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(Prev: Ransom Demand)

Peter Collins thanked the store owner as he and Heather moved away. They had been showing Adam Copeland’s picture to people in the vicinity of West 35th Street with varying results. He had been seen several times in the area, but nobody was really certain what time, or which direction he had been heading. All in all, it was really frustrating, and time was running out.

“Maybe we should go back to the station and think about getting that ransom together. We can nab them at the drop off.”

Heather shook her head. “It’s way too risky. You’re talking about leaving a bag full of money in the middle of nowhere in rush hour. Look at the way the ransom note was delivered. Do you expect the drop off to go any better?” She turned in a full circle, scanning the stores in the area. “Let’s try a few more. There’s a bit of time left.”

They stopped outside a store that was being renovated. The glass windows were covered with paper, but the door was ajar and they could see a couple men inside. One was measuring wood while another painted. Collins pushed the door wider, as he called out that they were police officers. The one man looked up and quickly looked down again, concentrating hard on the wood as he started sawing. The other put down his paintbrush and picked up a rag. He wiped his hands and stepped forward to greet them.

“How may I help you, officers?” They showed him the photograph and asked if they had seen him. He shook his head. “Jim and I have been busy all morning. We have not been out and nobody has been in here.”

Just then, Heather’s phone rang and she excused herself to answer it, as Collins asked a few more questions. “You’re saying the sightings dry up at the corner?” She turned and looked out the open doorway. “We are not far from the corner now. Thanks.” She hung up and returned to Collins. “That was Derek,” she said as she put the phone away. “He disappeared near here.”

She noticed movement from the corner of her eye. Jimmy was opening a door near the back of the store. “Hey! Where are you going?” He hesitated as she called and glanced at them both and then opened the door further. “What’s back there?” She quickly closed the gap between them and put a hand on his arm. “Let’s go look together, shall we?” She pulled the door wider and pushed Jimmy ahead of her. There was a large room with another door on the opposite wall. “You need something in there?” He shrugged. “Can I see?”

Heather stepped forward and tried the door. It was locked. From the other side of the room, Collins asked for the key. Neither of the men answered.  Heather turned on Jimmy and shoved him against the wall. “Give me the key.” He looked away and she turned to his friend. “What’s your name again?”

“Eric.”

“Do you have the key?”  Collins pushed him to stand beside Jimmy and heard something clatter. Bending down, he picked up a key. “Oh look,” he said, as he tossed it to Heather.

“Think this is what you are looking for.”

She turned and unlocked the door. The room’s single occupant sat on a solitary chair near the middle. He seemed remarkably relaxed, considering his situation. He stood up as Heather flashed him her badge. “Mr Copeland?”

“Adam, please.” He picked up his jacket and stepped past her, straightening to his full height. His fist clenched as he saw his would-be kidnappers. A worried look crossed their faces as he took a step towards them, brushing his hair from his face. Heather could not see his expression from where she stood, but she imagined him as if he were Edge in the WWE ring, before a fight. A manic look in his eyes and a grin spread across his face. She wanted to laugh as all three men took a step back from the giant looming before them.

In seconds, it was over, and soft chuckle was heard as Adam left the room.

This is a work of fan fiction and does not reflect any event that may have happened real life.

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