"Kyle, are you home?" Rachel called, upon her arrival home, from work. Ascending the stairs, Rachel checked to see if Kyle might be in the shower.
"Kyle?" Rachel called. The upstairs showed no sign of Kyle.
Rachel checked her phone, frowning when there were still no messages from Kyle. "You must still be on the way," she mused.
Rachel changed her clothes, pulling on shorts and a summer top, Kyle had once commented he liked on her.
"Baby?" Kyle's voice called from the front of the house. Rushing to greet him Rachel, ran down the hall, skimming the steps, running into his arms.
"Kyle!" she said, "I'm so glad you're home."
"Me too," Kyle said.
"How was your trip?" Rachel said.
"I don't want to talk about that," Kyle said, "I want to look at you."
"I have the most wonderful news to tell you," Rachel said.
"What's that?" Kyle said.
"Well, I'm pregnant," Rachel said.
Kyle stared at her. "For real?" he said.
"Yes, of course for real," Rachel laughed.
"We're having a baby?" Kyle said, a smile creeping across his face. Rachel nodded.
"That's amazing!" Kyle said, hugging her.
"You're happy?" Rachel said.
Gazing into her eyes Kyle said, "You have made me the happiest man in the world." He kissed her.
Rachel opened her eyes, pulling herself out of her daydream. "Anytime now. I can't wait to tell you Kyle."
Rachel fixed herself a light turkey sandwich as her dinner. She was hoping Kyle would have been home in time to eat a meal with her, but she figured he must have got held up in traffic.
Rachel walked outside and checked to see if Kyle's car was in the driveway, thinking he may have gone up to the main house first. However, she found his spot bare in the driveway, waiting for him. Rachel decided to sit in a lounge chair by the pool, where she could see her husband when he arrived home.
"I'm sorry, I will look into this," Jack was speaking into his phone, as he sat at the desk in the his living room.
"I appreciate your patience…thank you for contacting me…goodnight," Jack frowned as he concluded his call.
The sound of the front door opening brought Jack out of his thoughts. Before he had a chance to turn around, he heard Rachel's voice, "Hello? Oh Jack, I'm so glad you're here."
"Rachel," Jack said, pausing with he saw the worry in her face, "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Has Kyle been here?" Rachel said, "Have you heard from him?"
"No," Jack said, "Isn't he home yet?"
"He isn't," Rachel said, "I've spent the past few hours telling myself not to worry, he will be home any minute. But he's still not here and I am worried."
"There has to be a logical explanation," Jack said.
"Like what?" Rachel said, "I've left messages that he has not returned. I'm scared something bad has happened."
"Let's not jump to the worst case scenario," Jack said, "Let me call the hotel and see what time he left Minneapolis."
Rachel anxiously watched Jack while he made the call. Jack asked for Kyle's room and could be heard saying, "No, that can't be right, can you please double check?...You're certain of that?...yes, I apologize…I understand…thank you."
"Well?" Rachel said, as Jack disconnected the call.
"They say Kyle never checked in," Jack said.
"Oh, no something has happened to him," Rachel said.
"We don't know that," Jack said.
"Aren't you the least bit worried about Kyle?" Rachel said.
"Yes, I'm starting to become concerned," Jack said, "When was the last time you talked to Kyle?"
"Yesterday morning, when he left for his trip," Rachel said.
"He didn't contact you the whole time he was away?" Jack said.
"No," Rachel said, "What should we do?"
"Thank you for coming so quickly," Jack said, as he welcomed Paul into the house.
"You said you were concerned about Kyle's whereabouts," Paul said, "Has he returned since you contacted me?"
"No," Rachel said, "I just checked he still isn't home yet."
"Do you and your husband live here in the house?" Paul said.
"No, we renovated the pool house on the property," Rachel said, "It's our home where we live."
"When was the last time anyone heard from Kyle?" Paul said.
"I think Rachel was the last one to talk to him," Jack said.
