Chapter 6 The Invisible Game
Lina's POV
I walked briskly into the main building,l adjusted my suit to smoothen its edges.
I approached the female attendant who was positioned at the reception.
“I’m Detective Lina Kaine from the State CID, Special Victims Unit. I need access to speak with the director—Kate Harper.” I introduced myself, flashing my badge at the receptionist.
“Of course, detective. Just a minute please.” The female, well dressed attendant said as she dialed a contact and whispered a couple of words on the call.
While she made the call, I observed the environment—the patients, the nurses, the visitors, and all.
It's such a fulfilling profession here. You take care of people and get them to recover from whatever trauma or condition they might be battling with.
“Detective, this way please.” The receptionist suddenly called my attention back, guiding me towards an entrance with the bold signage—VIP ONLY.
“You can wait here please, she will see you soon.” The receptionist informed me, her smile was way bigger than herself. Well, I'm not surprised, that's what receptionists do, they attend and welcome people so they ought to smile all the time.
Fuck hell, I can't do the job of a receptionist, because obviously I'll get sacked on my first day—I barely smile.
Before I got here, I'd done my research about Kate Harper. Kate isn't just a therapist, she's also a counselor who has seen people fall apart and somehow pulled them back together. She's one of the top licensed therapists in the state.
Lost in thought, a nurse suddenly approached me with a gentle yet firm nod.
“She's ready to see you.” She said calmly.
I stood up sharply and gave her a thankful nod, then I went through the slightly open door. Seated behind the big center table was Kate Harper—the therapist who's currently attending to one of the victim's mothers for the missing children case.
Kate immediately stood up to welcome me.
“Detective Lina, right? I’m Kate. Please, have a seat.” she said politely, stretching her hand over for a handshake.
Without hesitating, I took her hand and we shook professionally.
“Thank you.” I muttered and slowly took the seat opposite her.
“I’m here concerning the woman who was brought in last week…the government sent her in.” I began.
“The government sends many people here. Can you be more specific?” Kate said, casually keeping a smiley face.
“Her daughter went missing on a Monday, so she attempted suicide afterward.” I explained further for more clarity.
“Oh, you must be talking about Mrs. Park.” Kate said, as if she was just trying to remember her patient's name or something..
“Her missing daughter goes by the name Etak,” Kate added.
“Exactly.” I mumbled.
“Oh, well, I hope you’re not here to speak to her about her daughter.” Kate suddenly asked, her tone now firmer and protectively rigid.
“Well, that’s why I’m here.” I said plainly.
“I’m afraid I can’t allow that, detective.” Kate said flatly.
“Why is that?” I asked calmly.
Kate slowly leaned forward; “She’s currently under a therapy protocol we call REVERSE. We’re easing her mind into thinking her daughter is doing just fine. It’s the only thing keeping her safe and grounded.” She explained.
“So I'm scared if you go through her at this very stage, all our efforts might end up to be a waste, as well she might be traumatized to consider suicide again.” Kate explained, her voice was flat, revealing no emotion, except protection of her patients.
I understood clearly what Kate was talking about and I respect the procedures but still, I need information.
“Then maybe you can tell me what she’s told you so far. Any information about her daughter could help us speed up the investigation.” I demanded, my voice was calm but firm.
Kate suddenly paused, took a deep breath and glanced at me sharply.
“She said her daughter, Etak, always talks to an imaginary person. And whenever her Mom asked who she was talking to, Etak would say—a friend.” Kate explained.
“The night before she went missing, the mother said she saw her daughter speaking to someone outside the gate... but when she asked, Etak just smiled and said it was a game she was playing with her friend. But the Mom couldn't see anyone, it seems only Etak could see whoever she was calling a friend.” Kate narrated.
“Did the Mom tell you anything else about her daughter's imaginary friend?” I asked, carefully selecting my words.
“I'm as well affected by Mrs. Park's pain, so if at all there's something else I know, then I would've told you already.” Kate said flatly.
“I know so, Kate. But we can't use much of the information just from an imaginary friend!” I added, almost sounding desperate.
Kate suddenly shifted forward from her chair, she whispered; “Detective Lina, I think... I think there’s more to Etak’s story than what the files say. Everybody thinks this is just some Kidnap case, but trust me, this is way more than it.” Kate was beginning to sound suspicious, as if she knew something.
“You…you think so?” I asked, confused.
Why are her words sounding like the priest's words?
“Well, I believe in spirituals, I don't know about you. But if you really want to have these missing kids back to their various homes, then you shouldn't be working around with that gun, because this isn't a case where guns and bullets would fight for you.” Kate was beginning to sound suspicious.
She used exactly the same words, sentences, and description that Father Eron had used a few days ago.
What's happening?
I was beginning to get scared already.
Something isn't right somewhere.
Things are beginning to take a spiritual turn, an unapproachable realm I'm not willing to visit just yet.
For a split second, I thought of dropping this case and maybe just run away.
I'm getting scared for real.
Perhaps, Father Eron and Kate were right, I'm used to fighting my cases with guns and bullets.
Looking at things from Eron and Kate's perspective, there is no doubt that the reason behind the missing children is way bigger than I thought.