The threesome~

The Search for Liam

Ashton and Ethan decided to split up, each taking a different route to cover more ground. Ashton headed towards the park, hoping to find any witnesses, while Ethan retraced their steps back to the store.

At the park, Ashton found Mrs. Jenkins walking her dog. "Mrs. Jenkins, did you see Liam pass by here earlier?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

Mrs. Jenkins nodded. "Yes, dear. He was on his way home with groceries. I saw a white van nearby, but I didn't think much of it."

Ashton's heart raced. "Thank you," he said, running towards the main road, dialing Ethan's number as he went.

Meanwhile, Ethan reached the store and spoke to the cashier. "Did Liam leave here about an hour ago?" he asked, showing a picture of Liam.

The cashier nodded. "Yes, he bought some things and left. I remember seeing a white van parked outside."

Ethan's mind raced. "Thank you," he said, heading outside to call Ashton. "Ashton, a white van was seen at the store. I'm heading to the nearby streets to look for any cameras."

"Ashton found Mrs. Jenkins, and she mentioned the same van. Let's meet at the intersection of Pine and Oak. We need to find any surveillance footage," Ashton replied.

The two met at the intersection, breathless and determined. They started asking residents if they had any security cameras facing the street. After a few tries, they found a house with a camera that captured the road where Liam was taken.

The homeowner agreed to help, and they reviewed the footage. There it was—a clear shot of the white van, with a partial license plate visible.

"We need to get this to the police," Ashton said. "This is our best lead."

They rushed to the nearest police station, presenting the footage and explaining the situation. The officers took immediate action, putting out an alert for the van and assuring Ashton and Ethan they would do everything possible to find Liam.

Ashton and Ethan returned home, anxiety and hope warring within them. They sat by the phone, waiting for any news. Hours later, the call came.

"We've located the van. Liam is safe," the officer said.

Relief washed over them as they rushed to the location provided. Seeing Liam, battered but alive, brought tears to their eyes. They embraced him tightly, vowing never to let him out of their sight again.

As they walked back home, the early morning light began to break through the horizon. Their ordeal had brought them closer, and they knew that together, they could overcome anything.