Paying The Price

"Wayne, Diana is in New York!" Leon informed Wayne in panic.

Wayne had an aura that was darker than usual, his face was dull with deep blue eyes that had black circles around them. It was obvious he was lacking sleep. The temperature around him was almost freezing, nobody dared to go close to him not to mention talking to him.

The people in the room looked worst, they were not only lacking sleep but also scared to death.

All their search led to a dead end, no matter how hard they tried, Pearl couldn't be traced. As the time passed by, it was like their death was by the door.

'The girl should be found and well.' Was all they wished for.

They weren't oblivious to Wayne's statues, their lives could be taken away with just a word from him. If he strikes now even the government would be able to stop him.

As if things weren't bad enough, Leon had to come with bad news.

"Why is she here?" Although Wayne said it without any expression, faint anxiety could be detected in his cold voice.

"I don't know, but while watching the surveillance outside the airport, I saw her walk out from the airport. She looked like she was in a haste. She must know something." Leon explained.

Did she know what happened to Pearl or was she just checking on her?

Maybe instinct altered her that something was wrong.

But why didn't she call to ask about their location?

Wayne couldn't figure out why she was here. After much contemplation, he asked "Where's she headed?"

"She hailed a taxi to Benton Hotel."

With that, Wayne got up to leave and Leon followed him sheepishly.

In Benton Hotel, Diana walked to the receptionist requesting to visit room 801. The receptionist received a confirmation before directing Diana to the location where Madame Alice lounged.

Diana had her heart in her hand before ringing the doorbell.

A butler answered the door.

She quickly introduced herself to him, then he ushered her in.

The suit was presidential, it's theme colour was gold fit for a queen. It's interiors would make jaws drop but Diana was only concerned about her daughter that she didn't spare the magnificent suit a second glance.

"Mummy." A familiar sweet voice eased her heart.

"Oh sugar." Diana bent down to hug her little world.

"I missed you mummy."

"I missed you too." Diana slowly pulled out from the warm embrace, she studied her daughter who had some bruises on her. Pearl looked well taken care of with new clothes and her hair braided neatly.

Diana stood up and thanked Alice with all her heart. Alice insisted they stay for the night by Diana didn't want to burden her further so she declined respectfully.

Alice would miss the little bundle of joy so much but she had to let go. She hugged and kissed Pearl, gave Diana some money with much persuasion and gave them the gifts she bought for Pearl before reluctantly sending them off.