The weary lines on the nurse's face softened with concern. "You should probably get home. It's getting late now," she urged gently.
Charlotte shook her head, determination etched on her fatigued features. "No, it's fine. There are still patients here. How can I just go by leaving them?"
The nurse's voice held a note of reassurance. "No worries, that new doctor who joined last week is coming. He will take over your shift. You have been working a lot for the past few days. You really need to rest."
"Thank you so much! I am pretty exhausted," Charlotte admitted gratefully. She packed her belongings and left the hospital. As she approached the bus stop, rain began to pour heavily. She unfurled her umbrella, waiting patiently for the bus. Yet, an inexplicable sensation of being watched settled over her. An eerie feeling washed over her, accompanied by faint footsteps trailing behind.
Suddenly, she whirled around, expecting to find someone, but the space was empty. Confused, she turned back to face the road, only to be struck forcefully in the head.
...….
The Assistant Commissioner's office was stern and unwelcoming. "OH, YOU ARE HERE AGAIN? WHAT DO YOU WANT?" he barked, annoyance etched into his features.
Scarlett took a breath, attempting to remain composed. "Sir, Charlotte—"
"HOW MANY TIMES DO I TELL YOU THIS! WE ARE SEARCHING, OKAY! STOP COMING HERE EVERY DAY AND DISTURBING ME!!" he roared, his impatience evident.
Scarlett pressed on, desperation lacing her voice. "Sir, you have been telling this for the past few days. I am worried sick—"
"WELL, I CAN'T HELP YOU! OFFICERS, TAKE HER—"
A sudden slap cut through the room, landing squarely on the officer's face.
"YA, WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE! YOU ARE A POLICE OFFICER, AND YOUR JOB IS TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE US! WE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE EVERY SINGLE DAY WORRIED SICK ABOUT CHARLOTTE, AND YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT IT! YOU—"
"Felix, please—" Scarlett's voice trembled, attempting to diffuse the situation.
"LET ME GO! I'LL—"
"NO, PLEASE. LET'S JUST GO, OKAY." Scarlett managed to pull Felix out of the police station, but his anger still simmered.
"Felix, you really need to learn to control your anger," Scarlett implored, her concern evident.
Felix snorted bitterly. "I can't help it. I feel like a fool for following up on this case when this bastard doesn't even care about it."
The constable, who had witnessed the scene, approached them. "Wait!"
Scarlett turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Hmm?"
"I am sorry he treated you like that. I didn't expect anything less from a high-positioned officer like him. People like him will only care if someone from their household goes missing," the constable explained sympathetically.
Scarlett started to dismiss the situation, but Felix interjected, his smirk sly. "Wait, they only care if someone from their household goes missing?"
"Unfortunately, yes…" the constable confirmed sadly.
Felix's grin widened mischievously. "Scarlett, it's getting late. Let's head home. Bye, sir!"
"Bye…" the constable replied, a glimmer of respect in his eyes.
"What are you so happy about?" Scarlett questioned, bewildered by Felix's sudden change in demeanor.
"I've heard that the Assistant Commissioner has a daughter named Isabella who is studying in primary school," Felix revealed, mischief dancing in his eyes.
"So?" Scarlett inquired, failing to see his point.
Felix's grin grew wicked. "We kidnap her, of course!"
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BLOODY MIND? SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER! IF HE FINDS OUT, YOU AND I WILL END UP BEHIND BARS!" Scarlett exclaimed, her voice filled with alarm.
Felix shrugged, his devil-may-care attitude undeterred. "Well, it's not like I care."
"YOU ARE CRAZY!!" Scarlett protested vehemently.
"That's what makes me special. So, are you going to help me or not?" Felix's eyes twinkled with anticipation.
Scarlett hesitated, her mind whirring with possibilities. "Nothing too dangerous."
Felix's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Perfect! So here's the plan…"