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Chapter Nine
"So they're digging up diamonds?" Asked a shocked Skylar.
"Yeah, in two days they'd be done. We have to act fast," said Jasper.
He had updated everyone, the conversation he heard when he slipped inside the mill. "The man who's kept under hostage is none other than Francis Brighton, Edward Wellington's partner who had gone missing suspiciously. It was Edward Wellington and his men who have kept him in the mill by force. But why? Did he find out about their illegal diamond trade?" Asked jasper.
"Or maybe didn't approve of it and wanted to inform the authorities, " said Daryll.
"Yeah could be. But in two days they will murder Brighton and get out of here for good. What do we do now?" Asked Jasper.
"Let's inform uncle Stanley and he could inform the sheriff and have them raid the two mills as well as Edward Wellington's house simultaneously. " said Nicholas.
"Yes, let's go," said Skylar.
They went to the main house in search of their uncle Stanley. He had just returned from work and had gone up to his room to freshen up. They went up to his room to have a discussion.
Uncle Stanley came out of his ensuite and stared at the children in surprise. "What brings all of you here, suddenly?" He asked suspiciously.
"Uncle Stanley, we need to discuss something important, " said Jasper.
"Uncle Stan, you have to call the police now, " said Nicholas.
"Uncle Stan, we found out the mystery," said Diana.
"Uncle Stanley, can you give us a moment please," said Daryll.
"Uncle Stanley, we solved the Brightwell mills mystery," said Skylar.
"Hang on, kids. I can't get anything out of what you're saying. Can you tell me one at a time please," requested uncle Stanley. "Jasper you tell me what's up."
Jasper explained in detail what had been happening since the day they visited those families with their uncle. He told him everything, about Francis Brighton being held hostage at the Brighton Creek mill and the diamond excavation and the illegal trade at the Wellington Creek mill, the conversation that he overheard at Edward Wellington's house, everything.
"I'm proud of what you children have done. We have to act soon. Tomorrow we have to catch them before they disappear," said uncle Stanley.
He called the sheriff and updated him. The sheriff wanted to rescue Francis Brighton first before Bob and his men killed him.
Uncle Stanley explained Edward Wellington's involvement and they decided that raiding the three places at the same time was the best idea.
They decided to take action tomorrow after some planning when the entire police force would be available.
None of the children could sleep at night out of excitement. Nicholas came over to Jasper and Daryll's room to sleep. He didn't want to sleep alone.
"Let's two of us keep a watch at the mills, to ensure that they don't escape before the raid," said Nicholas.
"You're right. You stay here to guide the sheriff and his men. I will go to Brighton Creek mill to keep watch and Daryll can goto Wellington Creek mill and keep a watch. What do you say?" Asked Jasper.
They agreed and after a lot of chatting ultimately went off to sleep.
The next morning after breakfast, the two boys set off to their destinations to keep watch. They both had their mobile phones. They informed Skylar and Nicholas to be alert and answer their phones immediately if they call.
They rode their bikes and left. Daryll kept a watch but no one seemed to be around so early in the morning. He waited for an hour and saw two men walk to the main door and open it, closing it behind them. They could be the diggers.
He recognised one of them. It was John Walker, the employee who allegedly had lost his life at the fire.They had googled and checked out his picture and the article on the official state website. The rumour that his spirit could be seen moving around at night was a hoax then to frighten off people.
Jasper waited for more than an hour when suddenly Bob approached the mill with some food and opened the lock. He disappeared inside and Jasper followed him inside quietly. He saw a white piece of paper peeking from a box. Curiosity got the better of him and he went to check. He took the papers and stuffed them into his pockets. He turned to leave. He had nearly gone to the door when a hand clamped his mouth.
"Enough kid. You think you're smart huh?" Laughed the hoarse voice of Bob.
Jasper panicked. He couldn't speak. His mouth was covered by Bob's hands. He pushed him down to the basement and tied him to a chair. "Rot here till I get equipment to finish you off," he said in a malicious voice, leaving the filthy room and going upstairs. Jasper could hear the distinct click of the lock as the sound echoed through the empty building.
"Why are you here, kid?" Asked a tired voice from somewhere behind him.
Jasper nearly jumped up from his seat in fright, but the rope held him down. He turned around and saw a man tied to another chair. His hair and beard had overgrown. His clothes were dirty and he looked haggard.
"Who are you?" Jasper whispered.
"Francis Brighton," he replied.
"Why have they tied you here?" Jasper asked.
"I found out that the mills had a small deposit of diamonds. I wanted to inform the authorities. That's when Edward Wellington started a fire and tied me here," he said.
"I knew it," said Jasper. "Just hang on, Mr Brighton, you'll be rescued soon."
He took out his mobile phone and called uncle Stanley, explaining to him that he had been caught and imprisoned. Uncle Stanley immediately comforted him and contacted the sheriff.
They rushed their men to all the three places to arrest the culprits and rescue Jasper and Mr Brighton.
