Before Another War

Chapter Thirty-Six

For the past half an hour, they had been desperately searching the small car park, slowly becoming more and more disappointed. Alex had even stooped so low as to go through a nearby bin. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. The car park was devoid of evidence. But, they all knew that if they didn't find anything, they'd be stuck again. No clues, no leads. The only thing left would be to tell the police where Nadia was — maybe they'd be able to get her out. There was Cornelius, of course. Yet, Alex didn't believe he'd been much help. So she kept looking.

Raf was the first to think about giving up. It was cold and miserable outside, and he'd far rather be at home. He still thought they should tell the police. Kirk was clearly up to something.

Matt, however, was still rushing around the car park, leaving no stone unturned as he searched. He couldn't let this end here. We have to find it. Whatever Nadia had was extremely valuable. With it, Matt could get everything his mother needed. The possibilities turned over in his mind. Maybe, in exchange for saving her, Nadia would afford him that.

Alex stepped over to Raf, who was leaning against an empty bike rack with a solemn look on his face. She crossed her arms and stood next to him.

'You think we'll find anything?' she asked.

'I'm not sure now, she probably didn't leave anything here.'

She sighed. 'I guess that's it then.'

'We still have the cat.' He grinned, joking.

Alex smiled. 'I don't think we can really trust him.'

Just as Raf was about to reply, Matt called out.

'I've got something!'

The pair rushed over to him.

'What is it?' she asked.

'A fingernail.' Matt grinned widely, holding it up in the air.

'A what?' said Raf, stunned.

'You remember how Nadia always had those stick-ons? Well, this is one of them.'

Alex peered at it. It was a long, blue fingernail. The exact type Nadia wore.

'At least we didn't come away empty handed.'

'We need to give this to the police,' Raf chimed in.

'What? No!' Matt exclaimed.

'But they could find all sorts of DNA on it, and we could do it anonymously. Just leave the bag on the steps.'

'It could help them build evidence.' Alex agreed. Matt thought for a while, knowing they were right.

'Fine,' he said. 'I'll take it down there and leave it in a plastic bag on the steps.'

'Make sure to leave to leave a note.'

He nodded. 'I'll meet you at your place. Then we can sort out that bleeding cat.'

They all chuckled before departing. Matt left to sort out the nail, and Alex and Raf headed back to her flat. She hoped Cornelius hadn't gone.

Matt headed in the opposite direction. He hadn't bothered to put the nail in a plastic bag. And, as he passed by the nearest bin, he let the nail fall into it. 

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'Sir! Sir!'

Clive continued to stare at the whiteboard. There had to be something connecting all of this. If he could just find Morgan...