Lost

Join Together

                                                                                 Chapter 9

As Meg washed the dishes, she heard a ding from her computer that was on the couch. Quickly, she dried her hands and made her way to her laptop. She opened the bold email titled "Open Now." Meg couldn't help but think it was suspicious and a piece of her dreaded reading the message. It was from Ana and the body text was simple.

As Meg read of Sarah going missing and the Embassy not releasing the details, her stomach flipped and heart ached. How? How could this have happened? Meg's hands trembled as she opened a new tab and began searching for flights to Colombia. The prices were fairly low and there was still a seat available on the same flight Ana was on. They would meet up in Atlanta. Meg quickly dug through her purse, pulled out her credit card, and purchased the ticket.

"What am I doing?" Meg thought as she looked at her itinerary. She hoped this wasn't a tricky ploy for a girls' weekend abroad. "No, Ana wouldn't do that," Meg resolved.

Moving quickly, Meg gathered up her things and began packing a suitcase. As she shoved clothes into their place, Elliott walked into the room.

"Meg, what's going on?" Bewilderment consumed his face.

Without looking up from her task, Meg answered, "Something is wrong with Sarah."

"Woah, woah," Elliott exclaimed as he closed the suitcase and made Meg look at him. "Is all of this because she hasn't emailed you? Meg, she is fine. You know how it is being in another country...weird time zones. She's probably busy working."

"E, Colombia has the same time zone as us. She's not busy, she's in trouble." Meg flipped her suitcase back open and began packing her bathroom supplies.

"You can't just fly there!" Elliott exclaimed.

"I've already booked a ticket," Meg said.

"You've got to be kidding me." Elliott said as he left the room.

Sensing his anger, Meg stopped what she was doing and went after him. "It's not just because she hasn't emailed me back. Ana sent me an email - Sarah's been kidnapped."

Elliott whipped around this time concern etched his face. "Oh my god. Are you serious?" He asked.

"Yes." Meg hugged him before continuing, "I have to go. I know it's been years since I've really been in contact with Sarah, but I know her E. We used to be best friends."

He nodded slowly. "I understand." Elliott offered a smile.

"I'll be careful. I promise!"

"This is just...so crazy!" Elliott ran his hands through his hair and began pacing.

"We won't be alone. We'll have help from the Embassy...I am sure."

"Wait, what? You're going and you don't even know if they are going to work with you?" Elliott scoffed. "What happens if you get caught?"

"It's not like that. We aren't working against them," Meg searched his face for understanding, but all she saw was concern and doubt. She racked her brain, trying to think of what to say to put him at ease. "If I get there and there is no support, I'll be back on the first flight."

Elliot looked up at her before saying, "Promise?"

"Promise." Megan said with a smile.

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Michelle hovered her mouse over the purchase option. The ticket was a hefty price, and for what? A hunch? She had received Ana's email in the middle of the night, but needed time to think it over before making any rash decisions. However, when she woke up in the morning her skin was still clammy and her heart raced at the thought that her friend was in trouble.

The orphanage had just accepted three more children in the last week.

"It would be irresponsible to leave," Michelle thought to herself. However, just the other day David had suggested she take time off. Even after the reunion, Michelle had a hard time continuing each day at the orphanage. Each child took a piece of her and each death rocked her like the first one. "It would be cruel to not help find Sarah," Michelle finalized.

With a firm grip, Michelle clicked the mouse and purchased a one-way ticket to Medellin, Colombia.

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"Mike?"

"Yeah. What's up? How's Nicaragua?"

"It's fine," Madison answered. "Look, I am taking your advice and going on vacation. Wanted to let you know before I left here."

"Yeah? Where are you going? This is kind of last minute."

"I know. Sorry about that. I was able to finally get an interview so I'll send over that article now. I am headed to Colombia. Girls weekend." Madison waited for his approval. She was worried that the last minute heads up might be the last straw of Mike's patience towards her.

Surprisingly he seemed fairly supportive of her plans, "Sounds good to me! You need a break anyway. Maybe it'll help you come back focused."

"Exactly," Madison said as she rolled her eyes. What a tool. "Talk to you on the flip side." With that she hung up and switched off her phone for the time being.

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Ana fumbled her bag as she tried to hurriedly answer her loud ringing phone.

"Hello? Hello?" She was afraid the caller had decided to hang up.

"Miss Stone? This is Frank Russert. I was able to get an agent for you."

"Really?" Ana tried not to sound too surprised, but genuinely she thought the FBI would blow off her request.

"I'll send you over details on him. He's one of the best, so please know that we fully support your search."

"Thanks, Frank! I'll see you tomorrow then."

With that she hung up and handed her ticket to the desk operator at her gate.

"Have a nice trip, Miss Stone." The girl in red smiled at her. Ana nodded and made her way to the plane. An adventure awaited her on the other side.

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I hope you liked this chapter!!!! It's getting much more exciting for me as I write these chapters because the adventure is just beginning.

I didn't have time to do any editing, but when I get a chance I will comb through this chapter as well so I can make some updates.

Let me know what you think and if you like what you read please vote for my story!!! :)