CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A loud knock on my front door woke me up. Groggy, I glanced at my phone and saw it was nine o’clock. Since it was a Saturday, I had no reason to wake up early. There were no missed calls from Hayden, even though we were supposed to speak yesterday, so it was likely him knocking.
“Coming!” I pushed away the blanket and put on a shirt, then made my clumsy way to the living room, where I once more vowed to buy some curtains . I unlocked the door, but it wasn’t Hayden on the other side.
“What happened?”
Wearing his uniform despite it being a Saturday, the Chief gave me a stern look. “May I come in?”
I moved aside to let him in, then asked again, “What happened?” He wouldn’t have come all this way if everything was okay.
“When was the last time you spoke with Hayden?”
Oh, God.
I leaned against the wall, my pulse pounding in my ears.
“Jonah, answer me.”
“We texted yesterday at around noon.”
“What did you talk about?”
“We…” Was this a trick?
He took a step toward me, deliberately intimidating. “No more games. Tell me everything.”
“We talked about the investigation.”
“The one I told Hayden to drop? The one I warned him about?”
I nodded numbly.
“Damn you, you and him both.”
“What happened? Fucking tell me!”
“I don’t exactly know.” He went to sit on the couch.
I unglued myself from the wall and slumped into my armchair. “Where is he?”
“Missing.”
I shut my eyes and drew a breath. Don’t panic. Just find out everything you can. “You said you don’t know what happened, so how can you be sure he’s missing?”
The Chief ran a hand through his gray hair, and I figured by the bags under his eyes that he hadn’t slept. “Hayden called yesterday morning to say he’d be late for work. It turns out that he visited Patton State Hospital and met with one of the patients.”
“With Amanda Tulip.”
Anger flashed in his eyes. “Yes. Who is she?”
There was no point in withholding information; secrecy felt like a childish privilege I no longer had. “She worked for The Society when I was there. Hayden and I were looking for people who might know where they’re keeping Nick.”
“Did you speak with Hayden after he left the hospital?”
“Like I said, we texted.”
“Show me.”
I went to get my phone from the bedroom, the familiar itch pulling me toward the bathroom where my needles waited. I pushed back the urge, grabbed my phone, and then returned to show the messages to the Chief. He read them before putting my phone on the table. “This tells us nothing. You wrote that you’d speak with him last night.”
“I fell asleep right after I got home.”
The Chief leaned back. “One of Hayden’s neighbors called the station last night to report sounds of struggle from his apartment. When the police arrived, there were signs of a fight but no trace of Hayden. We didn’t find fingerprints.”
Did they know he’d gone to see Amanda and decided he had crossed the line?
Still somewhat composed, I said, “Okay, so we know he’s been kidnapped. What do we do now?”
He shook his head. “Do you think I have any idea how to bring him back?”
“You do. The same people who told you to drop this investigation know where they’ve taken him.”
“You and I both know they’re untouchable. Besides, those orders trickled down the chain without involving specific names.” He rubbed his face. “Damn you, Jonah. I did everything I could to protect Hayden, while you pressured him behind my back.”
I opened my mouth to defend myself because I had also wanted Hayden to stop, but what was the point? I’d been working alongside him.
“Tell me everything about your investigation. Maybe there’s something we can use before it’s too late.”
Too late. My pulse continued to escalate, my fragile calm cracking like glass beneath a boot. I began to stand. “I need to use the bathroom.”
“Sit your ass down and start talking.”
I reluctantly sank back into my seat. “We… we wanted to gather information so that Hayden could go to the FBI with the help of his aunt. I spoke with my former agent, who’s also Nick’s agent, and she… she…” I began to scratch my arm, trying to relieve some of the heat that started growing beneath my skin. “Agatha said she had nothing to do with Nick’s disappearance, but I… I could tell that she was lying. She sent someone to threaten me, and I told him I wouldn’t ask any more questions.” I scratched harder, the heat beginning to fade. “There was someone named Bo who worked for The Society when I was there. We found his address, but his wife said he disappeared with another woman. Then I—”
“Jonah—”
“I remembered Amanda Tulip who also worked there. Hayden found out that she’d been locked up in an asylum. He wanted to go see her alone, and I—”
“Jonah, you’re bleeding.”
“What?” I looked down at my bloody arm. “Shit.”
“Go get yourself sorted. Take your time.”
