The Lost and the Found - Michael Morbius

Police Inquiry

 "We're here about the sudden disappearance of Dr. Michael Morbius."

"What?" she cried, awe-struck after a shocked moment of silence following their declaration. The news shocked her speechless for a split second.

"Dr. Morbius has been declared missing," they repeated in condensed form, though the second time, no matter how condensed their explanation was, did little, if anything, to make it any less shocking. "We were hoping you'd be able to enlighten us somewhat on the situation."

"No, this is news to me..." She sat back in her chair, not so much sitting as falling back into it in shock, and sinking into it. Oh Michael, what have you gotten yourself into now? Oh my God... 

"I-I don't know much, but I'll help where I can..." Her words sounded distant, even to herself, like she was underwater and someone else, not even herself, was speaking them. 

"We would appreciate it."

She nodded distantly, before realizing they were standing there expectantly, and she was just standing there blankly.  She snapped into action. "Please, have a seat." She brought over a couple of chairs so the officers could sit before her desk.  "Forgive me, I-I don't even know what to say."

"Anything would be helpful and appreciated. And it is understandable that this is shocking, we understand you are very close with Dr. Morbius." 

"Yes." Well, they already knew that much. "Okay..." Try to calm yourself, Selina... Start at the beginning. "What happened?"

"The ship was found out at sea, floating aimlessly, crew dead-"

"Dead?" she cried, not meaning to interrupt, but too shocked to stay quiet. This was all only becoming more and more shocking, even more so. 

"Yes, dead. Killed by someone - or something."

"Something?"

"Yes, some sort of vicious animal attack by the looks of it. How and why, we have no clue - yet."

Selina's heart lurched.  "But Michael wasn't there?"

"Left no trace."

Another lurch of her heart in her chest. "What about Martine?"

"Doctor Bancroft was unfortunately caught up in the fray, but fortunately, was only knocked unconscious. She's recovering in hospital here in the city."

"Oh God..." Selina buried her face in her hands.  "You said something attacked - how would a so-called 'something' even end up on the ship in the first place?"

"Climbed aboard, or-" Now the two officers exchanged a glance.  "-It was already on board."

"You think it had something to do with Michael's work?"

"Well the attack and whatever work he was doing line up pretty much exactly. Now, about that work: any way you could elaborate for us?"

"It's been his life goal, ever since we were children, to find a cure for his disease. I know nothing, other than he and Dr. Bancroft were taking a critical next step in experimenting with the cure."

"And what is the cure?"

She shook her head, at a loss. "All that medical stuff is beyond me. You'd have to get a doctor's explanation." They were exchanging another glance.  "Wait, you don't think he had something to do with it, do you? The Attack" Thinking this had something to do with the experiment was one thing, but thinking Michael was directly involved was another. However, he and the experimentation were closely linked... But they had said this was like some sort of animal attack. Again, her thoughts filled with, Michael, what have you done? 

"He was the only one who got away, or so we think. He's more of a first-hand witness than a suspect at this point, but there's definitely something suspicious going on here, something that needs explaining."

"Yes, sounds like it...." His words, "...The only one who got away, or so we think. He's more of a first-hand witness than a suspect at this point..." coursed through her, filling her with an uncomfortable gnawing feeling.   She leaned back in her chair, gaze distant.  "I'm sorry I can't be of more help." That was all she knew, and thankfully - she couldn't process any more of this at the present moment anyways. 

"Thank you for your time."

"Of course." Finally, they left, and she released a heavy breath. Then, and only then, did she feel she could breathe again, and normally, or at least somewhat so. 

Lucien had only hired the boat and crew, he knew nothing more of Michael's plans - besides the boat and crew, he was in the same boat - no pun intended - she was now knowledge-wise. She wondered if the police had visited him too, and her father? Would they? And was she the first one they had made a point of visiting?

She needed coffee to sharpen her senses, clear her mind and focus her thoughts - she had some serious digging to do.

She stopped at the closest coffee shop to Horizon Labs before heading up to Michael's office and lab. This seemed like the best place to start. She had already combed through much of the stuff he had in there, but this was even more serious now. Now, the police were involved and Michael under direct surveillance. Or, well, would be, once they found him. If they found him...

She shook her head and took another long swig of her large coffee before punching the code into the keypad and entering her friend's spacious workplace. 

She froze - the coffee cup dropped from her hand and crashed to the floor below, its contents splashing and spraying everywhere. 

(Sorry for the delay, but thank you so much for the comments! :) I'm glad people are eager to continue reading this story! 

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! :))