Dead & Lost: Final Return To Freedom

The Stranger

They were instructed to go to the commissioner's office by the police officer at the reception. Asher, William and Rosie went in. Due to his lack of English proficiency, Asher spoke to him in Romanian.

(The following conversation is translated from Romanian to English for convenience. This conversation was only understood by Asher and the commissioner).

As Asher was a famous cardiologist, everyone in the city knew him. The commissioner did too. He was delighted to see him.

"Hello Dr. Stewards! How can I assist you? ". Commissioner greeted Asher in a friendly manner.

Without saying something irrelevant, Asher pointed at William. "He lost his daughter".

"Where?". The commissioner asked while leaning forward.

"Somewhere close to Hoia-Baciu." Asher answered.

"Are you serious Doctor?" The commissioner was taken aback. "Let him know Hoia-Baciu is eerie. We can't take that risk".

"But the girl disappeared NEAR Hoia-Baciu not IN". Asher spoke gravely.

"There is NO REASON for the girl's disappearance NEAR Hoia-Baciu. She went in there, that much is clear!". Indignantly, the commissioner said. "I can't jeopardise my officers' life."

"But... ". Asher muttered with despair.

"I'm sorry Doctor Stewards! I can't help you". The commissioner looked down.

"You'll see I'll file a complaint against you". Asher lost his cool.

"Just leave Doctor". The commissioner said in a low voice.

William and Rosie were both looking at Asher when he turned around.

"Let's leave". said Asher.

A man was listening in on their talk while seated in front of the commissioner. He was comparable in age to Rosie and Asher and not overly old. The three of them didn't see his face, but that guy was genuinely curious about what Asher was saying.

"ai făcut lucrurile potrivite comisar".To the commissioner,he said. Asher shot him a furious glare in return.

Three of them left the area where Ryan and Michael were standing.

"What did he say? Can he assist us?". William questioned Asher.

"He wouldn't, dude". Asher replied and dunked his head down. "Bastard". He muttered.

"Why?".

"He says Hoia-Baciu is haunted. He can't put his officer's life at stake".

"But Alexa isn't in that forest. She disappeared NEAR the forest!". Rosie objected.

"The commissioner said that it's obvious she went in there. And I completely agree to it... RELUCTANTLY. Believe it or not but Alexa DID went there.. either with someone_or alone". Asher replied.

"Oh God! What am I gonna do? Nobody comes back from that place". William sobbed.

"I told you__ you didn't listened to me bro". said Michael.

"You were right Micheal. I didn't listened to anyone". William gave a nod.

"There's no time to blame yourselves or shed tears. We should do something". Asher sighed.

"Going in that forest is RISKY Asher. Don't forget it's HAUNTED". Ryan said.

"Maybe I can help..". Someone from behind said.

To view the man, Asher turned around. It was the same individual sitting in the commissioner's office. Asher went over every inch of him. He was pretty attractive and young, had frightening hazel eyes and low-fading blond hairs.

Asher smiled ironically. "You? You are gonna help us? Lemme remind what you said in the commissioner's office; YOU DID THE RIGHT THING BY NOT HELPING THEM COMMISSIONER".

"I didn't wanted to get the police involved in this". The stranger shrugged.

"How are you gonna help us?".

"I'll tell you__ My name's Jaxon. I'm a Wildlife Photographer.(Jaxon moved his hand towards Asher for a handshake). Nice to meet you Asher Stewards".

Asher stood expressionless while Jaxon's hand hung in the air. Ryan shook hands on behalf of his brother.

"Nice to meet you too". He smiled.

"How do you know my name?". Asher asked.

Jaxon grinned."I know everything__ I know YOU but you don't know ME".

"How will you help us?". William enquired.

"I have to tell everything to my friend first. Then I'll come to you at night". Jaxon replied. He looked at Asher. "Your house is at the west end of the city.. right?".

"Yes". Asher nodded.

"Fine. See ya fellas". Jaxon waved his hand and went away.

"Should we count on him?". Rosie asked.

"We SHOULD.. I mean, just give it a try". said Ryan.

"But he can be evil bro!". Michael exclaimed. "Did you noticed how wicked his eyes were?".

"We should only care about our problem. We'll see if he is cheating. I'm only concerned about my daughter that's it". William said.

