CHAPTER 3: THE REST HOUSE.

The resthouse was about four stone throws from the place the body lay lifeless. Yellow crime scene tapes were already around the whole structure. Police cars parked around as patrol divisions made their rounds in possible search of a clue to the question that lay at the beach side.

" A wonderful place I must confess. " Captain Luis said as they walked through the premises. " I would love something like this when I get to retirement. "

" Then I guess you will never get one." Clark chipped in.

" And why should that be?"

" I doubt a man like my own captain will be able to spend his time at a place. "

Captain Luis giggled. " I have doubts too, you know. Anyways, I have a family. So, I must learn the needful."

" The structure looks quite luxurious." Robert spoke.

" What were you expecting?" Captain Luis asked. " The family has great taste. A wealthy family goes for wealthy things."

" Who owns this property?" Clark asked.

" The popular Mr Hudson. "

" What?" Clark's legs suddenly came to a stop. The look of surprise was evident on her face.

" Detective Clark, is anything wrong?" Captain Luis stopped too.

" Do you mean Patrick Hudson or is there another popular Hudson that I do not seem to know about?"

" Patrick Hudson owns this property. So, you can see why it is this luxurious. " He smiled.

" Detective Clark, is anything the matter with you?" Robert asked . He could sense the Express on Clark's face was not really that of surprise. It was obvious to him she was restless.

" I.. uh. I am fine. " Clark managed to reply.

" I can see there is something wrong here. " Captain Luis said.

" We have to see his ex-fiance now." She left them and walked faster this time. The troubling questions were all over her memory. Mr Patrick Hudson was not a stranger to him. She had received a hand shake from him on many occasions. But that was not the issue. If the rest house belonged to Mr Patrick Hudson, then, those eyes that stared at her from the beach side definitely belong to the soon to be son-in-law of Mr Patrick Hudson.

" John Sinclair? " She muttered. " No way. That can't be John Sinclair. No."

" Is everything alright with the detective?" Robert asked Captain Luis.

" It seems there is something wrong. And I have no single idea what it is about. Well, we will get to find out." They hurried after her.

The three of them were inside the house and found their way to one of the bedrooms where Claire Hudson was seated in a pool of her sudden reality. Two police officers stood outside the door, guarding her. They saluted as the Captain arrived. Without a word, the captain walked in.

" Miss Claire." He called the lady . She sat down facing the open window. Her eyes stared at nothing in particular. " Miss Claire Hudson."

" Claire." Clark's voice cracked as she called the name. " Claire, is that you?" Her feet felt reluctant to move.

" Did you know her?" Captain Luis asked but got no reply. Claire slowly turned to the voice she heard.

" Clark." Her voice had tears swelling up in it.

" Oh my God. " Clark moved and sat beside her. " What happened here? "

" He… he… John…" Claire tried to speak but could not. Her broken heart took control again as tears went down both cheeks.

" No way. This is not happening. " Clark muttered and stood up.

" Detective Clark, what is going on here?" Captain Luis asked.

" Captain Luis, I need you to tell me what I need to know right now."

" I do not think I understand you perfectly. I am lost here. What is going on?"

" That man. " Her left index finger pointed in a direction. " That lifeless man lying by the beach side. Is that man really John Sinclair?"

" What?" Captain Luis asked with surprise. " You mean he is Sinclair's son? " The captain was more surprised.

" That man is John Sinclair. Oh my.." she rubbed her face. " How come I never recognized him?.... And not just that he is John Sinclair. He was supposed to get married to my best friend in the next five days!!"

" Jesus christ. " Captain Luis muttered. The whole thing became more troubling for him. Who would do such a thing? John was Sinclair's son. Claire was the daughter of Mr Patrick Hudson. Both men were very influential men in the city. Why would someone take the risk of committing such an act against such a union? It made no sense to him.

" Claire, my dear. " Clark embraced her tightly. " Who did this? Tell me. How did this happen? "

" He.. he wore black all through. " She managed to speak. " A cap covered his face.

" Miss Claire, " Robert finally said, " I need you to be calm. Calm your nerves. Were you able to see his face?"

" No. " She waved her head .

" How did it happen?" Robert continued.

" I and John were lodged in room 799 at Empire hotel. "

" Empire hotel." Captain Luis repeated.

" I got a call from my brother, Jack. " She sobbed.

" Claire, you are strong. Please, continue. " Clark said and wiped her tears with the back of her palm.

" Please, give me a minute. " Claire said and walked to the bathroom.

" Whoever this bastard is , I will get him. "Clark said in anger.

" And what will you do when you get him?" Robert asked.

" What?" Clark eyed him.

" I really hope you have no intention of mixing your personal emotion with your duty as a police detective. Detective Clark should know that. "

" And who are you to try to educate me? My teacher?"

