~Chapter 19~
+the day after the abduction+
Liz had not really talked with Max much in the last couple days, and the phone wasn't being picked up at Michael's apartment. Max's cell phone wasn't answering either. Isabel hadn't heard from Max either, so Liz decided to stop by the hotel where she knew Victoria was staying, to see if on the off chance that she might know where he was.
The first strange thing that Liz noticed, was that the glass security door to the private entrance was unlocked. She walked past it and then up to the door, which she found to be unlocked as well.
Liz walked in cautiously and inside, she stopped. She had never been here before, but she was pretty sure that it wasn't usually in such disarray. The living area was especially a mess. Lamps were broken, things were knocked over - items were scattered and broken. Going further in, she saw the patio balcony door open. Liz called, "Hello..anyone here? It's Liz!"
When she got no response, she walked down the hall. The main bedroom door was open and it was a mess as well - although, not nearly as much so as the main area. By now, Liz definitely had an uneasy feeling. Something wasn't right here.
She saw a phone by the bed and dialed Michael's apartment. Again, no answer. She called Max's cell. Then she heard a ringing in the apartment. She took the cordless phone with her and walked to the source of the ringing.
In the living area, underneath a broken coffee table - she found a cell phone which she noticed was Max's. He had been here. But why would he have left his phone?
Liz, worried now, called Maria. Maria didn't pick up, but she left her a message telling her to come to the hotel. She then called Isabel and Kyle and found that they didn't know anything. With a brief explanation to both of them on the state of the rooms and how she couldn't reach Max or Michael and Victoria wasn't here - Isabel said she'd be right over and Kyle said he was coming.
There was a knock on the door. "Housekeeping!" The voice called.
Liz went to it just as it was being opened. "It doesn't need leaning today. But thanks." She told the woman.
"I must clean." The woman started to protest.
"No. It's fine. Thanks." She handed her a five dollar tip anyway and when she had gotten rid of the woman, she shut the door. Liz couldn't let her see the place in this condition. There would be questions and maybe even police interest if no one could contact Victoria, the rooms' occupant.
Isabel and Kyle met each other coming into the hotel lobby about a half an hour later.
They went up to the desired floor and then knocked on the door. Liz opened it immediately and stepped back for them to come in.
"Oh my God - look at this place." Kyle remarked.
"What happened?" Isabel turned immediately to Liz.
"I don't know. I just came here an hour ago. I stopped the cleaning lady from coming in and seeing it like this. Anyway, no one was here. The security entrance was unlocked and so was the door. I can't find Max either, but his cell phone was here."
"Who would've wrecked this place?" Kyle wondered aloud.
"I don't know, but I don't think whoever it was - was looking for something, because the entire place isn't messed up." -Liz.
"It looks like there was a fight . or struggle." Isabel said, looking around.
Liz shared Isabel's worried look. "I'll go find Michael. If I can." Isabel said as she already headed to the door. "Maybe he'll know where Max is. If I can find Michael and Max, then we know this is only about Victoria."
"What should I do?" Kyle looked around.
"I would say help me clean this place up, but I'm afraid to bother anything - incase there are any clues." -Liz.
Maria arrived not long after.
Liz met her at the door when she let her in. "Maria, please tell me you've seen or heard from Max or Victoria recently."
Maria shook her head, coming inside. "Max. no. Victoria, of course not likely."
When Maria got a look at the place, she said. "Liz! What went on in here?"
Liz told her friend what little she knew - and that she really didn't know anything.
Everyone hung around, waiting for contact from Isabel - hoping she had found Michael or at least one of them.
-- -
Having no answer from Michael's phone only made Isabel go to his apartment. His motorcycle was there. She went up to the door and rang the bell. No answer, only stillness inside. She then, with aid of her powers, unlocked the door herself.
She walked in and closed the door behind her. She was surprised to find Michael sprawled, sitting on the couch, the lights off. She had a moment of relief when she found him here, but then he didn't seem right.
He looked at her as she came in, only a slight glance, disinterested. He was more than moody today. Something was wrong. "Michael! What's wrong with you? Haven't you heard your phone ringing on and off for hours?"
"I don't want to talk. And if Max is with you, tell him to go to hell." -Michael.
