Chapter 26

26

2023

Jonas popped the lid off his lunch, and the spicy scent of chicken curry filled the air. Janelle had called in the order so they could eat together in the museum staff lunchroom. He smiled across the table at her. "What did you order?"

"The same as you." She didn't look up.

He studied her a moment. "Janelle, is something wrong?"

She glanced around the lunchroom, then lowered her voice. "I spoke to Amanda. She said she'd never heard the details of what happened to Mary Alice and the other girls."

"Good. I'm glad she wasn't trying to keep it under wraps."

Janelle nodded, but something was obviously still bothering her. "She's upset, and she's concerned about the information getting out. When I told her you wanted to include it in a documentary..." She clenched her teeth and shook her head.

His gut twisted. "What exactly did she say?"

"She's convinced it would paint the museum in a negative light and hurt us financially. And we can't take another hit to our donations. Our budget is stretched to the limit now."

Jonas stared at her. "She's not canceling the contract for the gala film, is she?"

"No, but you can't include anything about Mary Alice or the other girls who were sold."

Jonas sat back, disappointment coursing through him. He'd been tossing around the idea of adding a short scene to the gala film that would mention Mary Alice, but that was out of the question now.

He focused on Janelle. "I see her point about not wanting it in the gala film. But a longer documentary could make it clear the museum wasn't withholding this information and that you're committed to honestly portraying the past."

Janelle lifted her hands. "I believe you, and I tried to explain that, but she wasn't convinced."

Jonas's thoughts spun. His work on the gala film was moving ahead without a hitch. In the last two days, he'd shifted his focus to revising the documentary script. He'd hoped to get started filming soon. This was a story that needed to be told, and not just for the chance to win a prize. He wanted to support ongoing efforts against human trafficking and make sure what happened to those girls was not forgotten.

He met her gaze. "I want to make this documentary."

"I know, but Amanda is totally against it."

"You're the museum's acting director. Shouldn't you be the one who decides if you'll offer the support of the museum?"

She sent him a pained look. "You want me to go against Amanda?"

What happened to those girls was important, but he couldn't let it damage his relationship with Janelle. "I'm sorry. I know this puts you in an awkward position."

"If I offer the museum's support, Amanda will be furious. But if I don't, I'll be letting you down—and not just you, everyone who supports the museum and trusts us to accurately portray our history."

His heart clenched, and he reached for her hand. "I know there's no easy answer. We've got time. Let's pray about it and wait for the Lord to show us the best path forward."

She tightened her hold on his hand, still looking uncertain. "I've always said I believe God guides us when we pray, but ... this is hard."

He hated causing the worry he saw in her eyes. His thoughts shifted to Matthew McGivern, the journalist who'd been arrested and jailed for his efforts to prevent any more girls from being sold to brothels. He'd shown great courage in taking a stand for what was right, penning those articles, and rescuing those girls.

The challenge stirred his soul, and an idea rose in his mind. He turned it over for a few seconds, then shifted his gaze to Janelle. "Maybe we should pay Amanda a visit and present a wise appeal."

"A what?"

"A wise appeal—it's something Pastor Jack from Hope Church teaches based on the story of Daniel."

She tipped her head, her interest obviously piqued.

"Remember how Daniel was taken away as a captive and sent to Babylon?"

"Yes."

"The king wanted him to eat a certain diet, but Daniel wasn't comfortable with that."

"What does that have to do with talking to Amanda about the documentary?"

He grinned. "Daniel appealed by letting them know he understood the king's point of view, then he explained what he wanted in a gracious way. Since he had such a good attitude and expressed himself so well, they gave Daniel permission to eat the food he thought was best."

"So you think if we speak to Amanda in person and explain your ideas, she might change her mind?"

He nodded. "We have the right motives and a good plan. Let's lay that out for her. Maybe she'll catch the vision and offer her support."

"Do you really think it will work?"

"We won't know unless we try."

Janelle released a slow, deep breath. "No matter how wise we make our appeal, we better back this up with a lot of prayer. He's the one who has to change her mind."

Jonas grinned and nodded. "Now you're talking."

