By the time I reached the kitchen, my footsteps had already quickened.
"Maria."
She turned around immediately.
"Do you need anything, sir?"
"Are you sure Alicia didn't leave the room?"
Maria blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"She's not upstairs."
The color drained from her face.
"What?"
I stared at her.
"Did anyone come while I was away?"
She quickly shook her head.
"No, sir. No one came."
"Think carefully."
Maria's expression turned nervous.
"I served her lunch myself. After that, I went to the laundry room. I didn't see anyone enter the house."
A strange chill crawled up my spine.
Without another word, I turned and searched the first floor again.
The guest rooms.
The reading lounge.
The indoor garden.
Nothing.
No sign of Alicia anywhere.
My breathing became heavier.
I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.
The call failed immediately.
The phone you are trying to reach is currently unavailable.
I called again.
The same result.
A third time.
