Chapter 15

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Ruzek, Casey, and Antonio were all at the FBI's office right when it opened at 8 am. The head of the office Special Agent Luis Diaz, welcomed. "Good Morning, Antonio; follow me," Special Agent Diaz said. The group then followed him to the agency's board room. They all sat down. "Civilians aren't allowed in these conversations, Antonio, you know that," Special Agent Diaz said, looking at Matt.

"He's her next of kin, her husband he has every right to be here," Antonio said without missing a beat. Ruzek's eyes bulged out of his head, surprised at Antonio's blatant lie. "It said nothing about her husband on file," Special Agent Diaz said. "It's complicated, Special Agent Diaz; now can we please talk about what the hell went wrong with my sister in protective custody," Antonio said. "Of course," Special Agent Diaz then pulled out Gabby's case file.

"We picked Gabriela to testify against The Silencers because the police on the scene said she had a direct view of the murder of Valeria Valquez. Valeria Valquez was a known errand girl for the gang. She would deliver drugs back and forth to wealthy clients. We had no idea why she was by the orphanage that night. Must have been at the wrong place and wrong time. Anyway, Gabriela gave her statement to the police, and in that statement, she identified Tranquilo, otherwise known as Mateo Pérez. He's high up in the gang. We know he is responsible for at least thirty murders all around San Juan. Anyone from civilians on the streets to a high up government official. Each murder more brutal than the last. The problem is no one has ever seen it do besides Gabriela Dawson.

Her eyewitness statement perfectly places him as the murderer. That's why we put her in protective custody for her safety, and so we can nail this son of a bitch."

Matt was so angry he could physically feel his face getting hotter. This agent talked about Gabby like she some puzzle piece in a bigger puzzle to beat the gang. Not like she was an actual human being who had so many people who loved her and wanted her safe.

"If you knew she was in danger, why didn't you put her in custody sooner," said Matt. "We didn't know Gabby had seen the murder till the day before she was put in custody. She saw the murder outside a window in the orphanage. She wasn't directly at the scene. We had been working in the neighborhood for months. We didn't interview her till the day before she was put in custody. I promised we acted as soon as we knew Captain Casey", Special Agent Diaz said.

"What the hell happened in that safe house Luis," Antonio said. Special Agent Diaz began talking, "Antonio, we have 24-hour guards on her. No outside contact. She was only was allowed outside at night. No TV/ or cellphone access either. It was my best security team. I don't know how The Silencers found out she was there because that team was discreet. The night of August 3rd, they came in the middle of the night executed all four guards in the building brutally. The neighbors are not talking to us, probably scared. The Silencers will come back for them. To tell you the truth, Antonio, I think this will be a recovery mission.", Special Agent Diaz said.

Antonio shook his head. "Luis, with all respect, you don't know my sister. She is a fighter! Also, if this were an all-out execution, Gabby would have been among that death count. Now tell me how the hell you are trying to find my sister," Antonio said.

"We have canvassed the neighborhood talking to neighbors like I said. The video camera was shot out, so we didn't get any plates or face ids. Special Agent Elizabeth Shane is working with some CI's to see if we can find out where The Silencers are hiding out. We are also looking into neighboring towns where there have been sightings of the gang. Hoping some people will talk there and say if they've seen anything. We then plan on doing a press conference today to say we have a reward $10,000 if someone can tell us where The Silencers are. Matthew Casey, we were actually hoping you could speak the conference too. Don't mention you guys have a child that could make Maria a target even if she's in Chicago. Just make a plea for her safe return; we hope it will gain some national media attention if she has a loved one talk.

"Whatever you need me to do," Matt said. "Speaking of the press, who the hell leaked it to Chicago's news stations. We were notified via that instead of a direct call from you guys about her kidnapping", Antonio said. "San Juan Sun got the scoop on the kidnapping and ran with the story for their morning edition. Assuming it went over the wire and Chicago AP picked it up for the evening news. I can't control the press, Antonio", Special Agent Diaz said. "I get it, take us to the safe house before the press conference," Antonio said. "Got it, and Elizabeth will meet us there," Special Agent Diaz said. Antonio nodded. All the men got into their cars. Special Agent Diaz drove to the house, and Antonio followed him.

