With deliberate steps John walked toward the railing of Pier 25. As expected, there wasnt a hint of the person, he still wasnt able to figure out. Nonetheless, he knew that she was close, watching him from somewhere – making sure that he kept his promise to have come alone. That she called Fusco to get in touch with him made him realize that she was in bigger trouble than they had assumed until now. Leaning on the parapet he remembered the flicker in Chloes glance back at the elevator. Her following call was only the confirmation that something bad was burdening her. The question however, was, what exactly seemed to tear her apart so much that shed not only take the risk to be caught by the police but also to contact him – a stranger she couldnt know for sure what his intentions were.
„Did you know that the white ship you see out there every second week is a charity ship that cruises the Hudson river for sick, disabled and elderly people who cant afford a ride otherwise? Its run on donations 100 %", he suddenly heard a voice beside him.
„Had no clue but its a good thing."
Keeping his gaze in the distance, John had heard the closer coming steps already.
For a moment they stood next to each other in silence when he put his focus on her. Contrary to last night she decided for a casual look today. The wavy hair up in a high ponytail, she wore a brown leather jacket to close fitting bleached blue jeans and matching brown ankle boots.
„You made Fusco a bit grumpier than usual by using him as my secretary", he started the conversation. As hoped, his plan went to work when a little smile appeared on her face.
„Sorry about that. Unfortunately, there was no other way to get in contact with you. Its not like you gave me your business card or something like that", she also faced him now.
„Maybe you should have asked."
Another smirk.
„Ill keep it in mind. Guess, I was lucky at all to have seen you climb into this Detectives car the first time you followed me."
John raised an eye brow.
„Since the streets were full of police in every direction, I took the only way that no one would suspect me to go."
Thinking for a moment, John concluded: „Up."
Seeing a surprise in Chloe's eyes, it was now her who raised an eye brow.
„Why are you taking the risk to get caught by Fusco to talk to me?", John brought the topic back the actual point.
"Because I need your help", Chloe replied without hesitation.
„Like I already said, usually Im trying to get the bad guys instead of helping them."
Shaking her head almost annoyed, a sarcastic chuckle left her lips.
„Besides that Ive already heard this today, do you still think of me as an ordinary thief?", she asked no less offended.
„Tell me."
A deep breath, followed by a step back made him wonder if he lost her; if she would go back to defense mode, never for him to be able to break through again. He decided to give her the time she needed to decide, nonetheless. Watching her grab for her mobile phone, she hit a few commands before turning the display to him. John looked onto the photo of a browned haired woman at the estimated age of 30.
„Thats my sister, Ariana", she said. „Or maybe the next photo will make you believe me that I need your help."
Swiping left, he now saw the woman tied up on a chair, her mouth taped.
„Ariana got kidnapped two weeks ago. Thats the reason why I do what I do. If I dont steel what her kidnappers tell me to or if I involve the police, they will kill her."
Looking into Chloe's eyes that didnt only show fear but real terror, John instantly knew that she was telling the truth.
„Do you know who kidnapped her?", he asked back in focus.
„I dont have a clue. All I know is that they must be more than one. Theyre sending these video updates before each robbery, to motivate me", she pronounced the word like an insult.
Starting one of the videos in which one of the kidnappers, who wore a black mask about his face, took a knife to Ariana's throat, he recognized the fear and the young woman's eyes.
„Good luck for tonight. Your sister is counting on you", a distorted voice came through the speaker of the phone. The zoom then went straight to Ariana's face, whose cheeks were wet from tears.
„There is one more job I need to fulfill until they let her go", Chloe's voice caught his attention back. As Ariana's, also her eyes wear filled with tears now.
„Whats to come next?", John tried to remained focused on the facts. In the end it was one of his strongest assets. Staying attentive in situations that usually triggered emotional reactions in most people, the soldier in him luckily had understood fast that it were these fleeting moments of a neutral evaluation and hence deliberate action over an emotional response, that could save a life. Even though it wasnt always easy, especially with friends like Harold or Carter in danger, it somehow became like a natural default, nonetheless.
„A robbery in this wandering museum. I shall steel an emerald pedant chain", Chloe replied.
„The exhibition in midtown you see a commercial for at every corner?"
„Exactly and thats the problem. Up to now it was easy for me to sneak in and out, but this is a whole different level. I cant do it without a partner."
John remained silent. His gaze fixed on the dark blonde woman, he was going through his options.
„I know how crazy all of this must appear to you. You dont know me and I dont know you. There is no reason why you should believe be or why you shouldnt turn around and leave or even tell it all to this Detective… but… youre my only chance to save my sister. Whatever your motives are for whatever it is that youre actually doing, if you help me save her, I promise that Ill turn myself to the police as soon as shes free."
Her last words nearly swallowed by tears, John placed his hands calmly on her shoulders.
„Chloe", he said.
Saying her name out loud made her look up in surprise.
„Tell me whats your plan, Chloe, so I can see if we need any adjustments", he concluded, letting her know to be on board.