"So you don't know where Max is?" Isabel said, more to herself than him.
No response from him.
"When was the last time you saw or talked to Max?" -Isabel.
"What's with these questions about Max? I'm sure you'll find him at Victoria's." -Michael said sharply.
Isabel was worried when he didn't know where Max was. She asked, confused, "Why would he be over there?"
"Why do you think?" He swung around on the couch to look at her.
"You don't mean - Max and Victoria.are having an affair?" -Isabel.
"That's putting it too good for what it is." -Michael.
"Why on earth would you think that?" -Isabel.
"Look! Why are you still here? Go find him over there, I told you." -Michael.
"But Michael, that's just it. They're not. Liz, Kyle and maybe Maria is over there now, but when Liz went over there earlier this morning, no one was there. The place was wrecked, and-" ---Isabel.
"Stop being dramatic, Isabel. A few clothes and things thrown around is hardly being wrecked." -Michael snapped.
Isabel was more confused about his demeanor. "It's a MESS, Michael Guerin. It looks like someone has broken in or had a fight in there. I think someone did break in, because Liz said the security entrance and door was unlocked. I'm not being dramatic- but maybe we should be, because I am very worried now! And YOU are going to get your ass off that couch and come back with me and help us figure this out!"
Michael stood up and went with Isabel, without a word. He was confused now too, and with her words - he didn't know what to think
-- -
When Isabel joined the group inside the hotel apartment, they all looked to Michael who was with her.
When Michael came in, he just stood there for a moment and winced at the mental picture he'd come upon yesterday when Max and Victoria were kissing. But the mental picture then faded, and he looked at all of the mess. "What happened?" He asked, but knowing they probably didn't know.
"That's what we were hoping you could tell us." Liz said. "But at least we know you're not missing."
"Of course not. No one is missing." Michael started.
"Look around, Michael. Something happened and obviously since this is Victoria's place, it has to do with her. She's nowhere around and Max is missing." -Maria.
"They can't be. It was only last night. They were here." Michael said, a little dazed, looking around.
"Wait - you know they were both here just last night? How do you know that?" -Kyle.
"Because I was here. I saw them. We had a fight." Michael sat down on the leather chair.
"Why were you fighting?" Liz asked.
"You sure you want to know that?" Michael glared over at her a bit.
Liz nodded.
"I came in on them kissing." -Michael.
"Max and Victoria?!?" Kyle and Maria asked in unison, almost disbelieving.
"Who else?" Michael snapped. "But I didn't think they would run away together!"
"So you all made this mess?" Isabel asked sharply.
"Of course not, Isabel." Michael replied sharply back. "Maybe we would have if Victoria hadn't stopped us."
Only Maria realized Liz had sunk down on the couch. But they all looked at Liz when she said aloud, "Why? I don't believe this."
"Who know? But they obviously have been seeing each other - maybe all along, and Max used to cover with his 'I hate Victoria' stance." Michael said, bitterly.
His words struck Liz.
"Tell us everything you know about last night." -Maria.
Michael briefly told them what had happened.
"Whoa. This is a surprise." -Kyle said.
"I can't believe this about Max. And Victoria never seemed to have any interest in anyone but Michael." -Maria.
"We have to focus, you guys!" Isabel said. "I don't know about this Max and Victoria thing. But I do know something has happened here. After Max and then Michael left, we know that Victoria was presumably by herself after that. And Max was by himself out there, walking the streets somewhere last night." -Isabel.
"Maybe they will show up later today. Maybe they'll explain then." Liz said, almost quietly.
"I'm sure they will show up - together." Michael said, but as he said it, he was beginning to doubt his own words.
The group stayed at the hotel all the rest of that day. They searched the mess over and over and found nothing that could be any clues. When night came, and still no word from either of them - they began to seriously worry.
"I don't think they're coming back." -Isabel said, flopping down on one end of the couch, exhausted and frustrated at having found no clues to go on.
"Don't be ridiculous. They'll be back." -Michael said, irritated all the more when everyone began to act scared, because he didn't want to think that anything bad had happened- and they were all starting to force his fears to surface in him.
"Stop making it sound like they have eloped. That is what is ridiculous!" Liz finally said, sharply.