"What did you think, Ruzek?" Antonio said. "I don't buy the Chicago news picking that up on the AP wire. Chicago's got all sorts of things going on; why is it important to report on Gabby's kidnapping over 2,000 miles away. We all love her, but Gabby was never really a public figure. She was never a full-on political wife when you were Alderman, right, Casey?", Ruzek said. "No," Casey said. "She wasn't a public figure, so why would they lead the 10 pm news with that", Ruzek said. "You got a point, said Antonio.

"Matt, what did you think," Ruzeck. "He seemed to know what was going on. I agree with him about not mentioning Maria. I want to keep her safe," Casey said. "For sure, and that's why we got uniforms guarding Mama's house too and following Maria wherever she goes," Antonio said. Matt nodded. "Ok, were here," Antonio said.

Special Agent Diaz parked on the street, and Antonio parked right behind him. It was in the Isla Verde neighborhood. Known for being close to the airport, a touristy spot, and great beaches. The group walked into a modest two-story light blue house.

The door was open inside, and the four men walked inside. The bodies had been cleared for some time and Special Agent Elizabeth Shane. "Luis, Detectives, Captain, let me walk you through what I know. The kidnappers entered the house, and one-shot killed the first guard instantly. Then Mitchell, the agent on Gabriela, ran down the stairs and was about to draw his gun but didn't make it in time; he was killed instantly. There was a fourth guard killed in the back. It was probably before they entered the house to get Gabriela. They took that guards' keys. That's how they got in. All four guards were killed with a single bullet, so these guys knew what they were doing.

Antonio nodded. "And the security cameras?" "Someone hacked them from The Silencers. We have footage from that whole night, but there is a gap from 2 am-4 am. And before and after there is no relevant footage", Special Agent Elizabeth Shane said. "I'll be the judge of that; I want a copy of it, Special Agent Diaz," Antonio said. "That can be arranged," he said. "I was going to walk you all through Gabriela's room and see if anything caught your eye?" Special Agent Elizabeth Shane said. Everyone nodded and walked up the stairs.

Most of the blood had been cleaned up, but it still made Matt feel sick to walk through a place where so many people died. They were about to enter Gabby's room. "Gabriela had to stay in this room for safety precautions. She never left it. Mitchell was the only guard she interacted with. Please take a look and see if there is anything that can help the investigation", Special Agent Shane said.

There were EMT PIC manuals spread around the room. He saw some letters on her desk, a broken lamp, and some beauty products; for the most part, the room was pretty bare. Ruzek and Antonio searched the entire room looking for secret clues. Matt picked up the letters on the nightstand. They were the letters Maria and him had written to her. "Why was Gabby given clearance to get a letter from me," Matt asked Special Agent Elizabeth Shane. "I saw how pitiful you looked when I dropped off Maria; I figured if you were smart enough to figure out how to send her mail. I owed it to you to make sure she got it", Special Agent Elizabeth Shane said. Matt was a little surprised how cold she came across but nodded his head, "Thanks," Matt said. Biting his tongue so he won't say anything, he regretted.

He then picked up the EMT PIC manual off the floor. He noticed all of Gabby's handwriting in the margins and things she had highlighted. He smiled; she must have wanted to get back to Ambo when she got back. He was looking through the pages and felt something fall out. He looked on the floor and saw the photographs he sent Gabby. It was from Maria and Matt's day at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. He smiled, looking at the pictures.

