“What happened, Mr. Williams?”
Detective Phoebe, emerging from the main door, asked in a state of worry. “My wife! She’s missing! I can’t find her!!” he exclaimed, his voice breaking. Officer Chris appeared behind Detective Phoebe, observing Mr. Williams’s distraught state. He looked at Detective Phoebe and nodded, silently suggesting that he should immediately search for the missing woman. Detective Phoebe nodded in agreement, and Officer Chris rushed towards the police car.
“We will find her, Mr. Williams. Where have you last seen her?” Detective Phoebe asked, trying to remain calm. “Earlier at the interrogation room—she just left the room, so I followed her outside after we talked, but when I got out, I couldn’t find her—I, I...” “Alright, let’s search for her. I’m calling all the officers within the area to search for her now,” said Detective Phoebe as she reentered the building. Thomas approached the distressed Mr. Williams. “I’m sorry that you have to go through this,” he said, placing a comforting hand on Mr. Williams’s back as he escorted him to Officer Chris’s police car. Officer Chris opened the car door for him.
Detective Phoebe emerged again, this time with officers in tow, as they began their search for Mrs. Williams around the premises. “Aren’t you coming with us, Thomas?” asked Officer Chris. “I’d prefer to search on foot this time,” Thomas replied, then ran off into the distance. Detective Phoebe got into the police car with Officer Chris, and they drove off, leading a group of officers in the search around town.
Thomas desperately searched for Mrs. Williams, scrutinizing the faces of everyone he passed. “What happened to Beatrice’s mother?” he wondered. “Was she kidnapped, too? Did she run away? Or...” Thomas stopped in his tracks, a realization dawning on him. “Did she storm out after learning that Butler Eric is innocent? If I were Mrs. Williams and I got upset, where would I go?” he thought. “I’d usually go to the park if I needed to cool things down... It’s peaceful, greenery, and nice.” Deep down, he knew that the clock was ticking, urging him to act fast. “Alright, fine. I hope she’s there somehow,” he said before running off again, heading towards Obsidian Park.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas entered the park gates, his heart heavy with the weight of the day’s events. He was back at the same place he had been the day before. The sign at the entrance read, “Welcome to Obsidian Park.” Determined, he continued walking, his eyes scanning the area in search of Mrs. Williams. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t find her. Frustrated and exhausted, Thomas dropped to his knees on the ground. “Where could she be?” he wondered aloud.
As he was about to stand up and leave, he glanced back and noticed a woman sitting on a park bench. The silhouette’s shape was almost identical to Mrs. Williams’s. Thomas hesitated, then cautiously approached the woman. As he drew closer, he confirmed it was indeed Mrs. Williams, her face tear-streaked and distant. “Mrs. Williams?” he called softly. Mrs. Williams turned her head slightly, acknowledging Thomas but not uttering a word. Thomas sighed and asked, “Can I sit with you?” Mrs. Williams remained silent, turning her head away again. Thomas took the silence as a yes and sat down beside her. The park was quiet; the only sounds were birds chirping and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
“Can you tell me how you feel about what happened earlier? I’m here to listen,” Thomas offered gently. A tear slid down Mrs. Williams’s cheek. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “Earlier... when I found out that Butler Eric wasn’t the one who kidnapped Beatrice... I thought I was going to pass out. Imagine all the hard work we put into finding Butler Eric, only to find out he wasn’t the right person.” She wiped her tears and continued staring into the distance. “I can’t believe this... THIS. This will be my life until she’s found. The horror of waking up every day... the more days pass, the more I lose hope in finding my daughter.”
Suddenly, Mr. Williams’s voice broke the silence. “There you are, honey!” he shouted, running towards the bench. Mrs. Williams stood up and was immediately enveloped in her husband’s arms. She hugged him back, tears streaming down her face. “Please tell me where you’re going next time. I was so worried about you!” Mr. Williams cried. “I’m sorry, honey. I just couldn’t take it; I stormed off,” Mrs. Williams explained, her voice trembling. Thomas looked behind him and saw Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris running towards them. They stopped when they saw Mr. and Mrs. Williams embracing. “There you are, Mrs. Williams. We were worried about you,” Detective Phoebe said, relief evident in her voice. Officer Chris pulled out his walkie-talkie. “Calling all units, the search for Mrs. Williams is over; we found her here at the park—safe and sound,” he announced.
