"I'm worried, but I don't know what to do."
After looking through the book, Rachel handed it to Nikki and said, "I contacted her lawyers. They wouldn't give me any information, but agreed to contact her on our behalf. I don't know what else we can do. Since she didn't tell Maria where she was going, I don't even know where to begin looking." She ran her hand through her hair as her shoulders sagged in defeat.
"I think she might be in Italy." As Nikki and Rachel both looked at her questioningly, Dani explained how she arrived at that conclusion. "I don't know if she's still there or not, but she was there. I was trying to figure out how to determine exactly where the box came from when you came in."
Nikki gave her a hug. "Good job, sis. Let's take a look at what we have and what we know about Alex." Together the three women headed back to the office.
Rachel picked up the box, and looked at the label closely. She didn't see any other clues on the UPS label, and checked for a return address label. Instead of a return address, she saw an intricate company logo with leaves, fruit, and fancy scrolled letters. The longer she stared at it, the more she knew she'd seen it somewhere before. As she puzzled over the logo she heard Nikki say, "Is there anything in her book that might give us a clue as to where she would go?" As Dani reached for Madison's book, Nikki frowned. "Not that one, the one about her."
Rachel looked over at her and scowled. "You haven't read it yet?"
Nikki looked away. "It hurts too much. I haven't been able to force myself to read it."
Dani placed a hand on her arm. "You need to read it. It's painful for many reasons, but it will help you understand her so much better."
Nikki shook off Dani's hand and wiped a tear from her cheek. "I need to find her. I need to let her know that who she was doesn't matter. None of it matters as long as I have her by my side. I need her as much as I need the air I breathe." She ran her hand through her hair as her emotions began to constrict her throat. "I was stupid to walk away. I don't know what I'm going to do if we don't find her."
Dani stepped up and put her arms around Nikki, holding her close. "We'll find her. Somehow."
"Isn't this the same logo as the wine Alex likes?"
Nikki stepped out of Dani's arms and turned to Rachel. She looked at the label on the box and nodded. "It sure looks like it."
Rachel turned to the computer and began to type. It was several minutes later before she sat back and said, "It looks like this box came from Perfect Harmony Vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. That's got to be where she is." She looked up. "If not there, then somewhere close by. Either way we should be able to find her."
Chapter Fifteen
Nikki paid the taxi driver, and climbed wearily from the car. She threw her backpack over her shoulder as she stood taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounded her. She was pleasantly surprised that the building in front of her did not detract from the view, but instead seemed to belong. The beauty and stillness of this place helped to ease her nerves at the possibility of seeing Alex again, and brought her a sense of peace. She looked at her watch and sighed. She had less than fifteen minutes to figure out how to find Alex before the vineyard closed to the public for the day.
She entered the small building that claimed to be the tasting room, according to a sign out front in several languages, and paused as she waited for her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit interior. There were racks of wine for sale along two walls, as well as shelving containing various wine related crafts, and a small cooler offering local cheeses to accompany any wine purchased. She heard a sharp intake of breath, and quickly turned, hoping to see Alex. Instead a young woman stood behind the counter wearing a welcoming smile.
Zaira was intrigued when she saw the woman enter the tasting room so late in the day, and was startled when she recognized her as Alex's Dr. Nikki Pierce. She gave her a welcoming smile when she turned her way and said, "Benvenuto."
Nikki smiled as she walked over to the counter. "I'm sorry, I don't speak Italian."
Zaira smiled and tilted her head. "That is okay, we will make due with my English then." She waved towards one of the stools in front of the high counter. "Please have a seat, and let me get you a sample of our finest wine." She watched as Nikki set her bag on one of the stools before pulling out a second. Relieved she was going to sit, Zaira set about opening a new bottle of their award winning Riserva. As she poured a small sample, she watched Nikki pull something from her bag and place it on the counter. "This is our Super Tuscan Riserva. Please tell me what you think."
Nikki swirled the cup before holding it to her nose, and watched as Zaira gave her an approving smile. She took a sip and hummed her approval. "That is divine. You seem a little young to be working in a vineyard."
Zaira nodded and leaned against the counter. "My family runs this vineyard. I will be the vintner here one day." She looked her over quietly for a moment before saying, "You are a long way from home, signorina. Tell me, why did you come to our beautiful country alone?"
Nikki's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the young woman. When she saw only curiosity in the girl's eyes, she decided to tell her the truth in the hopes she may know Alex. "I came
