Chapter45

If she was the find Rodrigo, she needed all the help she could get and Theresa was one person she knew who wouldn't hesitate to help her. Oddly, she didn't plan on informing Edmumdo about everything that was happening. She didn't trust him and his behaviors and attitudes in recent times proved that he couldn't be trusted. Rita decided that if she wanted to find him fast, she needed to go alone and also needed all the help she could get from her close allies. As she drove towards the private place, she secretly hoped that she would meet Rodrigo there. She couldn't explain that would fill her if she discovered he was there. She soon got to the private place, putting her car to a stop in front of the huge double doors. She got down from the car, making her way towards the building. When she got in, she was sad when there was no sign of Rodrigo. The building was empty save for the birds that fluttered in the garden. Rita walked towards the balcony, dumping her bag on a nearby table. She rested on the railings, feeling the gentle breeze on her skin. As she looked out, she remembered she wanted to call Theresa. It's been two weeks since the incident at the club and she never heard from her which left her sad and dejected. Theresa was her friend, a very close one at that and she'll be a fool not to salvage their relationship. She wouldn't allow what her father said to cause a rift between her and her friend, they were stronger than that. Picking up her phone, she decided to call her at that very moment. She waited for Theresa to pick up the phone hoping that she doesn't get ignored. She wouldn't be able to live with it if she ignored her. "Hello?", Theresa said. At that moment, Rita could have weaped for joy. For several minutes she remained quiet, fearing that she would cut the call. "Theresa, it's me Rita", she croaked. "Oh my God! Rita, is that really you. I thought you'd never speak to me, oh gosh I'm so relieved", Theresa sobbed. "I would never do that. Our relationship is too strong for me to do that, I love you like the sister I never had", Rita smiled. "Gosh! I'm so sorry Rita. If I had known, I wouldn't have dragged you to that stupid club. I'm sorry", she choked. "No no, you don't have to apologize. In fact, I should be the one apologizing. Knowing you're a married woman, I should have just let you be. I hope Marco wasn't angry". She hated to think what would have happened as at the time Theresa arrived home. No doubt, he'll be so angry about the whole incident. "No, he wasn't. In fact, he was dead worried and he had to send most of the body guards to search for me just before I came home. There's one thing though", she said. "What? Please don't tell me he cut off our relationship", Rita groaned. "You know I would never allow him do that. He said I'm never attending any club again", she chuckled. "Whew, that's better because I'm not ever going to one again. It seems as if I'm the subject of attacks. I can't stand it, it's driving me crazy", Rita said. "I think you should be more careful Rita. Be careful of the places you go to, I'll suggest you take Rodrigo whenever you're going out. The streets are no longer safe". "Theresa, Rodrigo is missing", Rita said, calmly. There was a heavy pause as Rita waited for her response. Theresa remained quiet for a long time, taking in her words. "What do you mean he's missing?", Theresa said. "The last time I saw him was on the day of the attack, two weeks ago in my house. Theresa, he's missing", Rita sobbed. She made her way to a cabinet, drawing out tissues. She dabbed her eyes as more tears streamed down her cheek. Somehow, speaking with Theresa seemed to draw out all the emotions she's been keeping ever since. "Shiit! This is not good, this is so not good. This is the time you really need him the most and now this had to happen", Theresa said. "I know which leaves me so confused. I've called his numbers but they aren't going through. Just the other day, his mum came by to the office with the same complain. Theresa, Rodrigo is truly missing". "Oh my God! Baby girl, please you need to calm down. Crying won't solve anything, this is the time you need to be strong for him and his mother", Theresa said. "I know and I'm trying but the pain of loosing him is too much, it seems like I'm loosing my mind", Rita sobbed harder. "Please calm down. Have you found out anything about his whereabouts, anything at all that could help?". Rita narrated all they had found. Thinking about it now, she knew they had done little to nothing in finding him which made her all the more depressed. "Okay, that's a start. I'm going to help you. Don't worry about it, I know he's fine and I'm sure he'll be fine. Please stop crying", she said. "Thank you, I knew I could count on you", Rita croaked. "Anytime baby girl. I'll stop by at your office so we could put heads together on the next step to take". "Okay, thank you. See you on Monday", Rita said before cutting the call. She felt a bit relieved knowing there was someone there to help her. She only hoped that this relief wasn't short-lived. The following day was a workday. Rita made her way to the office building, her heart still shattered over Rodrigo's disappearance. Try as she may, all get efforts at finding him proved abortive. It seemed as if he had suddenly gone off the surface of the earth as every avenue she employed turned out to be negative. "Good morning ma'am", Yasmin smiled.