I'm screaming. He's broken my wrist, again. Just to hear me scream. "Where are they?" his hands are separating my thighs, again. "I thought you said they were coming for you?" He's pushing into me, again. "Why haven't they saved you yet?" he's hurting me, again "Please, tell me," I don't want to hear him. "Where are they?" I don't want to hear you. "I want to know." They are coming to save me. "Please." Aren't they?
"They said that she ran away three years ago."
Monk was shocked. Then he was confused. Then he was angry "What do you mean 'They never reported her missing'?" his voice is low, full of menace. Sharpe met his eyes and didn't even blink "She was nineteen, she was unhappy, she left. They saw no need to report it."
"She was unhappy?" Ayako matched Monk's tone, "What do you mean 'she was unhappy'?"
"They were having money problems. They choose to support their daughter over Mai, because of that Mai was unable to get into University despite getting a scholarship. It was only natural for her to be."
"Sharpe." His partner tried to stop him, but he continued anyway.
"The reasons don't matter anyway."
"THEY DON'T MATTER?" Monk and Ayako are shouting in unison, their rage challenging Sharpe's cold voice.
"Sharpe that's enough." Harper didn't look away from Naru. "Unfortunately, my subordinate could be right." He turned to look at the group. John, Monk, Ayako and Masako all sat in silence, waiting for the explanation to leave to leave his lips. Naru and Lin already knew what was coming, but it didn't make it easier to hear.
"Please, let me explain before asking questions." He paused "My superiors are pushing for me to drop the case." Monk, Ayako, and even John started talking but were silenced by a look form Sharpe. "They have their reasons. We cannot confirm that Mai Taiyama has been abducted. It is true that you received a phone call; however, this is not enough evidence. We do not know when she was taken or have any leads on who could have taken her. Also, even if we were to find out when she was taken it would most likely be too late." Harper sighed, rubbing his eyes.
"He's right." Naru wasn't looking at anyone; he was desperately trying not to lose control again. "There have been many studies proving that the first twenty four hours are critical in finding kidnapped people. A study in American showed that 75% of missing children are likely killed in the first three. She called us two days ago, the window has passed. And that's assuming she was taken two days ago." He finally looked up "That's why you're here isn't it? You were hoping that we'd be able to pinpoint the time of her abduction."
"Yes." Harper replied "Although I was hoping that this conversation could have been avoided." He smiled weakly "I am doing everything I can think of in order to save your friend. But it might not be enough. I'm sorry. I know that it won't be enough, but it's all I can give."
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins," John spoke, mimicking his smile "Mathew 6:14, although, I do not believe that you need our forgiveness on this matter."
"That I do not believe father, but I am thankful for your words." Harper pulled out a rosemary from under his shirt.
"Pat, now is not the time to discuss religion." Sharpe reached for his friend's shoulder "If you want his forgiveness then make sure you deserve it. Go fight for that girl already."* The big man nodded "Aye." He turned and bowed to the group "Please excuse us, we should get back to looking for your friend."
(*said in English)
Everyone sat in silence. No one knew what to say. The police might not be able to find Mai. They might stop before even trying.
"What are we going to do?" Masko spoke the question on everyone's lips.
Naru stood. He started heading towards his office. "Find her of course."