Something Wrong (Part III)

“Mich, the 32nd Stratford Avenue is abandoned. No one’s in there. I saw that property in the classifieds last day- to be auctioned.” An abandoned building, a child and a lady-- none of it made any sense anymore. Michelle had to admit it might have been just another prank call, but yet, her intuitions could not receive it. She had to go and assure, no matter whatever in the world awaited her. “Richard, I have to go. What if there indeed is a child? I don’t want to live the rest of my life knowing that I could have saved someone if it wasn’t for,” Michelle halted herself halfway.

“Alright, I understand,” Richard replied after a brief pause, “but promise me you will take care. No risks.” Michelle always respected Richard; he was a caring soul behind all that rough-cop attitude. He was almost a fatherly figure for her, from the time she was in the training camp. “I promise.” She replied.

Richard let out an exhausted gasp, “It might most probably be a prank. All the cops are at the protest. Everyone knows there might only be a few left-back in the station. Or even worse, this could be a distraction. Something to take the last one off dispatch, so that someone’s next act’s all covered up. Still, you are right. We are not risking the life of a little girl. I will take on dispatch. You go up there, check for problems, and get back here soon, and be damn careful. You are one of the few reliable brains I got here. All others are trash. So, I don’t want you to mess that up for me, do you understand?”

Michelle was awe-struck. Richard will take on dispatch? He is the freaking Deputy Chief. Michelle felt an enormous tide of respect for this man and how dedicated he was to his duty. Michelle stood back, saluted him and hurried off to the street, wishing she could arrange a vehicle quickly. But, Richard beckoned her from behind, “Mich, Drunky might be back in the garage. I don’t think you are going to find a ride out there in the streets tonight.” He pointed his left arm to the garage and walked off to the station.

Drunky! Drunky was the first squad car brought to their station, back in the 90s. Though she was one of notable historical significance and dreamy, nostalgic attachments, she was in no condition for a drive. It was precisely the reason why she was Drunky now. But, Richard was right. The protest must have persuaded everyone to choose the Landsdale route, so she had to stick with Drunky. Michelle hurried off to the garage and pulled the shutter up, unveiling the Mustang LX 50 Sport, relaxing in all its grandeur. “Drunky, honey, please don’t ditch me in the road,” Michelle whispered to herself and hopped in for the drive.

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“No, no, no, no,” Michelle grunted, “Drunky, sweetheart, please don’t do this to me.” But, the old, majestic Mustang did not plead to her request. It bounced a few times and came to a halt, thick smoke billowing from its bonnet. “Oh, what the” Michelle pulled off the door lock and shouldered the door open. It was in desperate need of some oil. She had only arrived near the edge of Clahor Avenue. She could now see the house on the far end, but it was one long run away. But Michelle had no other choice in that dark, serene night.

“Come on, Mich, you can do this,” she told herself, panting. Michelle leapt over fences, hedges and whatsoever. She only had one mission- a little girl was in danger. She checked her watch. 22:35. It had been eight minutes since she departed the station. She was already late. Terrifying images crowded her mind. Michelle could not even presume what to anticipate in there. She memorised Richard’s words, Most probably a prank, be careful. Be careful.

Suddenly, the earsplitting shriek of a little child reverberated through the silence of the night.