"If you hadn't left Victoria here by herself last night and drove Max away to walk out there by himself - maybe they would still be here." Isabel said.
"That's true. And while, maybe very few of us will shed tears if Victoria doesn't come back, it's important that Max come back." -Maria.
"It's like that time Max Evans was taken before, to that government place." -Kyle intoned.
"Would everyone just shut up!" Michael snapped. "One, it's not my fault. And two, it's nothing like that time Max was taken."
"Michael. what else are we to think? I don't believe they left on their own. Max wouldn't do something so rash, especially without telling someone. I'm not saying it was some kind of government capture, but someone and most likely, a lot more than just one - took them. It's the only logical explanation." -Isabel.
"No, Isabel-" Michael started.
"Michael." Isabel merely said as she nodded, looking at him.
"What are we going to do?" Kyle asked.
Isabel looked at Michael, as did the rest. Michael knew he was supposed to pretty much be in charge since Max wasn't here. But he had no answers for them. His mind was clouded by old thoughts and images that went around and around. He finally said, "We should all stay here. Together, incase someone comes that's not supposed to be here. We have nothing to go on now. If they don't come back in a couple days---" He let this last sentence trail without completion.
They all agreed to stay there. Kyle and Maria told their parents that they were staying over at Victoria's place for a sort of mild party. Isabel called Jesse and asked him to come over, where she told him briefly what was going on.
Isabel tried to dream walk Max and Victoria. When she opened her eyes at all the hopeful faces, she shook her head. "As always, I can't seem to get to Victoria. And Max- I couldn't get through either, but it was like a foggy feeling with both of them. I couldn't see anything through it."
"Maybe one of them will try to make contact." Liz said.
"Can Victoria do that?" Maria asked.
"I don't know, but I bet so." Isabel said.
"If anyone, I think she will try and reach Michael. If she can." -Isabel said.
"She's strong." Michael said. "Her powers, I mean. Maybe she will try to make contact." He didn't add that he doubted she would try to contact him. He doubted it, but he hoped. Despite his anger with either of them, he wanted them safe. Safe and then he could be mad at them.
Everyone just hung out around the place -with gloom and hope. - - - - - -
+the day after the abduction+
Liz had not really talked with Max much in the last couple days, and the phone wasn't being picked up at Michael's apartment. Max's cell phone wasn't answering either. Isabel hadn't heard from Max either, so Liz decided to stop by the hotel where she knew Victoria was staying, to see if on the off chance that she might know where he was.
The first strange thing that Liz noticed, was that the glass security door to the private entrance was unlocked. She walked past it and then up to the door, which she found to be unlocked as well.
Liz walked in cautiously and inside, she stopped. She had never been here before, but she was pretty sure that it wasn't usually in such disarray. The living area was especially a mess. Lamps were broken, things were knocked over - items were scattered and broken. Going further in, she saw the patio balcony door open. Liz called, "Hello..anyone here? It's Liz!"
When she got no response, she walked down the hall. The main bedroom door was open and it was a mess as well - although, not nearly as much so as the main area. By now, Liz definitely had an uneasy feeling. Something wasn't right here.
She saw a phone by the bed and dialed Michael's apartment. Again, no answer. She called Max's cell. Then she heard a ringing in the apartment. She took the cordless phone with her and walked to the source of the ringing.
In the living area, underneath a broken coffee table - she found a cell phone which she noticed was Max's. He had been here. But why would he have left his phone?
Liz, worried now, called Maria. Maria didn't pick up, but she left her a message telling her to come to the hotel. She then called Isabel and Kyle and found that they didn't know anything. With a brief explanation to both of them on the state of the rooms and how she couldn't reach Max or Michael and Victoria wasn't here - Isabel said she'd be right over and Kyle said he was coming.
There was a knock on the door. "Housekeeping!" The voice called.
Liz went to it just as it was being opened. "It doesn't need leaning today. But thanks." She told the woman.
"I must clean." The woman started to protest.
"No. It's fine. Thanks." She handed her a five dollar tip anyway and when she had gotten rid of the woman, she shut the door. Liz couldn't let her see the place in this condition. There would be questions and maybe even police interest if no one could contact Victoria, the rooms' occupant.
Isabel and Kyle met each other coming into the hotel lobby about a half an hour later.
