Chapter 5

Chapter Theme Song: Willow by Taylor Swift 

 [Veronica's POV]

I hastily spun around almost tripping over my feet; but, thanks to the support of railings, I managed to straighten myself. Positive that I resembled an over-excited child, I watched as Blake disconnected the phone call. He shifted his gaze up to me and, for a moment, my heart skipped a bit. He looked so lost and broken. 

I pressed my lips together unsure if I should ask but, seeing him look like that, I couldn’t help it. Hesitantly, I stuttered, “Any…any news about Victoria?” 

To my surprise, he didn't snap back at me. Instead, his eyes brightened a bit.

 “A contact I have in the police force in C Nation told me that there was a couple who came forward with some information,” he replied. “They claim to have seen a woman lying on the beach. They went to call for help, but when they came back she had disappeared.” 

I relaxed upon hearing that there was at least some new information regarding the possibility of her being alive. 

Blake's mood became hostile again as he noticed the small smile on my lips.

 “Don't act so happy, Veronica. Until I have her safe and sound in my arms, you will remain as my suspect. If you were a part of this plan to get rid of my wife, you better confess now while I’m still being patient with you,” he warned.

 The little happiness I had evaporated as he uttered those harsh words. I realized that no matter what I did, Blake would always see me as guilty. 

I sighed and resumed climbing up the stairs. Sneering at him, I said, “You know what Blake? I think you have a serious hearing issue.” 

It was around 3 a.m. when the jet finally took off. The flight was quite as Blake was too busy with his phone calls to argue with me. I understood that we were going out of his territory, so he had to use his connections in C Nation for help. Our flight lasted about three hours. When we landed at the airport, the sun was rising and rays of light peeked through the clouds. 

A black car was already waiting for us as we exited the aircraft and about thirty minutes later, we reached at a middle sized mansion. I observed that this place wasn't as big as the mansion he owned in B Nation, but it was just as beautiful. A flower garden was directly adjacent to the mansion and highlighted its evident European style. I thought it was absolutely charming. Everything was neat and tidy and it was evident that someone deeply cared about this place. 

As I was still admiring my surroundings, a middle woman, who I assumed was the housekeeper, came out of the mansion and ushered us inside with a warm smile. While we stood in the foyer, I swept my gaze across the neatly furnished interior. From what I could see, a small sitting room was to the right of foyer and then down a short hallway was the entrance to the kitchen. It definitely felt smaller than his other mansion, I decided. 

 Blake went to speak with the housekeeper and then looked at me.

“She will show you your room. Do not walk around without my permission. This place isn't B Nation,” he warned.

 I shrugged and started up the stairs. As I reached the second floor, I heard Blake yell, “Wait!”

 I snapped my head back with confusion as I saw his eyes looked over my outfit with a disapproving glare. 

“We will be heading to the police station, soon. Wear something more presentable,” he stated dryly.

I sighed in frustration. I was exhausted from what seemed to be a never ending journey. Yet, I knew that not being compliant to his wishes would just cause me more trouble. Giving him a curt nod, I trudged to the direction of my room while seething at that insensitive jerk’s remark. What gave him the right to comment on what I wore? I was wearing skinny jeans and long sleeved shirt. Did he expect me to dress to the nines just for a fucking flight? To top it all off, we left in the middle of the night!

“Moron…” I muttered.

I opened the door to my designated room and almost started crying at the beautiful sight of the bed. Flopping onto it without a second thought, my body instantly relaxed. However, I couldn’t find the inner peace I craved because of all of the chaos that had transpired. I sat up from the bed and pulled open my suitcase to change clothes. Contrary to the rest of the house, this room was on the shabby side. It had a tiny bathroom and the furniture looked somewhat cheap. Man, he must have really wanted to see me suffer to give me the worst room in the house.

 After changing, I pulled on my summer coat that reached my knees and walked over to the window. I inhaled the fresh fragrance of flowers as I looked out of the open window. My gaze wondered across the lawn and then landed on a beautiful German Shepherd that was chained in the corner of the yard. I loved dogs and always wanted one. But dad, being allergic to dogs, said I was too busy to have a pet. Instinctively, I turned to leave the room. Even though I knew Blake would come to look for me soon, I really wanted to run out and play with the dog. Just as I reached for the door knob, Blake knocked. 

“Well, wasn’t that timely?” I thought while feeling aggravated at his appearance. 

Without waiting for my response, he opened the door and stood in the entryway. His dark eyes inspected my attire, causing my cheeks heated up for some stupid reason. 

 Trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, I asked, “Is this more appropriate?” 

He pressed his lips into a straight line and then replied, “Well, at least you don’t look like you’ve been thrown away now.”

 I gritted my teeth in anger at his response and glared at him.

“Let's go. The inspector is waiting for us,” he commanded.

