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Chapter 9

“All set?” AJ asked as they were about to get in the limo that was taking them to the airport.
Nick paused for a few moments. “Actually, would you mind waiting here for just a few minutes? I have something I gotta do before we leave.”
“Yea, sure. But don’t take too long, ok? We have a plane to catch.”
Nick just nodded and turned around.

It was still early in the morning and the beach below Nick’s house was still deserted. The ocean was calm, and the sound of the waves gave Nick a comforting feeling. He made his way over to a large rock down by the shore. It was a place he used to go to when he needed to be alone and let his mind wander. Ever since Ali had been gone, it was a place he visited frequently, not only because the ocean gave him serenity, but also because it was the one place where he felt connected to her. Somewhere, beyond the sea, she might be waiting for him to find her.

Nick walked over to the rock and sat down on the cold surface. The sun was just rising, and the colours that it gave away made it look like the ocean was on fire. He cherished moments like this. Looking out over the water, he silently started talking.

“Hey Ali…” He began. “I know you can’t hear me, but I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. I’m on my way, ok? We’re leaving for Russia in a few hours, and if that is where you are, I’ll find you. I mean, I will find you eventually, no matter where you are.” He sighed and looked around; making sure that he was still alone. Not a person was in sight. He turned to face the waves again. “I miss my best friend, Ali… so much.” He looked up, taking a deep breath and letting out a small laugh. “I know… I know… I’m pathetic.”

He knew that if Ali had seen him at that moment, she would have laughed at him and told him not to act like such a brat. But at the same time, he also knew that she would have appreciated all the thoughts he had given her and the effort he had made to find her over the past year. He cast one last look at the ocean, and jumped down from the rock.
“Guess it’s time to go.” He whispered, before he turned around and headed back to the limo.

~*~

“Mr. Carter, Mr. McLean, how are you?” Officer Granger made his way over to Nick and AJ as they approached the departure gate approximately one hour later. Nick shook his hand, as did AJ.
“We’re good officer. Ready to board that plane.”
“We still have another thirty minutes though.” Granger said as he led Nick and AJ over to a bench where two officers were waiting. “Let me introduce you to the team that is coming with us. This is Investigator Tanner and Officer Simmons.”
A man in his early forties stood up and shook Nick’s hand. “How are you Mr. Carter? I’m investigator Tanner, but please, just call me Cody.”
Nick smiled at him. “Nice to meet you. Oh, and it’s Nick.” Cody nodded and smiled back at him as he shook AJ’s hand.
Nick turned his attention over to the other officer standing in front of him. It was a woman around his age, maybe a few years older. She was tall, around 5”10, her blond hair was pulled back in a pony tale, and her uniform seemed, to Nick at least, to be at least half a size too small. She was a very attractive woman, and Nick couldn’t help but stare at her well fitted body.
“This is Officer Simmons.” Granger introduced her.
“Please, call me Tara.” Her voice was strong and confident as she shook his hand.
“This is Tara’s first real case.” Granger informed, and Nick nodded.
“But don’t worry. I still have a lot of practice.” She looked at Nick without letting go of his hand. Nick could swear he saw a twinkle in her eye. He pulled himself away from her firm grip, put his hands nervously in his pockets and forced himself to look away. Tara moved her attention to AJ, who seemed just as intimidated as Nick felt.
Before neither of them had the chance to speak, Granger interrupted again.
“We’ve already been in contact with the police authority in Russia and Siberia, and they’re already on the case. They’ve been looking for Alicia for a few hours already. I faxed them the photograph and all the information that was collected a year ago. They promised to keep us updated until we get there.”
“How long will it take us to get to Russia?” AJ asked, knowing that Nick was wondering that same thing. They hadn’t had much time to plan this trip, yet alone have a look at the itinerary.
“We’ll be there around this time tomorrow morning. Local time, that is. Russia is about 8 hour ahead of us.”
“That’s a long flight…” Nick muttered.
“Have a seat,” Granger gestured toward a bench. “I’ll fill you in on the details.”

~*~

She shivered as he reached out and grabbed her upper arm. His grip was firm, and she winched in pain as he forced her to stand up.

“Cold? Yes?” He talked slowly with a firm voice.
She didn’t know what to say, so she nodded her head slowly.
He didn’t reply.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. She wanted to, but she couldn’t. The scars on his face were so large. They bore into his cheeks and made his skin look almost like plastic.
Unreal.
She couldn’t help but feel almost sorry for him, and she suddenly understood why he had been hiding in the dark for over a year.

“Answer me!”
She felt her heart skip a beat as he shook her roughly and brought his face even closer to his.
Tears filled her eyes again and she blinked fast a few times to make them disappear.
“Yes…” She whispered. “I’m cold.”
“You come with me.”
She wanted to hold back and scream no, but he dragged her with him before she even got the chance to catch her breath. The tears she was trying to hold back, now rolled freely down her pale cheek, and she closed her eyes for a few moments before she took a step outside the room, for the first time without being blindfolded.

It was dark outside. She could see the outlines of several small buildings as she looked around. There was no one else around; no lights were on inside the buildings, no sounds could be heard.

It was a like ghost town. She shivered as he dragged her along the deserted streets, not knowing where she would end up.