Hazel maintained her composure in the days that followed, carefully planning her next move while keeping a watchful eye on Francisco. Like a tigress waiting for her next prey, she bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Meanwhile, in a stall where Hazel had placed her last call to Alex, a sense of urgency hung heavy in the air as Robert and Adam arrived on the scene. Their presence drew the attention of a sweet-faced girl working in the shop.
"How can I help you?" the girl asked politely.
Robert glanced around the store before focusing his gaze on the girl.
"Are you Petra?" he inquired, his voice laced with authority.
The girl's expression shifted suddenly, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes as she shook her head.
"No," she replied quickly, her voice trembling slightly.
Adam stepped forward, his tone urgent as he addressed the girl.
"We are the FBI, and it's urgent," he explained.
"Where is she?" Robert demanded, his voice firm as he sought answers.
The girl hesitated for a moment before responding, "Wait a minute."
With that, she turned and hurried away from them, her actions betraying a sense of apprehension.
Adam and Robert waited patiently as the girl disappeared momentarily, only to return accompanied by another figure. It was Petra, the person they had been seeking.
"Hello, I am Petra," she greeted them, her voice tinged with curiosity as she addressed the two men.
Robert exchanged a glance with Adam, silently conveying their intention to speak privately with Petra. Understanding their unspoken request, the other girl excused herself and left them alone.
Once they were alone, Robert wasted no time in getting to the point.
"Four days ago, someone called the police station from your number, asking for help. Was that you?" he inquired, his voice firm and authoritative.
Petra's face paled at the mention of the call, her eyes widening in shock as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"What are you saying, sir?" she replied, her voice trembling slightly with apprehension.
Adam intervened, showing Petra the number in question.
"Is this your number?" he asked, his tone unwavering as he sought clarification.
Petra's denial was swift and clear.
"No, I mean it's my grandma's number. It's not mine," she insisted, her words laced with a hint of panic.
Adam and Robert exchanged a meaningful glance, their suspicions growing stronger with each passing moment. Petra's sudden hyperactive response only added fuel to their doubts.
"Are you saying it was all a mistake?" Robert questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief as he confronted Petra.
Petra's attempts to deflect the accusations fell on deaf ears as Robert pressed on.
"No, she specifically asked for help," he insisted, his tone unwavering.
The gravity of the situation began to sink in on Petra as she realized the severity of the accusations against her.
"No, it can't be," she protested, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and denial.
Adam stepped forward, his expression grave, as he addressed Petra.
"We need to meet your grandmother and get to the bottom of this," he stated firmly, his resolve unwavering.
The prospect of facing her grandmother filled Petra with dread, knowing that the truth would soon come to light.
"No, please," she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.
"She didn't say anything. I was there with her."
As Petra attempted to walk away, Adam and Robert remained steadfast, their determination unyielding.
"We have the voice record, Ms. Now come with us," Adam asserted, the weight of their evidence undeniable.
Panicked, Petra pleaded with them, her voice filled with desperation.
"No, this is wrong. You guys can't do this to me," she protested, her fear palpable in the air.
Robert leaned in closer, his voice a mere whisper as he sought the truth.
"Tell me the truth," he urged, his words carrying a hint of compassion.
"If we take you from here, it will be difficult for you to return and arrange money for your grandmother's treatment."
Petra's resolve wavered as she lowered her gaze, the weight of the situation bearing down on her. Suddenly, the manager of the store appeared, drawn by the commotion.
"What is happening here?" he inquired, his gaze shifting between Petra and the two men standing before him.
Then he looked at Robert and Adam and asked, "Who are they, Petra?"
Before she could respond, Adam interjected smoothly, fabricating a story to allay any suspicions.
"Don't worry, sir, we are just her friends catching up after a long time," he reassured, though his words failed to convince the manager completely.
The manager's skepticism was evident as he gave Robert a discerning look, noting the age gap between him and Petra.
He said, "Okay, but please finish the talks quickly."
"We have tons of work."
Despite his doubts, he acquiesced, urging them to conclude their discussion swiftly due to the shop's pressing workload.
As the manager departed, Robert wasted no time in pressing Petra for answers.
"Now tell us what happened on that day," he demanded, his tone firm yet compassionate.
Petra took a deep breath and said, "A girl…."
She started saying everything about that day.
"He gave me a new phone and money. He even helped me to give the bill for the hospital," Petra said.
Petra's voice quivered as she recounted the events of that day, her words laced with a mixture of guilt and uncertainty. She divulged how a mysterious man had provided her with a new phone and financial assistance, even assisting with the hospital bills.
"I thought that girl was not kidnapped and knew that man, so I did not try to help her either."
Adam's expression remained composed as he showed Petra a picture, seeking confirmation. "Is that her?" he inquired.
Petra nodded solemnly, her gaze fixed on the photo.
"Yes, she is."
Adam and Robert exchanged a significant glance, silently communicating their shared concern. Without wasting time, they exited the store, a sense of urgency propelling their movements.
"She is here with him, I guess," Adam remarked confidently as they stepped onto the bustling street.
Robert's jaw tensed in determination.
"Yes, Adam. We need to find her here quickly."