The Alchemists

Nicolae returned to Bercy Park and invited Summer to sit on a bench while observing their surroundings. He wanted the child to remember the place she used to play with her mother or nanny without forcing her too much.

Unfortunately, Summer did not recognize the area they were in, and the second day's search failed desperately. Nicolae carried a sleepy Summer and leaned her head on his shoulder while opening a map of Paris and trying to find out if there were any other Bercy Parks besides the one they were visiting now.

There was another park with the same name, but it was too remote on the outskirts of the city. Was it possible that they went to the wrong place? He contacted Mischa to ensure that they were in the right park.

"Yes, that's the Bercy Park you are in now," said Mischa. "The criminal gave this address. You're not mistaken."

"Hm ... thank you. Summer did not recognize the places we passed around here. This park was indeed very big. I will try again. Thank you," Nicolae said. He hung up the phone and stroked Summer's hair. He was feeling restless.

What if they can't find a place that Summer recognized? It seemed he would be forced to make a public notice to find Summer's family.

However, he must be ready to risk that anyone who wanted to kidnap Summer would know that the child was in his hands.

He could hide his identity and location, but he still must be careful, considering that he didn't only need to protect himself but also the kids. There was Summer, and of course, his two children who happened to be in Paris.

Nicolae decided to try one last time tomorrow. If Summer still didn't remember any familiar location, he would place an ad on the billboard to look for the child's parents.

Nicolae returned to the penthouse, feeling tired. The fatigue he felt was not due to walking around the huge park and the streets around the area while occasionally holding Summer who was not strong enough to walk for long, but because of this uncertainty.

He was feeling tense knowing that a group of criminals was looking for this little girl. Who were those people, and why did they want her?

After that, he would join the George Washington High School students who would continue their study trip to Bordeaux. Five days later, after Altair and Vega returned to America, he would go on an adventure with Terry.

***

"Hmm ... well, Summer. This is the last day. We will try to go along some of the small paths near Bercy Park that we didn't pass yesterday," Nicolae told Summer in the morning.

He and Summer went to Bercy Park again. They deliberately left early because he had to get ready to leave for Bordeaux in the afternoon. If he did not find a clue, he would be forced to bring Summer along with him. He did not want to bother Marion and JM to watch over this kid.

Today's weather was very sunny, and the scenery around them looked so beautiful. Flowers of the summer still bloomed in full colors, and so many rabbits and squirrels came out of their burrows and nests to enjoy the sunshine. The little girl happily chased some rabbits and butterflies along the way.

"Koi loves chasing rabbits, Uncle Nic," Summer said in her cheerful little voice. "Koi and I were also chasing rabbits when the bad guys came and... uhm .."

Nicolae saw the little girl pursing her tiny lips and her eyes seemed to be filled with fear.

He hurriedly knelt and embraced Summer. "Ssh ... don't think about it. Let's just count the flowers. We'll find how many blue flowers are on this left side. Okay?"

Summer hugged the man's neck and suddenly cried. "I want my mom ... I want to see Koi too ..."

Nicolae was astonished. For the past few days, Summer had not wept and seemed steadfastly waiting for Nicolae to find her parents. But after four days, finally, this child's defense collapsed as well.

They had come to the park three times since Nicolae thought it close to Summer's house. However, until now, the child still had not managed to remember a single path or clue that could help Nicolae find her home.

"Don't worry, I will find your mother. Summer, be patient." Nicolae carried Summer and patted her back. "How about we eat waffles at the cafe over there. Do you want a waffle?"

Summer did not reply. She only nodded weakly. Nicolae then carried Summer and took her to a small waffle shop that sold a variety of breakfast dishes and coffee. He went inside, looked for the most secluded table, and sat Summer on his l.a.p.

"Do you want waffles or pancakes?" Nicolae asked. "They have waffles with ice cream here."

Summer raised her face slightly and, with a still sad expression, pointed at the waffle with vanilla ice cream.

"All right. I also like vanilla waffles and ice cream." Nicolae called the waiter and ordered breakfast for him and Summer. "We want two vanilla waffles and ice cream, and orange juice and a cup of cappuccino."

"Yes, Sir." The waiter took their order and repeated it to make sure she wasn't mistaken. "Two vanilla waffles and ice cream and ..."

Her words stopped as she watched Nicolae take off the wide hat that covered Summer's head and carefully tidied her hair.

"Ah ... good morning. Summer, right? Now you're coming with Dad? Where is your mother?" the waiter asked kindly.

Nicolae, who was braiding Summer's hair, instantly looked up in surprise. He looked at the waiter with a pair of big round eyes.

"Do you know Summer?" he asked quickly.

The waiter nodded, then shook her head. "Ahh .. sorry, I don't actually KNOW Summer. I know your wife, Sir. She once brought Summer here, but Summer was sleeping. We talked a lot. She also ordered a waffle with vanilla ice cream. Haha .. apparently, you and your family all have the same favorite. Waffle with vanilla ice cream."

Nicolae was stunned. Gosh .. they must be close! Summer was brought by her mother to this shop. This means their house was not far from here.