Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 22, 2009 21:42:12 GMT -5
She nodded slowly, pulling away and wiping her face with a handkerchief. "I'm still sorry... and I'm n-not worried ab-bout him b-being broken. I-I'm worried about him b-being k-killed," she whimpered, covering her face.
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 22, 2009 22:03:06 GMT -5
As the video played, Paula watched closely. After the screen faded to snow, she stood and walked over to the TV. Without speaking, she rewound the tape and stopped it exactly as the hand grabbed Zeph's head. Then she turned and walked over to the door, throwing it open. "Mrs. Aetai. Jason. I need both of you in here. Now."
Leaving the door open, she strode back over to the TV and jabbed her finger at the hand on the screen. "Look at this. The idiot who recorded this didn't cover their hand with a glove." She moved so that everyone in the room could see. "Look at this. The skin is rough. Whoever this particular person is, they are no businessman or boss. This is someone who does work. But look closer. This person takes care of themselves. The skin isn't dry or broken." Paula stopped and studied the video closer. "This is pretty nice video quality. Idiots."
She turned back to the family and friends of Zeph. "First things first. I want to know who you suspect, knowing what you know. The hand, the planned job, and the fact that this is probably personal."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 22, 2009 22:27:26 GMT -5
Euros shook his head. "I can't think of why anyone would want to hurt Zeph... I mean, other than me. And I would never have him kidnapped, I'd just pound him like I always do."
Dawn came in slowly, averting her eyes from the screen. Astraios leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "I think I know that hand... but I can't remember from where..."
He bit his lip, raking his brain. Anything he could remember... But it wouldn't come. He held his head, closing his eyes tightly. The hands were familiar, he knew them... He knew them well, but from where?
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 22, 2009 22:43:00 GMT -5
Jason shivered as he came back into the room; his eyes locked onto the image on the screen, no matter how often he forced himself to look away. Zeph looked barely conscious, and the hand that held him had a firm grip on his hair. He swallowed, studying the hand, then moving his gaze to Zeph's face. Zeph's eyes were unfocused, his skin pale. He didn't seem to have been physically harmed. That had come later, Jason recalled, his stomach twisting.
Finally he tore his eyes away from the screen, returning to his place on the couch next to Aritha. He kept his eyes on Paula, shivering, waiting to be spoken to. He doubted that she expected him to know anything more about Zeph's captors than Zeph's family did -- or anything at all, for that matter.
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Post by Aritha Bianca Kairavi on Oct 22, 2009 22:59:49 GMT -5
Aritha covered her eyes. "That could be almost anyone in my camp... anyone."
She tried not to cry. She wasn't any HELP. And she couldn't help even before and Zeph looked so scared and she knew he was hurt and they were going to kill him and there was nothing she could do to stop it! Trembling, Aritha just buried her face in her arms, leaned over so that her arms rested on her legs.
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 22, 2009 23:09:25 GMT -5
Paula nodded slowly. "Alright, then. It's a start." She crossed over and ejected the tape from the TV. "I'll examine this later. Perhaps there are more clues that we missed."
She turned back around to face the family. "Alright. Let's-" Her phone vibrated. Stopping in mid sentence, she pulled out her phone and checked the text. Then she swore and put the phone back in her pocket. "I just got word back from my friend. Mr. and Mrs. Aetai, I apologize, but there is something I withheld until we could get the video out of the way. Zeph used the kidnapper's cell phone to call Jason while we were in the airport. The conversation was only a minute, but it confirmed Zeph is alive and it provided some intel on the kidnappers."
"I just received word that the phone was bought at an unknown location, but was activated on the fourth. If Zeph or the kidnappers call us from the same phone, my friend can have his people trace the call."
Paula resumed pacing. "Right now, I need everyone's full cooperation. If we all work together, we can find Zeph and save him. There is still hope. There is always hope. Trust me on that."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 22, 2009 23:15:21 GMT -5
Dawn's eyes widened, "He's alive?!"
Astraios' face paled. "He was alive then... but if they found out he called you... They should be calling soon... we can find out then." He closed his eyes, still covering his face. His son... The image that had been on the TV was tearing at his heart.
Euros fell back in his chair, his face flooded with relief. Zeph had been alive that morning... the chances were high he was still alive now. And they would demand to speak with him again before they even thought about paying, about finding out how to get him.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 22, 2009 23:26:28 GMT -5
Jason's tremors quickly ceased, and he looked up at Paula with a new light in his eyes. This woman had some serious charisma going on. He sat up straighter, meeting her eyes and speaking one short sentence.
"Tell me what I need to do."
