Found Obsession

Chapter 50: Greco's case I: Margaret

Rose meticulously secured her apartment, double-checking every lock before finally retreating to her room. She waited an hour, just to be sure she wasn't being watched or followed. Once the tension subsided slightly, she descended to her secret room, eager to make progress on the investigation.

She added a quick note to her files: He doesn't have all the lists. Where are they?

After connecting to her private server, she dug into the orphanage's basic information-it was a one-hour drive from her current location. But when she tried accessing the database to identify the owner, she hit the same wall: the Hansley security program. Frustrated, Rose realized she'd have to visit in person.

Determined, she shut down the server and turned her focus to Brianna. She scanned the old picture and let the computer project an updated image, showing how Brianna would look today. She looked at it, the now 10 year old.

She printed it.

Carefully closing the secret room, Rose prepared her purse with three phones, the printed photos, and her essentials. She grabbed a quick dinner, took her medication, and headed to the shower, hoping that sleep might come despite the storm of anxiety brewing inside her.

She needed rest for tomorrow's task-but sleep seemed like a distant hope.

Finally, Rose drifted into sleep.

She dreamed of Brianna again, pleading for help, her small voice echoing in Rose's mind.

November 30, 2004

Rose jolted awake, staring at the ceiling. Her heart pounded as she prayed the child was okay-alive.

Why would Bruce Jones take her? What was his motive? Did the Grecos have something to do with this?

She couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.

Rose got up. It was 8 a.m. The orphanage opened at 10. Too long, she thought, anxiety creeping in.

She hurried through getting ready, pulling on jeans, boots, a blouse, and her jacket. Her fingers fumbled as she tucked her gun and badge into her black coat. Her nerves were frayed, but she needed to keep her head. She let her hair down, glancing at the mirror. She looked presentable-but she felt far from ready.

Just as she grabbed her purse and reached for the door, she froze. Through the peephole, she saw Riley standing outside, his hand raised to knock.

Not now.

"Riley," she said, opening the door, forcing surprise into her voice.

He looked at her, hesitation in his eyes. "Yesterday..."

Rose's pulse quickened, dreading what was coming next.

"I wanted to apologize," he said slowly. "You handled everything. You got the superiors off my back. I'm sorry. You were right."

She forced a tight smile. "Alright, we're good," she said, though her mind was elsewhere-focused on the orphanage, the missing child, the clock ticking faster than she wanted.

Riley shifted, uneasy. "About the suspension-"

I need this time, she thought, but she didn't want to explain. Not now.

"It's fine," she cut in quickly. "I'll take it. See you in two weeks," she added, edging the door closed, desperate to leave.

Riley opened his mouth, his face tense. "I actually came to-"

No. Don't make this harder.

She smiled quickly, cutting him off again. "I have to respect my boss's orders and avoid... favoritism," she said, trying to keep her voice light, though tension hummed under the surface.