Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT MAYA DISAPPEARED
The nightmare began on a Thursday afternoon.
Maya was at a supervised children's activity center near the hotel.
I had stepped into the hallway to speak with Elena.
When I returned, Maya was gone.
Her rabbit lay on the floor.
My heart stopped.
I screamed her name.
Staff members rushed forward.
Security cameras were checked.
Police were called.
Then my phone rang.
Richard.
I answered with shaking hands.
“Where is she?”
He laughed softly.
“Hello, Clare.”
My knees weakened.
“Richard, please.”
“You took something from me.”
I closed my eyes.
“I don't know what you mean.”
“Don't lie.”
His voice hardened.
“The documents.”
I stopped breathing.
He continued.
“Bring them to me.”
“Where's Maya?”
Silence.
Then he said, “You have two hours.”
The call ended.
I collapsed against the wall.
Elena grabbed my shoulders.
“Clare.”
I could barely breathe.
“My daughter.”
She called the police immediately.
Then I called Dante.
He answered on the first ring.
“Clare?”
My voice broke.
“He took Maya.”
May you like
Silence.
Then Dante said, “Tell me everything.”
