Chapter 66: A Silent Cry

Jason drove the car down Franklin Road, his eyes scanning the quiet residential area as they neared Henley Beach. The salty ocean breeze came through the slightly cracked window, carrying with it the distinct, laid-back atmosphere of one of Adelaide’s most popular coastal spots.

Henley Beach was known for its pristine sand, crystal-clear water, and a line of top-rated seafood restaurants that stretched along the boardwalk. For most, it was the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy a cold beer, and savor fresh fish. But not today.

Today, the beach would serve as the backdrop for something much darker.

After about ten minutes of driving, Jason pulled the car over to the curb and glanced around. He could feel the tension rising in his chest as he checked the address on his phone once more, confirming they had arrived.

"I think this is it," he said, pointing toward a large house surrounded by palm trees, its front yard a manicured lawn that stretched toward a stone wall. The house itself was a sprawling two-story with large windows that looked out toward the ocean.

Kate, sitting beside him, squinted out the window, taking in the sight. "Yep. That’s the one," she said, her voice flat. "It’s right on the water, just a few hundred yards from the beach. You can see the ocean from here."

Jason exhaled slowly, not entirely convinced. "This place is hard to find. There’s a hundred houses like this along the coastline."

"Hmm," Kate muttered, her focus on the house in front of them.

The quiet was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of police sirens, and before they could get out of the car, several police cruisers pulled up to the curb, their lights flashing even in the bright afternoon sun. Jason looked over at Kate as the doors of one of the police vehicles opened. Oliver, a tall officer with a grim expression, stepped out and immediately spotted them.

"Sir," Oliver greeted as he approached, his eyes scanning the surroundings before locking onto Jason. "This is the house. The one we’ve been investigating."

Jason’s eyes narrowed as he took in the large, well-kept property. "You sure this is it? Looks like just another beach house to me."

Oliver nodded solemnly. "No mistake. This is the residence of the abducted girl."

"Where are the parents?" Jason asked, his voice sharp with urgency.

Oliver jerked his head toward a man and a woman standing a few feet away by the police cars.

The man was in his fifties, wearing a well-tailored grey suit, his face drawn and tight with stress. His hands were folded in front of him, and he kept glancing around nervously. The woman beside him, much younger, looked out of place in a sleek, knee-length bodycon dress that clung to her figure. Her makeup was perfect, and though she was clearly distraught, there was something almost too composed about the way she held herself, as if she were trying to maintain control in front of a crowd. Jason couldn’t help but wonder what she was hiding.

Jason and Kate both got out of the car and walked toward the parents. The father looked up at them, his eyes red-rimmed and heavy with emotion.

"Hello, sir," Jason greeted, his voice calm but firm. "I’m Officer Jason. This is my partner, Kate."

"Yes, yes, of course," the man replied quickly, his voice cracking. "Sir, my name is Shawn Paula, and this is my wife, Ella Paula. Nearly two hours ago, I returned from my office to get ready for the Royal Club party. It was prearranged that my wife, Ella, and our daughter, Sasha, would accompany me. Upon my return, I headed straight to my room to prepare. After getting ready, I asked Ella to call Sasha as we were running late." The man spoke with distress evident in every word.

"Ella went to Sasha's room, and after two minutes, I heard her screams. I rushed to Sasha's room and upon entering, I saw blood splatters everywhere," Shawn Paula, the father of the abducted girl, recounted to Jason. He then continued,

"I moved inside the room and saw a large chart-sized paper pasted on one of the walls, with many things drawn on it. In the center, a picture of Sasha was pasted, surrounded by various symbols, and the words 'Tamam Shud' were written in blood. I don't know what the meaning of 'Tamam Shud' is or how to pronounce it. I searched the whole house, but couldn't find my daughter. She's nowhere," Shawn said, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Hmm... let's go inside," Jason said, signaling for Kate to follow him.

They entered the house and were greeted by a large, well-maintained lawn on their right side. Continuing along the marbled driveway, they made their way towards the house.