Stan and Ben had decided to start searching from the bottom end of the lake working their way north. They planned to stop at every fish market and ask some questions. They had travelled about a quarter of their journey when Stan's cell phone rang.
"Kowalski."
Huey's voice came form the other end. "Kowalski, the hospital called and said that Vecchio's demanding to speak to you."
"Demanding, hey? They didn't happen to mention what about, did they?"
"No, but they did suggest that you get over there before he kills someone. I think they're beginning to dislike him over there."
"Okay. I'm on my way." He shut off the cell phone and pressed the accelerator further. He then turned to Ben. "Get this, Vecchio wants to see us. First, he makes sure were on the streets looking for Jess, then he wants us to go back to the hospital because he wants to talk to us."
"Hmm. It must be urgent."
"It had better be. You realise were wasting valuable time by going back, don't you?"
"Yes, and I'm sure Ray realises this as well. Therefore, it must have something to do with Jess."
"I sure hope you're right, Fraser."
Ben and Stan arrived at the hospital and made their way straight to Ray's room.
"This had better be good, Vecchio, 'cause I don't appreciate having to come back here to check on you while we have a lunatic out there with Jess."
"Don't you think I know that, Kowalski! I wouldn't get you back here unless it was important. I want to have Jess back safe and sound just as much as you do!"
Ben placed a hand on Stan's shoulder. "Ray, Ray, please. We all know that Jess' life is in danger and we need to find her as soon as possible. For Jess' sake, we must remain civilised."
Stan shrugged away from Ben's hand. "Okay, I'm good. So, what do you have to tell us, Vecchio?"
"I had a dream..."
"A dream?! You pull us in here about a dream?!"
"Could you shut your trap for just a moment and listen to me, Kowalski? I had a dream about Jess. I saw her in a room. It had a two-way mirror along one wall."
"How did you know it was a two-way mirror, Ray?"
"There was a room on the other side of the mirror. It had a video camera behind it. As I was saying, she was strung up to the ceiling. I dreamt that I went into that room and..." he trailed off.
"And what?"
Ray hesitated before finishing, "I...Geez, I don't know how to explain it...I...caressed her. It was sensual, really got my blood pumping..." he was caught in the moment. Ben and Stan could see it in his eyes. Stan felt a pang of jealousy. Ray snapped out of his reverie and blushed furiously. "Why the hell am I telling you this, it's not important. What is important is that she kicked me."
"She kicked you?"
"Got me in the chin. I fell. When I got up and looked in the mirror, I didn't see me. I saw someone else."
"Do you mean that you saw yourself in a different light, Ray?"
"No, Benny, I mean it wasn't me. It was another guy." He paused. "It was the guy she went to lunch with yesterday."
"From what I saw yesterday, she seemed close to that man."
"That's what I saw too, Benny, but she kicked the guy...and if he felt what I felt, she kicked him hard. It wasn't friendly."
"Okay, did you see where all this took place?"
"Yeah, I remember standing on a balcony, overlooking the lake."
Ben and Stan looked at each other.
"Okay, we'll stop by Jess' office and see if we can get the guy's name and address."
Ray raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "You're kidding me, right? Two seconds ago, you didn't believe me."
"Well, let's say, I believe you now. Fraser found traces of fish on the footprint that was left on the door."
"Oh." Ray nodded in understanding.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the group.
"So, why are you two still standing in this room? Get out of here!" He commanded with a hint of humour.
"Geez, Fraser, we'd better get out of here. I'd hate to think what he'd do if he wasn't disabled." Stan hurriedly made his way out the door with Ben hot on his heels.
Ben and Stan stepped out of the elevator and made their way to the receptionist.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I help you?"
"Ah...hi. Does Jessica Mitchell have a secretary or something?"
"Yes, Linda Greenman is Ms Mitchell's Personal Assistant."
"Where might we find her?"
"Right here." Replied the receptionist as Linda walked past the desk. "Linda, these gentlemen wish to speak to you." Linda stopped and faced the men.
"Good afternoon, Ms Greenman. I am Detective Kowalski of the Chicago Police Department and this is Constable Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Is there somewhere we can go to talk?"
"Yes, of course."
She led them to Jess' office, ushered them inside and shut the door.
"What can I help you with?"
Ben began explaining. "Ms Mitchell was kidnapped last night from her home. I'm sure you would have heard from some detectives this morning. We have reason to believe that her kidnapper was the man who had lunch with her yesterday."
"Michael?! That's absurd. Michael has been a close friend of Jess' since they were young. Why would he hurt her?"
"That's the question we're trying to answer." Replied Stan. "We think that he has some kind of sick and twisted romantic interest in Jess. We would appreciate it if you could give us as much information about him as possible."
"I have his details on the database. If you follow me, I can pull it up on the computer." She then led them to a desk sitting directly outside Jess' office. She sat down behind the computer and punched at the keys. In moments, the screen showed all the details of one Michael Parkes.
"May we please have a printout of that?"
"Sure." She clicked on a button. She excused herself while she retrieved the printout and returned with it in hand.
She passed it to Stan who began reading aloud, "Michael A Parkes of Morgan and Parkes Stockbrokers." Stan paused. "Hello, what do we have here? How interesting, Frase? He lives on Lake Shore Drive."
"Interesting, indeed. Thank you kindly for your help, Ms Greenman. It is much appreciated."