Melissa: It takes time to shop, she'll be here soon.
Alex was still tensed, he wouldn't be at ease till he saw her right in front of him, "It's Cindy we're talking about, she doesn't take that much time".
Matthew realized indeed Alex is right, "You're right, I'll go and look for her".
Alex: I'm gonna go as well.
Matthew: I don't think she will like it if she saw you here.
Alex: Doesn't matter, I won't sit still knowing she isn't safe around here.
Melissa: Matthew, it's no time to be hating on him, let him look for Cindy as well, it will be faster like that. I'll stay here with the baggage in case if she comes back.
Mark: I'll look for her as well.
He turned to Melissa, "I'll leave one bodyguard with you and Matthew take one with you as well".
Matthew: I don't need it.
Mark: Please cooperate, we all are worried about Cindy here.
He gestured the guards, they nodded back. They went to separate directions and looked for Cindy everywhere and asked people around them. After ten minutes, Mark returned to Melissa with a dull face, "I couldn't find her". Melissa was worried sick, this was first time Cindy ever took this long, "Where did she disappear suddenly? I hope she is alright".
After thinking for a while Mark spoke up, "I hope your father isn't behind all this". Melissa got struck by realization, she recalled her father saying he is gonna go for Matthew's most important thing. At first she thought they were talking about Mrs. Smith.
But now she wasn't the only person Matthew cared about.
Melissa: Can you stay here? I'll go check all the ladies washrooms.
Mark: Okay—
Melissa: Thanks.
She left abruptly in a rush, 'Please no, not her!'
Tears streamed down her cheeks while she looked around. She didn't pay much attention to her surroundings and slipped on the wet floor. She almost fell on her back but Alex caught her, "What are you doing here alone!?"
She came to her senses and burst into tears.
Alex: What happened?
Melissa: I think...Cindy is in danger. It's all my fault!
Alex's eyes widened from shock, "What do you mean? Why will your father attack her!?"
Melissa: He said he will go for something precious to Matthew.
Alex: What—
Alex stopped talking suddenly when he heard someone whimpering in the Men's bathroom.Alex and Melissa looked at each other in surprise.
Alex: I'll go and check.
He slowly walked inside the washroom and heard a kid cry inside the toilet. He quickly recognized the voice, "Owen!?"
Owen quickly came out, "Uncle!?", and hugged Alex. Alex held him tightly, "it's alright, I'm here now..."
After calming him down he decided to ask him, "Where is your mom and sister".
Owen: Three...
He couldn't speak properly after crying so much.
Alex listened intently.
Owen: Three women took mom and Olivia away. Mom told me to... runaway before she passed out. They... couldn't catch me...because I hid myself here.
Alex was devastated that what he was scared about the most has happened. He kept his composure and hugged Owen tightly, "Don't worry, Mum and Olivia will be alright. Uncle will bring them back safe and sound to you, I promise."
He picked him up and walked outside.
Melissa tightly hugged Owen seeing him, "Where is your Mum?" Owen didn't answer, he looked at Alex, "Where is she?" asked Melissa anxiously.
Alex's face darkened, "First take him to the hotel".
***