Page 94 of Diluted Truths
“They stated he was under some sort of detention due to erratic behavior and they couldn’t permit any phone calls at this point. The hospital did say I could see him in person if I wanted to,” I said to Oliver and Kai after I hung up with Amherst Insane Asylum. “I already booked flights and will get therethis afternoon.”
Oliver gaped at me.
Was flying across the country on such late notice absurd? Yes, but Griffin may be the only person who held any answers as to where Jackie could be. I would do anything to find her and this was my only lead.
“You are going to fly to New York, today?” Oliver asked.
I nodded and turned to Kai. He was the one who told me my access and money could keep Jackie safe. Hopefully it could help me find her. After we had caught him up on everything, he immediately jumped into help. It was helpful to have an Army Ranger on our team. “You coming?”
He nodded.
“Our flight leaves in about four hours, I’ll be there for three. That gives me enough time to get to the asylum, talk to Griffin and get back to the airport for my returning flight. I’ll be back in less than twenty-four hours,” I explained, hoping Oliver wouldn’t give me too much grief.
“You’re flying to New York?” I turned to see Fai standing in the doorway of Oliver’s office.
“Yeah. I know you don’t believe in this shit, Fai, but this is my only lead on where she could be. You saw that emblem. Maybe the supernatural stuff isn’t real, but the cult has to be. This is my only other lead I have on the cult. I need to find her. I’ll do anything to find her.”
I could see Fai contemplating my words. He was the most skeptical about the cult, but it was our only chance. “Book me a ticket, I’m coming with you.”
“What!” Oliver and I stated in unison.
Kai just smirked. He wasn’t the fun-loving older brother I had met just a short time ago. Today, now that his sister was missing, he was in full-on army mode.
“I still am skeptical about the Cult of Creatio, but it’s obvious the research you and Jackie have been working on has something to do with her disappearance.” Fai paused as he looked at me… guiltily? “Maybe if Ilistened to her and you and took this more seriously she would still be here.”
“Fai, this isn’t your fault,” Oliver exclaimed as he walked to comfort his boss and friend.
“You don’t know that. It doesn’t even matter right now. Right now, I just need to find Jackie.” He turned to me slowly. “We need to find Jackie.”
“I’ll book you a ticket too.”
“Do we know why the cult may be targeting Jackie?” Oliver asked.
I began to shake my head when Kai interrupted, “I have a theory.”
I inclined my head, urging him to continue.
Kai took a breath before he continued, “I think it is mostly due to her research, but I know that emblem or sigil or whatever you want to call it that was scratched into her floor.” He paused for a moment, hesitating to continue. “My mother has a necklace with it, but it could be a coincidence.”
I stared at Kai for a moment. This was a huge piece of information, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. It just further confirmed my belief that Jackie’s disappearance was linked to the Cult of Creatio.
Kai peppered me with countless questions about the case, about Jackie, about Griffin. I think he learned more about the case than I knew just on the plane ride alone. I was worried he would blame me for her being gone. It felt like it was my fucking fault. I was supposed to protect her, keep her safe. And I failed.
I would find her. I refused to fail at that.
We were driving to the asylum in the Bly Town Car. Bec had sent it when she heard I was coming and why. She wasn’t in town or else I knew she would be here.
I couldn’t stop shaking my leg. I had so much pent up energy and anger about the entire situation. I could feel myself cracking. I could feel the darkness that Jackie scared away come back with the force of a hurricane.
We pulled in front of the asylum and I was out the door before the car had even stopped with Fai and Kai hot on my heels.
I slammed the doors open. I was a man on a mission. The receptionist looked terrified of me. I must have been glaring. I was also flanked by two very tall, strong, and determined men. We were probably a sight to witness.
As I approached the front desk I saw the receptionist scoot backward. “I’m here to see Griffin Whitley. Now.”
“Y-yes of course,” she stammered. “And your names?”
“Faizal Acharya,” Fai responded behind me .
