The rain poured down, mingling with his tears. The weight of helplessness crushed Thomas as he watched the spot where the car had disappeared, knowing that Beatrice's fate hung in the balance. His mind raced, desperate for a solution, but he felt utterly powerless. The river's roar was deafening, and the world around him blurred as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what had just happened. Thomas burst out in despair, “I failed... I failed to free her...” “Now's not the time!” said Officer Chris, grabbing his walkie-talkie. "Detective! Detective!" I have shouted. “Pick up, please!” Thomas cried, looking down. “Officer Walter, are you there? Over!” There was a moment of silence. “Officer Walter?”
...
“Officer Chris?” Officer Walter responded. "Oh, finally! How are things going on there?" "Not much. I successfully dismissed the search party—the weather isn't looking good now." “We need your help.” “Where's the detective?” asked Officer Walter. Officer Chris looked at Thomas. Thomas sighed. “Sh-she's unconscious, somewhere in the woods.” “What?!” Both officers were left in shock. Officer Chris looked into Thomas's eyes. “Why didn't you tell me that?” the concerned officer asked. “I told you, it's not the time earlier—we were chasing that damn car!” “Then tell us everything now!”
"When we parted ways back at the Carters' household, Detective Phoebe and I went to the hospital to check up on Mrs. Emily, but it turned out that she had a medical emergency by the time we got there, triggering a code blue alarm. Outside of her room, however, was Layla—we were both shocked to see her there, crying. She saw us and then ran away, making us chase after her. We chased her outside the building and into the woods. "We couldn't see Layla, so we parted ways to try and look for her, but then I heard Detective Phoebe screaming. When I got there, she was already unconscious; Layla somehow hit her head with a rock. I looked back to see Layla crawling away, but she couldn't see me. I quietly followed her until she led me to a mysterious wooden shack, deep in the woods. She went inside the shack, and I peeked through the open window. To my surprise, Beatrice was there too, unconscious. She was tied with a rope, and I heard Layla talking to her. She said some things like hitting the detective with a rock, her thoughts about her mom dying, and the strangest part of all, killing herself along with Beatrice by tying themselves with rocks and throwing themselves into the deep sea.”
“Did she mention anything about where she would do that?” asked Officer Walter through the walkie-talkie. “Whiteshore,” Thomas answered simply. “Oh God...” “I saw a path where a white car was parked nearby. I followed it until it led me to Road 30. Luckily, Officer Chris was also there.” Thomas looked down silently. “So that brings us here,” said Officer Chris. “This is bad,” Officer Walter commented on the radio. “I sometimes think that Beatrice died along with Layla. I just...” Thomas sighed at the unthinkable.
“We have to go after them! They could be drowning right now! Damn it, we can’t just stand here! Beatrice needs us!” Officer Chris moves towards the edge of the bridge, ready to leap into the raging river. “Officer, no!” Thomas grabs his arm, pulling him back. “Chris, listen to me! The current at the river it’s like a torrent. You jump in now, you’ll be swept away just like that car.” Officer Walter said through the walkie-talkie.
“I don’t care! Beatrice is down there!”
Thomas looks at Officer Chris, torn and desperate. “Please, we have to do something!” Officer Walter spoke, “Thomas, I understand how you feel, but we need a plan. We wait for the storm to calm down, for the river to settle. We call in the rescue team.” Chris shakes his head, frustration and fear evident in his voice. “Waiting could cost Beatrice her life!” Officer Walter raised his voice. “Rushing in blindly will get us all killed!” The argument intensifies, their voices nearly drowned out by the roar of the storm and the rushing river below.
“She’s just a kid, Walter! We can’t abandon her!” Officer Chris yelled. “And we won’t! But we need to be smart about this!” he clenched his fists, torn between his duty and his emotions. He stuttered, “I can’t just stand here!” “Listen to me, Chris. We need a plan. We need backup. We do this right, or we risk losing them all.” Officer Walter spoke softly. Thomas steps forward, trying to reason with them. “Please, just do something!”
Officer Chris sighs, firm but measured. “We’ll get them out, Chris. But we have to do it the right way.” Officer Walter spoke. Officer Chris hesitates, then nods reluctantly, pulling out his radio to call for backup while Walter keeps watch over the tumultuous river. “I think it’s better if we wait for the rain to cool down. Once the sky is just a light shower, then we can try to search for Beatrice and Layla on the river. Hopefully, the waves will slow down too, so we can navigate the boats easily,” Walter added. “I think you’re right. We need a place to meet up and plan what we’ll do next.” “Where can we meet up?”
