Chapter 12 - Off the Case

"So what happened?" Crow asked. "Who took the baby? All we heard is that Emmy had the baby safely, and everything was alright, and the next thing we know, we see that he's been kidnapped and it's all over the papers and we can't get in touch with either Emmy or the professor. What's the story? Who took him? What happened?"

"When we were in Ireland protecting that town from Vaughan's wrath, it was revealed that a woman named Andrea McIntyre was responsible fro manipulating Vaughan and hurting Emmy. She is also responsible for kidnapping Alfendi. She dosed the staff nurse up with laxatives and took him while Emmy was sleeping. neither she nor Alfendi have been seen since."

"What?!" Xavier was outraged. "But... She said she had feelings for the professor, but... This is extreme! Why?! He's only a baby, and he has nothing to do with her stupid crush! Why does she think that kidnapping a child will up her chances of being with Layton?" he sighed. "Stupid lady."

"Lady' isn't the term I'd use to describe her," Louis said darkly.

Everyone in the room, adults and children alike, couldn't help but nod in agreement to this statement.

"Thanks, Louis," Crow nodded. "Anyway, now that we know the story, we need to decide on a plan of action." He sat back in his char and folded his arms. "Suggestions?"

"I suggest we track down her car, try to get a reg number and get a concrete name," Alex said, entering the kitchen with Alicia and Bronev in tow. "When I spoke to Layton earlier, he seemed sure that the name Andrea McIntyre is an alias."

"That's not probable," Celeste interrupted. "She went to school with my Claire. She was only a couple of years above her in school, but she still went by that name. I taught her when she was about fifteen. What reason would she have to change her name? And why would her car be registered under a different name?"

"Who says she used her own car?" Xavier asked. "And who says she doesn't have accomplices who are helping her? Who even says that she kidnapped Alfendi personally and didn't just hire someone else to do it?"

"Xavi has a pointed," Antonio agreed. "And I agree with Alex. We need to check who the car belongs to, even if it's only to see who her accomplices are. We also need to get onto Scotland Yard and see what evidence they've managed to gather."

"If they're anything like Misthallery police station, they'll probably just push them off a cliff and call it suicide," Tony said darkly.

"But they're the only ones who have access to the hospital's security cameras," Antonio pointed out. "We might be able to get a description of the actual kidnapper, if it's not Andrea."

"He's right," Bronev nodded. "We must do some sleuthing and investigate the kidnapper's identity further."

"Emmeline has an acquaintance in Scotland Yard, does she not?" Alex asked.

"Yes. Superintendent Clamp Grosky."

"I'll go and wake her," Bronev said. "The four of us will speak to the man and get some more information." He turned on his heel and ascended the stairs. He smiled at Carla when he entered Emmy's room and saw her sleeping form.

"We're going to Scotland Yard to see Superintendent Grosky, and we need Emmeline to come with us-"

"No."

Bronev frowned.

"When I came up here, I found her next to Alfendi's crib having a panic attack. All of this is too much for her. I only just got her to go to sleep, and now she's not going anywhere." Carla sighed and stroked Emmy's hair. "She's a mess. She needs rest."

Bronev observed Emmy and saw that tear-tracks were still visible on her cheeks.

"I don't know how much more of this she can take."

"Emmeline?!"the two heard Alicia approaching the room.

"Be quiet!" Bronev hissed. "She's sleeping, and she hasn't been very well."

"What do you mean?" Alicia frowned.

"I found her in Alfendi's room having a meltdown," Carla said, sighing. "She's not well at all. This whole situation is tearing her apart."

Bronev nodded and sighed. "Alright. Alicia, it would be best if we went to see Grosky alone. Carla, please make sure Emmeline isn't disturbed." He planted a soft kiss on Emmy's forehead and beckoned for Alicia to follow him out of the room. As soon as they were out of earshot, Alicia glowered at Bronev.

"What on earth are we going to do now?" Alicia hissed. "How are we going to get any results like this? With her cooped up in bed feeling sorry for herself and Layton doing a runner?"

"Emmeline is not at fault here, and you know it," Bronev snarled. "She has just lost her son and her husband, something which you would know nothing about."

"But she doesn't realise that she is no use to anyone like this."

"Of course she does. But isn't that why we're here? Why you're here? To get Alfendi back and sort out that lunatic?"

