The Missing Link

007. Lady in Pink

Zane stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against his skin as he peeled off the forensic suit. His eyes swept across the narrow street, but Raine and the car had vanished without a trace.

The houses stood tightly packed, front yards no bigger than a few steps wide, each hemmed in by neat patches of Bermuda grass. He moved past the small green gate, its hinges squeaking faintly, and onto the narrow road, which stretched ahead in silence, leading to a busier two-way street beyond the quiet neighbourhood.

"Looking for Ms. de Verra, are you?" Mr. Mendez's voice cut through the stillness as he approached Zane. Standing by the open gate, the guard had kept watch over the nearby street, his brown eyes settling on Zane with mild curiosity.

"Uh... yes," Zane confirmed, glancing around as if hoping she'd reappear.

"She already left. Probably headed home," Mr. Mendez replied, his voice steady, as he folded his arms.

"The woman in the car parked there earlier? Where is she?" Zane asked, gesturing toward the now-vacant spot.

"Doctor Ferrer already left for the hospital. She's on duty tonight," Mr. Mendez confirmed.

"Great," Zane muttered under his breath, hands sliding into his pockets as his eyes continued to sweep the area. "I don't know much about this place." Just as the man was about to return to his post, he quickly seized the chance for help. "Is there... a nearby terminal? Even just a tricycle ride would be of much help."

Mr. Mendez turned back with a faint nod. "There's a tricycle terminal about five minutes down the road. Just head left after the one-way road."

"Thanks," Zane said, offering a small smile.

"Where do you live?" Mr. Mendez asked.

"At..." Zane hesitated, his mind drawing a blank on the name of his aunt's neighbourhood. But then, a familiar detail surfaced. "Clara's Coffee Café."

"Ah, Clara's Coffee Café. That's not far at all," Mr. Mendez replied with a knowing nod. "Just a few minutes by ride. It shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes if you go that way."

Zane raised an eyebrow as Mendez continued, "If you prefer a tricycle, just walk down this one-way road, you'll pass a church on the way. After that, turn slightly to the left. The terminal is close."

"Got it, thanks," Zane replied, relieved.

"Are you new around here?" Mr. Mendez asked, his smile warm and kind.

"Yes," Zane answered quietly, his voice betraying his unease.

"Nice to meet you," Mendez said with a friendly nod before heading back to his post. "Take care, alright?"

Zane stood there, caught between a feeling of unfamiliarity and the odd comfort the town offered. He wasn't sure whether to be afraid or simply adjust to the strange sense of belonging creeping in.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he whispered, "I need you now more than ever." His thumb hovered over the screen. "With my companion gone, I'm counting on you. This road... it could be dangerous for me."

The fading daylight left a dim haze on the road as the streetlights flickered to life, casting long shadows across the pavement. It was only half past five, yet the streets were growing emptier with each passing moment.

Zane quickened his pace, nearly at the vehicle station when a faint bell chimed from a nearby building beside the church. His eyes landed on a sign just outside: "Charging Station." The sound drew him in, a small burst of relief washing over him.