Page 66 of Blake

"True," Blake conceded, his smile fading slightly as he recognized the seriousness behind her words. Despite their playful jokes, they both knew that relationships were delicate things and sometimes the deepest connections were forged through pain and adversity.

"Anyway," Savannah continued, her voice brightening again, "let's focus on the party. We'll have good food, great company, and some outrageously silly games to keep things interesting."

"Sounds like a plan," Blake said.

“I’m gonna send a group message right now!” Savannah's finger hovered over her phone screen, but as she looked at it, a new email popped into her inbox. The subject line read: "Potential Lead on Missing Girl."

"Blake," she called out urgently, "look at this."

He leaned over her shoulder. "What have you got?"

"An anonymous tip," she replied, scanning the message. "Someone read that profile of Mia in my news story. They claim they spotted someone who matches her description in a strip club downtown. With a tiger tattoo on the back of her neck, just like Mia. They've even attached security footage."

"Could be a trap," Blake warned, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Or the break we've been waiting for." Savannah's heart raced as she studied the grainy image of a girl resembling Mia. "Either way, I can't ignore it. I have to find her, Blake. I owe her that much."

Blake rested a hand on her shoulder, understanding the depth of her commitment. "I know, Savvy. And I'll be right by your side, every step of the way."

"Thank you," she breathed, taking a moment to absorb his unwavering support. Her resolve hardened, she typed a response to the anonymous sender and hit 'send' with determination. "If Mia is out there, we're going to bring her home."

"Damn right, we will," Blake agreed. His hand reached for Savannah's coat on the rack, and his eyes locked onto hers in a silent promise of unity.

Savannah paused. “What about the party?”

Blake shrugged. “I think the party would be a lot better if Mia was there to enjoy it too, don’t you?”

Savannah nodded, smiling. She watched as he held her coat open, the gesture both tender and commanding, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Stay close to me today," he instructed, pulling her coat over her shoulders. She could feel the weight of his gaze, heavy with concern and determination, and she welcomed it. It reminded her that she wasn't alone in this fight.

"Always," she agreed, slipping her arms into the sleeves. She met his eyes as he adjusted the collar. Together, they would face whatever dangers lay ahead. For justice. For love. For Mia.

"Ready?" Blake asked, his deep voice resonating in the small space between them.

"More than ever," Savannah answered, her resolve unwavering. She reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers in a show of solidarity.

"Let's go find your friend," he said, leading her out the door and into the night, the air thick with anticipation.

As they ventured together into the darkness, Savannah couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of hope. No matter what they faced, she knew that Blake would be by her side, ready to fight for those they loved. And that was all she needed to keep pushing forward.

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