Chapter 5: Into the Wild Unknown

The second round of drinking was all about Kev’s business. He spun stories about profit and opportunity, but my head was swimming.

He said he’d take me to his company the next day, and if I was interested, he’d bring me in. I nodded, not really listening.

I don’t remember what happened after—I drank too much and blacked out. My dreams were broken, filled with faces I couldn’t recognize.

Honestly, it didn’t matter whether I agreed or not at the table—he was going to take me anyway. I realize that now, but back then I thought I was in control.

I remember this clearly.

The next morning I got up early, still hungover and dizzy. My mouth tasted like stale beer and regret. The sunlight was too bright, and I wanted nothing more than to curl up under the covers with a bottle of water and some aspirin.

I wanted to keep sleeping, but since he’d arranged everything—meals, hotel—I couldn’t make him wait. My stomach twisted with nerves.

A black SUV was waiting for me downstairs.

Since Kev had been drinking late, he didn’t drive himself—he called a driver. The car smelled faintly of coffee and cigarettes.

The driver was Canadian; I couldn’t understand him. Only when Kev spoke English could I catch a bit—just small talk, nothing important.

I slept in the car, no idea how far we went. When I woke up, the city was gone, replaced by endless pine trees and empty roads.

I asked Kev, “Where are we going?”

“To my company. It’s a small place—rent’s cheap.”

That made sense; at that point, I still trusted Kev completely. I thought I was just along for the ride.

Actually, we’d already arrived in Pine Creek.

Not long after, Kev got a call, cursing and clearly angry. His voice was tense, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

After he hung up, he said, “Sorry, a client’s got an issue—I need to handle it.”

“No problem, go ahead.”

“I’ve booked your hotel—just stay there tonight, I’ll pick you up early tomorrow.”

He dropped me at the hotel and left with the driver. The lobby was quiet, and I felt more alone than ever.

I still didn’t suspect a thing.

The first time I felt something was off was the next morning. My nerves were raw, and the air outside felt colder than usual.

I remember standing by the window, watching the mist rise off the pine trees, feeling oddly out of place, like I’d landed in someone else’s dream.