The group waited for Jaxon through the night. Michael and Ryan went outdoors to fetch some groceries. William took a nap at Asher's house. He was feverish and sweaty. Asher phoned the physician in the evening. William was instructed to relax by the doctor, who also prescribed some medications.Asher was in his bedroom. Rosie sat in the living room and focused on the clock on the wall. "Alexa, where are you?".S he conversed with herself. "Bro.. I should check on him". She said, rose up and headed upstairs. William was sound asleep. She moved on after shutting the door. Not knowing what she was doing, she opened Asher's room door. Asher was lying on the bed, with his eyes closed. She believed he was asleep so turned back to go.

Asher yelled her name when he sensed her presence. "Rosie!".

She halted and took a glance back at him.

"Come on in". He took a proper seat.

"I'm sorry to bother you". She entered.

"It's alright". He stood up from the bed while grinning. "Please take a seat". He extended an offer. Rosie sat down on the couch. At a distance, Asher sat next to her.

"What brought you here?". He queried. "I simply stopped by to check if you needed anything". Rosie answered.

Asher guffawed. "Not I, but you are the visitor". Rosie grinned as she reclined on the couch. "Can we have a conversation?". She enquired.

"Yes! why not ". said Asher.

"Tell me about yourself... Who ARE you and how do you know my brother". Rosie asked him.

"Okay... Who am I__ Sincerely, Asher Stewards I hold dual citizenship in the United States and Romania. My mother was American, and my father was Romanian. Our birthplace is this. However, my parents divorced when I was two years old and Ryan was still in his cradle. My mother then decided to move to America with the two of us. She passed away when Ryan was 16 and I was 18. She advised me to travel to Romania before she passed away because Ryan was still too young and we were all alone there. After learning of Mom's passing, my Dad attended the funeral and then took both of us to Romania after the burial. At first, we struggled to adapt to this setting, but today we can't think of somewhere better than Romania. Dad cherished us more than Mom did. He loved us so much, I have to admit. My dad wasn't as financially secure as my mother, I'd always wanted to be a cardiac surgeon. He didn't break my heart, though,and I went on to become Cluj-Napoca's youngest cardiologist. I have a real nice IQ though. As I've already mentioned, Ryan is a spy. He runs a charitable foundation in addition to his job in the Romanian Army. This home belonged to my father, and the home across the street, where you are currently residing, belonged to my father's sister. It wasn't sold by us. Because she didn't have children, my aunt gave Ryan everything she owned, including that house_ I used to play basketball in the school with your brother. Although he was older than I was, we were, nonetheless, close friends. Your brother used to teach history and math to Ryan after school. When we were in Rumson New Jersey, he used to also visit us at home. Your brother was the only buddy I kept in touch with after moving to Romania". Rosie received an extensive autobiography from Asher.

"Oh, fantastic!". Rosie said. "What caused your parents' divorce?"

"Mom never told us the truth, so I'm not sure. We also asked Dad, but he refused, saying that if your mother didn't told you, I won't either ". Asher answered.

"May your parents rest in peace". Rosie prayed.

"Yours as well". He grinned. "Are you famished? Should I make you a cake? ".

"No! I don't need that ". Rosie disagreed. "How about returning to America?".

"I am unable to leave Romania. I've already told you... Nothing compares to Romania ". Asher answered.

Rosie nodded while arching her eyebrows. "Tell me, what do you like the most? _ in food". Asher enquired.

"I like everything". Rosie replied.

Asher grinned after gazing intently into Rosie's eyes. "Do you enjoy Chinese cuisine?". He queried.

"I do, indeed". Rosie answered.

Asher stood up. Let's prepare a delectable Chinese meal. Rosie also got up. "Do you know how to cook meals?"

"I enjoy cooking". When speaking, Asher donned his sweater.

"Oh, wonderful. I thought you can only prepare breakfasts". Rosie chuckled.

She abruptly stopped speaking.

Asher gave her a glance. "What happened?". He enquired after observing Rosie's sorrowful eyes.

"Alexa". She spoke while her eyes became loaded with tears.

"Don't worry Rosie! We'll find her soon". said Asher. "You shouldn't stop having faith in the Lord."

"She was Ava's confidante". Rosie turned to look at Asher. "Before she passed away, she instructed me to look after Alexa. I failed and went back on my word ".

"She will be OK, Rosie. Not to worry ". Asher consoled. "You shouldn't blame yourself".

"What if Jaxon is a phoney?". Rosie queried.

After giving it some thought, Asher exhaled deeply and said: "I'll kill him with my bare hands if he cheated. Don't squander your tears by crying. There will be an explanation for why she vanished. Everything that occurs, by Lord, it is for the good".

Asher's remarks gave Rosie more vigour. She brushed away her tears and nodded. "Let's go downstairs. We'll cook dinner together ". Asher remarked and both of them went downstairs.

