𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔

𝑀𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒗 (𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓)

The weight of the case bore down on me like an anchor, dragging me into an ocean of despair. "We're dealing with a sexual assault case, Charlie," my supervisor continued, her voice steady yet carrying the gravitas of the situation. "Apparently, the mother comes home and catches the father assaulting his own daughter. And he claims it was just innocent fun. The evidence we've gathered..." Her words drifted away, fading into a muffled haze as I closed my eyes, desperately trying to catch my breath amidst the churn of emotions swirling inside me.

It had been less than twenty-four hours since I'd last seen Cara, and already every moment apart felt like an eternity. A sharp pang of longing twisted in my chest. New York, with its dazzling skyline and vibrant streets, had a beauty all its own, but it was nothing more than a blur when my own life was shrouded in darkness. How could I appreciate the magnificence of the city when my heart was anchored elsewhere, caught in the tempest of worry and despair for my daughter?

"Charlie?" A voice broke through my tumultuous thoughts, and I opened my eyes to meet Tara's concerned gaze. She was studying me intently, her expression a mixture of empathy and understanding.

I shook my head, forcing a smile onto my face that felt more like a mask than a genuine expression. "I'm here... sorry."

Tara set the thick folder down in front of me, her focus unwavering as she leaned in, folding her hands in her lap. Her eyes bore into mine, and in that moment, I knew she could see through the façade I was desperately trying to maintain.

"What is it?" she asked gently. I sighed, feeling the weight of my sorrow pressing down, knowing I couldn't hide my turmoil from her. Tara was more than just my boss; she was a friend, someone I could confide in, though at times her perceptiveness felt overwhelming, almost daunting.

"It's Cara... I know I'm supposed to focus, but..." My voice trailed off as the swell of emotion threatened to spill over. "I miss her already. I miss her so much."

Understanding washed over her face as she nodded, rubbing her eyes, fatigue evident after long hours working on this harrowing case. We both knew this was going to be a battle that would keep us awake, our minds tangled in the horrific details.

"Call her," she suggested quietly. "We can take a break. But you'd better haul ass back to work afterward, okay?" The corners of her lips turned up in a comforting smile, and I returned it, grateful for her kindness.

"Thank you."

With a determined stride, I left the hotel room, the heavy air inside suffocating me. Fresh air beckoned, and although it was eight PM, I craved the coolness of the night, hoping it would steady my racing heart.

As I stepped outside, the cacophony of the city enveloped me-the blur of headlights and the flow of pedestrians moving like ants in a bustling colony. I pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dialed Cara's number. The rings echoed in my ears, but when her voicemail greeted me instead, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach. Maybe she was busy or simply sleeping. I clenched my jaw and called Rory instead, an urgency tugging at my conscience.

His voice was a whisper as he answered, but there was something off about it, lurking beneath the surface. "Hello, Charlie."

"Hey, is Cara home?" I asked, a hopeful smile forming despite the turmoil inside. Just hearing her name lit warmth in my heart.

"No... I went to pick her up from school, but she didn't show." Each word fell like a hammer, shattering my momentary peace. The smile faded, replaced by a creeping dread.

"What?"

"Yeah, I... I was out last night, and when I figured she'd be in her room, I checked this morning, and she wasn't there..." His voice trailed off, an apology hanging unsaid in the silence.

"What the fuck do you mean, Rory?" Panic surged through me, my breath quickening as reality began to sink its claws into my racing heart.

"I'm sure she's just out with a friend-"

"You're sure?!" My voice was edged with anger, echoing in the stillness, drawing glances from those nearby. "That's my fucking daughter!"

Taking a deep, shaky breath, I forced myself to slow down, to compose my racing heart. Maybe she was indeed out with friends, just enjoying her teenage life. I had to believe that's what she'd chosen. Rory had raised her right, and she was smart. She could handle herself. There was no need to panic... not yet.

"I will call the school, okay? She's smart; she can handle herself. I'm sure everything is fine." I grappled with each word, clinging to the hope that they would anchor me in the storm.

"Okay... but Rory? If she doesn't show up in the next twenty-four hours, I swear I'll murder you myself." The promise dripped from my lips like poison. "I trusted you with her. I love you both, but if anything happens to her-and I mean anything-I will find you, and I will bury you myself." My voice trembled with both fear and resolve as I hung up the call, shoving the phone deep into my pocket.

I meant every damn word. The skills I had honed as a lawyer were numerous, but it was the tricks-the art of manipulation and persuasion-that I could wield that coursed through my veins like fire now. I wasn't a murderer, but for Cara, for my daughter, I would be willing to cross that line without hesitation. She was everything to me, the light in my dark world, and I would protect her at any cost.