Page 15 of The Tourist

"Tomorrow, then," I say with a renewed strength. "We’ll continue the fight. For Serena, for Chloe, and for all the others who still need us."

Eaton nods in silent agreement, his frame resolute as he heads for the door.

"Another day, and another chance to make things right," he affirms before leaving me to the quiet of the room and the gentle breaths of Chloe, who seems to have finally found some peace in her sleep.

As the door softly closes behind Eaton, I reflect on the fight ahead. It’s daunting, but we are both driven by the same need to make things right. Together, we’re ready to face whatever comes our way.

No rest. No surrender.

CHAPTER9

Chloe

Afew days later, I’m strong enough to walk around for short periods of time, and the first place I’ve chosen to go is out into the garden. I long to be in the fresh air. It’s one of the things I missed most while in captivity.

The air is thick with the scent of blooming cacti and the faint aroma of the desert that surrounds us. Diego lives on the outskirts of Las Vegas in a private compound with high walls, numerous guards, and no neighbors for miles. It gives me a welcome sense of peace and security.

Diego’s hand is firm and reassuring in mine, guiding me along the winding trail. I thought I would find his touch, any man’s touch, unbearable, but it feels comforting and reassuring.

It’s been three weeks since my body was purged of heroin. Three weeks since I began the slow, painful climb back to something resembling life. The cuts and bruises have faded, replaced by new, tender skin. I still feel weak and a shadow of my former self, but I’m eating again—small, healthy meals specially prepared by Diego’s chef to help me regain my strength. Each step I take feels like a small victory over the past.

"It's beautiful out here," I say softly, my voice still raspy from lack of use.

I haven’t spoken much in the last few months, and the words feel foreign and heavy on my tongue.

Diego nods. "I thought you might like it. It’s peaceful, and we could all use more tranquility in our lives."

I can’t help but wonder how Diego is coping with all of this—the horrors he must have seen while rescuing girls like me, and the daily thoughts running through his mind about Serena and what she’s experiencing. I’m surprised he has any strength left to keep going. There’s a sadness in his eyes. He tries to hide it and be strong for me, but I see it in his weaker moments.

I stop momentarily to admire a cluster of blooming succulents, their vibrant purple and pink colors starkly contrasting with the desert landscape. Each plant is a small oasis of life, and the intricate patterns and textures captivate my attention as their petals glisten with morning dew.

In this desolate expanse, these succulents stand as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, thriving where most life struggles to survive. I can’t help but see the analogy in me. I survived where many haven’t.

"Are you feeling okay?" Diego asks, concern in his features.

His dark eyes study me closely as if searching for hidden wounds—fissures that could erupt like a volcano at any moment.

"Yes," I reply, managing a small smile. "It’s just... it’s a lot to take in. Being outside, the sunlight, and the smells. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way."

He squeezes my hand gently. " I wanted to talk to you about something. Your parents... they’re worried about you. They want you to come home to England. I told them I’d ask you how you felt about it."

The mention of home sends a pang through my heart. Diego kept in contact with my parents while I was in captivity, and I’ve spoken to them a few times on the phone since my rescue, but only after my detox was complete. The conversation was strained, filled with awkward silences and unspoken horrors.

I know my parents want to help, but they can never fully comprehend what I’ve been through. They’ve asked to fly over to visit me, but I’m not ready. It’s too soon. I don’t want them to see me so broken. It will only cause them more worry.

"I can’t go back," I say quietly, my gaze lowering to the ground. "Not yet, anyway. Mom and Dad wouldn’t understand. I know they’d try, but how could they comprehend what I’ve been through? I can’t sleep without having nightmares, and thoughts of Serena consume me."

Diego nods, his expression softening. He knows the horrors I’m talking about, which is why it is different for me here. I can be open with him.

"I understand,” he reassures me. “And you don’t have to go back until you’re ready. You can stay here as long as you want. I’ll be here if you need anything. Just ask."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes in response to the gratitude I feel toward Diego and the overwhelming emotions I’ve kept bottled inside for so long.

"Thank you. I... I don’t know what I’d do without you," I respond.

"You’re stronger than you think, Chloe. And you’re not alone. We’ll find Serena, and we’ll get through this together."

We continue our walk in silence for a while, and I take a few deep breaths to try to center myself.

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