"I last saw him yesterday morning," Rachel said, "I watched him pack and walked him to the front door, told him to drive safe, he kissed me and then he left."
"You said he was packing?" Paul said.
"Kyle left for a business trip to Minneapolis," Jack said, "I inquired with the hotel, they say he never checked in. I've heard from business associates he was scheduled to have meetings with yesterday and today, Kyle didn't show up for any of them."
"You didn't tell me that," Rachel said.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to mention it," Jack said.
"You're saying no one has seen or heard from Kyle, since he left yesterday morning?" Paul said.
"I've called him, sent him texts, but he didn't return any of them," Rachel said.
"Same here, I tried to contact him several times," Jack said, "No reply."
"What time did he leave yesterday morning?" Paul said.
"It was about seven," Rachel said.
"Were either of you involved in a disagreement with him?" Paul said.
"No, we haven't had any issues recently," Rachel said.
"Kyle and I are in a good place relationship wise," Jack said.
"Is it possible Kyle has simply run off?" Paul said.
"No way," Jack firmly said, "That is not Kyle."
"He wouldn't leave me like this," Rachel said, "We are very happily married. Before he left he told me how much he was looking forward to coming home."
"Has he exhibited any changes in his behaviour?" Paul said, "Extra anxiety, stress, quiet or moody?"
"The last thing Kyle would ever be is quiet," Jack said, "He has seemed his usual self to me."
"With me too," Rachel said, "Kyle has been my happy, loving and attentive husband."
"When was he expected back?" Paul said.
"He said, he would be home early evening," Rachel said, "He should have been home hours and hours ago."
"It seems to me," Paul started, "Kyle might not have arrived at his destination."
"But he had to have," Rachel said, pulling out her phone, "I've been so upset, I forgot. I got a text from Kyle when he got to Minneapolis."
"May I see that?" Paul said.
Looking over the text, Paul said, "It does say he arrived there and was planning to come home today. I see this came in last evening."
"I asked him to let me know when he got there," Rachel said, "It was late when he sent that but as he texted, he was very busy."
"Then where has he been?" Jack said.
"We need to establish, Kyle's whereabouts, between the time he left the house and the time he sent this message," Paul said, "Also to his actions after the message was sent."
"I'm very worried something bad has happened to him," Rachel said, "He could be out there somewhere, hurt and needing help."
Putting his hand on one of Rachel's shoulders, Jack said, "We both know how out of character this disappearance is for my son."
"Alright, I'm going to file a missing person's report for Kyle," Paul said, "I would like to conduct a search of your home."
"What are you looking for there?" Rachel said.
"Possible clues that may explain his disappearance," Paul said, "I'd also like a list of names for other family or friends that may have had contact with Kyle. Fellow employees or anyone you can think of who might be able to shed some light on this situation."
"Summer," Rachel said.
"Excuse me?" Paul said.
"Summer Newman," Jack said, "She is a colleague and friend of Kyle's. They often work closely together."
"Kyle mentions her a lot, when he talks about work," Rachel said.
"I will make a note of it," Paul said, "Send me other names and information."
"Do you think something bad has happened to him?" Rachel said.
"I would be hesitant, to jump to any conclusions, without further investigation," Paul said, "I will let you know as soon as possible what we uncover."
Kyle gave a small groan, as he began to return to consciousness. Attempting to open his eyes, Kyle found them to be heavy as he struggled to wake. He became aware of somebody in the room with him, their voice echoing as his name was spoken. "Kyle?"
Straining to focus, Kyle groggily mumbled, "Rachel?"
The figure at his bedside darted away, returning seconds later. Fog in his head, clouded Kyle's ability to visually focus, while sounds were becoming clearer to him, as the voice spoke again. "Here you go."
A hand gently lifted his head, as he was assisted to drink some water. Kyle gratefully accepted a few swallows, before care was taken to lower him back against the pillow.
