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Joey, We're doing everything we can. The police are conducting an intensive search, and articles appear almost daily in the major newspapers. The media has been very cooperative, although I suspect not without their own interests in mind. I've already been approached regarding foreign investments. Jackals. We WILL find him. Even though it's been a few days with no news, he could simply be in one of the more rural areas without transportation. If you would like to fly down here, just say the word and I'll send the jet. Seto ************************* Joey, I can no longer delay returning to New York. KaibaCorp has remained unsupervised for too long and the business must continue to grow as it is my major source of funding here. If nothing else, this whole experience has made me realize how desperately I need to diversify my personal finances. It seems I will have to take matters into my own hands. The Italian police have turned their attention to other cases, and media interest has grown cold. Which is fine, I've dealt with that kind of thing before. I know how to create a stir if need be. I have other resources to tap and am setting those pieces in place before I leave. Business contacts, private detectives and I'm sure it won't surprise you to know I have several less-than-legal acquaintances as well. The search will continue until he is found. My plane will arrive on Friday, could we get together on Saturday? Sincerely, Seto ************************* Joey, Thank you for your letter. The words of encouragement mean a lot to me. It seems you are the only person who has not, in one way or another, told me to get over him and move on with my life. You know it too, don't you? You know he's alive as much as I do, though any scenario I design to explain why he is still missing frightens me. I know you care for him as deeply as I do and your connection is as strong. If we both continue to believe, I am confident that Tristan will be found. I think that's the first time I've been able to write his name since it happened. It looks so natural there, on the page. (three words, heavily crossed out) I've got a detective reporting to me every other week. His firm specializes in missing persons and he seems more than conversant of the pitfalls and misunderstandings involved in multi-national resources. If you would like, we can meet every other Saturday to share the progress reports. Until then, Seto ************************************* Joey, Yes, that was awkward. You see now why I rarely allow myself the luxury of drunkenness, although I would point out that you were in no better state. I think we both agree some things were best left unsaid. Perhaps... Yes, Joey, perhaps, that word that admits a possibility but refuses to commit to it. Perhaps it would be better if we stayed away from each other for awhile. Everything that could be was said yesterday, and we don't seem to be very... good for each other right now. I'll call you next month, or you can call me. I don't intend to let you fall out of my life. You'll just have to live with that fact. With utmost sincerity, Seto ******************************** Joey, Congratulations on your award. I've always known you were something special among your own jungle. Those kids are lucky to have you. Would you like to have lunch next week? I think we can do that much anyway. Let me know. Sincerely, Seto ******************************* Joey, Don't worry, I will never give up searching for Tristan, not as long as I'm alive. I have to know that he's alive and well and happy. I love him so much, Joey. It hasn't faded over time or lessened with lack of physical confirmation. He is the other half of my soul... and if that doesn't sound maudlin and cliché. Yet it's true in a way I cannot explain. You and I, Joey, we will keep faith. We will believe. We WILL find him. Seto *********************************** Joey, I'm going to leave town next week. Someone I respect advised me to 'do something one hundred percent different'. Logically, I understand the psychology behind that.. Yet I don't want to just... pretend like it's not there. Like it doesn't exist. Like it's just another day. There is a music festival they hold every year in Spoletta, I've decided to fly there for it. By returning to Italy, I can honor the intent of getting out of the rut I've made, yet still acknowledge the significance of my vow. I will be as out of touch as I can possibly be. I'm leaving the work phone behind, but I'll have my personal cell on me if you need anything. I'm not sure about the coverage area, though. I'll call you when I get back. Seto ********************************** (unsent) Joey, I found him! Tristan is alive, he's been living in Italy all this time. It appears he has been suffering from amnesia, though I have yet to decipher how and why he concealed himself from the authorities for so long. He... doesn't remember us, Joey. You have no idea what it's like to see him look blankly past you, trying to remember why he should feel something for you. And the knowledge is there, JUST underneath the surface, you can SEE the struggle. Is it selfish of me to want to wait before we return? To have him to myself, for just a little while. I'm afraid that if we return to New York, to the lights and excitement and rhythm of the city that he'll ... start over. He'll never remember (short word scratched out) (short word heavily scratched out) (two short words, thickly and darkly scratched out) Back to the Lost Gallery E-mail the Author Home |
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