I hurried to the bathroom, where I washed away the blood and covered the scratches with band-aids. I couldn’t afford to fall apart, though all I wanted was to pass out and wake up to a different reality. Still lightheaded, I returned to the living room and sat back down. While I’d been gone, the Chief had placed a glass of water on the table. I picked it up and drank.
“Do you know anything else about Hayden’s visit with Amanda?” I asked, forcing myself to meet his eyes, knowing he must have found me pathetic. “She may be the last person who saw him.”
“I spoke with her psychiatrist. He said not to believe a word coming out of her mouth. She claimed that Hayden tried to rape her, but it seems she says that about everyone.”
I rubbed my face. “Okay, so what’s next?”
“I’ll go visit your former agent if you think she has something to do with this. I’ll make it clear that I don’t care about any secret organization, only about a missing detective.”
I dared to hope that a visit from a police chief would carry more weight than a visit from me, but it was impossible to know with someone like Agatha.
“What can I do to help?” I asked.
“Keep your head down and let me know if anyone tries contacting you. Do you think they might be interested in a switch?”
“A switch?”
“Letting Hayden go and taking you instead.”
“Do you think they have any problem taking me whenever they want?”
“Then why didn’t they?”
“I don’t know.”
He watched me with suspicion but luckily didn’t press the matter. “Is there anyone else we can speak with?”
I nodded. “Eliot.”
“Fitzgerald? Hayden said that he was clean.”
Eliot was anything but clean.
“I’ll speak with him,” I said, knowing I was the only one who could get anything out of him.
The Chief nodded. “Do you know how to reach him?”
“Yes. I should also try to speak with Amanda, but I’ll do that as a last resort if she’s that crazy.”
The Chief was about to stand when an idea popped into my head. “Wait. Hayden’s aunt worked for the FBI. Maybe she can help us.”
He snorted. “Have you ever met that woman?”
“No. Why?” Hayden had always been vague about her.
“She was let go years ago, or rather kicked out. I met her once or twice, and God help us if we need to count on her for anything.”
I wasn’t willing to give up on any option, but I didn't push the matter. “Please keep me updated. I’ll do the same.”
We exchanged numbers, and before he opened the door to leave, he turned around and said, “A missing detective can easily make headlines, but I can’t let that happen.”
The wheels in my head began to race. Could this be my way of getting the truth out in the open? The police would have to get more cops involved if people knew about what happened to Hayden.
As if he could read my mind, the Chief took a step toward me. “If news of this goes out to the public, what do you think those people will do? A missing person can spark interest for a long time, while a murder investigation will fade out much faster.”
I crossed my arms, hating the logic in his words. “I hear you.”
*
Eliot,
I know this is your email address. I need to speak with you. You know why. When and where can we meet?
Dear Jonah,
I’d be happy to see you this evening at seven o’clock where we first met.
*
I couldn’t stay in my house any longer, so I drove to the ocean to wait until evening. I sat on the beach, the music in my headphones loud enough to drown out the sounds of bystanders, seagulls, and the waves.
I had zero appetite, but I couldn’t afford to face Eliot when I wasn’t at my sharpest, so I bought a sandwich and absently chewed it. If there was ever a time to wake up from a bad dream, this was it. They should have taken me instead . Maybe they’d thought that by getting Hayden out of the way, they were leaving me powerless, a non-threat.
The hours passed, and the air grew colder with the setting sun. When it was time to leave, I wiped the sand from my pants and returned to my car. Since the Chief had turned my life upside down that morning, the world seemed to move slower, with a fuzzy haze wherever I looked. I might have been in shock, but shock wouldn’t bring Hayden back.
When I parked in front of Avalon, formerly known as Pickles, I realized I had no recollection of the drive from the beach. I shook my head and slapped myself. Focus. I couldn’t face Eliot's sharp mind when I was out of my element.
I walked toward the entrance, noticing the restaurants that had opened since I was last here. I used to come to Pickles often, though Eliot and I used the club as a meeting spot before driving off to quieter places.
“You’re a bit early,” the bouncer said, standing up to his full six feet. He gave me a once-over, unimpressed by my plain jeans and blue flannel shirt.
“I’m here to see Eliot. He’s expecting me.”
The bouncer nodded. “Yeah, he told me you’d come. He should be here soon. You can go have a drink at the bar in the meantime. On the house.”
I thanked him and walked inside. My eyes darted in an attempt to piece together the gaps between my memories and the current state of the club. It looked completely different, making being here slightly easier.
