Chapter 1: The Missing Journalist
The rain fell steadily over Crescent Bay, drumming against the windows of Detective Ethan Cross’s car as he drove through the narrow streets of the sleepy seaside town. It was late afternoon, and the sky had darkened prematurely, cloaked in heavy storm clouds that seemed to mirror the weight settling in Ethan’s chest. He had been summoned by an urgent call from Chief Inspector Miller, who claimed there was something unusual about the disappearance of Sarah Whitmore, a well-known investigative reporter for the local newspaper.
Ethan parked his black sedan near the police station and stepped out, pulling up the collar of his trench coat against the biting wind. The air smelled of saltwater and damp earth, a reminder of how isolated this place truly was. Inside the station, Chief Miller greeted him with a grim expression.
«Cross,» Miller began without preamble, «Sarah Whitmore hasn’t been seen in three days. Her apartment is untouched, her car still in the garage. No ransom note, no witnesses — nothing.»
Ethan raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the edge of Miller’s desk while masking his growing curiosity. «Sounds like she just walked away.»
Miller shook his head emphatically, crossing his arms over his chest. «Not Sarah. She lived and breathed journalism. If anyone could sniff out trouble, it was her. And now… she’s gone.»
A flicker of doubt sparked in Ethan’s mind. Something about this case felt off, gnawing at the edges of his instincts. He glanced around the room, noticing the tense atmosphere among the officers. Even the coffee machine seemed quieter than usual, as if sensing the gravity of the situation.
«Why me?» Ethan asked finally, breaking the silence.
Miller hesitated before answering. «Because you’re the best we can get on such short notice. Besides, you’ve dealt with cases like this before. Someone like Sarah doesn’t vanish into thin air without reason.»
Later that evening, Ethan visited Sarah’s mode
... 