Later that afternoon, Janelle and Jonas walked through the lobby of the University College Hospital and took the lift to the neonatal unit. They had called Amanda, and she'd agreed to meet with them. They stepped out of the lift and pressed the buzzer to enter the unit.

They approached the nurses' station, gave their names, and asked to see Amanda.

The nurse nodded. "She said you were coming. Wash your hands, and you can go in." She motioned to the sink behind them.

As they washed their hands, Jonas asked, "Do you think we'll see the twins?"

"I hope so, but I suppose it depends on how they're doing and how Amanda feels after our meeting."

Jonas sent her a serious look. "Right."

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and Janelle glanced over her shoulder.

Amanda approached and greeted them.

Janelle tossed the paper towels in the waste bin. "It's good to see you, Amanda. How are the twins today?"

"They're doing all right. Wes is with them now, so we have time to talk."

Janelle motioned to Jonas. "This is Jonas Conrad from Vision Impact Films."

Amanda nodded. "I'd shake hands, but it looks like you just washed them."

He smiled. "I'm glad to meet you, Ms. Preston. Thanks for seeing us today and taking time away from your daughters."

"It's good to have a break." She motioned to the left. "Let's go to the parents' lounge. We can talk there."

Janelle's stomach tightened as she walked down the hall with Amanda and Jonas. She sent off a silent prayer as they entered the lounge.

Amanda settled on one end of the couch. "How is the film coming for the gala?"

Jonas smiled. "We're making good progress. The script is finished, and we've done about half the filming. Janelle has been a great help."

"Good. We're behind on our fundraising goal this year, so we have a lot riding on the gala."

Jonas gave a firm nod. "I understand, and I'm committed to giving you an inspiring film that will raise the needed funds."

Amanda's tense expression didn't ease.

Janelle leaned forward. "I've read the script, and we've discussed the film at length. I'm confident our donors will be impressed and want to support our work at the museum."

Jonas focused on Amanda with a serious gaze. "The Foundling Hospital has a fascinating history. And I believe we can inspire a wider audience with a documentary that tells Mary Alice's story. That's why we wanted to talk to you today."

Amanda shot a heated glance at Jonas and then Janelle. "I thought I already made it clear I don't want that information released in a documentary."

"I understand why you might feel apprehensive," Jonas continued in a calm tone. "You want to guard the museum's reputation, and you're concerned showing Mary Alice's story could have a negative impact on donations."

Amanda sent him a pointed look. "Exactly. If people find out the Foundling Hospital was involved in selling girls into prostitution, they'll blame us for not protecting those children. That's going to send any potential donors running the other way, and they'll take their checkbooks with them."

"I hear what you're saying, and I understand your concerns," Jonas continued. "But only one man on staff was involved in selling the girls. The others knew nothing about it. After he was caught and arrested, they put extra provisions in place to protect the children. I'll make sure that's clear."

Amanda's pursed lips made it obvious she wasn't convinced yet.

Jonas rested his forearms on his thighs and clasped his hands. "I can show Mary Alice's story in a way that touches people emotionally and will make them sympathetic toward her and toward all the children who have been rescued and given new lives through the Foundling Hospital."

Janelle added, "When Mary Alice was older, she wrote a book about her experiences. That gave us the details of her story, and more importantly, it showed how grateful she was for the care she received at the Foundling Hospital. She donated a copy of her book to the museum, along with the token her mother left with her when she was first admitted. They could be the focal point of a new exhibit we could open in conjunction with the release of the documentary."

Amanda's expression eased slightly as she looked from Janelle to Jonas. "So ... how would you tell the story?"

Jonas reached for his case. "I brought a rough draft of the script. Let me show you what we have in mind. I think you'll see it's a worthy project."

Amanda tipped her head. "I suppose I can take a look."

Jonas pulled out the script, then shifted his chair over next to Amanda. Janelle moved closer on her other side. For the next fifteen minutes, Jonas read aloud several scenes and explained the images he had in mind.

Janelle smiled as she watched his animated expressions. He had obviously spent a good deal of time thinking through the project, and he communicated his vision with ease. She shifted her gaze to Amanda, and her hopes rose. Keen interest shone in Amanda's eyes, as though she could picture what Jonas was describing.