A young bartender wiped glasses as I approached, his blonde hair standing in spikes. He noticed me and said, “Hey, man. We’re not officially open yet.”
“I’m waiting for Eliot.”
“Oh, right, the special guest! I’m Brandon. What can I get you?”
“Do you have orange juice?”
“You mean like with vodka?”
“I mean like with oranges.”
He made a face. “We have the best liquor in the world, man—don’t do this to me!” He sounded dramatic, and I wondered if he was an aspiring actor, working here when he wasn't drifting from audition to audition. A dark thought crossed my mind. Why hadn’t Eliot sent him instead of Nick?
Feeling bad for thinking that, I reluctantly said, “A bit of red wine, then. Barolo.”
“Fancy! Coming right up, handsome.”
I ignored his comment and took the opportunity to look around. The dance floor was larger than it used to be, and the booths now had seats covered in green velvet instead of red.
“There you go.”
As I expected, Brandon had poured too much. I took a few sips, acknowledging the high quality.
“Have you known Eliot long?” Brandon asked, leaning on his elbows and watching me with curious green eyes.
“Yes.”
“He’s great, isn’t he? I love how he talks. So smart.”
“Yeah.” I swirled the wine, glancing at my watch. Eliot was only a few minutes late, which was very much like him.
“Were you two a thing back in the day?” He kept his voice down, as if we were gossiping. “Though you’re much too young.”
I gave him an impatient look. “We weren’t.”
“Oh. Then you’re not gay? It’s hard to tell with some. I’m gay, but it’s like saying I’m blond—you can just tell.”
I chuckled despite myself. Even in LA, there had been a time when you couldn’t just ask someone that.
“Yes, I’m gay.”
Brandon clapped. “Wonderful! We should totally go on a date. You can choose the place—I’m terrible at making decisions, ask anyone.”
I opened my mouth to inform him there wouldn’t be a date, but the sound of approaching footsteps stopped me. “Brandon, are you harassing my dear friend?”
My skin crawled. I held the glass tightly enough to risk shattering it.
“Harassing? Me? Never!”
A hand on my back—a casual gesture he had no right making. I couldn’t bring myself to speak or even turn to look at him. Nothing could have prepared me for the storm inside my body. I’d been a fool to think I could face him.
But this is not about me.
Brandon frowned. “You okay?”
I managed a stiff nod as Eliot moved to stand beside me. His delicate fingers closed around my glass. He gently took it from my numb hand and had a sip. “Barolo. A fine choice.” There were a few more lines around his lips and at the corners of his eyes, but that did nothing to dim his beauty. His blue eyes were as vibrant and enchanting as the day we first met. He put the glass down and smiled. “Jonah, you’re still a sight. Isn’t he, Brandon?”
“Definitely! I was just hitting on him until you ruined it for me.”
“How will you ever forgive me?”
“A raise should help.”
Eliot waved his hand. “You’re making more than enough. Jonah, let’s go somewhere more private.”
I followed him deeper into the club, relieved he didn’t lead me down to the basement, like on the first night we met. I remembered Steven Nixson, the talented director who’d gotten a blowjob next to me, and who had later died a few years later from a heart attack while having sex with two prostitutes in Romania.
Eliot led me to a back office. I immediately noticed one of my sculptures standing on a shelf—an open palm holding a human eye. I had sold it to one of my anonymous clients three years ago.
Eliot sat behind his desk, following my gaze. “I never buy anything just to be nice. I cherish your talent, and I wanted to be surrounded by it.”
Despite myself, I appreciated him not trying to apologize. I sat on the other side of the desk.
“How did you find out I was behind that email address?” he asked.
“I had an event in my studio, and one of the guests recognized my work from your house.”
Eliot nodded. “I knew it was a matter of time. Rest assured that your art is presented with the utmost respect.”
“I don’t care. I’m here because of Hayden.”
“Who?”
I sat straighter, refusing to fall for his games. “You know who. Hayden. My… the detective who came to see you.”
His confusion seemed sincere. “I remember him, but I’ve no idea what brings you here to talk about him. Do you two know each other?”
What is happening? I leaned forward, my palms on the desk. “I need you to be honest with me, Eliot. Please.”
He nodded. “I’ll be as honest as I can, but you also need to be honest with me. Are you wired?”
“What? No.”
“Show me. I would not risk speaking freely otherwise.”
I sighed and stood, lifting my shirt before turning around. “Okay?”
