The Tragedy of Marco

Chapter VII

On Wednesday, a day before Jordan was planning to visit Mary, she came to his office.

"Timetables are not really your thing, are they, Mary?"

"Do you even know how hard it is for me to follow your schedules when I have a secret to keep from my husband?"

Mary was annoyed by his e-mail and she did not put any effort in hiding her feelings towards it. She told him she was the one paying him and that she was the one who should arrange the meetings and not him. Harrison defended himself and after seeing there was no point in doing so, he apologised. After fifteen minutes of tense talking, they sat down and started discussing the case.

Jordan told her about the notebooks, the content of them and showed her the pictures. She was visibly moved by one picture. It was taken in a forest. There were five people in the photo. Marco was in the middle, smiling. It was not the smile you are told to make when someone takes a photo of you. It was a smile that was reflecting pure happiness. As the photography didn't show anything crucial for the investigation, Mary was allowed to keep it.

"Mary ... why didn't you tell the police you know Gaby?"

"I don't know," Mary answered, nervous.

"You have to be honest with me Mary. I have been in this for a month and I am no closer to the answer than I was at the beginning."

"I only know her name. I don't know who she is or how she looks. I don't think the police would ever be capable of discovering her or even my son. That's why I called you. Because I believe you can find my son. I have to know where my son is. I won't believe he is dead until you find his body."

"You have to trust me, Mary. I am trying my best, but I cannot work if there might be facts that you are hiding from me. Do you understand me? Marco's diaries won't be enough. I need contacts. Friends or relatives, anyone who could know something about Marco's last days."

"Police never took Marco's phone or computer. I hate to think you are going to invade his privacy but if that's the only way for you to get closer to the truth ..."

"Yes, Mary. That is exactly what we need. Why didn't you tell me that sooner? Oh how stupid I was not to think there might be a computer. I need it as soon as possible," Jordan exclaimed.

Mary assured to bring it the next morning. She was still in doubts about her promise but her wish to find Marco was stronger than her moral beliefs. As she was leaving his office he asked: "Mary, another thing ... why don't you want your husband to help us? After all, Marco was his son too."

"Firstly, I still have hope my son is alive so let's not burry him just yet. Secondly, I don't want my husband to be in this because you are A- . Never mind! I must leave. Goodbye Mr. Harrison."

*

Mary didn't bring Marco's belongings the next day. Instead, she sent her friend to bring them.

"Mary doesn't feel well, so she asked me to bring those to you," said a lovely lady.

Jordan thanked her, said goodbye and checked the phone right away. He knew exactly what he was searching for. He found a phone number, typed it in his phone and called.

"Hello, " said a woman's voice.

"Good morning. I am sorry to disturb you. I am Jordan Harrison."

"If you are one of those advertisers, I don't need anything. Thank you."

"No," laughed Jordan. "I am an investigator."

She apologised awkwardly.

"I got the case of Marco Garis. Are you Gabrielle?"

Even though they didn't talk in person, the atmosphere between them thickened.

"Y- yes, I am. Gabrielle Smart."

"I know this sounds strange and that you are probably very confused right now, but I need to talk to you about Marco."