They went up to the desired floor and then knocked on the door. Liz opened it immediately and stepped back for them to come in.
"Oh my God - look at this place." Kyle remarked.
"What happened?" Isabel turned immediately to Liz.
"I don't know. I just came here an hour ago. I stopped the cleaning lady from coming in and seeing it like this. Anyway, no one was here. The security entrance was unlocked and so was the door. I can't find Max either, but his cell phone was here."
"Who would've wrecked this place?" Kyle wondered aloud.
"I don't know, but I don't think whoever it was - was looking for something, because the entire place isn't messed up." -Liz.
"It looks like there was a fight . or struggle." Isabel said, looking around.
Liz shared Isabel's worried look. "I'll go find Michael. If I can." Isabel said as she already headed to the door. "Maybe he'll know where Max is. If I can find Michael and Max, then we know this is only about Victoria."
"What should I do?" Kyle looked around.
"I would say help me clean this place up, but I'm afraid to bother anything - incase there are any clues." -Liz.
Maria arrived not long after.
Liz met her at the door when she let her in. "Maria, please tell me you've seen or heard from Max or Victoria recently."
Maria shook her head, coming inside. "Max. no. Victoria, of course not likely."
When Maria got a look at the place, she said. "Liz! What went on in here?"
Liz told her friend what little she knew - and that she really didn't know anything.
Everyone hung around, waiting for contact from Isabel - hoping she had found Michael or at least one of them.
-- -
Having no answer from Michael's phone only made Isabel go to his apartment. His motorcycle was there. She went up to the door and rang the bell. No answer, only stillness inside. She then, with aid of her powers, unlocked the door herself.
She walked in and closed the door behind her. She was surprised to find Michael sprawled, sitting on the couch, the lights off. She had a moment of relief when she found him here, but then he didn't seem right.
He looked at her as she came in, only a slight glance, disinterested. He was more than moody today. Something was wrong. "Michael! What's wrong with you? Haven't you heard your phone ringing on and off for hours?"
"I don't want to talk. And if Max is with you, tell him to go to hell." -Michael.
"So you don't know where Max is?" Isabel said, more to herself than him.
No response from him.
"When was the last time you saw or talked to Max?" -Isabel.
"What's with these questions about Max? I'm sure you'll find him at Victoria's." -Michael said sharply.
Isabel was worried when he didn't know where Max was. She asked, confused, "Why would he be over there?"
"Why do you think?" He swung around on the couch to look at her.
"You don't mean - Max and Victoria.are having an affair?" -Isabel.
"That's putting it too good for what it is." -Michael.
"Why on earth would you think that?" -Isabel.
"Look! Why are you still here? Go find him over there, I told you." -Michael.
"But Michael, that's just it. They're not. Liz, Kyle and maybe Maria is over there now, but when Liz went over there earlier this morning, no one was there. The place was wrecked, and-" ---Isabel.
"Stop being dramatic, Isabel. A few clothes and things thrown around is hardly being wrecked." -Michael snapped.
Isabel was more confused about his demeanor. "It's a MESS, Michael Guerin. It looks like someone has broken in or had a fight in there. I think someone did break in, because Liz said the security entrance and door was unlocked. I'm not being dramatic- but maybe we should be, because I am very worried now! And YOU are going to get your ass off that couch and come back with me and help us figure this out!"
Michael stood up and went with Isabel, without a word. He was confused now too, and with her words - he didn't know what to think
-- -
When Isabel joined the group inside the hotel apartment, they all looked to Michael who was with her.
When Michael came in, he just stood there for a moment and winced at the mental picture he'd come upon yesterday when Max and Victoria were kissing. But the mental picture then faded, and he looked at all of the mess. "What happened?" He asked, but knowing they probably didn't know.
"That's what we were hoping you could tell us." Liz said. "But at least we know you're not missing."
"Of course not. No one is missing." Michael started.
"Look around, Michael. Something happened and obviously since this is Victoria's place, it has to do with her. She's nowhere around and Max is missing." -Maria.
"They can't be. It was only last night. They were here." Michael said, a little dazed, looking around.
"Wait - you know they were both here just last night? How do you know that?" -Kyle.
