The Missing Pattern

And So it Begins Part 1

I had just wrapped up a grueling missing person's case and decided it was time for a break. I left the city, left my phone behind, and checked into a beachfront hotel—just me, the ocean, and some much-needed rest. It was long overdue. The job had left me drained, physically and mentally, from working tirelessly to bring missing children back.

After a few days of pure relaxation, I headed back to the office. I grabbed a coffee from the break room and settled in at my desk, sifting through the stack of messages waiting for me. That's when I spotted several from Detective Calvin Wesley, a familiar name I'd worked with on a few cases. His messages dated back three days, all asking me to give him a call.

Just as I was about to call Detective Wesley back, my supervisor, Agent Michael Thompson, strolled into my office. "Hey, Harper! Glad to see you back. You look great—well rested. Good for you, because you're up," he said, tossing a file folder onto my desk. "You've got a request from the Bakersfield Police Department. It's right in your wheelhouse—another family with a missing child."

I flipped open the folder, my heart sinking at the all-too-familiar sight of a photo of a young girl, accompanied by the frantic details of her disappearance. Just when I thought I'd caught a break, it seemed the universe had other plans.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation settle in as I scanned the details. The girl's name was Maria Cruz, and she had gone missing just five days ago. A wave of urgency washed over me, sweeping away any remnants of relaxation from my time off.

"Do we have any leads?" I asked, my fingers already itching to dive into the case.

"Not much," Thompson replied, leaning against the doorframe. "The local PD is doing their best, but it's been slow going. They reached out because of your previous work in Bakersfield. They're hoping you can bring a fresh perspective to the investigation."

I nodded, determination surging within me. "I'll head over there right away."

Thompson pushed off the frame. "And remember to keep me in the loop. No going off the grid, and no tackling suspects on your own."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I replied, already standing up and gathering my things.

As I stepped out of my office, my mind raced with questions: Who had seen Maria last? What led to her disappearance? And, most importantly, could I bring her home safely? With each unanswered question, the weight of the mission pressed down harder on my shoulders.

I made my way to the car, a plan already forming in my mind. It was time to get to work.

The drive to Bakersfield felt like a whirlwind of thoughts and anticipation, the familiar landscape blurring by as I mentally steeled myself for what awaited me. The urgency of Maria's case gnawed at me, fueling my resolve.

As I pulled into the parking lot of the local police department, I took a moment to center myself. I stepped out of the car, inhaling the dry California air and straightening my blazer. The streets of Bakersfield hummed with restless energy under the unyielding sun.

But I wasn't here to soak up the atmosphere; my focus was singular: to find Maria Cruz, who had been missing for five days. The critical 48-hour window had already closed—each passing hour drew her closer to the abyss of being forgotten. Time was slipping away like sand through my fingers, and with every second that ticked by, the weight of the mission pressed heavier on my shoulders.

As I entered the local police department, I made my way to the front desk when Detective Calvin Wesley spotted me and walked over. "Hey, Wes. I was going to call you back, but I figured I could just catch you while I'm here."

He nodded at me. "You look good, Harp. Well rested."

"Thanks, but I'm not here for compliments," I replied, cutting straight to the chase. "I just caught a missing persons case—Maria Cruz."

"I know I'm the one who put in the request for FBI assistance," he continued, glancing around. "After I reached out, I didn't hear back from you, I figured I had to go through official channels. Did you not look at the missing person report?" I opened the file and saw his name—Detective Calvin Wesley—leading the case.

"I didn't go through all the details," I admitted. "I just noticed there was a missing girl and that five days had passed. We both know those first 48 hours are crucial. So, what's the latest on Maria Cruz?"

He sighed, the weight of the news heavy in his eyes. "When I called you originally, it was just to get your input on Maria. Now... she's not the only girl missing."

I frowned, concern tightening in my chest. "So, what you're telling me is there's another missing girl?"

"No, Kitty," he said, shaking his head. "I have three. I got a new case this morning—14-year-old Kiara Richards has been reported missing, and 14-year-old Tamika Green went missing in the last 72 hours." He paused, letting the reality sink in. "It's not just 15-year-old Maria Cruz we're looking for now anymore."

My heart sank at the realization: three girls in under five days. The urgency of the situation made my pulse quicken, especially knowing that Kiara had been taken after Wes had reached out three days ago. If I hadn't taken time off, I could have been here to help stop whoever was behind the disappearances of these girls.

Calvin's expression was grave, a blend of determination and frustration. "We need to act fast, Harp. This has spiraled out of control, and I'm afraid we're overlooking something crucial. Without your help, I worry we'll have another girl go missing in the next 48 hours. It feels like there's something bigger at play with so many girls disappearing in such a short time span."

I nodded, adrenaline surging through me. "I agree; something significant is happening here, and I'm certain it doesn't end with just these three missing girls. What do we know about the circumstances surrounding their disappearances?" These cases were red flags for something much larger—child trafficking, a predator on the loose. The possibilities were endless, and the urgency was tangible.

As they walked over to his desk, Kitty took a seat while Calvin leaned against it, running a hand across his face. "Maria was last seen walking to school five days ago. Kiara went missing yesterday, also on her way to school. Tamika disappeared about two days ago—no one knows how or where she vanished since it was Sunday, only that she didn't come home."

"Do we have any witnesses who've seen anything suspicious? Any surveillance footage? Anyone who might have been lurking around?" I pressed, the urgency weighing heavily in the pit of my stomach.

Calvin shook his head. "The local PD has been canvassing the area but hasn't turned up much. The only common thread is that all three girls attended the same high school. It's unsettling how quickly this has escalated."

I pulled out my notebook, jotting down the details. "We need to get a list of everyone who might have interacted with them recently. Friends, acquaintances, teachers—anyone who could provide insight into their lives or any potential threats."

"Agreed," Calvin replied. "I'll have the PD compile that information. We should also look into any recent reports of suspicious activity in the area. There's got to be a link."

I felt my determination strengthening. "Let's not waste any more time. I want to meet with the families and gather whatever information we can. If we can figure out if the girls had anything in common—friends, places they frequented—it might give us a lead."

Calvin nodded. "I'll set up the meetings. We need to reassure the families that we're doing everything we can to find their daughters."

As we walked out of the department, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Three girls missing and no clear answers. I had to do everything in my power to find them before it was too late. The sun hung high in the sky, a stark contrast to the dark cloud of anxiety that loomed over us. We needed to move fast; every second counted.

Once in my car, I took a moment to breathe deeply, focusing on the task ahead. I knew the stakes were high. The urgency of the situation fueled my determination as I drove toward the first family's home, the road ahead clear but my mind racing with possibilities. What was lurking in the shadows of this quiet town, and how could I expose it before another child disappeared?