The Gillespie Five (A Political / Conspiracy Novel) - Book 1 (42) by T.K. Harris Read Free Book Online Page A

endings, and watching what happened to a mother when her worst nightmare became a reality was brutal.
    Ken Moore seemed to tower over his wife in a protective posture, the darks circles a marked contrast to the intensity of his eyes.  Never one for small talk, he began to speak before Lee made it back to his chair.  "Have there been any leads?  I'm assuming you have something for us based on your call."
    Lee took a careful breath and looked at them both.  "We haven't found anything, yet, but we have come up with a theory."  He held up his hand as Ken began to speak.  "Now listen.  It's important that both of you understand this is only a theory. There's no proof."
    "We understand, Commander Lee.  Please, just tell us."  Karen Moore's voice was soft but strained.
    "We have opened up the possibility that, due to your financial status, this may be a kidnapping."
    The parents looked stunned.  Finally, Ken Moore asked, "But who would do such a thing?"
    "That's what we don't know, Mr. Moore.  I was hoping you might be able to help us with that."
    "But if he was kidnapped, why haven't we heard anything yet? It's been over a week!"
    "That's why I stressed this is only a theory.  But it's not uncommon to see no demands come through for several days.  Sometimes even weeks.  It's a waiting game and, for the kidnappers, a head game.
    And I'm not saying we're just going to sit here and wait.  Our investigations continue, and I know you've already hired a private investigator.  There's a good chance that either this is the case or maybe, and I know you don't want to hear this, but – like I mentioned before - maybe he decided to go experience his freedom.  Take a joy ride with his friends, or even a trip to California."
    "Or he's dead," Karen said quietly.
    He wanted to say something to ease the pain evident in her voice and in her eyes.  But there was nothing he could say that would comfort her so he simply replied, "Yes ma'am.  That's always a possibility."
    "So what do we do now?  Wait for a call to come in?"
    Lee looked at Ken.  "Keep doing what you're doing.  Asking around, looking for answers.  Try to think of anything that might help. We’ll send some people to your house and install tracing devices on all of your phones.  We will even put some on your work phones if that's okay with you."  Taking a deep breath, he looked at both of them.  "I know this isn't what you wanted to hear.  I was hoping for more by now."  He stopped, not knowing what else he could say, if there was anything he could say, that would help.
    "Then I want to go public." 
    Lee looked at Ken, a question on his face.
    "All we've done is post pictures around the neighborhood and campus.  I want to take this to the press.  If what you say is true, then I don't see why we wouldn't do this now.  Our P.I. thinks it will be helpful.  You asked me to hold off before, but if we suspect kidnapping-"
    Lee held up his hands, "Mr. Moore, you realize that doing this could open you up to a lot more problems than it might help, right?"
    Ken ran a hand through his dark brown hair, glancing quickly at his wife and then back to Lee.  "We know. We've discussed it.  But now it seems more important than ever.  And we won't start offering a reward right away.  We just want to get it out there that our son is missing."
    His wife nodded in agreement.
    Lee glanced at both of them.  He could see their determination and knew they wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. 
    "Okay.  But please, wait until we get the equipment installed in your home and on your cell and work phones, and definitely don't mention a reward.  At least not for a while."
    Mr. Moore nodded, holding his hand out to his wife.  "Thank you, Commander Lee."
    Lee walked them to the door and slowly shut it behind them.  He stood for a moment, watching the precinct outside the office window as it went about its daily business.  So many new faces.  Young, eager faces.  He had been