Kyle blinked a few times, his awareness increasing, as he centered on a face smiling down at him. Recognition in his eyes, Kyle paused before he said, "Lola?"
"Shh…it's okay," Lola soothed.
Realizing he was lying down, Kyle tried to sit up, but his arms would not come forward. Inspecting his lack of coordination, Kyle craned his neck to find handcuffs, secured around his wrists. The opposite ends firmly attached to the bed frame, holding him in place.
"What…?" Kyle said, "Lola? What's going on?"
"It's okay," Lola said.
"Okay?" Kyle said, trying to pull his arms forward, as he attempted to wrestle out of the handcuffs.
"Calm down," Lola said, "You're going to hurt yourself."
"Get these off of me," Kyle demanded.
"I'm sorry, I can't," Lola said.
"Listen to me," Kyle said, "I don't know what you're thinking, but I want you to stop whatever game you are playing and let me go."
"This isn't a game," Lola said.
"Take them off!" Kyle ordered.
"I can't talk to you when you're angry," Lola said.
"You're damn right I'm angry," Kyle said, "You put these handcuffs on me, you can take them off."
"It wasn't me," Lola said.
"What are you talking about?" Kyle said.
"I didn't put the cuffs on you," Lola said, "And I don't have the keys."
"Who does?" Kyle said.
"You need to stay here for awhile," Lola said.
"No, I don't," Kyle said, "I need to go home."
"You are home," Lola said, "With me."
"Excuse me?" Kyle said, "How long are you planning to keep this up?"
"As long as it takes," Lola said, "Until you realize the truth."
"The truth about what?" Kyle said.
"Your true feelings," Lola said, "You love me."
"Lola, if I love anyone, it's my wife," Kyle said, "I need to get home to Rachel, she is going to be worried about me."
"Don't do that," Lola said, her tone changing to revulsion, "Don't mention your wife or her name to me ever again. She is part of your past." Lola softened her tone, before continuing, "I am your future. You and I, we are going to be together forever."
Kyle warily eyed Lola, fearing she was losing her grip on reality. A knot began forming in his stomach as, Kyle began to realize the seriousness, of the predicament he was facing.
"Wait," Kyle said, "I was in my car…someone jumped me…there was a cloth and I must have been knocked out." Looking up at Lola, Kyle said, "You kidnapped me."
"You don't have to worry," Lola said, "I am going to take care of you."
Crimson Lights was bustling with activity. Voices murmured throughout, customers filled tables and lined the front counter.
"We will be down first thing tomorrow to sign the papers," Fen said, into his phone, as he sat next to Summer, "Thank you, very much."
Fen ended his call, prompting Summer to say, "Did we get it?" Her voice was full of anticipation.
"We have our own apartment," Fen smiled.
Summer threw her arms around Fen, with a shriek of delight. Other patrons were startled by Summer's exclamation of joy, a few laughing when they realized it was a happy moment for the couple.
"I can hardly wait to move in," Summer said, "It's our place and so spacious. I already have so many decorating ideas."
"Once we sign the lease, we can move in right away," Fen said.
"We need some furnishings," Summer said.
"We can add things over time," Fen said, "All we really need to start is a couple of chairs and a mattress."
"You mean a bed," Summer said.
"Oh, sure," Fen said, "If you want we can do that too. As long as I have you by my side at night."
"I have to start packing," Summer said, "And break the news to my parents that I am moving out."
"My Mom will be a bit disappointed that I won't be staying with her and my Dad anymore," Fen said.
"We will have to do the dutiful thing and invite them over," Summer said.
"Both sets of parents at the same time?" Fen said, "That will an evening to remember."
"Why don't we spread the news?" Summer said, "You go tell your parents and I will talk to mine."
"I have a better idea, let's invite them to dinner and make the announcement then," Fen said, "We won't tell them each other is coming and it all will a be a big surprise."
"I love it," Summer said, "And I love you."
