I entered a small souvenir shop. I wasn’t really sure where I was. I bought a map, a novelty pen, a lighter and a novelty pocket knife, because well, it was cool!

I took some time to circle possible areas where Marcus might hide Wendy, but I soon realized I was losing time. He could have her in a basement somewhere! Frustrated, I threw the map away.

I kicked an empty water bottle up the street. It hit a tall dark man. “Sorry!” I called out.

“Hey! Whatch’ doin?” he frowned at me and seemed a little slow.

“I said sorry.” I repeated innocently.

“Why ya kickin’ trash?”
“I’m upset, okay! Why you ask so many questions?!”
“You lost? You threw away a map.”
“No.” I lied. It must have sounded sarcastic.
“Name’s Turk. What’s yours?”
“Charlie.” I sighed. “Well, bye Turk.”
“Wait. I got somethin’ to show ya.”

I followed Turk around the corner and was knocked to the ground. A sharp second blow to the ribs knocked the wind from me. I was hefted into a van.

“That him?” I skinny man nasily asked.
“Yeah.” said Turk.