As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, I stirred awake, the events of the previous day still fresh in my mind. The search for Sylvia had taken unexpected turns, and I knew today would be just as demanding.

I got up, stretched, and prepared for the day ahead. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I checked my phone for any updates—nothing new. The city outside was beginning to bustle with early morning activity.

Feeling the need for a caffeine boost to kickstart the day, I turned to Toni, who was already up and checking our itinerary.

"Hey Toni, could you grab us some coffee? I think we’ll need it."

"Of course, sir. What do you want to drink this morning?"

"Just get a strong black coffee for me. Thanks."

"Anything else you want?"

"No. Just bring me black coffee."I refused Toni's offer.

"Got it, sir. I’ll be back shortly."

Toni headed out to find a nearby café, leaving me to gather my thoughts and review our plan for the day.

Luckily the cafe wasn't so crowded, so Toni finished buying the coffee faster than I thought.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee soon filled the room as Toni returned, handing me a cup.

"Here you go, sir. One strong black coffee."

I smiled."Perfect. Thanks, Toni."

Sipping the hot beverage, I felt a renewed sense of determination. With the day ahead, I was ready to continue our search for Sylvia, hoping that today would bring us closer to the answers we sought.

I finished my coffee in one gulp, set the cup down, and looked at Toni with purpose.

“Alright, Toni,” I said, slipping the phone back into my pocket. “No more detours. Let’s head directly to The Oaks Apartments—Sylvia’s last known location.”

Toni gave me a quick nod. “On it, sir.” He tossed his empty cup into a bin by the door and moved to the driver’s seat.

I grabbed my jacket and keys. “I want us there as soon as possible. Every minute counts.”

Seeing me in a hurry Toni came along, he got a little panicked.

He started the engine and pulled out of the hotel driveway. “Got it. I’ll punch the address back into GPS, but straight shot—no side trips.”

The city streets whizzed by as we left the downtown skyline behind. The morning traffic thinned out, replaced by stretches of suburban road. I stared ahead, my heart pounding with anticipation. Today, I promised myself, I’d finally get answers.

“Tell me again,” I said after a moment. “What did the barista say about The Oaks?”

Toni glanced over, hands steady on the wheel. “She heard Sylvia mention an apartment there—something about hiding out until things cool down. It’s a gated complex with around a dozen buildings.”

“Good,” I murmured. “Let’s not waste any time.”

We fell into a concentrated silence, both of us keyed in on the road and the task ahead. As the sign for The Oaks Apartments appeared, my breath caught. The gatehouse loomed ahead—our first real shot at finding Sylvia. No more waiting. It was time to knock on doors and confront whatever story she was hiding.

After hours on the road, our car finally entered the area listed on the address provided by the actress Sylvia had hired as a guest. I couldn't help but think how ironic it was that my father—so adept at manipulating women—had been duped by someone like Sylvia. It was almost laughable. But in a way, I was grateful; thanks to her, I could expedite my mother's divorce proceedings.

"Are you sure this is the right area?" I asked, eyeing the road that now resembled a plantation path.

"Yes, sir. This matches the map," Toni replied, pointing to the navigation screen on the dashboard.

I sighed, still skeptical about the GPS's accuracy.

"Find a spot to park, Toni. I'll get out and ask someone for directions. I'd rather not get lost again after coming all this way."

"Understood, sir. I'll move forward a bit; there seems to be a wider area up ahead for parking." Toni drove a short distance and pulled over.

Stepping out of the car, I looked around for locals to ask. After a brief walk, I spotted a group of women walking together.

"Excuse me, ma'am," I approached them with a friendly smile. One of the women returned the smile and nodded, "Yes, how can I help you?"

I handed her the piece of paper with the address. She examined it for a moment.

"Ah, that's the villa up the hill. It's still a bit of a drive," she said, pointing further up the road.

"So, we need to keep going uphill?" I asked to confirm.

"Yes, quite a bit further. Just stay on this main road—don't take any turns, or you might get lost. Eventually, you'll see a monument; after that, there's a turn leading to a cluster of holiday villas."

I thanked the women and made my way back to the car.

Toni, who had been waiting while listening to music, quickly got ready to drive again. "So, is this the right area?"

"Yes, we're on the right track. We just need to follow this main road a bit further. After a monument up ahead, there'll be a turn leading to the address."

"Got it, sir. Please fasten your seatbelt," Toni said with a smile as he started driving again.

I was eager to reach the address, hoping this lead would finally yield results.

Finding Sylvia wasn't just about giving a help for El, it was also for my mother. If I could locate Sylvia before my father did, it could work to my advantage. I hoped for a smooth resolution to this matter.

***