Chapter 125

My mother was on the verge of tears. "But Ben, days have passed, and there's not even a hint of where Amanda is. Aren't you worried?"

Dad paused. "What good does worrying do? She's a grown woman; she'll come back when she's ready."

Chase stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut with a sharp, soft thud. In his sharp suit and polished shoes, he looked the picture of cool indifference.

Mom: "Kenneth, what if Amanda never comes back?"

"Chase. I've heard about what happened. Ann has always been a bit…eccentric. You can't take her words seriously. You were just coming out of anesthesia; how could such an outrageous thing be true?"

Dad, a die-hard skeptic, let out a thin, mocking smile. "It's ridiculous to think the dead hang around. If that were true, wouldn't the world be crawling with ghosts? What about those who died violently? They'd be vengeful spirits, right?"

"Chase, you and my wife are different. You've had a good education. How can you believe in the same superstitions she does?"

I thought Chase would be swayed by Dad's words, as usual, but not today. He seemed resolute, a determined look in his eyes. "Mr. Kennedy, my mind's made up."

"Have you thought about the consequences?"

"Whatever they are, I'll deal with them. Right now, I just want to get to the bottom of this."

He then headed for the police station with purposeful strides.

I stood outside the station, looking at the building, and chuckled. A month ago, Robert had dismissed our report, mockingly suggesting they'd need to find my body first. I wondered if they regretted that decision now.

I noticed Chase's steps slow as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew that once inside, there was no turning back. Whether I was dead or alive would significantly impact the Reyes family.

Chase suddenly whispered, "Amanda."

I jumped, thinking he'd seen me, but he was merely fingering his rosary, looking conflicted. "If you're out there, guide me to find you."

I wished I could guide him, but I was effectively invisible. I was helpless! If I could, I would have already dealt with Nicole myself.

To my surprise, Mom, ignoring Dad's protests, followed Chase inside, with Dad trailing behind, looking unhappy. Nicole remained silent, her eyes cold and distant.

Chase and my family's appearance was unexpected, especially considering their previous dismissive attitude. It was rare to see a family so seemingly heartless.

A young officer approached. "Can I help you?"

"Where's Officer Robert?"

"He's in his office. What do you need?"

"I want to file a report!"

Chase's presence was so commanding that even the young officer seemed taken aback.

Robert's office door opened, and he appeared busy on a call, but ended it upon seeing Chase. "Mr. Reyes, what brings you here?"

My mother rushed to the desk. "Mr. Robert, we need to file a missing person report. My daughter's been missing for over a month."

Robert's brow furrowed, his face turning serious. "Are you telling me Ms. Kennedy hasn't been home since she disappeared last month?"

Mom nodded. "Yes."

"This is outrageous! What if she's been harmed or abducted? The longer we wait, the harder it is to investigate and find evidence. It's been so long. I assumed she'd come home by now."

Robert's anger was barely contained, and even the other officers glanced at us. Their scrutiny made my mother uneasy.

"We thought she hadn't come home because she was just being stubborn…" Mom's excuse sounded weak.

How could a family think like that? If my kid went missing, I'd be frantic in less than a day, let alone weeks.

Robert shot a look at the group. "Quiet."

Chase, dropping his nonchalance, spoke seriously. "Officer Robert, please overlook my past rudeness. Right now, I just want to find Amanda as soon as possible."

Robert sighed. "Alright, take a seat. Let's start with the report. Since I know her, I'll personally handle this case."

Chase's hands clenched, veins visible as he struggled to control his emotions. Leaning forward, he locked eyes with Robert. "Alive or dead, I need to see her. Even if it means digging up the ground, I will find Amanda!"