BIPOLAR

Chapter Eight: The Message.

  "Mai, what happened?"

  Mai's expression was grim.

  "It's Blake," Mai said. Sarah's heart sank.

  "Blake thinks he knows what Jamin is up to but he couldn't tell me a thing. He said not to look for him or Jamin, Jamin is planning something Sarah, I don't know what but there's something that he is up to. And Blake wants to know."

   Sarah's eyes widened. "Oh no!"

   Mai's voice cracked.

"I was working late, and when I got home, Blake was gone. His note said he couldn't just sit around doing nothing."

    Sarah's mind raced. Blake, Mai's responsible and level-headed son. Where would he start searching? Was he in danger?

   Mai's anxiety was palpable.

   "I'm scared, Sarah. Blake's always been determined, but this..."

   Sarah enveloped Mai in a warm hug.

   "We'll find him," Sarah reassured. "Jamin and Blake are the smartest kids I know don't worry so much we will find them soon."

   Together, they stood in silence, fear and determination entwined.

   Suddenly, Sarah's phone buzzed. It was Detective Blaine.

   " I'm sorry I didn't have enough time to tell you but stop by the office as quick as you can and turn go to the news channel right now!"

   Sarah hurriedly picked up the TV remote and turned it to the news channel.

   Sarah sat beside Mai on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV as the news anchor's serious voice filled the room.

   "...developing story in the ongoing investigation into the potential murder that occurred in a  Kangerlussuaq motel the night of 23rd September, 2024" ,the anchor said. "New evidence suggests Mr. Juke Watkins the deceased may have constructed  his own death."

   Sarah's grip tightened and her face confused.

   The TV screen flashed images of Juke's photo, followed by grainy security footage.

   "...as seen in the video the man throwing the bleach that was used to kill Mr. Watkins was actually Mr. Watkins himself, this information is extremely baffling and insinuating many scenarios. Authorities have launched a manhunt for Jamin, Juke's son, who is believed to have aided Mr. Watkins in whatever he did," the anchor continued.

    Sarah's anxiety spiked.

    Mai squeezed her hand. "What the hell is going on Sarah?"

    The news report cut to Detective Blaine, standing outside the police station.

   "We urge anyone with information on Jamin's whereabouts to come forward," Blaine appealed. "We're working tirelessly to find him as he is now a suspect in the murder of Mr. Juke Watkins."

   Sarah's eyes locked onto Martin's determined expression.

   The TV screen flickered back to the anchor.

   Mai's eyebrows arched. "What does that even mean?"

   Sarah shook her head. "I have no idea."

   As the news report concluded, Sarah felt a mix of emotions:

   Fear for Jamin's safety.
  Confusion about Juke's actions
  Determination to uncover the truth.

   Mai turned to Sarah. "You're not alone in this. I got you."

   Sarah smiled weakly. "Thanks, Mai."

   " Okay I know there's a lot of stuff going on right now but Sarah you have to see this", Mai said determined.

    Mai's fingers flew across her laptop keyboard, eyes scanning lines of code.

    "Almost there," Mai muttered, her focus intense.

   Sarah paced beside her, anxiety simmering.

   "Ah-ha!" Mai exclaimed, pointing to the screen.

   Sarah leaned in, peering at the cryptic coordinates.

   "Where is it?" Sarah asked.

   Mai zoomed in on the map.

   "Kangerlussuaq " Mai said, eyes widening.

   Sarah's mind raced. That's the place where it all began.

   Mai's expression turned serious.

   "This text message was routed through multiple proxies. Whoever sent it wants to remain hidden."

   Sarah's determination solidified.

   "Could you book me a flight to Kangerlussuaq, please ?"

  Mai's eyes locked onto Sarah's.

  "Are you sure?", Mai asked. Sarah nodded.

  "I need answers."

  "Well then I'll book two. I need to find Blake."

  Mai started booking the flight.

   As the confirmation popped up, Sarah felt a surge of trepidation.

   What secrets awaited her in Kangerlussuaq? Were Jamin and Blake there?

   Later that day during the afternoon, Sarah went down to the station to have a word with Detective Blaine.

   Sarah stormed into Detective Martin's office, her determination easily noticeable.

   "Detective, I need to talk to you," Sarah said, her voice firm.

    Blaine looked up from his papers.

    "Sarah, what's going on?". Sarah's eyes blazed.

    "The press conference. You said Jamin's a suspect."

    Blaine's expression turned somber.

   "I had to, Sarah. New evidence suggests Jamin involvement in Juke's death."

   Sarah's voice rose.

   "That's impossible. Jamin would never hurt anyone."

   Blaine leaned forward.

   "Sarah, we found footage from a security camera just outside the house. Jamin's seen arguing with Juke for a long time after he knocked you unconscious before his death."

   Sarah's mind reeled.

   "That doesn't mean anything. They were father and son. They argued often."

   Blaine's eyes softened.

   "I understand your loyalty, Sarah. But we must consider all possibilities."

   Sarah's anger simmered.

   "You're wrong, Detective. Jamin is in danger, I can feel it. Juke's death is connected to something bigger."

   Blaine's expression remained resolute.

   "I'll keep an open mind, Sarah. But I must follow the evidence. But if you want to open your own investigation I don't mind. You are an amazing detective despite your disorder, have fun on your trip to Kangerlussuaq feel free to share any evidence you may find. "

   Sarah's expression turned fearful. "You know?"

   "Yes I do. That's because I received the same message he sent to you. Travel there and make sure you find something."