I was not sure if I should update Lyle that Christopher had gone missing. Seeing that I looked rather uneasy, he did not pursue the matter, but accelerated on the pedal and sped off. Shortly after, we arrived at a hotel, but I did not get off of the car. Suddenly, he turned around and asked, “Did you come here to find Christopher?”
He knew that he guessed it right when he noticed my lack of response and the surprised look on my face. “The police has been patrolling very often lately. Obviously, something massive is going on. It didn’t register with me because the safety in this place is always an issue. Now that I think about it, the constant monitoring of the police is most likely related to Christopher.”
There was no reason for me to hide from him since he had already connected the dots. Hence, I came clean with him about the purpose of my traveling here. “I’m here to look for Christopher. No matter what happens, I’ll stay by his side.”
“It’s too dangerous. Whatever Christopher does has its risks. What can you do even if you linger around? Let me take you back to Avenport. Stay home and look after yourself. The Lanes will take care of the rest.”
Lyle could not comprehend my decision. He looked at me, flabbergasted. “Mind your own business, Lyle. I must search for Christopher, and I’ll never give up.” I went straight to the point.
“What can you do? Cause trouble?”
“At the least, I’ll contribute to the search. I will find him. An extra pair of hands is better than none.” I muttered, “I don’t have peace when I stay home. Each moment of waiting is tremendous torture to me. It’s unbearable!”
Lyle was shocked to the wits. “Will you risk it all for Christopher’s sake?”
“Yes, even if it means I’ll lose my life. Haven’t I proved my determination through the incident on the island? Don’t try to stop me, Lyle.”
He fell silent for a long while. Then, he stated, “Okay, I’ll help you.” He was resolute as if he had thought things through and made up his mind.
This time, I was the one who was astounded because he was never the type of person who would sacrifice himself for others. Perhaps there’s a person whom he’s willing to risk his life for, and that’s Crystal. Not me.
I wondered what method Lyle used, that he was able to contact Sean the following morning. When I met up with Sean, he looked terrible and haggard, with bandages all over his body as if he had just escaped death from the battlefield. Yet, he acted like he was well and fine.
There were police everywhere in the yard. Each of them was armed with weapons, filled with murderous intent, and was ever ready to fire away. When we were near, someone pointed the gun at us and yelled, “Who are you? Leave this place at once.”
“Please let me enter. I’m here to look for someone. Is Christopher Lane here?”
“Take another step forward, and I’ll shoot you.”
“Hold on.” I was three feet away from the entrance when I saw Sean with an injured arm walking out. Without hesitating, I called out loudly, “Sean, it’s me. I’m over here.”
“Yvonne!” Sean was stunned. “How did you get here?” he came forward and asked.
“This isn’t important. Where’s Christopher? Is he inside?” I queried anxiously.
“This… Um… Sir is occupied at the moment. He’s not available to see you.” Sean felt bad. “Yvonne, you should leave quickly. This isn’t the place where you should be. I’m sure Sir will contact you in two days’ time.”
Upon hearing his words, I fretted even more. It did not comfort me one bit. From his expression, I could tell that something had befallen Christopher.
I shut my eyes for a moment to calm myself down. Then, I questioned him solemnly, “Is it true that Christopher is not inside? He’s gone missing during a task performed with Zachary, and you guys haven’t located them yet.”
Sean was at a loss for words. Subsequently, he tried to make me feel better. “Don’t overthink things, Yvonne. Sir is absolutely fine. We’re carrying out a secret duty. It’s a policy not to share any details with others, including you.”
“Don’t lie to me. I know everything. I know that he’s missing in action, and no one has found him yet. Tell me, are there any clues? Can we please go together?” I pleaded with Sean.
