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By the end of the next day, all they found was that Oakley’s cell phone was still turned off, and the last place it had sent a signal was the highway that first day. The message to Bella came after that, except if it wasn’t Bella’s phone that sent it, either Bella had two phones, which began to look very suspicious, or they cloned a phone and did that for Oakley and the person who sent that message was the kidnapper.
They would follow up on that.
“Her car hasn’t moved,” said Sharlee.
When she called Shandra about what she knew about the car, she said, “Sometimes Oakley goes for the weekend with a friend, and nobody thinks anything about it.”
“And when was the last time she did that? I want to check to see where she went.”
“You can do that?”
“Girl, I can do that in my sleep. Now when was the last time?”
“I think about a month before she went to Dallas?” Shandra was hesitant now.
“Got it. She left her car in the garage?”
“Oh, I assume so,” said Shandra.
“Then how did she get to work on Monday?”
“Um, I guess her car? Look, I don’t really know.”
Sharlee and the gang knew Ryker was right. Things were too fishy, and the waters were getting murkier by the minute. Something was definitely going on. And not just because they had a date the night after they decided to be exclusive.
“We’d even begun to talk about our expectations in a serious relationship. We specifically listed notification of the other partner if we were not going to make it home on time or if things changed. We promised to be open and honest with each other because that’s the type of relationship we want.” Ryker turned desperate eyes to Jac. “She’s my breath, Jac. We have to find her.”
The police called on him this morning and asked about their relationship. He was clear and calm but couldn’t stop his voice from shaking when thinking about her being in danger.
“It’s been a few days now. Maybe she’ll show up soon.”
“Five, it’s been five days, and she won’t just show up. It’s been too damn long. I’ve hired a securities company to help. They are my closest friends and won’t stop until we find her.”
“What company?” asked the younger officer.
“Jacquard Reynaud and Associates.”
“I hear they’re good.”
“They’re the best. We’ll find her.”
“Just stay out of the police’s way,” said the more seasoned officer.
“The more people looking, the better. We will go where we think the information points. Jac said he’d share with you when they have something promising. Here’s his card if you have questions for him or his team.”
The more senior officer took the card, and both shook Ryker’s hand. He knew they were doing their best, but with the restraints of laws holding them to the line, Ryker didn’t have much hope of them coming up with any leads his friends didn’t get.
By the time the following Monday rolled around, Ryker was beginning to show his lack of food or sleep. The team had reassembled to see if they could piece any more together. Jac was waiting for the notification from Shandra of whether Oakley had returned to work. They also called Bella, who still didn’t answer her phone.
“I’m taking another run out to Bella’s house. I don’t know her family, or I’d call them.”
Jac and Ryker went to her house with no response. Her car was still gone, and it appeared as though she hadn’t returned the whole week. Garrett and Mark went to Bella’s office. Carter offered, but his size worried some people. When there was no good outcome, they started on a hunt to find her. Jac and Ryker first went to the police to see if there was any update. They spoke to them daily, but this was another monumental milestone day. Unfortunately, it seemed Sharlee and Kaden shared more with them than they offered in return.
“I don’t understand, what do you do next?” Ryker asked Jac’s contact, Linden.
“I wish I could say there was much more. But we have her name and picture out as a missing person who could be in danger. Really, we will shake the trees, but nothing is falling out,” said Officer Linden.
“Keep us informed, Linden. We appreciate your help,” said Jac.
