Taken 8

PROMPTS: insult mobilize delude fabulous creepy burial hell bucket

RANDOM DIALOGUE: "You're paying a small price compared with what she's going through."

***********************************************

"You're paying a small price compared with what she's going through." an inner voice told Derek as he walked into the reception of Saint Vincent Hospital. That was a brazen attempt to delude him from his 'inner detective', but he wasn't buying it. Remembering her hasty answer to his question on where she had been that day, he realized that something wasn't right with Zoe.

Paranoia was making him think creepy thoughts. But now that he had this feeling, the only way to shake it off would be proof. Zoe had never given him any reason to distrust her, but in the past, she was affiliated with some people that would rather have him kick the bucket.

That was before she joined the academy, since she'd been on a social service program. For some reason, Derek considered the system to be a criminal farm or boot camp, but as usual, those were some thoughts that could get him killed. But he already knew what he had to do.

He would report this to the SIU, but he would actively pursue the case in the days it would take them to mobilize and actually get their important asses of their desks and move into action.

Sorry Zoe, but I'm not in a truthful mood today, He thought as he marched towards their ward, having obtained a permit from the nurse at the reception.

As he entered, they were seated on their beds, almost looking like mummies in the thick bandages they were wrapped in. Sven made an effort to stand when he saw Derek, but he recoiled in pain.

"Easy there, King Kong." Derek scoffed.

"You're here to insult us? How nice." Camille scoffed.

"No. I'm here because I need information. Whoever's behind that kidnapping is really serious discreetly finding about just one little girl, since he sent a most extraordinary welcome party to my doorstep."

"I tell you nothing." Sven said. Derek cringed as soon as he heard the accent.

"Telling me nothing is to your detriment. Whoever sent you must know about this, and I don't think he's going to be flying in to save you any time soon. If anything, he's going to want to assassinate you. You're expendable, disposable... paper cups, if you will."

His words seemed to be hitting home, because they both looked down.

"The only thing I'll guarantee you is protection and a deal. You get less prison sentences for cooperating with the investigation, and a proper witness protection program once you're out."

"Are those the sweet words you use on other criminals in your custody? Then you can attend my burial for all I care."

"No. This is a rare opportunity. Other officers would love to watch you rot in a cell for life. I'm trying to get a win-win for us here."

"Just fabulous. Really, Detective? You can go jump off a cliff for all I care."

"Don't waste your breath. You'll need it at the trial!" Derek said angrily walking out of the room.

"Wait! You know what? I've had a change of mind here. You can get a pen and pad."

The sudden change of heart was creepy, but he was going for any information he could get. He rushed towards them with the both, having brought them in a carry on bag.

Camille smiled as she wrote the words on the pad. She wasn't doing this for the detective's 'juicy' offer, because she wasn't going to enjoy it. What the hell was she thinking trying to get him at his house? She'd thrust their activities into the limelight, and this was unforgivable.

It was just to spite the Boss. If she was going to hell, she'd really enjoy his company there. She handed the

Derek looked at the characters and scratched his head. It would take Sherlock Holmes to...

"You call yourself a detective right? Then if you can crack the code, you get your reward."

He was about to ask further questions when the nurse entered "Sir your time is up. Plus their lawyer is here".

"Oh okay" he said, leaving the room. He nearly bumped into the lawyer outside, muttering an apology.

Derek walked back to his car as he contemplated the information he'd been given. He'd never seen such a random alignment of characters, but if the woman's words were anything to go by, there was some important information in this.

As he left the driveway of the hospital, joining the moving traffic, he'd gone at least 60 metres when he thought about something.

The two people in the hospital room were expendables.

News of the attack had not been broadcast, and their identities were still a secret.

Why was there a visit from a 'lawyer'?

Making an illegal U-Turn, much to the chagrin of fellow users, he raced towards the hospital.

*********************************************

*Me not leaving a comment here because I'm sure I did a hell of a good job*

If sponsors are one of your needs on this site, you'll do well to join this community https://read.cash/c/get-sponsored-2a0b. Be part of an amazing program and apply now.