A Day In The Rye

Chapter 5

Massimo's pov

I just got into my apartment where everyone is waiting for us, they're still unaware and clueless about the fact that Skai's missing.

Her parents and her sibling are here, my parents and siblings are here too, Ginevra is here and Skai's friends are here too. I don't know where to start, I just stand by the door afraid and scared to go in there and ruin the mood. I feel a hand on my shoulder and that pulls me out of my thoughts,

"It's gonna be fine man, be strong." Chris says.

"Yeah, we'll find her." Ace says.

I simply nod and we all walk in, when they notice us their loud discussions lessen.

"Hey son! Where have you been?... And where is Skai? We've been anticipating the sumptuous meal."

My father says and everyone on the table laughs.

"Dad, Raúl, Mr Phillips, can I talk to you guys for a moment?" I say.

"is something wrong son?" Mr Phillips asks.

"you look stressed, what's wrong?" Jane asks.

"uh, nothing really, just a surprise we're working on, just handle the dinner for now, we'll be out in a bit." Ace says quickly.

We walk to my study and when the door clicks shut,

"Skai has been kidnapped." Chris breaks the news.

A series of what's and How's fill the room, I'm glad it's soundproof. Chris is explaining to them what happened and the steps we're taking to find her.

I just slump into my seat and lean my head into my hands with my elbows on the desk.

"Have there been any ransom calls?" My brother asks.

"None." Ace answers

Mr Phillips, Skai's dad is sitted in one of the couches in my study, my dad is trying to calm him down.

Raul makes series of calls to the fbi and other connections he has and starts making demands for them to find her.

There's a knock on my door and we all quiet down, Jacob opens the door and my mum steps in.

"Who's going to tell me what the hell is going on?" She demands.

I just lean my head back into my hands, I'm in no mood to talk to anyone, my Skai is missing and only God knows where she is and who is keeping her and what they might be doing to her.

I hear Chris explaining to my mum and making up some stories, which my mum doesn't buy - she's a very smart woman.

Chris is still trying to convince her,

"Skai has been kidnapped ma." I say with a sigh.

She gasps and covers her mouth with her hand and looks at everyone like she's seeking confirmation and they all nod.

"By who? How?" she asks.

"we don't know yet, there hasn't been any ransom calls." I answer.

"Oh my poor baby."

She walks to me and wraps her hands around me as she sobs.

"What are we going to do? - How do we break the news to the others? Why would anyone want to hurt her?" she asks.

"I don't know..." I breathe out.

"I think its best we tell everyone now." she says.

Everyone nods, so we move to the living room and Paula manages to distract the kids with some toys and games while I break the news.

As expected everyone starts to panic and Jane breaks down. Lava and the others try to comfort her.

I get a call and it's from Bruce, I look at Chris and he seems to get the signal and follows me to the study.

"We got something from the surveillance tapes recovered from her complex and a surveillance camera across the road. I think you guys need to see this." Bruce says.

"okay we'll be there in a bit." I say.

Chris and I race to my car accompanied by Ace and Jacob.

Chris drives because he's scared I'll get us in an accident and I agree with him, because I've not been in the right frame of mind since Anne-Marie went missing.

"So, from the first video, you can see this dude in a hoodie carry Skai into his black pick up truck. From the second video we can see his face a bit clearer, does anyone have any idea who he might be?" Bruce explains.

"That looks like this dude that works over at the publishing house max... Uh - uh, it'll come to me..."

Chris says while snapping his fingers trying to remember the guys name.

"Once we find him, we'll find Skai... But what could be the motive? Did she have an argument with someone? An ex maybe?" Bruce asks.

"Nah, Skai is not a confrontational person... It can't be John, right? He won't want to hurt her." Ace suggests.

"Everyone is a suspect now man, I don't want to point fingers, but it won't be a bad idea to talk to him." Jacob says.

I doubt it's John, they didn't have a bad break up. I can't even think straight and I'm both physically and mentally tired.

"Go home man, I got this covered, you need some rest."

Bruce says to me, as he places a hand on my shoulder. I shake my head and I'm about to protest when Chris cuts me short.

"You should listen to him man, let's get some rest and start out early" Chris says.

Ace and Jacob agree, so I just let out a sigh in defeat and nod.

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