Page 9 of Into the Dark, We Go
I pushed the paper further across the counter. "Please, just look into it."
The officer took it, skeptically turning it in his hands before handing it back to me.
"Ma’am, I don’t see any connection."
"I just told you what the connection might be!" I said, exasperated.
Footsteps echoed down the hallway, and a woman in uniform scrutinized the scene. I must have been louder than I’d thought. "What’s the matter, Officer?"
The duty officer gestured towards me. "Miss Foster is asking about a missing person case, but she’s not a relative."
I let out a frustrated sigh.
The woman was quick to pass judgment after a thorough examination of my person. I probably looked more composed than most who ended up in her office—clean jeans, smooth hair, unblemished skin. I wasn’t any more of a threat than a perturbed cat. Even so, I still shrank a little under her gaze.
"I’ll take it from here, Officer." She had a cloud of red curls that bounced as she took the vacated seat. I hoped mine didn’t look as unforgiving. "Please, start from the beginning."
I recounted the events while she listened attentively, her pale eyes never leaving mine. After examining the printout with equal focus, she typed the name into the database at a deliberate pace.
"Mary Flynn... nothing found," she murmured, scanning the screen. "Let me try another approach."
I held my breath as she clicked away, fearing any movement might disrupt our progress. The previous officer’s skepticism had been suffocating, but this sergeant’s demeanor was refreshingly different.
"The name is too common for a nationwide search," she explained, drawing to a halt, "and even if this is her real name, there won’t be any records if she’s never had any violations."
Disappointment settled like a stone in my stomach. But the sergeant continued, "However, I’ll keep the printout and ensure it’s attached to the case. Leave your contact information, and I’ll reach out if anything develops."
"Thank you."
She led me to the door. "Miss Foster, I’m inclined to remind you that this may take time. It’s possible these women aren’t connected to the case at all."
I steppedout into the dust and exhaust fumes of downtown Minneapolis, less relieved than I’d expected. I hoped that leaving Lucas’s disappearance in the presumably capable hands of law enforcement would ease my guilt about not going to Duluth, but instead, a growing sense of unease gnawed at me.
For a while, I sat in the car, hands resting on the steering wheel, unmoving. The sun was inching towards the horizon, and clouds gathered from the west. On the other side of the street from the police station, a massive billboard advertised a rehabilitation facility, urging passersby to "Take the first step towards a fresh start before it’s too late!"
My mind was empty.
As much as I hated to admit it, my mom was right. Returning to Cleveland was the only sensible choice. There, in a place where nothing reminded me of Lucas, I could focus on myself and my life. I could find a job, continue my education, or try something new. I’d have a chance at a normal life, free from the constant reminders of the tragedy. And I wouldn’t have to stay forever. Once back on my feet, I could start fresh somewhere else, where no one knew me or my past.
But I couldn’t silence the feeling that I was being heartless and selfish for wanting to leave and move on, no matter how hard I tried to justify it. Would I be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try to find out what happened to Lucas? This lead, slim as it was, offered a chance at answers. The worst that could happen was I’d hit another dead end, sending Mitchell, June, and me right back to square one.
I needed someone to confide in, someone to help me untangle my thoughts and hopefully silence the guilt. But I had no one to turn to. My college friends were gone, and I hadn’t formed new connections. All I had was my mom.
She answered my call right away as if she’d been waiting for it.
"Hi, Mom," my voice trembled. Something warm slipped down my cheek. I hadn’t even noticed I was crying.
"Nellie, what happened?"
"I wanted to bounce some ideas off of you. It’s about Lucas."
Her irritation flooded through the speaker. "Nellie." Her voice was cold as a tomb.
"I’ve met some people looking for their sister. She’s missing... like Lucas. I thought maybe we might be able to find new information together. But?—"
"You called me to say you won’t be coming? So typical."
"Mom..."