"Love you," Fen said, leaning over to kiss her, "Do you want to do dinner tonight at Society?"
"Yes, that's perfect," Summer said, grabbing her phone, "Let's send the invites now."
Summer and Fen texted their respective parents, "Dinner tonight at Society? Love to see you there."
Excitement in their voices Summer and Fen remained on the patio of the coffeehouse, exchanging ideas for their new living arrangement. Both were so involved in their conversation, they did not notice Paul approach them until he spoke.
"Hello, you two," Paul said.
"Mr. Williams," Fen said.
"You know Fen, I was around when you were born," Paul said, "I think we can drop the formalities and you can call me Paul."
"Okay," Fen said.
"Summer, nice to see you," Paul said.
"You too," Summer said.
"I'm actually glad I ran into you," Paul said, "I would like to talk to you both."
"Are we in trouble?" Fen said.
"Not at all," Paul said. Gesturing to the seat across from them he said, "May I?"
Summer and Fen both gestured their agreement for Paul to join them.
"I'm curious what you want to talk to us about," Summer said.
"I need to ask you some questions surrounding and investigation we are conducting," Paul said.
"I don't understand how we can help," Fen said.
"Kyle Abbott is the subject of missing person's case," Paul said, "No one has seen or heard from him in a few days."
"What?" Summer said, "Kyle's missing?"
"I'm afraid so," Paul said, "His family is very concerned about his whereabouts."
"I know Kyle had a business trip to Minneapolis," Summer said, "Maybe he got held up and he's still there."
"That would be a logical conclusion," Paul said, "However, he has not contacted anyone, nor can his family get in touch with him."
"Let me try," Summer said, grabbing her phone and selecting Kyle's name from her contact list, "Maybe he will pick up."
After a few seconds, she sighed and said, "Voicemail. Kyle hi, it's me. We are getting concerned about you. Can you please call me back, or let someone know you are okay? Hope to talk to you soon." Hanging up Summer slightly shook her head.
"When was the last time either of you saw Kyle?" Paul said.
"It was at my cousin's birthday party," Fen said.
"When was that?" Paul said.
"The day before he left on his trip," Summer said, "I hope nothing has happened to him."
"Did you notice anything different about Kyle?" Paul said, "Did it seem like he was upset or anything was bothering him?"
"Not to me," Fen said, "He was having a good time. Even helped me pull off a prank at the party."
"Oh?" Paul said.
"We jumped into the pool unexpectedly and got a lot of people extra wet," Fen said, "We were just having fun."
"I talked to Kyle and he was his usual self," Summer said, "Enjoying the party, smiling and laughing, kissing his wife."
"What did you talk about?" Paul said.
"His trip," Summer said, "I offered to go with him, because sometimes we travel together for work. Kyle was insistent that he go alone. Maybe I should have gone with him. I could have been there to help him out if he needed it."
"No, you could have gone missing too," Fen said, "I couldn't handle that."
"Are you aware of anything going on at work that may have been weighing on Kyle?" Paul said.
"Nothing more than usual," Summer said, "Kyle is very sharp and always on top of things."
"Alright," Paul said, "Thank you for your time. If you think of anything else or hear from Kyle, be sure to let me know."
"Of course," Summer said, "Please do everything you can to bring him home safe."
Paul smiled and nodded before he walked away. As he strolled towards the exit, his phone beeped.
Caller ID read 'Detective Rosales', prompting Paul to respond, "Rey, have you got something for me?"
"I'm at a forest clearing, just off the highway, outside of Madison," Rey said, "We found Kyle's car, but so far there is no sign of Abbott. I've got some officers searching the woods and surrounding area. Paul this is a crime scene. There's evidence of a struggle and the car is not far from a cliff. You need to see this for yourself."
"Wow, I hope Kyle's okay," Fen said.
"So do I," Summer said, deep in thought.
"I just thought of Rachel," Fen said, "She must be worried sick."
