The night air wrapped itself around Vanessa as she stepped outside, the cool breeze blowing across the crowded street. A convenience store was a block away; its neon sign sputtered above the doorway.
She steeled herself and stepped inside, looking around toward the club.
Dan followed.
Not great.
She absolutely didn't want him to know she was purchasing condoms. Her stomach twisted into a ball of embarrassment just from thinking about it.
She walked over to him. "Dan, you can stay here. I don't have to be followed everywhere like a baby, I only need to grab something."
Dan nodded hesitantly.
Inside, the cashier barely glanced up as she walked down the aisle, scanning the small display. Her fingers brushed over the box when a voice spoke from behind her.
"Need help?"
She turned, startled, but before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth.
Her muffled scream was lost as she was yanked backward and dragged swiftly through a side door.
The alley behind the store was dark. Before she could struggle, a cloth pressed against her nose and mouth. Her limbs went weak. Her vision blurred.
The last thing she saw was the streetlights above flickering before everything faded to black.
Dan checked his watch.
Too long.
Vanessa should have been back by now. He muttered a curse under his breath and pushed through the store doors.
The instant he was inside, his gut twisted. The aisle was deserted. "Where's the girl?"
"Missed the girl," the cashier said, not looking up. "She left a while ago with the condoms."
Dan froze. "She left?"
The cashier shrugged. "Yeah. Went out through the back."
Cold dread settled in his stomach.
His pulse spiking, he spun on his heel, rushing back toward the club.
He strode inside, his gaze scanning to lock onto Sam, who was still standing near the ambassador.
Sam's expression didn't shift much as he approached. "Where is Vanessa?"
Dan exhaled sharply. "I–I thought she came back inside."
Sam's eyes hardened. "She didn't."
A slow silence spread between them.
Then Sam turned to the ambassador, his expression turning dark. "Sir... Vanessa is missing."
The ambassador's head snapped up. "What?"
Dan felt his stomach drop.