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 23, 2009 17:41:59 GMT -5
Paula nodded and crossed over to the chair where her briefcase and coat rested. "Right now, there is quite a bit we can do. Aritha, I want you to contact you father and see if whoever is well-respected or well known within your people to begin an internal investigation to try to figure out if any of them may be involved. Jason, I need you to stay here with me and the phones. If the kidnappers call again, you need to be ready to answer the phone and talk to them while I listen in. I also want to further question you about the events of the day leading up to Zeph's kidnapping. The Aetai family... I want you to do a background check on all of your employees. If and when they check out, I need you all to do a complete sweep of the island. Leave no stone unturned and no person unquestioned."
She opened the briefcase. "I'm going to set up this room as a temporary office. I have a laptop and I need the TV to play the ransom video a few more times. Also, this room is central to the house and I can easily reach anything I need."
"And another thing," Paula said suddenly, looking up. "Don't tell anyone why I'm here until after the kidnappers call again. In fact, don't tell anyone that I'm here. This is very important. Now, do you all understand what you need to do?"
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 23, 2009 17:47:26 GMT -5
Jason nodded. "There's just one problem, Professor... I don't know a word of Greek, and the kidnappers don't speak English, so I can't be the one to talk to them unless someone translates for me."
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Post by Aritha Bianca Kairavi on Oct 23, 2009 17:53:59 GMT -5
Aritha licked her lips. "I left my cell with Papa. That call will be quick and I can answer the phones. Or Euros... Euros has been answering them before, so he probably should."
She glanced over at the East Wind, then back at Paula. "Can I borrow someone's cell so I don't tie up the phone line? We don't know when they plan on calling today."
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 23, 2009 18:07:54 GMT -5
Paula cracked the barest hint of a smile. "Aritha or Euros can do it. Jason, I still want you with me at all times." She did not think she needed to say why. After this was said, Paula turned and busied herself with setting up her files and laptop.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 23, 2009 19:39:18 GMT -5
Jason shifted from foot to foot, watching Paula closely. "Is there anything specific you need from me for the time being?"
He was mentally going over the events of the fifth, striving to pay attention to every detail. He had seen several movies involving kidnappings, and he knew that the tiniest details were often the most important. And if he slipped and didn't recall something vital...
Jason shivered, steeling himself. No, he must not lose focus. He must be calm. He had his orders. And he would carry them out to the letter. To the best of his ability.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 24, 2009 2:00:09 GMT -5
Euros nodded, staying by the phone. He handed Aritha his cell, his eyes locked on the phone. Then he looked at the phone, closing his eyes. "They will probably call later... they called in the evening yesterday, they probably will today."
Astraios left the room immediately, his cell phone already at his ear. Having money had its advantages... It took but a moment for him to start getting background checks on his servants started, and the equipment to have the house checked over. Peeking his head in the room, he nodded slightly at Paula. "I'm going to take my wife to get some sleep. If you need us, just send for us."
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 24, 2009 2:45:14 GMT -5
Paula nodded. "Very well. If I leave this room, you will know. I will keep you posted on anything I discover." She turned to Euros. "You were the one who took the call earlier, correct? Did you manage to record that? It would help me immensely if I had that recording..."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 24, 2009 3:03:46 GMT -5
Euros nodded, moving to the other side of the room and picking up the tape, tossing it to Paula as he came back. "That's a copy... when we found out about Jason contacting you we made sure to have everything we could for you. I did, at least.
"I might not get along with Zeph... but I don't want him dead." He sat by the phone again, anxious and trying hard not to show it. Zeph was the one who wore his heart on his sleeve...
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 24, 2009 21:06:40 GMT -5
They had left him alone again… though he knew it would not be for long. Pretty soon it was going to be time for them to call his family again. Zeph looked around slowly, seeing the phone they were planning to use. It was identical to the phone they had used earlier… the phone he had repaired to call Jason. If he could just switch the phones without them noticing… Maybe it would help the police find him.
But first he had to get over to that side of the room. Zephyros closed his eyes, every breath coming in a soft pant. Or maybe he should risk calling them tomorrow… before the ransom was due. One last chance… one last goodbye. His head rested on his arm, the only arm he could still use. The other one had been usable earlier, but after getting thrown around by a dislocated shoulder… the arm wouldn’t work anymore. He couldn’t even move the fingers, which remained curled slightly in a claw-like pose. Nothing hurt anymore… he knew he was in shock now. Shock could kill people, but something told him he wasn’t going to get the chance to die of it. At least they hadn’t beaten him again or… anything. And they’d given him water. Probably because they needed him able to speak when they called again. He didn’t dare sleep… he wanted to savor every last minute. Every heart beat, every breath that should have been agonizing and wasn’t.
