DISCLAIMER: I do not own either of the movies in the Hostel series, nor am I affiliated with them in any manner whatsoever. This is just fanfiction.

Chapter 2: Car Ride, pt. 2

Jordan almost had to laugh when he thought about how out of the ordinary his experience had been so far. This whole town is crazy...crazy, or scared. What the hell is going on here, anyway? He had to reflect on everything he had been through during his first day in town—reflect and figure things out. He could see some faint glimmer of sense on the horizon but was still unable to put his finger on it.

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Jordan had spent the entire day exploring the town, going to any location that he thought would have appealed to Richard. He went into each place and showed Richard's picture to whoever was in charge, asking if they had seen him at all in the past several days. However, each time he asked, Jordan got nearly the same reaction. A quick head-shake and, in broken English, a soft "No, sorry, we no see him." Jordan could tell that they were quite nervous about it all. Obviously, this is even bigger than I imagined. This must be why my contact wanted me to take care of it myself.

It was the end of the day, and Jordan needed to relax. He went back to his room at the hostel and plopped down on the bed, hugging his backpack. No sooner than he started to drift off, he heard the door open and his roommates entering. He rolled over and smiled. "Hello, ladies!"

"Vy, hello Samuel!" said Zlata. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, fine," said Jordan. "Just tired from all this sightseeing."

Milena then squatted down in front of him, looking him in the eyes. "Vy don't you come vith us tonight? Vee are going for drinks and dancing!"

"Oh, I'm just too tired," Jordan replied. "I just need some rest."

Milena looked disappointed. "Oh, but Samuel…Eet vill be so much fun!"

Jordan realized this might be an opportunity to do some extra investigation. Especially considering that Richard was always a fan of hanging out with the locals, wherever he was. Maybe I'll luck out and find a lead! Jordan then sat up and looked at Zlata and Milena. "Okay, I'll come. Just give me a moment to get ready."

Zlata shook her head. "Samuel, eet eez fine. Just come as you are."

"Great!" Jordan followed both of them out the door.

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And this is where it gets really messed-up, thought Jordan. It was a really good thing I kept my wits about me. This could be where they got Richard. Leave it to him to get himself caught up in some fucked-up shit in a place like this!

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The bar did not really impress Jordan. It was just a place for lonely locals or fun-loving backpackers to come to get drunk (and laid). He noticed that Zlata and Milena were pretty much giving him their undivided attention—him and every other male hostel guest who was also present that night. Jordan was actually relieved when the other guys spirited the young women away to dance.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He quickly spun around to see a man, probably in his late thirties or early forties, looking at him. "May I help you?" Jordan asked.

"Oh, sorry," the man said. "I just noticed you looked really bored, so I figured I'd come over and chat a bit."

"Okay, sure," replied Jordan. "From your accent, I'm guessing you're American."

"Right you are, and from the sound of it, so are you," the man smiled.

"Yeah, I've been around America a bit, you could say." Jordan studied the man's expression and mannerisms intently. "I figured I'd come to Slovakia for a change of scenery. What brings you here?"

"Business. I'm just here on business."

Jordan cocked his head and looked into the man's eyes, feigning curiosity. "Business? In a small little town like this? What kind of business?"

The man hesitated, took a long sip of his drink, and replied, "Crafts. You see, there are lots of local craftsmen whose work is highly appreciated among collectors in North America and the rest of Europe. I'm just meeting with several of them to, um, negotiate contracts."

Liar, thought Jordan. What are you up to, anyway? "I see. That actually sounds very interesting. I also know a guy who really appreciates crafts." Jordan took a sip of his drink and set it down. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to run to the restroom for a moment, but I'll be right back."

As Jordan was leaving, the man replied, "Okay, Sam, see you in a few."

Jordan immediately turned around. "I'm sorry, but I don't remember us making introductions. How do you know my name?"

The man looked shaken up and took a second to regain his composure. "Oh, you didn't tell me. You just look like a 'Sam' to me."

Sure, sure, thought Jordan. "Yeah, that makes sense. Speaking of which, what's your name?" he asked.

"Ron," replied the man. "My name is Ron Jacobs."

"Well, Ron, I'll be back shortly. Keep an eye on my drink, would you?" Ron nodded, and Jordan made his way to the back through the crowd. He entered the hallway where the restrooms were located but lingered and continued to observe Ron, unbeknownst to him.

Sure enough, in a few minutes, Milena strode over to Ron and roughly nudged his shoulder. Jordan could not hear their conversation, but Milena seemed to be shouting vigorously at Ron, who could only try to defend himself. This went on for a bit, until Milena grabbed Ron's hand, placed something into it, and stormed away.

Next thing Jordan knew, he saw Ron drop the object in his drink. Ahh, a drug, thought Jordan. Nice try! He immediately headed back over to his seat and but did not sit back down. "Hey, Ron. You know, it's actually getting kinda late, and I really need to get some rest. If it's okay, I believe I'll be heading back to the hostel, now."

"I understand," Ron said. "But Sam, don't you want to finish your drink first?"

"Nah, I don't really need alcohol right now, anyway. It'll just mess me up. But you can have it if you like."

"Don't be silly," laughed Ron. "It's your drink, and finishing it won't hurt."

"No, seriously, I'd rather not. Right now, I think I'll just bid you a good evening and hope you enjoy the rest of your visit here."

Ron started to get up to shake Jordan's hand, but something fell out of his pocket. Before he could bend over to retrieve it, Jordan picked it up. He noticed that it looked like a restaurant pager, like one would hold onto while waiting for a table to be ready. Strangely, there was a picture of a dog on the front of it. What on earth is this? Jordan asked himself. "Here you go. Are you awaiting a page or something?"

Ron looked extremely disturbed. It was a full five seconds before he could reply. "It's just the hotel. It's just to let me know when the room I really want is ready."

"But what's the dog about?" Jordan asked.

"It's the hotel logo."

"Strange choice for a logo," Jordan said. "Shouldn't they have chosen something more aesthetic breed, like a poodle?"

Ron laughed nervously. "Yes, I suppose so." He quickly put the pager away and extended his hand to Jordan. "Well, Sam, it was a pleasure to meet you."

Jordan took Ron's hand and shook it. "Likewise. Have a good night."

"You too."

Jordan then headed out the door of the bar to return to the hostel.

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Jordan had never figured himself for a conspiracy nut, but when he saw a conspiracy, he could recognize it. An American businessman who has a peculiar interest in me and somehow knows the name I'm using at the hostel—and is somehow working with at least one of my roommates, who provided him with a mickey. After that night, he had thought things could not get any murkier, but he was quickly proven wrong.