Summer did not answer, she was no longer listening to Fen. An increased look of concern came into her eyes. "Could it be…" she said.
"Summer?" Fen said, "Are you there?"
Looking over at Fen, Summer said, "Oh, I'm sorry. You know, I have something to take care of. I'll meet up with you later."
"You okay?" Fen said.
"Fine," Summer said, giving Fen a quick kiss. As she walked away she spoke to herself. "Someone's about to be sorry. Just wait until I get my hands on you."
"My gosh," Paul said, inspecting the inside of Kyle's car. Blood was splashed up and down the driver's seat and on the inside of the door. Kyle's briefcase lay undisturbed in the back seat. A partially empty water bottle sat in the cup holder by the driver's seat, a cooler bag lay on the floor of the passenger side.
"There's more stain on the outside of the car here," Rey said, indicating the area of the driver's and passenger doors.
"See how the earth is dug up here," Paul said, "Possible struggle."
Locating Kyle's duffle bag in the trunk Paul sorted through business clothes, summer wear, a shaver and other personal items.
"No wallet," Paul said.
"Wherever he ended up maybe he has it on him," Rey said.
"Maybe," Paul said.
"We bagged up some items we found," Rey said Walking a few steps away, Rey continued, "A man's watch was lying on the ground here. Also a man's shoe, was lying on it's side at the edge of the cliff, blood stain on the tip. Kyle's phone was located in the brush by the edge."
"That could explain why no one could get in touch with him," Paul said.
"Then there's this," Rey said, indicating blood on the ground behind the car. There's a trail of it that leads to the side of the cliff. It stops just over the edge."
"It looks like somebody could have been dragged along," Paul said, before getting on his hands and knees to peer over the cliff.
"It's quite a drop," Rey said, "Nothing but rocks and water down there."
"I see something here," Paul said. Paul lay flat to reach over the cliff and retrieved a piece of fabric.
"What have you got?" Rey said.
"I'm not sure," Paul said, "It may be nothing, but I want forensics to go over this. I also want blood samples sent to the lab. We need to determine who it belongs to."
"Paul, do you think that Abbott, went over?" Rey said, nodding to the cliff.
"I hope not," Paul said, "But I can tell you, this just became a high risk case."
"It looks bad," Rey said.
"Either way, I have some disturbing news for his family," Paul said.
Left on his own, Kyle found his handcuffs moved freely up and down the bedposts, enabling him to pull himself up into a sitting position. However, he was still chained, as he tried to inspect the bed frame to see if he could find a way to get free. The posts were steel and Kyle tried to shake them loose and pulled against them until his wrists were sore.
Leaning back with a sigh, Kyle did the only other thing he could think of to save himself. He yelled for help. "Help! Can anyone hear me? I'm trapped, I need help! Somebody please help me!" Kyle hollered as loud as he could until he heard a voice on the other side of the door. He was about to call out again when he realized it was Lola. She was talking to someone, but Kyle did not hear a second voice, so he assumed she was on the phone.
"Are you coming back soon?" Lola said, "He's awake and asking a lot of questions …he's very angry and I'm not sure how to handle this…just get back here."
"Lola?" Kyle called, "I know you're out there. Please let me go." Kyle heard her retreating footsteps and then silence.
Kyle closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. "Rachel," he groaned, "I'm sorry I'm not there. I'm going to get home to you…I promise."
"Kyle?" Rachel woke with a start in the Abbott living room.
"You dozed off," Jack said.
"Sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night," Rachel said.
"We have to believe everything will work out okay," Jack said, sitting next to her, "Kyle, will come home."
"He will," Rachel said, a few tears slipping out.
Jack put a comforting arm around her shoulders, as Rachel dropped her head against him. "I love you, Kyle," she softly said.
Goosebumps ran up and down Kyle's arms as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I love you," he said, "Somehow, I'll find my way back. I'm coming home."