Mrs. Williams frowned. “I just needed some time alone. What happened earlier was too much for me to handle.” “Please tell us next time where you’re going so we don’t worry about you,” Officer Chris urged gently. Mr. Williams’s voice cracked as he spoke. “We are currently searching for our missing daughter. I don’t want to lose you either. You’re here in my arms now, honey. You’re safe and alright.” “We’ll get through this together,” he added, his voice filled with determination. Detective Phoebe, Officer Chris, and Thomas watched the couple hug each other. A moment of peace and silence enveloped them.
Detective Phoebe spoke up, “I’m sorry to disturb, but do you need some time to talk things over? Do you need some space?” “Yes, please. Continue searching for clues about my daughter, Detective. We’ll be alright; just give us time to process what happened,” Mrs. Williams replied. Detective Phoebe nodded. She and Officer Chris left the park, heading back to the police precinct to follow up on the investigation with Butler Eric. Thomas remained on the park bench with Mr. and Mrs. Williams, watching the sunset as flocks of birds gathered on a large rock near the river’s whooshing waves. “What were you talking about earlier?” Mr. Williams asked. “I was telling Thomas how I felt about all of this... It’s just so unfair,” Mrs. Williams answered. Thomas took a deep breath and looked at Mr. Williams. “What about you, Mr. Williams? How did Beatrice’s disappearance feel for you? Do you want to talk about it?” Mr. Williams sighed deeply.
“For me? Lately, as I drive around town, I find myself looking at everybody. I... I find myself looking at every person I see or pass by. I wonder... is that Beatrice? Is that my daughter? Sometimes I stop to take a closer look.” He paused, his voice heavy with emotion. “One time, I parked my car near the diner on Amber Drive. I suddenly ran inside because I saw a girl who looked like Beatrice—exactly like her. But when I took a closer look, when I approached her... it wasn’t her. But from a distance, it looked just like Beatrice... Blonde hair, green eyes, the right height and size...” Mr. Williams’s voice broke, and he wiped away a tear. “I had hope inside... hope, you know? I thought it was her. But when I got back to my car, I slapped my forehead. You’ve got to see if it’s her—you can’t just leave it and not look. In my mind, there’s always this chance that I’ll find her someday. But as the days pass, hope just... disappears.”
Mrs. Williams suddenly stood up from the bench, sobbing. “Goddamn it! I should’ve just stayed home all week! It’s my fault! If I had stayed, I could’ve been there when she disappeared. I should’ve been the one kidnapped, not my poor daughter. It’s all my fault!” “No, Mrs. Williams, it’s not your fault!” Thomas hugged her as she cried. “Please listen. I hear you, Mrs. Williams. I know this is really hard, but please remember that I’m here for both of you. I want to be here with you, and I’m not leaving. For me, Beatrice’s disappearance doesn’t feel fair. Everybody goes on with their lives at school, but as her friend, I can’t stand not seeing her every day. It makes me sad. Yes, I admit, day by day, we lose hope in finding Beatrice, but we’re not weak, okay? We are strong, and we’re going to make sure that Beatrice is alive and safe back in our arms, one way or another. Mr. and Mrs. Williams, it’s not your fault. What’s happening to Beatrice now is scary and unforgivable, but one day, this will all be over. We’re going to find her,” Thomas said, shedding a tear.
Mrs. Williams took a deep breath and reached into her purse. “Actually, I have something for you,” she said, pulling out a shiny gold whistle attached to a golden necklace. “What’s that?” Thomas asked, curious. “It’s an heirloom passed down in the Williams family. I want to give this to you as a thank you,” Mrs. Williams said, handing him the necklace. “Thank you, Mrs. Williams,” Thomas said, holding the necklace for the first time. “You never know when you might need it. It makes a loud noise,” she added. Thomas nodded, touched by the gesture, and put the necklace around his neck. The three of them sat together in silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon, their hearts heavy with the weight of their shared pain and the flicker of hope that still lingered.
Thomas took a deep breath and tried blowing the whistle. It emitted a very loud sound, startling the birds around the river and annoying people in Obsidian Park. Mrs. Williams managed a small smile despite her tears. “We trust you, Thomas. We will find her. I should’ve given this to Beatrice before. If I had, she would have used it by now,” said Mrs. Williams, her voice tinged with regret. Thomas hugged her tightly. “I promise, Mrs. Williams. I will keep this necklace safe, and I will do everything in my power to help find Beatrice. I won’t let you down.” Mrs. Williams squeezed Thomas’s shoulder, gratitude and sorrow mingling in her eyes. “Thank you, Thomas. Your support means the world to us.”
