Kyle got home that night sad and distressed. It was the second night that he was going to spend without her. He had searched all the places he could think of. He had been to that address she sent to him the umpteenth time. Yet, she still was missing. He took a bottle of wine from the fridge and gulped in it. Hoping that it would ease his tension. " She's not dead. "He told himself. "It's not two days yet. I'll find her."
He blamed himself severally for allowing her take up the case when he knew what danger was in it, blamed himself for ignoring his phone beep while at a rescue mission. Of course, it should have been switched off but he didn't because of his gut feeling. Yet he still failed her.
The landline hung on the wall beeped and he reached for it immediately. There was an unfamiliar ID and he wouldn't have picked it if it was not for Kamila's disappearance.
"Hello."He rasped.
"Hello, Miss Dickson. I finally tried your home number today. How's everything?"
"It's her husband speaking." He said loud enough for the man on the other end to hear and understand.
"Oh..."He trailed off. "I'd like to speak with her. It's Jake, her new friend."
Kyle sighed. Kamila never mentioned a "Jake".
"She isn't home. She's missing. Haven't you heard the news?"
"No ooo. Woah!"He moaned on the other end. "That's unbelievable. Since when?"
"Two days ago?" He paused. "Ehm... But I don't think I know you Jake."
"Oh yeah. I met Mrs Dickson in the state library once and we exchanged cards. I haven't had the time to call until now. I'm really sad to hear this."
"Hm."
"Well, I'm a detective. If there's any way I can help with finding her. I'll surely do."
"Thanks Jake."
"It's alright. Stay tight. She will be back soon. Have a good night rest."
"And you too." He hung up and hissed.
*
Kamila's POV
"You know Paige Kam?" I asked but got no reply. I wasn't the type that would paster someone to get information from them, especially in this kind of situation. We're both locked up in a cage, uncertain about what our fate would be afterwards. The last thing I would do is to stress this stranger unnecessarily. Besides, what do I have to worry about? No length of information I get here would help Paige out of jail if I don't come out alive. I walked back to the spot I first laid.
Lord, please help me out of here.
First, I was shocked that Paige Kam claimed to be the Annabelle Steele's daughter. The she mentions that the late woman wasn't dead. How do I believe that? I got that laptop but still didn't get a proof due to my own careless. I got myself caged, leaving hopeless Paige to be caged forever. Na...
I must get out of here. Oh my God, Kyle! I cried.
Then I remembered I also saw something, a pregnancy test. Was she pregnant?!
Obviously, it showed green. I do not know much about it but I know green shows positive. Paige was pregnant, obviously not anymore.
"Pregnant once." I whispered to myself as I wrote on the cold ground with my fingers.
"Yeah, I saw the note too. She was going to keep him. To replace..."
I sighed not wanting to mention any names.
"She's depressed. Why?"
"No answer."
I was talking to myself, as bored and stupid as I felt. That was the only was I could stop myself from thinking about the worst.
"Focus on Paige. You'll be out of here for her. "I whispered to myself.
"She had a surgery. She isn't pregnant anymore. What does that say?"
Hmm...
"I should visit that hospital. Tsk ..."I hissed.
"Let's just assumed. She had a miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy or... an abortion."
I went still silent, thinking. I still don't have any proof and it's still very complicated.
Aargh!
*
I didn't remember falling asleep. Hour later, I sat upright, my back against the cage, looking around in confusion. I noticed a plate of food and water by the door and immediately reached for it. Though I was very hungry, I ignored the food and took a little water.
It can't be poisoned. I told myself. They probably just want me off the case for a while.
I had woken up with new hope. I saw my partner, Damien, still in the same position I left him the night before. Then I took water to him.
"Damien, can you hear me?"I said. He didn't move.
I remembered his smile and smiled back at myself. He's so young, I wonder why he is here.
I waited another few minutes, then I pulled my hands under his chin to lift his head up. His face was unusually stickly and I guessed immediately that it was tears. But men don't cry, why...?
He opened his eyes slowly and I let go of his chin.
"Found water. You should have some."
He shook his head.
"Why?"
"They brought it for you not me. Go and drink to your satisfaction because you never know what your next fate would be."
I was touched by his words. That feeling of hopelessness washed over me again.
"I don't need this as much as you do. Open your mouth or I'll force it down your throat."I decided to be tough.
"Fine."He opened up his mouth and I poured out all of it in his mouth. Gulping it down, he smiled at me and I blushed.
Damn you Kamila. My subconscious yelled at me. You have Kyle. And he's too young.
Then I took a searching look at his face. That strange familiarity...I get it now. How could I have forgotten? The picture at Paige's dressing table. It was him!
I pinched myself. This isn't happening. I had to ask.
"You are Damien?"
"And you are Kamila."He said, misunderstanding my question.
"I mean, do you know Paige Kam? She mentioned your name once and I've seen your face once in a picture. It's you right?"
He was silent.