The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 42

Kas

"Zander is going to serve a two-year term in prison for his sexual offences against Kevin. He is getting away with a shorter term as he himself was just a little over the age of consent. Ryan Bernard is getting away as no charges can be proven against him." Kas sighs. He feels a surge of reluctant admiration as to how resilient and slippery the silver fox is. "Arrange for me to meet Zander in prison. Let's upgrade his nightmare". The next day, Kas is sitting in front of Zander in the prison's visiting room. The glass separates them but he can see Zander is still dazed, not really having accepted the reality of being in prison. "What do you want from me now"?, Zander mutters almost under his breath. Kas leans over close to the glass. "My chest still hurts Zander", he tells softly, almost in a whisper. "I can still feel the weight of your boot on it sometimes".

Kas

Zander gives Kas a blank, confused look. "What nonsense are you on about? What boot? Are you high"? Kas continues almost absentmindedly, softly as though speaking to himself, "You used to call me a dirty little fly. You beat me up every time you were bored." He looks up suddenly, giving Zander a hard look, "My little sister Kaya disappeared. You were the last person seen with her". Comprehension dawns slowly on Zander's face as he stares at Kas. "That kid, Kas, who died. You knew him? Is that why you are here. Is that why you helped Alice with the divorce"?

 The questions flow thick and fast from Zander. Kas watches him as Zander tries to make sense of what's happening around him. Kas gives him a pitying look. "Look at me Zander. Look closely. I am Kas". Zander blinks a couple of times, bewildered. Then he leans back in his chair and shakes his head "You are high." Kas ignores him and continues "What did you see in the book that my little sister was holding? Is that why you made sure she went missing? The last time, we met, I came to your house, asking you whether you knew where my sister was. It was in your room. Jackson and Kevin were with you. You were eating pizza. There were stains of sauce across your white t-shirt where it had spilled over. Aunt Mona was the one who had brought me to your room. Oh, I forgot, there was some jazz music playing in the background. You beat me up until I fell unconscious." 

He completes his impromptu speech without pausing for breath as Zander watches on astounded. "You tell me what happened to my little sister, Zander, and I would still be willing to help you". Zander is still staring at Kas blankly. "Impossible. Just impossible ". Kas looks at his watch. "Visiting time is almost over. Where is she Zander"? Zander stands up unsteadily, "I don't know, dude. Whoever you are, I did not know then and I do not know even now. I just spoke to the little girl because she congratulated me on my engagement. She was bright and cheerful and I spoke to her on a whim. "Kas gives him a hard stare" What was in the book?" 

Zander just shakes his head, "It was some account book. That's all. I remember because the police had questioned us. Even if you keep me in prison for a lifetime, I can't help you. I just don't know where the girl is. I beat the boy up badly because he threatened me with my secret of being gay. I just don't know". He collapses into his chair exhausted. 

Kas straightens up as the cop comes to take Zander. "Hey Zander, I forgot to tell you. Did you know that Jackson is your father's bastard son"? He sees the blood leave Zander's face. Zander looks completely shocked as he says incredulously, "What? What did you say"? Kas turns and walks out, leaving Zander yelling at him. Neil is waiting outside for him in his car. "That's one down. The other guy, old man Drake, can't we just drug him and get him and get the truth out of him?" Kas shakes his head dismissively. "His illness is far gone. He is already on his last days and being pumped with meds. I can't drug him. Don't know if his system can take it. Also, no guarantee of what he says if we drug him. No, I need him fully conscious and a with a clear mind when we question him