An Unforgiving Love

Chapter 8- Hopeful Cause

Bella quickly got to work after receiving the information and image of Private Thompson’s missing cousin from Lucas. She studied the details carefully, her mind already working through possible avenues to help. The young man’s face was hauntingly familiar—another life on the line due to a dangerous world he was trying to escape from.

Determined to help, Bella picked up her phone and dialed one of her closest friends in law enforcement, Detective Natalie Clark. Natalie was a sharp, resourceful detective who had worked with Bella on several cases involving gang violence in the past. If anyone could dig deeper into the situation, it was her.

"Hey, Nat, I’ve got a situation I need your help with," Bella said as soon as Natalie answered. She explained the details of Thompson’s missing cousin, his involvement with the gang, and the possibility that he was trying to get out. "Do you think you could check into any recent gang activity or missing persons reports that might match his description?"

Natalie didn’t hesitate. "I’ll see what I can do. We’ve had a few cases lately involving people trying to break free from gangs, and it usually doesn’t end well. But I’ll run this by the team and check the system. Send me all the details you’ve got, and I’ll get back to you soon."

"Thanks, Nat," Bella replied, feeling hopeful that between her work at the morgue and Natalie’s connections, they might find a lead.

After hanging up, Bella returned to the morgue. She started checking through recent cases, pulling up any unidentified bodies or victims of gang violence, hoping she wouldn’t find a match. The tension in the air was thick, and Bella couldn’t shake the urgency of the situation. She knew how much this meant to Lucas and to Private Thompson.

As she continued her work, Bella hoped they weren’t too late to help Thompson’s cousin.

Bella arrived at the Thompson family home, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She knew the stakes were high, but her determination to help the family, and Lucas, kept her focused. When she stepped out of her car, Private Thompson's mother was already at the door, her eyes hopeful but filled with the exhaustion of weeks of worry.

"Thank you so much for coming," Mrs. Thompson said, her voice trembling. "We just want our boy back."

Bella offered a warm, reassuring smile. "I’ll do everything I can to help. I’m here to collect anything that could have his DNA to match it against any cases I’m working on at the morgue."

Mrs. Thompson nodded quickly and rushed inside to gather items that might hold her son's DNA. Meanwhile, Private Thompson's father stood by the door, his face clouded with skepticism. He finally spoke up, his tone raw with years of frustration.

"I didn’t think anyone would care enough to help us," he admitted, his voice low. "Especially because of our race. We’re African American, and it’s not like we get the same attention others do."

Bella looked him straight in the eye, her heart aching for the reality he was describing. She stepped closer and embraced him without hesitation, offering comfort in the only way she knew how at that moment.

"Please don’t lose faith," she whispered as she held him. "Not all people see color. I’m here because your son matters, and Lucas believes in him too. We’ll do everything we can to find him."

Mr. Thompson exhaled deeply, some of the tension easing from his body. "Thank you for that. It’s hard not to lose hope, but we believe in you."

Just then, Mrs. Thompson returned with a few items—hairbrushes, an old toothbrush, and a baseball cap. "These should help," she said, handing them to Bella. "I just want him home, safe."