Page 16 of A True King

“Wow. Uh, congrats. That’s amazing,” I stammer as I try to wrap my head around all the information being thrown at me.

“So, I can’t go with you on this little adventure.”

I look at Logan and nod. I wouldn’t allow my pregnant wife to go gallivanting around the world in search of someone’s missing girlfriend either.

“I will provide you with support from home, but you’re on a solo mission, Lion,” she says to me as she reaches over and takes my hands in hers. “Go find her and bring her home.”

I nod and squeeze her hands. “I’m going to be an uncle,” I say out loud, testing out the word.

Anna giggles. “That you are.”

“Does Auggie know? Dad?”

She shakes her head. “Just you, me, and Logan.”

“I’ll keep it quiet until you want to announce it,” I offer.

“Thanks,” she replies as she sits back and leans her head against Logan’s shoulder. His hand reaches out and covers her belly protectively. They will be great parents. And I hope they have a little hellion half as stubborn and fierce as my little sister because if that kid is more than half as stubborn, they are in big trouble.

I glance back to my phone, where I’ve pulled up the island of Vieques. I don’t know where you are here, Mia, but I’m coming for you.

Chapter Seven

Mia

It’s Tuesday. I only know it’s Tuesday because Timmy’s, a burger joint, has a sign that says Taco Tuesday. It also has French Fry Friday and Mofongo Monday. Basically, it’s comfort food, every day.

I sit at the same table every time I come here. It’s against the back wall and faces the walkway along the water. No one can come at me from behind, and I can see everything.

“Hey, Liz,” a waitress named Maria says as she brings me my favorite local beer. “Tacos?”

“Sounds perfect,” I reply. I had to pick a name that I would respond to, and my middle name is Elizabeth. For whatever reason, my grandad used to call me Lizzy, so it works for now.

“Great, I’ll have that out to you shortly.”

I nod and sip the water she has set down for me. I can’t stay here much longer, but I’m not sure where to go next. The fake passport that I acquired is good but still makes me nervous. I had decided to buy one months ago after another encounter with the mystery man. I needed to be able to get away quickly and I knew if I did, I’d have to use a fake identity. It was surprisingly easy getting one. The topic came up one day when Susanna was talking about something related to criminals. I took notes, and three weeks and several thousand dollars later, I had my very own fake passport.

“Here you go,” Maria says as she sets a platter of tacos in front of me. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks.”

I start eating while scrolling the internet on my burner phone. No news of me missing. No news out of Norddale at all.

I’m mid-taco when I glance out at the sea. A man that I swear is Christian is walking by, I catch just a quick side profile before he’s gone. Jesus, am I hallucinating?

I feel my eyes glaze over for a brief second before I manage to pull myself together. I miss him. I miss him so much, but I can’t go to him, not now, maybe not ever.

I finish my tacos quickly and leave cash with a tip before walking in the direction of the man I saw. Several tourists and a family are walking along the road, but I don’t see the man anywhere.

After four blocks, I turn back. I’m seeing things. I need to head to the guesthouse and start figuring out what to do next. It’s been almost three weeks now. Three weeks of pacing, worrying, analyzing everything and everyone.

I walk by a newsstand and purchase a paper. I’ll need a distraction for later.

I pass a dog named Bruno, a kid named Diego, and a white cat that greets me each afternoon. I’ve established a routine and that isn’t a good thing.

Walking into the guesthouse, I open the sliding doors and stare at the water. It’s a quiet day. No waves, just a glassy ocean. I can see fish swimming along the reef and a turtle out in the distance.

“It’s a beautiful view,” a voice says from behind me.

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