1
The police probably already investigated the family extensively, but I think I should take a second look at the father in particular.
Mark Rivera is a mysterious man...
2
Hmm, where should I begin?
Mark Rivera was protective over his job at the US Border Patrol office...
April mentioned that he had a successful business.
I don't know the name of his business or anything at all...
What is my best option?
I could tail him to find out more about his job.
Eventually, he will lead me to his business.
I can find out about both his border patrol job and his business.
Could Mark really be involved with the disappearance of his son?
Only time will tell... but if he is, I could also be in danger if I expose Mark.
I still don't get why he would hide things from me.
Mark's primary concern is not to find his son??? This is odd.
Oh, no... I didn't consider Mark could be Rich's stepfather.
Texting April Rivera
Jonathan: Hi April, I hope you are well. I have a quick question, both you and Mark are Rich's biological parents, correct?
April: Yes, Mark and I are Rich's biological parents. Is that all you needed?
Not a stepfather, but anyone can commit serious crimes given the right situation... Nothing is crossed off yet.
Well, Mark is definitely Rich's biological father...
I can tail him tomorrow, right in the morning.
I really hope I'm wrong about Mark.
Tail Mark Rivera
- 🔍Where does Mark work?
- 🔍What are some simple facts about his work?
- 🔍Were there any strange occurrences while I was waiting?
- 🔍When should Mark be done with work?
- 🔍Strange details?
- 🔍What is my best option?
- 🔍Did Mark exit the building for lunch?
3
He works at the US Border Patrol office; everything is pretty normal so far.
4
The building was quite large, but not a skyscraper. There were lots of cars in the parking lot. His workplace has a lot of security, and employees arrive at variable times.
5
A Latino man in a black suit was waiting at Mark's vehicle for about 15 minutes. He was on his cell phone during this time, then he abruptly left.
6
He should have finished work at 5:00 PM. It looks like he works different hours. I wonder if he comes in extra early some days.
7
Mark ended up working incredibly late, it was past 10:00 PM when he finished. He got to his vehicle at 10:16 PM and then drove straight home.
8
I need to tail Mark again, because I need to establish a baseline for his work schedule.
10
*Follow Mark Rivera to work*
Time to wait again...
*Wait for Mark to leave work*
Wait a sec, he's leaving now? It's only 2:15 PM...
Where is he going...?
Well, he's definitely not going home... he's already 20 minutes past home.
Someone else is following him...
I just realized the same black SUV has been following him too... did he come from the Border Patrol office as well?
*Keep following Mark Rivera*
They just turned off-road! They are driving into the desert... What the...? Let me think...
The Crossroads
- 🔍This is such a bizarre place to meet...
- 🔍How long has he been gone?
- 🔍Who was following Mark?
- 🔍Why did he leave work so early?
- 🔍Are there any buildings nearby?
- 🔍How far is this from his home?
11
The main road was fairly busy, so I could tail them effectively, but then they took this turn and immediately went off-road... I can't follow them. They'll notice me.
13
There was a black SUV with tinted windows. I couldn't see anything about the driver.
14
I suppose whoever he was meeting wanted to meet earlier in the day... but this is just a guess.
15
There are literally no buildings at all. There are hardly even signs of life other than the cars passing by on the main road.
17
Will he come back the same way?
I wonder if I should wait here for him to come back...
*Wait for Mark Rivera to come back from the desert*
It's been almost 4 hours. Something isn't right here.
I'll text April to secretly see if Mark is home.
Texting April Rivera
Jonathan: April, how are you? I'd like to meet with you and Mark if I can.
April: Hi Jonathan, yes, of course, we can meet, when would you like to talk?
Jonathan: Well, I'd like to stop by in an hour if that is okay?
April: Mark and I are available now if you'd like to meet now, is it urgent?
Jonathan: You know what, I'm so sorry, I forgot I had another meeting scheduled, but it's mostly about Emma Windale. I just had a few questions, mind if I come tomorrow?
April: Of course! We will see you tomorrow, Jonathan! Take care.
So, Mark did make it home, he must have taken a different way back.
So, April is home with Mark... what was he doing out in the desert???
My Next Move
- 🔍Well, Natalie was right... sisters, they always seem to know everything.
- 🔍I thought I had a good understanding of what could have happened...
- 🔍What if Mark is paying someone to keep his son alive?
- 🔍What if I call Mark during his next excursion to the desert?
- 🔍I don't think I should take any action or call him.
- 🔍What requires isolation like this? Why the desert?
- 🔍So the biggest question of all is...
19
Now, I don't think I know what happened... Rich, his son, went missing two years ago, and I suspect Mark is hiding something. Mark also has very strange meetings in the desert with an unknown individual.
20
Maybe he can't tell me he's paying someone to keep his son alive because of safety reasons? It's so unlikely though, the police probably would have uncovered this.
21
If I call him while he's in the desert, he might know I know he's there... I think I want to keep this knowledge secret.
22
I need to hide the fact I suspect Mark of something. Then, I can catch lies easily.
Conclude Investigation
1. What is a possible reason for Mark Rivera to go to the desert?
- Negotiate with his son's abductors
- Take some time off
- Meet a girl
- Criminal activity
- Meet his son... who isn't actually missing
2. Who could have been coming with Mark to the desert?
- His coworkers
- His son's abductors
- His other girl
- April Rivera
3. Should I tell April about Mark's travels?
- Yes... Right now
- Never
- Yes... but not yet
There is technically no casual link between Mark's travels and Rich's disappearance, but the fact that Mark could be a criminal is very concerning... I need to keep digging.