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She was talking to a girl.
What girl?
Running through the crowd, I pull my phone out again and dial Oleg.
“It’s me,” I say, out of breath.
“What’s going on? Why are you running?”
“I can’t find Tia. Something’s happened.”
“Where are you?”
“The carnival, in the garden center in town.”
“I know it. I’ll be there in ten. I’ll call the others. Sit tight.”
I hang up. Help is on the way, but I don’t feel any better.
I keep pushing through the crowds, my eyes darting everywhere, searching, hoping to see her, hoping this all a stupid mistake and that the dirty green crocodile in my hands isn’t hers.
But when I see Clara and her uncle I know.
I know he’s not here by accident.
Giorgio Vitali was following us, and he had a plan.
He was waiting, biding his time, patiently waiting for the moment that I left her alone. And, stupidly, I did.
Giorgio starts turning in my direction and I duck behind a booth.
If he’s involved in all of this then she isn’t here anymore.
He would have had her taken somewhere already.
I dial Oleg again.
“Oleg, it’s me. Giorgio Vitali is here. It has to be him.”
“Okay, change of plans. Get to my place. We have to figure out where he’s taken her.”
“His niece is with him—that girl Clara who’s friends with Tia.”
“Maybe she knows something?”
“She might. I’m going to wait till they separate and grab her.”
“Alright. Be safe.”
At a distance I start following Clara and her uncle around until Giorgio gets a phone call and steps a little away from Clara. She waits patiently.
I listen.
“Good. Yes. Keep her quiet. Did anyone see you?”
He glances at Clara, making sure she’s not listening, perhaps.
“Good. Okay. I’m on my way there now.”
