The Best Is Yet To Come

The Plan

"Sanem's missing."

Osman watches the emotions flicker in the faces of the three men in front of him. Metin's face clouded with worry and determination, which sums up Metin's character. He worries about the colossal man to his right and is determined to fix what's broken inside his brother. Ceycey's face conveys the usual brand of anxiety that only CeyCey can maintain.

However, Osman can only describe one emotion on Can's face. He's sure it's the same look on his face as he watched Leyla call her sister when Sanem failed to check in during their biweekly calls. A flash of gripping emotion Leyla must've noticed on his face when he tries to call as well, only to find it disconnected. There is only one word to describe it: terror.

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"How long?"

Can isn't quite sure what he's asking. The only thing he can focus on is the escalating dread suffocating his entire being. His mind won't let him focus on the situation. There are too many questions rising to the surface, but his mouth won't cooperate. Metin takes pity on him and explains the dilemma.

"We don't know how long she's been missing. Before you ask, I didn't know that Osman and Leyla knew where she was. I was only informed of the situation recently. They asked me to intervene on their behalf."

Can sits there with a dumbfounded look on his face. Four years. Leyla knew of her location these past four years. Of course, Leyla knew. They're siblings. He lays his head on his forearms and contemplates.

Can understands better than anyone the responsibility of being an older sibling. He can still remember aching for Embre when during their separation as children. It drove him to ignore all of his brother's faults because he feels unconditional love for his younger brother. Even if his relationship with Embre is not ideal, Can will gladly lay down on hot coals to make sure his brother is safe.

Leyla loved her sister. Loves, present tense. She's alive. He knows she's alive because he's still alive. Can has never been the romantic type until she came along. He knew with every fiber of his being that Sanem is still alive because the terror clutching at his heart won't let him believe otherwise.

"According to her cell phone number, she's in Athens. I've notified every police station and called every hospital within the vicinity. There are no records of Sanem Aydin. She changed her name".

Of course, she did. When Sanem puts her beautiful mind into something, there's no dissuading her, and she would've taken extra precautions to conceal where she was.

What do I have to do?

Can doesn't realize verbalized his thoughts aloud until Metin continued.

"The only clue we have is that she has been volunteering at orphanages all around Greece for two years. Osman and I have been in contact with a few orphanages, but they've been tight-lipped about their operation and won't give out any information. We'll be there under the official business, but you can go further than either of us. If your name is attached to this project, they'll be more receptive. Any orphanage would be crazy to turn down patronage from you. Fikri Harika is one of the biggest advertising companies in the world. If you took part in the campaign, the higher-ups won't bat an eye regarding your demands. Think about it. Can Divit himself running a campaign to help orphans. For the first time in years, you'll be out in the spotlight, and it's for a good cause. Not only will the press eat it up, but you can also open doors previously closed to us. Plus, we'll be saving you thousands of lire a year since you won't need that private investigator on retainer anymore".

Can looks up quickly. Of course, Metin knows his secret. Lawyers always know. Metin smirked at him as if to say, "Did you honestly think I didn't know?" Can shakes his head at his brother and smirks right back.

"CeyCey, make the travel arrangements and let the team know. We'll have a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. Metin, you get to tell your girlfriend why I won't be around."

A bubble of laughter was threatening to come out of Can's mouth as he watches Metin realize he will be the one to tell Deren of their plans. As he was walking out of the conference room, Osman asks him for one final favor.

"Leyla needs to talk to you."