[Blake's POV]

She looked much more elegant in this outfit, as she no longer had that childish look that was so prominent in her previous outfit. Seeing her dressed like that suddenly reminded me of my first meeting with Victoria. She was wearing a school uniform at that time… I sighed and pushed the thought away as I turned to head to the car.

C Nation was famous for having natural beauties, which wasn’t hard to believe seeing the hills endowed with wild flowers on one side of the road and the deep blue ocean on the other. However, we didn’t take time to observe the scenery as my car sped through the narrow paths. We traveled in silence all the way to the police station. 

As we entered the station, a few of the officers shot curious glances her way. Immediately, I shot them a glare making them turn away. At that moment, the head officer, Mr. Russell, approached us with an overwhelming smile. Ushering us inside his office, I met the couple that had claimed to see a woman fitting my wife’s description. 

With the little information I was able to gather, I found out that they were from a small fishing village that was located down the coast. 

Crossing the room to sit in his chair, Mr. Russell said, “This is the couple, Mr. Davidson. I was waiting for your arrival before getting their statement.”

 I nodded and pulled out my phone as I approached the couple. Showing them the picture of Victoria, I inquired hopefully, “Have you seen this girl?”

The old couple looked at the picture than at each other. I noticed their dumbfounded expression. 

The old man appeared nervous as he stammered, “W-we didn't see her face, sir.”

“Don’t be afraid. We don’t mean you any harm,” I softened my tone in an attempt to coax out information from them. “Please, this matter is very important to me. Do you remember anything about what she was wearing?”

I needed specific details. I clearly remembered that Victoria wore a red velvet gown that night. Even if they couldn't manage to see her face, they might have been able to see her dress. 

The old man furrowed his eyebrows as in deep thought.

 “It was dark blue…I think...” the old woman interrupted. “No, it was sky blue…Yes! It was like the color of the ocean waves.” 

“No, honey! It…was green. I remember clearly now,” the old man corrected.

Mr. Russell tapped my shoulder, indicating for me to leave. My hopes were immediately dashed. Mr. Russell had been in this profession for a long time. After seeing their reaction to my questions, he immediately understood that this couple was lying. I had announced a handsome price for any information regarding the missing girl and they must have cooked up the story for the reward. Well, they must be pretty stupid to think I would give them anything for that half ass story. 

Looking at the floor, Mr. Russell said, “I am so sorry for wasting your time, Mr. Davidson. I thought that they might have been helpful.”

 “It's all right, Mr. Russell. You tried your best,” I said while waving my hand to dismiss his apology. “What about the territories inside the boarders of the ocean? I heard that there are several habitable islands.”

 Mr. Russell fell into deep thought for a few moments. 

“Mr. Davidson, you know that those areas belong to Raven Mafia. Even the police force doesn’t go there unless they have a death wish. It also doesn’t help that you have had dealings with them in the past,” he said gravely.

I nodded and admitted, “That is true, Mr. Russell. For a long time, they wanted to expand their territories in B Nation. But due to my interference, they didn't succeed.” I swallowed hard and confessed, “That's why I’m so anxious. What if they have abducted my wife out of revenge?” 

 “It is possible, Mr. Davidson. But the police force cannot help in this matter if that is the case,” he said regretfully. 

 “What do you suggest then?” I asked with a deep frown.

I saw Mr. Russell squirm under my scrutiny as he mulled over the dilemma. 

“I would recommend that you seek help from military. They are more equipped to handle this situation.”

 “But I don't know anyone in connection to the military from C Nation,” I admitted.

 Mr. Russell softly laughed and patting my shoulders, he said, “With your capabilities Mr. Davidson, I am sure that you find someone reliable in no time.”

 I nodded and let out a tired breath. Veronica and I headed to the front entrance with disappoint apparent on our faces for not being able gather any new information. I just wanted my Victoria safe and sound. Noticing how quiet Veronica had been since we arrived, my suspension of her involvement grew stronger. What if she had planned everything with the mafia as a means to not only get me out of their way, but to secure her the position as our countries lead model? I felt another surge of hatred as I glanced over at her. She looked sad and brokenhearted at the false information we received. Although, all I saw was her guilt. 

The chatter of the old couple neared as they were being dragged out of the station by a couple of officers. As they passed us, they kept claiming that they had seen my wife.

Looking at Veronica, I said, “Let's go.”

She gave a small nod in agreement. We walked out of the station together and proceeded towards the car. 

She asked, “What next?” 

I was in a foul mood as the day proved to unproductive. 

“I am not going anywhere without checking out all of the possibilities, even if we have to go into the Raven Mafia’s territory,” I replied.

 I hurried my steps to walk in front of her and lit up a cigarette to help settle my nerves. Looking up at the dark sky above us, I painfully murmured, “Where are you, Victoria? Please come back to me. I need you and our baby.”