September 23rd, 1976, Thursday.
He opened his eyes.
“BEATRICE!” he shouted, jolting upright in his bed. He was drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. "Oh no... It was a dream?! Why was she there in the casket?!" Thomas groaned, his head feeling heavy as if an elephant were sitting on top of him. He pressed his fingers to his forehead and began massaging it, trying to alleviate the throbbing. He glanced at the wall clock.
“Five-forty-five, Thursday…” Thomas let out a deep sigh and looked down, the memory of the dream still vivid and disturbing. He stretched his arms and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The floor was cold under his feet, grounding him in reality. He turned his head to the window and thought of Beatrice. His heart ached, and he frowned. After a few moments, he looked outside again; Cotton-like clouds filled the sky, creating a somber but perfect backdrop for the day ahead. A day he hoped would bring him closer to finding Beatrice.
He walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower faucet. The cold water splashed onto his face, sending a shock through his system like icy fingers crawling over his skin. “Ah!” I have screamed, shivering. After a few minutes, he emerged from the bathroom, refreshed but still haunted by his dream. He dressed in his school uniform, the routine providing a small comfort.
Descending the stairs, Thomas made his way to the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and grabbed an apple for breakfast, as usual. His mother was at the table, setting out plates for breakfast. She glanced up and smiled at him, although her eyes held a trace of concern. "Good morning, Thomas. Did you sleep well?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Thomas forced a smile, not wanting to worry her. "Morning, Mom. I slept okay," he lied, biting into his apple. His mother sighed softly, sensing something was off but not pressing the issue. “I made your favorite breakfast, in case you're still hungry.” The morning sun streams through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the small but cozy space. The aroma of freshly toasted bread and scrambled eggs fills the air. Thomas sits at the dining table, an apple in his hand, looking lost in thought. His mother places a plate of scrambled eggs and toasts in front of him.
“Let's eat here, Thomas.” Thomas nodes silently and takes a seat. He puts the apple down and reluctantly picks up a piece of toasted bread. The kitchen is filled with an uneasy silence as they begin to eat their breakfast. "I want us to eat before searching for Beatrice. This is going to be a long day." His mother reassured him. Thomas sighs deeply, his mind elsewhere. He takes a small bite of his toast, barely tasting it. His mother watches him with concern, the weight of the situation evident in her eyes. The silence stretches on, filled with unspoken fears and anxieties.
“Hey.” Whispered his mom, breaking the silence. “What?” Thomas asked, looking up. His mother reaches across the table, placing her hand over his. “I know that Beatrice is missing, but please remember that I’m here for you, okay? Beatrice doesn’t deserve this. Losing a best friend is tough, and I would do anything as your mom to help you find her back. I care for both of you, alright?”
Thomas looks into his mother’s eyes, seeing the depth of her concern and love. Her words comforted his troubled heart. “Okay. Thanks, Mom,” Thomas smiled as his mother squeezed his hand gently, offering a small, reassuring smile. “If you need anything, I’m here. I’ll just stay by the phone and talk to anyone who has a sighting of Beatrice.” Thomas stands up and walks around the table, wrapping his arms around his mother in a tight hug. She hugs him back, holding him close, providing the comfort and strength he desperately needs. “We’ll find her, Thomas. We won’t give up.” “I know, Mom. I believe we will.”
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas enters the gates of the grand Williams’ mansion, feeling the crisp morning breeze on his face. He had a strong feeling that he would find her, no matter what it took. He knew the dream was a manifestation of his fears, but it had also ignited a fierce resolve within him. The garden is lush and meticulously maintained, with flowers blooming vibrantly under the morning sun. Thomas walks past the fragrant roses and neatly trimmed hedges, making his way to the front porch. He notices the main door is slightly ajar, and faint chattering can be heard from inside. His curiosity piqued, and Thomas stepped inside.
The chatter grows louder as Thomas and his mother step inside. They follow the voices to the living room, where they find Officer Chris and Detective Phoebe in a light-hearted argument. “Ugh, why did I get your coffee?” Officer Chris groaned. “I don’t know, I got your cup of tea instead!” Detective Phoebe smirked.
“What’s going on here?” Thomas asked. Detective Phoebe quickly cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. “It’s nothing, we are just arguing over a cup of coffee.” The detective let out a smile, shrugging off her shoulders. “Oh, I see. Did you find anything here in the mansion, though?” “We are still investigating Beatrice’s bedroom as of this time.” “May I ask why?” Thomas asked. “We are looking for clues or leads to see if this is an act of a runaway. We still aren’t sure about it.” Detective Phoebe answered. “Kids like you at this age tend to run away all of a sudden these days. Either they don’t want to live in their homes anymore, or to escape with a lover or a friend to someplace we don’t know,” added Officer Chris.
“Do you think it’s a suicide?” he asked. “A suicide? I don’t think it is. There are no suicide letters found in her bedroom, and Beatrice doesn’t even show signs of suicidal tendencies or depression before she goes missing.” Detective Pheobe explained. “Have you found any clues as of now?” Thomas asked. “I hate to say it, but we haven’t found a single one yet in her bedroom,” the detective sighed. “But don’t worry, we will ask every house in the town if they have seen Beatrice or not. We will also begin the search party since the weather is cloudy today; it’s perfect for searching.
“Can I join in the hunt later?” asked Thomas. “Sure. The more people search for her, the better.” the detective smiled. “Right, we can begin already. I’ll go to Obsidian Park to inform the people involved in the search party; they must be there by now,” the officer commented. Officer Chris headed towards the door while Detective Phoebe finalized her investigation in Beatrice’s bedroom. Thomas looks around, taking in the mansion’s grandeur, feeling the weight of Beatrice’s absence. Before heading through the bedroom, the detective looked back at him. “With Beatrice missing, how do you feel?”
