Chapter 18

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Rian was sat on the edge of the hotel bed, scrolling through twitter, before he stumbled across Zack's twitter account.

"Hey guys" Rian said. "Zack tweeted this out, look certain letters are bold"

"Happy easter to everyone hope you're all enjoying yourself and have an impeccable day. Remember I love you all"

Jack grabbed a piece of paper as he wrote the letters down highlighted in bold. "Shit" Jack said "he tweeted that in April" Jack whispered. "That was last month- he asked for help a month ago" he said weakly.

Alex groaned as he fell backwards on the bed, tears falling down his face and leaving a wet patch on the sheets. "how could we be so stupid!" He said anger in his voice.

"We'll fine him Lex" Jack said "and we will save him" he said confidently.

***

The trio had no look finding Zack the following month. They had given up entirely, the last day of their search, they explored further down the country to avail. Deciding to have one good day the trio went to a local club.

Jack looked at the two dancing on the floor and smiled, happy that Alex was finally enjoying himself and letting loose, even if it was with the help of alcohol.

As the music thumped in the club, Rian noticed a familiar face in the crowd. He squinted, trying to confirm his suspicions. "Guys, isn't that Zack over there?" he exclaimed, tapping Alex and Jack on the shoulder.

The trio exchanged surprised glances before making their way through the dancing crowd. As they approached, Zack turned, a mixture of shock and relief washing over his face.

"Zack!" Alex exclaimed, wrapping him in a tight hug. "We've been searching everywhere for you."

Zack flinched slightly but hugged Alex tightly as he looked around. "Get me out of the country" Zack whispered.

Alex nodded as he pulled away from the embrace, and grabbed Zack's hand, as he pulled Zack out of the club, Jack and Rian following. "Where's the nearest airport?" Jack asked

"Airports to risky" Zack whispered "there's a ferry leaving at 11:45pm, I have passport and tickets"

"How'd you get out?" Jack questioned, "are you hurt? Do you nee any medical care?" Jack questioned.

"I'll explain on the boat" Zack said as he produced enough tickets for each of us boys.

"How'd you know?" Rian whispered.

"I didn't- I just did it to look like a bachelor party" Zack mumbled.

The group hurriedly made their way to the ferry terminal, the urgency evident in their steps. Zack kept a watchful eye, a mix of fear and determination in his gaze. Alex couldn't help but notice the unease in Zack's demeanor.

On the ferry, Zack finally shared the harrowing details of his escape. He had managed to find a weak point in the security and seized the opportunity to break free. He explained the constant fear he lived in and how he had to be cautious with every move.

As the ferry sailed away from the shore, the weight of the past months started to lift from Zack's shoulders. The trio listened intently, a mixture of shock and anger crossing their faces as Zack recounted the ordeal he endured.

Jack, Rian, and Alex assured Zack that they were there for him, ready to support him in any way possible. The journey home became a mix of relief and determination, as they planned the next steps to ensure Zack's safety and bring those responsible to justice.

The night ended with a quiet resolve among the friends, united by the challenges they faced and a commitment to rebuilding what had been lost during the search for Zack.

"We need to leave America, relocate entirely" Alex said. "Like Paris or Spain- hell Iceland will do!" Alex exclaimed.

Zack covers Alex's mouth "shh" he muttered. "I agree but- not a direct travel there" he mumbled.

Jack nodded in agreement "get a restraining order on her, on them all we'll figure it out" Jack said.

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