The Missing Link

033. Tik Tok

A warrant had been issued for the Suarezes. The team approached the modest flat, finding a somber crowd gathered beneath a makeshift canopy. The townsfolk had come together to erect it, sheltering mourners beneath a tarpaulin bearing Aaron Suarez's photograph. His smile, captured in its most genuine form, seemed to defy the gravity of the moment.

A few figures lingered inside-the dead man's weary mother and Beatrice's older brother, Andrei.

Raine led the way through the creaking gates, drawing the attention of those nearby. Conversations fell silent, and eyes shifted toward the newcomers. Andrei's gaze sharpened as he stepped forward.

"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.

The Detective Inspector held up the warrant. Murmurs swept through the gathered crowd, eyes narrowing with suspicion and curiosity.

"I'm Detective Inspector Ferrer," he said. "We have a search warrant for this property."

Andrei's expression darkened, disbelief etched into every line of his face. "You can't be serious, Inspector. Can't you see we're in mourning?" His voice, though soft, carried a strained edge.

Before his frustration could boil over, Aaron's mother intervened. She reached for Andrei's hand. "Step back, Andrei! Have you forgotten about your sister?"

"Listen to me, Inspector," Andrei pressed. "Do you really expect me to let you waltz in and tear apart my sister's home?"

Ferrer exhaled slowly, reigning in his patience. "I understand you're grieving," he said. He held up the warrant again. "But this is a valid search warrant. We need to search the premises, especially given the circumstances involving your brother-in-law."

Andrei's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. "No. Not now. Not here," he shot back. "You'll have to wait."

Jessica, Aaron's mother, stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Andrei's arm. "Let them in," she urged softly.

Andrei's gaze flicked toward her, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "I'm only worried about what people will think," he muttered. "They're disrupting everything. This is my brother-in-law's memorial-he was my best friend."

"I know," Jessica replied, her voice steady. "But if we make them wait, it'll only drag this out longer. Let them do what they have to."

Andrei's knuckles whitened as he gripped the door frame, the tension visible in every muscle. After a long breath, he relented. "Fine," he said at last. "But only you stay, ma'am. The rest of us will head out back. I won't have them marching through in front of everyone."

Jessica nodded. "Thank you."

"We'll be as respectful as possible," Ferrer assured.

Andrei turned to the gathered mourners. "Everyone, let's step outside for a while," he instructed.

"Got it, Captain," someone muttered, offering a curt nod.

Uneasy glances passed between the mourners, but they obeyed, shuffling out in a slow procession. Only Jessica remained, her eyes following the officers as they moved with quiet precision, beginning their search.

"Mrs. Suarez, if you need to step out at any point-" DS Cruz began.

"I'll stay," she cut in, her voice firm. "Just... do what you need to. I won't interfere."

The room fell silent, save for the soft thud of drawers opening and the faint rustle of papers.

As Ferrer pushed open the door to the master's bedroom, a small figure stirred. Young Vincent sat up, rubbing his eyes, still caught between dreams and reality. "Mama?" he mumbled, then blinked at the unfamiliar faces. His gaze settled on Cruz. "Excuse me, ma'am, but who are you?"