Finally, Jonas lowered the script. "Do you have any questions?"

Amanda hesitated a moment more. "I see where you want to go with this. It's a risk, but if we open an exhibit at the same time, I think it might work."

Janelle's heart soared, and she beamed Jonas a smile.

He returned the same and turned to Amanda. "Thank you. I'll look forward to giving you an early screening and hope you'll offer your endorsement."

Amanda lifted her hand. "We'll see when the time comes. For now, I hope you'll focus on the gala film. September is not that far away. We're counting on you and that film to boost our donations."

Jonas gave a confident nod. "We'll be ready."

Amanda shifted her gaze to Janelle. "Would you like to see the twins?"

"Yes, I'd love that!"

"How about you, Jonas? Would you like to see them too?"

"Yes, thanks. We've been praying for them."

Amanda's eyebrows rose. "Well ... that's good to know." She stood. "Come with me."

Janelle squeezed Jonas's hand as they walked down the hall. He grinned and sent her a wink, making it clear how pleased he was with the outcome of their meeting.

Jonas arrived at the museum the next morning just after ten. With Howie's help, he brought in the load of equipment he'd need to continue filming. Using the key Janelle had given him, he rolled the large black case into one of the classrooms on the lower level. Howie followed him in, carrying their two cameras and a sack of cinnamon buns. Jonas took a swig of his coffee, then opened the case and pulled out two extension cords and the light stand.

Janelle walked into the classroom. "Good morning."

He watched her approach, wishing Howie wasn't standing next to him so he could greet her with a kiss. "Morning."

Her eyes twinkled, sending a sweet private greeting, then she glanced around the room. "What's the plan for today?"

He shook off those distracting thoughts and focused on what he hoped to accomplish. "We want to film several rooms in the museum, and then shoot some of the paintings and historical artifacts." He picked up his iPad and scanned the list. "I'd also like to film Mary Alice's book and token."

She nodded and glanced at her watch. "I'm expecting the caterer to phone and confirm the gala menu. Then I'll let them know we have one hundred and seventy-two so far."

"That's great."

"I'd love to have two hundred."

He nodded. "Is Olivia busy? We could use her help."

Janelle glanced at the clock on the wall. "She's helping in a class until noon, but she should be free after that. I'm sure she'd love to help."

"Okay. Thanks." He glanced around the room. "Is it all right if we leave our equipment here for a few days?"

Janelle nodded. "I cleared the schedule. There's nothing going on in this room for at least a week."

"Great. Thanks. It will be a lot easier if we don't have to haul everything in and out each day." He lowered his iPad. "Did you have a chance to speak to Ruth about her daughters acting in the film?"

"Yes. She loves the idea, and she's sure her daughters would be happy to be involved. Peter liked the idea too. He said you can count on his boys. When do you want them to come in?"

"Maybe tomorrow. Let's see how it goes today. I'll let you know by four."

"Okay." Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and sent him an apologetic look. "That's the caterer. I better take this."

"No worries." He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

She sent him a surprised smile, then walked out of the room with her phone to her ear.

He watched her go, admiring the swish of her auburn hair against her shoulders, her slim figure, and her shapely legs. He shook his head and turned around.

Howie was grinning from ear to ear. "Looks like there's more going on between you two than just making a film."

Jonas lifted his hands and smiled. "What can I say ... she likes me."

Howie guffawed and punched him in the arm. "Yeah, right."

Janelle finished her conversation with the caterer, confirming the number of guests and the menu, then set the phone on her desk. She opened a file on her computer and added a note about the dessert choices.

A knock sounded at her door, and Lisa walked in, leaving the door open. "Janelle, do you know what time Olivia is coming back?"

Janelle shot her a surprised look. "What do you mean?"

"She helped with the eleven o'clock class, and then she said she was going to meet a friend."

Janelle's heart lurched. "You mean she left the museum?"

"I think so. She was supposed to help me set up for the one o'clock class, but she's not back yet."

Jonas walked in and glanced from Lisa to Janelle. His cheerful expression faded. "What's going on?"

Janelle met his gaze. "Lisa can't find Olivia."

Jonas glanced toward the door. "Do you want me to go look for her?"