Thomas sighed. “I just feel so anxious lately... I wonder where Beatrice is, how she’s doing, all that... It just stresses me out. We were okay and happy. Sometimes, I wonder if I did something bad to her and why she disappeared...” Detective Phoebe lets out a sympathetic sigh and steps closer to Thomas, placing a reassuring hand on his back. “We’ll find her. Don’t worry.” The weight of Detective Phoebe’s words lingers in the air. Thomas feels a small sense of comfort from her reassurance, but the anxiety gnaws at him. The search for Beatrice continues, with the hope that each step brings them closer to finding her.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas steps out of the car, taking in the fresh morning air. His mother, Detective Phoebe, and Mr. and Mrs. Williams follow closely behind. The park is bustling with activity; around thirty people have gathered, ranging in height, build, and appearance. Policemen are stationed around the area, adding to the organized chaos. Thomas surveyed the scene, counting the people as they prepared for the search. He noticed Mrs. Williams standing off to the side, looking lost and distraught. Nearby, Detective Phoebe is in conversation with Officer Chris.
“D-do I look good? Am I okay?” Mr. Williams asked, approaching Thomas. “Yes, Mr. Williams, why?” Thomas raised his brow. “I think I look bad; I haven’t slept well for days now.” “I’m sorry to hear that, Mr. Williams. You look good to me.” Thomas reassured, patting Mr. Williams on the back.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams is approached by an elderly neighbor, one of Beatrice’s well-wishers. “Hi, Mrs. Williams. How are you feeling?” The neighbor extends her hand for a handshake, which Mrs. Williams reluctantly accepts. “How am I feeling...? I feel devastated. I feel physically drained, perhaps sluggish.” The neighbor frowns, offering a sympathetic nod. “We’ll find her.” Mrs. Williams sighed deeply. “I hope we do.” At the center of the gathering, Officer Chris holds a portrait of Beatrice in a brown wooden frame. Detective Phoebe approaches him and takes the portrait, clearing her throat to address the crowd. Thomas, his mother, and the Williams gather nearby, listening intently.
“Thank you so much for coming here today. I am Detective Phoebe, and as you all know, Beatrice Williams disappeared three days ago, on September 20, 1976, Monday. If you have a moment, I’d appreciate your help.” She took a moment to let her words sink in, then continued. “As you all see, we divided you, the searchers, into three groups: Group A will search the entire town. Groups B and C will comb the forests surrounding Crystal River. Let’s reconvene at this very spot by five in the afternoon.”
Thomas stands among the crowd in Obsidian Park, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. The sight of so many people united in their hope and determination reignites his resolve. The park, usually a place of carefree joy, now holds a deeper, poignant significance.
“Thank you all for being here. Your support means the world to us. We won’t give up. Beatrice is out there, and we’ll bring her home.” Thomas addressed the crowd, where they murmured in agreement, a ripple of determination passing through the assembly. Some hold up signs with Beatrice’s picture, others clutch small candles despite the daylight, a symbol of their unwavering hope. His mother, Mrs. Patterson, steps forward, placing a hand on Thomas’s shoulder.
“We’re all here for you, Thomas. Beatrice is a part of this community, and we won’t rest until she’s back where she belongs.” Thomas nods, swallowing the lump in his throat. He turns to face the memorial, his heart heavy but his spirit unbroken. He knew the road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but with the community’s support, he felt ready to face them head-on. The park, bathed in the golden light of the morning, seemed to promise that brighter days were ahead. Detective Phoebe raised her voice, “Let’s all start finding Beatrice.”
The groups start to disperse, following their assigned paths. Thomas walks with Mrs. Williams towards the police precinct to make Beatrice’s missing poster. Groups of people are seen on the streets, calling out Beatrice’s name. Policemen drive by, keeping an eye out, while others venture into the forest, determined to find her.
“Hang in there, Beatrice. We’re coming for you.” Thomas whispered.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
“Today, Crystal River officials are asking for the public’s help in searching for a 17-year-old named Beatrice Williams. She was last seen on the 20th of September around L’s store in front of the Crystal River School, where she bought a snack on the way home. Beatrice Williams is five-foot-four and fifty-three kilograms with wavy blonde hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing the Crystal River School uniform with a jean jacket and a purple backpack at L’s Store. If anyone has information about Beatrice’s whereabouts, contact the police precinct or 555-8880. You will be rewarded with one thousand dollars.”
“That’s good, thank you.” Mrs. Williams nodded appreciatively. She and Thomas sat in the small recording studio, standing up as the newscaster read the announcement over the airwaves. She turns to the newscaster and the radio station team, gratitude evident in her eyes.
“You’ll find Beatrice someday. We already spread the word through radio, now everyone in town will hear it,” the newscaster said. Thomas and Mrs. Williams exit the radio station, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The printer churns out a stack of missing posters featuring Beatrice, each one bearing her smiling face and a plea for her return. The room hums with a sense of urgency, the air thick with tension. Officers bustle around, phones ringing, voices low but intense. The missing posters blanket the table, a stark reminder of the task at hand. Mrs. Williams picks up the first poster, her hands trembling slightly as she reads it aloud. “One thousand dollars.”
She glances back at Thomas, who is standing behind her, carrying the large stack of missing posters. “Here are the other forty-nine copies.” His face is set with determination, though his eyes betray his worry. “Let’s spread them all over town.” Mrs. Williams nodded. They gather their supplies, tape, scissors, and the missing posters, before heading towards the main door. Their footsteps echo in the hallway, each step a beat in the rhythm of their desperate search. Thomas and Mrs. Williams step out into the bright daylight. The sun is shining, but there’s a chill in the air, matching the cold fear in their hearts. They exchange a determined glance and start their mission.
