NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: A Journey Divided
The day after the grand farewell party, Vincent announced his travel plans with the crew. They would board his private jet bound for Los Angeles to meet a business partner, Xavier, while Maria and Jack were assigned a different route.
"Maria, you and Jack will take the SUV back to Vancouver," Vincent instructed, his tone calm but firm. "The jet is already packed, and I need someone to ensure the rest of the gear gets there safely."
Maria blinked in surprise but quickly masked her relief. This was the opportunity she and Jack had been waiting for—a chance to break away from Vincent's watchful eyes, even if only temporarily.
Jack, maintaining a professional demeanor, nodded. "Understood, boss."
---
Preparing for the Journey
As the crew boarded the jet, Maria and Jack loaded the SUV. The tension was palpable between them, but neither dared to speak openly. Vincent was still nearby, overseeing final preparations.
Vincent approached Maria before boarding the jet. "You'll join us in Vancouver as soon as possible," he said, his gaze lingering. "Don't keep me waiting."
Maria gave a tight smile. "Of course, Vincent."
With that, Vincent boarded the plane, and the jet roared to life, speeding down the runway and disappearing into the horizon.
Jack exhaled deeply as he climbed into the driver's seat of the SUV. "Finally," he muttered under his breath.
Maria settled into the passenger seat, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "Do you think we can pull this off?"
Jack glanced at her, his expression resolute. "We'll find your parents, Maria. Trust me."
---
On the Road
As they left the city behind, the sprawling highways stretched ahead of them, lined with trees and fields. The atmosphere inside the SUV was a mixture of hope and unease.
"We'll pass through Dallas," Jack said, breaking the silence. "If your parents are there, we'll find them. But we'll need to be quick and careful—Vincent has eyes everywhere."
Maria nodded, staring out the window. "I just want to see them again. I need to know they're okay."
Jack tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "We'll make it happen."
---
A Quiet Connection
Hours passed as they drove, the sound of the tires on the asphalt their only companion. Maria found herself relaxing slightly for the first time in weeks.
"Why are you helping me, Jack?" she asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Jack hesitated before answering. "Because I've seen what Vincent does to people. He takes everything from them—freedom, dignity, even hope. You don't deserve that, Maria. No one does."
Maria looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you."
Jack offered a small smile. "We'll get through this."
---
Entering Dallas
By the time they reached the outskirts of Dallas, the sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city. Jack navigated the streets cautiously, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.
"We'll start with the address the old lady gave me," Jack said. "If your parents sold the house, someone there might know where they went."
Maria's heart raced as they pulled up to a modest home in a quiet neighborhood. Jack stepped out first, scanning the area before opening Maria's door.
"Stay close," he said.
---
A Disappointing Discovery
Jack knocked on the door, and after a few moments, an elderly woman answered.
"Good evening," Jack began politely. "I'm looking for the previous owners of this house. Do you happen to know where they went?"
The woman frowned in thought. "Ah, yes. They moved out last week. Said they were headed to Vancouver. Needed the money, I think."
Maria's shoulders slumped. "Vancouver?" she whispered, her hope fading.
The woman nodded. "They seemed in a hurry. I didn't ask too many questions."
Jack thanked her and turned back to Maria. "We'll keep looking. They can't have gone far."
---
Renewed Determination
As they got back into the SUV, Maria felt a mix of frustration and determination.
"Why would they go back to Vancouver?" she asked, more to herself than to Jack.
"Maybe they thought it would be safer," Jack suggested. "Or maybe Vincent scared them into leaving Dallas."
Maria clenched her fists. "I won't stop until I find them. No matter what it takes."
Jack nodded. "Then we'll keep going. We'll search every city if we have to."
As the SUV roared back onto the highway, Maria's resolve hardened. She had come too far to give up now.
---
To Be Continued...
The journey was far from over, but Maria and Jack were determined to see it through. With every mile, they grew closer to the answers they sought—and to the danger that awaited them.