The Convict

The Search

Was I scared that Dakota could try to kidnap me again? No. Not even a little. Dakota was in a corner. She had no money, nowhere to go, no one to contact. What I was scared of was that she would do something stupid and try to go after Bernida. Despite our argument, BB is right. Dakota is obsessed with me and would do anything to get me all to herself. I was just afraid that killing would be included in the anything clause.

If Dakota killed BB, I don't know what I would do, or how I would react. The act might just shatter my whole world. I knew I had to find her before that happened. Because I know if Dakota kills someone else, the police will shoot her on-site, with no hesitation. No one will bat an eye at Dakota's death, no one but me. That would be a worse-case scenario, Dakota killing BB, the Police killing Dakota. The two people I love most in the world, dead.

I get nightmares just thinking about it.

No, I couldn't let that happen.

I had to find Dakota before anyone else did.

The Search

Dakota has been missing for three days, well officially missing for about two months, but missing from me for about three days. Someone said they saw her hiding under a highway in the city, now there is a battalion of police, FBI, and state rangers and all the fanfare searching the area. They have helicopters and drones, and even hunting hounds to sniff her out.

Every second that passed by was another heart attack. Who would find her first? Would they shoot her? Would the dogs get her? What was she doing? What was she up to?

My hair was falling out in clumps.

I have to do something to lure Dakota back home, back to safety.

I'm the only one who can talk sense into her, that can keep her safe. Stop her from hurting herself, or others.

If Dakota has the iPad there is a chance she is seeing news coverage of her manhunt and if that's the only way I can get her attention so be it. I'll join the search.

I talked to the detective and convinced him that if Dakota was under the highway she would come peacefully to me. That no one had to get hurt. He talked to his boss, who talked to his boss, who talked to the FBI who all eventually agreed I could join the search and try to lure Dakota out.

I was given a badge, clearance, and even an official jacket.

So there I was, on the front lines, looking for Dakota.

The news was eating it up, zooming in on me, watching me look for signs of Dakota.

Do I think she's under the highway? Hell no. Dakota is way smarter than that. She wouldn't go where a lot of people could see her. But I do think she is watching from somewhere. And that's all I need.

When the Public information officer went to give his statement to the media about the search and shutdown of the area, I went with him.

"We have not located the escaped inmate yet but we do believe the tip to be credible. Local security footage shows a woman about Dakota's age, height, hair color, and length in the area on foot. We have created a 10-mile radius and will continue to search until she is found." He says.

They don't know Dakota cut her hair, only I do.

He looks at me and I nod, stepping up to the podium.

"I am Melony Black, the girl Dakota kidnapped six years ago and the reason why she was in prison. I have decided to join the search and help the police bring Dakota back into custody safely. I was in contact with Dakota before she escaped prison, we are good friends. I don't want her to get hurt or to hurt anyone else. I do not believe Dakota is a danger to the public, but she is a convicted murderer and can turn violent when provoked. Dakota, if you are seeing this please come back. No one needs to get hurt. Don't do something stupid. I love you. I want to help you. Don't make this worse for yourself. Come back, Dakota." I say to the camera.