“Almost.” His eyes traveled down.
“Jesus,” I hissed and dropped my jeans.
“Thank you. One can never be too careful.”
I raised my jeans and sat back down. I had so many questions, all battling on the tip of my tongue. I chose the most important one. “Do you know where Hayden is?”
“No. Why on earth would I know that?”
I believed him. God help me, but I did. “Hayden and I are together. He was investigating The Society, and yesterday he was kidnapped from his apartment. We dated last year until someone sent him an anonymous email with my old videos, edited to make it look like I was being willingly sexually tortured. We broke up after that and have recently gotten back together after Nick disappeared.”
Eliot cocked his head. “Does that mean you know Nick as well? Interesting.”
How could he not know that?
I bit my tongue and waited. I clearly had many missing pieces in my puzzle, and I needed him to help me solve it.
“Why would they send those videos of you?” he finally asked. “Because you were dating a cop?”
“Probably, but isn’t that something you can easily find out?” His cluelessness was hard to believe, given how deeply involved he’d been with The Society. Unless…
“Are you no longer with them?”
Eliot leaned back and sighed. “Well, isn’t that a loaded question? The short answer is no—I’m no longer with The Society. A lot has changed since you left.”
Dread grew in the pit of my stomach. If Eliot couldn’t help, what chance did I have to find out more? “If you’re no longer with them, then why did you give them Nick?”
He had the nerve to look apologetic. “Just as you have a cross to bear, so do I. In your case, it’s in the form of a tracker and a yearly brutal visit. In my case, my freedom was granted in exchange for delivering one young man to them each year.”
“You were doing that regardless.”
“While I was still with them, yes. But I wanted to leave completely, to sever my ties with them, and that was their price. They hadn’t asked me to deliver anyone for almost three years, and I began to believe that I was finally done with that part of my life.”
“So, what happened? Did Agatha tell you to give them Nick?”
He nodded. “She did, and I see that you’ve figured out her involvement. Nick’s case was peculiar because The Society had never asked me for anyone specifically. Since I’m no longer in contact with them, I couldn’t ask them directly about it, and Agatha agreed that this was indeed odd.”
Then it meant she hadn’t been the one to choose him. I was gaining more questions than answers. “I first met Nick a few weeks before he disappeared,” I said. “Do you think they knew about that?”
He shrugged. “Perhaps, although I can’t see why they’d care.”
I didn’t either. Seeing Nick a few times wasn’t the same as dating a detective. “Why did they put Nick’s video on the darknet? It makes no sense.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What video?”
“A video of him being tortured in the dungeon. The police found it.”
He shook his head. “I can honestly say that I’m shocked. That goes against everything I know about them.”
“Well, what about The Director? Can’t you speak with him and find out more?”
“Oh my.” Eliot sighed. “I have so many things to tell you.”
“I’m listening.”
“There’s no point, Jonah. If they’ve taken the detective, he’s gone. You know that. Let it go.”
“I’m not going to do that. If you tell me where the estate is, I’ll—”
“I don’t know.”
I smacked my fist on the table. “What the fuck does that mean? You’ve been there many times!”
He raised his hands. “Calm down.”
“They took him, Eliot. Hayden, he… shit.” I wiped my eyes frantically, my defenses crumbling. “His boss told him to drop the investigation, but he insisted on solving it behind his back. I tried to make him change his mind, but I didn’t try hard enough, and now…”
“Now he’s paying the price for his stubbornness, but if you end up dead, how would that help him?”
I couldn’t see myself moving on knowing that they had him, knowing what he was going through. That scar on my conscience would never heal. “How can you not know where they are?”
“The Society changes the estate every decade or so. When a new location is ready, they destroy the old one. Last time was about four years ago, but I was no longer a member by then.”
“And The Director?”
He shook his head. “My brother can’t help you, I promise.”
I stopped myself from asking why because the less I knew about Eliot and his brother, the better. “Then who can tell me? Someone must know.”
“They are out of your reach, Jonah. I can’t help you. Unless…” I didn’t like the look in his eyes, how they sparked with intent. “Unless we can help each other.”
I hated the thought of helping him, but we both knew I had no choice. “How?”
“Meet me tomorrow at noon.” He took a piece of paper and wrote down the address of a place in Simi Valley, over two hours’ drive from my house.
“Why there?”
“Ever so eager, Jonah. I’ll see you tomorrow.”