Fred nodded, and within seconds, I had a closer view. Afonso said something I couldn't decipher to the kid and then hugged him before the kid left him again. He looked ahead, and it was like we were staring into each other's eyes.
"Does he know about the cameras?"
"No," Fred said. "They were placed a few days ago. Like I said, the place doesn't have any security, so it was easy to jump the surrounding wall in the dark of night and place the cameras."
I took a guess that it hadn't been as easy as Fred made it out to be.
Fred's eyes were glued to the screen. I could swear there were unshed tears trying to escape.
"He's a victim, too, Fred. We need to rescue him."
"Yes, we do."
When Vítor arrived home that night, I couldn't contain my excitement. He hadn't even closed the front door when I blurted out, "I saw him. He's alive. Oh my god, I saw him. He's so grown up. And Fred was right; he looks just like me but without the glasses."
"Baby, breathe." He put his hands on my face and gave me a kiss that nearly made me forget what I was talking about. "What happened?" he asked.
"I saw my brother. Fred showed me the surveillance cameras on his laptop."
I couldn't ever thank Fred enough for keeping me so involved. Even with the center being part of the post-rescue efforts, I knew he didn't have to share as much as he did. It was risky for everyone, but Fred knew just how much I needed this. He'd been right there with me for all the times when information had led to a dead end and the subsequent disappointment. After today, I was exhausted but also felt lighter than I remember feeling in a long time.
"Oh baby, that's great news."
I burrowed into his strong chest and nodded. His arms went around me instantly. When I was with Vítor, I felt invincible, like I was soaring.
After a few days, the excitement of knowing where Afonso was and that he was okay was quickly replaced with the frustration of not having him with me already.
I ran to my phone as soon as I heard the ringtone I used for Fred.
"Fred, any news?"
"Hi, Tiago. Some, but not the kind you'll like. Afonso was in touch. Apparently, there's going to be a party at the house, so they're moving the kids. We haven't had enough notice to intercept, but I managed to get an invite to the party because one of their big players is out of the country on business."
"How did you manage to get the invite?"
There was silence on the other side.
"Tiago, I…"
"That's okay, I know you can't tell me. Please, Fred, be safe."
If I was already anxious, after Fred's call I was close to panic, so it was a good thing Vítor had arrived home early from work. I went to the kitchen where Vítor was cooking dinner, turned off all the burners on the stove, and pulled him toward the bedroom.
"Vítor, I need you," I said, pushing him onto the bed and trying to get rid of his shirt at the same time.
"What's up, baby?"
"I'll tell you later. Please, Vítor."
