JR SWAT 2: Two, Taken

Chapter 3: Running

"Stay there." Luca instructed, putting a hand up.

"I wasn't planning on moving. You're the cop!" Terry said, leaning on the kitchen counter.

After shooting him a look, Luca turned around and examined the darkened space. Only the light coming from Terry's office and from the street light shone over the living room and kitchen. Much of the furniture, corners and spaces were completely submerged in the darkness of the night. Luca took his time and surveyed every single corner, trying to pick up on anything. Then, he returned his gaze to Terry, who was nonchalantly drinking water.

"Have you heard any sounds?"

"Besides the occasional shots, murmurs or wheels screeching, nope!"  Terry answered. He finished his bottle, dumped it into the trash and approached Luca. "You think that girl's here?"

"I sure hope so coz she's been lost for over three hours."

"Come on. Let's check!"  Terry said gesturing for Luca to follow. He lead his big brother into his office, where the computer and three monitors was still on.

"What?"

"Some weeks ago Jim came by and installed a camera in the garage. Said he needed to make sure his baby was safe." Terry paused and snickered. "Guess he doesn't trust Chris wont go crazy on his bike again."

"I told him, his bike is safe here." Luca said annoyed.

"Yeah, well, he wanted to be extra sure."Terry said clicking several times on the keyboard. The monitor in the far right changed into a clear picture of the garage area. "Here's the tape for the last four hours." Terry announced, clicking play. 

After fast forwarding the tape they found nothing. No movements. No shadow. Heard no sounds.

"Ok, so either this house is haunted or..." Terry began

"She knows about security cameras. She and another one of the kids actually know a lot about tech stuff. She could've easily spotted the flashing red light." Luca said frustrated.

"Or...maybe she didn't go that way! What if she's been hiding somewhere else?" Terry proposed.

"Like where?"

"Somewhere public. Opened."

It took him a second to think. "The basketball court across the street. It has benches. Thanks, bro!"  Luca said rushing out the door.

The early morning breeze was chilly. Luca placed both hands inside of the pockets of his hoodie, looked both ways and crossed the street. The ambience was quiet, still, dark.

He looked all ways: the hoop, the benches, the sidewalk. Nothing. Suddenly he heard a car engine approaching. Luca stepped out of the court and stuck his hand out. He recognized the old classic approaching.

The car came to a stop and a bothered Marcos stuck his hand out. "What do you want, man?"

"You in a bad mood?" Luca teased, knowing their relationship hasn't always been that great.

Marcos snickered and shook his head. "You still playing cop hero, Luca?" he teased, offering his fist.

Luca approached him and answered his gesture. "Yeah, but I need your help."

"What's up?"

"You seen a girl hanging around here?"

"Muslim girl? With a thing wrapped around her head?"

"It's called a hijab!" Luca snapped disappointed. "You seen her around?"

"Yeah. I went around the block a couple of minutes ago. Saw her coming out of yo house."