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I greeted him, shaking his hand.
"Good to see you, Chief Brash."
"I only wish it was under better circumstances."
I nodded in agreement.
The only thing I had been told on the phone was that a 20-year-old college girl hadn't attended class in the past few days.
"The missing girl is Lacey Michaels. She is a Harborview College student. Her roommate Beverly reported her missing this morning. She said Lacey didn't come home after a late-night shift at a local diner Saturday morning. Beverly and Lacey's professors all said it was completely out of character that she didn't return to the dorms or attend class. She was last seen at the diner after her shift, but no one has seen or heard from her since clocking out. Her cell phone was not found, but the last known location was the diner. I have deputies searching for Lacey since the report was filed, and her family has been notified. There have been no leads in the investigation so far. Diner staff have been questioned, but no leads on Lacey’s whereabouts. It may be nothing, but with the recent murders and what happened to Colin, it might be tied to your killer. We have to be careful and consider all possibilities. I hope she is still alive, but we don't want to take any chances. We have to act fast."
Chief Brash handed me a photograph of the missing girl - young and brunette, vaguely resembling Ava.
“Copy, Chief. I’ll get some agents to help with the search," I said solemnly. "I'll keep you updated."
“I am glad to hear that," Chief Brash replied urgently. "The sooner this monster is caught, the better."
I nodded in agreement.
"How is Ava doing?" He asked.
"She's had a rough couple of days, but I think she is doing her best."
"It's a shame that she has had to deal with so much. She's always been kind to everyone in town, and Colin adored her, even after they broke up. Speaking of his funeral, the service is tomorrow at 6 pm. If Ava feels up to attending." He added.
"I'll let her know," I replied.
I hurried home, eager to find Ava, but only found her room empty. It was only 8:30 in the morning, so I assumed she must have gone out for a walk and taken in the morning air. However, Sarah told me Ava had gone out to the greenhouse about an hour ago.
The agent standing guard outside the greenhouse door was an excellent agent. It made me grateful that I had agents who followed my orders to watch Ava when I was not around. It had been almost two months of searching for the killer, but he had always managed to stay one step ahead of them. Fear seized me at the thought of him slipping away once more; I wanted Ava to have a life free of paranoia and worry, and I would do anything to make sure she got it.
How many times would Ava escape before he caught her for good?
I knew the killer was likely enraged that she had slipped through his fingers again. I hoped his rage would cause him to slip up and make mistakes. Mistakes I could use to find him.
But when I found him, what would happen to Ava and me? Would I stay? Would that even be something she wanted?
My heart pounded erratically as I realized that my feelings for Ava were no longer a result of obligation but something far more powerful. Fear and exhilaration coursed through me like an electric current, further intensifying when our eyes met. Nothing else mattered more than my promise to protect her at all costs - even if it meant giving my own life.
"Has she come out at all?"
"No, Sir." Agent Young responded.
"Go ahead and take a break. I'll keep an eye on her."
"Yes, Sir." He nodded in appreciation and made his way towards the house.
I opened the glass door and secured it behind me.
The sun shone through the glass panes, filling the space with a golden warmth that radiated across everything, making it feel alive. I was astonished by how idyllic it all looked, nothing like I had ever seen before. The atmosphere was so calming and tranquil as I meandered through the labyrinth of plants and shrubs.
I gazed in awe at Ava's figure. Her form was silhouetted by the sun, with jean overalls hugging her curves and a white T-shirt that clung to her body like a second skin. Her hair was tied back with a red bandana but still framed her face as if it were an artwork. Sweat glistened on her tanned skin, making me want to reach out and touch her. My heartbeat faster when I spotted the black bra peeking through her wet shirt.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, radiating a soft golden glow that could only be described as angelic. The gentle smile on her face spoke of devotion as she pushed fresh soil into a cream-colored ceramic pot – clearly, this was her passion. I could see how much love she held for these little plants and the time she dedicated to them. A wooden table stood close to her, adorned with various-sized pots, while Sleep Token'sThe Summoningechoed through the air.
"Ava,” I shouted above the blaring music.
She glanced in my direction and smiled.
