The Missing

Monday, 1st October 2007.

 06:30am.

Almost complete silence.

Edith sat up in bed, cradling her warm mug of tea as the sun began to slowly creep over the horizon. She gazed out of the window, absorbing the beauty of the early Autumn morning. Soon the tranquil Californian street would be bustling with people going to work, something that Edith managed to narrowly avoid.

'Knock, knock, knock'.

Reaching out for the door knob, Edith took a deep breath and braced herself.

'Morning, Sunshine'.

'Morning Ross'. Edith replied, her disgruntled voice illustrating her displeasure at seeing him.

'I brought you a coffee. 2 sugars, no milk. Just the way you like it.' Ross held out the disposable mug towards Edith, smiling slightly.

'Thanks'. Edith accepted the coffee with caution, suspicious of the gesture.

'Edith, we've got another one'.

'Another one?' She walked towards her oak table, placing the coffee down and listening with interest.

'Well, possibly', began Ross. 'A woman was reported missing early this morning'.

'So how is this in any way linked to the serial killer? All of his victims so far have been found dead.' Edith questioned.

'We don't know for certain. Cassidy called this morning and she's almost certain there's a link. A footprint was found at the victim's house. It's a match to the one found at the scene of the second victim.'

'But we still don't know if that footprint was even from the killer. We don't have anything on him yet.'

'I know', replied Ross. 'But it could be, and now Cassidy is fixated on the connection. We could really do with the help, Edith.'

'So that explains the coffee'. Edith glanced at the floor. Her decision to leave the police force wasn't one she had ever planned to look back on.

'Fine. But it's not permanent. As soon as this shit is over with, i'm gone again'.

Edith looked up at Ross who was trying his hardest to conceal a faint smile.

'Thank you, Edith.' Ross pulled out his mobile. 'I'll let Cassidy know. 8.30am at the station?' he asked.

'8.30am at the station.' Edith repeated.

'I'll see you there.'