"I came here to see the baby. To visit my great-nephew. I never intended to clean up her mess. That has always been your area of expertise." Alicia raised her eyebrows.

"So what you're saying is that Emmeline is a pathetic waste of space and that you don't want to find Alfendi?" It was Bronev's turn to raise his eyebrows. "You never change, Alicia."

"What is that supposed to mean?" she snarled.

"You've always been the same. Always acting like Emmeline and I are beneath you. Never wanting to lend a hand in the name of family."

"Emmeline is not my family."

"But she is Alexander's family. Whether you like it or not, he is Emmeline's half brother. It matters not whether or not they are aware of your little bedroom fling with Chovanek."

Alicia went beet red.

"And if you even think of Emmeline in that way again, I will ensure that they find out everything." Bronev smiled and patted her in the shoulder. "Stay here and make sure Emmeline gets something to eat when she wakes up. I'm going to see Grosky with Alexander." He descended the stairs once more.

Alicia glared after her brother. "Bloody hell... Bastard..."

"I think it would be best if you stayed in the car, Leon," Alex warned. "We all know how Grosky is about you. He did arrest you, after all. We don't want him to use that against you. And we don't want any blood-spill..."

Bronev nodded. "You go on, Alexander. Do whatever you have to."

Alex nodded once and set off.

He entered the large building and crossed the entrance hall. There wasn't an officer in sight. Alex frowned and headed off towards reception. As he approached it, he heard a lot of scribbling, grumbling and swearing.

"Idiot constables, can't even fill out a simple incident form right..."

Alex cleared his throat loudly and the cantankerous receptionist turned to face him.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm Monica, receptionist for Scotland Yard, how may I help you on this fine day?" she droned monotonously.

Alex smiled. "Come now, Monroe, give it a bit more welly, you can do better than that."

Monica frowned. "Alex? Emmy's cousin?"

"Got it in one," he smiled.

"I think it's really terrible what happened. As you know, I'm not exactly Emmy's biggest fan, the stupid cow, but even so, I wouldn't wish what's happening to her on Clive Dove himself!"

"Thank you."

"I assume you're here to see Superintendent Grosky? Your timing is near perfect, as usual. It's nearly time for his lunch break, and he should be back to clock out any minute now."

"More like right now this second!" a cry sounded as the main entrance door was nearly thrown off of it's hinges from the force of the burly superintendent.

"Grosky, I need to ask you a few questions regarding yours and Inspector Chelmey's investigation into the disappearance of Alfendi Layton.

"Well, that depends. Who's asking?"

"My name is Alex. Alex... Altava. I'm Emmy's cousin."

"Ah... Follow me, we can talk in private in my office. Monica," he nodded to her as he passed.

Monica rolled her eyes. "I'll have your tea ready as soon as I edit this incident form, Sir."

Grosky saluted her in thanks as he sped off towards his office with Alex in hot pursuit. They sat at a large desk and Grosky leaned back in his chair.

"I'm sorry to disappoint, my good man, but any and all information I have on that particular case has now been deemed confidential by my superiors. I'm under strict instructions not to let anything slip, in case of a future hearing where evidence and witness testimonies could be manipulated."

"Emmy is in a very bad way."

Grosky stopped and sighed. "Look, Alex, I want to tell you everything I know, but even that isn't a lot..."

"You mean the yard have no leads whatsoever?"

"Well... I wouldn't say that..."

"So you do know of one particular lead they are working on?"

"I do, but it's more than my job's worth. Chelmey isn't allowed to say either. We've both been taken off the case. Detective Superintendent Lowe has been placed in charge of McIntyre's arrest, so the case got moved to him, and he has order that everything remain confidential until we've gathered more evidence. We're not even allowed to tell Emmy or Layton! Chelmey and I have fought this decision, but nothing! It's preposterous! Grosky of the yard, being removed from one of the most diabolical child kidnap cases London's ever seen! It's beyond a joke!"

Alex sighed and shook his head.

"Well, Chelmey is alright as well, I suppose..."

"Have you seen the footage from the hospital's security?" Alex interrupted.

"Yes. Now, you know, I can't tell you any specifics..."

"Yes..."

"But the person has been identified to be in his late sixties."

Alex frowned. "It's not Andrea?"

"And you didn't hear that from me, alright?!"

Alex grinned and nodded. "You have my word."