"Tara's missing!"
Vanessa said as she shivered slightly. Only God knew how Rowen was going to react to her words.
She knew well of how much he loved Tara. He would kill her if anything happened to his child.
"What?!" Rowen brows twitched as he questioned, anger already visible in his eyes.
"What do you mean Tara's missing? Why didn't you keep an eye on her, she's just a seven year old... Is it so hard to look after her!??"
"I-i-i don't where how she disappeared, she was there one minute and gone the other... My fans made such a crowd that I couldn't even tell when she disappeared."
"Fans?" Rowen frowned, "I should have guessed. Do you know my problem with you Vanessa? It's the fact that no matter what happens who always find a way to justify yourself. Only you are to blame for this."
"I should have never trusted you with Tara, now my daughter is missing... Are you finally happy?! Now let me make it very clear to you, if I don't find my daughter...Trust me, your mother won't find hers either."
And with that, he walked away as he instructed George to alert the police if the missing child.
A few minutes later, George came back as he drove Vanessa home against her will.
"I am Tara's mother, I have every right to be here.." she shouted not willing to go into the car.
"If you were really her mother, then you would have never carelessly lose like you did today. Go back home, I don't want to see you near this park!"
Rowen said as he turned and left and with that, George drove off.
**
Upon getting back home, Vanessa told her sister and mom about what had happened.
As expected, Linda wasn't in the least happy, she felt like scolding Vanessa but seeing the expression on her face, she knew she was having an hard time aswell. After all, Tara was her daughter.
In less than an hour, the news of Tara's disappearance spread across Graceland and the rumors of Rowen's child was finally proven.
Now Tara's picture was all over the internet as a huge sum of money was promised to whoever could find her.
Meanwhile, pacing around the room was Vanessa. She had told George to inform her if there was any news of Tara's whereabouts but no call has yet to come in.
Stepping into the living room with a tray of tea was Kami. She sighed as she looked at the restless look on her sister's face.
The last time she ever saw Vanessa this anxious and scared was when she was about to miss one of her photoshoots.
Seeing her acting this way for her daughter just made her feel slightly happy. At least now, she was starting to act like a mother.
"Vanessa, stressing urself won't bring Tara, you should have tea and snacks, I'm sure news of Tara's whereabouts will come soon."
Kami said handing her a cup of tea but Vanessa turned it down.
"I'm not in the mood for tea Kami, only God knows what type of situation she must be in... I'm so stupid!"
Calm down Vanessa... I'm sure we will find her, Rowen has already hired the best detectives to find her.. so don't worry," Kami said as she patted her sister's back.
"Sigh... If only we could track her down then we would be able to find her."
Kami stated as she sighed but upon hearing her words, Vanessa quickly stood up.
"Kami.. what did you just say?"
Confused, Kami repeated her last words, "What? Track her down?"
"Exactly... We gave to track her down." Vanessa said as her eyes beamed.
Standing up, Kami said, "But how can we track her, yes she's with your phone.. but you said it yourself, she doesn't know your password and it's probably dead because I know you don't always charge it before going out."
"Yes.. but Kami do you remember who gave me that phone?"
"Erin did."
"Yes! Erin gave it to me 2 years ago, and I've been using it ever since... Even during the night of my 25th birthday when I wanted to leave Tara and Rowen for new York."
"Then mom Installed a tracking device on it so she could know where you are and bring you back," Kami completed it as they both smiled almost immediately... "Quickly get mom's phone and trace the phone. We must find Tara no matter what."
**
In less than 5 minutes, Kami was able to trace the phone as Vanessa immediately took her keys.
"Wait up Vanessa, you have to inform Rowen first!!"
"You call her and tell everyone, I'll leave and meet them at the park.'
And with that, she ran out and drove off as Kami took her phone and immediately dialed on Rowen's number.
By the time Vanessa got to the park, it was already closing and so she had only few minutes to find Tara.
With the help of the tracking device she was able to trace Tara's steps and it finally led her to a an abandoned looking tunnel.
"Excuse me ma'am.. this tunnel is off limits," she heard the voice of one of the workers of the park.
Vanessa's heart pounded as she faced the park worker. "Please, my daughter might be inside. I know this tunnel is off-limits, but I need to check. It's really important."
The worker hesitated, looking back at the ominous, dark entrance. "I understand you're worried, but this tunnel is under development and not safe. It could collapse at any moment."
"Please," Vanessa begged, tears welling up in her eyes. "Just let me look inside. I won't be long. My daughter is only seven. I have to try."
The worker's expression softened, but he shook his head. "I can't let you go in, it's too dangerous. The construction is unstable."
Without waiting for a reply, Vanessa squeezed past the worker and ducked into the tunnel. The dim light from her phone illuminated the rough walls as she stumbled through, her fear driving her forward. Dust and debris swirled around her as she made her way deeper into the darkness.
The tunnel was claustrophobic and the air was thick with dust. Vanessa called out, her voice echoing. "Tara! Tara, where are you?"
From the depths of the tunnel, she heard a faint whimper. Vanessa's heart soared. "Tara! I'm coming!"
She followed the sound, her phone light revealing a small figure huddled in the corner. Tara was sitting on the ground, her face streaked with dirt, her eyes wide with fear. Vanessa rushed to her, scooping her up into a tight embrace.
"Mommy," Tara cried, her voice trembling.
Vanessa's relief was palpable as she held her daughter close. "It's okay, Tara. I'm here. We're going to get out of here now."
Suddenly, there was a loud rumble and the tunnel shuddered. Vanessa looked up in terror; parts of the ceiling were starting to crumble. She knew they had to leave quickly. Just then, Rowen and his team arrived at the tunnel entrance, but the workers had stopped them from entering due to the danger.
"Vanessa!" Rowen shouted, his face etched with fear and frustration. "Get out of there! It's too dangerous!"
Ignoring the warnings, Vanessa moved quickly. She guided Tara towards the entrance, but the tunnel's instability made it difficult. A large chunk of debris fell, hitting Vanessa on the head and causing her to stumble, but she pressed on.
With one final burst of effort, Vanessa and Tara reached the tunnel's mouth, where Rowen and his men were waiting. As they emerged, Rowen rushed forward, enveloping Tara in a tight embrace. Vanessa fell to her knees, her vision swimming from the pain on her head, but she was relieved to see her daughter safe in Rowen's arms.
"Are you alright?" Rowen asked urgently, his eyes scanning Vanessa's face.
"I'm fine," Vanessa replied, though her voice was weak. "Just a bump on the head. Tara is safe."
But she couldn't handled it anymore and soon she fainted in his arms.