Lost

Chapter 2 - Reverberations of Hope

Santiago Ferrari, a successful 26-year-old businessman, had just concluded a critical business meeting in the bustling heart of New York City. His charismatic demeanor and sharp mind had earned him the respect of his peers, but beneath the veneer of success lay a heavy burden—a responsibility he had carried for seven long years.

Exiting the meeting room, Santiago approached his personal assistant, David, a composed and efficient man in his early thirties. Santiago's deep-set eyes held a hint of curiosity as he inquired, "David, anything of note before we break for lunch?"

David, adjusting his glasses, hesitated briefly before responding, "There was a call, Mr. Ferrari. It came from a police station in Amador City."

Santiago frowned, puzzled. Amador City held no relevance to his business affairs, and the mention of it intrigued him. "Amador City? That's unusual. What did they want?"

David shuffled some papers nervously. "It seems they believe they've located someone you might know, sir. A family matter."

Santiago's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with possibilities. "A family matter? What's the connection to me?"

David cleared his throat. "It appears to be about your sister, Alanna."

With a newfound sense of urgency, Santiago picked up his phone and dialled the number of the police officer from Amador City who had left the message. The phone rang, and his heart pounded with anticipation until a voice on the other end answered.

"Hello, this is Officer Rodriguez," the voice said, its tone professional yet tinged with empathy.

Santiago took a deep breath and replied, "Officer Rodriguez, this is Santiago Ferrari. I received a call regarding my sister, Alanna. Can you please provide me with more information?"

There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Officer Rodriguez began to explain. He detailed the circumstances of Alanna's disappearance, the years of searching, and the recent discovery that she had been living under the guardianship of her kidnapper, Piero. Santiago listened intently, his emotions oscillating between disbelief and overwhelming joy.

As the officer continued, Santiago's eyes welled up with tears. He finally had a lead on Alanna's whereabouts, a chance to bring her back into their family's embrace. The weight of the responsibility that came with becoming her legal guardian did not deter him. It was a small price to pay for the prospect of reuniting with his beloved sister.

"Thank you, Officer Rodriguez," Santiago said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'll make arrangements to come to Amador City as soon as possible. Please keep me updated on any further details."

Officer Rodriguez replied, "Of course, Mr. Ferrari. We'll do our best to ensure a smooth transition for Alanna."

Santiago finally hung up the phone, his hands trembling with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He couldn't believe that after seven long years, he was on the brink of reuniting with Alanna. Tears of relief streamed down his face as he whispered to himself, "I'm coming for you, Alanna."

Turning to his faithful assistant, David, Santiago gave him a determined look. "Clear my schedule for the day and the day after, David. I need to make the necessary preparations and leave for Amador City as soon as possible."

David nodded, his own eyes filled with a mixture of relief and joy for his boss. "Of course, Mr. Ferrari. We'll make sure everything is in order for your trip."

As Santiago made his way to gather his belongings and finalize the details of the journey, he couldn't help but smile through his tears. The long and painful chapter of Alanna's kidnapping was finally drawing to a close, and a new chapter of hope and reunion was about to begin.