SECOND DEAD END

With a sense of urgency driving their movements, Gia, Grace, and Deep's parents arrived at Deep's residence after a long 25-minute drive. The drive was actually not that long in normal circumstances. It was just their urgency pressing on them. That was why the short drive seemed so long.

Parking outside the gate, they all alighted, Gia leading the way because he was conversant with the place and the security man. It was her third time being there. The security guard knew him very well.

They knocked on the gate, and the security man opened the gate on the first knock, his face dropping after seeing the four faces plus the number of men standing some metres back.

“Hello, Simon. How are you?" Gia greeted.

Simon’s eyes were restless, darting from one unfamiliar face to the next before responding. “Miss Gia, hi! Aah, is there a problem?"

Gia shook her head to reassure him that there was an alarm. “A little. We just need to ask you some questions about your boss, Simon. By the way, these are Deep’s parents and my sister, Grace. The rest are our security guards.” Gia introduced them all.

Simon relaxed a bit. But he still wondered why you wanted to inquire about his boss. “Ooh, okay. So, what do you want to know about my boss? If you are still seeking to speak to him, I am sorry, but he hasn’t been back since that day.”

Mrs. Azzua approached forward, her facial expression full of weariness and worry. “That is why we are here, Simon. Have you heard from my son since then? Even on just a phone call or a text? Any form of communication?”

Simon shook his head, a clear indication that he and his boss had been incommunicado ever since he left. “Strangely, no. Normally, he calls to ask how things are or if I need anything. But it has been five days now, and he has not called. My salary is three days late now, and that has never happened. It never gets past date 2.”

That was worrying information that sent questions into everyone’s head, denoting danger. “And what time did he leave that day? And did you notice something strange that day or even in the previous days?” Gia asked.

Simon wiggled his head, recalling the signature cool nature of his boss even on the day that he left. There was nothing he had noticed out of the ordinary. "I saw Mr. Moore leaving the house in the morning. He seemed normal, like any other day. He didn't appear distressed or agitated. I had not noticed anything odd about him in the prior days, either. He was carrying a leather suitcase and he drove out in his white Lamborghini. "

Gia furrowed her brow, the urgency in her voice evident. "Did he mention anything or behave in a way that seemed out of the ordinary?"

The security guard shook his head once again. "No, nothing unusual. He just left, as he usually does for his daily routine. I did not worry about him not coming home that day because that happens sometimes. He sometimes gets urgent calls and has to fly back to Nairobi. But he usually calls, and that is what is worrying me—him being non-communicative."

Grace pressed further, her concern palpable. "Did anyone approach the house, or did anything seem off around the time he left?"

The security guard paused, recalling the events of that day. "It was a typical morning. No unusual activity or unfamiliar faces were around. Besides, this is a highly gated community. Such cases of unknown people loitering around don’t happen. You can tell that from the series of security gates that you have passed before getting here."

They all thought that that was logical. They had passed like seven security gates before getting to Deep's; that is not a place where kidnapping could happen. If he was kidnapped, it was either by someone he left with or the action took place far from that neighborhood.

Deep's parents exchanged worried glances, the lack of leads adding to their distress. "Did he leave with anyone, or was he alone?" Mrs. Azzua inquired, her voice laced with anxiety.

"He left alone, as far as I could see, ma'am. Actually, he hardly brings anyone home. The last person who lastly visisted this house was you, Mis Gia, some three or so months ago. He is that private with his life." The security guard confirmed.

Gia, feeling a pang of frustration at the lack of substantial information, tried a different approach. "Did he mention any plans or destinations before leaving? Anyone that he mentioned that he was meeting? Anyone or anything you can tell us?"

The security guard scratched his head, trying to remember. "Not that I heard of. He just left without any specific mention. Again, I am just his security man. He rarely mentions his schedule to me unless it is really necessary."

That was a dead end. But at least they knew he left safe, and there was no danger roaming around him as he left that morning. As the conversation drew to a close, Gia thanked the security guard for his cooperation. "If you remember anything else or notice any changes, please let us know. Every detail could be important in finding Deep."

“Of course I will miss Gia. Anything that can help me find my boss. Also, please update me on any developments. If you don’t mind.” The security man pleaded.

“Sure. You can key in your digit here, and I will beep right away so that you can get mine.” Gia said, handing Simon her phone to input his number. The rest of the memers retrieved themselves back to the car, defeated. Questions hanged in their minds, desperation amounting to them.

“Here. I have beeped, and I have already gotten yours. I wish you the best in finding Mr. Moore.” Simon handed Gia’s phone back to her.

“Thank you. And you mentioned that he hasn’t paid you? I know that you have a family that depends on you and your other personal things. I will sort you out so that you don’t struggle; we will find your boss.” Gia said.

“Oooh, I am embarrassed, ma’am. I was actually wondering what to do because the bills are calling.” The man said

“Don’t be, Simon. Deep would do the same for me if he were in my shoes. This is nothing. Just text me the amount that he pays you, and I will transfer it to you as soon as I get to the house.” Gia said it genuinely.

“Okay. It is 50K, ma’am. I will really appreciate it. Thank you so much.” Simon replied.

“Alright. You will get it as soon as I get home. Bye. Take care, and please, be safe. Don’t open this gate just for anybody.” Gia said, and Simon promised to be careful.

With a heavy heart, they left the premises, the encounter with the security guard yielding few answers. The uncertainty surrounding Deep's departure only deepened, leaving them with more questions than before.