked.

They were speaking on the phone and Jack has been trying to convince her for a while to go to Jade City. He just wanted to see her and spend some time with her, and he had the perfect excuse; meeting and interviewing Mr Theel.

" You'll never let me win and enjoy this, will you?"

"Not going to happen, Mister."

They have made it a habit to call each other at the end of every day. Talking for a while about their days or things they've accomplished in the years they weren't in touch. Sometimes they would end up talking for over an hour.

"Anyways, I think talking to Mr Theel might bring us some information that we can use. I am getting really frustrated at the lack of progress in this case!"

" You're almost taking it personal Sam. It is not healthy! You should know better..."

" Every case is personal to me Jack! I might not know these women personally but their cases are something I do not take lightly. This is more than just a job for me. For me, I am their voices that must be heard."

Sam wanted to drive to Jade City herself in her own car but Jake had insisted to come take her and drive back to Jade City. So, they compromised. Sam would drive there but she would have to stay the night in the city. So they could have enough time to spend together. Sam would never admit it but she was very excited and looking forward to it. The feeling being so foreign to her. She couldn't remember the last time she felt excited about something other than catching a criminal. Although it couldn't be called excitement it was more like a feeling of achievement and accomplishment.

Sam decided to arrive at night and spend the night. That way she would have more time to meet Mr Theel and finish the interrogation early, so that she would have enough time to spend with Jack and still get back home before night falls.

Looking through her closet searching for her favorite comfy pajama set, she smiled to herself when she found the black camisole with dantel details on the top, paired with the light pink short shorts that were decorated with tiny black hearts. Sam was never a girly-girl kind of girl but there were some times she'd like something that was more feminine. These pajamas set were one of these things.

Sam hopped in her car making sure she had her duffle bag in the backseat and the front door of the house locked. A few minutes later she was on her way to Jade City. Her phone dinged, indicating she had a new message. Waiting till she reached the first red light before pulling her phone and checking who it's from. It was a message from Jack asking her to take care and to call him once she reaches Jade City.

A cheesy smile found its way on Sam's lips but she didn't have enough time to text back, since the red light turned green and the line of cars behind her started honking at her. She muttered an apology, even though no one could hear her.

Jack was nice enough to book her a room in a nice hotel despite her telling him he shouldn't bother about it. And she could just crash at any motel. He however insisted that that will never happen.

When Sam got to Jade City, the sun was already setting. The brilliantly red and orange colors glowing off of the buildings on either sides of the road. Draping a sense of tranquility and calmness on the usually city's busy and loud life. The warm breeze gently blowing in her car. Going in from a window and dancing its way to exit through the other but not before caressing and playing with Sam's black silky hair. Which she regreted leaving it falling loose and not pulling it up in a ponytail. Some strands were sticking to the clear lip gloss she had applied earlier. Pulling to the side of the road, she tamed her hair with her hands and pulled her phone to text Jack. But decided on calling him instead.

"Finally!" Jack picked up after just one and a half ring.

"Come on. It didn't take me that long. I even beat traffic!" Sam rolled her eyes and chuckled.

" You've taken a few years too long..." Jack whispered underneath his breath. He thought that Sam didn't hear him and thanked God for that. Making her feel guilty was the last thing he wanted to do. But she did hear him and she did feel bad, because Jack was really a good guy. But she needed to do what she needed to do to heal.

Jack cleared his throat and continued speaking:

"Where are you? I'll come meet you and take you to the hotel, so you can check-in"

"Or… you can tell me which hotel and send me the location to it."

" Hey, can't you just let me be a gentleman!"

" That's not being a gentleman. That's just being stupidly bothering yourself for no reason" Sam didn't intend to say that. She was trying to have a 'nice' filter on but it was harder than she thought.

Eventually, Jack gave in and gave her the name of the hotel. She promised to keep him updated and call him as soon as she arrives.

The checking-in went smoothly and soon Sam was taken to her room. She unlocked the door with the card the receptionist had given her. The hotel had a nice, elegant look to it. But nothing could prepare her for what her room looked like.

As soon as the door unlocked and she opened it, the lights went on. Sam's eyes widened and her jaw fell opened. The room wasn't huge but it was sure gorgeous. A queen sized coffee wooden bed was covered in luxurious white sheets. on top of it laid two white pillows and two extra chocolate brown pillows. The headboard had two small circular lights, giving it a cozy feeling. The brown full floor carpet contrasted nicely with the cream walls. But the most appealing feature of the room was the curtain window. Sam dropped her duffel bag on the foot of the bed and walk to the window. Pulling the cream curtain to the side the view was astonishing. taking her breath away.

The lights of the city were illuminating. The yellow and white lights from the buildings' windows danced in the clear dark night. Right in front of her was a park that had a few trees and bushes scattered through it. Giving it a fresh, enchanting atmosphere that sure contradicted the business of the city.

With a ding from her phone, she finally peeled her eyes off the view and went to grab it. A sigh left her throat when she realized how long she spent taking in the room and the view. She sent a quick text message to Jack, letting him know she was settled. She walked in the bathroom and washed her face and hands then left to pull her pajamas out of her bag. Once she was dressed, she pulled her hair up in a messy bun and took out her laptop hoping to get some work done before giving in to sleep. A soft knock on her door made her look up from the laptop. Thinking it must be someone from the staff, she got out of the comfortable bed and open the door.

Jack stood there gazing at the beautiful breathtaking angel in front of him. Even in her pajamas and messy hair she looked stunning. He suddenly forgot why he was there. He even forgot how to speak.

" Jack! " Sam sounded surprised. " What are you doing here?" she c****d her head to the side, a gesture that was simple but yet very cute. Jack let out a breath he was holding unconsciously.

" I wanted to make sure everything was all right" he smiled warmly.

" I guess you can't help it. You really are a gentleman" Sam teased.

" I know I am!" Jack replied smugly " Well, now that I am sure you're all good, I'll let you rest. I'll come pick you up in the morning for breakfast, before heading to Mr Theel's house"

" Sounds like a plan.… Good night Jack"

" Good night, Sam"

" Jack… Thank you"

" For what?! I didn't do anything" he winked at her and turned to leave. Feeling content that the love of his life had returned to be a part of it. And hoping that this time he'll get it right.