" In case you have forgotten, I am detective Robert. Your partner in this case. I am simply trying to take caution to see that my colleague doesn't end up putting the fate of this duty at risk because of her runny emotions. "

Clark closed her eyes and swallowed down the anger that had risen inside her. Captain Luis said nothing. He just observed what sort of duo these two would make.

" Captain Luis."

" Detective Clark. "

" The last time I checked, I could not find any trace of a memory of me telling you that I need a partner to help me with this case. I don't even need a colleague, let alone having this numbskull around me."

" What?" Robert could not believe his ears. " Did you just—" he was cut short.

" Sorry for the little delay. " Claire said as she returned to the bed.

" Welcome back, miss Claire." Captain Luis said. " You look quite better now." She had washed her face to cool off.

" Thank you, Captain."

" My dear, are you sure you are fine now?" Clark asked.

" I will manage. " She took a little pause before continuing. " Where did I stop?"

" You said you got a call from Jack." Captain Luis replied.

" As I was saying, Jack called me. According to him, he wanted us to meet. It appeared as if he actually had something serious he wanted us to talk about. I had no problems with that. What I found strange is why he would want to see me in this family rest house. Itade no sense to me."

" What do you mean?" Captain Luis asked.

" This rest house has not been visited by any family in two years. My father has a couple of rest houses in different places. No one has visited here in two complete years. But then, Jack is my brother. There was no way I could have denied him the request to meet I and John here. So, we came here."

" Are you certain it was your brother who called you?" Clark asked.

" Just thinking about the same thing." Captain Luis said.

" At this point, I can't say. All I know is that it was my brother's line that contacted me."

" What about the voice?" Robert asked. " I believe you know his voice."

" That is my confusion. The voice that I spoke with all this while belonged to my brother, Jack. There was no mistake. We arrived here and waited for Jack to come. But he never showed up. When I called him,he said he was around. My… my.. instinct tried to warn me. " Her voice cracked.

" Hey. Calm down. Just breathe. " Clark patted her.

Claire drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. She was fine again. " My instincts tried to warn me. But John had no reason to be worried. So, he calmed me. After our meal, I went to shower. That was the moment it happened."

" What happened?" Captain Luis asked curiously.

" I heard murmurs. I assumed it was Jack talking with John. But then, it appeared to be a voice pleading for mercy. "

Clark sighed . The image of the face flashed in her memory . The face of one who was frightened to death. A prey before a wicked predator.

" He screamed out loud. When I rushed out, there was no one in the room. Not even a single soul. That window has been open since then. "

" From what you explained to me on the phone, this man asked you to call me. "

" Yes. She gave me your line and watched me report the case. "

" Whoever this is, he has some guts. " Captain Luis said.

" Is there any other information you might want to share ?" Robert asked.

" I have nothing else to say. "Claire replied. " My John is dead. " She broke down in tears again.

" I believe we already have enough information to know where the markers are pointing." Clark said.

" Captain Luis." A voice called. Everyone's attention turned to the man elegantly dressed in a suit.

" And whose presence have I been graced with this morning?" Captain Luis asked.

" I followed the orders of my boss to be here. " The man replied.

" Who is he?"

" Mr Patrick Hudson. "

" Mr Patrick Hudson?"

" Yes. He has ordered his daughter to be brought to him safely. The rest of the escorts are waiting outside. "

" And how do I confirm what you are saying?"

" He knew you would say this. Here. " He dialed Mr Patrick Hudson and put the captain through.

" Who am I onto?" Captain Luis asked the person on the other end with a firm voice.

" Captain Luis, I want my daughter back home. It is me . So, there is no more need for suspicion. " The call ended.

" I believe you have heard from him. "

" Well, I am.not convinced enough. "

" I know him. "Claire managed to say.

" That clears the doubts, then. " Captain Luis said. " Miss Claire, you will have to go home now. You will be more secure there. "

"Claire, " Clark helped her up, " listen to me. You are very strong. And I need you to be right now. "

" It.. it is hard for me. John is dead."

" I know. And I am making you a promise. I will make sure I find out the cause of this. I will seek out the evil behind this death and slay it. "

" Thank you. " Claire hugged her.

" Be safe. I will see you when I can. Extend my regards. "

Claire quietly left them.

" Captain Luis. " The man spoke. " Lest I forget, Mr Patrick Hudson has requested your presence in his home. " He turned and walked away.

" I will be back shortly. " The captain left.

The two detectives were the only ones left in the room. Robert walked to a wall and leaned his back on it with his hands folded. Without being told, he could say his new partner just wanted to end his life.

" Detective Clark. " He called. Clark pretended not to hear him. " Detective Clark. " No response was coming. " Detective."

" Hmm. " Clark breathed out. " What in the name of God is this about? If you have something to say, just go ahead and say it. My ears are open. But it is not a mandate that detective Clark should respond to you."