“Are you and Mr. Williams going home after this?” Thomas asked, pulling back slightly. “Yeah. We’re taking a break at the Golden Hotel. I read in the newspapers that there’s a restaurant within the hotel with live performers. We should check that out later, honey,” Mrs. Williams replied, looking at her husband. “Sure,” Mr. Williams answered, trying to muster a smile. “Thank you for talking with us, Thomas. It really means a lot to us.” “I’m here if you need anything,” Thomas said sincerely. He gave Mr. and Mrs. Williams one last hug before they stood up from the park bench and parted ways.
As Thomas started walking away, something clicked in his mind. He stopped and turned around. “Detective Phoebe said they would make Paul talk earlier, right?” he remembered aloud. Thomas broke into a run, heading back to the police precinct swiftly. “I hope Paul says something this time,” he thought desperately.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
“Don’t you get it?!” a voice shouted as Thomas entered the jailhouse, overhearing the heated conversation. “Being in jail for the rest of your life means you won’t be able to see your family ever again. You cannot watch the movies you love or even listen to your favorite band for eternity!” Detective Phoebe’s voice was firm and relentless as she addressed Paul, who sat in his prison cell. Thomas looked at his classmate. Paul wiped the tears from his eyes, handcuffs still on his wrists. “Paul, we CAUGHT you. The only way out for you is to just tell us everything. Please,” Officer Chris pleaded.
“What’s going on here?” Thomas asked as he walked into the jailhouse, catching the attention of Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris. “We’ve been trying to get Paul to tell us what happened for the past five minutes now,” explained Detective Phoebe, frustration evident in her voice. “You’re really never going to talk?” Officer Chris said, looking directly at Paul, who remained silent, his eyes downcast. “If that’s what you want, we’ll force you to.” Detective Phoebe replied, storming out of the room.
“We’ll restrict his food and water during his prison days, and he will be moved to a cell that is much harder to escape from if he ever tries. We just want him to tell the truth. I know he has the answers to every question we’ve been looking for.” Officer Chris threatened, looking at Paul.
Paul, slumped on the bench in his cell, stared at the floor, his face a mask of defiance and fear. Officer Chris leaned against the bars, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Paul, you have to understand. We’re not the enemy here. We just want to find Beatrice and bring her home safely. If you know anything, please, for her sake, tell us.” Paul’s hands trembled as he clenched them into fists.
Thomas knelt down to be at eye level with Paul, his expression earnest. “You’re not helping anyone by staying silent. If you care about Beatrice at all, you need to speak up. Whatever it is, we can help you, but we need to know the truth.” Tears welled up in Paul’s eyes, and he looked away, the internal struggle evident on his face. Thomas’s eyes softened with compassion. “Beatrice is out there, and she needs our help. You can make a difference. Please, trust us.”
With Paul still keeping himself quiet, Officer Chris gave up hope, placing his hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “Alright, Thomas. Maybe it’s best for you to go back home and rest now. It’s been a long day. Thank you for helping us, especially with finding Butler Eric. You can leave it all to us now with Paul.” Thomas sighed deeply. “I just want Beatrice to be back home safe and sound.” “That’s what we all want, and that begins by making Paul tell us what happened to Beatrice and where she is,” Detective Phoebe reassured him. “Alright. Thank you, Detective Phoebe.” “Anytime, Thomas,” she replied, watching him leave.
Thomas walked slowly down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing softly. He stopped in front of Detective Phoebe’s office, the door slightly ajar. He hesitated for a moment before gently pushing it open, peeking inside.
Detective Phoebe sat at her desk, the room illuminated by a small desk lamp casting a warm glow. She was looking intently at a document, her face etched with a mixture of sorrow and determination. Thomas recognized it as the file from a previous case involving the child who had died in her case. He watched as she clenched a photo from her wallet, her fingers trembling slightly.
It was a picture of her mother. Detective Phoebe held the photo close, drawing strength from it, but Thomas could see the cracks in her face. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Thomas took a step back, not wanting to intrude on her private moment. He glanced out the window, noticing a light rain shower starting to fall outside. The gentle patter of raindrops against the glass created a soothing yet melancholic ambiance. He cleared his throat softly, and Detective Phoebe looked up, startled.
