Page 34 of The Tourist

Diego

The morning sun filters through the navy linen curtains, casting a warm glow over my bedroom.

Chloe is nestled against me, her head resting on my bare chest. It’s a rare moment of peace in my life, and I’m determined to savor every second of it. We’re lying in comfortable silence that’s broken only by the sound of our breathing.

“What do you want to do today?” I ask as I run my fingers through Chloe’s long blonde hair, noticing the lighter strands from the time she’s spent in the sun since her rescue.

Chloe lifts her head and looks at me, her eyes thoughtful. “Please listen before you say no… I want to go back to the old factory building where Serena and I were taken after we were abducted. It’s another fear I need to face in order to find closure. You mentioned to me it’s under Eaton’s control now.”

My heart tightens at the thought. A firm denial balances on my lips, but instead, I nod. “Of course, if you’re sure. Eaton took possession of it after his father died. He’s chasing another lead at the moment, so he won’t be able to accompany us, but we can take Felix with us for extra security. He’s desperate to find Serena as well.”

Chloe nods, her expression resolute. “I’m sure. I need to do this. I think it will be good to have Felix accompanying us. I know him from his guard duties with Serena. He’s got a sharp eye and might notice something we don’t.”

We get dressed and head downstairs where Felix is already waiting for us. He greets us with a nod.

“We’re going to Richard Armstrong’s old factory,” I inform him. “Chloe wants to revisit the scene where she and Serena were sold.”

Felix’s eyes flick to Chloe, and I can see him assessing her, taking in every detail. “Understood, boss. I’ll make sure it’s secure.”

After breakfast, Felix drives us to the factory. Chloe and I sit in the backseat of the car, our hands intertwined. She’s quiet, her gaze intently focused on the passing scenery.

I know she and Serena had bags placed over their heads when they were abducted so she couldn’t see anything of the journey that night. I wonder if she can remember any of the sounds.

I watch her closely and can feel the tension radiating from her, but I know better than to push. She needs to do this in her own time.

When we arrive, we step out into a desolate parking lot. The old, rundown building looms ahead of us, its exterior grim and foreboding. Chloe takes a deep breath, steadying herself.

“Take your time,” I tell her.

She nods, her eyes scanning the building. “I remember... we were brought through those doors,” she says, pointing to a large metal entrance. “We still had the bags over our heads, but I could feel the cold metal and hear the echo of our footsteps.”

Felix stands a few feet away, his eyes constantly scanning the area. I can see him noting every detail Chloe mentions, storing everything away for later when we will dissect what she tells us to see if there’s anything useful that will help us.

“Serena was with me,” Chloe continues, her voice trembling slightly. “We were terrified.”

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, offering what comfort I can.

She leans into me, drawing strength from our connection. “I just... I need to remember.”

We move through the derelict building, retracing Chloe’s steps. She points out small details, things she hasn’t mentioned before, and Felix listens intently, occasionally jotting down notes on his phone.

The interior of the factory is just as grim as the outside. The walls are stained and peeling, and the air is damp and cold.

My phone rings, and I let out a curse. “I have to answer this. It’s Eaton. Are you going to be all right?” I ask, worried.

“Of course.”

I step away to take the call but watch from a distance as Chloe speaks to Felix.

“Serena is much stronger than I am,” Chloe says to him. “She will be fine.”

Felix nods. “We’ll find her.”

I barely hear what Eaton is telling me. The only information I get from him is that there is no news. When I return to Chloe, her face is pale, and she looks tired.

“Do you want to continue?” I question.

She nods. There’s a determination in her eyes that I haven’t seen before, so we continue to explore.

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