Forgive the Godfather

19: Luke finds out about the blue van

Rita gave Luke a few minutes to settle down, then she opened the door and poked in her pretty head, saw that it was safe and glided into the office.

"You look like you need a drink, boss." But as she edged towards the small refrigerator on the corner, Luke stopped her with his upraised hand.

"Not just yet," Luke said. "Like I said earlier, we found Linda's car. I delivered the car to her parents a while ago. It has been confirmed to me that Linda had a girl beside her in the car when she left the
hairdressers' at Cida Plaza."

"That means they have a girl working with them," Rita concluded.

"That's right," Luke agreed. "I've been wondering how the girl got into Linda's car. Was it willingly, because Linda had recognised the girl or was it by coercion, may be at gun point.

"I'd spoken with Julie, Linda's close friend, but she doesn't recall Linda having a friend of that description. I thought that might have given me a lead if I was able to establish the girl's identity. That has gotten us no where."

"Well, it appears we are making progress," Rita said.

"What's going to be our next move?"

"Our next move is find out where they've taken Linda to," Luke said.
Rita looked thoughtfully at her boss. "That won't be easy," she said.

"You are damn right about that," Luke agreed.

"That's what I've been beating my brain..."

"All right then, I'll leave you at it." Rita swung her tail out of the office closing the door gently behind her.

When she had gone, Luke picked up his phone and dialled up Kris' number. "Director, good day. Luke speaking from the Xclusive Services."

Kris chuckled. "Luke, do you have to be so dramatic each time you call, what is the situation with our friend?"

"A major breakthrough this afternoon," Luke said. "We have recovered the missing girl's car which I have just delivered to our friend."

"Where did you find it?" Kris asked, his voice sounded excited.

"It was abandoned under an uncompleted overhead bridge some where around the Central Business District."

"Nice work. Our friend must be pleased."

"You can say that again," Luke said. "Next, I'm trying to locate where they are keeping her."

"That's fine. But you have to be careful, Luke. These guys could get tough when you start breathing down their neck."

"I could get tough too," Luke said.

"Well, keep at it. Let me know if you need some resources."

"Will do. Thanks, Kris."

Luke put down the phone and leaned back, his mind vigorous.

Something snapped. Luke jumped to his feet, restraining himself from running. He went into the outer office.

Rita looked up expectantly.

Luke stopped by Rita's desk. "I was wondering if you've ever noticed any street camera around the Cida Plaza?" he asked.

"Umm, I think they should, but I'm not so sure," Rita answered hesitantly. "But I know there is a bank close by. Perhaps they will have."

"Don't bother your pretty head," Luke said. "I was only thinking aloud. No harm in checking it out." Luke left his office and hurried towards the elevator. He was lucky this time as the elevator was going down and stopped to pick a short, plumpy lady who looked more British than American. They rode down together and Luke stepped out on the first floor. He got into his car and drove straight to the Cida Plaza.