Chapter 4
Mark felt the raising of panic as the phone continued to ring, but with no answer. Somebody had wanted him out of the way, why he didn't know. Fear made him try to phone Rachel but still there was no answer. He knew that she should be at home, but the phone just kept on ringing the answer phone wasn't on, again Mark felt an icy cold fear grip at him. Hanging up the phone he then dialled out to Amanda knowing that Jack would probably be there. Thankfully it was answered after a couple of rings.
"Amanda?" Mark asked his voice sounding shaky even to his own ears.
"Hey Mark," Amanda said cheerfully.
"Is Jack there?" He asked quickly.
"Yeah sure," She said. "What's wrong ?"
"I need to speak to him;" He heard the sound of the phone being handed over to Jack.
"Hey Mark how's it going?" He asked.
"It isn't," Mark told. Then told him about the fake medical convention. "I'm worried about Rachel, I've tried phoning but there is no answer," A frown appeared on Jack's face.
"Okay Mark," Jack said to him. "I'll go and pick up Jesse and we'll go over there,"
"Thanks Jack," Mark said gratefully.
"And try not to worry," He told him. "There is probably a perfectly reasonable explanation for what's going on,"
"I hope so," Mark said trying to believe his words.
Jack hung up the phone then quickly dialled Jesse's number and told him what Mark had just said.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Jesse said to him.
"I was thinking the same thing," Jack told him. "I'll pick you up in a few minutes,"
Jack again hung up the phone and turned towards Amanda, her own face was anxious. Jack gave her a quick kiss and grabbed his keys.
"I'll call as soon as we know anything," He told her.
"Be careful," She warned. Jack gave a smile.
"I always am,"
He left Amanda's house and drove the short distance to Jesse's apartment. The young doctor was outside waiting for him, and within a few minutes they were on their way to the beach house. Neither said much until they got to the house and noticed the lights were still on.
"Now I'm really getting a bad feeling about this," Jesse said softly. Jack didn't say anything he just gritted his teeth and sent a silent pray that she was okay. Getting out of the car they made their way to the front door, Jesse was about to knock when they saw that the door was a jar. The two men looked at other and went into the house.
"Rachel?" Jack called out. But there was no answer. Jesse walked slightly ahead of Jack. Jack went down to the lower portion of the house but saw no sign of her and came back upstairs and found Jesse kneeling on the floor.
"We'd better call Cheryl," He stated grimly. Jack came forward and saw what was in front of Jesse and he swore. On the floor at the younger mans feet was a used syringe.
Cheryl stood watching the forensic boys working trying to find anything that would help them find out what had happened.
"Anything yet?" She asked impatiently. The man turned to her sympathy clear on his face as well as annoyance.
"Not since you asked five minutes ago," He told her. Cheryl gave a small smile of apology.
"Sorry," She said. The man gave a brief smile.
"It's okay," He said. "We all know how important this is,"
Jack and Jesse also stood watching. Both had given their statements but neither wanted to leave, Cheryl walked over to them.
"Still nothing?" Jack asked. It was not so much of a question more a statement of fact. She gave a sigh and nodded. Suddenly the phone began to ring. Jack glanced quickly at Cheryl who nodded. Going across to the phone he answered it.
"Jack what's going on?" It was Marks voice.
"We don't know," He answered truthfully. "Cheryl is here now with the forensic team,"
"Oh god, " He breathed. "Has any one told Steve?"
"No not yet," Jack told him. "I think they're waiting to see if they can find something here first,"
"Listen I've managed to book my self back on a late flight," Mark told them. "I should be at the airport in a couple of hours,"
"Okay we'll meet you there," Jack told him. "And Mark don't worry we'll find her,"
Cheryl looked at them both and sighed.
"I'll get in touch with the captain," She said to them.
"He's at the same convention isn't he?" Jesse asked. She nodded.
"I'm pretty sure he'll travel back with Steve," Jesse moved over to the telephone and pointed out the number of the hotel written in Rachel's handwriting.
"This looks like the number for the hotel," Cheryl nodded and started to dial out the number.
"Yes I'd like to speak to Captain Newman please, and yes it is urgent,"
