Chapter 114


    RAVEL


    PRESENT TIME


    I can’t believe that this terrible situation is unfolding before my eyes.


    After giving Hazel some sleeping pills to help her get some much–needed rest, I stepped out onto the


    balcony with a heavy heart to make some urgent phone calls. I carefully retrieved my phone from my


    pocket and dialed Lucas’s number. To my relief, he answered instantly, his voice filled with concern and


    anxiety.


    When I broke the news to him about my daughter’s horrifying abduction, he expressed a strong desire


    to join me immediately. However, I made the difficult decision to ask him to remain behind with Elenor. I


    knew I needed someone I could trust to be close to her, especially because the person I had stupidly


    weed into our inner circle was now showing a sinister side, seemingly determined to harm my


    beloved sister.


    “What’s going on, man?” Lucas inquired, his voice trembling with worry as soon as the call connected.


    “Please, tell me that they’ve found Hazel, and this is all just a dreadful misunderstanding.” In the


    background, I could distinctly hear Elenor’s concerned voice, questioning if I was the one on the line.


    Lucas reassured her before turning his attention back to our grim conversation.


    “It’s no joke, Raymond,” I repeated with a heavy heart, my voice quivering. “My daughter, Hazel, has


    been kidnapped,” I confirmed with a profound sense of dread. Raymond couldn’t contain his frustration


    and muttered a string of curses under his breath in response to this horrifying revtion.


    My voice became even more hoarse as I continued, “I need you to do something for me, Raymond.


    Please, step away from Elenor for what we’re about to discuss. It’s of utmost importance.”


    I ould hear a brief pause on the other end


    “Sure thing man.”


    On the quest to carry out my request, he turned to Elenor, who was still in the background, and


    casually mentioned that he wanted to get a drink from the mini home bar. I listened closely as the


    sound of footsteps gradually faded, and the soft closing of a door confirmed that he was now in a


    private space. “Alright, man, I’m alone now,” he reassured me.


    With Raymond now in a more secure setting, I finally divulged what had been haunting me. “I think I


    know who’s behind this, Raymond,” I admitted. Raymond audibly inhaled sharply, clearly bracing


    himself for whatever unsettling information I was about to share. “They left a message for me, and I


    strongly believe that this is the handiwork of the mysterious messenger. I was told that this happened


    but I ignored the instruction given to me.”


    Raymond’s frustration was obvious as he cursed aloud. “Shit!” he eximed, his voiceced with anger


    and disbelief. “What are you going to do, Ravel? Did you inform the detectives that you understood the


    message they sent you?”


    “Of course not!” I hissed, my voice filled with a mixture of fear. “Acknowledging that I understand their


    message would mean delving into the web of messages I’ve received over the years. It would also


    mean exposing the unsettling possibility that Hazel might be considered a suspect in Harrison’s


    murder. I can’t allow that to happen until I can gather enough evidence to prove her innocence.”


    I felt my emotions welling up, and I knew I was on the verge of tears. “I feel torn, Raymond,” I admitted,


    my voice quivering with the weight of my dilemma. “I’m being forced to choose between protecting my


    wife and helping to find my daughter. If ‘dilemma had a human form, it would be me right now. I’m


    utterly lost, unsure of what to do or which decision to make.” The overwhelming sense of helplessness


    and uncertainty left me feeling utterly trapped in this nightmarish situation.


    Raymond’s exasperated sigh mirrored my own frustration with the dire situation. “This is incredibly


    messed up, Ravel,” he empathized, his voice filled with genuine concern. “I strongly suggest you at


    least inform Hazel about this. She deserves to know what’s going on, especially when it concerns a


    little girl she brought into this world and cares for deeply.”


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    I couldn’t deny the wisdom in his words, but I also understood the gravity of the decision thaty ahead.


    “Raymond, you don’t understand,” I replied, my voice tinged with a sense of helplessness. “Hazel,


    she… she would do anything to find Daisy.


    She’d willingly walk into a prison cell if it meant getting her back. I can’t bear to put her through that


    until I have concrete evidence that clears Hazel of any wrongdoing.”


    Desperation gnawed at me as I asked, “Any updates from the private investigator?” I knew he had


    promised to provide me with substantial information by the end of the month, but the waiting was taking


    a toll on my patience.


    “No news yet, but I’ll give him a call once we’re finished here,” Raymond assured me. I released a


    weary sigh, feeling utterly drained by the relentless series of events. “What are you going to do,


    Ravel?” He questioned aloud.


    “I don’t know,” I admitted with a heavy heart. “But I’ll figure something out.”


    Raymond’s willingness to assist was unwavering, and I appreciated his unwavering support. “What can


    I do to help?” he inquired, confirming my belief that he would go to great lengths to aid in the search for


    Daisy, even if it meant facing potential legal consequences.


    “Just keep a watchful eye on my sister, and be on the lookout for June,” I instructed, my concern for


    Elenor’s safety evident. “The detectives are going to question June, and I’m afraid it might set her off.


    Ensure you’re there to intervene if she decides to vent her anger on Elenor.”


    Raymond’s response was reassuring. “You don’t need to worry about that. I can guarantee your sister’s


    safety.”


    As I nced through the see–through door, I noticed Hazel stirring in her sleep, a reminder of the


    immense weight on my shoulders. “I have to go, Raymond,” I said reluctantly. “Let me know what the


    investigator has to say when you’re done speaking with him.”


    “I will boss. My regards to Hazel. You both need to be strong to ovee this.” With that, he


    disconnected the call.


    Staring at Hazel, I understood that I have to keep my emotions at bay to be there for her because this


    is going to be rough ride for us.