Stanton Box Set

Cameron points the remote at the television and it goes dead. I drop to a seat on the lounge in shock. I sit still as I stare into space. This can’t be happening.

“The police are doing everything that they can, Josh,” Adrian says softly. “There have been foot patrols and choppers. Everyone has been looking everywhere. A clue is going to turn up and then we will be able to piece together what happened.”

“Check the emails again,” Cameron says to Adrian and he nods and rises to check the computers.

The vision of Natasha smiling and laughing fills my thoughts and I drop my head into my hands.

“I’m going to find her.” I stand with renewed vigour.

“Sit down,” Cameron snaps. “It’s not safe out there and photographers are everywhere waiting to get a shot of you. You need to be here and contactable in case someone produces a ransom note.”

I dro

p to my seat, defeated. “I can’t just sit here and wait like a stale bottle of piss. Natasha needs me,” I yell.

Bridget stands and heads over to the window and stares out at the view. “Please be safe, Tash,” she says in a monotone.

The room falls silent.

Please, Natasha, come back to me.

It’s 3 am and everyone is in their beds trying to sleep. I can’t lie down. I have been pacing back and forth in my room for four hours. It’s raining outside. She may be in the cold. What if she has a headache? She has no medication on her. I dry-retch in the toilet for the tenth time in an hour. I need to stay strong. I look out the window at the street below. The police cars have all gone… everyone is gone. The reporters, the news channels… Natasha.

My beautiful Natasha, where is she? Where are you, baby? Who has you? I can’t stay here. I can’t just sit here and wait. I’m going crazy. I pull on my runners and a tracksuit and pull my hoodie over my head.

I’m coming, my love. I’m coming to find you.

Adrian

I am just dozing off when my phone rings. It’s 4 am. I pick it up. It’s Ben.

“Is Stan with you?” he snaps.

“No, why?” My eyes widen in fear.

“He’s not in his room.”

“Shit.” I jump up immediately and turn the light on as someone pounds on the door.

“Who is it?” I yell, half-frightened.

“Me, you fucking idiot, who do you think!” Cameron snaps.

I open the door in a rush.

Cameron screws up his face. “Put your junk away.”

I shake my head as I quickly pull up my pants.

“Where is he?” I ask.

“I don’t know but we have to find him. He’s not fucking thinking straight. God knows what he will do,” Cameron mutters.

“Fuck,” I sigh as I grab my shoes. We run out into the corridor and toward the lift where Ben is waiting.

“My god, I’m getting worried,” I whisper as we drive down the one-way street. Cameron, Ben and I have been driving around for two hours looking for Joshua. Our eyes all scan the pavement. He’s not answering his phone.

“Where are you, fucker?” Cameron snaps. “I can’t handle this shit. I can’t handle not knowing where the fuck anyone is!” Cameron yells.