Novels by Toria

"Sera …." Marco shouted, his voice sprawling in that desolate space, but before it would spread further, Mr Tony sprang into action, covering Williams' mouth with his hand, right in the fraction of a second, as if expecting this danger that might be hiding behind every shadow."Do you know her?" Jessica asked in a weak voice with a very minute pitch, as if her experiences had drained her of all energies.Enzo's eyes softened, his lips curling into a soft smile, the seams of his features glowing bright with expression, as in low and measured tones, he replied, "Yes, I do know her; she is my girlfriend," the words tumbling into view amidst a mixture of affection and longing.His words were colored with pride and underlined just how deep the feeling was, but immediately was Mr Tony's rejoinder, his tone laced with skepticism: "I have never heard Sera say you guys are in a relationship," he said, his words hanging in the air, a challenge.Enzo's smile flickered for a moment; the defens

"I just heard the cry of someone," Jude whispered in a low, urgent voice to Enzo and Williams; wide-eyed and full of concern, as the faint sound seemed to reverberate deep within his chest."Let's trace the cry," Marco suggested, his voice barely above a whisper. His words hung in the air like a fragile thread as the trio nodded as one, their hearts pounding in anticipation.They moved with sluggish deliberateness, their tracing of the faint sound through the deserted warehouse; their footsteps echoed off the walls-the only sound that broke the oppressive silence.The cry grew louder, more desperate, leading them upstairs to the uncompleted second story-a labyrinth of exposed beams and dusty concrete that seemed to stretch on forever.They ascended to the top, just about bouncily, soft-hopping to avoid making much noise, their senses at height when they reached the top, where the outline of something shrouded in a black cloth met their gaze."What's this?" asked Tony, his finger point

He immediately sent one of his men, Timothy, to get the GPS from the office. His tone was high and commanding, showing how critical the situation was and how little time they had to act."Timothy, hurry up," said Marshall, looking right into his eyes to drive the point home of how serious the matter before them was and how little time there was to act."A'right, sir," Timothy said, firm and sure, without a quiver, as he immediately snatched up his keys and raced out the door to accomplish what he had to do in the most timely manner possible.Williams, Enzo, Tony, and Marshall were then left sitting anxiously waiting for the return of Timothy while consumed by thoughts of Sera and the search-each person lost in his own thoughts and fears about the outcome of such.Every passing minute felt like an eternity, each being taken further into a different endless void of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and anxiety that deepened the cut.The strong silence was filled with anticipation and

"Good morning," said Marshall and the rest, all smiles, their faces beaming with optimism and reassurance-a look that was quite soothing to Enzo's frayed nerves."Good morning," returned Enzowith appreciation in his tone as he welcomed the team into the house, hoping their skills finally gave him the answers he had so longed for over the disappearance of Sera ."It appears you have just woken up," interpreted Williams, brow furrowed with concern, eyes doing a scrutiny of Enzo's worn countenance."Yeah, your call woke me up," Enzo said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, still trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night."Ah, so sorry, sir," Marco apologized, looking contrite, his voice full of empathy.Enzo waved his hand in a dismissive manner, a gesture indicating appreciation for Williams' concern."No need to apologize, Marco," Enzosaid."We need to get started, and I'm glad you're here to help us find Sera ."Enzo's eyes did a sweep of the room, locking eyes with Marsha

Marshall's response was immediate."What's going on?" Marshall asked.Enzopaused, collecting his thoughts."Sera 's missing," Enzosaid.His voice was low."We can't find her anywhere."Marshall's tone turned alert."Tell me more," Marshall said.Enzobriefed Marshall on the situation.The Zoom meeting.Sera 's disappearance.The failed attempts to contact her.Marshall listened intently.His silence was reassuring.Enzoknew Marshall was already working on a plan.To find Sera .To bring her home safely.The wait began.For Marshall's next move.For news of Sera 's whereabouts."Marshall, please, it is so urgent," he told him, his voice thin and laced with the worry of desperation at the thought of Sera 's disappearance for a whole week weighing upon his mind."Marshall, we desperately need your expertise in tracking her down," Enzo added, his eyes begging for reassurance.Confidence and professionalism oozed from every pore as Marshall's expression became reassuring."Enzo, don't you b

Mr Tony checked his wristwatch for what must have been the hundredth time.Twenty minutes.He had been waiting for Enzo for for twenty very long minutes.The atmosphere in the coffee shop was starting to suffocate him.The freshly brewed aroma of coffee wafting out of the shop was now too much.Tony's gaze swept the car park. Finally, a ray of hope.Enzo's car came into view; Jude's tensed muscles relaxed a little."Ah, right on schedule," Tony said to himself.Marco, walking beside Enzo , was pointing."That's Mr Tony over there," Marco said, his hand jerking in Tony's direction.Enzo nodded, a serious look crossing his face.They got out of the car, their long shadows stretching out as they stepped out into the sun.They walked, the echo of their footsteps bouncing off the empty parking lot.Jude rose to greet them, a mask of concern etched into his face."Good day, Mr. Enzo," Tony greeted, extending a firm hand and giving a warm but strained smile.He turned to address Marco, cr