CHAPTER 45: SHE BRINGS TROUBLE

My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and dialled Erica’s number. It went straight to voicemail. I tried again. Nothing.

"She’s not picking up." I began to panic. "Axel, what if they already got to her? What if they..."

"Layla, breathe," Axel interrupted, moving closer to me. "Don’t jump to the worst conclusions yet."

"But where could she be? She wouldn’t just disappear without telling me, especially not after everything we talked about!"

Axel was already dialling another number. "I’m calling the police. We need to report her missing."

"Hello, yes, I need to report a missing person... Erica Chen... Yes, she was last seen at her apartment this evening. No, there are no signs of struggle, but she’s in potential danger..."

I paced around his room while he gave the details to the officer. My mind was racing with all the horrible possibilities.

"The police are sending a team to investigate," Axel said after hanging up. "They’ll canvas the area and check for any witnesses."

"I need to go look for her," I said, already heading for the door.

"Absolutely not," Axel stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "You’re not rushing out into danger without knowing what you’re walking into. These people are dangerous, Layla. If they took her, going out there alone would be suicide."

I stopped, another terrible thought hitting me. "Oh God, what if it wasn’t the mafia? What if it was Cassy?"

"Your sister? Why would she..."

"I don’t know, Axel. Does she ever have a reason for being wicked?" I took a deep breath. "I’m going to my room."

As soon as the door closed behind me, I dialled Cassandra’s number. After several rings, someone picked up.

"Hello?" It was Daniel’s voice.

"Daniel? Where’s Cass?" I demanded.

"She’s in the shower. Why are you calling so late? Is everything okay?"

"Just get her on the phone. Now."

"Whoa, calm down. What’s got you all worked up?"

"My friend is missing, and I need to know if Cassy had anything to do with it."

There was a pause. "Are you serious right now? You think Cassy kidnapped someone?"

"Just give her a message from me," I said firmly. "Tell her to stay away from me and my friend. And if she had anything to do with Erica’s disappearance, she’d better undo it right now."

"Layla, I think you’ve lost it. Cassy wouldn’t..."

"I don’t care what you think, Daniel. Just give her the message."

I hung up before he could respond. I didn’t care if he thought I was crazy. I was desperate and scared for Erica.

Despite Axel’s reassurances that the police were searching and that he had someone looking into the mafia group, I barely slept that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I imagined terrible things happening to Erica.

The next morning brought no news. I was pacing around the apartment when Axel found me.

"The police haven’t found anything yet," he said gently. "But they’re still looking."

"I can’t just sit here doing nothing," I said, grabbing my keys. "I’m going to her apartment to look for clues."

"Layla..."

"I’m going, Axel. With or without your approval."

I drove to Erica’s building, my heart pounding the entire time. The police had already been there, but I needed to see for myself if there was something they might have missed.

The apartment manager let me in after I explained I was a concerned friend. Erica’s apartment looked normal at first glance, but something felt off. I searched through her living room, kitchen, and bathroom, finding nothing unusual.

I was about to give up hope when my phone rang. It was Axel.

"Where are you right now?" he demanded in an angry voice.

"At Erica’s apartment. I told you I was coming here."

"And I told you to stop jumping into trouble! Get out of there right now."

"I’m almost done. Just give me five more minutes..."

"Layla, I’m serious. Leave. Now."

I was heading toward the door when something caught my eye in Erica’s bedroom. There was a piece of paper tucked behind her dresser, almost hidden from view.

I pulled it out and gasped. It was a note written in what looked like blood: "We’re coming for you."

My hands trembled as I stared at the message. Erica must have found this and run. That’s why she disappeared.

I quickly left the building and tried calling her again. This time, after several rings, she answered.

"Hello?" Her voice was shaky and tearful.

"Erica! Thank God! Where are you?"

"Layla?" She was crying. "I can’t... I can’t go back there. They found me. They left a message."

"I know. I found the note. Where are you right now? I’m coming to get you."

She gave me an address across town. I drove there as fast as I could, my heart breaking when I saw her. She was sitting on a bench outside a 24-hour diner, looking dishevelled and terrified.

"Erica," I said, rushing to her side.

"They’re everywhere, Layla," she muttered, not even looking at me. "I’m not safe anywhere. They’ll always find me. Always."

"Come on, let’s get you out of here," I said, helping her to her feet.

I drove her back to her apartment, calling Axel on the way to let him know I’d found her. When we got there, I tried to comfort her, but she was clearly traumatised.

"You should have left me alone," she kept saying. "Now you’re in danger too."

"Don’t say that. We’re going to figure this out."

Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door. I looked through the peephole and saw a man I didn’t recognise, flanked by two intimidating-looking guys.

"Open up!" the man shouted. "I’m the landlord of this building!"

I reluctantly opened the door, keeping the chain lock on. "What do you want?"

"You need to get that woman out of here," he said, pointing at Erica. "She’s bringing trouble to my building. You both need to vacate immediately."

"Excuse me? You can’t just..."

"I can and I will!" He looked frightened, like someone had threatened him. "She leaves now, or I call the police and have you both arrested for trespassing."

One of his goons pushed past me and grabbed Erica’s arm roughly. "Come on, lady. Time to go."

"Don’t touch her!" I shouted, but the other goon blocked my path.

Just then, Axel appeared in the hallway. "What’s going on here?"