The Alchemists

"I have no other choice, I have to take her to the police station to check the missing child reports," Nicolae told Marion. "If there isn't any, I will let them make an announcement about the child."

"Hmm ... you said, you found this child held captive on the boat? While you go to the police station, I would look for the scoundrels and extract information," Marion told him.

"Oh, you're right. I almost forgot those assholes," Nicolae agreed. "Sorry, to trouble you."

"No problem. After I take Jean-Marie to meet her agency this afternoon, I will stop by and look for the boat."

"Oh, by the way... I took a picture of them," Nicolae took out his cellphone and sent two photos of the criminals he took yesterday to Marion's phone. "You must not beat up the wrong persons."

Marion just chuckled. "Then, I'll take my leave. Summer dear, Auntie will have to go now. We will meet again tonight, okay?"

Summer nodded and waved at Marion, who excused herself from the penthouse. Nicolae then put on Summer's shoes and invited her to go to the police station.

On the way there, he repeatedly asked Summer questions to ensure that the child did not experience severe trauma due to being held captive by criminals. But after he heard the little girls' description, Nicolae finally breathed a sigh of relief. Apparently, Summer had not been held captive for a long time. The girl said that she was still walking in the park with her dog the day before.

"Did they kidnap you up at the park?" Nicolae asked, trying to investigate what had happened.

Summer shook her head again. "I don't remember, Uncle Nic."

"Oh ... it's fine then." Nicolae then tried to distract Summer from horrible experience and asked about her dog. "What's your dog's name?"

"My dog's name is Koi," Summer said, her face started to brighten. She looked very happy when she remembered about her dog. "Koi is very good at finding mushrooms. We often search for mushrooms in the park."

"Oh ... really? That's great ..." Nicolae praised her sincerely. "Do you often go to the park with your mother and father?"

Summer shook her head. "I don't have a father."

"Oh ..." Nicolae was stunned by the little girl's answer. He suspected that Summer's father and mother had separated, or her father had died. "I'm sorry to hear that."

They arrived at the police station before lunchtime. They were immediately served by a female officer who received Nicolae's report efficiently.

She examined all reports of missing children and made sure no reports filed by parents who lost a child with characteristics that fit Summer's profile. She then immediately made a report on the missing child found. When she was about to take a photo of Summer so she could pass it on the internet, Nicolae suddenly thought of something and tried to prevent it.

"Uhm ... can we make a report of a missing child without photos?" asked the young man. He remembered that Summer's parent seemed to be trying hard to protect their daughter's privacy. They never let her get caught on camera in public places.

Of course, she must have her own reasons. If Summer's face was plastered everywhere, maybe it would not be good for her safety.

"How can we make a report on a missing child being found without her picture?" asked Officer Garby in astonishment. "It would be very difficult."

"What if you mention her physical characteristics in the report?" Nicolae asked. He then turned to Summer. "Honey ... do you want us to find your mother?"

Summer nodded eagerly. "Yes, Uncle Nic.. I really miss Maman ..."

His eyes began to moisten with tears.

"Well ... okay. You told me you don't know your mother's name, but do you know your full name? We need your full name, so your mother can know that you are with me. She will contact the police, and later the police will pass her contact to me."

Summer nodded happily. She can't wait to see her mother again soon.

"My name is Nikita Summer Sorin. Maman always calls my full name when I'm naughty," Summer said with a smile, showing off her dimples. "And I'm often naughty ..."

Nicolae just laughed at Summer's innocent words. Ah, aren't all children naughty at this age? he thought in amus.e.m.e.nt.

But a moment later, his brow furrowed.

What was her name again?

"Your name is quite long, Beautiful Child. Can you repeat it again so that I can write it down properly?" Before he could ask questions, the officer had asked Summer the same question.

Summer nodded and cited her full name, this time slowly. "My name is ... Nikita. Summer. Sorin."

Nicolae was stunned when he heard Summer's full name. This was a strange coincidence, right? A freaky coincidence!

Nikita's name sounded very similar to his own name, while Sorin was his middle name.

Nikita Summer Sorin.

Ah ... not just his middle name ... he actually used the name Sorin as his last name when he was still a student in Singapore.

*** 

Nicolae remained silent all the way back to the Nobel Hotel. Summer, who saw the change in his attitude, could only frown in confusion.

"Uncle ... are you mad at me?" asked Summer in her adorable voice.

Nicolae was immediately moved from his reverie and looked at Summer seated next to him in the taxi. He looked at the child deeply, and he put a sweet smile on his face.

"Not at all. I am just thinking about something," Nicolae said. He then realized that his silence had made Summer feel uneasy. Therefore, to break the ice, he decided to take the little girl to eat something sweet. "Do you like ice cream? Want to stop by the ice cream shop and then go for a walk?"

The blisters on Summer's hands and feet had healed completely, and now the little girl looked fine. Her peach eyes stared at Nicolae with a sparkling glow as she nodded happily.

"Yessss... !!"