The Tragedy of Marco

Chapter III

After half a year of searching, Marco was officially announced dead. Local newspapers wrote:

"THE MISTERY IS SOLVED. MARCO PRONOUNCED DEAD"

"THE POLICE GAVE UP"

"GARIS FAMILY ONCE AGAIN DESTORYED"

The case was closed and put somewhere deep in police files. When Marco's parents found out that the police won't continue the investigation, their hearts broke. Leonardo didn't want his wife to see him destroyed so he went to the Jamie's in hope to feel Marco's presence for one more time. Leo felt remorseful.

Mary, on the other hand, felt a great storm rushing through her. While her mind was telling her she has to accept that her son is gone, her heart fought on. After an hour of sitting in silence she made a decision. If the authorities cannot finish this agony, she will.

Mary knew that Leo wouldn't be home till late at night so she took the chance and searched online for the best investigator in town.

*

At 15:07 a phone rang in Mr. Harrison's office.

"Investigator Harrison's office here. How can I help you?"

"Good afternoon, Miss Garis speaking. I would like to talk to Mr. Harrison."

"I am so sorry to inform you, Miss G-"

"Garis," Mary helped her.

"Miss Garis, but Harrison finished working ten minutes ago."

"Well I need him and I would be delighted if you stopped wasting my time and called Mr. Harrison to the phone. Thank you."

Mary was a very polite person, but when it came to protecting her family she was determined to get things solved as soon as possible.

The next day a doorbell rang at Garis residence. It was Mr. Harrison himself. After he heard who wanted to work with him, he accepted the case without second thought.

"Miss Garis, it is my pleasure to meet you. My name is Jordan Harrison and I can assure you that I am the best investigator in town, if not in the country."

Woman turned to him and showed him her presence. She was dressed in a posh, royal blue dress and her hair bun was obviously made by a professional. Mary's face showed the marks of harsh life, and her gestures drew willpower and pride. But it was the depth of her hopeless eyes that caught Jordan's attention.

"Hello Mr. Harrison. I am honored to have you in my home. I am Mary Josephine Garis. Please take a seat. Can I offer you something to drink?"

"A glass of water would be great, thanks."

Jordan tried to show his politeness by giving compliments on the warmth of her house or asking about the neighbourhood but Mary immediately showed her disinterest in little chats.

"As I already told you on phone yesterday, my son disappeared six months ago. I refuse to believe he committed suicide and that's why I called you." She was talking slow, silent but powerful. "But before we start, you have to assure me that you will never ever talk to my husband. I don't care how you'll do your work as long as Leonardo doesn't know for it. "

Jordan's politeness turned into utter confusion: "I must say this will harden my investigation but I will make sure he doesn't find out. I hope one day through our work, you will explain me this."

Mary continued ...

"It was 15th of December, 2014 when I last spoke to my son. We were talking about Christmas plans and his girlfriend."

Jordan interrupted her and asked about the girl's name.

"Gaby, I think. Yes, her name was Gaby. I told that to the police but it seems like they are useless. Anyway, that was the last time I spoke to Marco. The next thing I know, I received a phone call by his friend that there had been no sight of Marco Sebastian for a week. Of course I immediately went to his apartment and found the letter."

She handed him Marco's suicide letter, ID card and keys of his flat.

"They said they had done everything that had been in their power. But I feel, I know, that Marco's story has not been finished yet. And I am putting all my hopes on you. Don't disappoint me Jordan, don't! I am not strong enough to lose my child, not again."

Jordan Harrison realized that the case is far more complicated than he might first thought, but he was prepared to work hard and go to abnormal depths to find Garis' son. He had a sort of déjà vu of Mary Josephine and when she spoke he felt, as he had known her since forever.

*

Harrison drove to Marco's apartment the very next day and on the way there, he was constantly repeating the talk with Miss Garis in his mind.

"I will do everything to find your son, Josephine"

"Please, don't call me by my middle name. For you, I will be Mary"

"I apologise. Goodbye Mary."

"Find my son, Jordan. Find him!"

Her eyes were again full of hope when she closed the doors.