The Past We Left Behind

“So you and she are already on the yacht? That's great, Adam..” Rebecca was talking on her cell phone. Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he heard Adam's name and his teeth clenched in anger.

"I knew it, Adam is connected to this." He muttered to himself as he tried his best to calm down. This was not the moment for negative emotions to overcome him. Focusing back on their conversation, he took his cell phone out of his pocket and began recording what he heard. On the other end of the line with Rebecca, Adam's muffled voice said, "Yes, everything is going according to plan. I feel a little guilty that I had to take her on the yacht against her will, but when your part of the plan works, when you seduce Ethan, Abigail will realize that I'm her only option and she will forgive me.”

Ethan's hands were shaking slightly as he recorded the conversation. Rage welled up inside him as he realized he was right. Abigail did not write that letter, and her disappearance was not of her own volition. He knew Rebecca and Adam were up to anything, but this was too much even for them. His mind raced as he thought of what to do, he knew he couldn't let them succeed in their twisted game. The conversation between Rebecca and Adam came to an end, and Ethan paused the recording and took a deep breath, preparing for the confrontation ahead of him. He pocketed the phone, making sure the incriminating evidence remained safe, then started back towards the bed, his mind buzzing with anger and determination. Just as he sat down, Rebecca came back from the room and put the smile back on her face. "Here I am, I hope you didn't wait long for me. Where did we stop?"

"Rebecca." Ethan began in a steady voice with a hint of anger in it. "We need to have a serious talk. No more games, I know the truth and I will not let you and Adam succeed in your twisted game."

Rebecca's eyes widened slightly and a hint of panic flashed across her face before she pulled herself together, regaining her composure. "What are you talking about, Ethan? What game?" She answered him with a forced innocence that only fueled Ethan's determination. Looking at her unwaveringly and resolutely, he continued, “Don't play dumb, Rebecca. I heard your conversation with Adam. I know the truth about Abigail's disappearance."

Rebecca's facade wavered for a moment, a hint of panic crossing her face before she regained control. "You're wrong, Ethan. It's not what you think." She protested in a voice tinged with despair. But Ethan was not swayed. He reached into his pocket, took out his phone and pressed play, letting the conversation he recorded fill the room. As the words echoed through the air, Rebecca's face grew paler and her feigned innocence vanished from her face.

"Now, Rebecca, you have two choices. Or you will tell me what yacht they are on and where they are going and maybe I can arrange for you to get the least possible sentence, or you and Adam both end up in prison for many years. The choice is yours." Ethan said in a firm voice. Rebecca's eyes darted back and forth as the weight of the evidence and Ethan's unwavering determination bore down on her. It seemed as if she was considering her options, as if looking for a way out of the impending consequences. After a tense silence, she finally let out a breath and said, her voice full of defiance and bitterness, "Okay, Ethan, you win. I'll tell you where they are."

"Good." Ethan replied in a firm voice. "Tell me everything. Don't withhold anything."

Rebecca hesitated for a moment, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of emotions. It was clear that she was struggling with her decision, torn between revealing the truth or staying true to Adam. She finally took a deep breath and began to reveal the information Ethan was desperate for, "They're on a yacht called 'The Serenity'. It's Adam's yacht. They're probably halfway to Growtown now."

Ethan's heart sank at Rebecca's words. Growtown was a remote coastal town known for its secluded beaches and rocky cliffs. Time was slipping away and he had to act quickly if he wanted to catch up with them. He turned and took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Turning to Rebecca, he looked at her seriously, then took her wrist.

"You, you're coming with me." He said, aware that if he left her here alone, she might report everything to Adam. Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise and fear as Ethan grabbed her wrist. She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened, emphasizing the seriousness of his words.

"What? No, I can't go with you!" She protested with a trembling voice. "Adam will kill me if he finds out I helped you."

Ethan's expression hardened as he met her gaze. "You should have thought about that before you teamed up with him. But don't worry, you won't be harmed. Adam won't even touch you, I promise."

Rebecca's fear was evident as her eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape route. Ethan continued, “You are as guilty as Adam. If you want to save yourself and redeem yourself, you have to cooperate. You have no choice.”

Rebecca's shoulders slumped. She knew Ethan was right. By helping Adam, she sealed her fate. Whatever happens in the end, her only hope of getting out now is to cooperate. Taking a deep breath, she nodded to Ethan.

"Let's go, we have to act fast." Ethan said in a firm voice and then headed for the door, dragging Rebecca with him. They stepped out into the dimly lit corridor, their footsteps echoing as they hurried towards the hotel exit.

Once they were outside in the street, the night air hit them with a cold breeze. Ethan flagged down a passing taxi and they quickly settled into its back seat.

"To the police station." Ethan instructed the driver in a calm but urgent voice. As the taxi sped through the streets, Ethan stared out the window, his thoughts filled with worry.

"All will be well." He spoke to himself, trying to minimize his worry about Abigail. Beside him, Rebecca sat in silence, her eyes fixed on her trembling hands. Unlike Ethan, who only cared about Abigail's well-being, Rebecca only cared about herself and her future.

The taxi eventually arrived at their destination and brought them into the heart of the city. Ethan and Rebecca got out of the car and stepped onto the quiet street, their eyes directed towards the police station that stood imposingly in front of them. Ethan looked at Rebecca and said, "Let's go."

She nodded and followed Ethan, whose eyes were staring hopefully at the police station, the only place that could help him now.