"Because I was here. I saw them. We had a fight." Michael sat down on the leather chair.
"Why were you fighting?" Liz asked.
"You sure you want to know that?" Michael glared over at her a bit.
Liz nodded.
"I came in on them kissing." -Michael.
"Max and Victoria?!?" Kyle and Maria asked in unison, almost disbelieving.
"Who else?" Michael snapped. "But I didn't think they would run away together!"
"So you all made this mess?" Isabel asked sharply.
"Of course not, Isabel." Michael replied sharply back. "Maybe we would have if Victoria hadn't stopped us."
Only Maria realized Liz had sunk down on the couch. But they all looked at Liz when she said aloud, "Why? I don't believe this."
"Who know? But they obviously have been seeing each other - maybe all along, and Max used to cover with his 'I hate Victoria' stance." Michael said, bitterly.
His words struck Liz.
"Tell us everything you know about last night." -Maria.
Michael briefly told them what had happened.
"Whoa. This is a surprise." -Kyle said.
"I can't believe this about Max. And Victoria never seemed to have any interest in anyone but Michael." -Maria.
"We have to focus, you guys!" Isabel said. "I don't know about this Max and Victoria thing. But I do know something has happened here. After Max and then Michael left, we know that Victoria was presumably by herself after that. And Max was by himself out there, walking the streets somewhere last night." -Isabel.
"Maybe they will show up later today. Maybe they'll explain then." Liz said, almost quietly.
"I'm sure they will show up - together." Michael said, but as he said it, he was beginning to doubt his own words.
The group stayed at the hotel all the rest of that day. They searched the mess over and over and found nothing that could be any clues. When night came, and still no word from either of them - they began to seriously worry.
"I don't think they're coming back." -Isabel said, flopping down on one end of the couch, exhausted and frustrated at having found no clues to go on.
"Don't be ridiculous. They'll be back." -Michael said, irritated all the more when everyone began to act scared, because he didn't want to think that anything bad had happened- and they were all starting to force his fears to surface in him.
"Stop making it sound like they have eloped. That is what is ridiculous!" Liz finally said, sharply.
"If you hadn't left Victoria here by herself last night and drove Max away to walk out there by himself - maybe they would still be here." Isabel said.
"That's true. And while, maybe very few of us will shed tears if Victoria doesn't come back, it's important that Max come back." -Maria.
"It's like that time Max Evans was taken before, to that government place." -Kyle intoned.
"Would everyone just shut up!" Michael snapped. "One, it's not my fault. And two, it's nothing like that time Max was taken."
"Michael. what else are we to think? I don't believe they left on their own. Max wouldn't do something so rash, especially without telling someone. I'm not saying it was some kind of government capture, but someone and most likely, a lot more than just one - took them. It's the only logical explanation." -Isabel.
"No, Isabel-" Michael started.
"Michael." Isabel merely said as she nodded, looking at him.
"What are we going to do?" Kyle asked.
Isabel looked at Michael, as did the rest. Michael knew he was supposed to pretty much be in charge since Max wasn't here. But he had no answers for them. His mind was clouded by old thoughts and images that went around and around. He finally said, "We should all stay here. Together, incase someone comes that's not supposed to be here. We have nothing to go on now. If they don't come back in a couple days---" He let this last sentence trail without completion.
They all agreed to stay there. Kyle and Maria told their parents that they were staying over at Victoria's place for a sort of mild party. Isabel called Jesse and asked him to come over, where she told him briefly what was going on.
Isabel tried to dream walk Max and Victoria. When she opened her eyes at all the hopeful faces, she shook her head. "As always, I can't seem to get to Victoria. And Max- I couldn't get through either, but it was like a foggy feeling with both of them. I couldn't see anything through it."
"Maybe one of them will try to make contact." Liz said.
"Can Victoria do that?" Maria asked.
"I don't know, but I bet so." Isabel said.
"If anyone, I think she will try and reach Michael. If she can." -Isabel said.
"She's strong." Michael said. "Her powers, I mean. Maybe she will try to make contact." He didn't add that he doubted she would try to contact him. He doubted it, but he hoped. Despite his anger with either of them, he wanted them safe. Safe and then he could be mad at them.
Everyone just hung out around the place -with gloom and hope. - - - - - -