“Thomas, what are you doing here?” she asked, quickly putting the photo back in her wallet. “I... I wanted to check on you,” he said, stepping into the office. “I know this case is hard on you, too.” Detective Phoebe managed a small smile. “Thank you, Thomas. It’s been a long day for all of us.” Thomas nodded, his gaze shifting back to the window. “Looks like it’s going to rain all night,” he said quietly. “Make sure to bring an umbrella.” Detective Phoebe sighed, nodding. “Yeah, it’s going to be a storm tomorrow. We need to be prepared.”
Thomas hesitated, then asked, “Do you think Paul will talk?” “We’ll make him talk,” she replied firmly, her resolve returning. “We have to find Beatrice.” Thomas nodded again. “I believe in you, Detective Phoebe. We’re all counting on you.” She smiled softly, the cracks in her face momentarily mended by his words. “Thank you, Thomas. Now, go home and get some rest. We’ll continue the search tomorrow.” Thomas left the office, feeling a sense of determination. The rain fell steadily, a promise of the storm to come. The rain quickly soaked him to the skin, but Thomas didn’t care. As he walked home all soaked, he couldn’t shake the feeling that tomorrow would bring new challenges and, hopefully, new answers.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Thomas knocked on the door, and his mother answered, worry etched on her face. “Thomas, you’re soaked! You’ll get sick.” She hurried to get a towel, wrapping it around him and rubbing his hair dry. “What happened?” She asked. “We caught the Butler,” he said, stepping inside. “Oh, that’s nice to hear.”
“But... it turned out he was innocent.”
“What?!” “Yeah, Butler Eric’s son had intense stomach pain, so they rushed him to the hospital. That’s why he was missing around the time Beatrice disappeared. Detective Phoebe and I checked his medical records, and the doctor confirmed it. We even talked to his son and wife at the hospital. Butler Eric was innocent, and now the investigation has hit a dead end.” “That’s sad to hear,” his mother said, face-palming. “I know... but there is Paul...” Thomas sighed deeply. “It doesn’t make sense, it just doesn’t!” he yelled in frustration. “Why does Paul, my classmate, have to be the kidnapper when Butler Eric is innocent?! Why was Mr. Payne’s book at the crime scene?! Why—”
“How about we eat dinner?” Thomas’s mom suggested, raising her eyebrows and giving him a comforting look. “Alright, Mom. The past few days have been hard on me,” Thomas said, hugging his mom. He untied his shoelaces and left his shoes by the door. “Come, I cooked soup.” His mother took his hand and led him to the kitchen. The aroma of the soup greeted him as he entered. Thomas went upstairs before going straight to the shower to clean himself. While cleaning himself, he glanced at the golden whistle necklace still wrapped around his neck, reminding him of the kindness that he had shown to Mrs. Williams. After taking a bath, Thomas put on his clothes before going downstairs to eat dinner with his mom.
Thomas sat at the table, watching his mother scoop the soup from the pot. The table was set, and she handed him a steaming bowl of soup. “It’s been a long day. You need to eat,” she said gently. “Thanks, Mom,” Thomas replied, smiling as he savored the soup. “The whole day’s just been too hard. After we realized Butler Eric was innocent, we had to face Mr. and Mrs. Williams. They were devastated, Mom. Mrs. Williams even went missing for a bit. I found her at Obsidian Park, sitting alone on a bench. She was so upset, thinking about all the time and effort wasted.”
His mother listened attentively, her eyes full of concern. “That must have been so hard for her,” she said softly. “It was,” Thomas agreed. “She gave me this,” he added, pulling out the shiny gold whistle attached to the golden necklace. “It’s a family heirloom. She said she should’ve given it to Beatrice earlier, so she could’ve used it.” His mother looked at the whistle and nodded, understanding its significance. “That was very thoughtful of her. You’ll keep it safe, won’t you?” “Of course,” Thomas said, clutching the necklace tightly. “I promised her I would.”
“And what about Paul?” his mother asked. “Paul... he’s in a lot of trouble. Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris tried to get him to talk, but he wouldn’t say anything. They’re going to have to take more drastic measures to make him speak,” Thomas explained, his frustration evident. “It sounds like you’ve been through a lot,” his mother said, pulling him into a comforting embrace. “But remember, you’re not alone in this. We’ll find Beatrice. Together.” Thomas nodded, feeling the weight of the day lift slightly off his shoulders. “Thanks, Mom. I needed that.” As the rain continued to fall, the two of them sat in the warm, cozy living room, finding solace in each other’s presence, just as the doorbell rang.
