Hello everybody!

I'm really sorry for my delay. I was very busy in school, a lot of exams and presentations. I also went over the last chapter and I'm going to update a new version. It is only slightly different, probably you won't notice it. I hope you enjoy this new chapter and I'll try to update more regulary. Oh and I will definitely get to the wedding thing ;)

I hope you can forgive me and continue reading this story :)

~Melina

_ Against the Time

"That definitely explains her behaviour…", Carrie says after a few minutes of silence. The shock is clearly audible in her voice.

"Who wouldn't freak out with a letter in their hands saying that your daughter is kidnapped…."

Of course they have hoped to get a new case, but an abduction is always very difficult, especially when it involves children. A murder isn't easy either, but at least they don't have the time against them. Sometimes the best evidence appears a few days later, but in this case, there simply is no time to wait. "We need to find that woman, Al! There is no chance, that they will release her daughter…even if she pays!" "I know…but even if we find her, it will be difficult to convince her that she needs our help…"

"First of all we need to find out her name and address…", Carrie says, trying to solve the current problem instead of lingering in the future. If they don't find out her name, they can't even try to help. Of course they'll need to find a way to talk to her, but there is still a bit time to think about that problem. "We should run the sketch through the system…maybe we're lucky…"

"That's definitely worth a try, but I think we should talk to Elliot first…"

"You think he would object?", Carrie asks surprised.

"No, but I think it is better than doing it behind his back…besides, we can use all the resources and don't have to call in favours…"

"You're right….and maybe he has some ideas how to find that woman faster. I'll take the sketch and the letter. Better to have something in hand, than just a story."

"When we've talked to him, I'll bring the letter to the forensics, maybe they find fingerprints on it…Of the woman or the offender. Either way it could be very helpful, regarding our limited time.", Al explains. Already planning out his next steps, like always.

Not even two minutes later, the two Detectives stand in front of Elliot's office. The boss is on the phone, sitting with his back to them. He does not seem very interested in the conversation, because Carrie can see him draw little figures onto a sheet of paper. After a quick glance to each other, she knows that Al saw it as well and they decide to release. Whatever it is, Elliot would take their interruption very serious. He would pretend that it is an emergency, just to have a reason to hang up.

Carrie knocks two times and then opens the door to walk in. Elliot immediately turns around and looks at his finest Detectives. He greets them with a relieved smile on his face and says: "Oh! Carrie, Al!", and then after a short pause. "I understand…" Just as predicted he ends the call by saying: "I'm really sorry, Michael, but we just got a new case…I gotta go…Yes, It was nice talking to you too, see you tomorrow. Bye." He hangs up and his put-on smile disappears and he exclaims: "God! How I hate those conversations…We should definitely have dinner some time. I really appreciate your work. Actually his words mean I hate you, but it's good PR so let's have dinner. Thank god, you've saved me!"

Carrie and Al can't help but laugh at the "outburst" of Elliot. They know how annoying politicians can be, but Elliot always seems to fit perfectly into his role and manages to deal with it professionally. There is never a doubt that he belongs there. "You're welcome.", Carrie replies, a smile lingering on her lips. "You now just because I can deal with politics doesn't mean I like it.", Elliot explains. "Anyway…what do you want?", he asks with a lifted. Although he is thankful for their interruption, he'd like to know their reason. Instantly both Detectives are back to business, they definitely have no more time to waste. "We might indeed have a case.", Carrie starts to explain. "But I haven't got a call! How can you have a new case and I don't know anything about it?", Elliot interrupts her surprised. "It is a bit unusual…", Carrie replies unsure of how to find the right words. "Unusual? That's nothing new…", Elliot answers, leaning back in his chair. Carrie glances to Al, seeking support. Although Elliot is used to their normal "unusualness", this is definitely something else. They both don't now how he will react to this "news". Al nods at his partner, signalising to tell the truth. "Well…", Carrie starts and then tells Elliot the whole story. She tells him about this morning when she found the envelope and about the message they have found only a few minutes ago.

"That's definitely a strange way to get to a case…", Elliot says, signing . "Are you completely sure that the letter isn't a fake?", he asks after a short pause. Judging from his facial expressions, he is probably thinking everything over and deciding what to do next. After some seconds he looks at them, expecting an answer. This time it is Al's turn: "Definitely...we watched the surveillance video and the woman was honestly shocked. Her behaviour changed immediately and the runner or maybe even the kidnapper knew where the cameras would be. He wore a cap and he is barely seen on the video. The delivery was planned, the kidnapping probably as well." Elliot looks at Carrie, to confirm it. She just nods and then ads: "We definitely need to find that woman. If it is a fake, we just wasted our time but if not, we have risked a young life." "Plus, the letter is pretty convincing too.", Al adds.

"All right, all right...but let me see the letter, maybe we will get to know something about the writer.", Elliot gives in. He may not be totally convinced right now, but his opinion is going to change fast. Carrie hands him the plastic bag with the letter in it. The big, bold letters are still good to see through the transparency and the message can't be misunderstood. Elliot sighs once more before locking at the letter. He actually hoped that there wouldn't be a case today and he could go home before 6 o clock. His wife is cooking his favourite meal and they should spend some time together again. He starts reading the letter and after the first lines, a bad feeling creeps into his gut. He knows those phrases and they definitely mean nothing good. Instantly he skips the next few lines and looks at the signing. The hope that he is wrong and that it won't confirm his suspicion dissolves into this air. He slowly puts down the plastic bad. For a few seconds the office is in total silence. Al and Carrie instantly noticed that something was off. They are still trying to figure out what just happened and the only sound that can be heard is the ticking of the clock. It steadily gets louder and louder, almost crushing everyone in the room.

Finally Elliot starts to speak: "We sure as hell have a problem. We need all resources on board."

End of chapter four

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