A few days after Sue was arrested, Maria heard from her old colleague Mike. The DNA from Sue's blood had triggered the missing child cold case from his department to investigate. It was so strange to hear his voice again after so many years. Mike wanted to meet up, but Maria wasn't sure she wanted to be reminded about the past. Finally, they decided to meet at a local café.
Mike hugged Maria as soon as he arrived.
"How are you? How are the kids and Sam?" Mike asked with a smile.
"We are all well," Maria said. "Sam's work is going really great and the kids love school. In fact, that's how I ran into Sue again, at the school. "
"Yes, it's amazing!" Mike leaned forward slightly and continued "I have been following the case all these years. Bella was never found dead or alive. I personally believe she is still alive, still out there."
They both sat down and Maria leaned back in her seat. She had had the same feelings about Bella being alive all this time. It was another reason it hurt her so much to see Sue spiralling out of control.
"How old would she be now? 18?" Mike continued. "If she is alive, her DNA could appear in our system any time now if she commits a crime or needs medical attention. It is what we have been waiting for."
Maria nodded. She could understand how Mike felt. So close but not quite there yet.
"What do you need from me?" Maria asked.
"I know you have your hands full at home, but you were a great interviewer and sidekick all those years ago." Mike gave her a wry smile. "If you ever wanted to come back to work, we would love to have you back at the station."
Maria smiled. It was not what she had expected but she was glad her work had been appreciated. She didn't want to answer Mike straight away, so she simply shrugged at him and drank her coffee. Maybe in the future, when the kids were older.
Maybe.
They continued talking.
Maria told Mike about the new Sue and how well she had been doing before the break-in. Mike revealed that Sue had been released on bail and was back at the old house with other drug addicts. He shook his head. He didn't think there was much hope for Sue anymore.
YOU ARE READING
The Men's Camp
Mystery / ThrillerIn a dystopian world, a teenager named Shula comes of age and enters her time of child bearing to save humanity. In the present day, Maria just wants to have a family of her own. She helps a police investigation which makes her wonder how to save th...