Ding-dong!
“Wait a sec!” Thomas responded, getting up and walking towards the door. As he approached, he saw Detective Phoebe standing on the front porch, her expression serious. “Detective Phoebe?” Thomas said, surprised. “What’s going on?” “Good evening, Thomas. Sorry to interrupt you.” “It’s alright, Detective. How may I help you?” “Have you seen Layla around?” “No, why is that?” Detective Phoebe exhaled deeply. “A classmate of yours reported to me just now that... Layla has vanished into thin air, too.” Thomas’s eyes widened. “Layla is missing?!”
“Who told you that she is missing? Which classmate of mine?” “It was a girl named Kelly Fisher. She just showed up at the police precinct, telling us that Layla disappeared. I’ll tell you more once we get inside the police car. I have a gut feeling that we need to find her somehow. I need you to come with me, Thomas.” “Alright.” Thomas grabbed his shoes from the ground in a flash and began tying his shoelaces once again. “Is Officer Chris coming along with us?” asked Thomas. “Unfortunately, no. I told him to continue the search for Beatrice.” “Why do you want Thomas to come with you?” his mother asked, worry evident in her voice.
“Layla Carter is Thomas and Beatrice’s classmate, and the person who reported her missing is also their classmate, Kelly Fisher. I have a feeling that Layla’s disappearance may be connected to Beatrice’s case. All four of them, Thomas, Kelly, Beatrice, and Layla, study at the same school and in the same classroom.” “Are you going to sleep here tonight, Thomas?” “Since we’re going to search for Layla tonight, I don’t think I’ll rest. I don’t want to lose another friend.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Thomas gets some rest,” reassured Detective Phoebe. “I see. Stay safe out there, Thomas, okay?” “I will, Mom.” “See you at the car, Thomas,” Detective Phoebe said, marching back to the police car. Thomas stood up and wrapped his arms around his mom. She hugged him tightly, her worry palpable. “Be careful, Thomas.” “I will, Mom. I promise.” He pulled away and walked towards the police car, where Detective Phoebe was already waiting, her hands on the steering wheel. He opened the car door and got inside, the rain still falling steadily outside.
“Can you tell me what happened?” Thomas asked as he buckled his seatbelt. “After we last spoke at the police precinct, your classmate, Kelly, came in a few minutes later. She told me that Layla is missing,” Detective Phoebe explained. “Do you remember meeting Layla?” asked Thomas. “Yeah. I remember her helping us in the neighborhood to find clues about Beatrice’s disappearance days ago. I also recall her mentioning that her mother’s sick?” Thomas nodded. “Yes.” “Do you already know what happened to Layla?” “Yes, but I want Kelly to say it to you and to me again so that I can understand her story clearly.”
The night was long, and the search for Layla and Beatrice was far from over, but at least they had each other. As the police car made its way through the rain-soaked streets, Thomas sat quietly in the passenger seat of the police car as Detective Phoebe drove through the rain-soaked streets. The rhythmic patter of the rain on the roof was the only sound for a while. He glanced over at Detective Phoebe, noticing the tension in her jaw and the tight grip she had on the steering wheel.
“Detective,” Thomas began cautiously, “are you okay?” Detective Phoebe sighed deeply. “Honestly, Thomas, I’m not sure. This case is getting to me. First, it was Beatrice. Then it was Butler Eric, and now Layla, another one of your classmates. I can’t help but wonder if all these disappearances are connected. Am I missing something? Is there a pattern I’m not seeing?” Thomas watched her struggle with her thoughts. “You’ve been working really hard, Detective. We all know you’re doing your best.” “I appreciate that, Thomas,” she replied, her voice heavy with fatigue. “But sometimes, I feel like I’m running in circles. Every time I think we’re getting close, something new happens, and it feels like we’re back to square one. I question if I’m staying consistent, if I’m doing enough. What if I’m not good enough to solve this?”
Thomas looked at her. “Detective Phoebe, you’ve been amazing. You’ve been so dedicated to finding Beatrice, and now you’re doing everything you can to find Layla too. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But don’t forget, you’re not alone in this. We’re all in this together.” Detective Phoebe glanced over at Thomas, a small, tired smile forming on her lips. “Thanks, Thomas. I needed to hear that. It’s just... these cases are so personal. I see the pain in the families’ eyes, and I can’t help but take it to heart. I just want to bring everyone back safely.” “And you will,” Thomas said firmly. “You’ve already made progress. We found out Butler Eric was innocent, and now we’re on our way to find Layla. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to the truth.”
