*Lucas*
It’s almost Christmas, and the air buzzes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I’m as always at the office, staring at the pile of papers and leads that have gone absolutely nowhere. The door swings open, and David strides in, a grim look on his face. It’s clear he’s feeling the weight of this search just as much as I am.
“Hey,” he says, sliding into the chair across from me. “We need to talk.”
I nod, bracing myself. “Did you find something?”
“No.” He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “I’ve gone through every contact, every social media thread. It’s like Ashley has vanished into thin air. I can’t wrap my head around it.”
“Tell me about it,” I reply, my voice tight. “It doesn’t make sense. How does someone just disappear like this? She shouldn’t just leave lik
