Case of Amber Hark: Death is The New Birth

CHAPTER 18: Missing

GICCA'S POINT OF VIEW

Lance took less than 20 minutes outside. He said he talked to his friend—the Doctor—quickly, and said that the Doctor left something to him. He said he had to do that in here, so he went back right away. I was so busy, and was unable to ask what the Doctor had left him to do. We are all busy.

While we were all busy examining what we found inside George Hark's mansion, I found a family picture of them in the photo album. They were very happy. Amber was still a baby and her mother was carrying her, but something grabbed my attention.

On George's side was a young man holding George's left leg. I think he was only three or four years old. Who is he? Why was he on this family picture?

I turned to Ali to ask her about the matter, but she was no longer next to me. I frowned. Where is she? She was just next to me minutes ago.

I went to Lance's spot. "Where is Ali?" I asked Lance.

"Went to buy a grocery for our dinner, didn't she let you know?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No. Is she wearing a mask? Someone might recognize her if she didn't." I said.

"Yes, she is fully-masked. No one will know her, don't worry." he said then went back to his observations of Amber's footsteps.

"By the way, Lance." I bothered him again, "Who is this young man?" I asked him then showed him the family picture.

He slowly let go of his grip as he frowned at the photo, "That must be George's stepchild." he said.

"Why is he on the family picture? It's supposed to be just Amber, her mother, and her father."

He shrugged as he frowned even more, "Ohh yeah. Why was he there? Is that their only family picture?" he asked.

"I haven't finished checking the photo album yet, but so far this is the only family picture I saw."

He nodded, "Look for another. Then confirm to me later. Okay?" he said.

I also nodded and went back to sitting on the sofa. Who is this young man? As far as I know, Amber was an only child. If this young man was George's nephew, it means this is not a family picture. Well, let's see later if I could find more photo of them together.

"What did you find?" Eliote asked as I sat down.

"I'm not sure if this is a family picture of Hark. They have an unfamiliar young man in the picture, Amber is still a baby here." I said then showed him the photo, "Lance said it might be George's nephew, if so, it can't be called a family picture." I added.

"It's still a family picture. Are nephews ain't part of the family?"

I rolled my eyes at him, "I am referring to mother, and father, and children only. Nephews and other relatives have nothing to do with it." I said frowning.

He laughed softly then pinched my cheek. I was stunned by what he did. "What are you doing?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Nothing, you're just making me smile,"

"Is it necessary for you to pinch my cheek?"

"Ah," he gulped, "Sorry, I can't stand your cuteness." he joked then let out a laugh.

"Eliote? You can now take your hand off my cheek." I spoke seriously.

He was stunned and immediately let go of the pinch on my cheek. He scratched his nape, "S-Sorry..."

I rolled my eyes at him and sighed, "Did you take your lunch? It looks like your brain has been blown away by the wind. You're losing your mind." I was joking, and turned my attention back to the photo album.

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A few hours later...

We are still busy with what we are doing. I know, I have folded the photo album multiple times, but I couldn't find any other photos of their family... I mean, I found some but only Amber was with George and his wife.

The strange thing is, that it is the only photo of the young man here in the photo album. I searched in case I could find any photos of him, I found nothing except for it. Who is that strange young man?

"What took Ali so long?" the silence was broken when Rique suddenly released the question.

I filled him with a teasing smile of mine, "Hmm, missing her already?" I teased.

He sighed and rolled his eyes at me, "I hate her, but even if that witch is like that, she is still my friend and I am worried for her. Where is she? Any update from her?" he asked. The concern on his face was obvious.

I laughed sweetly and covered my mouth, "He cares about Alison, hmm..." I teased again.

"Ugh. Shut up, Gicca." He rolled his eyes at me again, "Can you please call her, Lance?" he begged Lance who is busy observing the dried blood of Amber.

"Why don't you call her on your own?" am still teasing him. He gets annoyed and blushed at the same time. He looks so cute when he pout! I knew he likes Ali, he's just hiding it.

"I told you, I hate her. Why don't you call her yourself? She's your best friend. Have concern, Gicca."

I laughed hardly, "No, I'm not going to call her. Now one in this basement will call her, except from you!" I said while dying laughing.

Eliote sighed, "Okay, I volunteer. I'll call her..." he said then stood up to pick up his cellphone.

My eyes widened and I immediately stopped him. "No!" I shouted as I gripped his arms tightly.

I was stunned by Lance who suddenly coughed loudly. He just raised an eyebrow at me and looked at my hand clinging to Eliote's arm. I gulped and stood up properly as I let go of ny grip. "U-Uhm... I will c-call her." I said then picked up my cellphone on the table.

Rique's teasing smile filled me when I touched my cellphone. It was as if he was saying, "Nyenyenye, I won!" ugh. whatever.

Ali's phone rang, and she answered it immediately, "Hello, Ali? Where are you now? Are you coming back now?" I asked.

I waited for a few seconds but no one answered on the other line. "Hello, Ali?" I asked with a frown.

I immediately lost the smile on my face. "Ali?" I repeated but no one really answered. Later on, I heard a sigh on the other line but it was a man's voice.

My heartbeat immediately increased. Rique and Lance approached where I was, also waiting for the other line to speak.

"Is this Gicca Gomez and friends?" asked the person on the other line.

We all frowned and our eyes widened as we all looked at each other. It is a husky man's voice on the other line, it is not Ali! Why does he have Ali's cellphone?

"Where is Ali?!" I asked in deep voice.

"Before I answer that, I want a confirmation if you are her friends."

"Who are you?"

"I will not answer your questions unless you answer my question. Are you her friends?"

"YES! NOW TELL ME WHERE IS SHE!"

Laughter was performed on the other line, "She is here in our hands. Safe, but uncomfortable. If you want to get her alive, you have to listen to me. First, you have to......"

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