The city streets were slick with rain as Selene drove toward the next location, her mind half on the investigation, half on the memories that never seemed to leave her. The case had pulled her back into a world she thought she had abandoned forever—but the deeper she delved, the more the past clawed its way to the surface.
Selene had been just four years old when a car accident took both her parents away. She remembered flashes: the smell of smoke, the endless sirens, the cold silence that followed. Raised by her aunt in a small, strict household, she had learned early to be independent, to fight for herself, to never let anyone intimidate her. That rebellious streak had often caused trouble in school—but it had also made her strong, unyielding, and fiercely protective. Perhaps that same fire had drawn Ethan to her years later, she thought, smiling briefly through a veil of sadness.
Her train of thought was interrupted by a knock at the door of Marcus Hale's office. Selene looked up to see a distinguished older woman standing there, her posture still elegant despite the years.
— "Selene… it's been a long time," the woman said softly.
Selene froze for a moment, recognition washing over her. Margaret Marlowe, her late husband Ethan's mother. The letters, dozens of them over the years, had never been answered. Selene had kept them, unread, buried under the weight of guilt. She had felt responsible for Ethan's death in ways no one could understand. Though Margaret had raised her as if she were her own daughter, Selene had never dared respond.
— "Margaret…" Selene whispered, her voice thick. She swallowed hard, emotions tangling with grief and regret. "I… I didn't—"
— "I know," Margaret interrupted gently, her eyes misty. "I never expected a reply. I just… wanted you to know that I understand. Ethan loved you deeply. He always believed in you."
Selene lowered her gaze, forcing herself to breathe. I let him die. I let him burn… The memory of his wedding day, the flames, the chaos, haunted her still.
— "He… he wouldn't want you to carry this alone," Margaret said quietly. "And I… I need your help, Selene. Not just for Lucas, but for all of them. For justice."
Selene nodded silently. The woman's presence was both a comfort and a reminder of all she had lost. She straightened, her resolve sharpening. This is what I do. This is who I am.
— "I… I'll do my best," Selene whispered. Margaret gave her a faint, approving smile, lingering a moment longer, then turned and left, her steps fading into the hallway.
---
Selene sat for a moment in silence before heading to Riley's office. She knew she couldn't do this alone. Lucas' life—and the lives of the other children—depended on swift, precise action.
Riley looked up in surprise as she entered.
— "Selene? You're not staying for long, right?"
— "No," she said firmly. "But I need your help. Someone is taking children… and we have to stop them before the next one disappears."
Riley nodded immediately, pushing a chair closer to the desk.
— "We'll set up surveillance, interview witnesses, retrace every route the suspect could have taken. We'll coordinate with the precinct and get every lead in motion."
Selene opened her notebook, laying out the evidence and clues she had collected so far: footprints, CCTV gaps, witness sketches, and patterns from the previous victims. Every small detail mattered.
— "The killer isn't random," she said. "He plans meticulously. We just need to anticipate his moves and act before it's too late."
Riley studied her, respect and concern in his eyes.
— "And Lucas?" he asked quietly.
Selene clenched her jaw.
— "We save him first. Everything else comes after."
The rain continued to fall outside, drumming against the windows, a steady reminder of time slipping away. Selene and Riley began to map out surveillance points and assign tasks. Each step, each decision, could make the difference between life and death.
Selene felt the familiar rush returning—the thrill of tracking a dangerous criminal, the tension, the adrenaline. But this time it was personal. More than ever, she could not fail.
And as the city lights shimmered on the wet streets, Selene Voss knew that every step forward would confront her past, her guilt, and the deadly trail she had been forced to follow once more.
The hunt was on.