"Nothing out of the ordinary here. The typical protective study set up", Ruzek said. "I want this all packed up ASAP and sent to a lab: carpet, cloths, letters, lamp, all of it. Who knows if there is any DNA of the kidnappers on it," Antonio said. Special Agent Elizabeth Shane nodded. "I can do that," she said. "I think it's time to prep Captain Casey for this press conference at "4 pm, Special Agent Diaz said. Matt nodded and followed Special Agent Diaz out of the room. As they were about to walk out of the house, Antonio noticed something. At the corner of the stairs embedded in the carpet was a shimmer of something.

Antonio reached into his pant pocket and grabbed a pair of latex gloves. He then picked up the object. "I gave this to Gabby when she passed the EMT Test," Antonio said. It was a dainty gold bracelet. Nothing too gaudy, it was Gabby to a tee. Special Agent Elizabeth Shane, for a second, looked surprised then composed herself. "My team must not have seen that I can take it," she said while reaching for the bracelet. Antonio pushed her hand away. "I got it! Ruzek and I will go to the lab to get this bad boy tested for prints. Then we will meet Special Agent Diaz and Matt at the press conference", he said.

"Fine!" Special Elizabeth Shane said, "Captain Casey let's get going! And Antonio, I just texted you directions to the lab. Not as nice as Chicago, but it will do", Special Agent Diaz said. "Sounds great! Matt, you can ride with Luis back to FBI headquarters", Antonio said. "Great, let's get going," Matt said. Before you knew it, all the men were on the way to their cars to their designated locations.

Special Agent Elizabeth Shane sat alone with her crime scene investigators. She turned around and looked at them. "Don't' ever fuck up like that again, you hear me! That bracelet was in plain sight; one of you idiots should have found it before they did", she screamed. "I have to go!" she said. She stormed off to her car and drove to an undisclosed location.

Meanwhile, back at headquarters, Matt was being grilled on how press conferences worked. How they were set up, what you were supposed to say and what not to, what camera you were supposed to look at, and other minuscule details. All he cared about was moving Gabby's case along and catching these guys. Before he knew it, he heard the door of Special Agent Diaz's office door shut. "Ready, bro," Antonio said. Matt nodded. He was still in a colored shirt and khakis from meeting with the FBI today and a pair of ratty tennis shoes. He looked awful heavy bags under his eyes, his eyes set in, and bloodshot eyes. "It's a full house out there," Ruzek said.

In the FBI's conference room, he could see it packed with reporters from all over the island and some foreign reporters as well. Special Agent Diaz was currently updating the public on the case. The three men could hear his statement from his office.

"On August 3rd at around 3 am, Gabriela Dawson, a Medical lead at One World Community Relief Camp, was abducted from her safe house. Ms. Dawson was a witness for the government of San Juan in an upcoming trial. At this time, the FBI and police department are working diligently to return Gabriela Dawson safe and sound to her family.

If anyone in the neighborhood of Isla Verde saw anything suspicious the night of August 3rd, please inform. your local law enforcement. Also, if you see anyone who looks like Gabriela Dawson, please contact local law enforcement immediately and do not approach", Special Agent Diaz said while holding up Gabby's staff photo from the One World Community Relief Camp. We are also offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who can let us know where Gabriela Dawson is. Special Agent Diaz then got up, and reporters started asking questions: "Is this The Silencer's doing? Is she dead? Is there any sign of life? And all sorts of other questions. Special Agent Diaz put his hand up, and the reporters got silent again.

"Before we end today's press conference, Gabriela's husband Captain Matthew Casey would like to say a few words. Matt was still in Luis's office with Ruzek and Antonio. Ruzek pushed him out of the office as Matt made the short walk to the conference room. As soon as he entered the room, there was a barrage of flashes, and he sat down with Special Agent Diaz behind him.

"My name is Matthew Casey, and I am Gabriela Dawson's husband. I am begging everyone on this island to please help us bring my girl home. Gabby left Chicago because she wanted to help the people of Puerto Rico. She saw a need, and right now, she needs every one of us to help her. So if you know anything, please contact the FBI or your local law enforcement. Special Agent Diaz then stepped back to the table about to answer questions before Matt started talking again. Special Agent Diaz wanted him to make a general plea as a distressed husband, but if Gabby somehow saw this, he would say more.