They begin on Amber Drive, the heart of Crystal River. Thomas carefully tapes a poster to the window of a bustling diner. Inside, patrons glance up, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. Outside the Crystal River Library, Mrs. Williams tapes a poster to the notice board just inside the entrance. The librarian, a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on the edge of her nose, looked up and gave a solemn nod. “We’ll keep an eye out for her, dear.” Mrs. Williams smiled. “Thank you.”
Besides the library lies the Obsidian Park. It is alive with activity; children are seen playing, families are picnicking, and joggers are making their rounds. Thomas heads to a large oak tree near the playground, where he carefully tapes another poster. Nearby, parents pause to read it, their expressions turning somber. Mrs. Williams places a poster on a lamppost, her eyes scanning the faces of passersby, hoping for a flicker of recognition.
“I’ll keep an eye out,” one of the parents said. Thomas nods gratefully, his heart aching with the weight of their collective hope and fear. Within Amber Drive, they arrive at L’s store, where the last place Beatrice was seen. Mrs. Williams tapes a poster to the glass door, her hand lingering for a moment as if she can still feel Beatrice’s presence. Thomas steps back, looking at the familiar surroundings with a heavy heart. “This was the last place she was seen,” Thomas sighed. Mrs. Williams nodded, her voice trembling. “We have to find her.”
Their last stop is the hospital. Thomas and Mrs. Williams place posters in the waiting areas, hoping to reach as many people as possible. Nurses and doctors pause to read the posters, their faces reflecting a shared sense of urgency. “We’ll keep our eyes open.” The nurse said. As they finish putting up the last few posters, Mrs. Williams turns to Thomas, exhaustion, and determination etched on her face. “Are you going to school now after this?” Thomas looked back at Amber Drive, his school up ahead. “Yeah, I should get going now.”
“I’ll just continue posting these around the neighborhood.” Mrs. Williams said. “My mom will stay by the phone to listen for people’s sightings of Beatrice across town,” Thomas added. “See you around, Mrs. Williams.” Thomas suddenly opens his arms and hugs Mrs. Williams tightly, the weight of their shared fear and hope pressing down on them. “I’m sorry we’re going through this, Mrs. Williams,” he whispered. Mrs. Williams sighs deeply, returning the embrace with a mother’s strength. “Take care at school, okay?” Thomas smiled. “I will.”
Thomas lets go and begins running towards school, determination driving him forward. He navigates through the town, passing by cars, streetlights, and buildings, his heart was heavy with worry, but his mind was focused on finding Beatrice. He successfully enters the school and is immediately greeted by the familiar, musty smell of the school’s corridors. The scent is a mix of old textbooks, teenage sweat, and cleaning chemicals, a distinctive aroma that signifies both routine and comfort.
Thomas takes a right turn and heads towards the stairs that lead to the second floor. He ascends, each step feeling heavier than usual, weighed down by the worry and exhaustion from the morning’s efforts. As he reaches the top, he navigates through the crowd of students. Some faces are familiar, others are not, but all seem distant in his current state of mind.
Finally, He spots the door to his classroom where Mr. Payne will soon begin his lesson. He takes a deep breath, his hand resting on the doorknob for a moment before he pushes it open. The noise hits him first; students talking loudly, Paul bullying his classmates, and general chaos that only a classroom full of teenagers can create. Amidst the commotion, Thomas sees Layla, her hand raised, signaling for him to sit beside her. He walks over and takes the seat next to her.
“How did the search go so far?” She asked. “We began printing Beatrice’s missing posters. Spread the news earlier before I got here,” Layla nodded before clearing her throat. “What are you guys doing later? Can I help? I’d like to join the search.” “I’m joining Detective Phoebe later to search for any clues about Beatrice around the neighborhood.” “I should walk with you then,” Layla smirked, willing to help Thomas with the hunt. “Sure, there’s no problem. I’ll introduce you to Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris later.”
The classroom door swings open. Mr. Payne enters, his presence instantly silencing the room. He looks around; his frustration is evident on his face. “Has anyone seen my calculus book? It’s been missing for three days now!” He grunted, stomping to his desk. The room falls into an uneasy silence. Thomas and Layla exchange a glance. No one makes a sound. “Anyone?!” he made his voice loud and clear.
“No, sir. We haven’t found your book.” “So, is our calculus lesson adjourned?” Paul joked teasingly, but it didn’t work on Mr. Payne. “No. Without my calculus book around, we should continue today with our current lesson in calculus with an activity. Bring out your papers, everyone.” The entire class groans in unison. Mr. Payne walks over to the blackboard, grabs a piece of chalk, and starts to write equations. Thomas pulls out his notebook, ready to take notes, but his mind is elsewhere.
Thomas’s gaze drifts to Beatrice’s empty seat. The sight of it brings a rush of memories: her laughter, their shared jokes, and the countless moments that defined their friendship. The emptiness gnaws at him, a constant reminder of her absence. “What if I never see her again?” He thought to himself, settling heavily in his chest, making it hard to breathe. He tries to focus on Mr. Payne’s lesson, but the worry and fear are overwhelming. The sounds of the classroom fade into the background as he becomes lost in his thoughts.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas and Layla, having just finished school, walk through the neighborhood, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the pavement. They spot Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris in the distance, standing near a group of houses. “There they are.” Both quicken their pace, approaching the two officers. “Good afternoon, Detective and Officer.” Thomas gestures to Layla. “This is Layla; she is one of Beatrice’s classmates.” She stepped forward. “Hi, I’m Layla, and I would like to help search for Beatrice.” She said in a cool and reserved tone. “Nice meeting you. I am Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris is here to help you.” Detective Phoebe offered a handshake to Layla, which she accepted.