Detective Phoebe nodded, a renewed determination in her eyes. “You’re right. I can’t let doubt cloud my judgment. We need to stay focused and keep pushing forward.” Thomas smiled. “Exactly. I’ll be here to help in any way I can. We’ll find them, Detective. I know we will.” The car continued through the rainy streets, the atmosphere inside the car lightened slightly as Detective Phoebe found some comfort in Thomas’s words. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with support and determination, she believed they could uncover the truth and bring their friends home safely.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
“Thomas!” Kelly called as she saw Thomas entering Detective Phoebe’s office. Her voice carried a mix of relief and anxiety. “Hey, Kelly.” “How are you?” Kelly asked, concerned. “Feeling worried. I can’t believe Layla has gone missing; we were just talking yesterday.” “Hi, Detective,” said Kelly as she saw Detective Phoebe entering the room. “Good evening, let’s take a seat,” said Detective Phoebe as she approached her desk. “So, Kelly, can you tell us again the whole story?” “Okay. Here is how it went...” Kelly took a deep breath, steadying herself before recounting the events. “Yesterday, Layla and I went to the library to double-check if the solution and formula in the math activity we made were correct. We were also searching for any clues that might help us find Beatrice. Later, we heard gunshots, which caused a lot of commotion. We decided to continue our work at the library the next morning since we had no classes on Saturday.”
“When we got outside the library, we saw police cars outside the gates of Obsidian Park, right next to where we were. Layla and I were curious, so we checked it out. We blended into the crowd, and when we got there, I saw you guys capturing the kidnapper. When the detective removed the mask, I was shocked because the kidnapper turned out to be Paul.” Kelly paused, her voice quivering slightly. “Paul is our classmate. Why would he try to kidnap Beatrice? I still can’t believe it. When I tried to find Layla in the crowd, she had disappeared. I thought maybe she went home or to visit her mom in the hospital. I went home and rested.”
“This morning, I went to the library, but Layla wasn’t there. I waited, but she never showed up. I got worried and ran to her house this afternoon. I rang the doorbell, but no one answered. I rang again and again, but after ten minutes, I got really worried. I rushed to the hospital to see if she was with her mother, but the nurse said Layla hadn’t been there. That’s when I decided to report her disappearance to the police, and now we’re here.”
“Alright, thank you, Kelly,” said Detective Phoebe. “What should we do now, detective?” asked Kelly. “Layla mentioned something about her mother, right?” “Yeah, her mother has a serious medical condition, but Layla never told us what it is.” “But you know where her mother is, right?” the detective asked. “Yes, she’s at the hospital. Layla visits her often.” “Well, that’s where we’re going.” “To the hospital to talk to her mother?” “Yes and no. We’re going to the hospital, but we’re not going to talk to her mother right away. First, I want to speak with her doctor to understand her medical condition. Depending on what we find out, we’ll decide the best way to inform her mother about Layla’s disappearance. We don’t want to make her condition worse with sudden bad news,” explained Detective Phoebe.
Thomas nodded. “That sounds like a plan to me.” “Thank you for the information, Kelly. You can go home and rest now; you’ve been very helpful.” “No problem, detective. I really want to help find Layla. I’m so worried about her.” “I understand. I’ll send Officer Walter and Officer Chris to assist you in the search. You last saw Layla at the gates of Obsidian Park, right?” “Yes,” Kelly answered. “Maybe she left a clue there,” said Detective Phoebe as she grabbed the walkie-talkie from her pocket. “Detective Phoebe here, calling for Officer Chris and Officer Walter to my office.” “I’ll take part in Layla’s investigation right after Thomas and I visit the hospital.”
“Alright, Detective.” Thomas looked up as two officers entered the room; it was Officer Chris and Officer Walter. “How can we help you, detective?” asked Officer Chris, sipping his cup of tea. “Layla, Beatrice’s classmate, has gone missing. I want you and Officer Walter to find clues about her disappearance, alongside Kelly here.” “Hello,” greeted Kelly. “Nice to meet you, Kelly. We should get going now, Detective, before it’s too late,” said Officer Walter. “Alright, thank you, officers.”