Don’t think about death, they said… I have what… twenty-four hours left? If that. These men might just confirm the money, film my murder and leave the tape with my body. If they do that… I hope the bastards are stupid and show their faces. I hope Professor Harris gets the chance to get revenge on them. Or better yet, Jason. He could make them pay more, and would want to more.
Jason, if I don’t get out of this alive… please don’t follow me…
He tried to take a deep breath, a yawn caused by not enough oxygen, and choked, coughing again. That had been a mistake… He moved his hand from under his head and his fingers curled around the phone he had hidden, grateful that they weren’t beating him anymore. And when he held the phone, it had looked like he was just clutching at his broken ribs. So if he was lucky they wouldn’t find it and he could call home. Please don’t find it… give me my final goodbye.
The door opened and the boss picked up the cell phone on the table, dialing Zeph’s home number again. Zeph let his eyes open slowly as two of the men picked him up by the shoulders and dragged him to the chair. He whimpered and thrashed, as if it hurt his dislocated shoulder. He just wanted them to think that… maybe they would think he was in enough pain to not be any trouble. They threw him in the chair and bound him quickly. The movement jostled his ribs and he started coughing again, spitting out the blood that came to his lips. He couldn’t get the taste out of his mouth and gagged, trying to spit again. He couldn’t get enough moisture… A cup was held to his lips and he tasted it tentatively. A strong wine… did they want him to get drunk? Why? He turned his head and one of the men yelled at the other for trying to give it to him. Ah, an accident. He knew that language… Aritha spoke it sometimes. These men were from her camp… at least some of them were.
Pity that knowledge wasn’t going to do him any good.
Zeph closed his eyes, listening to the phone call. They probably wouldn’t give him time to say much… he would just affirm that he loved them. That was quick, and probably all he would get time for. Anything else he could tell them would have to wait until tomorrow… the men were going to stay there all night, playing card games. They’d done that last night, after… having their fun with him. Taking a slow breath, Zeph opened his eyes again, looking blankly at the floor. One of his legs was crooked; broken, as he thought. At least it hadn’t broken the skin.
----
Eight o’clock PM. The Aetais sat around the phone, the police with their recording equipment nearby… Jason, Paula and Aritha part of the circle, though Aritha stayed very carefully on the other side of the circle from Dawn. Especially considering the glass of chicken’s blood she had left from the other’s dinner. The sight of that had sent Dawn into hysterics again and Astraios had been forced to take his wife from the room. Euros sat closest to the phone, knowing his mother couldn’t handle answering it and being the first to hear the man’s voice. Unfortunately, they couldn’t automatically have the phone on speaker…
It rang and Euros snatched up the receiver, his heart dropping as he quickly put the phone on speaker. Oddly, he’d been hoping it wasn’t the kidnappers, wasn’t another reminder of how little time Zephyros had left. His blue eyes closed for a moment
<You have twenty four hours to get us the money,> the same voice as in the tape and the previous call said, still sounding altered. Dawn buried her face into Astraios’ neck, covering her ears. She knew Astraios would make sure she heard Zephyros’ voice…
<And when we do? How do we get Zeph back? We want to talk to Zeph before we consider transferring the money,> Astraios said, his voice steady and his arms around Dawn. He was desperate to know that… to know where he was supposed to get Zephyros back, and knowing his son was still alive to get. He looked at Paula, gesturing for her to speak in his ear with whatever suggestions she had. She didn’t want the kidnappers to know through any of their actions she was there… well, neither did he.
The man snarled something and there was silence for a moment, then the sound of coughing. Something was spat away from the phone and there was a slow, gasping breath.
“H-hello?” Zeph said hesitantly, breathlessly. “Are you all okay? Jason?”
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 24, 2009 21:57:49 GMT -5
"I'm here," Jason called out in answer, trying to keep his voice from shaking. He needed to be strong -- Zeph needed him to be strong. Zeph sounded like he was ill... it must have been him they had heard coughing. His voice was rough and breathless. Jason cringed inwardly, trying not to imagine what kinds of things the kidnappers had done to him.
"I love you," he told Zeph, holding back a sob. "You'll be okay. We're going to get you out of there. Stay strong."
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 24, 2009 22:32:50 GMT -5
Paula leaned close to Mr. Aetai. Her heart was racing. She had heard the kidnappers' voices before, but hearing them in real time was a completely new experience. Taking a deep breath, she spoke softly and clearly.