“The diner—I need some tea,” answered Officer Chris. Thomas nodded, his eyes still fixed on the river where the car had disappeared. The rain continued to pour, but now there was a sliver of hope.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The sky was heavy with dark clouds, and it continued to rain. Officer Walter had a hopeful expression as he watched the clouds, hoping for the sun to reveal itself. He was found sitting inside a diner, alongside Thomas, with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, looking over the glass window, the rain tapping insistently against the glass. The warm ambiance provided a stark contrast to the storm raging outside. The waitress approached, smiling briefly despite the tension. “A cup of coffee and a cup of tea for the officers, please, and a slice of pie for the young man,” Officer Chris ordered. Thomas smiled appreciatively as the waitress nodded and walked away. Officer Walter, seated with them, got up with a nod towards Officer Chris and Thomas. “I’ll catch you guys in a bit. Gotta make a quick call,” he said, heading towards the diner’s payphone at the far end near the entrance.
Thomas watched Officer Walter leave, then turned back to Officer Chris, curiosity piqued. “What’s he up to?” he asked. “Probably checking in with headquarters,” Officer Chris replied. He took out a small notebook and a pen, setting them on the table between them. “Alright, Thomas. Let’s talk about some basic investigative skills. Ever used one of these?” The officer handed Thomas a magnifying glass. Thomas looked at it curiously. “Only in science class. How does it help with investigations?” Officer Chris explained, “It’s all about the details. Tiny clues that most people might miss. Here, take a look at the texture of this napkin under the glass.” Thomas examined the napkin, noting the intricate details. “Wow, you can see everything,” he said. “Exactly. Now imagine looking at a piece of evidence. Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that breaks the case,” Officer Chris added.
The waitress returned with their coffee and pie. Thomas took a bite of the pie, savoring the taste before continuing. “What’s next?” he asked. “Note-taking. Always write down what you see, hear, and even smell. Details matter,” Officer Chris said, demonstrating by jotting down observations about the diner. Thomas took the notebook and started writing his observations, concentrating hard. “Good job. You’re a natural,”
Officer Chris took a sip of his coffee, then leaned in closer, his tone becoming more serious. “Thomas, I know this has been tough on you. Finding Beatrice was a big relief, but it doesn’t erase what happened.” Thomas looked down at his pie, his expression somber. “I just want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I want to help protect my sister,” he said. Officer Chris reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “I understand. You’re doing a great job by learning these skills. But it’s also important to take care of yourself. Sometimes, talking about what you’re feeling can help,” the officer advised. “I just feel so guilty. I was supposed to save her,” Thomas confessed. “What happened wasn’t your fault, Thomas. It’s okay to feel scared and upset. What’s important is that you’re here for Beatrice now, and you’re doing everything you can to support her. That makes you a good friend and a strong person,” Officer Chris reassured.
Thomas took a deep breath, nodding as he absorbed the officer’s words. “Thanks, Officer. I guess I needed to hear that,” he said. “Anytime, buddy. Remember, you’re not alone in this. You’ve got your family, and you’ve got me and the rest of the team. We’re all here to help,” Officer Chris said, taking out a small evidence bag from his pocket and placing it on the table. “Now, let’s get back to it. I’ll show you how to lift fingerprints using this kit. It’s one of the basics but very important,” he instructed. Thomas watched intently as Officer Chris demonstrated how to dust for fingerprints on a coffee cup. Thomas then tried it himself, carefully following the officer’s instructions. “Great job, Thomas. Every bit of knowledge you gain makes you stronger and more prepared,” he encouraged.
Their training continued, the bond between them strengthening as Officer Chris offered both practical skills and emotional support. Officer Walter finished his call and returned to the booth, where Officer Chris and Thomas were deep in conversation. “Sorry about that. Duty calls. Everything going alright here?” Officer Walter asked. “All good, Walter. We’ve been making progress,” Officer Chris replied. He nodded, joining back in as they continued their discussion, fully focused on the task at hand.
The rain continued to pound against the windows of the diner. Officer Walter brought over a large map of the Crystal River, spread across their table. “I got this from the police car—I forgot to bring it here earlier,” He explained. The map detailed the entire river, from its source to its mouth, including the town, highways, and surrounding areas. “Do you think it’ll stop soon?” Officer Walter asked, glancing up from the map. “Well, once the rain stops and the river waves calm down, we’ll search for them in the boat,” Thomas replied, his eyes focused on the map. Officer Walter took a sip of his coffee before looking down at the map again. “Where do you think the boat will end up?” “I don’t know, but since the river is very quick and the waves were going north from what I saw earlier, I’m guessing the car must’ve ended up... here.” Officer Chris pointed to the top side of the map, at the very edge of the Crystal River. “That’s pretty far,” Officer Walter commented.
