Unraveled

Chapter Five: Should've noticed.

It's been two weeks since Sam read that note and it has occupied her mind ever since. She knew whoever wrote it has gone through a lot. She needed to help them! Sam had a feeling it was the Blondie's note she couldn't tell why, but she was almost sure it was hers.

Thinking back to when she saw her, trying to remember every detail, the first thing that caught her attention was the dark bags under her eyes. The girl had dull green eyes that lacked any amusement or happiness. Instead they were full of fear, sadness and paranoia. Her lips were dry and chapped and even though the girl tried her best to give a genuine smile a couple of times, Sam noticed the corners of her lips were pulled downwards. The inner corner of her eyebrows pulled up and together while her upper eyelids were drooped and eyes looking down. Thinking about it, there was a yellow brownish color right above the left eyebrow. She was wearing a long sleeve shirt and a long skirt, so Sam couldn't tell if she had any bruises. And when Sam talked to her, the poor girl seemed petrified. She couldn't stop apologizing or stuttering, she definitely seemed fearful and had a low self-esteem. All signs of abuse!

Sam cussed under her breath, she got burned while pouring herself a cup of coffee at the station. She was currently in the kitchen where she was supposed to go back to her desk with two coffees for Daiana and herself.

On the way back she was cursing herself, how could she be so irresponsible and not help the girl?! She was obviously suffering and was right there in front of her. Yet she did not do anything! She did not even notice!

"Sam" concern was laced in Diana's voice "What's going on?"

" I can't stop thinking about the note… The girl" Sam was all over the place, a million thought racing through her head, which seemed too small to contain them. "The girl… I need to find her. I need to know who she is and I need to help her"

Diana successfully calmed her down after more than just a few minutes, and that's when Sam told her what she was thinking about. What was eating her inside out. They agreed to go back to the Center and ask if the girl came back, or if anyone saw her or knew her. When the answer for both questions were negative, they asked the organizers to organize for a lecture the day after the next. That got Joanna and the girls confused.

"Our next meeting is scheduled in 2 weeks. It will take us a while to reschedule since other events happen every week and our Hall is booked throughout the week."

Alma continued "We'd also have to announce the event on our online pages. These things take a while to spread to the audience." Pamela just nodded her head in agreement. Sam was frustrated and seething. She needed to find the girl.

The next day, Pamela called Sam and informed her that an event got canceled last minute and they'll be able to give a lecture at the center in 3 days. Finally! Sam thought to herself.

She was nowhere to be found! The lecture had ended and so did the self-defense class. But the blonde girl never showed up. Maybe next time!

"Feeling comfortable?" asked Sam with an arched eyebrow. Joe's sitting behind her desk with his feet on it. Once he heard her voice, he almost jumped from the seat.

"Oh, hey beautiful!" he composed himself and sent her his best smile. He was attractive, she couldn't deny it but he just never interested her.

" Don't you hey beautiful me! Now you got germs all over my desk!" She said pointing at her desk.

" I was just waiting for you… Can we talk? Alone?" just then she remembered Diana was right behind her. They are partners after all and both their desks were back to back. Diana mumbled an I'll be over there and left calling someone as if she wanted to tell them something. Sam turned back facing Joe, who was staring at her with soft eyes that could take any girl's breath away, just not hers.

"It's been almost a month since I asked you out Sam. What? Won't you have mercy on my poor soul and give me an answer?" His voice was sincere. Although he made it clear he really wanted to date her, he never imposed himself on her and would always keep a physical distance between them which she always appreciated.

"Look Joe…" He interrupted her before she could say anything.

"You know you want me. Why fight nature? "Aaaand he's back" He looked at her confused. " The arrogant snobby high and mighty Alter ego of yours" she explained while shaking her head, smiling and rolling her eyes.

"That hurt!… Ouch… I think … my heart is stopping… right … now." He closed his eyes, tilted his head to the side and stuck out his tongue, all while clutching his shirt where his heart is.

"Oh you're such a drama queen" she couldn't help herself from bursting out laughing at his silliness. he just looked at her, more like stared.

"What?!"

" I really like it when you laugh. You should do it more often, it makes you even more beautiful" she cleared her throat trying to hide her blush. She never knew how to respond to complements.

"Look Joe… You're a great guy, you really are…"

" Just one date. I swear if after it you're not interested, I'll back off and never ask you again." She was about to say something when the Captain's voice could be heard calling

" Warren. Starling! Get in here." Diana and her quickly followed him to his office.

"A new case came in. A missing person. Her husband reported her missing, she left the house two days ago and had not returned. He claims someone might have taken her" The captain informed them handing them a file. Sam read the name:

"Veda Miller".

There was a picture attached to the file.

"It's her!!… The girl!"