CHAPTER 12

**

"The Name They Won't Say"

The metal table was cold under Malik's hands.

He sat with his arms folded, face blank, trying to look bored.

Tanko sat beside him, tapping his foot, refusing to make eye contact with the officer across from them.

Detective Musa leaned forward, voice calm but firm.

> "You kidnapped a twelve-year-old girl. That's not a prank. That's years in prison."

No answer.

> "We know she didn't get there on her own. We know someone paid you. We want a name."

Malik rolled his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

> "You expect us to believe you woke up one morning and decided to tie up a cleaner's daughter just for fun?"

Tanko muttered, "We were just told to scare her."

> "By who?"

Silence.

Detective Musa sighed and leaned back in his chair.

> "You're both 18. That means you'll be charged as adults. No more 'juvenile this' or 'first offense' talk. You're looking at seven to ten years for kidnapping."

Malik clenched his jaw.

> "We didn't hurt her."

> "But you could've. You fired a weapon. You tied her up. That's enough. You think the judge will care that you didn't pull the trigger?"

Tanko whispered, "We didn't even take money. Just doing a favour…"

The officer leaned forward again.

> "Then make it right. Give us a name. We'll consider a deal. But right now? You're going to prison."

Another silence.

> "Last chance. Who sent you?"

Malik sat up straight, eyes cold.

> "No comment."

The detective stood and opened the door to the holding cell.

> "Then enjoy your new home. Cell Block 4. You'll be there a while — unless one of you finds your voice."

---

OUTSIDE THE INTERROGATION ROOM

Mrs. Grace was sitting with Nelly and Jimmy.

She looked tired. Pale. But determined.

> "They won't talk," she muttered. "Even now."

> "Because they're scared of whoever sent them," Jimmy replied. "They know Luna's reach."

Nelly looked at the floor. "How long can they keep them?"

The officer beside her answered.

> "Indefinitely — unless they cooperate. Kidnapping is serious. We'll push harder tomorrow."

Mrs. Grace shook her head. "That girl's behind it. Luna. I know she is."

> "So do I," Nelly whispered. "And I'm going to prove it."

 **********

"No Name, No Justice"

Nelly stood outside the station office, her fists clenched at her sides.

She couldn't take it anymore.

She marched straight to Detective Musa, who had just stepped out of the interrogation room with a file in hand.

> "Sir. I know who sent those boys."

He looked at her, one brow raised. "You think you know."

> "No — I know. Luna Benson. Her sisters. Kylie. They threatened Joy's mom. They said she'd lose her job. Then the next day — Joy disappears. That's not coincidence!"

Detective Musa glanced at his notebook.

> "We've heard the same names from Mrs. Grace. But the boys didn't confirm anything. Without a direct link — a phone call, a transaction, a name — it's just suspicion."

> "So what? You're going to let them go?" Nelly snapped.

> "No," he replied calmly. "But we can't arrest Luna based on a hunch."

Nelly's voice cracked.

> "They're rich. Powerful. Their father can make this all vanish."

The officer's tone softened slightly.

> "I know how it looks. But we need something solid. The boys aren't talking. They've been warned, probably paid. Maybe threatened."

> "They're scared of her," Nelly said bitterly. "We all are."

He gave her a sympathetic look.

> "If you really want to take them down… you'll need to get proof. Something undeniable. Something they can't twist or cover up."

Nelly stood still.

And nodded.

> "Then I'll get it."

> "You understand how dangerous this could be?"

> "They already kidnapped a child. What's more dangerous than that?"

---

OUTSIDE THE STATION – LATER THAT NIGHT

Jimmy walked beside Nelly in silence, until he finally said:

> "Are you really going after her?"

> "Yes."

> "You could get hurt, Nelly."

She stopped and turned to him.

> "She already hurt me. Her father hurt me. All of you… you watched. But now I'm done being quiet."

> "Then I'm with you," Jimmy said.

She blinked. "What?"

> "I mean it. I'm not just standing by this time. If we're bringing Luna down, I'm helping you do it."

Nelly gave him a small, tired smile.

> "Then we better move fast. Because she's not finished yet.

But...she's your sister.

I know. I don't care Jimmy responded coldly . In his mind Luna and her sisters never cared for him maybe because he was just their cousin not their blood

This was the only secret he has kept from Nelly .

Silent came in while they kept walking.