“Is there any news yet about Beatrice?” Thomas asked as they began walking. “We talked to a driver who passed by on the day of the incident near L’s Store.” “What did the driver say?” “He described a man: tall, average weight of a middle-aged man, pointy nose, short greyish-brown hair, and black eyes. The description matches Butler Eric Herman. We’ve informed the Williamses about this as well.” Officer Chris explained. “Have you begun searching around the neighborhood already?” “Yes, and we still need to finish it.” “Can we help you search for her?” Layla interrupted. “Sure,” the detective nodded. Thomas, Layla, Detective Phoebe, and Officer Chris walk through the neighborhood, knocking on doors and showing Beatrice’s missing poster to the residents.
They knocked on door after door, each time hoping for a different answer, but always receiving the same disappointing response. Thomas approaches a house and knocks. A little boy opens the door, looking up curiously at Thomas, clearly not recognizing him. “Hello, have you seen this girl around?” Thomas holds out Beatrice’s missing poster for the boy to see. A woman, holding a baby in her arms, appears behind the boy, presumably his mother. “Good day, sorry to bother you. I’m looking for this girl in the picture; her name is Beatrice. Have you seen her in the past few days?” The mother leans in, studies the poster for a moment, then shakes her head. “She’s the daughter of that rich family living across the street, right? Yeah, we haven’t seen this girl around in the past few days.” Thomas nodded before continuing to speak.
“Okay, how about this man? Do you recognize him?” Thomas produces a photo of Butler Eric Herman. The mother takes a closer look but shakes her head again. “Oh, I haven’t seen him either. Try asking the other neighbors.” “Oh... okay. Thanks a lot.” The door shuts, and Thomas sighs heavily. He steps off the porch and looks at the houses he’s visited so far; all yielding the same unhelpful answer. “A no, a no, a no, and a no.” He muttered to himself. Thomas scans the area and sees Officer Chris stepping out of another house, looking equally discouraged. They meet in the middle of the street. “Have you found anything?” The officer asked. “I tried my best, but out of all the houses I’ve been to, no one has seen Beatrice in the past few days.” Thomas sighed. Suddenly, Layla’s voice breaks through the gloom. “Hey, guys! We’ve got a clue here!” Thomas and Officer Chris exchange a hopeful glance before rushing over to where Layla is standing. At that moment, a spark of hope ignited within Thomas. Maybe, just maybe, they were getting closer to finding Beatrice.
Thomas, Detective Phoebe, and Officer Chris exchanged glances filled with a mix of hope and urgency before rushing over to the house where Layla was standing with an elderly woman. “This is Veronica. She has some information about Beatrice.” She introduced. “Hello, yes, my name is Veronica. About the girl in the first picture, she’s the daughter of Mr. Williams, living in that mansion in the distance, right? I haven’t seen her, but I saw this man in the other picture the girl showed me.” Veronica points at the photo of Butler Eric Herman in Layla’s hand.
“I just got back from buying groceries when I saw this man inside the Williams household on Monday. He was planting flowers in the garden around eight o’clock in the morning. After that, I went inside my home.” Officer Chris scribbles notes in his notepad, nodding thoughtfully. “Thank you, Veronica. This will help in our investigation.” Officer Chris smiled, with the detective nodding beside him. They turn to leave the house. Layla gazes at Beatrice’s missing poster, her face clouded with sadness. “There’s a reward if Beatrice is found?” Layla points to the thousand-dollar reward listed on the poster. “Yeah, the Williams will reward whoever finds their daughter.” Layla sighs, her expression turning melancholy. “Well, if I ever find her by any chance, I’ll get the reward.”
“Why?” Thomas asked. “My mother has a serious medical disease. The treatments are expensive, and she’s been in the hospital for multiple days now.” Detective Phoebe’s face softens with sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that, Layla.” She smiled back and looked at the sunset. “Actually, speaking of my mother, I’m going to leave now to check up on her at the hospital.” Alright, thanks a lot for helping us with today. I guess we covered all of the houses here in Crystal River for today.” Layla smiles faintly and walks away, still clutching the poster. Thomas watches her go, then turns to the officers. “What should we do now?” Thomas asked. “Let’s continue searching around town, like the local diner or the Crystal River School.” Detective Phoebe answered.
As they start to walk away, a distant yell catches their attention. “Detective!” A police officer runs towards them, gasping for air. “What is it, Officer Walter?” “L’s Store, there’s something you need to check out, now the search team has found a clue that might be connected to the case!” Without wasting a second, Thomas, Detective Phoebe, and Officer Chris take off in a sprint toward L’s Store.
He leads them to the back of the store, where the store owner stands, looking anxious. Moments later, Detective Phoebe, Thomas, and Officer Chris follow the police officer toward L’s Store, before leading them to the back of the building, where they are met with the sight of an endless, tall, deep wooden forest and a speck of dirt, grassy ground. The scene feels eerily quiet.
“What happened?” Detective Phoebe followed Officer Walter as he approached one of the search party members. “We found two things that can possibly connect to Beatrice’s case.” He whispered to the member’s ear to grab it for him, reaching into their pocket and pulling out a plastic zipper bag. Inside is a black ballpoint pen. Detective Phoebe, Thomas, and Officer Chris lean in to get a closer look. Thomas gasped.