The door shut behind them, leaving the room in a tense silence. Detective Phoebe turned to Thomas. “Let’s head to the hospital. We need to get as much information as possible.” Thomas nodded, feeling the weight of the situation. As they left the office, the gravity of Layla’s disappearance settled heavily on everyone’s shoulders.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
He touched the doorknob. Thomas was seen entering a room alongside Detective Phoebe. In front of him stood a doctor, but his face wasn’t Doctor Harold from earlier. He wears the same blue scrub top and pants and a white coat. “Hello, Doctor Oliver.” Greeted Detective Phoebe as she read the doctor’s nametag before closing the door. “Good evening, how may I help you?” said Dr. Oliver as he sat on his chair. “My name is Detective Phoebe, and I was sent here by one of your nurses. I am on an investigation for Layla’s disappearance. Forgive me if this is out of the blue, but can I ask if a person by the name of Emily Carter is a patient in this hospital?” She took a seat.
“Yes. Why do you ask that, detective? Is this connected to Beatrice’s disappearance?” “Emily’s daughter, Layla, is a classmate of Beatrice. She was reported missing just an hour ago by one of her classmates, Kelly. I have a feeling that her disappearance is connected to Beatrice’s vanishing. When Layla last talked to us about her mom, she just mentioned that she has a serious medical disease, but she didn’t tell us what it is exactly.” “I see.” Detective Phoebe leaned forward. “What medical disease does Emily Carter have?” “She is diagnosed with an ischemic stroke.” “What is that?” “It is usually a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. If it happens, brain cells begin to die, which is a serious medical condition that may lead to death.”
“Can you tell us the whole story of how she got here?” Doctor Oliver cleared his throat. “Emily said that she has always experienced high blood pressure even before she was admitted to the hospital. Two weeks ago, her only daughter, Layla, heard a thump through the kitchen in their home. When she got there, it turned out that her mother, Emily, was found lying down, with numbness on her face and experiencing severe headaches. She picked her up and drove her immediately to the hospital and through the emergency room. It turned out that she had a stroke.
“After she received medical treatment, they both decided whether her mother should stay in the hospital for care or go home afterward. Layla and Emily only have each other; Emily’s husband left her; they do not have any relatives, family, or friends who are available to support them. Since Layla goes to school, she cannot take care of her mother frequently. “If Emily stayed home, there might be a chance that her mother would have a stroke attack while her daughter is at school, which is very risky. Emily also didn’t allow Layla to be absent from school just to take care of her.”
“That’s tragic. What do you think is the cause of her high blood pressure, doc?” “I suspect that it may be a cause of financial problems, since they still haven’t paid the hospital fees, nor have the money to pay them, yet.” “Alright, thank you, Doctor Oliver. You see, her daughter, Layla, disappeared a day ago. The next time you check up on her, can you tell her that Layla is missing?” asked Detective Phoebe. “What?!” the doctor exclaimed. “Emily Carter has the right to know that Layla is missing. She is her daughter. If we don’t tell her, she’ll figure it out one way or another.” “By how?” asked Doctor Oliver. “She might wonder why her daughter stopped visiting her at the hospital for over a day now, which is unusual since she visits here pretty often.” The doctor took a deep sigh.
“Alright, I’ll tell her. You’ll find Layla, right?” “We’ll try our best, and that begins tonight.” Said Detective Phoebe. “Alright, detective.” “Thank you for talking to us and informing Emily too, doctor.” Detective Phoebe and Thomas were seen standing up as they began to leave the door. They walked through the corridors as they ventured outside of the hospital and towards the police car. Detective Phoebe turned on the engine while Thomas rode in the back seat. The car was seen revving into the distance. Thomas looked at the window. “What’s next, Detective?” He asked. “We’ll go towards the Obsidian Park, see what happened to them. After, we’ll do a search party with our police officers to find Layla around town. Do you want to get rest?”
“No, Detective. I don’t want to waste my time sleeping. I really want this to end now.” The police car was seen steering to the right onto Amber Drive, as Thomas began to see police cars waiting outside of Obsidian Park. “Keep your eyes peeled, okay?” said Detective Phoebe as she got inside the vehicle. Thomas sat on the back of the police car as he gazed at it; the car drove off into the distance. He looked over his shoulder to see Officer Chris’s car behind them. Thomas widens his eyes as he observes every house, car, or person that they pass by. Minutes later, he felt his body slowly getting tired, as he felt his eyes closing in slow motion.
