Vanished Without A Trace by Nava Dijkstra Read Free Book Online

complicated." Daniel smiled. "Do you know a cheap hotel where I can stay until I find a room to rent?"
    "Yes, I'm going to a hotel now. I live in Brasov, but it’s a little bit late to travel now. Aside from that, a little entertainment with young Romanian ladies before I return to my wife might benefit my relationship with her. What do you think, maybe we can rent a room together? That way, we will pay less."
    Daniel could not hope for a better solution.
    They continued to talk all the way out to baggage claim.
    "Don’t you have a suitcase?" Mikhail asked surprised, as he opened his bag and pulled out a coat. "It’s big for you, but it will warm you."
    When they reached the hotel, Mikhail put his clothes in the closet and asked Daniel to go with him to the bar to eat, and watch the dancers. Daniel was surprised to see such a high level bar. He thought Romania was closer to the third world countries than Tel Aviv. Media and communications always emphasized the dark side of Romania after the time of Ceausescu. He looked at Mikhail who vigorously engaged with the dancers, sticking some paper bills in their clothing, and then received hugs. At one point Daniel, saw a women coming towards him. "Choose!" Mikhail said.
    Daniel was embarrassed, "No, thanks," he stammered.
    "C’mon, are you a man or a rag?" Mikhail blew out.
    Daniel did not feel he could refuse, but he could not think of women right now. He had enough of a mess going on in his head. Mikhail left with two girls while Daniel stayed at the bar. After two hours, he went back to the room. He found Mikhail sleeping with the girls. Daniel moved one of them and lay down on the bed, though it was crowded.
    Two days later, the two separated. Mikhail gave Daniel the address of the construction site in Constanza, and instructed him to tell Igor, the man in charge, he sent him. Daniel ran his hand over the four thousand dollars in his pocket, the money he made working in Israel. He promised himself even in his hardest times he would not be tempted to use it, knowing he would need the money to survive.

8
    Daniel walked alone through the main streets of Bucharest. It was very different from the cities of Israel. Streets were paved with stones, interlocking one after the other. Sculptures are scattered throughout the city, showing many portraits of a great nation. He decided to go to the market and buy himself a few items of clothing. He was surprised to find a large market close by. He stopped at a shop and bought two pairs of pants; jeans, and some elegant black pants. He moved from stall to stall, bought far more than he had planned, but paid less than the cost of a hamburger in Israel. The thought of a hamburger thrilled him. He went to a cafe, bought a sandwich and ate it with pleasure, impressed with his new environment. There was something pure in this journey, moving to another country. Daniel hoped it was not some sort of euphoria, and hoped he would adapt well to life in Romania.
    He spotted a leather jacket displayed on a mannequin. Daniel knew he shouldn’t desire expensive things like this. He couldn’t take his eyes off the jacket during the whole time he sat in the coffee shop, trying to do some soul-searching. Finally, desire conquered thriftiness. Wearing the coat wrapped him in warm feelings and he decided he shouldn’t be sorry about what he did.
    The next day, he boarded a bus to the city of Constanza. All the way, he watched the snow along the mountains, which took his distress away Daniel fell in love with the place. He was convinced he was in one of the most beautiful places in the world. When he got to the construction site, he was happy to find it was located near the sea. Daniel loved the sea. He looked at the massive construction around him, large areas, all earmarked for construction. He had no trouble finding Igor in his office near the site. He was slender and short, with light brown hair and blue eyes. When he saw Daniel, he nodded hello and