“But it’s very near to Whiteshore,” Thomas added. “If we found them, would they still be there? Hopefully, they aren’t washed away by the water or something.” “Agreed. It would be a lot harder for us to search for them if they were both absent from the car. Layla and Beatrice were last seen inside the car, and we want them dead or alive,” Officer Chris said, turning his head towards Thomas. “Thomas, can you point us to where Detective Phoebe is located?” Thomas looked closely at the Crystal River map. “We got out of the hospital, and through the diner, passed the fire station... around this area.” He circled his index finger around a portion of the forest on the map.
“So that’s where we’re going. Officer Walter, once the river cools down, are you willing to look for people volunteering to help us find both Layla and Beatrice in the boat?” Chris asked. “Sure, I’m guessing you and Thomas will look for Detective Phoebe in the forest?” Walter replied. “Yes, and her being in the middle of the woods unconscious is very bad.” Chris pulled out his walkie-talkie. “Detective Phoebe, are you there? Over.” There was silence on the radio.
“Detective, are you there?” Chris repeated. There was no noise coming out of the device. Walter sighed. “I just hope it stops now... We’ve got so much to do today,” Walter said. As the rain intensified, the three watched it from the window, waiting for the weather to change. Chris glanced around the diner, observing the other patrons. A lady was seen laughing with a man across the room, a girl eating fries beside her Pomeranian dog, and a middle-aged man reading a newspaper. The time passed slowly, and as they sat together, they all shared hope for brighter skies. Eventually, the storm would pass, and the sun would shine before it was too late.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
As the sun set, Thomas got out of the front seat of the police car alongside Officer Chris. The cold breeze of the evening air and the fresh smell of the rain were a stark contrast to the golden rays filtering through the trees. He watched as Chris headed to the trunk of the car. “Uh, Officer Chris?” Thomas asked, uncertainty in his voice. “What’s up?”
“How will we find Detective Phoebe deep in the woods without getting lost?” The officer opened the trunk, revealing dozens of balls of yarn. “Look,” he responded, to which Thomas followed. “We’ll use this to tie around trees as we go so we can find our way back.” “Oh, I see.” Officer Chris pulled out two flashlights, handing one to Thomas. “Is your flashlight working?” Thomas nodded, flicking the switch on and off. “Mhm.”
“Are you ready?” Thomas nodded again, “Yeah”. The officer began stepping into the woods, Thomas close behind. Officer Chris tied ribbons around each tree they passed, while rabbits darted through the underbrush, illuminated by their flashlights. “You lead the way, I’ll keep tying these ribbons,” he instructed. Thomas stepped deeper into the forest, calling out, “Detective Phoebe? Detective! Where are you?!” Only the chirps of birds responded from above. “Can you try contacting her through the radio?” Thomas asked. Officer Chris pulled out his walkie-talkie.“Detective Phoebe, are you there? Over.”
Silence.
“Detective?” Officer Chris tried again, his voice tinged with worry. The trees were cloaked in inky darkness as the moon rose, their flashlights the only source of light. “Where could she be?” Thomas wondered aloud. The officer suddenly turned his head to the right. “Wait!” he yelled, pointing. “What’s that?” Thomas followed Officer Chris’s gaze to a silhouette on the ground not far away. “Could it be her?” They approached cautiously, shining their flashlights.
“Oh...” It was just a log lying on the ground. Disappointment washed over them. “I don’t think she survived, Thomas; let’s turn back now,” Chris whispered despairingly. The more they walked, the more hope dwindled. “Oh, I’m sure she’s just here!” Thomas insisted, flashing his light around. “I’m starting to lose yarn...” “She has to be somewhere!” Thomas disagreed, his voice growing more frantic.
When he shined his light to the right, he saw a silhouette of an unconscious woman lying on the ground. “Please, don’t die on me now...” They rushed over, turning the body to face them. Relief flooded them when they saw Detective Phoebe’s face. “Detective!” Officer Chris shouted, checking her pulse and breathing. “She’s still fine—come, Thomas, help me raise her!” They lifted Detective Phoebe, each supporting one of her shoulders. They began retracing their steps through the cold darkness. Suddenly, a loud purr came from behind. Thomas turned—it was a mountain lion. “RUN!” he screamed.
The mountain lion moved gracefully behind the trees, stalking them before breaking into a chase. Thomas and Chris threw whatever they could find at the predator. Chris yelled, trying to scare it off. They moved with urgency, their faces etched with worry as they followed the ribbon trail. Detective Phoebe slumped between them, her arms draped over their shoulders. The lion closed in, ready to pounce. Just as it raised its claws towards Thomas, it stumbled on a large rock, dashing to the ground. Seizing the moment, they picked up their pace and ran with renewed urgency.
