FORGOTTEN TILES

The city glittered under a blanket of evening fog, and the towering silhouette of the Gold Foundation stood tall at the heart of Northwood. Inside, the halls were alive with the sounds of soft jazz, clinking glasses, and polite laughter as the annual Gold Charity Gala unfolded with its usual opulence. But not everyone attending the gala had come to celebrate. In the shadows of the underground parking lot, a black utility van idled quietly, nestled behind a row of service vehicles. Inside, two men sat, eyes trained on the exit doors. “She’s just a kid,” the driver muttered, wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans. “Ten years old. Daughter of the most powerful man in Northwood. You know what that makes her?” the other man replied, voice like gravel. “Insurance.” “I don’t like it. Feels wrong.” “Don’t grow a conscience now. We’re already in it.” --- Alice Gold stood at the side hallway entrance of the ballroom, her hand tightly gripping the edge of her pale pink satin dress. Her long brown hair was pinned in soft curls, and a silver butterfly clip sparkled above her ear. She looked every bit the princess her parents adored, but the twinkle in her eyes came from something deeper: excitement. Tomorrow was her birthday. Her eleventh. She had plans—she’d made a list. Her mother, Amelia, had promised cupcakes with rose-petal frosting. Her father had hinted at a surprise that included horses. Alice was sure it would be perfect. She turned to her bodyguard. “Can I go wait by the car now?” The guard hesitated. “We should wait for your father.” “He’s still talking to the mayor. I promise I’ll stay right outside. Please?” The man relented. “Fine. Just stay where I can see you.” She nodded eagerly and skipped toward the back corridor. --- The kidnappers saw her before the guard did. One moved to intercept, dressed as a catering staff with a tray in hand. “Miss Gold?” he said smoothly. “Your father asked that I escort you to the car. Said the driver’s waiting.” Alice blinked. “Really?” “Really. Right this way.” She followed, hesitant but curious. As they turned a corner, the corridor darkened. Something sharp jabbed her arm. A sting. A flash of pain. Her legs wobbled. She tried to scream. But the world tilted, and everything faded to black. --- By the time the security guard realized she was gone, the catering staff had vanished and the van was already halfway across the bridge. --- Inside the van, Alice stirred. Her vision was foggy. Her head ached. “Where… where am I?” she whispered. The taller man turned around. “She’s waking up.” “Give her another dose—” “No,” the driver interrupted. “She’s just a child. Leave her.” Alice sat up slowly, trembling. “I want my mom.” “You’ll be with her soon,” the other man lied. “Close your eyes.” But Alice didn’t close her eyes. She watched. She memorized. The buttons on the van's dash. The shape of the steering wheel. The scar above the driver’s right eyebrow. Her father had always told her: If you’re ever in trouble, look, listen, remember. And she was remembering. --- Back at the gala, Amelia Gold was in full panic. Her daughter’s absence had set off alarms. The security team was scrambled. The cameras reviewed. Her father, Richard Gold, stood silent with clenched fists, fury etched into his features. “Find her,” he growled. “Now.” --- The van drove deeper into the rural roads outside Northwood, headlights cutting through the mist. The men argued in hushed tones. “We weren’t supposed to take her tonight.” “They moved the schedule up. We had to act.” “She’s a child, man.” “A child with a billion-dollar name.” Alice leaned her head back against the cold panel and closed her eyes. But her mind raced. Tomorrow was supposed to be my birthday. I was supposed to ride horses. I just want to go home. Her lips trembled, but she didn’t cry. Not yet. She would save her tears for when it was safe to fall apart. ---