Lisa sent him a worried glance. "I already checked every room in the museum."

He frowned. "Did she take her backpack?"

"Yes, she grabbed it on the way out of the classroom. That's when she told me she was going to meet a friend."

Janelle's heartbeat surged. "I'll try calling her." She swiped her phone off the desk and scrolled through her contacts. How could she have let this happen? Maggie trusted her to keep Olivia safe, and now she'd taken off to who knows where.

Olivia's phone rang three times, then went to voice mail. "She's not answering. I'm calling Maggie."

Jonas crossed to her desk. "I thought you said Olivia didn't have any friends in London."

Janelle tapped in Maggie's number. "That's what Maggie told me."

"Then who is she—" He stilled. "You don't think she's meeting Tony, do you?"

Janelle's stomach dropped. If that was true, Maggie was going to kill her.

Jonas rubbed his forehead. "I should've talked to them."

Maggie's phone rang three times before she picked up. "Hi, Janelle."

"Brace yourself. One of the interns just told me Olivia left the museum to meet a friend."

"What?" Maggie's voice rose.

Janelle winced and pulled the phone away from her ear. She turned to Lisa. "When did you last see Olivia?"

Lisa glanced at her watch. "About 12:10. I'm sorry. I didn't know she wasn't supposed to leave, or I would've said something right away."

Maggie must have heard Lisa's comments because she moaned.

Janelle pulled in a calming breath. "Maggie, why don't you try calling Olivia and see if she'll answer. If you find out where she is, Jonas and I will go there and bring her back."

Jonas stepped closer, a serious frown etched across his face.

"She doesn't have her phone! We took it away after that last argument."

Panic cinched Janelle's chest tight, and she glanced at Jonas. "She doesn't have her phone." He leaned in, and she tapped on the speaker button. "Has she made any new friends? Someone you could phone?"

"No! That's one of her biggest complaints—she has no friends here!"

Janelle hated to suggest it, but she had no choice. "What about Tony? Do you think she might have made plans to meet him?"

"Oh, if that's true, Dan is going to have a heart attack!"

Jonas spoke into the phone. "Maggie, are you at home or the office?"

"I'm home. Cole had a dentist appointment this morning."

"Does Olivia have access to a laptop or a tablet at your flat?"

"She has a laptop in her room." Maggie sniffed, her voice sounding tearful.

"Check and see if you can access a message app or some other way she might have connected with Tony or another friend."

Janelle sent Jonas a grateful look.

"I'll go look." A few seconds later, Maggie said, "I'm opening her laptop."

Janelle bit her lip, counting off the seconds.

"She has a message app!" Maggie's voice rang out. "We had no idea. Let me check...."

Janelle leaned on the table and closed her eyes. Please, Lord. Watch over Olivia .

"Oh no! She was talking to Tony for hours last night!"

Janelle gulped in a breath. "Do you see anything about them meeting today?"

"Just a minute...."

Janelle shot Jonas an anxious glance, and he returned an equally uneasy look. If Jonas's suspicions about Tony were true, this was a much more dangerous situation than just leaving the museum to meet a friend.

Maggie gasped. "They're meeting today at one thirty, in front of the Royal Opera House on Bow Street in Covent Garden."

Janelle checked her watch. It was ten to one. It would take at least thirty minutes to reach the Opera House, maybe longer if they had to wait for the tube.

"Dan has our car! He's supposed to pick up Caleb after camp. What am I going to do?"

Janelle looked at Jonas, and he nodded. "We'll go to the Opera House and see if we can find her."

"I'll phone Dan. He's working at his office in Kensington. Maybe he can get there before you."

Janelle rose. "Okay. We'll phone as soon as we know anything."

"I'll get an Uber," Jonas said, pulling out his phone. "That should get us there faster than the tube."

Janelle grabbed her sweater and handbag while Jonas ordered an Uber. Then she and Jonas walked out to the front lobby.

He pushed open the door, his gaze on his phone. "The driver should be here in about three minutes."

"Thanks." Janelle pulled in a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Do you think we can get there by one thirty?"

He glanced at his phone again. "We've got thirty-five minutes. That should be enough time, unless we hit a lot of traffic."

