Page 40 of Illusive
The detective shook his head.
Running a hand through his hair, Gideon scowled, so emotionally on edge he feared he’d explode into violence. “Are we even sure these calls are related to the earlier ones?”
“Yes, they mentioned the items we found in the Arcade yesterday. We haven’t shared that info with the public.”
“There could’ve been a leak.”
The veteran cop’s eyes hardened. “The commish and mayor are all over this. Everyone working the case is keeping a lid on it.”
Closing his gritty eyes briefly, Gideon fought for patience. Of course, there was the possibility of a leak. There were dozens of personnel from multiple departments and agencies working the case. “So… They called Chris to torment him, and for no other reason? Have you ever heard of anything like this before?”
“I mean, yeah... Sometimes in cases where a noncustodial parent takes the kid,” Rollins said, “there can be some head games involved if they communicate.”
“So when it’s personal,” Gideon iterated. And hadn’t he felt that from the beginning?
“Incoming call on your cellphone from your stepfather,” the tech at the dining table announced.
Gideon moved to stand behind her and nodded that he was ready. “Chris…” He realized he didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry.”
“This isn’t your fault, Gideon.”
The words were meaningless because they didn’t yet know what the motive was. “Are you okay?”
Gideon regretted the question the moment he said it, because of course, none of them were okay.Okaywas in the past.
“I don’t know what I am,” Chris said hoarsely. “Will I ever see my daughter again? Am I the father of a murdered child? I’ve tried not to think that way…to stay hopeful…but these people…”
Gideon’s eyes burned. “They’re making contact. As long as we continue a dialogue with them, there’s a chance.”
“They did mention money, but only to say that it’s a pity I can’t afford their demands or this would be over already.”
Frowning, Gideon absorbed that. “Why would they care where the money comes from?”
Victor’s voice intruded. “Leverage, maybe.”
Turning his head, Gideon saw his father-in-law leaning against the wall near the hallway. He looked bleary-eyed, and his dark hair was mussed from sleep.
“If they can stir up disagreement in the family,” Victor continued, “or turn anyone against you, there’s more pressure on you to comply.”
“I’m fucking complying!” Gideon snapped.
Victor raised one hand. “Wrong word. A typical kidnapping is primarily about the ransom, but it’s also about having control. You’re offering the ransom but not ceding control.”
“I don’t know what more I can do,” he retorted. The sudden amplified ringing of the house phone gave him a start. “Chris, they’re calling now.”
“Gideon…” his stepfather began. His tone firmed. “I know you’ll do what’s best.”
He didn’t know what that might be, but saying so would only be unhelpful. “We’ll talk again soon.”
The tech switched the lines and waggled her index finger overhead to indicate the call was live.
“This is Cross.”
“Good morning!” Ireland’s voice rang out cheerfully. Chillingly.
Gideon shivered at the sensation of icy water sliding through his veins. He fought for self-control. “Can I ask you, please, to use any other voice?”
Rollins gave him an approving nod.