“I know that ballpoint pen!” Thomas picks up the bag, feeling a chill run down his spine. “Do you know who this belongs to?” Officer Chris raised his brow. “Yeah, that’s Beatrice’s ballpoint pen. She always brings it to school before.” Officer Walter then grabs another plastic zipper bag, this time containing a book. They all peer at it closely. “Do you know who this book belongs to?” Detective Phoebe asked.
Thomas felt puzzled. “That’s weird...” “Why?” Looking closely at the book’s title, read the lines, ‘Calculus: Teacher’s Manual’. Thomas blinked his eyes. “That’s Mr. Payne’s calculus book. Why is it here?” he commented—confused that Mr. Payne may have a connection to Beatrice’s disappearance. “Who is Mr. Payne?” Detective Phoebe asked. “He is my teacher—he teaches calculus.” “Well, your teacher may be a possible suspect in this case.” Officer Chris commented. “Is that all that you found here?” the detective asked. “Yes. That’s all—just a pen and a book. We’re very fortunate that both were recognized by Thomas.”
With Beatrice last seen in L’s Store and these two items that have a connection to her, I think it’s good that we label this as the scene of the crime. If she left and ran into the woods to completely start a new life, there would be no understanding as to why Beatrice decided to leave. With no blood and no body there, I suggest it is kidnapping.” “If that’s the case, should we go and visit the Crystal River School?” “That’s correct. We’ll go to your school and interrogate everyone, their whereabouts, including Mr. Payne.” Thomas held the two plastic zipper bags up one more time, bringing them with him with a cold chill running down his spine. “Beatrice, where are you?”
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The school doors opened with a creak, and Detective Phoebe strode into the corridors, her presence immediately drawing the attention of the students. Thomas and Officer Chris followed closely behind, their expressions serious. A tall, heavy-set student with black hair noticed them and straightened up as they approached.
“Hello, my name is Detective Phoebe. Do you know where Mr. Payne is?” she asked the student. “Mr. Payne is currently in the faculty room. Maybe check him out there,” the student answered, pointing down the hallway. Thomas glanced toward the faculty room’s door, which was slightly ajar. He saw a silhouette moving inside. Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris turned their heads in unison, spotting Mr. Payne. Detective Phoebe, along with Thomas and Officer Chris, entered the faculty room.
The room was bustling with activity: teachers reading textbooks, grading papers with red ballpoint pens, and a few taking quick naps. The cleanliness of the faculty room stood in stark contrast to the grimy school corridors. The teacher, looking tired and worn, was about to leave with a backpack slung over his shoulder. Detective Phoebe walked toward him without hesitation. “Hello, good afternoon. Are you Mr. Payne?” Detective Phoebe asked, extending her hand for a shake. “Yes, what do you want?” Mr. Payne replied, accepting the handshake warily. “I am Detective Phoebe, and I am investigating the case surrounding Beatrice Williams’ disappearance.
Have you heard the news?” she inquired. “Ah, yes. Beatrice is a student of mine,” Mr. Payne responded, his gaze shifting to Thomas. “Why?” “Would you like to answer a few questions?” Detective Phoebe continued. “Sure,” Mr. Payne said, his curiosity piqued. “Wait, is Thomas Patterson coming with us? And who’s this guy beside you?” he asked, noticing Officer Chris. “Good afternoon, Mr. Payne. I am Officer Chris,” greeted the officer, shaking hands with the teacher. “Do you know a room where we can talk things out with you?” Detective Phoebe asked.
“We can use my desk in the classroom,” Mr. Payne suggested. “Before we talk, I’d like to speak to the principal, please,” said Detective Phoebe as she stepped halfway into the room. “Oh... The principal’s office is on the other side of the school. I can take you to him,” Mr. Payne replied, pointing in the direction of the principal’s office.
Detective Phoebe followed Mr. Payne, with Thomas and Officer Chris trailing behind. They marched through the hallway, the seriousness of the situation evident in their purposeful strides. Thomas admired how Mr. Payne conducted himself despite the pressure, a testament to the dedication he showed his students, even in trying times.
As they walked, Thomas couldn’t help but think about Principal Bennett. “Principal Bennett always greets every student by name,” he murmured to Officer Chris. “It’s a small gesture, but it really builds my trust.” Officer Chris nodded, understanding the sentiment behind Thomas’s words. As they walked through the hallway, the group moved with a shared sense of urgency. Thomas observed the interaction between Detective Phoebe and Mr. Payne, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension. The weight of Beatrice’s disappearance hung heavily over them all, but the combined efforts offered a glimmer of hope for him.
Principal Bennett’s office was just ahead, its door slightly ajar. Mr. Payne knocked lightly, and the principal himself opened the door, his face a picture of concern and readiness. “Detective Phoebe, Officer Chris, Mr. Payne, Thomas, please come in,” he said, ushering them inside.
“How can I assist you all?” “We need to discuss the disappearance of Beatrice Williams,” Detective Phoebe began, her tone respectful but firm. Principal Bennett nodded solemnly. “Of course. Anything I can do to help?” As they settled into the office, the air was thick with anticipation. Thomas noticed the familiar surroundings—the principal’s desk, the certificates on the wall, the comforting yet serious atmosphere. He felt a pang of nostalgia, recalling the times he had been in this office for much more mundane reasons. Today, however, the stakes were much higher.
“Good afternoon, I am Detective Phoebe,” she said, extending her hand to the principal. “Hello, Detective Phoebe. What brings you here?” Principal Bennett asked, shaking her hand firmly. “Have you heard the latest news surrounding Beatrice Williams’s sudden disappearance?” Detective Phoebe took a seat beside the principal’s desk.
