SOUL

I want to help

The camera lights flickered on, and the room fell silent as Leo stood behind the podium, facing a sea of reporters and cameras. He had been through this routine too many times already, but it never got easier. Each time he was here, it meant another life was at stake, another family was in agony, and the pressure to find answers weighed heavily on his shoulders.

He cleared his throat and began, his voice steady but grim. "Good evening. We are here today to address the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Lucia Garcia. Lucia, a 26-year-old woman, was last seen three days ago leaving the local library where she worked. She is described as 5'9", approximately 130 pounds, with long curly brown hair. Lucia was last seen wearing a black hoodie and jeans. She was on her way home to meet her fiancée, but she never arrived."

Leo paused, glancing down at the notes in front of him, even though he didn't need to. He knew every detail of Lucia's case by heart. "Lucia is a beloved member of her community, known for her kindness and dedication. Her fiancée, friends, and family are all desperately hoping for her safe return. We are asking anyone who may have seen Lucia or has any information about her whereabouts to come forward. Please contact the Bend Police Department, or reach out directly to me. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could help us bring her home."

He took a deep breath, bracing himself for the questions he knew were coming. The room was tense, and the reporters didn't waste any time.

"Detective," one of the reporters called out, raising her voice to be heard over the murmurs. "Is there any indication that Lucia Garcia's disappearance is connected to the recent string of abductions and murders of young women in the area?"

Leo's expression tightened, and he met the reporter's gaze head-on. "At this time, we are looking into every possibility. We have not confirmed any direct connection between Lucia's case and the other recent incidents, but we are actively investigating all leads. Our priority right now is to find Lucia and bring her home safely. That said, we are aware of the patterns and are considering them in our investigation."

Another reporter jumped in, their voice urgent. "But, Detective, you have to admit that this seems like more than just a coincidence. Is it safe for young women in this community right now?"

Leo's jaw clenched, and he took a moment to choose his words carefully. "I understand the concern, and I assure you, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our community. We have increased patrols, and we are working around the clock to find those responsible for these crimes. Until we know more, we advise everyone to remain vigilant, to look out for one another, and to report any suspicious activity immediately."

The questions kept coming, each one sharper and more demanding than the last. "Have you identified any suspects?" "Is there a profile of the perpetrator?" "What about the previous victims—have there been any new developments?"

Leo felt the frustration building, but he kept his tone even. "I can't comment on specific details of the investigation at this time, but I can tell you that we are following up on every lead. Our team is fully committed to finding Lucia, and to ensuring justice for every woman who has been affected by these tragedies."

One of the younger reporters, a woman with a gentle but insistent tone, spoke up. "Detective, do you have a message for Lucia's family, or for Lucia herself if she can hear this?"

Leo's resolve softened, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. "To Lucia's family, I want to say that we are doing everything in our power to find her. We will not stop until we bring her home. And to Lucia... if you can hear me, know that we are looking for you. We won't give up. Please hang on."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Then, just as quickly, the barrage of questions resumed, but Leo raised a hand, signaling the end of the briefing. "That's all for now. We will provide updates as soon as we have more information. Thank you."