Fading Scars

Chapter IV - Dusk's Seduction

We hopped into the SUV, a fancy Cadillac Escalade ESV with windows as tinted as my confusion. While I wasn't a car enthusiast, my brother's podcasts about the latest models had inadvertently equipped me with some knowledge.

- Michael, can I know where we're going please? - I already called him by name and say please. My conscience shook its head in a sign of despair for sure.

"We're heading to a hotel," he replied casually.

"But I've got a flight with my colleagues this afternoon."

"I've got some meetings lined up, but we'll reconvene for dinner. Tomorrow morning, we're off to Podgorica for your concert."

And that was that. My feeble attempt at reasoning crumbled in the face of my inexplicable desire to stick around. Surprisingly, he offered a detailed plan, maybe prompted by my daring use of his name. However, my mind was buzzing with questions. The conversation had taken a strangely intimate turn, discussing dinner plans and his interest in my concert. Was he going to follow me? How significant was I in a billionaire's agenda, especially someone like him? I glanced at my clothes, realizing I hadn't seen my violin or suitcase since our arrival. The feeling that everything was under control battled my growing sense of Stockholm Syndrome. Shaking my head, I tried to shake off the thought. His nonchalant response to my scrutiny confirmed that my stuff was already chilling at the hotel.

"Your things are all sorted. We could've made an earlier pitstop, but you seemed to be savoring that soup... ". And flashing those smiles! He teased, and in that moment, my heart decided to roll with the unknown.

But I had to let them know that I had arrived. This kidnapping by the lord of Olympus was getting out of hand.

"I really need to leave. I can't stay with you. I have people waiting for me," I declared, feeling a sudden need to establish some boundaries.

For the first time, he looked at me seriously. I waited for confirmation that this was indeed a kidnapping. I had nothing to offer a man of his stature, but the specter of human trafficking loomed, and I began to fear for the fate of my passport. A few seconds after my statement, he informed me, "They will leave on a commercial flight this afternoon. I have already informed the entourage that you are with me. They know."

"Um... But what do you mean, they know? And what did they say? Who did they speak to?" I pressed for answers, but he ignored my questions. Instead, he picked up the phone, dialed a number, and handed it to me.

"Hello? Who is this?" I ventured cautiously.

"Hello Valentina, it's me, Professor Henrique," came the familiar voice.

"Oh yes. Professor, I'm with..." I started, but the professor interrupted me abruptly. "Yes, I know. You're in the Reed offices. They have a very good fellowship program in the arts. I'm very happy that he arranged for you to spend a day with the team. See you tomorrow. Have fun."

"Have fun? What was he talking about?" I wondered aloud.

"Fellowship?" I asked, still processing the conversation.

"Michael Reed's team informed us that you will stay with him today and you will join us tomorrow. You have time. Do not worry," Professor Henrique explained.

"Ok. See you tomorrow then," I mumbled back, somehow resigned. In any case, it was confirmed that I had some will of my own in this unusual situation.

As I looked out the window at Vienna unfolding before my eyes, I was struck by the city's beauty. First time in Vienna, first time out of Lisbon. The place was cosmopolitan, with grand palaces, incredible museums, and breathtaking squares. I watched life go by in Vienna, a whole new world for me.