“Yes,” Principal Bennett replied, his expression turning somber. “She is a student studying here at Crystal River School—a smart student, I must say. When I learned about her disappearance, I felt the weight of every student’s safety on my shoulders. These past few days, I’ve reviewed security measures, and my worry for her and the rest of the students grows with every precaution.”
Detective Phoebe nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “As part of the investigation, we need to interrogate every single teacher here in the school. We think that one of your faculty members, Mr. Payne, is a suspect in this case.” Mr. Payne’s face contorted in shock. “What?!” “Do you have any form of evidence?” Principal Bennett asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying concern.
Detective Phoebe looked at Officer Chris, who handed her a plastic bag containing a calculus book and a ballpoint pen. “This is Mr. Payne’s book, found at the exact place where Beatrice disappeared,” she said, handing the bag to Principal Bennett.
Principal Bennett examined the items closely, his expression unreadable. “Huh.” “We need to interrogate every teacher who was present on the 25th of September until now,” Officer Chris recommended. Principal Bennett nodded and reached for the microphone on his desk. “Attention all teachers who were present on Monday, September 25th. Please report to the principal’s office immediately. This is mandatory.”
The announcement echoed through the school’s speakers, causing a ripple of curiosity and concern among the students and staff. “They’ll be here within a minute,” Principal Bennett said, looking relieved. “We’re planning to use my classroom for the investigation,” Mr. Payne suggested, but Principal Bennett shook his head. “No, use this room for interrogation. I’ll leave once the interrogation begins,” he replied, with Mr. Payne nodding in agreement.
“Good,” Detective Phoebe said, her tone decisive. “Officer Chris, inform the teachers that we’ll be interrogating them one by one. I will begin with Mr. Payne now. Principal Bennett, you can leave the room.” As Principal Bennett exited, the tension in the room became palpable. Detective Phoebe turned her attention to Mr. Payne, her gaze unwavering.
“Mr. Payne, please take a seat on the principal’s chair,” Detective Phoebe ordered. Mr. Payne complied, settling into the chair with a resigned sigh. “Okay, let’s get straight to the point,” he said. “Where did you find my calculus book?” Mr. Payne asked, his voice tinged with frustration. Detective Phoebe met his gaze steadily. “The book was found at the exact place where Beatrice Williams suddenly disappeared.”
Mr. Payne’s face twisted in confusion and shock. “I don’t get it. I’m NOT the kidnapper here.” Detective Phoebe brought out her pen and notebook. “Let’s start with where you were on the 20th of September.” Mr. Payne, visibly nervous, complied. “I was here, at school, the entire day,” he began, his voice shaky. Detective Phoebe leaned in, her eyes boring into his. “And can anyone verify that?” Mr. Payne swallowed hard, glancing at Thomas, who stood silently by the door. “Yes, several colleagues and students saw me throughout the day,” the teacher answered.
Detective Phoebe nodded, making a note. “We will verify that. Now, about this calculus book—how did it end up at the back of L’s store?” Mr. Payne’s eyes widened further. “Detective Phoebe, I am telling you that this is a misunderstanding—I must be framed here.” Mr. Payne insisted. “Then explain it to us. Tell us your whole side of the story.” Mr. Payne cleared his throat. “It was Monday when I noticed that my calculus book had gone missing. I woke up, did my usual morning routine, and headed to school straight.” Mr. Payne glanced at Thomas.
“I taught the class calculus on Monday after I tasked them in groups. When class dismissal hit at three o’clock in the afternoon, I went down to the faculty room and planned the upcoming examinations for October until five in the afternoon. After that, I went home,” the detective nodded.
“So, you noticed that your calculus book was missing on Monday morning, am I correct?” Detective Phoebe asked. “Yes.” “And you claimed that you stayed at the faculty room within the school until five o’clock in the afternoon that day?” “I did.” Mr. Payne verified. “What do you know about Beatrice?” “She’s the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, who are currently here in this room, and she is a very young, talented girl.”
“And Beatrice’s ballpen?” Detective Phoebe pressed. “I have no idea how her pen got there,” Mr. Payne insisted. Detective Phoebe studied him for a moment. “Okay. That’s all we needed to know.” “I’m telling you—I didn’t kidnap or do anything bad to Beatrice.” Mr. Payne said with a concerned tone. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Payne,” Detective Phoebe nodded before Mr. Payne stood from his seat and left the principal’s office.
“I can’t believe that my teacher could be a suspect in this case,” Thomas commented. “I am hoping that we’ll get more clues from his colleagues,” Detective Phoebe sighed, turning to Thomas. “Start bringing in the other teachers one by one.” As Thomas left the room to gather the teachers, He watched the scene unfold, feeling the weight of the investigation pressing down on him. The search for Beatrice had become more urgent than ever, and with each passing moment, the stakes grew higher. The door opened back, with Thomas and a female teacher entering inside. “Here we go,” Detective Phoebe muttered.
...
Detective Phoebe took a deep breath as she interviewed every single teacher in the building, one by one. “What do you think of Beatrice?” Detective Phoebe asked the first teacher. “Williams? She’s the daughter of that rich family at Quartz Lane,” said one teacher. “She’s a very young, talented girl. She can dance, she can sing, and on top of all that, she is smart,” one replied. “I hear students gossip about her around school since her disappearance,” another teacher claimed.
“On Monday, did you see Mr. Payne doing anything between three to five in the afternoon?” Detective Phoebe inquired. Meanwhile, every single teacher answered the same. “No. He just stayed in the faculty room during that time.” “I saw him at his desk—preparing exam papers for his students next month.” “He dismissed his class at three o’clock pm as usual and went down to the faculty until five in the afternoon.” “Okay...” Detective Phoebe said, flipping the pages of her notepad while taking notes.
