Chapter 71 – Fractures of her Absence
The orderly disarray of Victor Lanning’s bedroom was illuminated by the morning light that poured through his blinds when he woke up. His nightstand’s clock blinked 7:00 AM. He was meant to meet with Officer Davies at the station today before going out to make Raphael’s
arrest.
Despite his normal lack of involvement in field arrests, Victor had been heavily involved in the continuing investigation, and when Raphael was to be brought in for interrogation, his knowledge was invaluable.
Victor stretched as his feet hit the cool floor after rolling out of bed. Following a brief shower and breakfast, he put on his typical outfit consisting of a clean shirt, tie, and jacket. As he secured his apartment door and left, his mind was focused on the case.
Victor wanted to make sure he was present at every crucial moment because Raphael’s arrest would be a terrible event for them, both of them. He saw the line of police cars stationed outside the station, their engines running, cops on standby, and as soon as he got there, he paused at the sight.
Why are they still planning to go after Raphael? Wasn’t he supposed to create a diversion? Victor frowned, his confusion deepening. Something didn’t add up.
He climbed to Davies‘ office after navigating the busy station. A female officer emerged with a clipboard in hand and a stern demeanor as he got to the door. Victor entered and gently knocked on the open door to draw Davies‘ attention. Davies looked up, obviously distracted,
and sat behind his desk with a worried expression,
“Lanning” he said, his tone both surprised and weary. Victor wasted no time,
“What’s going on, Davies? I saw the vehicles outside. They’re still prepping for Raphael’s
arrest?”
Davies‘ expression shifted as realization dawned on him, he grabbed his radio and spoke into it briskly,
“Cancel the operation. Repeat, cancel the operation, stand by for further instructions”
Victor watched as the officers outside began to disperse, his confusion growing,
“What’s going on?” he asked again, his voice more curious this time as he was expecting to hear some news about Sebastian Young,
“What’s changed?”
Davies sighed heavily, setting the radio down and pinching the bridge of his nose,
“Madeline Graves is missing”
Chapter 71–Fractures of her Absence
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Victor froze,
“Madeline Graves?” he repeated, the name hanging in the air between them.
Davies nodded slowly, his own confusion mirroring Victor’s,
“She’s gone. I got the report just this morning, someone broke into her home, and she’s nowhere to be found”
Victor struggled to process the news,
“Who reported this case?” Victor asked,
“Her boyfriend. Jacob O’Connell. He was at work and had missed her call, he called back, it wasn’t connecting. He called home, she didn’t pick”
“Curious, he went back home to check on his girlfriend to find her gone”
Davies stood, grabbing his coat and a few necessary files,
“I’m heading to the scene, Belvoir Gardens, that’s where she lived”
“I’m coming with you” Victor said immediately.
Davies hesitated for a moment, then nodded,
“Alright. Let’s go”
The two guys joined a group of police officers, investigators, and forensic experts who were traveling to Belvoir Gardens, a posh suburb that was already bustling with anxiety. An obviously distressed Jacob O’Connell was waiting for them in the driveway when they got to
Madeline’s house.
Anxiety and fear took the place of his normally calm manner, Davies and Victor exited the vehicle and looked around. Crime scene photographers were already recording every detail, and officers were already guarding the perimeter.
An overturned vase and shattered glass inside the house revealed the tale of a battle. A terrifying reminder of Madeline’s final hours at home was her broken phone, which was lying
on the floor. Davies walked over to Jacob and gestured for Victor to follow,
“Mr. O’Connell” Davies began, his voice calm but firm,
“I need to ask you a few questions”
Jacob nodded, though his hands trembled as he ran them through his hair,
“I, I came home and found the place like this” he stammered,
“The glass, her phone… Maddie’s gone, someone took her”
Davies nodded empathetically but pressed on,
Chapter 71 Fractures of her Absence
“Did
you notice anything unusual in the days leading up to this? Anyone suspicious hanging around?”
Jacob shook his head,
“No. Everything seemed normal, Maddie didn’t mention anything that might’ve been a concern. I don’t understand who would do this”
The team carefully searched the house for hours, gathering evidence and recording every detail. The crime scene was photographed in detail, fingerprints were dusted, and fibers were
collected.
As the investigation wound down, Davies motioned for the team to wrap up,
“We’ll take this back to the station and analyze it” he said.
Victor gave a nod, but his mind was elsewhere. Victor stood by his car as the team got ready to
go,
“I’m not heading back to the station” he told Davies, who raised an eyebrow,
“Where are you going?” Davies asked,
“I have somewhere else to be,” Victor said cryptically.
Davies studied him for a moment, then nodded,
“Alright. Keep me updated”
Victor climbed into his car and started the engine. He had a destination in mind, And a person he needed to see.
Chapter 72 – Similar Pursuits