"Gabby, I love you, and I will fight like hell to bring you home because this isn't the end of us." You saw the tears roll out of his eyes. He then got up and left the room instantly. Special Agent Diaz was shocked at Matt's response. "Once again, we want to emphasize to the press that Gabriela Dawson has a loving family that would very much like to see her back at home. I have ten minutes for questions." Reporters shouted the same questions before as before, and Special Agent Diaz said the same line saying that right now, we don't have that an answer to that, but if you know something and can provide that information, let us know immediately. This went on for about twenty minutes.

Matt went back to Luis's office and sat there, trying to get it together. "Matt," Antonio could see that his brother-in-law was visibly shaken. "I can't lose her, Antonio, I can't. I don't want to be a part of this circus. The FBI's going to slow, and I can't take it anymore. Every minute he's out there schmoozing the press is another minute Gabby's with these creeps", Matt said somberly. All the men looked out the office window looking at Special Agent Diaz loving the press attention. "Let's go then. It's 6 pm. We will add what Special Agent Shane said on the timeline", Antonio said. "Then I put a bug on the tipline so we can get all the phone calls on this cell," "Let's listen tonight and see where we start tomorrow morning," Ruzek said. All men nodded and exited the building. Meanwhile, Special Agent Diaz was still basking in his ten minutes of fame.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Kelly and Stella had just gotten back from a long first day of school shopping with their honorary goddaughter. Matt had given Camila his credit card to get Maria ANYTHING she needed/wanted for kindergarten. Camilla was busy today; therefore, she gave Kelly Matt's credit card to get her anything she needed for school. So Stella and Kelly picked up Maria after breakfast at Camilla's, and they spent the WHOLE day at Target. Maria was now the proud owner of a whole new back to school wardrobe, a Cinderella backpack, and all the school supplies she needed to ace kindergarten. They had just gotten back from taking all of Maria's new gear home.

"Man, I'm exhausted," said Severide. "You look like you just got off a 24-hour shift from hell", Stella said with a laugh. "I feel like it; who knew deciding between a puppy and kitten folder took so much time?" Kelly said while grabbing a beer from the fridge. He then walked over to the couch. "Hey, she wanted to show her personality, you can't blame a girl for that. Also, thank god, she picked the puppy. I can't see Casey and Dawson as cat people", Stella said. "Me either," Kelly said. "I was going to order something from Nonna's," Stella said. "Sounds Great. I was going to check out some of the game!" Kelly said. He was getting comfortable on the couch and turned on the Cub's game. "We are interrupting our programming with live feed from an FBI press conference over the disappearance of Gabriela Dawson of Chicago," said the announcer.

It then cut to a conference room in San Juan. It was packed with the press. Some high up FBI guy started talking about what they knew and stressed the importance of calling the tip line if you knew anything. "Hell, I learned more at the 21st then what this clown's saying", Kelly said. "Shut up, Severide! Listen," Stella said as she took the seat next to him on the couch.

The FBI guy stopped talking and said, "Before we end today's press conference, Gabriela's husband Captain Matthew Casey would like to say a few words." Kelly and Stella's eyes both got very wide as they saw Casey on there TV. He began stating the basics about how Gabby was a good person and how people could help right now, but just as it seemed as he was about to stop talking, there was a switch in Matt's eyes. He went from a guy trying to keep it together to absolutely broken. Their friend spoke again, "Gabby, I love you, and I will fight like hell to bring you home because this isn't the end of us," Matt said. Then he started crying and left the room. Stella gasped. "I've never seen him.." Stella said, unable to finish her sentence. "Cry, I know," Kelly said. Matt then left the room, and the FBI guy started talking more. Stella and Kelly sat there, hugging each other, hoping their friends had made some progress in San Juan.