“Do you think anyone else did anything suspicious on the day of the incident?” she asked. “No,” one teacher said. “Nope,” another answered. “I didn’t see anything,” “Have you seen Beatrice Williams go anywhere on Monday?” the detective asked. “No, I was busy discussing lessons with my class.” “I was with my students at that time, teaching Science.” “I didn’t, but I did see her in the classroom with Mr. Payne and Thomas that morning.”
“When did you learn that she went missing?” Detective Phoebe asked. “I think that was yesterday when I heard the gossip around school,” one teacher answered. “Earlier this morning, when I was listening to the news on the radio,” one claimed. “I saw the missing posters around town while going to school for work.” Detective Phoebe took another deep breath. “Alright, thank you, and have a nice day.” As the last teacher left the room, Thomas glanced at Detective Phoebe, noticing she was rubbing her temples in frustration. “Was that all the teachers?” Thomas asked, her voice tinged with desperation. “Unfortunately, yes,” Detective Phoebe replied, her tone heavy with resignation.
Just then, Principal Bennett re-entered the room, followed closely by Officer Chris, who shut the door behind him. “That was all the teachers working here at the school,” Principal Bennett confirmed. “What about the janitors? The workers in the cafeteria?” Mrs. Williams asked, grasping for any remaining hope. “Yes, we can interrogate them too,” the principal responded without hesitation, picking up the microphone on his desk once again.
“Attention, all janitors, cooks, and every worker in the building, please come to the principal’s office for interrogation immediately.” The announcement echoed through the school’s PA system. Everyone in the room took a deep breath, bracing themselves for the next round of questioning. Soon after, a janitor entered the room, greeting Detective Phoebe politely. She began the process of interrogating each worker, one by one.
“Good afternoon, I’m Detective Phoebe, and I would like you to answer a few questions,” she said to the janitor. The responses were much like those from the teachers: “No, I haven’t seen her around that time. I was busy mopping the floor,” one janitor commented. “I don’t remember seeing her in the cafeteria on Monday; I was cooking lunch for everyone,” a cook replied. “I just heard the gossip from the students that Beatrice was missing.” “The radio mentioned a thousand-dollar reward if she is found,” another worker said. “I saw her heading to L’s Store after school while I was walking toward the restroom,” the final worker mentioned.
Detective Phoebe sighed deeply. “Thank you. That’s all we needed to hear.” The last worker stood up and exited the room. Mrs. Williams looked devastated, and Thomas let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sad to say that Mr. Payne seems to be innocent. All of his colleagues and all the workers and janitors here didn’t provide us with any new clues about her disappearance,” Detective Phoebe said, her voice filled with disappointment. “I’m afraid this trail might lead us to a dead end.”
Thomas glanced back as Principal Bennett and Officer Chris re-entered the room. “That was all of the workers and teachers here in the school. Do you need anything else?” Principal Bennett asked. “No, we’ve heard enough. We’ll leave now. Thank you so much for helping us today, Principal Bennett.” Detective Phoebe answered, offering the principal a small, grateful smile for his cooperation and sympathy. “Good luck finding Beatrice,” Principal Bennett said sincerely. “Thank you,” Detective Phoebe replied.
Principal Bennett watched as Detective Phoebe, Officer Chris, and Thomas sat quietly, processing the information gathered from the day’s questioning. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Before you all leave, there’s something I’d like to share with you,” the principal began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “This isn’t just a case for me—In fact, it hits closer to home than you might realize.” Detective Phoebe, Officer Chris, and Thomas turned their focus to the principal, taking a deep breath before continuing.
“Years ago, my daughter, Barbara Bennett, was diagnosed with a chronic illness. It turned our world upside down—We spent countless days and nights in hospitals; Barbara’s illness not only affected her but also our entire family. It hurts seeing my wife cry every night. It was a long and challenging journey, and it taught me a lot about resilience, empathy, and the importance of community support. As a principal, I carry those lessons with me every day. When I heard about Beatrice’s disappearance, I felt the weight of responsibility for every student in this school. These children aren’t just names to me; they’re individuals—Hearts, with hopes, dreams, and families who love them.”
The principal continued, “These past few days, I’ve reviewed our security measures, speaking to the staff, and tried to reassure the students. It’s been incredibly stressful, but I want you to know that I’m committed to doing everything in my power to find Beatrice and ensure the safety of every child here.”
Detective Phoebe leaned forward, her expression softening. “Thank you for sharing that, Principal Bennett. You care deeply about your students. We’ll do our best to find Beatrice, but your support and leadership are crucial in this process.” Officer Chris agreed.
“Having someone like you makes a big difference. We appreciate your cooperation, Principal Bennett.” The principal gave a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. I just want what’s best for these kids.”
Detective Phoebe stood from her seat. “We’ll arrange a meeting with the students.” Principal Bennett sighed, a deep, weary sound that echoed the weight of his responsibilities. “I understand, detective, but I must remind you that my primary duty is to ensure the safety and education of my students. I can’t have you disrupting classes without a very good reason.”
Detective Phoebe nodded, understanding his concerns. “I assure you, Principal Bennett, we will conduct the interrogations with the utmost respect for the students’ schedules and well-being. However, the urgency and seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. Beatrice’s life may be in danger, and any information we can gather from her classmates could be crucial.”
Principal Bennett’s stern expression softened slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his eyes. “Okay. I’ll tell the teachers tomorrow about it. Good luck finding Beatrice,” the principal nodded. “Thank you,” Detective Phoebe replied before they exited the office, ready to continue their search.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas looked around the park, taking in the sight of search parties and concerned faces. He was back at Obsidian Park, standing beside Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Officer Chris was busy coordinating with the search teams, while Detective Phoebe took her place at the front and center of the gathering. She cleared her throat.