The lion, frustrated but unharmed, roared in defiance as it watched its prey slip away. With a final glare, it turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving the trio to continue their desperate escape. When they finally reached the car, Thomas opened the back seat and carefully placed Detective Phoebe inside before climbing in next to her. Chris jumped into the front seat, started the car, and hit the pedal. “Detective Phoebe needs to recover,” Chris said, his voice filled with determination as they sped away, the headlights cutting through the darkness of the night.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
“How is the Detective? Have you found her?” Officer Walter asked, his voice tight with concern.
“She’s already at the hospital,” Officer Chris replied, relief evident in his tone. “We’re glad her vitals were okay, and the mountain lion didn’t hurt her while she was alone in the woods. How is the search for Beatrice and Layla?” “We waited for the river to calm first—the marine pilot couldn’t steer the boat well if we began searching earlier,” Walter explained. “I tried my best to look for any updates at the police precinct earlier, but was left empty-handed. We were just about to search the river now.”
A sense of urgency hung heavy in the air as Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Officer Chris, Officer Walter, and the marine pilot gathered at the river. Their faces were etched with determination as they prepared to set sail on the now-calm waters of Crystal River. The group boarded the boat, the engine roaring to life and sending ripples cascading across the glassy surface of the river. The boat glided smoothly along the water, its path illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns that cast flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. The tranquility of the scene belied the tension and worry that gripped each of them.
Thomas sat near the front, his eyes scanning the river intently. He thought of Beatrice and Layla, hoping they were safe. The Williamses sat close together, holding hands, their faces pale with worry. Officer Chris stood near the pilot, giving directions and keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
“We’ll start by following the current downstream,” the marine pilot announced. “If the car was carried away, it’s likely it ended up further along the river.” The boat moved steadily, the sound of the engine blending with the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional splash of water. The lanterns provided a comforting glow, but the darkness beyond was impenetrable. “Keep an eye out for any signs of debris or the car,” Officer Chris instructed. “We’ll search every inch if we have to.”
The river’s surface was calm, a stark contrast to the stormy night before. The group remained silent, their eyes darting to every shadow and movement. Minutes felt like hours as they navigated the winding river. “Do you see anything?” Thomas asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Not yet,” Officer Chris replied, his gaze fixed on the water ahead. “But we’re not giving up.”
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas’s heart sank as he stared out at the river. It had been several hours since they set out on the boat, but there was still no sign of Beatrice and Layla. With each passing moment, his hope dwindled, replaced by a growing sense of despair that threatened to consume him. He couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Yet deep within his heart, a flicker of determination urged him not to give up.
As the boat drifted further downstream, the soft glow of the lanterns cast eerie shadows on the surrounding trees, making the night feel even more ominous. The air was thick with anticipation and fear. Thomas’s thoughts drifted back to the moments before Beatrice and Layla had disappeared. He replayed his recent memories with Beatrice in his mind—her laughter, her strength, the way she always knew how to cheer him up. The ache of missing her gnawed at his heart. He noticed Mrs. Williams sitting alone, her face etched with lines of worry and despair. He approached and sat beside her, trying to muster some words of comfort.
“Mrs. Williams, I know things seem bleak right now, but please believe me when I say there’s still hope. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.” Mrs. Williams trembled. “You don’t understand, dear. I think there’s no hope left for me, not after what happened to Beatrice.” Thomas reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I can’t pretend to know the pain that you’ve been through, but I do know that giving up isn’t the answer. There’s always a glimmer of hope, even in the darkest of times. We just have to hold onto it, no matter how faint it may seem.”
Mrs. Williams shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I’ve tried to hold onto hope, prayed for some miracle to bring her back to me. But as time goes by... I can’t help but fear the worst. Maybe she’s... maybe she’s...” Her words caught in her throat, unable to voice the unthinkable. Thomas continued squeezing Mrs. Williams’s hand in a gesture of comfort. “Mrs. Williams, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. The uncertainty, the pain... It’s unimaginable. But until you know for sure, until there’s concrete evidence, you must not give up hope. Miracles can happen, even in the darkest of times.”
Mrs. Williams looked up at him, her eyes clouded with sorrow. “What if I’ve been holding onto false hope all this time? What if she’s never coming back? How can I go on living with that uncertainty?” Thomas sighed. “I wish I had the answers, Mrs. Williams. I wish I could take away your pain and give you the closure you seek. But all I can offer is my presence, my support. You’re not alone in this, no matter how bleak things may seem. I’m here too, and I miss her. I miss Beatrice so much.”