"I want you to ask the kidnappers how they intend to return Zeph to you once the ransom's been paid. Also, I want you to mention at some point how you, the Aetai family, Jason, and Aritha are waiting for Zeph's return. Say nothing about me."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 24, 2009 23:05:04 GMT -5
"Once Zeph is off the phone," Astraios agreed softly. "Zeph, son... we're going to get you out. Just hold on."
Zeph coughed, gasping. "Oh-okay. M-make sure Jason takes care of himself... He always forgets to when he's worri-" his voice was cut off, as if the phone was taken away from him.
<You have your proof. Your time is running out.> the man said, the voice of the operation so far.
<How are we going to get Zephyros back?> Astraios demanded, leaning close to the phone. Euros managed to keep a translation going for Jason and Paula, his voice soft enough to carry to them and not over the phone.
<Once we confirm the money has been transfered... we will text you his location the same way we texted the account number. It will not be hard to find.>
In the background, Zeph screamed. The man's voice was stifled with distance from the phone's speaker. <We need him alive you fools! Don't tell me he just moved his leg!> The call cut off suddenly.
Euros choked, unable to translate the last words. Zeph had confirmed a number of times they planned to kill him... so why did they need him alive after this call? What were they planning? Dawn's ears were covered again; she didn't hear Zeph's scream or the end of the call... For which the Aetai family was grateful. If only Jason hadn't heard it either.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 24, 2009 23:17:01 GMT -5
Jason's hands flew to his mouth at the sound of Zeph's scream, and he choked back the tears that seared his eyes. Zeph was in pain... He couldn't stop the barrage of mental images that flooded his mind, all horrible speculations of what Zeph might be suffering. He shut his eyes tightly to block them out, strangled whimpers emerging from his mouth.
I need to be strong... Zeph needs me to be strong... Jason repeated the words over and over in his mind, drilling them into his heart. Slowly he managed to calm himself, at least so nothing showed on the outside. His heart was still in turmoil.
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 24, 2009 23:36:19 GMT -5
Paula stood and turned to the police analysts. "Did you get a trace on the phone?"
One of the analysts shook their heads. "I'm sorry, Detective Harris. The phone number you gave us is different than the one they called us on. If the phone that called us earlier called us we could trace it for you in less time but we didn't have enough time to trace this one without the number..."
"Damn." Paula spat, starting to pace. "Well, if you boss doesn't mind, I would like you and your team to stay here and continue to work with what we have."
The analyst nodded. "He owes you. We all owe you after the Lady in Wh-"
"We are not talking about that in front of students." Paula snapped, turning away from the analysts and back to the Aetai family. "Mrs. Aetai, I think it would best if you left the room. Some of what I've gathered from this call... you may not want to hear. Jason, I would like you to stay, no matter what."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Oct 24, 2009 23:49:25 GMT -5
Dawn looked at Paula and fled the room. Euros looked at Paula edgy, wanting to leave too and somehow knowing Paula wanted him there. He was losing his whole 'impersonal' thing... but Zeph in danger meant more than what impression people got of him. Astraios wanted to follow his wife, but forcing himself to stay in the seat.
"What have you learned?" he asked urgently, his son's scream echoing in his mind.
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Post by paulaharris on Oct 25, 2009 0:04:10 GMT -5
Paula neither took a deep breath nor sighed before speaking. In fact, she gave her next statement no preamble at all, simply launching into it. "I'm sorry, but the kidnappers just confirmed that they have no intention of leaving Zephyros alive once the money is paid. If they did, they would have offered at least some details about his release, to reassure you that he will be returned. They would also not be torturing him if they intended to return him, as returning him injured would be as bad as not returning him."
"Which makes me wonder why they bother torturing him at all. If they're going to kill him, why waste the time? If they're going to release him, why risk the backlash? This makes me think even more that there is a deeper reason for this..."
She stopped short and whirled to face the assembled group. "BUT. The kidnappers gave us a crucial clue." She walked over to the computer and pressed a few buttons.
<It will not be hard to find...>
"Think." Paula said, turning back to the group. What a rag-tag investigative team... "Think about what we know. The fact that some of the kidnappers belong to Aritha's people and that Zeph's location is "not hard to find". Think about the hand, and the fact it was familiar to Mr. Aetai. Think, people. There is a connection and we will find it.."
Drinking the last of her coffee, she thrust the cup in Jason's hands. "Jason, there is too much blood in my caffeine system. Get on that. And hurry back. You don't want to miss any of this."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Oct 25, 2009 0:15:40 GMT -5
Jason nodded, gripping the cup tightly as he hurried from the room. He prepared the coffee to Paula's specifications (it was between two pm and midnight, so she took cream and skim milk), carrying it back to her as quickly as he could without spilling a drop. He hovered nearby, ready to continue hanging onto the detective's every word.
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