Life takes us to unexpected places sometimes.  The future is never set in stone, remember that.  — Erin Morgenstern

Two doors slammed shut simultaneously.

Heavy sighs filled the car.

"What next?"

"Simple—We look for her."

Dora turned to her lawyer friend. "You make it sound so easy."

"Well, it seems easy to me." Kemi shrugged and wore her seat belt.

"Where are we going?" Dora stared at  Kemi as she turned the car on.

"To find her," Kemi stated, turned the steering wheel, and the car jerked forward.

"Are you kidding me?" Dora's voice rose an octave. "Where do you know we will  find her?"

"I don't know." Kemi turned to face her. "But we have to start somewhere." Her eyes traveled back to the road.

Dora sighed. "And where is that?"

"I have somewhere in mind."

"Where?" Dora arched a brow.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out." A mischievous grin appeared on Kemi's face.

Dora huffed. "It's not a time for games."

"I know; but if we see it as a game, we will be determined to win."

Dora shook her head. "I don't know what you mean."

"Well, basically, the matter is so serious that any obstacle we face can make us give up. But if we see it as a game we want to win, then no matter the obstacles we face, we will fight to win." Kemi turned to face her with a smile. "Do you get it now?"

Dora reluctantly nodded and mumbled, "Yes, I do."

"Good. Now just sit back and relax. We have a tough journey ahead." Kemi's smile grew bigger.

Dora's shoulders slumped but she conceded and leaned her head on the headrest. Several thoughts floated in her mind.

She knew there was some truth in what Kemi said but her heart wasn't settled about their destination.

Her eyes flickered to the window, she watched as the buildings and neighborhood faded away as they sped past them.

A lightness flowed through her heart as they turned on the highway.

The burden that weighed her mind eased away because she had left her past behind.

Her eyes remained glued to the window and they transversed down the road.

A slight frown marred her face. Her brows scrunched up and she sat up straight. She surveyed the unfamiliar area they were approaching.

Unease climbed up her spine as Kemi slowed down on a street occupied by sleek office buildings of various sizes and designs. 

"Where are we?" She rushed out with wide eyes.

"We are on our way to see someone." Kemi gave a light chuckle.

"What!? Who is that?" Dora swung to face her with shock brimming in her eyes. "And don't tell me it is for you to know and all that." Her lips went into a thin line.

"Okay, fine, fine!" Kemi raised her hands in surrender. "We are going to meet a PI."

Dora's eyes popped open and she gaped at her friend. Her mind reeled in surprise and bewilderment.

"I don't have the funds for a PI!" She felt her heartbeat skyrocket.

"I know that — but this PI is very magnanimous. If you can't afford it then he won't charge a dime." Kemi sent her an encouraging smile.

"That's preposterous!" Dora rolled her eyes. "Then there must be other forms of payment, which I don't want to think about." A scowl marred her face and she tossed her friend a glare.

Kemi laughed. "It's not what you are thinking. He doesn't do that."

Dora shook her head and crossed her arms. "I don't believe it."

"Don't you trust me?" Kemi asked after a few moments of silence.

Dora's frown deepened as various thoughts ran through her mind.  "I don't know," she finally muttered with downcast eyes.

"Really, D?"

Dora turned to her friend whose eyes were gleaming with hurt.

"I am sorry, Kem!" Tears of apology filled her heart. "You have been a friend I haven't had in years." She sent her a teary smile. "But I have been burnt too much to trust easily again."

"I understand." Kemi's voice came out hoarse and she turned and faced ahead.

Tears of anguish trickled down Dora's face as she chided herself for hurting her friend.

"I am sorry; I am so sorry!" She muttered repeatedly.

A deafening silence loomed over the women for minutes.

Dora let her tears fall. From the corner of her eyes, she watched Kemi grip the steering wheel with a deep frown contorted on her face.

Dora's tears began to dry up but her heart was bruised and bleeding.

After what felt like days, Kemi finally broke the silence.

"I am hurt. However, I understand where you are coming from." She glanced at her, "If I had gone through what you have experienced then I  would probably be worse." She gave a slow comforting smile.

"But you need to understand that finding Amara by ourselves is like looking for an ant in the sand. We should get the help of someone who has expertise and experience in such matters." Kemi sent her a pleading look. "Try and understand."

"I understand that!" Dora heaved a sigh. "But what if he changes his mind and asks us for payment in cash or kind?" Dora's heartbeat sped up at the horror of what might happen.

Kemi shook her head vigorously. "I can assure you that nothing of the sort will happen. I have known him for years. And he is definitely not unscrupulous." Confidence filled her voice.

Dora's shoulders dropped in defeat. "Fine. I will take your word for it.  But if there is any funny business, I am walking out the door." She gave her friend a stern look.

"Well, that's fine. And I am sure there won't be any funny business." Kemi grinned.

"You said you have known him for years. So who is he?"

She watched as an indecipherable look crossed Kemi's face.

"No, I can't tell who he is." Her eyes skirted away.

"Why?"

"Because I don't want you to change your mind."

"And why would I do that." Dora gave her a questioning look mingled with bewilderment.

"Because you reacted negatively when you heard we are going to visit a PI. How do I know that his name will not trigger you to change your mind?"

"That doesn't make sense. But still, let's go."

"Yes, let's go!" Kemi smiled and increased the speed of the car.

For some reason, restlessness coursed through Dora and she took deep breaths to calm her fraying emotions.

"Here we go. We have reached!" Kemi's excited voice startled her from her thoughts.

Dora blinked and looked up at the chocolate and cream-colored building.

Her face turned ghost white and her hands shook as she read the gold inscription on the building.

"G. Marcello surveillance and investigation Ltd "

                     ★★★★

Oops- who saw that coming? 😂

I wonder what will happen next🤔
What do you think will happen next? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Anyway, without further ado, Our question of the chapter is: On a scale of 0-10 how easy is it for you to trust people.

I will say 5. I don't easily trust but I don't distrust either.  😁😂

Anyway, don't forget to

Until next time, be trustworthy ❤😁