When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 28: Search for Zinnia - Part 2

Chapter 28: Search for Zinnia - Part 2

Samuel’s breath caught in his throat as Timmy’s words sank in. They were nearby. His eyes darted around the dimly lit construction site, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The eerie silence pressed down on him, amplifying every fear and thought running through his head.

"Timmy," Samuel’s voice was tight with tension, "I’m at the construction site. Zinnia’s phone is here, but she’s not. Someone’s messing with me. Can you track my location and send help?"

"I’m on it," Timmy replied, the sound of rapid typing coming through the phone. "Stay on the line. I’ll get backup to your location as soon as possible."

But Samuel couldn’t just stand still and wait. Every second felt like an eternity, and the thought of Zinnia being somewhere—possibly hurt—filled him with a dread he couldn’t shake. He couldn’t be passive. He had to act.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, but his heart was pounding too hard, too fast. "Zinnia," he whispered to himself, "where are you?"

Clutching her phone tightly, he ventured deeper into the construction site, his steps quick and determined. The gravel crunched loudly under his shoes, the sound too sharp in the quiet night. Every sense was on high alert, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of her or anyone else.

I’m getting closer.

The wind rustled through the unfinished buildings, making everything feel even more unsettling. It was as if the site itself was mocking him, daring him to keep going. His thoughts raced. Was Zinnia hurt? Had someone taken her?

His phone buzzed again. Samuel stopped, a knot forming in his stomach. He glanced down at the screen, bracing himself for what he might see.

"Keep going. She’s waiting."

His blood ran cold. His hand shook as he stared at the message. Whoever was behind this was toying with him, knowing his every move.

He gritted his teeth, his anger rising alongside his fear. Without wasting another second, Samuel pressed forward, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. He couldn’t let this person win. He couldn’t lose Zinnia.

"Sir, are you still there?" Timmy’s voice broke through the silence, grounding him for a moment.

"Yeah," Samuel muttered, barely able to focus. "But whoever’s doing this... they’re close, Timmy. They’re sending me messages, leading me somewhere."

"I’m tracking your location," Timmy said quickly. "The police are on their way. Sir, just stay focused and don’t take any unnecessary risks. We’ll find her."

Samuel didn’t respond. He was too focused, too determined. He had to find Zinnia. He reached an area where piles of construction materials lay scattered—steel beams, cement bags, wooden planks. It was the perfect place for someone to hide.

Moving cautiously, he scanned every direction, his grip on Zinnia’s phone tightening. The soft glow from the screen was his only light, casting long shadows across the ground.

Then, in the distance, he saw a faint light. His heart leapt in his chest. Could it be her?

He approached slowly, holding his breath, straining to make out what was ahead. The light flickered, like a phone screen left on. As he got closer, his hope crumbled. It wasn’t Zinnia. It was another phone, propped up against a steel beam.

His heart sank. It was another trap.

Kneeling down, Samuel picked up the phone with trembling hands. It was a burner phone, just like Timmy had described. One message blinked on the screen.

"You’re too late."

Ice flooded his veins. Too late? Too late for what?

Panic clawed at him as his mind raced. He looked around frantically, as if Zinnia might appear any second. But there was nothing—just the cold, empty site.

In the distance, the sound of sirens pierced the air, growing louder. The authorities were finally arriving.

"Timmy, the police are here," Samuel said, standing and pacing back toward the entrance. His voice trembled, the tension unbearable.

"Good," Timmy replied. "Sir, let them handle it. Don’t put yourself in danger."

But Samuel wasn’t going to leave. "I’m not leaving until I find her."

He hung up, shoving both phones into his pocket. His determination hardened. He wasn’t walking away. He couldn’t. Not when Zinnia’s life was on the line.

As the flashing blue and red lights filled the parking lot, Samuel’s mind fixated on the message. You’re too late.

Too late for what?

The question pounded in his head as police cars screeched to a stop and officers jumped out, weapons drawn.

"Mr. Lucas?" one of the officers called, approaching cautiously. "We got a call about a missing person."

"Yes," Samuel’s voice was tight, his hands clenching into fists. "Zinnia. She’s my fiancée. Her phone is here, but she’s gone."

The officer nodded, signaling for his team to spread out and search the site. "We’ll find her. Stay close, and don’t go off on your own."

But waiting felt impossible. Every passing second felt like a lifetime, and the words from the messages hammered in his mind. He was too late.

The search dragged on. Samuel followed the officers, his eyes darting everywhere, desperate for any clue, any sign of her. Fear gnawed at him, but he wouldn’t give up. Not now. Not ever.

Then, just when it felt like the night would never end, one of the officers shouted, "Over here!"

Samuel’s heart slammed into his chest. He sprinted toward the sound, his breath shallow, fear and hope battling inside him. As he rounded the corner, he saw the officer standing over someone.

Zinnia.

She lay on the ground, pale and still, but she was breathing. Relief hit him so hard he almost fell to his knees.

"Zinnia!" Samuel dropped beside her, gently cradling her face. "Zinnia, wake up. Please."

The officer checked her pulse. "She’s alive, but we need to get her to the hospital. Looks like she’s been drugged."

Relief and anger surged inside Samuel. She was alive. But who had done this? Why?

The paramedics arrived moments later, quickly loading her onto a stretcher. Samuel stayed close, never letting go of her hand. He couldn’t let go. He wouldn’t lose her again.

He climbed into the ambulance with her, refusing to leave her side. As the vehicle sped away, sirens blaring, Samuel’s eyes stayed locked on Zinnia’s still form.

"I’m here, Zinnia," he whispered, squeezing her hand. "I’m not going anywhere."

But as they raced toward the hospital, only one thought filled his mind.

Whoever did this was going to pay. And Samuel wouldn’t stop until he found them.