Chapter 3

The team spent the day in the bullpen reviewing past cases Hidoko had worked on. Nothing was standing out, making the task more frustrating.

Sam's phone suddenly buzzed, indicating an incoming text. He and the others failed to recognize the number, so they ran up to OPS to see if Eric can trace it. Nell stepped out of OPS to notify Mosely of the new development. The text turned out to be a video from an unknown caller.

Mosely and all braced themselves as she asked Eric to play the video. The video was of Hidoko, handcuffed in bed asleep. A voice suddenly spoke, startling everyone.

"Hello Sam Hanna. You don't know me but you know the lady in the video. I got your number from her phone, in case you wondered. Now, on to the reason for this video. I've been watching Hidoko for a while and noticed how close you two have become. Tell me something, does Hidoko remind you of your dearly departed wife, Michelle?"

Everyone turned to Sam who had clenched his fists in anger. The voice continued...

"Sorry to bring up such painful memories for you but your day is about to get worse. Bring one million dollars in unmarked bills to the location I'm going to text to you by 4pm, otherwise Hidoko will have the same fate as Michelle. Oh and have a nice day."

Sam couldn't believe the nightmare was happening again. Everyone looked at Sam, who refused to look back, instead staring at the screen, tears threatening to fall. The silence in the room was deafening; the only sounds coming from the computers and everyone breathing.

Sam turned to storm out of OPS as Mosely stopped him "Sam, this isn't your fault."

Sam "Yes it is!"

Mosely "How? You couldn't have predicted Hidoko would be taken. This is not on you."

Sam "With all respect, did you not hear the last words? This is about me and Hidoko was taken because of me. I'm going to find Hidoko with or without your approval."

Mosely "How about my assistance? Where are you going to get a million dollars by the deadline?"

Hetty quietly walked in "From me. Sam, if you would be so kind as to wait about an hour, I will have the money for you."

Sam turned to Hetty "Hetty, are you sure?"

Hetty smiled "Yes Sam, I'm sure." Hetty then turned to Mosely "We take care of our own here. You and Hidoko are part of the team, whether you know it or not. I know there have been issues with using my own money for situations like this. However, if my money helps to bring her home, so be it."

Mosely relented "Fine. Sam, please wait for Hetty to acquire the funds. Then you four go and get Hidoko."

Sam "Okay, I'll wait for Hetty."

Back at the seaside cottage, Hidoko slowly woke up and started coughing from the lack of oxygen. The handcuffs were on so tight, it was exhausting trying to get out of them. She started screaming for help but didn't get a response. Hidoko then thought about the team and prayed they come quickly. She saw a camera in the corner and started talking to it with hopes the team could hear her.

Sam's phone buzzed with another video and the team ran back to OPS. Eric played the video and Hidoko's teary-eyed face appeared on screen. "I don't know if you can hear me but I'm in a bedroom that is losing oxygen quickly. I wanted to thank all of you for the brief time we've worked together. It's been a privilege working with all of you."

Sam yelled to the screen "Hidoko, we're coming for you... just hang on."