He swayed his head back and forth, until...
...
Eight-year-old Thomas lay on his bed, with tears streaming down his face. Beatrice, who was also eight, sat beside him, holding his hand tightly. “I saw my mom crying in the kitchen earlier... Beatrice. I’m scared,” Thomas said, sniffling. “It’s okay, Thomas. I’m here. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together,” Beatrice reassured him, her voice steady and comforting.
“Dad... He’s feeling worse day by day, Beatrice. I’m scared he’ll... he’ll-” Thomas’s voice broke as he thought of the unthinkable, the fear evident in his young eyes. “He won’t-- and even if he did, you’ll still have me. I promise, Thomas,” Beatrice said firmly, squeezing his hand tighter. Her determination was unwavering for Thomas. He looked at her with gratitude, the bond between them palpable in the silence that followed. “Please don’t leave me, Beatrice,” he whispered, his voice tinged with desperation. “You know what? Let’s go make an epic fort outside. What do you say?” Beatrice suggested with a motivating smile, trying to lift his spirits.
Thomas sniffled, then nodded. “Yes,” he said, his tears slowing as he followed her outside. Young Thomas and Beatrice were in the woods near their neighborhood, building a fort out of sticks and leaves. Their laughter echoed through the trees as they immersed themselves in their imaginary world.
“Look, Thomas! This can be the entrance to our secret hideout!” Beatrice exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Yeah! And we can have a lookout tower right here!” Thomas added, pointing to a spot in their makeshift fort. They both laughed, completely absorbed in their project, their worries momentarily forgotten. The scene faded out, capturing their deep bond from an early age. Those days were simple, full of laughter and dreams.
Out of nowhere, a black cat appeared from the trees, its eyes meeting Thomas’s. The laughter died down as young Thomas watched the cat pass by, a sense of unease creeping in.
...
September 26th, 1976, Sunday.
Thomas opened his eyes, feeling a sharp pain in his forehead. He winced, touching the sore spot, and whispered, “Oof... my head hurts...”
Looking around, he realized he was back in the police car. Detective Phoebe was in the front seat, steering the wheel with a focused expression. Through the window, he saw houses passing by and noticed the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon.
Detective Phoebe glanced back at him and smiled. “Oh, Thomas, just in time! Good morning.” “Good morning, Detective... Can I ask... What happened?” Thomas asked, yawning. “While searching for Layla, you fell asleep.” “Oh, sorry.” “It’s alright, I understand that it was a tiring day.” “Have you found any clues?” he asked, hopeful. “We found none, unfortunately.” Detective Phoebe continued driving along the road. “Where is Kelly?” “She went back home to rest right after we searched at Layla’s house.” “Wait, you got inside Layla’s house?” “Well, no,” Detective Phoebe admitted. “Oh... How did you get inside?” “The door was locked when we got there.” “...and you haven’t found anything suspicious?”
“I haven’t. Officer Chris and I kept looking for clues on the outside and through the windows all night, until Officer Walter called us on the walkie-talkie, saying that Paul wants to speak out now.” “He’s finally going to talk?” Thomas asked, a mix of surprise and anticipation in his voice. “Well, that’s what I heard, and that’s what we’re doing right now, so it’s just in time for you to wake up.” Thomas looked into the distance, spotting the police precinct coming into view. “Oh, we’re almost there.” Detective Phoebe nodded. “If Paul speaks everything that we want to hear, will you set him free?” Thomas asked.
“Not anymore,” she said firmly. “We gave him the chance, but it took almost two days for him to talk. We had to push him by giving him less food and water and putting him in a harder-to-escape cell. But if he tells the truth, don’t worry—we’ll lessen his serving time in prison due to his honesty.” Detective Phoebe hit the brakes and parked the car. “You can get inside the police precinct now, Thomas.” “See you there, Detective.” Thomas got out of the car, and Detective Phoebe followed right behind him.
They entered the police precinct, walking through the lobby and towards the police custody area. Prisoners stared at them as they made their way to Paul’s cell. There he was, behind locked doors and in handcuffs. “Officer Walter said that you’re going to talk, are you?” Detective Phoebe asked, her tone stern. Paul looked back at her, his eyes flickering with a mix of defiance and resignation. He took a deep breath and began to speak.
...
He blurted out, his voice trembling, “It’s Layla!”
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