Page 14 of The Alpha

“Yes, her uncle. My brother lives across the hall. We’ve called what acquaintances of Pari’s we know of, but no one has seen her.”

“Did you file a missing person’s report?” Shona asked.

“It hasn’t been twenty-four hours. But it will be later this afternoon.” Al gave them an imploring look. “You have to help us find her.”

“Al,” Halden said. “Can we look in her apartment? Maybe we can find a clue as to where she’s gone.”

He ran his hand through his hair again and nodded. “I already looked, but sure, let me get the key.” He disappeared into the kitchen for a second before returning. “Got it. Let’s go.”

He led them up to the fourth floor and unlocked Pari’s door. Halden’s heart sank as the door was opened. Where could she have gone?

“Everyone stay here,” Kwaku said. “Boyeee, come wid me. You too, Captain.”

“Captain?” Al said.

Raina patted him on the arm. “I’ll explain later.”

The three men entered the apartment, Kwaku going straight for the living room. “Search dis place wid your heart, Boyeee. What do you feel?”

Halden watched as Dallan closed his eyes. He had no idea what was going on. He knew nothing of the workings of Time Masters other than the doors through time they were able to open. This was new.

“Fear,” Dallan said. “Shock.”

“Yes,” Kwaku drawled and opened his eyes. “And someting familiar, perhaps?”

Dallan’s forehead creased with concentration. “Aye, a… presence.” His eyes opened. “What is that?”

Kwaku looked around Pari’s living room. “I am not sure, but dey took her.”

Dallan’s eyes went wide. “Saints, Melvale…”

Kwaku closed his eyes and shook his head. “Dere is no help for it.” He turned to Dallan. “We will need him to track her. He can do it de quickest.”

“But is he safe to be around?”

Kwaku laughed. “Not at all.”

Shona and Zara entered the room. “Something happened here,” Shona said.

“Aye.” Dallan put an arm around her. “Someone has taken the lass.”

“Oh, Dallan, no,” Shona breathed.

Raina entered, followed by Pari’s Uncle Al. “What is all this?” Al asked. “Leo and me, we went over every inch of this place. She’s not here.”

“We can see that,” Halden said. “But we know someone that can help us find her.” He took Al by the shoulders. “You have to trust us.” He looked at Dallan and Kwaku. “Trust them. They found Raina and me. They can find Pari.”

Al’s eyebrows shot up. “Found you?”

“Yes,” Halden said. “It’s a long story, and I’m afraid I can’t tell you now.”

Kwaku eyed him. “Captain, return downstairs wid him. You too, Raina. We will do what needs to be done here.”

Halden knew what that meant. He was going to return to the Muiraran palace, and fetch Melvale. “Um, are you sure?”

“Very,” Kwaku said, eyes narrowed to slits. He strolled toward the front door area and disappeared into the room Raina had slept in.

“Come along, Al,” Halden said. “Raina and I will try to explain what happened to us while these two gentlemen try to figure out what happened to Pari.”

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