CHAPTER 17 RESCUING FARINAH AND AMI

Ami was not sure what to do next and not wanting to risk discovery, she quietly went inside the room. These kidnappers are either dim-witted or just plain stupid. But she couldn’t complain because she was left with all the resources she needed to save Farinah. She checked her watch, 1:30 am. She crawled towards the window and peeked under the balcony, there, how had she missed the slide lock catch underneath the balcony floor. She approached the sleeping girl again and tested her weight, a bit heavy but if she did a fireman’s carry, she could manage Farinah. She stepped out onto the balcony again and took a glance at the rest of the suite, the curtains look to be the same as they were earlier. She was about to haul Farinah to her shoulder when her phone vibrated. It said, “Ami, stay put, Mansour and I are coming with a few police friends.” “Oh blast!” cried Ami a bit loudly but no sound came from outside the room so the men were still snoring and fast asleep.
That is what she thought except that the giant on the other side of the room, woke up suddenly. Seconds later there was a loud knocking on the main door. The American got up as well. “Blur! Go check who is out there. What do they think they are doing? I am going to sue the hotel management for disturbing my sleep. “
All these Ami heard on the other side of the door. So much for trying to avoid Ali. Oh well, she might as well sit prettily and await their rescue, although that doesn’t sound like her. She needs a back-up plan in case this rescue backfires. Taking advantage of the sound outside the room, she tried to nudge Farinah awake, but they must have given her a lot of pills.
Outside, Although Mansour was able to rouse some of their police friends, they still do not like to face trespassing violations so instead of just using the spare key from reception, they knocked as hard as they could. The door suddenly violently opened with the hybrid giant glowering at them and snarled “What d’you want?!” The American right behind him suddenly noticed the uniformed gentlemen behind two Emiratis, tapped the giant on the shoulder who moved aside at his touch.
“A very early morning to you Sirs, what's up?” the American said with an emphasis on the very early phrase.
“May we come in?” Suggested one of the 5 police officers. “I am Captain Usman and my friends here, the Al Fahezi brothers claimed you got their sister and their mom’s PA.
“Now wait a minute!” answered the American, “Just who do you think you are? You can’t simply barge in and accuse us. Where’s your proof and what’s your charge?”
“You rascal!,” growled Ali, “we can be diplomatic or I can do something drastic. Why can’t you just open that bedroom door over there?”
Captain Usman hushed Ali and said, “I am sure, our American friend knows that he and his minions will be in big trouble either way so why don’t we all just calm down.”
The Asian guy and the giant were clearly nervous but the American was still very calm as he said, “You’ll find nothing here, “but then a loud banging and a “LET US OUT!!!” echoed through the suite.
The American whirled around with a pistol in his hand and pointed it at the bedroom door. “Sure, go ahead and do your worst” then all hell broke loose as the bedroom door opened and Ami came rushing out. Automatically, Ali grabbed her and gave her a bear hug before remembering that he wanted to strangle her so he pushed her slightly away gently and was about to scold her when Mansour rushed inside the room. He was about to carry Farinah out before Captain Usman stopped him. “Let one of my officers take a photo first, my friend, and then you can carry her out.”
In the commotion, a shot rang out before Ami slumped against Ali. The officers tackled the American and the two other guys. Czarina arrived with an important looking man and was looking at the American with a disapproving stare. Czarina moved towards Ali just as Ami started to fall.
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In the Philippines, Ronnie’s son’s disappearance was still unsolved. Ronnie did not seem concerned at all which confused his patients and the neighbors. He too seemed convinced that Mrs. Gonzales will accept his attention but everytime he tries to be charming, the woman is always called somewhere, thanks to her older sister, Antonia. Rain was busy working with the investigators that he forgot to message or call Ami.
Early the following morning though, Mrs. Claudia rushed down to Rain’s room, startling him out of sleep.
“What the?! Whatever is the matter mom? I was having a pleasant dream and now you woke me up. He did not mention that his dream was a scintillating one.
“Forget about your dream Rain, I received a call from your aunt Antonia about Farinah and Ami missing.” Rain jerked wide awake.
“Why did you just tell me now? Why did Mabel not call me instead?”
“Does it matter? We are not there and we can just pray for their safety. “
“Mom, Ami is my best friend for like, forever. That’s it, am going to the UAE right now, no matter how much it costs, my best friend needs me.”
“Calm down, Rain. We must wait for further developments. Mabel apparently mentioned that Ali and Mansour went after Ami after she left on her own to find Farinah.”
“What?! Of all the most stupid, foolish things she thought of doing, ever. I can’t wait, mom. “
“At the moment, that is the only thing we can do, wait. Besides, we are also investigating a disappearance case here.”
Rain held his head in his hands and just shook it. With the investigation concerning Ridger’s disappearance at a slow pace, he can’t even go to his best friend’s rescue. He just will have to pray for Ami’s safety. As if reading his mind, his mom pulled him to his feet and led him to the small chapel in the manor. The news woke Rain totally from sleepiness and so he joined his mom in prayer. Being a devout Catholic, Mrs. Gonzales started praying the Holy Rosary with Rain answering. After praying, both mother and son went back to the kitchen to have breakfast together. Since there were only two of them, they rarely used their dining hall. They have a housekeeper who does most of the cooking since they are both busy with their business. The atmosphere was subdued and neither wanted to break the silence. After they have finished though, Rain asked permission to leave the house and go check Ami’s cottage.
“I feel like something is pulling me to go there. Although Ridger hasn’t been very friendly to Ami and me, I still feel like it is my responsibility to look into his disappearance as he was last seen here on our property.”
“You go ahead, son and should there be any update on Ami and Farinah, I will summon you immediately. I will be at the library as it is still early to go to the office. “
Rain left the house and was on his way to Ami’s cottage when he saw Ronnie on his way out of the compound.
“Hi Uncle, you seem to be in a hurry today? Very early too.
“Oh, I had a call from a patient this morning. I am going there now. Said she is in pain from her side and cannot move so I have to go and assess her situation. May I impose on you should the need arise?”
“But of course, Uncle. By the way, do you mind if I just go refresh my mind in your garden? The flowers always seem to calm me down, reminds me of Ami and her mom.”
“Oh yes, Rain. You know I cannot begrudge you that space, you and Ami have lots of pleasant memories there. Okay, see ya.”
Rain was surprised that Ronnie did not seem concerned. Was he not informed of Ami’s situation in the UAE? The doctor’s behavior is getting stranger and stranger by the day. Maybe Mabel did not inform him but he must get going before the investigators come back again that day. When he reached the garden, he noticed a new plot that was not there before. Maybe new herbs or new plants? He does not know, the doctor is an herbalist and a botanist. He bypassed the new bed of plants and went to sit on a bench next to Ami’s swing. As he was pushing the swing to and fro, his gaze kept going back to the rows of beds of flowers and herbs. He was feeling uneasy with every passing second. Unable to contain himself any longer, he stood up and walked back towards the new beds of plants. He does not recognize the greenery but he knew those planted were not flowers.