"What was Olivia thinking, taking off like this to meet some boy she doesn't really know?"

Jonas shook his head. "If he really is a boy , I'll be surprised."

A shiver raced down Janelle's back. Please, Lord, help us get there in time to head off any trouble.

The Uber driver arrived, and Janelle and Jonas piled in the back seat.

Jonas leaned forward. "Take us to the Royal Opera House on Bow Street, and please hurry."

The driver nodded and sped off around the corner. They made good time through the city, but Janelle bit her lip and checked her watch at every red light. Twenty minutes later, the driver turned onto Bow Street, but a barricade blocked the road. Several police officers and a large crowd had gathered in front of the barricade.

The driver looked over his shoulder. "Sorry, I can't get you any closer. You'll have to walk from here."

"That's okay. Thanks." Jonas opened the passenger door and climbed out.

Janelle followed and scanned the scene. "What's going on?"

"I don't know. Let's see if we can get around this crowd. The Opera House is just down the street." He reached for her hand, and they wove through the crowd toward the barricade.

Jonas caught the attention of a police officer. "Can we go through?"

He shook his head. "Not unless you have an invitation."

"What's the event?"

"The Prince and Princess of Wales are arriving at Paul Hamlyn Hall."

"Is that near the Royal Opera House?" Janelle asked.

Several photographers and reporters with microphones were scattered among the people gathered there. The Prince and Princess of Wales always drew a crowd of onlookers and paparazzi wherever they went.

The policeman nodded and pointed down the street. "It's that big glass conservatory."

"We're supposed to meet someone in front of the Opera House."

The officer motioned to the side street. "Go down Russell, then take a right at James, and another right at Floral. That will take you around to Bow. You can access the entrance to the Opera House from that side."

Jonas thanked the officer, took Janelle's hand, and started down the street again. "This shouldn't take too long. Keep an eye out. Olivia might have been stopped here too."

Janelle scanned the faces of those they passed, but she didn't see Olivia.

As they turned down a narrow street, he let go of her hand and pulled out his phone. "I'll check the route and be sure we can find our way through this maze."

A few motorcycles were parked to the right, but this small side street was nearly deserted. They reached the next corner and turned right again as they circled the block.

Janelle glanced at her watch, and her heart lurched. It was already 1:25, and they still had to make their way back to Bow Street. "We've only got five minutes."

Jonas picked up his pace, and Janelle hurried along beside him. They finally reached the corner and turned onto Bow. The impressive Royal Opera House came into view with its six tall classic columns spanning the fa?ade above the main entrance.

Janelle scanned the pavement in front of the building. Up ahead, by the entrance to the Paul Hamlyn Hall, another crowd lined up on the other side of the barricade with additional police, reporters, and photographers. Her gaze darted back to the Opera House, and her breath caught. At the far corner of the building, Olivia stood in the shadows, watching the cars that passed.

Janelle gasped and pointed. "There she is!"

A white van pulled up across the street. The side door slid open, and a stocky middle-aged man with dark hair climbed out. He looked both ways, then strode toward the Opera House.

Jonas and Janelle broke into a run, but the man reached Olivia first and slipped his arm around her shoulders. She looked up at him with a confused expression. He quickly guided her toward the street. She shook her head and tried to pull away. He tightened his hold, tugging her in the direction of the van with the open side door.

"Hey! Let go of her!" Jonas yelled as he dashed down the pavement, still several meters away.

Olivia screamed. A few people on the edge of the crowd turned around. The man spotted Jonas in pursuit and tried pulling Olivia in the opposite direction.

"Olivia!" Dan ran past Janelle, racing toward his daughter.

"Dad!" Olivia yelled, trying to free herself from the man's grip.

Jonas rammed into the man, knocking him off balance. The man's arms flew out, freeing Olivia.

Dan reached them a split second later and swung his fist at the man. Ducking and cursing, the man spun away and dashed across the street. "Go, go, go!" he yelled as he jumped into the van.

The van's engine roared, and tires squealed as the van whipped a U-turn. Two police officers jogged toward Olivia, Dan, and Jonas.

