Flashing lights lit the street, and police cars lined the road, mixed with vehicles from the Flynn and Scott families.

“Mr. Flynn, Miss Pearson.” In the midst of the commotion, an officer came forward upon seeing them.

“Good evening.” Ernest acknowledged him with a nod, scanning the scene.

“Is there anything new? Where’s your chief?”

“He and our deputy chief are both here… nothing to report yet.”

“Hadley.” Ernest turned to her.

“Wait here. I’ll go find Ellis.”

“Let me come with you.” She looked at him with quiet desperation.

“Since I’m already here…”

“Alright.” Ernest knew there was no point in refusing.

“We’ll go together.”

An officer guided them down the path.

“Chief went that way. Another team is searching on the opposite side…”

Hadley met Ernest’s eyes.

“Do you think we should split up?”

“Yes.” Hadley gave a quick nod.

“Call me if you find anything.”

“Will do.”

With the plan clear, they separated—Ernest pairing with Quentin, Hadley moving with Xander.

Not long after, Ernest caught sight of Ellis.

“Chief Gomez.”

“Mr. Flynn…” Ellis’ face was drawn, his stance tense as he spotted Ernest approaching.

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“What’s wrong?” Ernest pressed, every nerve on edge.

“Did you discover something?”

“Yes…” Ellis answered with a heavy nod, lowering the phone from his ear.

He had been mid-conversation with the tech team.

With a grave motion, he pointed ahead.

“Mr. Flynn… you need to take a look yourself.”

Ernest’s entire body tightened, dread sinking deep.

He moved past Ellis with measured steps, preparing himself for what he might see.

Eric could be…

But then—

“Ernest!”

“Miss Pearson…”

Hadley’s voice rang from outside as she hurried closer.

“Miss Pearson.” Ellis stepped in front of her path.

“You can’t go in there.”

Hadley’s brows knit in confusion.

“Why not?”

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.

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