Hidden Gem: Jake x Reader

Chapter 4

When I got back to my desk Jake had already sent me some messages. For a moment I just stared at my phone. I didn't even want to say anything at first, but that wouldn't solve anything.

Jake : Mmh...
This video call just now, showing Cleo in the forest...

Me : Oh, so you saw it this time?

Jake : Yes, I did.

Me : What am I supposed to do now?
It's going to start all over again...
People I know are going to start dying and it'll be my fault...

Jake : (Y/n), I have to ask you for a very important favor.
I know what I am about to ask you for is highly unusual and that your decision is going to have serious consequences for you.
But you can't tell anyone about this video.

Me : And why not?

Jake : I'm sure that the kidnapper's sole intention is to scare you with this video.
However, the others may easily misinterpret the behavior of the kidnapper.

Me : What do you mean by that?

My responses were slowing, my eyes were starting to get heavy. That familiar feeling, somewhere between not being in my own body and controlling it washed over me. It was getting hard to focus my eyes as the words on the page blurred.

Jake : I am worried that the others may abort the search for Hannah out of fear for themselves.
I am actually pretty sure about that. 

I didn't say anything to that, my hands were shaking and it was feeling hard to breathe. Probably just the panic I had felt with that call setting in.

Jake : I can understand that this call upset you.
But do keep in mind, it's all about finding Hannah!
And for that we need the others.

Me : What are these people to you? It's as if we're all a means to an end.

Jake : Please, (Y/n)
Trust me.

Me : I..

Jake : Yes?
Maybe if we analyze the kidnappers' video together you will feel more at ease?
First there are his words.
He says that he is now forced to take it a step further.
The message is important to him that it's understood.
As if the video alone wasn't enough.
The next thing, that immediately caught my attention was: He stays hidden during the entire video.

Me : So what? He is trying to avoid direct confrontation?

Jake : Exactly.
It was not about doing anything to her.
All he is trying to do is scare you.

Me : Same as back then?

Jake : Yes
The important thing is that we hurry up.
Either way, the fact that you trust me is a big help

Me : Wait... he called before the video

Jake : Right. You told me that the caller didn't say anything.
But why should he call you twice?

Me : Something didn't go according to plan?
Maybe he didn't know Cleo's exact route?

Jake : Are you saying he was standing in the wrong spot when he made the first call?

Me : It's possible, and it would make sense.

Jake : That's a pretty good thought.
Every single detail could be the missing piece of the puzzle in the end.

Me : Slowly but surely the puzzle is getting too big.

Jake : Don't underestimate yourself.
But do you get it now? All these things are signs that he is just sending us empty threats.
It almost feels like there is a certain line... A line that he won't cross.