The tension in the room was palpable as Detective Tover and his team worked tirelessly to track down Zoey’s location. Alessia paced back and forth, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, glancing at the monitors that displayed maps and surveillance feeds. Her heart was in her throat, pounding harder with every passing minute. She hadn’t stopped replaying the video of Avery in her mind, the image of her baby crying on the floor haunting her like a nightmare she couldn’t escape.
Theo was seated at the table, his phone clutched in his hand, his jaw set in determination. He hadn’t slept, his mind focused solely on getting Avery back. Zayden stood nearby, speaking in low tones with Tover, while Victoria sat on the couch, silently praying.
Suddenly, one of the detectives spoke up. “We’ve got something!” All heads turned toward him as he pointed to a highlighted section on the map. “We managed to triangulate her last known location from the phone she used to send the video. It’s a small house on the outskirts of Willow Creek, about an hour away.”
Alessia stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. “An hour?” she repeated, her voice a mix of relief and urgency. “That’s so close. We have to go. Now.”
Tover raised a hand, his voice calm but firm. “We can’t rush into this. Zoey is dangerous and unpredictable. If we make a move without a plan, we risk putting Avery in more danger.”
Theo stood, his eyes locked on Tover. “What do you suggest?”
Tover nodded toward the phone in Theo’s hand. “We need to make Zoey think she’s in control. Tell her the money is ready. Ask her where she wants to pick it up. That way, we can lure her out and ensure Avery’s safety.”
Alessia’s brow furrowed, her voice trembling. “And what if she doesn’t bring Avery? What if this is just a trap?”
Tover turned to her, his tone steady. “That’s why we have to be strategic. We’ll have officers stationed at the house in case she leaves Avery there. Another team will be at the meeting location to apprehend her. It’s the best chance we have.”
Theo nodded, already typing on his phone. “I’ll message her now.”
Theo’s fingers moved quickly over the screen as he crafted the message:
“The money is ready. Tell me where to bring it.”
He hit send, and the room fell silent as everyone waited for Zoey’s response. Alessia hovered near Theo, her nails digging into her palms as she clenched her fists.
Minutes felt like hours, but finally, Theo’s phone buzzed. He read the message aloud: “The empty parking lot of GeoMall. Midnight. Come alone, or she suffers.”