The Hunt

An Effort

The puzzled look etched across my face as I peered into Leon's eyes eventually gave way to a heavy sigh. I urged Leon to lower his voice, veiling the forthcoming revelation with a cloak of secrecy.

"Her name isn't Jada Lockheart; her name is Amelia James. And she is my daughter," I admitted, my words laden with an unexpected weight.

Leon, bristling with frustration, retorted, "How in the hell was I supposed to find a bitch with a fake name?"

Maintaining composure, I cautioned, "Watch your mouth."

Our heated exchange gradually subsided, paving the way for a more subdued conversation about Chief's daughter and her mysterious disappearance.

"Take a seat, Leon," I implored, the gravity of the situation settling upon us.

In the afternoon's recollection, the atmosphere shifted to a family dinner where Barbara, my wife, and Amelia, the daughter in question, had visited. Amelia, an accomplished college student and debate team member, was a significant person in our hearts.

Leon interjected with a poignant question, "Was?"

I responded with conviction, "She still is," my commitment to finding my daughter evident in the undertones of my words.

The narrative took an unexpected turn as Amelia, bearing news, expressed her decision to drop out of school during a family gathering. Shocked by the revelation, the family's disagreement inadvertently led to Amelia leaving abruptly, cutting ties in a frantic departure. The silence that followed was marked by an unsettling absence, with no word from Amelia since.

Leon sought clarity, questioning why Amelia adopted the name Jada. I unveiled a troubling truth – Amelia had chosen the alias to evade detection, her mother's attempt to reach out through social media thwarted by the name change.

An objection arose as Leon, grappling with the revelation, challenged my decision not to initiate a search for my daughter. I, burdened by the weight of authority, revealed the harsh reality of my position – being at the top meant accumulating enemies who would go to extreme lengths to retaliate, putting my family in jeopardy.

A moment of understanding passed between us, the lengths one would go to protect their flesh and blood.

"Please, I want my daughter back," I pleaded, my vulnerability breaking through the façade of authority.

"Stop crying, old man. I'll find your daughter," Leon declared, a determination in his voice as he left the office, a screensaver on his phone capturing a moment of familial joy, a stark contrast to the turmoil that now enveloped our lives.

The stark glow of the office lights cast long shadows as Leon returned, relentless in his quest to untangle the enigmatic threads of Amelia's life. The room echoed with the click of keys as he delved into a digital tapestry – a labyrinth of information about her family, school, friends, and a particularly intriguing detail: her relationship with Greyson Matthews, a handsome male with a slim build. His features conveyed an arrogant demeanor with a slender physique, reflected in his facial expressions and overall appearance. As he scrutinized pictures of the seemingly affluent Greyson, Leon's skepticism deepened as he noticed a forced smile on Amelia's face, especially when captured beside her boyfriend. Driven by determination, he stormed back to my office, fingers flicking through files on the polished desk.

Leon paced the room, consumed by thoughts of Greyson. "What about Greyson?"

I maintained a measured response. "He's a good kid. Amelia and Grey were in love; there was no need for further investigation. I already asked him to have her reach out."

The atmosphere thickened as Leon pressed, "And what did he say?"

I sighed, "No, he hasn't seen her. When she ran away from my wife and me, she ran away from him, too. But I don't know why. They were perfect together, his Bonnie to her Clyde."

Undeterred, Leon declared, "I'm going up to the school to ask more questions."

"Tried that. They believe in confidentiality," I stated.

"Stick to your newspaper, Gramps. I got this," Leon retorted as he left the office, a parting shot from me echoing behind him.

My voice carried, yelling "smart-ass," a ripple of tension hanging in the air.

In haste, Leon gathered his belongings from the cluttered desk, his footsteps resonating in the empty corridor. With a flick of his wrist, he dialed his wife, Raven.

Leon initiated, "Hey..."

Raven responded with a cautious "Hi," acknowledging he wasn't her favorite person.

"I need to go for a few days," Leon informed her.

Annoyance seeped into Raven's voice as she questioned his decision. Fuelled by determination, Leon asserted that he had to travel to Nashville for an interrogation.

"Of course you do," Raven responded.

"Could you try to be supportive, even if you're honestly not?" Leon requested.

"Why would I support something I disagree with?" Raven countered.

"Because you love me," Leon pressed.

"My love for you and this family has nothing to do with your selfish career choices, Leon," Raven declared.

"Alright, I'll leave this evening after dinner so I can say goodbye to Taylor," Leon informed her.

"And leave me with a 7-year-old with a broken heart because her father is going for a few days. Great," Raven.

"Thanks for being so understanding, Rave," Leon said sarcastically.

Raven hung up, leaving Leon irritated with her stubbornness and selfishness. He yearned for her to be more supportive, a pillar of strength he believed she possessed when they began their journey together.

The day's grip on the city loosened as Leon left his workplace, mentally preparing for potential tensions at home. Upon arrival, an unusual sight met him – Taylor, his little girl, perched on the couch, happily munching on dry cereal well before the customary dinner hour. A tender kiss on her forehead conveyed Leon's bemusement at the unexpected meal choice.

Leon, curious Taylor, why are you eating cereal before dinner?

Taylor, an innocently resolute Mommy, said I could have whatever I wanted for dinner, and I chose cereal.

Leaving his daughter in the living room, Leon entered the bedroom, anticipating an unconventional dinner conversation. To his surprise, Raven meticulously packed a suitcase, an air of determination surrounding her.

Raven, feigning casualness, Oh hey.

Leon, genuine concern lacing his voice: What's going on?

Raven Taylor is going with my mother, and we're leaving town.

Leon, a note of disbelief. I'm sorry, what?

Raven, newfound determination shining through, I thought about what you said. I should be more supportive, so I'm going with you to help.

Leon, skepticism coloring his tone. My love, no offense, but you don't have any skills in my profession.

Raven, defiantly resolute, I binge-watch CSI Miami all the time. I could help.

Leon stresses the seriousness of the situation. This is not a TV show or a vacation; an actual person is missing.

Without hesitation, Raven approached him with her suitcase, looked him in the eye, and boldly declared, "I'm coming with you."

Leon contemplated the unexpected turn of events, recognizing that perhaps this was Raven's way of trying. With a mixture of uncertainty and acceptance, they prepared for departure, bid their heartfelt goodbyes to Taylor, and embarked on the  drive to Nashville – an unlikely duo navigating a journey fraught with uncertainties, their intentions converging in the pursuit of truth.