The Search

A chauffeur took the wheel. The ride was completed in silence. When the car pulled up outside a hotel, a woman and a boy rushed down the steps to me, both weeping. ‘Is this her?’ the woman asked Kingsley, who nodded. I almost jumped when she knelt in front of me. ‘What is this?’ ‘This is the boy Kieran saved,’ Kingsley said, gesturing to the little boy who stood helplessly by as the woman knocked her head to the ground repeatedly. ‘Thank you for saving my boy’s life,’ she sobbed. ‘I’m sorry.’ I was at a loss for what to do. I wasn’t the one who saved her boy’s life. Kingsley whispered something to the chauffeur, who helped the woman up and led her away, with the kid in tow. Kingsley walked right past the check-in desk and brought me up to a room. I spotted Kieran’s suitcase the moment I entered. I packed it for him before the trip. His wallet and phone were on a low glass table next to an armchair. I picked up the wallet. There was a picture of me and Kieran in it, damaged by water. My