“Attention, everyone!” called Detective Phoebe, her voice clear and commanding. The crowd turned to face her, their expressions a mix of hope and exhaustion. “It’s already five o’clock in the afternoon, and our search for Beatrice is over, for now. Before we all part ways, I need to know if any of you found any clues?” Within the large crowd, a hand was seen raised. Detective Phoebe nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes?” “We haven’t found any clues for now,” the man said, lowering his hand after speaking.
Another hand was raised on the far right side of the crowd. “Yeah? What have you got back there?” Detective Phoebe called out. “I think I saw Butler Eric walking near the hospital—the physical descriptions match the man,” a male teenager reported. “The hospital? Huh. Alright, I’ll take note of this,” she said, scribbling in her notebook.
“Has anyone else had more clues to share?” she asked. The crowd collectively shook their heads, with some people verbally responding, “Nope.” “Thank you to everyone who participated in the search for Beatrice Williams. You may now go home and rest for the night,” Detective Phoebe concluded, stepping away from the center and moving towards Thomas and the Williams family. The groups began to disperse, heading to their cars or walking toward their homes, while some lingered in the park a little longer.
“We should get going, too. Let’s head back to the Williams’ household,” said Detective Phoebe. “Alright then,” replied Mrs. Williams, her voice weary but grateful. They started walking towards Mr. Williams’s car. As they walked, Detective Phoebe turned to the Williams family. “We’ve gathered some important clues today. The shoeprints and the sighting of Butler Eric near the hospital could be significant leads. We’ll need to follow up later at the mansion.” Mr. Williams nodded, determination in his eyes. “We won’t rest until we find her. Thank you for your dedication, Detective.”
Thomas listened quietly, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were getting closer, but the uncertainty of it all was weighing on him. They reached Mr. Williams’s car, and as they got in, Detective Phoebe reassured them, “We’ll find her. I promise you that,” before the car drew off into the distance.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas found himself back at the dining table, waiting for Detective Phoebe to start. His mother sat across from him, her eyes filled with concern. Officer Chris stood in the corner, arms crossed, a watchful presence. Mr. and Mrs. Williams sat beside Thomas. Mrs. Williams stared blankly at the table, unmoving. Thomas was worried. “Hey, how are you, Mrs. Williams?” he asked gently. Mrs. Williams cleared her throat, her voice wavering. “Me? Well... I uh... I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about Beatrice. I just want to know where she is.”
“Have you found any clues earlier?” Thomas asked. “No, we haven’t found any clues yet. We plan to search her school locker tomorrow. I just want to find her...” Mrs. Williams paused, her voice breaking. “But one thing is for sure. I don’t think she ran away. Beatrice would never do that.” Thomas patted Mrs. Williams on the back reassuringly. Detective Phoebe, now seated at the dining table with the others, looked around.
“Are you ready, everyone?” Detective Phoebe asked. They all nodded in agreement. “Okay, so until now we don’t know where Beatrice currently is, but we now know where the crime scene is: behind L’s Store. There were no surveillance cameras there, which is why we hadn’t found it before. At the crime scene, Mr. Payne’s calculus book and Beatrice’s pen were found lying on the ground.”
She paused, her eyes narrowing. "When we interrogated Mr. Payne earlier, I'm still not convinced of his innocence. Even though his colleagues said he stayed at the faculty office from three to five o'clock on the day of Beatrice's disappearance, his calculus book being at the scene is suspicious." Detective Phoebe continued, "Earlier this afternoon while searching for clues, Layla—Thomas's classmate—found a neighbor who saw our main suspect, Butler Eric Herman, on the day of the incident. Officer Chris, please tell us the whole story."
“Her name is Veronica,” Officer Chris began. “She had just returned from buying groceries when she saw Butler Eric planting flowers at eight o'clock Monday morning, the day Beatrice disappeared.”
"Thank you, Officer. Now, we all know what Butler Eric looks like, right? Tall, average weight, pointy nose, short grayish-brown hair, and black eyes. While Thomas was at school, Officer Chris and I checked his house. No one answered when we knocked, and the house appeared empty. We're still trying to find Butler Eric's wife and son. Mrs. Williams, do you know any relatives of Butler Eric?" “No, I only knew his wife and his son,” Mrs. Williams replied. Detective Phoebe was about to continue when the telephone rang in the living room. "Oh, I'll just pick it up. Please continue without me," Thomas's mother said as she left the table. “Alright, as I was saying, there's a theory I have,” Detective Phoebe summarized.
“What is it?” Mr. Williams asked. “Thomas, you said that when you met Butler Eric the evening of the day she was kidnapped, he had soil and dirt on her fingernails, right?” “Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?” Thomas asked. "Butler Eric's dirty fingernails might be evidence of him covering his tracks. He could have dug in the dirt bare-handed on the day of the incident and planted Mr. Payne's calculus book at the crime scene to frame him." “Whoa…” Officer Chris muttered, eyes wide. "It makes sense, but we're still not sure. My theory could be wrong," Detective Phoebe explained.
Suddenly, a loud scream echoed through the hallway. “What was that?!” Mrs. Williams asked, panicked. Thomas, with everyone else, rushed toward the room where the scream came from. His heart pounded with fear. “Oh, my God!” Thomas saw his mother in the living room, her face pale with shock. She held the telephone to her ear, her hand trembling. “Who is it?!” Detective Phoebe demanded urgently.
"It's the kidnapper! Beatrice is on the phone!!"
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