"Is what Ryan stated about you being an attitude boy true?". Asher retrieved a packet of rice from the cabinet as Rosie questioned him.

He smiled as he turned to face Rosie again. "Ryan never tells lies". He responded and unzipped the bag of rice.

"So, is that true?" Rosie re-asked.

"a hundred percent". Asher agreed.

"I don't think you have any attitude, though". Rosie made fun.

"He doesn't show you". Together with Michael, Ryan entered the kitchen.

Asher gave him a glance. "Ryan, where were you? You went to the grocery store to pick up sugar and bread three hours ago ". He spoke.

"Michael and I were given two free passes to a live concert. So we went there". The grocery bags were arranged on the shelf by Ryan. Asher opened one of them and removed the bread and sugar.

"Not music again." He spoke.

"Come on, bro. No music, no life". Ryan uttered.

"Go get changed Ryan. Michael, do you want to eat something?". Asher enquired.

"Thanks, but no, bro". Michael grinned. Asher nodded before returning to his task.

Ryan grinned while glancing at Rosie. "You're fortunate". He gave a wink and left.

"What?". Asher turned to face Rosie. She grinned and shrugged.

The doorbell sounded. "Ryan! Go and find out who it is ". Asher yelled.

After some time, Ryan yelled back. "Jaxon is here".

Rosie, Michael, and Asher left for the lounge.

Jaxon was accompanied by another man. He had black eyes, a middling height, and was young and attractive. His left eye was covered by his hairs. He had white snickers on his feet and a navy blue pant suit on.

"Greetings, Jaxon". Asher smiled.

"Thank you, Asher". said Jaxon. He gave the man a look. "This is Josiah, a buddy of mine." introduced Jaxon.

"Pleasant to meet you". To the group, Josiah spoke.

"Josiah, it's nice to meet you too. Have a seat, please ". Ryan proposed.

"What would you like to drink?. Juice or coffee? ". Asher enquired.

"Vodka". Josiah answered.

"Be quiet!" Josiah was told by Jaxon as he moved to Asher. "Neither. Many thanks ". He grinned.

Asher gave a nod. "Go upstairs and call William". He gave a command.

Ryan hurried up the stairs to inform William.

"That cool man is Michael, you are Asher, Ryan is the one who walked upstairs. Right?". said Jaxon.

"Yes". Asher answered.

"How do you know my name, by the way?". On the sofa, Michael sat.

"Please ignore that question." Jaxon smiled. "I'll tell you another day".

"Let's talk about the girl". Josiah cut him off. "You claim that she vanished close to Hoia-Baciu... Why do you believe that?" He asked.

"We found her shoe near the forest". Asher replied.

"But the forest is a 10 kilometers away from here. How did she managed to go there?". Josiah asked again.

"We think she's kidnapped. Otherwise, it's impossible for her to go there alone". Rosie answered.

"Who are you?".

"She is Alexa's aunt". Asher said.

"Okay.. if she's kidnapped, why would the kidnapper take her to the forest? Did you people received a strange call or message?". Josiah inquired.

"N.No..". Asher took out his phone to check.

"Then it means, the kidnapper doesn't need money". Jaxon spoke.

Meanwhile, William and Ryan came downstairs.

"What do you mean?". Rosie was scared.

"She's not kidnapped. Somebody took her to use her". Josiah told.

"USE HER?". Michael was amazed.

"Jaxon! Did you find my daughter?".

"We're still working on it.You need to stay patient".

"One more thing.. we found blood on the doll". Michael added.

"Blood?". Jaxon looked at Josiah.

"What are we gonna do now?". Ryan asked.

"Nothing right now.. it's dark outside. We'll come in the morning". Josiah stood up.

"Do you have a plan?". Asher seemed to be quite tensed.

"We need a confirmation first". Jaxon replied.

"What do you mean?". William said.

"You'll understand tomorrow... Gotta go now, I've plenty of work to do. Goodbye Fellas". Josiah hurried.

Jaxon and Josiah left without looking back. The group stood blank for a while.

"They're so intelligent". Michael broke the silence.

"Damn true". Ryan agreed.

"I hope they don't bring more trouble". Asher took a cool breath.

"They said nothing and_ left?". William became crazy. "They didn't stayed a minute!".

"They'll come tomorrow they said". Asher replied.

"I feel like if they know where Alexa is". Rosie said.

"Maybe". Ryan nodded. Asher exhaled. "Let's see what happens tomorrow".

"This visit was as fast as a tornado by the way". Michael giggled.