Olivia burst into tears. Janelle ran to her side and pulled her into her arms. "It's all right, Olivia. He's gone. You're okay."

Olivia leaned into Janelle, shaking and crying. "That wasn't Tony! It couldn't be!"

Agony lined Dan's face as he reached for his daughter. "Olivia, honey." She turned into his arms, and he hugged her tight. "You're safe now. Everything is going to be all right."

"I'm sorry, Daddy," she said between jerky sobs. Photographers circled around, snapping pictures until a police officer finally blocked their path and told them to move on. The other officer began questioning Dan and Olivia.

Jonas joined Janelle and gathered her in for a hug.

Tears burned her eyes. "You were right. I should've listened to you and warned Maggie and Dan."

"It's okay. We made it in time." His voice sounded heavy with emotion.

She drew in a shaky breath. "If I'd said something, we could've prevented this."

He tightened his hold on her. "Olivia's safe now. That's what matters."

The next morning, Janelle and Olivia boarded the tube on their way to the museum. Janelle glanced at her young friend, recalling the frightening events of the previous afternoon, and offered up another prayer of thanks.

Across from them, a man opened his newspaper. Olivia cringed and lowered her head. She wore a baggy hooded sweatshirt, dark sunglasses, and a ball cap with her hair tucked up underneath. When Janelle had first seen her that morning, she'd been surprised and asked why she'd chosen that outfit.

Olivia had lowered her sunglasses and sent Janelle a pained look. "I don't want anyone to recognize me."

Olivia's near-abduction at the Royal Opera House, just minutes before the arrival of the Prince and Princess of Wales, had been featured on several evening news programs. The story had also been printed in the London Times , with a warning to parents and teens. A photo of Dan hugging Olivia, with Jonas and Janelle in the background, had been included with the story. Fortunately, Olivia's face had been turned away from the camera, and the reporter had not included her name since she was under eighteen, but they had given her father's name.

The announcement for their stop sounded, the car slowed, and the door slid open. Janelle rose and wove between passengers toward the exit. Olivia followed. Once they were up on the street, Janelle turned to her. "So, how would you like to handle things at the museum?"

Olivia tugged down the brim of her ball cap. "What do you mean?"

"Some of the staff may have watched the news last night or read the paper this morning. You might want to think through how you'll respond if they ask you about it. I'll support you however you think is best."

Olivia walked along silently for a few seconds. "I don't mind if you tell Lisa and the other interns, but I'd rather you didn't say anything to the rest of the staff unless they ask."

Janelle's eyebrows lifted. "You want me to tell the interns, rather than you?"

Olivia's cheeks flushed below her sunglasses. "I don't know what to say. I feel like such a dope for believing everything Tony told me."

Janelle shook her head. "You heard what the police said last night. Tony—though that's likely not his real name—is probably a professional trafficker. He used every trick in the book to lure you into a relationship and make you believe he truly cared for you."

Olivia heaved a sigh. "And I did believe him." She scrunched up her face. "He's such a jerk!"

Janelle couldn't deny she held the same opinion of the man who'd spent weeks appealing to Olivia's weaknesses and set ting her up for an abduction. "I hope the description you gave, plus the information from your phone, will help the police catch him."

"Yeah. He needs to be put in jail so he can't try that on any other girl."

Janelle looked her way. "You're right, and that's why I think you might want to tell the other interns and volunteers what happened."

Olivia grimaced.

They turned the corner, and the museum came into view. She slowed to a stop and glanced up at the three-story brick building. "You really think I should tell them?"

"Yes, but it's up to you."

Olivia crossed her arms and looked down for a few seconds. Finally, she released a deep sigh. "I guess I can tell Lisa when we eat lunch together, and then I can tell the others if it comes up."

Janelle nodded, certain telling Lisa was a good first step.

Olivia brushed the hair from her eyes. "It'll be embarrassing, but I wouldn't want this to happen to Lisa or anyone else."

Janelle slipped her arm around Olivia's shoulders. "I'm proud of you for being willing to warn your friend. That takes courage."

Olivia slipped off her sunglasses. "Thanks. You want to eat lunch with us today?"

Janelle smiled. "Sure. I'll be there."