" If you say so, I will go straight to the point. Why make promises when you know fully well that you might not be able to fulfill them?"

" What?" Clark asked and turned to face him. " Promises that I can't fulfill? Do you know me? Have you ever had anything to do with me in the past?"

" Well, I have never met you before. But I have heard stuff about you. "

" And did those blabber mouths let you know that detective Clark does not need a partner?"

" I will not deny hearing that. But then, I also heard she is tough. But all I have seen so far is a lady that has no control over her emotions. And makes decisions when she is not in the right state of mind. "

Clark giggled. " You know what I see? A man who is engulfed by loneliness !"

" What in the name of God is going on here?" Captain Luis said as he walked in.

" Nothing much. " Robert replied with a smile. " Just getting to know my partner better. "

" That does not seem to be the case here. Detective Clark, what is going on here?"

" Captain Luis, maybe we should be heading to the necessary places now. "

" If you say so, Mr Patrick Hudson wants to meet me at his place. So, I will head to their home in a few minutes."

" Since you are going there, you should push the family a little about Jack. There is this popular saying that in every nonsense, there is always an element of truth."

" I love the line." Captain Luis remarked.

Clark smirked. "From her story, there are two more places we need to check out. "

" Two places?" The captain asked.

" Yes. Empire hotel and a visit to Mr Sinclair does not seem to be a bad idea to me."

" I do not mean to doubt your expertise, detective Clark. But may I ask why you feel they should be involved in this? I mean, the Empire hotel was just where they lodged before coming to this place. "

" I might not have the answers to your very question. But the answer should be at room 799 of the Empire hotel. "

" Assumptions could be a risk along the line in this case. " The captain chipped in.

" I agree with her. " Robert said. " At some point in this field, assumption could be the only savior. Though probable, I doubt what she said is out of mere assumption. It has to be the 'detective intuition' . "

Clark showed no reaction even though she had heard the sweet remark.

" And about Mr Sinclair, for what reason or reasons would you want to go to him? " The captain continued with his cautious acts. " We owe him an explanation. Answers to what happened."

" If you ask me, I will say the exact opposite. Do we owe him answers? I doubt that. He owes us an explanation. Let us just say it is balanced. He owes us and we owe him."

" Explain yourself."

" There is a reason someone chose John . There is no mistake here. There are a thousand and one Johns out there. But our friend out there chose John Sinclair. I am not saying Mr Sinclair is a suspect here. Not at all. But he should tell us why someone chose his son. "

" From what she has said, Mr Patrick Hudson equally owes us an explanation to the reason someone might have to attack his son-in-law. " Robert added.

" I think so too. " Clark said. " But I do not think he is the direct target here. "

" Both men should know something. " Captain Luis said. " It appears to be the union set to happen as detective Clark mentioned in seven days that the problem lies in."

" It is actually five days." Clark corrected.

" She mentioned she was contacted using her brother's line. Didn't she?"

Both detectives nodded.

" Could it be that Jack actually has a hand in this?"

" Why do you say so?" Robert asked.

" Maybe he does not want the union to stand. "

" Or maybe whoever this evil is, he actually lured my friend, Claire, and her fiance out to this place so that he could do what he wanted without troubles."

" Hmm." The captain exhaled. " I see we have a lot of ideas. Right now, I will leave the both of you to it. I have to see Mr Patrick Hudson. "

The three of them left the building and came outside. The remaining traces of the night had gone into oblivion.

" Detective Clark, please, a moment with you." Captain Luis said.

Clark walked some feet away from Robert with him before coming to a stop.

" I wonder what this is about." Clark mused.

" If you must know, it is about you." The Captain replied.

" What is it?"

" Please, consider this to be a special plea from your Captain to you. "

" I know that look. Is this in any way about that —"

" Exactly, Clark. He is your partner in this case. You have to accept that reality from this moment."

" But Captain, you know me already. I need no one to assist me."

" My dear, believe me when I say this, this case appears to be bigger than you think. This does not imply in any way that I am doubting your abilities. You have proven yourself well to me. Do it this time too by working with him."

" This is a difficult request. But I will give it a try."

" That's all I want." The Captain smiled. We are good to go. " Clark accompanied him to his car . With a final wave to Robert, the captain entered his car and hit the ignition. In the next few minutes, he was driving out of the premises. Detective Clark stood there for a short while before her attention turned to Robert. Robert's eyes met his hers but she did not flinch. Inside her, she knew the task was no different from.the ones she had handled in the past. But at this point, she had no other choice but to go with the Captain's request.

Some feet away, Robert felt good in his heart. The whole wind is blowing the way he willed it to. Though he perceived detective Clark could be a stumbling block in the near future, he was beginning to like their duo.