Mrs. Williams nodded, her grip tightening on the young man’s hand. “Thank you, Thomas. Your kindness means more to me than you’ll ever know.” They sat together in silence as the search for Beatrice and Layla continued, with the weight of Mrs. Williams’ fears hanging heavy in the air. They found comfort in each other’s company, knowing that sometimes, simply being there was enough.
Thomas looked to his left and saw Mr. Williams sitting down. His head was facing the ground, and it seemed he was staring at one spot, emotionless. “How are you feeling, Mr. Williams?” Thomas asked gently. The old man didn’t hear him. “Mr. Williams?” Thomas tried catching his attention by waving at him, to which he noticed and sat up straight. “What? Can you repeat that? I’m sorry, I’m having a hard time focusing and remembering things.” “I just want to check up on how you are feeling.” Thomas looked at Mr. Williams with concern as he stood up from his seat and sat next to him. The old man sighed. “I don’t know, kid; but I... I’d choose to die rather than see those death certificates of the two girls right before my eyes.”
“Hey, I’m sure that will never happen!” Thomas replied with forced optimism. “How are you so sure, then?” Mr. Williams glared at Thomas tensely. “I just—I’m sure of it.” Thomas’s heart sank as he realized the depth of Mr. Williams’s despair. Despite his best efforts, he could see that the man was not ready to accept his words of encouragement. “Please, hold on for just one more day. One more hour. Please. I don’t want you to lose hope. We WILL find Beatrice. Alive or not. We’ve come so far, and I am truly proud that you are strong to this day of waking up and putting effort into finding your daughter. Every moment of looking for her is never wasted—remember that.”
Mr. Williams offered a weak smile, his eyes reflecting gratitude mixed with resignation. “Thank you, Thomas. You have a good heart. But some wounds run too deep to heal, no matter how hard we try. Nothing will ever be the same after this. I just miss my daughter.” Thomas fell silent as the others overheard their conversation. Officer Chris frowned as he met gazes with the lonely teenager. Thomas stood up from his seat and moved to his usual spot on the boat, gazing into the distance as he searched for Beatrice and Layla. He closed his eyes for a moment and whispered, “I need a break.”
...
The sun was setting as Thomas and Beatrice, both carrying backpacks, walked to school together. Their laughter and chatter filled the morning air, enjoying each other’s company as they strolled down the sidewalk. “Remember that time in sixth grade when you dared me to climb that tree?” Thomas asked, a grin spreading across his face.
Beatrice laughed, her eyes sparkling with the memory. “Yeah! And you got stuck! We had to call your mom to get you down.” They both laughed, the memory a fond one. They continued walking, their friendship evident in their easy banter. Every morning walk and every shared joke made their bond stronger. Beatrice was more than a friend; she was family.
As they reached the schoolyard, the bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Students poured into the yard, and Thomas and Beatrice weaved through the crowd, waving at friends and exchanging quick hellos. They paused at the front steps of the school, turning to each other with smiles.
“We should hang out after school. Maybe go to the park?” Thomas suggested. “Definitely. I have to tell you about this crazy dream I had last night,” Beatrice replied. “Oh, do tell!” Thomas said eagerly. “Later! You’ll love it, I promise,” Beatrice said, giving Thomas a playful nudge before they parted ways to head to their respective classrooms.
In his classroom, Thomas found it hard to focus. He gazed out the window, the teacher’s voice fading into the background as he daydreamed. His thoughts drifted back to Beatrice and their plans for the afternoon. Those days felt endless. They were invincible, with the whole world ahead of them. After school, Thomas and Beatrice met at the park. They sat on a bench under a large oak tree, the setting sun casting a warm glow around them. Beatrice was animatedly telling Thomas about her dream.
“...and then, out of nowhere, a giant pizza slice appeared and started talking to me!” she exclaimed. Thomas laughed. “Only you, Beatrice, would dream about talking food.” Their laughter echoed through the park as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above them. Moments like these were everything. They were the heartbeat of their friendship, the essence of their connection. As evening fell, Thomas and Beatrice walked back home, the streetlights flickering on. They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the peaceful end to their day. Nearing their houses, Beatrice stopped and turned to Thomas. “You know, no matter what happens, we'll always be there for each other, right?” she said. "Of course. Always," Thomas replied.
They shared a warm, understanding smile before heading their separate ways, the bond between them unspoken but deeply felt. Little did Thomas know, those walks, those talks, were the memories he'd hold onto the tightest. Beatrice was his anchor, his constant, and he vowed never to let go.
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